I feel like the labor of love part being something like Factorio, Satisfactory, NMS is fitting. Also grand scale, holds up well, graphics aren't the main point
Greentext
This is a place to share greentexts and witness the confounding life of Anon. If you're new to the Greentext community, think of it as a sort of zoo with Anon as the main attraction.
Be warned:
- Anon is often crazy.
- Anon is often depressed.
- Anon frequently shares thoughts that are immature, offensive, or incomprehensible.
If you find yourself getting angry (or god forbid, agreeing) with something Anon has said, you might be doing it wrong.
Zork. Everything else is wrong.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This is what can be done when the actual developers and artists are given a chance without executive meddling and forced monetization.
Undertale
Doki Doki Literature Club
Terraria
Mass Effect. Even though it has its flaws, it was just an epic story, built up perfectly over three games. The ending is disappointing for some, but I really liked it. I was really excited for the sequels when the first one came out.
The stanley parable
XCOM
XCOM: UFO Defense (1994)
It's by far the best version of XCOM. I mean. The graphics are as great, but it has all of the same features as the modern version (not joking), and I think the strategy is by far better. You can also have your own base that you have to defend.
satisfactory
The first half of the description, combined with the unmentioned ambition of LotR, made me think of Star Citizen. But we'll have to wait another 5-10 years to find out if they manage to deliver on that ambition, and stand the test of time.