Somuchpizza

This hidden gem **** is perfection, and I sincerely hope it doesn't stay hidden for long. It strikes the right balance on all levels. Its high pressure combat system has timed key combos that lengthen as you upgrade in the game, and you have to pick the right attack for each enemy. It's a lot of quick thinking if you like that, but you can also dial it back in a number of ways. You can change the difficulty, remove the combos completely, turn off timers, and equip different trinkets that help you where you may otherwise be weak. They really thought of everything. The characters all manage to be hilarious, charming, and deeply meaningful. Pig becomes that once in a lifetime pet we all have had or want to have. Hermit may be anti social, but not the cynical kind - he has a pure heart on the inside. Every supporting character has nuance even in the shortest interactions. The art style is on point. The palettes are lovely, the unique pixel art style is minimalist yet never lacking in detail. There are loads of beautiful and weird mushrooms, moody dreamscapes, and a contrast of natural environments and harsh urban conditions. The enemies all strike a hilarious pose when you pick the right attack or give an awkward conversation response. Its all just brilliantly thought out. The writing is also topnotch. It delivers authentic humor and comedy, but also manages to convey serious messages about finding community and resisting corporate greed and fascism without ever being too on the nose. It all comes together in a way that just feels light and enjoyable to play through, and then delivers some surprisingly heartfelt moments from a talking pig. Oh and the soundtrack is awesome. I think many people who play this will be completely taken by surprise by the depth of this game.