A Reddit discussion on the r/gaming community has sparked a wide-ranging conversation among players about video games that succeed not through innovation, but through disciplined execution of familiar formulas. The thread, posted by a user reflecting on their experience with Dragon Quest XI, quickly gathered thousands of upvotes and hundreds of replies as gamers shared their own picks for titles that stick to established genre conventions while delivering exceptional polish.
The original post compared well-executed but conventional games to a well-made vanilla ice cream, arguing that such titles are rarely chosen for novelty but instead earn appreciation through consistency and craftsmanship. Dragon Quest XI was cited as an example of a role-playing game that avoids overhauling its genre’s mechanics, relying instead on strong character writing, traditional turn-based combat, and an engaging world to explore. The comment thread that followed extended this idea across nearly every major gaming genre, with contributors naming titles from action, platforming, farming simulation, and open-world adventure categories.
Doom 2016 emerged as one of the most frequently cited examples, with commenters praising its return to the fast-paced, story-light combat that defined the original series decades earlier. One participant noted that the game succeeded by keeping narrative elements minimal, allowing players to focus on core gameplay rather than extended lore exposition. Ghost of Tsushima was another recurring mention, with several users describing it as a refined take on the open-world action-adventure structure popularized by other franchises in the genre. Elden Ring also received substantial praise, with one commenter explaining that the title combined lessons learned from earlier entries in its developer’s catalogue into a single, cohesive open-world experience without introducing entirely new mechanical concepts.
Beyond these headline picks, the discussion touched on farming simulation, platforming, and role-playing titles as well. Stardew Valley was repeatedly described as a definitive modern take on the farming simulation genre, with one user stating the game captured everything valued in earlier farming titles while packaging it into a more complete and consistently supported release. Other frequently mentioned games included Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, Hollow Knight, Super Mario Odyssey, Devil May Cry 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hades 2, Sea of Stars, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Several commenters also pointed to Mad Max, Abiotic Factor, Horizon Zero Dawn, Age of Empires II, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess as titles worth recognising for similar reasons.
A recurring sentiment throughout the discussion was that innovation is not always necessary for a game to be considered among the best in its category. As one commenter summarised, execution and polish can matter more than originality, particularly when a familiar formula is delivered without unnecessary complications. The discussion reflects an ongoing appreciation within gaming communities for titles that prioritise refinement over reinvention, suggesting that developers willing to perfect established mechanics can still produce experiences that resonate strongly with players.
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