Yup. Cats can get pretty warm. The rumble feature is pretty nifty, but don't grip too hard or they'll hurt your fingers.

One of my long-time favorites is Troy's Keeper of Magic: https://imgur.com/a/yoKPeub

There's also an optional lewd DLC: https://imgur.com/a/BoACmQp

I love it because of how it feels like seven different CYOAs that have been fused together. Troy has stated that all the powers and abilities were meant to synergize and play off each other, and it really shows. For over a week after I first saw it I kept being struck by sudden realizations that had me rushing back to my PC to edit my build- discovering new ways to play with the selections to get all the things I wanted.

The one that I love showing to other people though is Hexably's Overmind CYOA: https://imgur.com/a/09IOpkb

I looooooooove the fantasy of it. The idea of being the overlord of a zerg/tyranid hivemind is incredibly compelling to me.

This was exactly where my mind went.

Like... sure. I can see the merit of an article titled "Top 10 reasons not to drive your spaceship through a star." But I think we're a bit far off from that. 😆

I have this amazing antique expandable table with leaves. It's perfect for big game nights, but I don't have a place of my own that I can host people at, let alone move the table out of storage. 😆

Someday I'll be able to host big game nights with it.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

I'm glad they're taking their time, but whew! I'm getting worn out waiting this long.

It might be that they've given up on the visuals and are now making all the changes all at once. They're ripping off the bandaid overhauling their site and are banking that the damage will be recover in time.

With the current state of dissatisfaction from the community, now might be a good time to plow through and make all the changes that are already undesirable for the old user base.

Maybe even more of these big changes to come? More popcorn for the Fediverse I suppose.

Progression through practice works best in settings without any sort of enemy scaling. Is an area too dangerous? Go to a different area and level up. Come back to that dungeon later.

If the world has any sort of difficulty scaling it should use a progression through achievement system instead. I.E. exp for completing quests and defeating enemies.

I'm fine with either, and only want there to not be any PtP + scaling dissonance.

Mad respect my dude. Got any recommendations? ;D

I'll give my two cents for the classic CoC, and the shockingly good story of The Last Sovereign.

I'm a fan, but even I can admit that they can be fairly 'typical fantasy saga'. What kinds of videogame stories do you like?

Games that I can immerse myself in. Things that do it for me are:

• A full and developed open world that has a compelling atmosphere to it. The kind of thing where you find yourself pausing to gaze across the scenery.
• Tantalizing mechanics or systems. The kind that draws your mind to 'building' even when not playing, that will cause you to unwittingly spend hours tinkering with, and gives you mirthful glee when you put it all together and can savor its power.
• Interesting story. One with tasteful complexity, good pacing, and exciting developments. The kind of story that compels me, let alone anyone is a whole separate question of its own.
• A canvas or foundation to allow me to develop identity and investment in my character/role. Playing a specific character can also be good, if that character is compelling.
• Core gameplay mechanics or loops that are fun in and of themselves. The kind that, were the game an alpha or proof-of-concept with no "game" beyond the graphic-less, progression-less minigame, you would still find yourself enjoying your time.
• Fulfillment of a compelling fantasy. Being a FEROCIOUS DRAGON, or an UNSTOPPABLE SPACE MARINE, or an ALMIGHTY GOD, or even just a simple human living a comfy life and being able to experience the breadth and limits of that fantasy.

I 100% agree and just wanted to build off this comment if that's alright.

Another side of this is hedonism vs fulfillment. There's nothing wrong with enjoying hedonism, so long as one isn't harming themselves or others in the process. But living purely to satiate one's hedonism tends to lead to a sense of hollowness or unfulfillment.

In addition to letting go of non-destructive hedonistic shame, it's important to take time to introspect and find what brings a person genuine fulfillment.

Start your first session by rolling initiative.

I've found the whole meet and greet song and dance of the classic tavern intro to be incredibly awkward, stressful, and unhelpful for establishing the game save for highly skilled and experienced DMs

Opening the first session mid-goblin attack though? Instantly engaging, diverting, and an excellent platform to introduce our heroes.