Hollow Knight is an interesting case. I didn't finish the game ecstatically. I didn't have any moment during this game that would stump me and leave me in awe. The world is extremely fascinating. Character designs are incredible. The art is impeccable. The gameplay flows as you wish. It's one of those games that I feel I appreciated more and more over time after finishing it. An honestly flawless game but one that didn't instill the amazement that perhaps a replay might bring.

Sonic 1 is interesting precisely because it simultaneously contains the initial aspects that would build my favorite franchise but also some of the most irritating stages. It's fascinating how the first two zones are good, the middle two are so boring, and the rest of the game is good again. Still, Sonic's handling is the game's greatest achievement. It's fascinating how they made the feeling ideal right from the beginning.