Hollow Knight. Me and my friend bought and played at same time, after it went on special. We are both old school gamers and have played all the Metroids, Zero Mission is one of our fave games of all time.
We both ADORED Hollow Knight. Just adored it. After the 2nd area, after you beat a certain boss you are effectively free to go where-ever (or however brave enough) you are!
We both had completely different play experiences, me taking the cautious and path and charms, him forging ahead into really distant areas (Yes, Deepnest was one) long before me and we both had such an incredible experience, comparing progress, charms and funny things that we had seen.
We both thought this was easily our #1 game of the year.
After so many linear and guided experiences, Hollow was just fantastic. There is no right way to go. you just go where you want an d if you are brave enough :-)
We both got the true ending and sunk 60 hour into it.
I thought the game was beautiful, the music and imagery in City of Tears is.. oh man, it's just beautiful.
I could say a thousand things more, but I'll say just one - for the PRICE, because the barrier of entry is low *enough* - just try it. Just dive in and try it. For me, alongside Celeste, Hollow is one of best games I have played since I got my Switch. Celeste and Hollow are easy 10/10 for me, if you wanted to score it.
TRY IT!!!!!!