Two initially jump to mind for me.
Outer Wilds took me three attempts to get into, but when it did…wow. Its a game that I is definitely more than the sum of it’s parts, and one that I’d argue is genuinely beautiful in it’s story and how it tells that story.
That said, once you’ve worked out the games mystery; it’s story, it’s tricks, timing and logistics, I wonder how more pull the game would have.
Return of the Obra Dinn is a game that I spend a lot of my time thinking about. The music, the atmosphere and of course, the games moment to moment gameplay.
Those puzzles will likely (hopefully) melt from my mind at some point, but even then I fear that initial sense of excitement and intrigue will be lost.
As much as I plan on going back to it at some point, I’m not sure a game of it’s nature is all that well suited to additional playthroughs unfortunately.
Oh, this one’s easy: Subnautica.
I didn’t find all the parts to the Cyclops on my first play until I was like an hour away from finishing the game. So months later I played it again, so that I could find the Cyclops sooner. Definitely didn’t feel as magical the second time around, even with my shiny new sub.
Horizon zero dawn.
I’ve played it for the first time a month ago. I really wanted to love it. Not my cup of tea unfortunately, I’m really upset about it (about the fact I did not like it, not about the game)
That’s fair, and honestly I feel like it’s a game you either love or hate. And really, play what you love and don’t let the haters bring you down. I was enthralled with the story being a fresh take on a post-apocalyptic world. There are some…quirks with the gameplay but still one of my favorite games of all time.
Mass Effect Trilogy
Halo CE, but in 2001 when it released. I remember how incredible landing on Halo felt. Also the flood reveal.
TUNIC. It’s impossible to truly explain without spilling anything. But I don’t think any other game could do what that game did again and succeed, unless of course whoever is playing it hasn’t already played TUNIC.