I think another aspect of many incrementals that seem to have "real choice" is that they're often poorly balanced and there was actually One Right Build and you just didn't find it. So now you progress 20x slower.

Maybe more of an issue in older games, but leaves a lingering bad taste.

I think 2 is the overall better game. The quality of life improvements over 1 make it difficult to go backwards if you do like 2 though. Not that it's so in depth of a story that you really need to back to it really.

So I guess 2 because it feels better and you get a good experience overall.

Absolutely agree on Orb. It doesn't help that it tends to change significantly every time a new major update comes out. Not that I think it's bad overall. But it means if you ARE understanding your build... well now it's a whole new thing to figure out.

I can understand that! I definitely can feel that way.

For me I'm huge on story in general which is why I think Magic Research is immediately what came to mind. Build choice, prestige, etc won't do much to keep me interested once the shiny new new wears off. I need a reason to care about finishing

Beyond that most of the time it feels annoying especially if there's no prestige/reincarnation. I'm not likely to play through the game again to see those options.

I know @wanderbot.bsky.social is big on asking for more meaningful choices in incremental trees though.

I think the only games where incremental build variety has been meaningful for me is Magic Research series. Since reincarnation loops are a thing you'll end up trying them all anyways. And some of the elements change the story/options meaningfully. Thus its fun to play a Different Kind of wizard.

I just want actual opt-in spoiler blocks. Won't help for people who don't believe spoiling is a thing but would be great for being able to gush about things.

Have you seen the finale of One Final Thing? Because I really liked [spoiler] {that moment} [/spoiler]. Would encourage more conversation 😭

Hope that you do too Cat!

And a Merry Christmas to you!

Merry Christmas! Glad y'all are having a good one!

Hope you have a wonderful time off!

Definitely some depressing weather. But hey 30 point drop on Monday! 😐

Those ARE dope and cute! Congrats!

Got that A1 Lean ready to go

Some people just never experienced socialization

And to you Ashe!

disgraced podcaster howls in rage at gamedev, I'm sure that'll get him the stacks he's chasin

Lol all these renditions are taking me out

Yep, you've got it. Absolutely do give it a try!