Is a small indie game from 2019 actually better than some of the most hyped recent releases?

The game I'm talking about is Celeste. I stumbled on it because of a YouTube video and decided to play it on a whim. Now, after finishing it, I'm shook. The way the game handles its themes of mental health, grief, and self-discovery genuinely broke me - I didn't see it coming and I still can't stop thinking about it. I've played some intense games before, but nothing that's ever affected me on an emotional level like this.

Celeste's not the kind of game that usually gets attention from me. It's a 2D platformer without the most complex gameplay, and it was released years ago. What really stands out to me, though, is how perfectly the game nails its narrative and character development. The main character's struggles feel incredibly relatable, even if they aren't always easy to watch.

I don't know about you guys, but I'd love to hear from anyone who's had a similar experience with a game. Was there a moment where you were surprised by how invested you became? What games left a lasting impact on you? Anyone else feel like a "small" game can pack a bigger punch than some more mainstream releases?