I like the simplicity of 3D platformers - run and jump around collecting shiny things, and maybe whack or jump on some bad guys - and A Hat in Time nails the fundamentals. Controls are tight and responsive, and visual design is mechanically clear, while still being expressive

Having such a solid foundation allows it to branch out easily with additional or tweaked mechanics in each world and level. And honestly, the breadth of creativity across the whole game - both in theme and gameplay - is genuinely astounding. The music in particular, was sometimes way better than it needed to be (those time rift levels, man)

In some ways, A Hat in Time is exactly what you'd expect from a cute 3D platformer, but also manages to be fresh and surprising in many other ways, which was a real joy to experience