My main games have been Blasphemous 2, Sea of Stars, and Halls of Torment.
Blasphemous 2 has been an excellent follow up to the original. It’s very tough Souls-like (punishing, skill based combat with a strong focus on parrying and dodging) 2D Metroidvania (Large focus on exploration and getting new abilities to explore new areas) with incredible pixel art. The imagery is based on the Catholic imagery and lore of Spain, where the devs are from. This makes for a unique and bloody experience with art that feels fresh and classical at the same time. Highly recommend.
Sea of Stars is possibly the prettiest pixel art game I’ve ever played. It’s a JRPG with lots of interesting systems to mix up combat. In addition to the classic timed hits to deal/block extra damage the game includes several other systems that combine to make combat quite tactical and occasionally puzzle like.
Halls of Torment is a Survivors-like with a Diabloish aesthetic that mixes things up a bit. Unlike most of the genre you’re able to attack fully manually, but there are also options to make you attack and aim automatically. The extra nice thing about that is even if you auto-aim it’ll still let you aim manually, letting decide moment to moment how to play. There’s also a system where you can essentially sacrifice an item from your run to unlock the ability to buy it permanently back at camp. Been playing with the summoner character.
I hear that game is particularly punishing, especially if you you’re trying to get the ending you want. I imagine that makes the successes that much more satisfying, though.
It’s super punishing so far. ‘Measly’ bandits are still plunking holes in me with their super arrows, and I can’t stop my pawns from doing the most silly stuff. What mage wants to run into the middle of men with their swords out? Well, my companion, apparently.