Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters - ★★★★★
Beaten in: September 2024
What a fantastic game. In terms of mechanics, there's not really anything standout - the combat is just okay, the spaceflight mechanics are just okay - but the way it all comes together is so unique! Every single quest in the game hinges on exploration and note-taking in such an unrelenting manner, I really ended up being absorbed by it. I really liked the setting as well, with all but two of the alien species being really entertaining to talk to. I really enjoyed the mix of silly and serious in this game.