I pay for Proton Unlimited (Email+vpn; ongoing), a couple of Android apps (once) and that’s it. The thing you said about spending 2$ on an app vs 10$ at the coffee stand is very relatable.

It can become tedious quickly if it isnt done absolutely perfect imo.

I remember Fallout computers to be one of the implementations of such a system that I disliked most. Repetitive “hacking”, then reading some text snippets that could’ve easily fit on a note or sth else. While it does add to the atmosphere, it doesnt add anything good to my (personal opinion ofc) gaming experience.

I can only think of two examples right now where I liked it: Deus Ex all parts(because it is just very thematically fitting) and GTA (because of the satire its actually very entertaining).

probably Doom Eternal. Just tuned to perfection.

There are a few that I find really cool.

The “bullet time” in the max payne series was very enjoyable to me. Dodge-flying around enemies while bullets hit your last position and all looking like you are in the matrix movie? Yes please!

Then there was the flying in GTA5. The controls and “feel” of all the vehicles are very good, but flying is really implemented in a great way. Its by no means to difficult to learn (like a real simulator), but has a pretty high skill ceiling. To really “fly beautifully” you have to know your shit. And thats not even counting fighting air-to-air or air-to-land. It’s beautiful.

Also I’m a sucker for all atmospheric games. Bonus for being dystopic. The System-/Bioshock series, Stalker, Fallout, Cyberpunk2077 and many many more. Disco Elysium. Some games really are art in its purest form. Still entertainment, but art at the same time. I remember the first time I entered Novigrad in Witcher 3, not even on a good graphics card. Such a vivid, “living” town, with logical alleyways, bridges, beautiful architecture, soundstage just amazing, … I think to this day no other game has surpassed W3 when it comes to creating a believable city. It’s just art!