A game that is relatively unknown but definitely deserves a highlight is The Riftbreaker, it's an action basebuilder where you get to fight hordes of enemy waves while exploring, mining and building defenses. The devs have been really dedicated for years now, the game feels polished and fun, co-op is in development too and might be out within a year, it has a modding community....

It's just a really good, fun game with no bullshit attached.