I’m looking for action hidden gems, preferably scripted and linear—no open world or procuderal generation (roguelike, roguelike-like, or roguelite)
Some of my “usual suspects” favorites are Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101, Viewtiful Joe, God Hand, and Ninja Gaiden II. On the shmup/twin-stick shooter side: Crimzon Clover, Ketsui, and Assault Android Cactus+.
I also love Catherine, so I wouldn’t mind some puzzle thrown in there.
As nonlinear as I can go: The Deadly Tower of Monsters.
I am playing Lords of the Fallen right now. It attracted me by being a soulslike, but I am finding it to be much more linear than most which, while disappointing for me, might make it something worth your time. It’s way easier than other souls likes, and has a kind of “comic book death metal” feel to its aesthetic and story (reminds me of Darksider but less exaggeration) and makes you feel powerful rather than weak.