Mechabellum

https://store.steampowered.com/app/669330/Mechabellum/

It is an auto-battler that you can get into for 15mins or 3hrs.  I've been playing it on and off since I think 2023 (when Paradox released it).

Whatever you did in the previous round of the match you are stuck with, but you can add more units and tweak some things (there is an ability / card that lets you REDO one unit each round etc.).

Playing this game makes you realise fairly quickly exactly how many moves ahead your brain is capable of thinking!    In my particular case......it is not that many!

I'm playing Anno 1800 which I highly recommend especially think some concepts would slot into Ara. The are also working on Anno 117 now. Looks like they are making pretty big changes. We'll see how those pan out. Doing another run in Cyberpunk 2077. As well as picked up Runescape Dragonwilds. The last is a pretty new game but really enjoying it. 

I'm actually trying to fit in Distant Worlds 2 into my game time...but as you can see with my list still might be a bit. 

Quoting Jafo,

reply 2

Someone will hit me but I'm still playing Spider Solitaire....the one that dates back to XP.

Since we’re talking about what we’re all playing lately (and what we always seem to go back to), for me it’s my Nintendo 64 and Legend of Zelda or Super Mario Bros. Those are still my go-to comfort games when I want to unwind. There’s just something about picking up an old favorite and instantly knowing what to do—it’s like muscle memory kicks in and you’re transported right back.

Curious—what draws everyone back to older games when there are so many new ones out there? Is it habit, pure fun, nostalgia, or a great brain break? And for those who enjoy casual games, have you all found any modern versions that capture the same charm—or do the originals still win?

And since Frogboy asked: what’s everyone’s “old reliable” game—the one you’ll always find time for, even with all the great new releases coming out?

Online chess