Is RDR2 actually critically interesting? It keep coming up in these kinds of lists, but to me it seems like any other AAA open world "look at how much budget we could blow on details" game.

I've never seen anyone talk about something that makes it sound interesting beyond being a comfort game.

Honestly I'm super happy to hear people talk about MEA at all. Many people remember it only as the game that was very buggy in the beginning. I did enjoy this super expansive world and all the interesting characters you can talk to a lot.
Also I fully agree with this analysis ☺️

"well I didn't get beaten or nearly murdered, mostly because I [cut myself off from everything and crushed everything about myself so that nobody would think it even worthwhile to hurt me], so it was fine"

THAT IS ALSO VERY BAD AND TRAUMATIZING!

Mausi!