No, I really don't. That's why after forcing myself through doing one task I'm immediately tempted to switch to some activity that does give gratification.
Those are some wild numbers! As someone who hyperfixates on one thing at a time and can't keep track of multiple things at once I can't even imagine what your gaming style is like. With 150+ games and averaging 3 sessions a day I'm guessing you play three different games every day?
They are super great watches/listens. It's such a shame Argo and Robert fell out. I really wish we could have seen them collaborate again, they were both so instrumental to making Disco.
If gameplay is your concern then AW2 is miles ahead of the first game. It's a very competent survival horror game in its own right, on top of all the Remedy stuff.
If you didn't like the story then, well I dunno. It's not like it gets less convoluted.
It's not happening. Alan Wake 2 was not just a regular Epic exclusivity deal. Literally every other publisher refused to touch the franchise. Epic didn't just publish it, they fully funded its development. Given these circumstances, I can't imagine it ending up on Steam in the foreseeable future - if ever.
If you can't allow yourself to hold your nose and make an Epic account just pirate it at this point. It's an absolutely phenomenal game and not worth missing out on over attempting to show Tim Sweeney the middle finger.
I don't remember if I've recommended them to you already, but the 41st precinct podcast episodes with Martin Luiga and Argo Tuulik are also fantastic for more insight into both the times growing up and playing tabletop with Robert, as well as the making and writing of Disco itself.
There are 2 pretty massive Alan Wake easter eggs in Quantum Break actually! Sam Lake and co were working on ideas for the sequel in the background even when the publisher weren't interested.
Also I think the integrated TV show in Quantum Break taught Remedy a lot of valuable lessons for live-action work, that you can say they then perfected in Control and (especially) Alan Wake 2.
AW2 is worth it. Don't deprive yourself of the experience, it's a memorable one. I understand the hoops though, but trust me it's worth holding your nose and getting an Epic account. It's still to this day my one and only purchase on Epic, and I don't regret it one bit.
All that makes sense with Disco Elysium. Also I'm sorry about your eye, that must be an awful thing to go through. Very understandable with the eye fatigue and reading though. There is a lot of it, even after the voice acting update.
As far as heavy themes and all, I can't say much without spoiling stuff but I will say this: the game somehow does strike a strange kind of balance where it ends up feeling oddly hopeful, even in the face of nihilism. It slightly depends on how you play it, granted. The Communism playthrough for example is a lot more hopeful than the Fascism run (although the latter is also very interesting and doesn't play out the way you'd think).
I struggle with depression and self loathing and being unable to move on from the past and have struggled with addiction in the past, and Disco Elysium is one of the most cathartic experiences I've had in any medium of culture.
Fellow Ninja Gaiden enjoyer? I like it.