So, I’ll just go through my Steam favourites and list the ones that fit the bill.
I recently played I Am Your Beast and absolutely loved it. Not really a story focused game, but it’s it has some of it, the voice actors are better than you would expect and the gameplay is top notch.
Pretty much all Call of Juarez games (well, maybe not The Cartel), but start with Gunslinger. The others are old and clunky, but Gunslinger still holds up and is one of my favourite arcady shooters.
Mirror’s edge is a classic, if you haven’t played it, you definitely should. You can skip the sequel, Catalyst. That one added open world and was mediocre at best anyway.
Speaking of classics, Dishonored is probably one of the best stealth games out there, in my opinion at least.
Mafia 2 and the remake of Mafia 1. Yes, they are open world, but only by technicality. The story is very linear and you barely need to interact with said open world. The games never expect you to explore or collect stuff and there’s fuckall to do on the map besides drive around anyway.
If you like Ace combat, Project Wingman would be right up your alley. I’m not sure if I would call it simple per se, but it’s linear, level based and great.
Tactical Breach Wizards is another recent favourite of mine. It’s slightly x-com-y altho more of a puzzle than a strategy game with some pretty decent humour.
Gunpoint is another indie puzzle game with great humour. It’s by the same guy as Tactical Breach Wizards.
Last but not least, SUPERHOT. You probably know it, but in case you don’t, play it. It’s short, it’s simple and it’s great.
The sequels also got way too bloated imo. If I wanted to collect 50 feathers or whatever I’ll go play a Ubisoft game.
I can’t really say exactly what made the 2013 reboot special but it felt unique. Its sequels feel like any other open world game these days.