Returnal is way up there though, it is possible to make good AAA.
Other gems are Frostpunk, Outer Wilds, Vampire Survivors.
Can't remember what else.
While one starts to recognize repeating themes (and assets), I was shocked to find out how much the original Dark Souls feels like the predecessor to Elden Ring, just more intimate and simpler (for better and worse).
All that said, I'd still recommend Elden Ring to any first-timers.