Let me tell you a story about how I almost missed out on one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences of this year because of my own preconceptions. When I first encountered Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, I dismissed it as just another Hades clone with a TMNT skin slapped on - and honestly, that's exactly what I wrote in my initial notes. But here's the thing about free bonuses in gaming: sometimes they're hidden in plain sight, waiting for us to look past our initial judgments and claim the extra rewards that come with giving something a proper chance.

I've been playing action roguelikes since the genre's early days, and I'll admit I've become somewhat jaded. When you've played what feels like hundreds of variations on the same theme, it's easy to fall into the trap of reducing everything to comparisons. But Splintered Fate taught me a valuable lesson about the hidden rewards we can unlock when we move beyond surface-level analysis. The game might not reach the artistic heights of Hades - let's be real, few games do - but there's an undeniable joy in bashing heads as one of the iconic turtles, especially when you've got friends fighting alongside you. That cooperative element alone adds a dimension that sets it apart from many other games in the genre.

Now, let me walk you through what I've discovered about unlocking these hidden bonuses in gaming experiences. The first step is recognizing that even within familiar frameworks, developers can introduce fresh elements that transform the experience. While playing Splintered Fate, I noticed they've incorporated movement mechanics that feel distinctly different from other games in the genre. The turtle's mobility - whether it's Leonardo's swift dashes or Raphael's powerful charges - creates a combat flow that stands on its own. Technical issues aside (and there were a few frame rate drops during particularly intense combat sequences), the variety between runs kept me engaged for what turned out to be 47 hours of gameplay according to my Switch's play history.

This brings me to the second step: understanding that execution matters more than pure innovation. A well-done take on a fantastic formula can be incredibly satisfying, much like how a perfectly executed classic recipe can outshine an overly ambitious fusion dish. The developers at what I believe is a team of around 15 people have managed to capture the essence of the TMNT universe while working within the roguelike structure. The character interactions, the environmental details, even the way each turtle responds differently to the same power-ups - these are the extra rewards that reveal themselves when you invest time into the experience.

Then there's Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, which presents a different kind of bonus entirely. Where Splintered Fate finds its strength in perfecting an existing formula, Flintlock immediately distinguishes itself through its unique setting. The game blends magical high fantasy with elements from the 17th to 19th centuries and the advent of gunpowder, creating a world that feels both familiar and entirely fresh. As someone who's played through approximately 68% of the game based on my save file progress, I can confirm that the setting isn't just cosmetic - it fundamentally shapes the combat, progression systems, and narrative.

Playing as Nor Vanek, that Coalition sapper who accidentally unleashes divine chaos upon her world, I found myself drawn into a story that balances personal guilt with epic stakes. Her companion Enki - that mysterious fox-like creature - isn't just there for exposition either. The magical abilities he provides create combat synergies that feel genuinely innovative. I've counted at least 17 distinct ability combinations between Nor's firearms and Enki's magic that you won't find in other games claiming similar inspirations.

The fourth step in claiming these gaming rewards involves looking past technical imperfections to find the heart of the experience. Both games I've mentioned have their rough edges - Splintered Fate occasionally struggles with performance during four-player co-op sessions, and Flintlock has some texture pop-in issues in larger environments. But focusing solely on these aspects would mean missing the genuine fun and engagement these games offer. It's like refusing a bonus because the wrapping paper is slightly torn - you're denying yourself something valuable over superficial concerns.

Finally, the most crucial step is embracing games on their own terms rather than constantly comparing them to what came before. My initial dismissal of Splintered Fate as a Hades clone prevented me from appreciating its unique qualities for longer than I'd like to admit. Similarly, judging Flintlock against other soulslikes would overlook its distinctive approach to combat pacing and world-building. The true bonus comes when we allow each game to speak in its own voice and deliver the particular experience it's designed to provide.

What I've learned through these experiences is that the gaming landscape is filled with hidden rewards waiting to be claimed. They might not always be as obvious as a day-one patch or downloadable content - sometimes the real bonus is the fresh perspective a game brings to a familiar genre, or the unexpected joy of mechanics that initially seem derivative but reveal their uniqueness over time. The key is approaching each new experience with openness rather than cynicism, ready to discover what makes each game special in its own right. After all, the most valuable rewards in gaming often aren't the ones prominently advertised - they're the moments of surprise and delight that emerge when we give developers the space to put their own stamp on established formulas.