netgirl_y2k

Oof. That's harsh. I hate going to my biyearly tooth cleaning, so I can't imagine 6 hours of gum surgery...
I don't know to say that you made the right choice, but it sounds to me that on a utilitarian level, unless (Lord Forbid) there's a high risk of future complications, then you definitely made the best choice. Although in terms of writing and reading, you may find yourself mysteriously lacking time... (speaking of which, no pressure, but are we doing the FTH thing?)

As for games... I'm not a big gamer anymore, but I know of a few titles that are good/great/awesome:

NieR: Automata. Melee combat, a large world, and such an amazing story and soundtrack. I cried when I played it. Also so many philosophy references, which I loved.

The Witcher III, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and God of War all have melee combat, an open world, and a good story. I personally preferred the first four. Dishonored and Dishonored 2 are also great games, though they lack an open world. The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim and Dark Souls II and III have an open world but (I feel) less of a story.

I'd check those out, and see what you think. But before any of those, before any game at all, there's a game you have to play. To call it a game is actually a bit of an insult. It's an experience, a spiritual revelation. If someone can play one game before they die, they should play Journey. It's so much more than a game.