I'm not sure if this counts as a "patient gamer" because I played them to death years ago...but I've been playing both again recently and they're just perfect little games with a ton of replayability. They're not retro (FTL 2012, ITB 2018) but they're old enough to regularly go on sale which is great!...
If you have enjoyed FTL and are looking for more of the same, check out the multiverse mod package - adds a ton of content including overarcing story elements and unique ship and race unlocks.
Subset Games created two amazing games: FTL & Into The Breach
I'm not sure if this counts as a "patient gamer" because I played them to death years ago...but I've been playing both again recently and they're just perfect little games with a ton of replayability. They're not retro (FTL 2012, ITB 2018) but they're old enough to regularly go on sale which is great!...