[5-]

> game stops completely as you level up, you get to think and choose an upgrade in peace, and then the frenetic action starts again

probably the classic example of this particular gameplay mechanic is crimsonland (2003, 2014), on which much of vampire survivors' gameplay is based.

[lecarore]

Thanks for the precision. Never heard of that game. It's also made by reflexive entertainment, the makers of Ricochet Infinity, another breakout game. The (game) world is small.