I followed this advice and Player of Games was absolutely superb. I'm back on board at least trying. Started Use of Weapons last night.
Revenger was just GREAT, reminded me of that one episode of Firefly where the ship gets taken over. I think the new one I already have pre-ordered, it's called Shadow Captain or something like that?
For a more unusual Reynolds I enjoy Century Rain, which was definitely strong into that 'gothic' vibe.
I still think Phlebas had a stupid, pointless ending, but as time has gone on I respect the scale and world-building it established, and I loved the first 90% of the book. That world-building really made Player of Games sing without having to slog through backstory building.