I am currently enjoying Gris. In which we are an emotionally fragile person who is slightly lost, exploring a slightly broken, weird and entirely beautiful world. It’s PACKED with mental health metaphor along the themes of solidarity and reaching out for community & support. But… not a single word of dialogue has been uttered so if that’s not your thing you can just sit back and enjoy the escapism of a wondrous world.
Jusant. In which we are in a world with virtually no water, climbing a huge stack of rock which reaches into the sky as we pass through remnants of civilisation past. Themes of connecting with & nurturing nature. Another relaxing slow burner puzzle game. The little friend who lives in our backpack is VERY cute.
Far: changing tides. Another puzzle game in which we are a lone wanderer in a dystopian world. It’s so fucking beautiful I’ve played it twice through. A peaceful & relaxing nautical adventure.
@herdingdata I keep seeing this on Game Pass, might have to give it a go. Given the love of weird slightly dystopian worlds here you may enjoy NORCO (or you might hate it, it’s got a pretty unique set of vibes).
@herdingdata Also their second game is just as great, I keep checking to see if they've written a third one. Must retry Jusant!
Edited 120d ago
I am so glad I asked for recommendations because I’ve already received loads from you wonderful folks and I can’t wait to play them all ❤️
I forgot to mention the music of these games! All 3 are beautiful soundtracks. The soundtrack to Gris is worthy of particular celebration for being egregiously good. It tells so much of the story, somehow without using words and without ever becoming the centre of our attention. So much love has been poured into this and it really shows.
@herdingdata also Citizen Sleeper, which I’ve only played a small amount of but keep meaning to go back to when I can approach it like a book at bedtime. Loved what I played but I can’t do visual novels on a TV.
@herdingdata further recommendations along the story driven games line:
Venba, a game about cooking, and being a child of immigrants. It doesn’t quite hit the mark but got me thinking.
Unpacking, which unexpectedly made me cry. Did not see that coming when I started a game which consists entirely of unpacking boxes after moving.
Botany Manor, in which you play a regency(? maybe Victorian) lady solving puzzles to grow plants in her stately home.
@herdingdata I’ve been on a short games with something to say kick lately and loving it. Feels like we’re in a golden age of games being about more than clicking on enemy’s heads.