Artful / Thoughtful / Experimental / Unique Games
Artsy stuff I've played. I'll start adding a short description note to each game explaining why I included them.
Disclaimer: Not all of these are successful at what they're aiming, but they at least tried to stand out or be somewhat meaningful or compelling.
Disclaimer: Not all of these are successful at what they're aiming, but they at least tried to stand out or be somewhat meaningful or compelling.
150 Games
An impactful story about memories, family, tragedy, life. Experimental game mechanic that uses your eyes to play.
One that popularized the walking-sim genre. On love, queerness, and growing up.
Arthouse FMV game with experimental non-linear storytelling. On art, sexism, and exploitation.
Symbolic game with an artstyle inspired by H. R. Giger and Beksiński.
Somewhat-emotional and visually interesting walking (swimming) simulator.
Metafictional puzzle game that uses perspective mindfuckery in its gameplay. On escapism and seeing things from a different perspective.
I know, I know... but it's the one that popularized the "interactive movie" genre so might as well add it. Same with Bandersnatch.
Philosophical story on humanity; what it means to be human.
A shooter game that baits its audience into an anti-war narrative
Meta-game with commentary on completionism and the relationship between game creators and players.
Reflection on the cycle of violence, nationalism, propaganda, and the film industry.
Same as Stanley Parable, but also with additional commentary on the game industry.
Same as Dark Souls, but highlighting Maiden Astraea, and the Tower of Latria lore.
Short visual novel portraying OCD/Anxiety disorder.
A warm meditation on hope. Death mechanic also reflects on the theme.
Metanarrative that links the protagonist and the player experience. Emotional story on tragedy and escapism.
An interesting way of storytelling. Mechanically unique with a beautiful art style.
Portrays the effects of psychosis, while building gameplay design around it.
A warm meditation on life's common anxieties. Great traversal and art style.
Works as a metaphor for grief. Interesting art style.
Metagame storyline.
A metaphor for capitalism. Distinct art style.
Cinematic presentation. On freewill and authority.
On bureaucracy, authoritarianism, morality. Gamifies work routine.
One of the first game to push the indie scene into notoriety. Distinct art style with an obscure plot.
Cinematic with distinct art style. Experimental game design philosophy.
Text-heavy with experimental game design and mechanics. Challenges your beliefs and moral compass. Features various themes from addiction, hope, loneliness, acceptance of loss, morality, etc.
On social regression, and drug abuse. Cinematic and symbolic.
Cinematic presentation, interesting art.
Metanarrative that works as a critique of players that enjoy violent games.
Experimental gameplay loop, and narrative on human connection.
Commentary on capitalism, objectivism, and the player experience.
Experimental storytelling, with a game mechanic that also works on a meta-level.
Same as Silent Hill 1; cinematic and symbolic. A self-reflection on the main character featuring various themes: Grief, trauma, lust, masculinity, mental illness, etc.
Main themes on hope, free will, hubris, regret. Distinct art style.