Recommended Oddities
Exploration games, abstract experiences, unique, experimental, surreal, off-beat, left-field, and arthouse stuff. Or, occasionally, normal games with a touch of weird in them. All with at least a light recommendation from yours truly! A good variety of genres in here. This list will continue to grow.
Newest additions (entries cleared after about one month or when I get to it):
Newest additions (entries cleared after about one month or when I get to it):
125 Games
[ ADVENTURE ]
Surrealist Yume Nikki fan game. Unfortunately, it wasn't translated yet when I tried to play it. This normally wouldn't matter for a YNFG, but it was very dialog and puzzle heavy. I understand that it has a translation now, and will have to check it out again soon.
Surrealist Yume Nikki fan game. Unfortunately, it wasn't translated yet when I tried to play it. This normally wouldn't matter for a YNFG, but it was very dialog and puzzle heavy. I understand that it has a translation now, and will have to check it out again soon.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Yume Nikki fan game in which a lost pistol must be returned. Still very early in development, but certainly worth keeping an eye out for—with a completely unique, grain-heavy, color-blasted aesthetic that sears the back of the brain and overwhelms the senses. A revitalizing experience for those looking for something fresh in their YNFGs.
Yume Nikki fan game in which a lost pistol must be returned. Still very early in development, but certainly worth keeping an eye out for—with a completely unique, grain-heavy, color-blasted aesthetic that sears the back of the brain and overwhelms the senses. A revitalizing experience for those looking for something fresh in their YNFGs.
[ ADVENTURE / INT FIC / MINIGAMES ]
An interactive zine in the form of an operating system containing several interactive programs. Touches on themes of mental illness, trauma, and the effects of the Internet on the individual. An abrasive experience in every regard. My (almost) full thoughts on this can be found on its page.
An interactive zine in the form of an operating system containing several interactive programs. Touches on themes of mental illness, trauma, and the effects of the Internet on the individual. An abrasive experience in every regard. My (almost) full thoughts on this can be found on its page.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A small, mostly lighthearted exploration game in a blobbish environment with a couple blobbish people in it. The motion blur is pretty intense (seemingly on purpose) but the sound design and overall aesthetic are really good.
A small, mostly lighthearted exploration game in a blobbish environment with a couple blobbish people in it. The motion blur is pretty intense (seemingly on purpose) but the sound design and overall aesthetic are really good.
[ ADVENTURE / VR OPTIONAL ]
Abstract and colorful exploration game. A lot of variations on just a few environments, but the visuals are brilliant. Compatible with Oculus Rift and, when beta is enabled, SteamVR and Vive.
Abstract and colorful exploration game. A lot of variations on just a few environments, but the visuals are brilliant. Compatible with Oculus Rift and, when beta is enabled, SteamVR and Vive.
[ ADVENTURE / MINIGAMES ]
An abstract and surreal game flickering between small interactive segments with an eerie atmosphere.
An abstract and surreal game flickering between small interactive segments with an eerie atmosphere.
[ ADVENTURE / INT FIC ]
Absurdist visual novel with plastic-y 3D graphics about an elf princess named Dam telling a fellow elf about her attempts to find an elftopia. In her adventures, she's aided by Roland the BraveCat, who seems half-intent on confessing his love to her and half-intent on eating her. It's got a weird logic-based "battle" system of sorts and the writing is chock-full of 2010s-era Internet-isms, but the charm is undeniable. Brimming with creativity and actually has a couple heartfelt moments towards the back half.
Absurdist visual novel with plastic-y 3D graphics about an elf princess named Dam telling a fellow elf about her attempts to find an elftopia. In her adventures, she's aided by Roland the BraveCat, who seems half-intent on confessing his love to her and half-intent on eating her. It's got a weird logic-based "battle" system of sorts and the writing is chock-full of 2010s-era Internet-isms, but the charm is undeniable. Brimming with creativity and actually has a couple heartfelt moments towards the back half.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Very abstract exploration game. Nice colors.
Very abstract exploration game. Nice colors.
[ ADVENTURE ]
An AI named Bit needs help from the player to create the perfect procedurally-generated world. Using your feedback, Bit will create semi-random low-poly environments for you to explore as they move closer to their goal. Short and sweet.
An AI named Bit needs help from the player to create the perfect procedurally-generated world. Using your feedback, Bit will create semi-random low-poly environments for you to explore as they move closer to their goal. Short and sweet.
[ ADVENTURE / DRIVING / SIMULATION / VR ONLY ]
Flying car simulator in which you explore a rainy cyberpunk city. Very chill experience with some nice tunes. Looks beautiful, though the setting is admittedly a bit small. Requires a high nausea tolerance but well worth checking out.
Flying car simulator in which you explore a rainy cyberpunk city. Very chill experience with some nice tunes. Looks beautiful, though the setting is admittedly a bit small. Requires a high nausea tolerance but well worth checking out.
[ ACTION / HORROR / PLATFORMER ]
Surrealist horror run and gun.
Surrealist horror run and gun.
[ ACTION / HORROR / SHOOT 'EM UP ]
Somewhat short horror-themed multi-directional shooter about an old village that threw everything it didn't want down into a pit. Tanky controls makes this feel like 2D Resident Evil. Blood is your health in this game, but also the currency you'll use to get bullets. Not as weird as many other games on this list, but it has the right "vibe" and needs more love and attention.
Somewhat short horror-themed multi-directional shooter about an old village that threw everything it didn't want down into a pit. Tanky controls makes this feel like 2D Resident Evil. Blood is your health in this game, but also the currency you'll use to get bullets. Not as weird as many other games on this list, but it has the right "vibe" and needs more love and attention.
[ PLATFORMER / PUZZLE ]
Surreal puzzle-platformer with non-standard solutions and impossible geometry.
Surreal puzzle-platformer with non-standard solutions and impossible geometry.
[ ACTION / HORROR / PLATFORMER ]
Surreal horror run and gun.
Surreal horror run and gun.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A short exploration game developed for an rpgmaker.net challenge where developers kept their games' lengths over ten minutes and their file sizes under 1.44 MB. Excellent presentation with a lovely limited palette. World and character designs stand out. Peaceful, calm vibes all around.
A short exploration game developed for an rpgmaker.net challenge where developers kept their games' lengths over ten minutes and their file sizes under 1.44 MB. Excellent presentation with a lovely limited palette. World and character designs stand out. Peaceful, calm vibes all around.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Slightly off-beat exploration game with light platforming elements about leaving the sparse and brutalist environment of BABBDI.
Slightly off-beat exploration game with light platforming elements about leaving the sparse and brutalist environment of BABBDI.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Explore a vibrant space colony. Has an upcoming sequel of the same name.
Explore a vibrant space colony. Has an upcoming sequel of the same name.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Binky stuck in Labyrinthe.
Binky stuck in Labyrinthe.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
A surrealist graphic adventure in which a girl named Bree tries to find her sister, Sarah, who has become lost within the pillars of static that have cropped up in their small town—one that's becoming increasingly harder to live in due to the local mill shutting down. A bit clunky, with some odd bugs and unfriendly camera angles, but compelling and aesthetically powerful nonetheless.
A surrealist graphic adventure in which a girl named Bree tries to find her sister, Sarah, who has become lost within the pillars of static that have cropped up in their small town—one that's becoming increasingly harder to live in due to the local mill shutting down. A bit clunky, with some odd bugs and unfriendly camera angles, but compelling and aesthetically powerful nonetheless.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A small Yume Nikki fan game in which you must find and serve drinks to customers by entering each of the surreal worlds they provide access to. This one is on the more humorous side of things, without forgoing that classic YNFG atmosphere.
A small Yume Nikki fan game in which you must find and serve drinks to customers by entering each of the surreal worlds they provide access to. This one is on the more humorous side of things, without forgoing that classic YNFG atmosphere.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Collect likes and go viral in this adventure game about exploring a set of vaporwavesque virtual worlds.
Collect likes and go viral in this adventure game about exploring a set of vaporwavesque virtual worlds.
[ ADVENTURE / PLATFORMER ]
Human corporations cultivate worlds to assess their lifeforms for useful applications. As a camera-equipped scout working for one of these corporations, track down strange alien creatures so your bosses can determine their fate. Lovely low-poly PS1-esque open world exploration mixed with a bit of low-key monster hunting. Really enjoyed the environment in this one, and it's fairly short, so it doesn't outstay its welcome.
Human corporations cultivate worlds to assess their lifeforms for useful applications. As a camera-equipped scout working for one of these corporations, track down strange alien creatures so your bosses can determine their fate. Lovely low-poly PS1-esque open world exploration mixed with a bit of low-key monster hunting. Really enjoyed the environment in this one, and it's fairly short, so it doesn't outstay its welcome.
[ MUSIC / SANDBOX / VR ONLY ]
Music-reactive particle physics sandbox. Great if you like looking at shiny things. My full review of this is on its page!
Music-reactive particle physics sandbox. Great if you like looking at shiny things. My full review of this is on its page!
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Very short, jarring game about the fairness of being born at the expense of another. Use Flashpoint to play it. Full review on its page!
Very short, jarring game about the fairness of being born at the expense of another. Use Flashpoint to play it. Full review on its page!
[ ADVENTURE / INT FIC ]
A short text adventure game in which you attempt to haggle a shopkeeper's food prices down. Or you could take a look around?
A short text adventure game in which you attempt to haggle a shopkeeper's food prices down. Or you could take a look around?
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
When all of the children in town receive visions of an oncoming apocalypse, it becomes the player's duty to prevent it any way they can. A dark, occult-themed Game Boy homebrew game that works well on the system.
When all of the children in town receive visions of an oncoming apocalypse, it becomes the player's duty to prevent it any way they can. A dark, occult-themed Game Boy homebrew game that works well on the system.
[ ADVENTURE / VR ONLY ]
Exploration game set in a desolate but clean complex in a grayscale world. The building comes off as a sort of nearly-empty museum, with some rooms emptier than others. The setting seems to concern itself more with the rooms themselves than the objects within them—in a sense, it feels like a game about architecture. Hits a very specific vibe that I like, but one that some may find bland.
Exploration game set in a desolate but clean complex in a grayscale world. The building comes off as a sort of nearly-empty museum, with some rooms emptier than others. The setting seems to concern itself more with the rooms themselves than the objects within them—in a sense, it feels like a game about architecture. Hits a very specific vibe that I like, but one that some may find bland.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A collection of ambient exploration games by colorfiction, all of which are at least lightly recommended, though æ stands out as my favorite.
A collection of ambient exploration games by colorfiction, all of which are at least lightly recommended, though æ stands out as my favorite.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
After attempting to drive through a snowstorm, a woman finds a strange apartment building full of twisted versions of her cherished memories, and the only other person in the building appears to be a strange but kind child that keeps following her around.
After attempting to drive through a snowstorm, a woman finds a strange apartment building full of twisted versions of her cherished memories, and the only other person in the building appears to be a strange but kind child that keeps following her around.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Body horror-themed Yume Nikki fan game. One of the more visceral, gory ones. Recommended, though development on the game has been finished.
Body horror-themed Yume Nikki fan game. One of the more visceral, gory ones. Recommended, though development on the game has been finished.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A pleasant exploration-adventure game.
A pleasant exploration-adventure game.
[ ADVENTURE / INT FIC ]
Super-short visual novel in which players interact with long-forgotten entities within a very old and corrupted game. Presentation is perfect and evocative.
Super-short visual novel in which players interact with long-forgotten entities within a very old and corrupted game. Presentation is perfect and evocative.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Explore procedurally generated worlds as a bird that can take on the forms of other animals you touch. Pretty chill, with some interesting customization options and multiple biomes to choose from.
Explore procedurally generated worlds as a bird that can take on the forms of other animals you touch. Pretty chill, with some interesting customization options and multiple biomes to choose from.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Bizarre point-and-click adventure game about an amnesiac waking up in the warped town of Harvest in the 1950s. Extremely violent, at times perverse, and full of nonsensical '90s adventure game logic.
Bizarre point-and-click adventure game about an amnesiac waking up in the warped town of Harvest in the 1950s. Extremely violent, at times perverse, and full of nonsensical '90s adventure game logic.
[ RPG ]
Surreal claymation RPG adventure in which the moon-headed Wayne quests to meet Gibby, King of the Moon.
Surreal claymation RPG adventure in which the moon-headed Wayne quests to meet Gibby, King of the Moon.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR / PLATFORMER ]
Created for LSDJAM 2020, Hypnagogia 催眠術 is a PS1-styled adventure game with light platforming in which one must journey through a series of dreams, performing quests and finding the dream crystal in each of them.
Created for LSDJAM 2020, Hypnagogia 催眠術 is a PS1-styled adventure game with light platforming in which one must journey through a series of dreams, performing quests and finding the dream crystal in each of them.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
A Yume Nikki fan game with a somewhat darker presentation. It's fairly small, and development was abandoned in favor of new projects, but still worth looking into.
A Yume Nikki fan game with a somewhat darker presentation. It's fairly small, and development was abandoned in favor of new projects, but still worth looking into.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A series of interactive set-pieces, several of which have a science fiction bend.
A series of interactive set-pieces, several of which have a science fiction bend.
[ SIMULATION ]
Japanese PS1 hot air balloon flying simulator. It has goals, but they're not particularly doable since your hot air balloon is mostly at the mercy of the winds, so it's mostly just a pleasant little exploration game. Customizable balloon colors!
Japanese PS1 hot air balloon flying simulator. It has goals, but they're not particularly doable since your hot air balloon is mostly at the mercy of the winds, so it's mostly just a pleasant little exploration game. Customizable balloon colors!
[ ADVENTURE ]
A short game about crowds and their behaviors.
A short game about crowds and their behaviors.
[ ACTION / ACTION-ADVENTURE / FPS/TPS ]
Harman Smith and his assassin personalities—collectively known as the killer7—take on the Heaven Smile, a terrorist organization of suicide-bombing mutants. Low-poly, cel shaded, and as stylish as the PS2 gets (though I'd recommend the PC port). Players traverse each level with limited movement in the third person, and must switch to first-person shooting mode when enemies arrive. There's lots of environmental puzzle solving as well. It's a hard one to get into, and I wouldn't exactly call the gameplay riveting, but killer7 is a rewarding experience for those willing to stick with it and pay attention. If you need content warnings for media, though, maybe look into those first.
Harman Smith and his assassin personalities—collectively known as the killer7—take on the Heaven Smile, a terrorist organization of suicide-bombing mutants. Low-poly, cel shaded, and as stylish as the PS2 gets (though I'd recommend the PC port). Players traverse each level with limited movement in the third person, and must switch to first-person shooting mode when enemies arrive. There's lots of environmental puzzle solving as well. It's a hard one to get into, and I wouldn't exactly call the gameplay riveting, but killer7 is a rewarding experience for those willing to stick with it and pay attention. If you need content warnings for media, though, maybe look into those first.
[ PLATFORMER ]
Atmospheric 2D platformer about a crash-landed alien getting their spaceship parts back.
Atmospheric 2D platformer about a crash-landed alien getting their spaceship parts back.
[ ACTION ]
A typing game in which players must carry out the punishments dealt to various figures in ancient Greek mythology. There is no winning here.
A typing game in which players must carry out the punishments dealt to various figures in ancient Greek mythology. There is no winning here.
[ ADVENTURE / PLATFORMER ]
Take on the Trial of Lizards by lighting all four beacons in the void.
Take on the Trial of Lizards by lighting all four beacons in the void.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Walk along the beach as a fire-breathing seagull.
Walk along the beach as a fire-breathing seagull.
[ SANDBOX / SIMULATION ]
A simple game in which the player is tasked with cross-breeding plants on an alien world. There's no goal, so it's really up to the player to make their own fun, trying to get interesting new plants to sprout from their little experiments. It strikes a chill, cozy vibe without being twee about it.
A simple game in which the player is tasked with cross-breeding plants on an alien world. There's no goal, so it's really up to the player to make their own fun, trying to get interesting new plants to sprout from their little experiments. It strikes a chill, cozy vibe without being twee about it.
[ ADVENTURE / INT FIC ]
Short psychological visual novel in which you must help a girl buy milk.
Short psychological visual novel in which you must help a girl buy milk.
[ HORROR / PUZZLE ]
A mind-bending puzzle game with abstract solutions. It's also about cancer. Compare and contrast to Antichamber.
A mind-bending puzzle game with abstract solutions. It's also about cancer. Compare and contrast to Antichamber.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A post-modern PS1 adventure game, now available in English on Switch. The "hero" of Love-De-Gard leaves a trail of destruction in his wake, and it's up to players to follow him, setting his wrongs right again. Collect Love to increase your Love Level, which allows you to perform more actions throughout each day.
A post-modern PS1 adventure game, now available in English on Switch. The "hero" of Love-De-Gard leaves a trail of destruction in his wake, and it's up to players to follow him, setting his wrongs right again. Collect Love to increase your Love Level, which allows you to perform more actions throughout each day.
[ ADVENTURE ]
An in-development furry Yume Nikki fan game that includes significantly more linear adventure-style gameplay than its contemporaries, as well as charming character dialogue.
An in-development furry Yume Nikki fan game that includes significantly more linear adventure-style gameplay than its contemporaries, as well as charming character dialogue.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Help a troop of mice scout out the surrounding area as they seem to dwindle in number each day. From the person that brought you Space Funeral! Not an RPG, though.
Help a troop of mice scout out the surrounding area as they seem to dwindle in number each day. From the person that brought you Space Funeral! Not an RPG, though.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Short absurdist point-and-click adventure game with multiple endings and thecatamites's wild writing and signature sense of humor.
Short absurdist point-and-click adventure game with multiple endings and thecatamites's wild writing and signature sense of humor.
[ ADVENTURE / VR ONLY ]
An online virtual reality museum that hosts the works of various visual artists and game developers. I highly recommend experiencing this with a friend or two, if possible. Note that some of the DLC costs additional money and can only be accessed for a limited time.
An online virtual reality museum that hosts the works of various visual artists and game developers. I highly recommend experiencing this with a friend or two, if possible. Note that some of the DLC costs additional money and can only be accessed for a limited time.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Players are provided with a couple televisions and a massive stack of VHS tapes, which they can play in any combination to receive a guest.
Players are provided with a couple televisions and a massive stack of VHS tapes, which they can play in any combination to receive a guest.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Absurd and crude adventure game with occasional fist-fighting segments. Feels like it was written by the coolest seven-year-old.
Absurd and crude adventure game with occasional fist-fighting segments. Feels like it was written by the coolest seven-year-old.
[ PLATFORMER ]
Auto runner with strange dialogue and a vaporwave/synthwave aesthetic.
Auto runner with strange dialogue and a vaporwave/synthwave aesthetic.
[ CREATIVE / MMO / SANDBOX / SIMULATION ]
Social MMO in which players build museums wall by wall, floor by floor, art by art. As curators, players will receive art recommendations based on their apparent preferences.
Social MMO in which players build museums wall by wall, floor by floor, art by art. As curators, players will receive art recommendations based on their apparent preferences.
[ RPG ]
Cult classic RPG that became huge on Tumblr for a while and still maintains an active fanbase. The Batter embarks on a mission to purify the four Zones, small hubs of a strange and surreal world.
Cult classic RPG that became huge on Tumblr for a while and still maintains an active fanbase. The Batter embarks on a mission to purify the four Zones, small hubs of a strange and surreal world.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Strange little dialogue puzzle-adventure game in which you have to uncover the lies of the Sacred Order, four individuals in charge of the Ossuary who are all competing for control. The puzzling involves some fetch-questing, but more interestingly the game asks players to spread sins to NPCs to bend their behaviors and attitudes.
Strange little dialogue puzzle-adventure game in which you have to uncover the lies of the Sacred Order, four individuals in charge of the Ossuary who are all competing for control. The puzzling involves some fetch-questing, but more interestingly the game asks players to spread sins to NPCs to bend their behaviors and attitudes.
[ ADVENTURE / PUZZLE / VR OPTIONAL ]
Surrealist puzzle-adventure game in which you help out animal-like creatures made of paper by manipulating the environment. Short and sweet, and has a sandbox mode after you've beat the game. It's a VR game, but has a "Folded Edition" for desktop (which I can't personally vouch for).
Surrealist puzzle-adventure game in which you help out animal-like creatures made of paper by manipulating the environment. Short and sweet, and has a sandbox mode after you've beat the game. It's a VR game, but has a "Folded Edition" for desktop (which I can't personally vouch for).
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Destroy objects that seem out of place. They are parasites. Remove them.
Destroy objects that seem out of place. They are parasites. Remove them.
[ ADVENTURE / PUZZLE ]
An adventure game requiring players to morph into objects and creatures that they've come across and observed in order to solve puzzles and progress further.
An adventure game requiring players to morph into objects and creatures that they've come across and observed in order to solve puzzles and progress further.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Explore peaceful, procedurally-generated islands.
Explore peaceful, procedurally-generated islands.
[ PLATFORMER ]
Psychonauts: the commercial-flop-turned-cult-classic. When I first made this list, I passed the Psychonauts games over despite them being favorites of mine—mostly because they don't really deviate from the kind of gameplay and mechanics one would expect from pretty much any other 3D collect-a-thon platformers. I couldn't get that decision out of my head, though—after all, it'd be a lie to say that Psychonauts isn't a little bit off the beaten path. It's a game with a weird and sometimes dark sense of humor about a circus boy named Raz who sneaks off to psychic summer camp, eventually uncovering a sinister plot involving the theft of brains by one of the camp's mentors. Much of the game takes place inside people's minds, and the levels get really surreal and imaginative, which pairs well with the occasionally absurd dialogue delivered by fantastic characters. The whole thing is super charming, and still holds up really well.
Psychonauts: the commercial-flop-turned-cult-classic. When I first made this list, I passed the Psychonauts games over despite them being favorites of mine—mostly because they don't really deviate from the kind of gameplay and mechanics one would expect from pretty much any other 3D collect-a-thon platformers. I couldn't get that decision out of my head, though—after all, it'd be a lie to say that Psychonauts isn't a little bit off the beaten path. It's a game with a weird and sometimes dark sense of humor about a circus boy named Raz who sneaks off to psychic summer camp, eventually uncovering a sinister plot involving the theft of brains by one of the camp's mentors. Much of the game takes place inside people's minds, and the levels get really surreal and imaginative, which pairs well with the occasionally absurd dialogue delivered by fantastic characters. The whole thing is super charming, and still holds up really well.
[ ACTION / BEAT 'EM UP ]
Surrealist daymare of a 2D beat 'em up.
Surrealist daymare of a 2D beat 'em up.
[ Adventure / RPG ]
A remake of an earlier game named Kinder. Shunsuke comes home from his grandparents' to find that the adults in his town have been slaughtered by a child with strange powers named Yuuichi, who forces the remaining children to play the "Friends Game." Kill the three Mistresses, and they will be freed. A strange RPG Maker game, with some frustrating sections, but ultimately quite good and worthwhile—at the very least for the incredibly funny sections and great music.
A remake of an earlier game named Kinder. Shunsuke comes home from his grandparents' to find that the adults in his town have been slaughtered by a child with strange powers named Yuuichi, who forces the remaining children to play the "Friends Game." Kill the three Mistresses, and they will be freed. A strange RPG Maker game, with some frustrating sections, but ultimately quite good and worthwhile—at the very least for the incredibly funny sections and great music.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Go deeper and deeper into an underground facility in this brightly-colored neon adventure. Non-binary protagonist! Horror stuff becomes more and more apparent as the game progresses, so warning for that.
Go deeper and deeper into an underground facility in this brightly-colored neon adventure. Non-binary protagonist! Horror stuff becomes more and more apparent as the game progresses, so warning for that.
[ ADVENTURE / INT FIC / SPORTS ]
An individual goes fishing for their grandmother's bones, ruminating on the end of her life.
An individual goes fishing for their grandmother's bones, ruminating on the end of her life.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Occult horror adventure game about feeding It—a pulsating mass that seems to grow with every beating organ you give it. About 45 minutes long, fifth-generation-style graphics.
Occult horror adventure game about feeding It—a pulsating mass that seems to grow with every beating organ you give it. About 45 minutes long, fifth-generation-style graphics.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Small exploration game in which various procedurally-generated art galleries can be perused.
Small exploration game in which various procedurally-generated art galleries can be perused.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Party with some rats in a sewer, take a few drinks, see their dialogue, stumble upon some minigames, and do some other stuff that shouldn't be spoiled.
Party with some rats in a sewer, take a few drinks, see their dialogue, stumble upon some minigames, and do some other stuff that shouldn't be spoiled.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Exploration game with progression through themed levels and some interactivity.
Exploration game with progression through themed levels and some interactivity.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Small exploration game taking place in a club. Very bright, epilepsy warning indeed in effect.
Small exploration game taking place in a club. Very bright, epilepsy warning indeed in effect.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Science fiction exploration game with abstract, philosophical themes.
Science fiction exploration game with abstract, philosophical themes.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Hyper-surreal graphic adventure game tackling strange philosophies and... frankly, I couldn't really tell you anything much more specific than that.
Hyper-surreal graphic adventure game tackling strange philosophies and... frankly, I couldn't really tell you anything much more specific than that.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Short, linear exploration game.
Short, linear exploration game.
[ ADVENTURE / MINIGAMES ]
What's billed as a collection of long-lost and unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog games proves to be much more... cursed. For Sonic fans, Sonic newcomers, and Sonic haters alike. Best suited for adults, though.
What's billed as a collection of long-lost and unreleased Sonic the Hedgehog games proves to be much more... cursed. For Sonic fans, Sonic newcomers, and Sonic haters alike. Best suited for adults, though.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Explore a damaged, dead computer world as a virtual pet.
Explore a damaged, dead computer world as a virtual pet.
[ HORROR / PUZZLE ]
Stuck in a looping corridor, players must find Exit 8 by turning back around every time they come across an "anomaly."
Stuck in a looping corridor, players must find Exit 8 by turning back around every time they come across an "anomaly."
[ ADVENTURE / CREATIVE / INT FIC ]
Explore an abstract, cartographic landscape, throughout which people have placed their short-form thoughts, feelings, and poetry. Players are no longer able to jot down their own works, but the library can still be explored.
Explore an abstract, cartographic landscape, throughout which people have placed their short-form thoughts, feelings, and poetry. Players are no longer able to jot down their own works, but the library can still be explored.
[ ADVENTURE / INCREMENTAL ]
Instructed by its father, the king, to stay in the cavernous kingdom and wait for 400 days, a shade begins its long and lonesome biding of the time. The 400 days clock runs down in real time, including when you aren't playing, but can be made to go faster by improving the shade's living conditions and participating in activities.
Instructed by its father, the king, to stay in the cavernous kingdom and wait for 400 days, a shade begins its long and lonesome biding of the time. The 400 days clock runs down in real time, including when you aren't playing, but can be made to go faster by improving the shade's living conditions and participating in activities.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Explore a trippy and surreal procedurally-generated building full of TVs. No longer officially available, so you'll have to find a mirror.
Explore a trippy and surreal procedurally-generated building full of TVs. No longer officially available, so you'll have to find a mirror.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Well-known post-modern adventure game about the relationship between the player, their avatar, the game's developer, and the game's narrator. Brilliant dialogue and voice acting. Though others have tried to replicate its wit, few are clever enough to succeed.
Well-known post-modern adventure game about the relationship between the player, their avatar, the game's developer, and the game's narrator. Brilliant dialogue and voice acting. Though others have tried to replicate its wit, few are clever enough to succeed.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Point-and-click adventure game in which an old lady must prepare her clients' final dishes. Incredibly dark and pretty funny.
Point-and-click adventure game in which an old lady must prepare her clients' final dishes. Incredibly dark and pretty funny.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Brightly-colored exploration game about navigating trans spaces as a person going through their own transition. There are a few small areas to explore, and their inhabitants' reactions to your transition change depending on how you spend your skill points (hormones), which you also accrue through dialogue options.
Brightly-colored exploration game about navigating trans spaces as a person going through their own transition. There are a few small areas to explore, and their inhabitants' reactions to your transition change depending on how you spend your skill points (hormones), which you also accrue through dialogue options.
[ SANDBOX / SIMULATION ]
A sandbox that lets you do exactly what it says in the title. You also have dynamite, can change the structural makeup of the towers you spawn, and can control wind and gravity strengths.
A sandbox that lets you do exactly what it says in the title. You also have dynamite, can change the structural makeup of the towers you spawn, and can control wind and gravity strengths.
[ SIMULATION ]
The always acid-frazzled Timothy Leary has a DOS "video game" that's actually more of a psychoanalysis tool and it's about as weird as you'd think. Probably the least accessible thing on this list.
The always acid-frazzled Timothy Leary has a DOS "video game" that's actually more of a psychoanalysis tool and it's about as weird as you'd think. Probably the least accessible thing on this list.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Ori wakes up in a hotel bathtub, unsure of where he is. He soon meets the frightened and mistrustful Rem, and together, they travel through the corridors and rooms of the hotel and make their way through veils that only allow entry once certain conditions are met. Combines the surreal leanings of walkabout-type RPG Maker games with religious imagery and cryptic lore regarding beings called Celestials.
Ori wakes up in a hotel bathtub, unsure of where he is. He soon meets the frightened and mistrustful Rem, and together, they travel through the corridors and rooms of the hotel and make their way through veils that only allow entry once certain conditions are met. Combines the surreal leanings of walkabout-type RPG Maker games with religious imagery and cryptic lore regarding beings called Celestials.
[ ADVENTURE ]
Seizure-inducing exploration game with strange beings roaming around. Simple and short.
Seizure-inducing exploration game with strange beings roaming around. Simple and short.
[ CREATIVE / DRIVING ]
Drive through the HyperLight Void, an infinite pitch black field, with your motorcycle that leaves behind a trail of color you can use to decorate the plane. The game tunes you into a lo-fi beats station right away, though you have the option to enter an online radio station's address of your own choosing. And that's pretty much it—this game runs entirely on vibes.
Drive through the HyperLight Void, an infinite pitch black field, with your motorcycle that leaves behind a trail of color you can use to decorate the plane. The game tunes you into a lo-fi beats station right away, though you have the option to enter an online radio station's address of your own choosing. And that's pretty much it—this game runs entirely on vibes.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Dark and very short adventure game about an oceanographer that becomes obsessed with finding Eden. If you have thalassophobia, this will be especially effective on you. Flawless art direction and presentation.
Dark and very short adventure game about an oceanographer that becomes obsessed with finding Eden. If you have thalassophobia, this will be especially effective on you. Flawless art direction and presentation.
[ ACTION-ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Surrealist undead action-adventure and horror game with some eerie vibes and interesting enemy designs.
Surrealist undead action-adventure and horror game with some eerie vibes and interesting enemy designs.
[ ADVENTURE ]
A man dies, his only regret not being able to say goodbye to his love. Having been sent to Hell, he is promised the ability to speak with her once more by completing a Halloween ritual.
A man dies, his only regret not being able to say goodbye to his love. Having been sent to Hell, he is promised the ability to speak with her once more by completing a Halloween ritual.
[ ADVENTURE ]
The thrilling sequel to Will You Ever Return? and the best in the series. Sent to Hell immediately after killing the person from the first game, a man must defeat his inner sins.
The thrilling sequel to Will You Ever Return? and the best in the series. Sent to Hell immediately after killing the person from the first game, a man must defeat his inner sins.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
Yume Nikki fan game about Spencer, who begins to explore a long-abandoned MMO. No longer being developed, but still worthwhile.
Yume Nikki fan game about Spencer, who begins to explore a long-abandoned MMO. No longer being developed, but still worthwhile.
[ ADVENTURE / HORROR ]
A large collaborative Yume Nikki fan game in which players must guide Urotsuki, a girl who won't leave her room, through her dreams.
A large collaborative Yume Nikki fan game in which players must guide Urotsuki, a girl who won't leave her room, through her dreams.
[ ACTION / ACTION-ADVENTURE / SHOOT 'EM UP / SPORTS ]
The first half of this is a tennis and bullet hell fusion—hard to describe, but easy enough to understand when seen or played. Gets difficult, but can be cheesed a bit. The second half is more in-line with some of the other games listed here, but I won't spoil it.
The first half of this is a tennis and bullet hell fusion—hard to describe, but easy enough to understand when seen or played. Gets difficult, but can be cheesed a bit. The second half is more in-line with some of the other games listed here, but I won't spoil it.
[ ACTION-ADVENTURE / PLATFORMER ]
As Nova, clean up the Dust that has settled in sick people's bodies while tackling the meaning of the work you do as well as life itself. Not particularly abstract, and only surreal in certain sections, but fits well in this collection regardless. You can play this without playing the first one—you will only miss a few references.
As Nova, clean up the Dust that has settled in sick people's bodies while tackling the meaning of the work you do as well as life itself. Not particularly abstract, and only surreal in certain sections, but fits well in this collection regardless. You can play this without playing the first one—you will only miss a few references.
[ ACTION-ADVENTURE ]
Embark on a quest to reconnect America after it is left in ruin by the effects of the Death Stranding—a world-scale event that connected the world of the dead with the world of the living. I was hesitant to include a triple-A game on this list, but it has just the right amount of exploratory gameplay, surrealist elements, and general weirdness to fit right in with the others.
Embark on a quest to reconnect America after it is left in ruin by the effects of the Death Stranding—a world-scale event that connected the world of the dead with the world of the living. I was hesitant to include a triple-A game on this list, but it has just the right amount of exploratory gameplay, surrealist elements, and general weirdness to fit right in with the others.
[ HORROR / RPG ]
An RPG about a 14-year-old mass-murderer on death row named Russell, who is incapable of feeling guilt. He ends up in an institution that makes him take Happy Dream, an experimental drug that causes him to dream about a small town inhabited by the people he's killed. If the dreams rehabilitate him, he might be spared. The plot itself is interesting, but this really makes the list for its often psychedelic and surreal approach to psychological horror. The colorful enemy designs and strange locations bring Yume Nikki to mind, and of course it gets bonus points for being an indie RPG Maker game with traditional combat that isn't actually tedious as hell. Check the site's content warnings on this one.
An RPG about a 14-year-old mass-murderer on death row named Russell, who is incapable of feeling guilt. He ends up in an institution that makes him take Happy Dream, an experimental drug that causes him to dream about a small town inhabited by the people he's killed. If the dreams rehabilitate him, he might be spared. The plot itself is interesting, but this really makes the list for its often psychedelic and surreal approach to psychological horror. The colorful enemy designs and strange locations bring Yume Nikki to mind, and of course it gets bonus points for being an indie RPG Maker game with traditional combat that isn't actually tedious as hell. Check the site's content warnings on this one.
6 Comments
Looks like it'd fit in, but I haven't played it. I think Jacob Geller touched on this game in one of his vids, or maybe it was another from this dev? Looks neat, though.
Post Void for sure, seems tailor made for this set. I guess Cruelty Squad as well, if it qualifies.
Oh, Post Void looks really cool! And yeah, I'm sure Cruelty Squad would fit right in here, I just haven't played it yet. It's been sitting on the backlog for a while but I'm waiting until I'm in the mood for it
May I recommend some platformers?
The first one is a classic: Jet Set Willy for the ZX Spectrum. Arguably one of the creators of the collectathon genre; inarguably odd and surreal.
The second one is Closure. A puzzle platformer with a great sense of style and atmosphere.
Finally, Birdsong, a short metroidvania that with, uh, unique approach to mapping.
The first one is a classic: Jet Set Willy for the ZX Spectrum. Arguably one of the creators of the collectathon genre; inarguably odd and surreal.
The second one is Closure. A puzzle platformer with a great sense of style and atmosphere.
Finally, Birdsong, a short metroidvania that with, uh, unique approach to mapping.
Such a neat, well put together list! There's so much to look at here.
Gonna have to check out more of your lists.
Gonna have to check out more of your lists.
saintfrog
2 years ago