Xarn
2020
Carrion is atmospheric and immersive metroidvania-lite with unique twist - it's "reverse horror".
While Carrion with it's expansive interconnected map and unlockable shortcuts can be classified as metroidvania, it tries it's hardest, not to make you feel lost or backtrack at all. This is thanks to impressive level design that creates a sense of complexity while maintaining an unbroken flow from one area to another, with no interruption, and no slowdown, keeping you fully immersed at all times.
This seamless 'flow' contributes to the game's shorter duration (5-6 hours) and relatively low difficulty. Yet this aligns perfectly with core theme of the game. You assume the role of a unstoppable biological contagion, reminiscent of sci-fi horrors like Alien, The Thing, and Life. The game's length and difficulty mirror the nature of your character as an unstoppable force, delivering a reverse horror experience that masterfully nails homage to its inspirations.
From a technical standpoint, the graphics are simple yet solid with "meaty" feeling that complements the game's overall vibe. Music and sound design are good, further contributing to the immersion, and I'm almost sure I could occasionally hear familiar cues from Alien. Controls might require bit of getting used to, but ultimately don't hinder the experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend Carrion. It serves as an excellent palate cleanser between longer, more involved games.
While Carrion with it's expansive interconnected map and unlockable shortcuts can be classified as metroidvania, it tries it's hardest, not to make you feel lost or backtrack at all. This is thanks to impressive level design that creates a sense of complexity while maintaining an unbroken flow from one area to another, with no interruption, and no slowdown, keeping you fully immersed at all times.
This seamless 'flow' contributes to the game's shorter duration (5-6 hours) and relatively low difficulty. Yet this aligns perfectly with core theme of the game. You assume the role of a unstoppable biological contagion, reminiscent of sci-fi horrors like Alien, The Thing, and Life. The game's length and difficulty mirror the nature of your character as an unstoppable force, delivering a reverse horror experience that masterfully nails homage to its inspirations.
From a technical standpoint, the graphics are simple yet solid with "meaty" feeling that complements the game's overall vibe. Music and sound design are good, further contributing to the immersion, and I'm almost sure I could occasionally hear familiar cues from Alien. Controls might require bit of getting used to, but ultimately don't hinder the experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend Carrion. It serves as an excellent palate cleanser between longer, more involved games.
2022
Citizen Sleeper, with its three DLC episodes, is an amazing narrative game that quickly joined the list of my favorites. It stands out as one of the most unique games I've had the chance to play. Not because of its gameplay or story, but due to its exceptional writing, captivating characters, and immersive atmosphere.
It's really hard to put into words what makes it so unique and special, but if I had to, I would say it's a mix of emotions that the game captures - melancholy, longing, nostalgia, sadness, happiness, hope, compassion, and mystery - all blend together to create a distinctive experience. Something that was already present in the developer's previous game (In Other Waters), but in Citizen Sleeper, it's much more pronounced and refined. However, the uniqueness of Citizen Sleeper's writing goes beyond the emotions it evokes; it's also about how it evokes them. Rather than being an emotional rollercoaster with intense highs and lows, Citizen Sleeper takes you on a gentle, emotional ride akin to a slow carousel. Even in its most intense moments, it just tugs at your heartstrings without pushing you over the edge, which is what makes its writing truly brilliant.
The word "gentle" is probably one word that would best describe this game as a whole. It full of emotions but never overwhelms you. The characters, flawed and aspiring, are presented in a profoundly human and sympathetic manner as they struggle in a cruel and unforgiving corporate dystopia. The difficulty, while initially may make you struggle, never seeks to punish you. Even the game's multiple endings are written as gradual fadeaways rather than abrupt and final cuts, a creative choice that some may find unsatisfying. However, I believe it perfectly suits the essence of the game.
As for the other aspects of the game, the graphics, music, and sounds are all good (character portraits are amazing). Additionally, the dice system adds an enjoyable and innovative layer of decision-making to the otherwise typical "pick a task to do in this time-slot" gameplay.
I wholeheartedly recommend Citizen Sleeper. And to any fan of narrative games it is an absolute must-play, offering a remarkable and unforgettable experience.
It's really hard to put into words what makes it so unique and special, but if I had to, I would say it's a mix of emotions that the game captures - melancholy, longing, nostalgia, sadness, happiness, hope, compassion, and mystery - all blend together to create a distinctive experience. Something that was already present in the developer's previous game (In Other Waters), but in Citizen Sleeper, it's much more pronounced and refined. However, the uniqueness of Citizen Sleeper's writing goes beyond the emotions it evokes; it's also about how it evokes them. Rather than being an emotional rollercoaster with intense highs and lows, Citizen Sleeper takes you on a gentle, emotional ride akin to a slow carousel. Even in its most intense moments, it just tugs at your heartstrings without pushing you over the edge, which is what makes its writing truly brilliant.
The word "gentle" is probably one word that would best describe this game as a whole. It full of emotions but never overwhelms you. The characters, flawed and aspiring, are presented in a profoundly human and sympathetic manner as they struggle in a cruel and unforgiving corporate dystopia. The difficulty, while initially may make you struggle, never seeks to punish you. Even the game's multiple endings are written as gradual fadeaways rather than abrupt and final cuts, a creative choice that some may find unsatisfying. However, I believe it perfectly suits the essence of the game.
As for the other aspects of the game, the graphics, music, and sounds are all good (character portraits are amazing). Additionally, the dice system adds an enjoyable and innovative layer of decision-making to the otherwise typical "pick a task to do in this time-slot" gameplay.
I wholeheartedly recommend Citizen Sleeper. And to any fan of narrative games it is an absolute must-play, offering a remarkable and unforgettable experience.
2019
Observation is a visually immersive space (station) "walking" sim with detailed graphics, good voice acting and sound design. The game's story, though chaotic, manages to remain intriguing. However, despite its promising elements, the game falls short in execution.
The biggest drawback is the excruciating slowness of every aspect, from navigation, camera movement and zooming to some UI elements. Unlike other walking sims that embrace a slow pace, Observation's very task-oriented and thematically time sensitive nature clashes with its sluggish navigation. This results in unnecessary padding of the game with playtime that serves absolutely no purpose.
Furthermore, the game's navigation through similarly designed space station modules, which lack clear orientation guides and offer 6 degrees of freedom movement, could have been an enjoyable challenge. However, the sluggish movement amplifies the frustration, transforming any mistake into a painfully punishing experience.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend Observation.
The biggest drawback is the excruciating slowness of every aspect, from navigation, camera movement and zooming to some UI elements. Unlike other walking sims that embrace a slow pace, Observation's very task-oriented and thematically time sensitive nature clashes with its sluggish navigation. This results in unnecessary padding of the game with playtime that serves absolutely no purpose.
Furthermore, the game's navigation through similarly designed space station modules, which lack clear orientation guides and offer 6 degrees of freedom movement, could have been an enjoyable challenge. However, the sluggish movement amplifies the frustration, transforming any mistake into a painfully punishing experience.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend Observation.
2014
Halfway is solid and straightforward turn-based strategy, with nice pixel art.
While it may be limited in terms of enemy and environment variety, its surprisingly engaging story and bite-sized levels make this non issue.
Overall, I had fun, and the game didn't overstay its welcome, so I recommend giving it a try.
While it may be limited in terms of enemy and environment variety, its surprisingly engaging story and bite-sized levels make this non issue.
Overall, I had fun, and the game didn't overstay its welcome, so I recommend giving it a try.
2015
Visually beautiful and peaceful walking sim, with a bit of emotional ending.
I recommend it, but keep in mind that it requires a lot of patience due to its intentionally slow walking speed. While the gameplay may be minimal, the aspects it does offer are nicely done
Tip to ocd crowd: You don't need to uncover ever little bit of terrain, but if you want to 100% achievements, do explore thoroughly.
I recommend it, but keep in mind that it requires a lot of patience due to its intentionally slow walking speed. While the gameplay may be minimal, the aspects it does offer are nicely done
Tip to ocd crowd: You don't need to uncover ever little bit of terrain, but if you want to 100% achievements, do explore thoroughly.
2019
Baba is hard (but fair)
2020
Masterful narrative/exploration game oozing with atmosphere, but probably not for everyone.
Game is mostly focused on linear story which is very well written, thoughtful and immersive, both in terms of character/events and environment of the planet with all it's little details. Little choice you have is mainly relegated to exploration. In terms of gameplay, it is very minimalistic, you basically move on graph of nodes and scan, occasional other activities require max 2-3 mouse clicks. There are few places where you are time/resource pressured, but margin for error is large so it should not pose any challenge. Graphics while very limited do amazing job of environmental story telling and creating atmosphere with simple shapes and colors. Music is phenomenal, greatly adds to the mood of the game.
The only negative I could find is that movement is bit clunky, requiring more clicks then it should.
In the end all elements of the game fit together very well and create something memorable and unique, well worth the time, as long as you can put up with the simplistic and slow gameplay.
Game is mostly focused on linear story which is very well written, thoughtful and immersive, both in terms of character/events and environment of the planet with all it's little details. Little choice you have is mainly relegated to exploration. In terms of gameplay, it is very minimalistic, you basically move on graph of nodes and scan, occasional other activities require max 2-3 mouse clicks. There are few places where you are time/resource pressured, but margin for error is large so it should not pose any challenge. Graphics while very limited do amazing job of environmental story telling and creating atmosphere with simple shapes and colors. Music is phenomenal, greatly adds to the mood of the game.
The only negative I could find is that movement is bit clunky, requiring more clicks then it should.
In the end all elements of the game fit together very well and create something memorable and unique, well worth the time, as long as you can put up with the simplistic and slow gameplay.