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.
142 Games
Main themes on hope, free will, hubris, regret. Distinct art style.
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.
Experimental storytelling, with a game mechanic that also works on a meta-level.
Commentary on capitalism, objectivism, and the player experience.
Experimental gameplay loop, and narrative on human connection.
Metanarrative that works as a critique of players that enjoy violent games.
Cinematic presentation, interesting art.
On social regression, and drug abuse. Cinematic and symbolic.
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.
Cinematic with distinct art style. Experimental game design philosophy.
On bureaucracy, authoritarianism, morality. Gamifies work routine.
Cinematic presentation. On freewill and authority.
A metaphor for capitalism. Distinct art style.
Metagame storyline.
Works as a metaphor for grief. Interesting art style.
A warm meditation on life's common anxieties. Great traversal and art style.
An interesting way of storytelling. Mechanically unique with a beautiful art style.
Portrays the effects of psychosis, while building gameplay design around it.
Metanarrative that links the protagonist and the player experience. Emotional story on tragedy and escapism.
A warm meditation on hope. Death mechanic also reflects on the theme.
Short visual novel portraying OCD/Anxiety disorder.
Same as Dark Souls, but highlighting Maiden Astraea, and the Tower of Latria lore.
Same as Stanley Parable, but also with additional commentary on the game industry.
Reflection on the cycle of violence, nationalism, propaganda, and the film industry.
Meta-game with commentary on completionism and the relationship between game creators and players.
A shooter game that baits its audience into an anti-war narrative
Philosophical story on humanity; what it means to be human.
I know, I know... but it's the one that popularized the "interactive movie" genre so might as well add it. Same with Bandersnatch.
Somewhat-emotional and visually interesting walking (swimming) simulator.
Symbolic game with an artstyle inspired by H. R. Giger and Beksiński.
Arthouse FMV game with experimental non-linear storytelling. On art, sexism, and exploitation.
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.
On the relationship between art and the artist.
An experimental FMV game with a non-linear story.
Arthouse surreal game on various themes: Poverty, solitude, addiction, relationships, etc. Dream logic with no real plot.
Experimental gameplay mechanic where you contour your character expression. Lynchian cryptic story featuring various philosophical themes.
Autobiographical story on sex work, trauma and being transgender.
Experimental use of the medium. One of the most well known walking-sims.
Interesting art style and sound interactions. FREEDOM.
A digital museum.
Weird game with interesting art style and traversal mechanics.
Cinematic presentation.
Visual mindfuckery.
Experimental game where you talk to a couple in a dysfunctional relationship.
A unique representation of trauma.
An experimental FMV game with a non-linear story. Even more unconventional than Her Story.
Obscure cathartic game on depression, loneliness, and trauma.
Cinematic retro game with great imagery and framing.
Experimental levels and boss visual designs.
An "artistic experience" with distinct art style/ambiance. Seemingly works as a metaphor for...something, maybe?
Arthouse cinematic game with a cryptic Lynchian story.
A nihilistic narrative on existentialism.
Short surreal flash game
Gameplay works as a metaphor for chemotherapy. Anti-smoking sentiments.
Cinematic presentation.
I don't really give my opinions on this list, but seriously stay away from this one. Nihilistic "life is worthless" views. Adding it because it does use the medium in a vaguely experimental way, nothing more.
One of the games to popularize the walking-sim genre. A game without gameplay. Disjointed storytelling on grief.
Unique art style with hand-drawn textures. Cinematic story portrayal.
Unique gameplay loop. A range of detailed environments.
Experimental game mechanic.
Metanarrative analogue horror.
Cinematic game with interesting traversal and cryptic story.
On the pressures of society (very vague though). No gameplay.
Arthouse game that reflects on intimacy and vulnerability.
(Really) Weird visual novel on insolvency, sex, and finding meaning in life.
About memories, resembling slow-cinema.
Brutalist digital gallery.
On escapism and loneliness. About trying to find meaning in life.
An interactive movie, a game that tries to be a movie or vice versa.
