I’m looking for story-heavy and/or artsy PC games with the same playing style as This War of Mine – but which won’t throw me into a pit of emotional despair.
Horror, sci-fi, and fantasy preferred, but I’m open to other themes too.
Thanks in advance!
I remember FAR: Lone Sails being enjoyable when I played it. Night in the Woods is a big rec too
Owlboy!
Ooh this looks nice. Thank you!
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“but won’t trow me into a pit of emotional despair”
Your suggestions are both amazing games, but I would like to confirm to OP that these games are quite distopian and feature some body horror.
Thanks for the suggestions – and the warning!
I’ll put them on the list to check out once my emotions have settled.
Spirit Farer
Absolutely fantastic game
This looks wonderful. Hopeful and bright. Right what I need. Thanks!
Inside is good, less story heavy and more fascinating world that makes you think. It’s pretty short and maybe not quite what you’re after but as it’s often on sale dirt cheap and like 2 hours long it’s probably worth a look.
You could also look at American Arcadia. I’ve not finished it yet but it’s pretty good so far and fits your bill for side scrolling with story focus.
“Welcome to Arcadia! A 70’s retro-futuristic metropolis where all its citizens enjoy a life of luxury and comfort… unaware that they’re being broadcast live 24/7!”
This sounds great. I had no idea it existed.
Thank you!
I’ve played an hour or so and enjoyed it so far. I hope you have fun with it.
Journey of the Broken Circle! Played this on switch and it deserves more attention.
A short, side scrolling platformer about connection and love.
First time I hear about this game!
You got me at connection and love. Definitely playing. Thank you!
I’ve been playing Dredge a lot. Good game, art style and music is nice. Can be a bit spooky for some but I enjoy it.
Is it spooky but hopeful, or spooky and dark?
I’ve read “Lovecraftian creatures” and now I am worried haha
There is no “in your face” type of horror. Most of the horror is environmental or you can see from afar.
The creatures are the best part haha. The good thing is it will slowly buildup so no worries. It might be on sale now.
I see! I was also thinking the graphics looked too… chirpy for an Amnesia-like experience haha
I’ll put it on my list. Thank you!
The Artful Escape, though it’s more of a sidescrolling platformer
Love the art style and colours. Straight to the list.
Thanks!
Child of Light? Side-scrolling RPG, with a young Austrian princess waking up in a fantasy world. Very artsy and oniric, emotional but more on the hopeful side.
The images I checked out look beautiful.
Thank you for the rec!