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!

  • GammaEnglish
    6•7 months ago

    I remember FAR: Lone Sails being enjoyable when I played it. Night in the Woods is a big rec too

    • @[email protected]
      5•7 months ago

      “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.

      • @[email protected]OP
        1•7 months ago

        Thanks for the suggestions – and the warning!

        I’ll put them on the list to check out once my emotions have settled.

  • Berttheduck
    4•7 months ago

    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.

    • @[email protected]OP
      2•7 months ago

      “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!

      • Berttheduck
        2•7 months ago

        I’ve played an hour or so and enjoyed it so far. I hope you have fun with it.

  • @[email protected]
    2•7 months ago

    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.

  • @[email protected]English
    2•7 months ago

    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.

    • @[email protected]OP
      1•7 months ago

      Is it spooky but hopeful, or spooky and dark?

      I’ve read “Lovecraftian creatures” and now I am worried haha

      • @[email protected]English
        2•7 months ago

        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.

        • @[email protected]OP
          1•7 months ago

          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!

  • @[email protected]
    2•7 months ago

    Journey of the Broken Circle! Played this on switch and it deserves more attention.

    A short, side scrolling platformer about connection and love.

    • @[email protected]OP
      2•7 months ago

      First time I hear about this game!

      You got me at connection and love. Definitely playing. Thank you!