You know the feeling when a game ends, but you wish it would’ve continued? That’s usually a sign of a game being so vivid and moving that it felt like, for a moment, you were a part of their world. Typically, these games don’t ask for too much of your time, and neither do they need you to complete them in a fast-paced manner.
If that sounds like something you love, give some of these adventure games a try. They’re perfect for relaxing and fully immersing yourself into a different world — like reading a good book.
Bon voyage!
1. Samorost
Samorost is a short saga consisting of three loosely-connected games. You don’t have to play them in the right order, but if you’d like to dip your toes into its enchanting natural world without commitment, you can get Samorost 1 for free on Steam.
The artwork and soundtracks in its third instalment may look much improved compared to the first two counterparts, but they’re all mesmerising in their own way. This simple point-and-click adventure-puzzle game will have you following the little space gnome and discovering the charming world of Samorost together.
Get it on Steam, Google Play, or App Store.
2. Old Man’s Journey
Get all up in your feels with the old man as you soul-search together through beautiful landscapes. Help him move forward by solving puzzles that will forge the environment around him. You’ll uncover bits and pieces of the old man’s life, told through his memories along the way.
Get it on Steam, Google Play, or App Store.
3. Gibbon: Beyond the Trees
The developers put a lot of care into the unique movements of the gibbons and let you swing through the jungle as you embark on a journey with the primate. But get ready for your heartstrings to be pulled! You’ll experience the story of survival through the gibbon’s lens, raising awareness on how deforestation impacts these creatures’ living environments.
Get it on Steam or Apple Arcade.
4. The Gardens Between
Explore the characters Arina and Frendt’s memories through islands crafted from their childhood paraphernalia. You’ll be manipulating time to solve the puzzles of each isle, reminiscing on the duo’s time spent together.
Get it on Steam, Google Play or App Store.
5. Gris
Gris portrays melancholic themes woven into its atmospheric sceneries and puzzles. The artwork is beautiful beyond words, and exploring human emotions leaves you wanting more of its tenderness and vulnerability.
Get it on Steam, Google Play or App Store.
6. The Cave
To begin, you’ll need to assemble a team of three explorers selected from seven characters on screen. Yes, you can replay the game with different characters to unlock different parts of The Cave. The game’s narrator is the cave itself, and humour (sometimes dark) is occasionally slid into the narration.
Some scenes can be a little creepy, but as a major scaredy-cat myself, I remember being able to sit through it. The game can be played as a local co-op if you enjoy solving puzzles together with friends.
Get it on Steam or Google Play.
7. Machinarium
Ah, Machinarium is developed by the same makers of Samorost! Expect a similar meticulous art style, but this time, in steampunk fashion. I remember playing this many years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The mechanics of the world and its puzzles fully immerse you into the world of Josef the robot.
Get it on Steam, Google Play or App Store.
8. Figment
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore your own brain? Figment gives you a glimpse into what that might feel like. You’ll be travelling through the mind with Dusty and Piper to fight nightmares and restore the brain to its best self. The second instalment of Figment is expected to be out in March 2023!
Get it on Steam, Google Play or App Store.
9. Life Is Strange
If you like an episodic, story-based adventure game, this one’s for you. In Life Is Strange, you’ll be following the story of Max Caufield as she finds out she has the power to rewind time. Your choices in the game will affect the ending and how the story moves along.
Get it on Steam or Google Play.
10. It Takes Two
It really takes two to play this game, as it was designed for cooperative play. You’ll join Cody and May as the couple are turned into dolls by a magic spell, only to be broken if they save their relationship. It takes two to tango!
Get it on Steam.
