A Plague Tale
We will kick things off with A Plague Tale. In an era where live service and multiplayer games seem to dominate, finding high-quality single-player experiences can be rare. Yet, there are still dedicated developers who create truly exceptional single-player games. The developers behind A Plague Tale demonstrate their genuine passion for this IP. This third-person adventure game places a strong emphasis on storytelling, delivering everything you could want from a single-player experience. I was blown away by the detail in the environments—the way the light shines through trees or how the plague-ridden cities look so grim and oppressive. It all fits perfectly with the story’s tone. There are moments where you just have to stop and take it all in because it’s that beautiful. As for combat, the choice is entirely yours. You can charge in aggressively or opt for a stealthy approach. The path you take through each area is just as flexible. Whether you eliminate every enemy or let most of them live, the decisions are all in your hands. It’s not this massive open-world blockbuster title, but it has all the polish you’d want from a high-quality game. The scale is more focused, and the story is really tight, which honestly works in its favor. You’re getting a well-crafted experience without all the bloat you might find in bigger games.
Control
I wholeheartedly recommend Control. This game exudes style and a sense of the otherworldly. Control is a third-person action-adventure game that stands out for its unique blend of supernatural elements and intriguing gameplay mechanics. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with a heavy emphasis on using telekinetic powers. The game’s setting, the Oldest House, is a labyrinthine skyscraper with brutalist architecture. Its crisp, detailed textures and RTX-powered lighting create a visually captivating experience. Beyond its realistic aesthetics, Control also boasts a robust physics system to enhance gameplay. While it’s not without its flaws—particularly in terms of technical performance and narrative complexity—it’s a game that offers a lot of value for those who enjoy immersive single-player experiences.
Firewatch
Playing Firewatch was like taking a slow, calming breath of fresh air. While it doesn’t rush, it draws you in with its stunning landscapes and incredibly well-written characters. Developed on a modest budget by indie studio Campo Santo, the game boasts a level of polish and depth that you don’t often see in smaller titles. I quickly became absorbed in the mystery and in the evolving relationship between Henry and Delilah. By the time it ended, it didn’t feel like I had simply played a game—it felt like I had lived an experience. If you’re into narrative-driven games that focus on storytelling and atmosphere rather than fast-paced action, Firewatch is an excellent pick. It’s not without its flaws, but the emotional depth it offers makes it more than worth the time. While it might not be traditionally replayable, the experience lingers with you long after the credits roll.
Darkwood
Darkwood stands in a league of its own. No other top-down game captures the sheer tension and dread it brings. Set in a mysterious, ever-changing forest, the game focuses heavily on survival, exploration, and resource management. The top-down perspective, combined with the dark, gritty visuals, creates a sense of dread and unease. The use of shadows and limited lighting contributes to the atmosphere, making every corner of the map feel ominous and unsettling. The art style might not be for everyone, but it effectively enhances the game’s eerie vibe. It has a strong artistic vision and a deep, immersive experience, but it doesn’t have the same level of budget or marketing as larger games. Even among high-budget 3D survival horror titles, very few manage to evoke the same mix of creeping unease, pulse-pounding fear, and eerie beauty that Darkwood masterfully achieves.
Remnant: From the Ashes
Remnant: From the Ashes is a compelling hybrid, blending the mechanics of a traditional third-person shooter RPG like The Division with the challenging elements of Dark Souls. This blend of genres works surprisingly well, borrowing many familiar elements from Souls games, such as invincibility frames, replenishable healing items, shortcut-filled maps, bonfire-like checkpoints, material-based gear upgrades, and special boss items. Plus, there are plenty of hidden areas with unique loot or puzzles. One thing I really liked is how the world is procedurally generated, but it’s not completely random. The layouts of dungeons and the bosses you encounter change each time you play. However, the Souls-like influence isn’t overwhelming, as traditional RPG FPS mechanics play a big role too. The environments are detailed enough to feel lived in, like the cities overrun by nature, dark caves, and alien-looking landscapes. I wouldn’t say the graphics are jaw-dropping, but they do a great job of immersing you in this bleak, dangerous world.
Slasher’s Keep
The start of Slasher’s Keep can feel incredibly harsh, with frequent deaths and a sense of making no progress as you lose all your items. It’s got that classic dungeon-crawl vibe where you’re exploring procedurally generated dungeons, but the combat system is where it really stands out. Instead of traditional attacks, you’re using a mix of melee weapons and spells in a more interactive way. It’s a bit like a first-person action RPG, where precision and timing are key. The enemies can be pretty challenging, so you’ll need to get used to the combat system and learn how to dodge and attack effectively. Once you get a handle on the basics—like blocking, parrying, and managing your items effectively—the game becomes much more enjoyable.
Mordhau
Created by a small team of dedicated developers from around the globe, Mordhau stands out as the ultimate first-person slasher and possibly the most intense medieval combat experience ever made. It combines skill-based combat with chaotic battlefields where the ground is strewn with the bodies of the fallen. It’s a first-person game where you’re swinging swords, axes, and other weapons in battles that can involve dozens of players. The combat system is surprisingly deep, with a focus on timing, positioning, and precise strikes. You’ve got a range of weapons and fighting styles to master, and the game’s manual aiming and directional attacks make every fight feel dynamic and skillful.
Chernobylite
For a game that stands firmly on its own, it’s surprising how often Chernobylite gets compared to Stalker. Some negative reviews criticize it for not being a AAA game, but Chernobylite is an indie mid-budget title with big ambitions. Despite not having the resources of a massive production, it’s not flawless, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. The focus is on delivering a richly detailed world, a solid story, and a well-designed survival system. It’s clear the game isn’t trying to compete with blockbuster titles—it’s more intimate and focused, which really works in its favor. It’s a blend of survival, exploration, and RPG mechanics. Whether it’s choosing which objectives to take on or how to allocate your supplies, it’s all about making careful decisions that ripple through the story. It’s not overwhelming though—it’s more of a balance between survival and progression, which keeps things moving without feeling like a grind.
Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 is one of those rare games that’s truly unforgettable, excelling in nearly every area. Its sequel, Dishonored 2, picks up directly from the first but adds a significant twist. You now have the option to play as either Emily or Corvo, both armed with their own unique set of supernatural abilities. The story’s ending hinges on how much chaos your play style creates, but otherwise, the core mechanics remain familiar, making it relatively accessible for returning players. What really stands out, though, is the intricate level design, offering multiple paths for you to explore and traverse. The visual quality is so striking that you could pause the game at any moment, and the screen would look like a meticulously crafted painting. I found myself easily lost in the world, experimenting with different strategies and approaches for each mission. The level design is exceptionally smart and layered, making every run feel fresh. Whether pulling off a flawless stealth mission or creatively chaining together abilities, the satisfaction is immense. This is a game where the more you experiment, the more rewarding it becomes, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City was developed by just three people, with some outside help. Originally a Skyrim mod, it’s been polished and transformed into a standalone game, and it’s absolutely brilliant. While it has its flaws, the core experience shines with writing so exceptional that it easily rivals some of the biggest AAA productions. The Forgotten City is primarily a narrative-driven mystery game with a time-loop mechanic. You’re exploring this ancient Roman city where everyone’s living under a strange curse—if one person sins, everyone dies. It’s very much a thinking person’s game. You’re piecing together clues, solving moral dilemmas, and working through multiple potential outcomes. Not in the sense that you’ll replay it over and over after finishing, but within the game itself, you’re going through these loops, and each one can play out very differently depending on what you do. It’s a great example of what a small, dedicated team can achieve when they focus on storytelling and world-building over sheer spectacle.
I hope you found something new to try or perhaps rediscovered a game you’ve been meaning to revisit. I couldn’t cover all the amazing games out there, so if we missed any of your favourites, I will cover them in the next article.
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