Games That Messed With My Head
Description
I love games that linger in my mind long after completing them. Here are some of them...
Anna: Extended Edition
Oh Anna. Very much improved with the Extended Edition, but still not a great game in terms of gameplay and puzzles. Oftentimes you'll find yourself stuck with obtuse puzzles and mounting frustration.
But I loved it.
The story of Anna is a story of obsession and the horrible things done because of it. The story you uncover is compelling and the ending has the kind of emotional gut punch that I enjoy.
The Walking Dead
While the overarching storyline isn't perfect throughout the relationship between your character and Clementine is masterfully done. I wasn't ready for this to end. I wasn't ready to let go. But I had to and the pain you feel at the end is real. You'll likely cry, at least a little. So good.
Spec Ops: The Line
I know other material has done this storyline better, but this game worked for me. I really got into the characters and situation and did not see the ending coming.
Serena
Short free game that will make you question if marriage was the correct choice. Nice little hidden gem in the steam library.
BioShock Infinite
Such a great mind trip. Probably helps if you are at the "Quantum Physics for Dummies" education level. Which I am.
I found the gameplay to be overally violent and not all that special, but the story kept me going. I fell in love with Booker and Elizabeth. And this game spawned a ton of great discussion across the web.
Planescape: Torment
This game above all others really showed me the power of video games as a narrative medium. I've played it over and over throughout the years and never cease to be amazed by it. Such a great experience. I miss Morte.
Gone Home
Probably doesn't belong on this list, but it was my first walking simulator that made me realize you didn't actually need a game to be compelling. I thought the love story here was very well done.
Life is Strange
Such a great story about loss and the effect it has on those who remain. Chloe and Max were great characters. So many twists and emotionally loaded moments. The episodic format was perfect for this game. This game was perfect except for the imperfections.
Transistor
Great world building in this game. The story is confusing at times, but the emotionally journey works really well. The ending was fantastic.
Layers of Fear
Great haunted house simulator. Now I know what a descent into madness feels like. I also know that I will probably never take up painting as a hobby.
Her Story
Not really a game as much as a fractured movie that you piece together bit by bit in pretty much random sequence. Figuring who committed the murder is a lot of fun and once you do it is pretty interesting.
Shelter
Not sure how Shelter does it but you connect with your babies pretty quickly and keeping them safe as you raise them to adulthood is so stressful. Losing a baby is so sad as you sniff their lifeless body. I'm so sorry little one. Daddy tried.
Trauma
What the what? :(
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Play this one with headphones on and you'll experience mental illness first hand.