Games Like Before Your Eyes

A bonkers time-loop tragicomedy murder mystery thriller featuring multiple casualties and a suspicious cat, from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise.

Why similar: Narrative 40.8% ★, Emotional 26.6%, Story Rich 10.9%, Interactive Fiction 10%, Mystery 5%

Part interactive fiction, part Felis domesticus adventure, “Cats and the Other Lives” explores the reunion of a broken family from the perspective of their house cat, Aspen.

Why similar: Narrative 38.8% ★, Emotional 17.9%, Interactive Fiction 11.3%, Psychological 9.4%, Story Rich 9.3%

Leave home for the first time to collect memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away. Ride, record, meet people, and unravel the strange world around you in this third-person meditative exploration game.

Why similar: Narrative 38.4% ★, Emotional 18.8%, Philosophical 10.4%, Interactive Fiction 9%, Story Rich 6.3%

Florence Yeoh feels a little... stuck. Her life is an endless routine of work, sleep, and spending too much time on social media. Then one day, she meets a cello player named Krish who changes everything about how she sees the world and herself.

Why similar: Narrative 41.5% ★, Story Rich 13.1%, Interactive Fiction 12.2%, Drama 8.1%, Indie 5.5%

Delve into a dark adventure following the boy with a prosthetic face and a tragic past. Unravel the sinister mysteries of Sally's world to find the truth that lies hidden beneath the shadows.

Why similar: Narrative 39.6% ★, Emotional 19.4%, Story Rich 13.6%, Interactive Fiction 8.9%, Hand-drawn 5.9%

What if you lost all your memories? An emotional family drama seen through the eyes of a woman with Alzheimer's disease. As Annie’s life slowly unravels, uncover memories of her deceased brother as her past bleeds into the present.

Why similar: Narrative 28.4% ★, Emotional 22.8%, Story Rich 8.6%, Walking Simulator 7.9%, Drama 6.7%

I Am Dead is a charming puzzle adventure game from the creators of Hohokum and Wilmot’s Warehouse about exploring the afterlife.

Why similar: Narrative 50.3% ★, Emotional 10.6%, Indie 9.4%, Adventure 8.1%, Story Rich 7.2%

Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss.

Why similar: Narrative 49% ★, Emotional 21.9%, Interactive Fiction 10%, Story Rich 7.9%, Hand-drawn 4.9%

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality.

Why similar: Story Rich 22.7%, Hand-drawn 21.1%, Surreal 14%, Indie 12.6%, Walking Simulator 11%

June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company.

Why similar: Narrative 39.7% ★, Walking Simulator 33%, Story Rich 8%, First-Person 5.9%, Emotional 4.3%

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Story Rich 39.3%, Mystery 23.8%, First-Person 16.8%, Adventure 8.4%, Indie 7.2%

What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive.

Why similar: Story Rich 31.2%, Walking Simulator 25.2%, First-Person 11.1%, Emotional 9.7%, Mystery 9%

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.

Why similar: Narrative 37.6% ★, Emotional 24%, Walking Simulator 10.7%, Story Rich 9%, Surreal 8%

From the creators of Before Your Eyes — You are Isaac, a 6-month-old baby, developing mysterious psychic powers. What you want most is to be loved and accepted by your family, but a secretive tech corporation wants you for their own.

Why similar: Narrative 28.9% ★, Emotional 21.7%, Interactive Fiction 9.9%, Story Rich 8.3%, First-Person 5.2%

The five crew members of the Tulpar are stranded in the empty reaches of space, shrouded in perpetual sunset. God is not watching.

Why similar: Narrative 36.6% ★, Story Rich 13.5%, Walking Simulator 12.7%, Psychological 12.5%, Surreal 8.8%

Your memories are fracturing. Explore an evocative story of love and loss through shifting realities. Solve puzzles to hold on to the moments that define you before they vanish forever.

Why similar: Narrative 28.8% ★, Emotional 21.9%, Walking Simulator 9.8%, Story Rich 9.6%, Psychological 8.8%

Spiritfarer® is a cozy management game about dying. As ferrymaster to the deceased, build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and release them into the afterlife. The Spiritfarer Farewell Edition includes the heartwarming base game and three major content updates.

Why similar: Emotional 53.5%, Story Rich 20.3%, Hand-drawn 11%, Cartoony 6.3%, Indie 5.2%

The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.

Why similar: Emotional 41.5%, Philosophical 17.4%, Story Rich 15.6%, Cute 6.7%, Family Friendly 6.4%

Explore the ancient, mysterious world of Journey as you soar above ruins and glide across sands to discover its secrets.

Why similar: Narrative 39.8% ★, Walking Simulator 21.1%, Story Rich 10.1%, Indie 7.4%, Adventure 7.2%

A teenage guitar prodigy sets out on a psychedelic journey to inspire his stage persona and confront the legacy of a dead folk legend. Starring voice performances by Michael Johnston, Caroline Kinley, Lena Headey, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers.

Why similar: Narrative 52.2% ★, Story Rich 12%, Walking Simulator 9.9%, Interactive Fiction 8.7%, Stylized 4.9%

A narrative game about grief, memory, and perception. Explore a shifting home that reshapes itself around emotion. What you’re willing to face will determine what you find, or what stays hidden.

Why similar: Narrative 47.6% ★, Emotional 13.7%, Walking Simulator 9.8%, Story Rich 8.7%, Psychological 8.6%

Follow Addison as they help their recently-deceased mother move on to the Spirit World. In this 2D visual narrative and platformer, Addison must explore and find special objects while being confronted with a journey of grief.

Why similar: Narrative 49.9% ★, Emotional 27.1%, Interactive Fiction 9.3%, Story Rich 6.8%, Indie 5.1%

I have some memories of saying goodbye that I don't want to forget, so I turned them into 11 minigames and backed them up in this collection.

Why similar: Narrative 42.8% ★, Emotional 14.2%, Interactive Fiction 9.4%, Story Rich 8.8%, Philosophical 6.8%

“Thing-in-Itself” is a short interactive story about the struggles of understanding another human being. Using Immanuel Kant’s concept as a framework, it leads the player through stages of a relationship, exploring how perceptions may clash and surroundings can alter.

Why similar: Narrative 31.4% ★, Emotional 17.9%, Philosophical 10.6%, Walking Simulator 7.7%, Psychological 7.7%

Guide brush strokes and solve a variety of puzzles to help an aspiring artist complete her masterpiece amid her brusque neighbor’s gaze and his pesky cat. As her painting starts to take shape, uncover an emotional tale of chance and artistry revealed behind unrelated yet familiar moments.

Why similar: Narrative 50.7% ★, Interactive Fiction 12.2%, Story Rich 10.6%, First-Person 7.2%, Drama 7%

Carry Onward is a narrative gameplay short that follows a grieving man as he packs up his home. Immerse yourself in his thoughts and emotions by interacting with items, which shape his internal state. Experience the transformative power of memories and the hope that arises from embracing change.

Why similar: Narrative 38.2% ★, Emotional 20.7%, Walking Simulator 9.4%, Interactive Fiction 8.6%, Story Rich 8%

A first-person narrative adventure game, telling the story of a sick child playing a 2D platformer. Made in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity!

Why similar: Narrative 42.8% ★, Emotional 14.3%, Walking Simulator 9.1%, Interactive Fiction 8.2%, Story Rich 6.7%

In this classic point-and-click adventure anthology you follow the path of Dale and Laura and other famous Rusty lake characters such as Mr. Crow and Mr. Owl. The series will be updated, preserved and bundled to survive the end of the Flash Games era.

Why similar: Story Rich 30.1%, Mystery 26.8%, Surreal 14.8%, Hand-drawn 11.7%, Indie 7.4%

The Beach Episode™ of To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Impostor Factory. But something's off.

Why similar: Narrative 50.5% ★, Emotional 29.8%, Story Rich 12.4%, Adventure 2.8%, Indie 2.8%

Lead the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to destroy the Paintress so that she can never paint death again. Explore a world of wonders inspired by Belle Époque France and battle unique enemies in this turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics.

Why similar: Story Rich 81.7%, Adventure 10%, Singleplayer 8.3%

Gorogoa is an elegant evolution of the puzzle genre, told through a beautifully hand-drawn story designed and illustrated by Jason Roberts. Winner of Debut Game at the 2018 BAFTA Games Awards, as well as Best Mobile Game and the Innovation Award at the GDC 2018 Choice Awards.

Why similar: Hand-drawn 25.9%, Story Rich 15.8%, Interactive Fiction 13%, Stylized 8.8%, Mystery 8.6%

Two doctors traverse backwards through a dying man's memories to fulfill his last wish. This is To the Moon's standalone sequel, but can also be played first.

Why similar: Emotional 36.5%, Interactive Fiction 15.6%, Story Rich 14.4%, Psychological 14.3%, Drama 9.7%

A sequel to Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk. Dive into demented and bizarre world once again and help the girl become a little happier.

Why similar: Story Rich 35.4%, Psychological 31.9%, Surreal 20.6%, Indie 8.4%, Singleplayer 3.6%

Traverse a dried-out seabed littered with the remains of a decaying civilization. Keep your unique vessel going, overcome numerous obstacles and withstand the hazardous weather conditions. How far can you make it? What will you find?

Why similar: Story Rich 55.6%, Adventure 17%, Indie 17%, Singleplayer 10.4%

Out On The Water is a short, meditative journey through memory and grief that tells the story of an inattentive father and his last chance to connect with his children. Set adrift in quiet waters that represent each child, catch strange memory fish to uncover the past and face regrets.

Why similar: Narrative 39.4% ★, Emotional 18.3%, Walking Simulator 10%, Story Rich 7.5%, Interactive Fiction 6.5%

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Story Rich 46.5%, Indie 22.8%, Cute 13.8%, Adventure 8.8%, Singleplayer 8%

OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.

Why similar: Story Rich 49.2%, Surreal 15.4%, Cute 13.6%, Indie 10.6%, Adventure 6.4%

Teacup is a short and wholesome narrative adventure game with a focus on exploration and non-linear progression. Help a small and shy frog on her journey to find the ingredients she needs for her tea party!

Why similar: Narrative 64.3% ★, Story Rich 14.9%, Cute 6.4%, Colorful 4.9%, Family Friendly 4.6%

Enter The White Door and discover Rusty Lake’s universe in a new game with a unique style! Explore Robert Hill’s dreams and help him to find his lost memories. Can you survive the strict daily routine and bring back color to Robert's life?

Why similar: Indie 25.4%, Adventure 20.5%, Story Rich 19.9%, Mystery 16.7%, Surreal 13.7%

Hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project. INSIDE is a dark, narrative-driven platformer combining intense action with challenging puzzles. It has been critically acclaimed for its moody art style, ambient soundtrack and unsettling atmosphere.

Why similar: Narrative 73.9% ★, Story Rich 15.6%, Indie 4.3%, Adventure 3.6%, Singleplayer 2.4%

"My Life with You" is a STORY DRIVEN experience that follows the journey of a young SINGLE MOM who must BALANCE life's challenges while raising her child. An emotional journey focused on the BOND BETWEEN MOTHER AND CHILD, marked by obstacles, growth, and love.

Why similar: Narrative 48.6% ★, Emotional 19.1%, Interactive Fiction 8.2%, Drama 5.7%, Story Rich 5%

Hitchhike your way to freedom in this crazy procedurally generated road trip. No one's road is the same!

Why similar: Emotional 34.9%, Story Rich 18.8%, First-Person 15.7%, Interactive Fiction 15.3%, Colorful 8.6%

From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more.

Why similar: First-Person 100%

Time is the only thing we can't resist. Some people and things will never be found once they are lost. In the dark, a man was walking alone. The moment when you turn back, don't forget the place where came from!

Why similar: Narrative 39.3% ★, Emotional 20.2%, Interactive Fiction 9.5%, Walking Simulator 8.4%, Story Rich 7.4%

The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.

Why similar: Indie 54.9%, Singleplayer 45.1%

Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 29.5%, Story Rich 24.6%, First-Person 13.4%, Mystery 11.4%, Drama 6%

Coffee Talk is a coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator about listening to fantasy-inspired modern peoples’ problems, and helping them by serving up a warm drink or two.

Why similar: Emotional 35.5%, Interactive Fiction 20.9%, Philosophical 19.2%, Story Rich 18.3%, Indie 3.8%

Underground Blossom is a new adventure game by Rusty Lake. Fulfil various tasks at every station to find the metro that will take you through each important event from Laura Vanderboom's life.

Why similar: Mystery 29.6%, Adventure 23.5%, Story Rich 22.5%, Indie 17.8%, Singleplayer 6.5%

A collection of surreal tales, each connected to a stored-away object from childhood. Pick one to follow the moon, feed a hungry lizard or build a peculiar cabinet.

Why similar: Narrative 28.2% ★, Emotional 17.4%, Interactive Fiction 9.3%, Story Rich 9.3%, Surreal 8.5%

A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish.

Why similar: Emotional 41.2%, Story Rich 30.2%, Interactive Fiction 11.7%, Indie 6.3%, Psychological 4.8%

The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy.

Why similar: Story Rich 57.2%, Philosophical 22.6%, Indie 9.5%, Adventure 7%, Singleplayer 3.8%

A garden caught in eternal recurrence. A god who forgets everything. A witness without rest. In this narrative-driven 2D exploration game, walk, listen, and read your way through four cycles to piece together a truth hidden beneath the surface.

Why similar: Narrative 32.8% ★, Emotional 18.9%, Philosophical 12.3%, Walking Simulator 8.2%, Interactive Fiction 7.9%

Explore a strange world full of colorful friends and foes. When the time comes, the path you’ve chosen will determine your fate... and perhaps the fate of others as well.

Why similar: Story Rich 52.1%, Hand-drawn 20.7%, Indie 12.1%, Colorful 9.2%, Stylized 6%

Embrace mind-blowing moments as you’re pulled deep into the many worlds of Split Fiction, a boundary-pushing co-op adventure.

Why similar: Story Rich 81.9%, Adventure 18.1%

A magical adventure about two high school sweethearts set at the end of their school days - and the end of the world. Explore a crumbling town and help friends face their inner demons, which could be the key to stopping reality itself disintegrating. And don’t forget to pet the cats.

Why similar: Emotional 36.8%, Story Rich 15.7%, Psychological 15.5%, Philosophical 13.5%, Surreal 8.6%

South of the Circle is a deep narrative experience of the emerging relationship between Peter and Clara, Cambridge academics involved in a political conflict. The story focuses on promises made in between career and true love, where our choices burdened by our past seem to be illusory.

Why similar: Emotional 22.5%, Narrative 21.2% ★, Interactive Fiction 17.1%, Story Rich 13.3%, Drama 10.1%

"What is love?" We try to answer that with this game. The game encourages people to have a warm, soft, and understanding heart.

Why similar: Story Rich 48.2%, Interactive Fiction 20.4%, Cute 14.8%, Indie 6.9%, Stylized 5.5%

Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...

Why similar: Story Rich 37.1%, Psychological 28.5%, Surreal 19.5%, First-Person 12.4%, Adventure 2.6%

The Past Within is the new co-op experience from Rusty Lake! Play together with someone you deem trustworthy: one in The Past, the other in The Future. Observe and communicate what you see around you. Solve the puzzles and uncover Albert Vanderboom’s plan.

Why similar: Mystery 42%, Story Rich 24.9%, Surreal 11.6%, Adventure 11%, Indie 10.4%

Donut County is a story-based physics puzzle game where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground. Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole.

Why similar: Story Rich 22.1%, Cute 18.5%, Indie 14.8%, Family Friendly 11.3%, Adventure 8.3%