Games Like Home

‘A Musical Story’ is a rhythm game set against a 70s backdrop. Explore the memories of Gabriel, a young man trying to come to terms with his situation through the connections to his musical memory.

Why similar: Rhythm 43.5%, Emotional 15.8%, Story Rich 11.8%, Visual Novel 10.2%, Linear 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This rhythm-based narrative game perfectly captures the musical film aesthetic and emotional weight found in Home.

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: Visual Novel 30.2%, Story Rich 28.2%, Emotional 16.6%, Adventure 11.4%, Indie 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A short, deeply emotional interactive story that uses music and simple mechanics to mirror the highs and lows of a relationship.

Embark on an emotional first-person narrative adventure where you control the story—and affect its outcomes—with your real-life blinks. With this innovative technique you will fully immerse yourself in a world of memories, both joyous and heartbreaking, as your whole life flashes before your eyes.

Why similar: Emotional 49.9%, Story Rich 23.5%, Philosophical 11.5%, Hand-drawn 6.2%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A powerful, short narrative experience that uses a unique mechanic to tell a life-spanning story about memory and loss.

An experimental short from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise: A simple & surreal 1-hour interactive animation about a boy and an injured bird, told without dialogues.If you're looking for To the Moon-like experience, I'd suggest playing Finding Paradise first.

Why similar: Story Rich 34.4%, Emotional 18.1%, Visual Novel 15.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.5%, Indie 8%

Why You'll Like It: A short, dialogue-free indie gem that relies on visual storytelling and a beautiful soundtrack to convey deep emotion.

If Found... is a game about going home, coming out and erasing everything.

Why similar: Visual Novel 39.5%, Emotional 25.1%, Story Rich 19.3%, Indie 8.7%, Adventure 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply personal visual novel that uses an innovative erasing mechanic to tell a poignant story about identity and belonging.

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 27.4%, Hand-drawn 23.7%, Puzzle 15.6%, Indie 12.6%, Adventure 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric puzzle-platformer that uses a stunning art style and a sweeping musical score to explore themes of grief and recovery.

Sayonara Wild Hearts is a dreamy arcade game about riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wielding swords, and breaking hearts at 200 mph.

Why similar: Rhythm 86.7%, Story Rich 7.4%, Indie 2.4%, Adventure 2.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: A high-energy, rhythm-focused game that functions as a playable pop album with a strong, linear narrative arc.

Blue Wednesday is a relaxing and lovely adventure game focused on story, music, and characters. Explore the city, meet various characters, and have conversations. Listen to their stories, play mini-games, collect music albums, and play music.

Why similar: Rhythm 55.1%, Story Rich 20.1%, Hand-drawn 13.1%, Adventure 6.7%, 2D 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A story-rich adventure featuring rhythm-based gameplay and a jazz-infused atmosphere that explores personal growth and drama.

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: Story Rich 55%, Adventure 20.2%, Indie 13.4%, 2D 7.2%, Singleplayer 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A musical journey that emphasizes visual spectacle and narrative discovery, mirroring the cinematic feel of a musical film.

A thoughtful and deeply personal title with stripped-down mechanics. The lack of dialogue or text allows you to create your own narrative through your time with four characters. Each short story will allow players to be swept away by the haunting lyrics of over twenty original, nostalgic songs.

Why similar: Emotional 36.8%, Visual Novel 25.9%, Story Rich 18%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%, Indie 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cozy, meditative narrative experience that uses music and simple interactions to tell intimate, wordless stories.

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

Why similar: Emotional 37.9%, Story Rich 37.7%, Indie 6.5%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%, Adventure 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic, short-form narrative experience that focuses on emotional storytelling and a memorable, piano-driven soundtrack.

Old Man’s Journey, a soul-searching puzzle adventure, tells a story of life, loss, and hope. Interacting with the world around you, you'll shape the landscape to create the old man's path forward. Experience heartache and hope as you embark on a heartfelt journey through a sunkissed world.

Why similar: Story Rich 25.3%, Emotional 24.9%, Hand-drawn 16.1%, Puzzle 15.1%, Adventure 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A heartwarming puzzle-adventure that tells a wordless story of life and regret through beautiful, hand-drawn landscapes.

No Longer Home is a game about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control. Immerse yourself in the lives of Bo and Ao and learn about their dreams, frustrations and fears. Welcome the magic of the everyday and somewhat extraordinary.

Why similar: Emotional 33.3%, Visual Novel 23.1%, Story Rich 18.9%, Philosophical 14.7%, Adventure 5%

Why You'll Like It: A semi-autobiographical, narrative-focused game that captures the bittersweet feeling of leaving a home behind.

A short, emotional visual novel following a grieving man who relives memories of days long gone. An exploration of loss presented honestly and kinetically.

Why similar: Drama 25.9%, Emotional 22.4%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Linear 11.8%, Story Rich 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A short, emotional visual novel that focuses on mystery and drama, mirroring the narrative depth of Home.

Enter the hauntingly beautiful shadow world of In His Time, a 2D puzzle-solving adventure game. There you will meet Olly and join him to solve puzzles throughout each step of his emotional journey of growth and self-discovery.

Why similar: Visual Novel 27.9%, Dark 20.4%, Story Rich 17.5%, Philosophical 10.9%, Puzzle 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-platformer that blends visual novel elements with a 2D adventure to tell a touching, emotional story.

A short interactive story about love, depression and the corporation.

Why similar: Dark 38%, Visual Novel 18%, Story Rich 16.5%, Adventure 13.4%, Indie 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, deeply personal indie game that explores themes of depression and reality with a raw, emotional narrative.

Hitchhiker is a mystery game set along lost highways, where your goal is to solve the puzzle of your own backstory.

Why similar: Emotional 19.6%, Dark 19.4%, Story Rich 18.5%, Philosophical 15.8%, Visual Novel 12%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal, atmospheric adventure that focuses on dialogue and mystery, perfect for those who enjoy linear, story-rich experiences.

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: Story Rich 41.9%, Puzzle 29.6%, Hand-drawn 24.8%, Singleplayer 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A short, relaxing visual novel that captures the artistic and emotional spirit of a painter's journey.

ATONE is a Norse mythology-inspired, hand-drawn game that blends interactive storytelling and complex puzzles with a rhythm game combat system. Inherit the role of a young warrior named Estra as she journeys through Midgard to unveil the truth behind her father’s death.

Why similar: Rhythm 43.9%, Emotional 19.6%, Story Rich 12.9%, Puzzle 9%, Hand-drawn 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of rhythm-based combat and puzzle-solving set within a rich, story-driven Norse-inspired world.

Night Reverie is a Puzzle/Adventure game in which a child must solve the mystery behind the distortion of his house. Explore puzzle-filled environments and discover strange creatures living in the house as you reach the truth behind of what looks like a bizarre nightmare.

Why similar: Emotional 32.3%, Story Rich 24%, Puzzle 19.2%, Pixel Graphics 8.6%, Adventure 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-exploration game with a whimsical art style that focuses on a child's emotional journey through their own home.

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

Why similar: Story Rich 36.9%, Puzzle 30.2%, Pixel Graphics 18.3%, Indie 7.8%, 2D 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A zen-like narrative experience that tells the story of a person's life through the items they carry from home to home.

In this short but profound story, you will discover that the New Year is not only fun, but also a time for self-reflection. Immerse yourself in an emotional journey that will leave you thoughtful and perhaps with a new perspective on the meaning of this holiday.

Why similar: Visual Novel 41.6%, Drama 23%, Emotional 13.6%, Adventure 9.1%, Hand-drawn 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A short, atmospheric visual novel that captures a sense of loneliness and introspection through its narrative.

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: Story Rich 50.8%, Emotional 20.4%, Indie 15.7%, Adventure 11%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: A definitive walking simulator that uses environmental storytelling to uncover a deeply personal and emotional family history.

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: Visual Novel 30.2%, Emotional 25.1%, Story Rich 17.7%, Philosophical 14.7%, Pixel Graphics 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A relaxing visual novel that uses music and conversation to build an intimate, emotional atmosphere.

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 39%, Puzzle 30.4%, Adventure 17.1%, Indie 9.8%, Singleplayer 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A short, atmospheric journey across a desolate landscape that relies on visual storytelling and a haunting score.

Rhythm Journey is a story based, hardcore 2-buttons rhythm game.

Why similar: Rhythm 89.5%, Indie 6.5%, 2D 3.2%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: A rhythm-focused indie game that offers a challenging and musical experience for players who enjoyed the rhythm mechanics of Home.

Carto is a charming adventure game wrapped around a unique, world-altering puzzle mechanic. Use this power to explore mysterious lands, help a quirky cast of characters, and guide Carto on her journey back to her family.

Why similar: Story Rich 28.8%, Puzzle 23.7%, Hand-drawn 21.4%, Adventure 9.9%, Indie 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: A charming puzzle-adventure that uses map-manipulation mechanics to tell a heartwarming, linear story.

Aurora, a young girl from 1895 Austria, awakens on the lost fairytale continent of Lemuria. To return home she must fight against the dark creatures of the Queen of the Night, who have stolen the sun, the moon and the stars. At stake is not only Lemuria, but Aurora’s true destiny.

Why similar: Story Rich 41.9%, Hand-drawn 25.2%, Adventure 18.8%, 2D 9%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: A musical, turn-based RPG that features a poetic, rhyming narrative and a beautiful, hand-painted aesthetic.

A Rhythm based RPG experience. Providing detailed pixel art and expressive animation. Experience a fun world with lots of colorful characters. Come and disrupt their peace! This is a prequel to a larger story.

Why similar: Story Rich 44.8%, Linear 34.7%, Indie 10.9%, 2D 7.5%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Man I Just Wanna Go Home is an "MSPaint-noir" visual novel with 13 endings, a unique visual style and a killer 80s inspired soundtrack. The story revolves around a delivery person stranded in an unfamiliar part of the city under the devastating rain. All he wants is to get home. Help him!

Why similar: Visual Novel 48.5%, Story Rich 23%, Drama 13%, Pixel Graphics 8.2%, 2D 5.9%

As a young soldier returning to an eerily deserted home, you'll explore enigmatic rooms and uncover a haunting, tragic story. Experience an atmospheric journey filled with suspense, mysterious encounters, and a deep narrative.

Why similar: Drama 29%, Emotional 22.1%, Story Rich 18.3%, Dark 16.5%, Adventure 5%

HOME is a feel-good walking simulator experience in which you create your own poem and music. Embark on a poetic and musical heartwarming journey about what home means to you.

Why similar: Emotional 51.1%, Philosophical 35.5%, Adventure 8.8%, Indie 3%, Singleplayer 1.6%

A short story point-and-click visual novel about the afterlife.

Why similar: Visual Novel 23.6%, Drama 14.4%, Linear 13.5%, Emotional 10.8%, Dark 9.6%

"The Path Home" is a 2D pixel-art puzzle game where you explore a strange world with a girl. Use panels to "flip" black and white tiles and reshape the puzzle world. The girl always searches for the "shortest path to the goal," but avoiding fake goals and reuniting her with the crow is up to you.

Why similar: Story Rich 31%, Puzzle 29.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, Adventure 9.2%, 2D 7.4%

Home is a unique horror adventure set in a beautifully-realized pixel world. It’s a murder mystery with a twist—because you decide what ultimately happens.

Why similar: Pixel Graphics 21.6%, Adventure 21.1%, Dark 17.7%, Story Rich 16.9%, Indie 16.3%

Home is where the stars are. An interactive bedtime story, for anyone who needs one. Take the bear and the little one on a deeply meaningful journey, as you experience stories of togetherness, of letting go and of finding a place you belong.

Why similar: Visual Novel 24.7%, Story Rich 20.8%, Emotional 17.9%, Philosophical 15.9%, Hand-drawn 9.3%

An emo-inspired narrative rhythm game exploring growing pains, addiction, romance and music. Scream with Ash as he makes the transition from baby bat to elder emo, guide him through his crash outs and help him navigate his (teenage) dirtbag life through music.

Why similar: Rhythm 42.4%, Visual Novel 19.5%, Emotional 16.4%, Story Rich 10.7%, Hand-drawn 8.2%

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: Dark 37%, Story Rich 27.3%, Puzzle 18.2%, Adventure 9%, Indie 6.3%

Home is Where One Starts... is a short, first-person exploration game in the same vein as Dear Esther or Gone Home. It’s a story about childhood, hope, and the miracle of memory. You play as a little girl from a broken home somewhere in the American South.

Why similar: Drama 40.7%, Adventure 22.8%, Story Rich 21.4%, Indie 15.1%

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 41%, Puzzle 19%, Pixel Graphics 14.1%, Adventure 7.6%, Indie 7.3%

Journey through the Doggie Underworld in this heartwarming rhythm visual novel. Reunite with your lost Pup by connecting with other dog spirits, learning their stories, and lifting their moods through rhythm games full of charm and challenges!

Why similar: Rhythm 40.9%, Emotional 19%, Visual Novel 12.1%, Story Rich 9.9%, Hand-drawn 7%

An emotional and immersive game about a man named Will and the people close to him. Experience his life through a story about love, memories and hope.

Why similar: Visual Novel 26.1%, Emotional 22.3%, Dark 17.3%, Story Rich 16%, Linear 13%

An experience filled with stories and music See the world through the eyes of jazz pianist, Morris. takes you through a dream-like adventure through jazz and love, and failure.

Why similar: Rhythm 47.9%, Emotional 18.1%, Story Rich 14.6%, Hand-drawn 7.8%, Puzzle 6.7%

In Between is set inside the mind of a man hit by a cruel twist of fate. Together you are on a journey through the protagonist's head, a world that doesn’t obey the laws of physics.

Why similar: Emotional 22.4%, Dark 17.8%, Story Rich 14.4%, Philosophical 14.4%, Puzzle 10.5%

An adventure game following the story of a young boy at sea. A story told purely through animation with no sound or script.

Why similar: Emotional 31.5%, Story Rich 29%, Adventure 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.2%, Indie 8%

This is a visual novel about 60 minutes in length, telling a story of memories."Once'" is a story which will recall the experience of many individuals. Regardless of if you're in your springtime of life having full of dreams for the future, or if you're a matured adult who has already stepped into the society and owns a family,...

Why similar: Adventure 58%, Indie 42%

Eternal Hope is a puzzle platformer game that follows the story of Ti’bi – a boy who must embark on a journey of love and hope to find his beloved’s soul.

Why similar: Emotional 34%, Story Rich 27.6%, Puzzle 18.3%, Adventure 7.6%, Indie 6.6%

A lonely kid desperately tries to escape his dark world.

Why similar: Dark 34.5%, Emotional 17.4%, Puzzle 16.7%, Story Rich 14.7%, Adventure 8.4%

A boy who can no longer hear the piano, living in the shadow of his gifted younger brother; a karate girl who is more than a friend but not yet a lover; and a girl with future memories. As past and future entwine, where will this triangle lead in this fleeting, bittersweet summer love story?

Why similar: Visual Novel 36.1%, Emotional 32.9%, Story Rich 18.4%, Adventure 9.5%, 2D 2.6%

Musical Metroidvania, with pixel art to die for. Guide orphaned chick 'Birb', on a platform adventure, as he faces off against the denizens of the forest in rhythm-action boss battles. Acclaimed for its gorgeous animation, and heart-warming storytelling, as Birb strives to discover his true origins.

Why similar: Rhythm 55.9%, Story Rich 14.7%, Puzzle 11.1%, Pixel Graphics 6%, Adventure 5%

Life on the Hook - is a short story about the life of a lonely fisherman named Hrafn, who lives his life in a small house on a lake with a dock and an old boat.

Why similar: Emotional 24.8%, Dark 18.6%, Story Rich 17.2%, Philosophical 16.6%, Linear 15.4%

Alone in the forest glade he shared with his wife, a woodworker struggles to accept her passing. Help him hold on to cherished memories of their life together as he struggles to care for himself and his now empty home. Pine is a single-serving game focused on telling a beautiful, emotional tale.

Why similar: Emotional 32.4%, Visual Novel 19%, Story Rich 15.9%, Linear 12.9%, Hand-drawn 10.5%

Tasked with finding humanity a new home, a lonely astronaut braves a desolate planet while making a fluffy friend along the way. homebound is a short 2D puzzle platformer that explores the feeling of home.

Why similar: Puzzle 39.2%, Linear 26.9%, Pixel Graphics 15.2%, Indie 9.6%, 2D 7.5%

A "Blind" simulator that lets you experience a new perspective and immersive sensory journey. Step into a world of darkness using your guide cane.

Why similar: Emotional 41.3%, Story Rich 23.2%, Linear 17.6%, Puzzle 9.4%, Indie 4.2%

Forgotten Fields is a game about yearning and nostalgia. Play as Sid - a struggling writer who travels back to his childhood home one last time before it's sold off. Visit old friends, relive memories and play through sections of Sid's book in this warm game about the passage of time.

Why similar: Emotional 29.8%, Visual Novel 23.5%, Story Rich 21%, Philosophical 17.3%, Adventure 7.5%

Rhythm-mystery hybrid game about uncovering the history of a mysterious system. The stage is set. Will you step up and play your role?

Why similar: Rhythm 58.4%, Visual Novel 21.6%, Story Rich 5.6%, Hand-drawn 4.1%, Adventure 3%

Plunge into the silence with Stephan, young musician that lost his hearing and, at the same time, the meaning of life.

Why similar: Visual Novel 44.5%, Drama 43.4%, Adventure 8.1%, Indie 2.9%, Singleplayer 1%

This game is about a person who kept running through his life, never looking back at the past. Once during a trip, he gets into trouble. Now he's lying on the cold ground, buried beneath his bicycle. Slides of various moments fly through his head.

Why similar: Visual Novel 49.2%, Puzzle 22.4%, Adventure 11.8%, Indie 8.3%, 2D 5.5%

Embark on a heartwarming journey as a home cleaning specialist.

Why similar: Emotional 54.8%, Visual Novel 29.9%, Pixel Graphics 6%, Adventure 5.6%, Indie 2.9%