Lately I have been getting back into playing videos games. Myself I do enjoy games that have a great story, though I’m not really into the shooting type of game, though I have enjoyed the reboots of Tomb Raider and the Uncharted series of game, but I prefer the exploration parts of these game more that the combat.
So for me I really like the games that have been classed as Walking simulators Well first that’s if you class these type of games as real games. As some people will find these games boring i.e. no action. Calling them walking simulator seems to me a bit unfair as they do sound boring, I myself would more class them as interactive stories.
These kind of game would more be suited for people that enjoy reading books, this is because as you get further in these game the story begins to develop and you can get engrossed in the story, just like a book.
With these type of games there is no time limit or urgency to get from one part to another you can explore at your own pace and enjoy the story or scenery. As games most dont last that long at really max around 5-6hrs gameplay, but unlike your triple A games, they are a lot cheaper at around £8-£15. Some of the games once completed you may not want to play again but others you will want to play though again in case you missed something or just to enjoy the whole experience again.
Below are some of these types of games that I have played recently, and really looking forward to playing Everyone’s gone to the rapture for the PC that has just been released as was only PS4 exclusive (though may have got a PS4 just for this and Uncharted 4). Will keep updating this page as I play more of these games. So why not follow this site for updates.
There are two games do want to play but unsure the first is The Witness this game is like a walking sim but does have loads of line puzzles through with up to 100hrs of gameplay, I don’t have the time to put into this game. The second is That Dragon, Cancer which does seem a sad game, though this may hit a nerve with me, but will get top this one eventually.
While on the subject That Dragon, Cancer The creator and designer of this game has recently said so far he hasn’t made any money of this game as people are watching the complete walk through’s of the game on YouTube. With these types of games, that are more of a story people think why should I buy the game if I can just watch the story. Well first yes you are getting the story by watching the game, but you aren’t getting the full enjoyment of the exploration side. This is why I PLAY these games, as if just wanted to watch a story would watch the crap that’s on tv. But the programmes that are on tv is what made me start playing these games in the first place.
Some of the the games I have played so far are: Firewatch, Dear Esther, Home Sick, Gone Home, Vanishing of Ethan carter (not finished). Games that want to play soon: Ether One, The Park, Dream, The Path.
So see the following pages for quick reviews on the games i have played so far.
Home (Page 1) – Homesick (Page 3)
**Firewatch**
A very enjoyable walking mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, I enjoyed this game so much I did a full review on this game.
See HERE for my full review of this game. Great value for the money as I spend over 5 hours playing this game.
£14.99 (Steam)
Home (Page 1) – Homesick (Page 3)
Firewatch (Page 2) – Dear Esther (Page 4)
**Home Sick**
In home sick you start by walking up in abandoned building. You explore this building bit by bit as certain parts you can only get to at night in your nightmares.
You have some puzzles to do from opening file cabinets using combinations, getting water, etc. I don’t want to give too much away, but a little tip do remember the light switches as these are important.
The graphics in this game are absolutely gorgeous which really does immerse you into the game. The game took me in total just under 3 hours to complete. I have mixed feelings with the game, really did enjoy the graphics and the setting, but for some reason wasn’t really that into the game or the story. But for the price it is good value for this type of game.
£10.99 (Steam)
Firewatch (Page 2) – Dear Esther (Page 4)
Homesick (Page 3) – Gone Home (Page 5)
**Dear Esther**
In Dear Esther you start your journey on a remote island. You have the voice of a man telling you a story, the voice seems so surreal sometimes and is very poetic. As you walk around you get more stories. There are no puzzles at all within this game, just exploration.
The story is great within this game and could bring a tear to your eye. Graphics wise really good for a game that was released in 2012. The sound track in one word is Amazing and this really does draw you into the story.
Dear Esther is the first type of these games I played, and really did enjoy this game though with only just over an hour or so play isn’t that long but for the really cheapo price is great value. I have only played this one at the moment though it does say that every play-through a unique experience, with randomly generated audio, visuals and events. So will defiantly play this again.
£6.99 (Steam)
Homesick (Page 3) – Gone Home (Page 5)
Dear Esther (Page 4) – The Guest (page 6)
**Gone Home**
Gone home is set in 1995. You play as a young woman Katie, as you arrive home from a year long trip abroad you are greeted by an empty house. As you walk around and examine items you unlock journal entries and letters from your younger sister Sam.
Gameplay is like any other walking simulation type game you just walk around discovering general information about your family and in the end why no one else is in the house. Puzzle wise there are only three different 4 digit combinations you need to find, so really not taxing at all.
For myself I did enjoy this game it took me max three hours to complete and that is reading all the letters and exploring everywhere I could within the house, as you can only explore the house and you can’t go outside. I found the story really good, graphics wise was ok, though do remember this game was released in 2013. The sound track is nice and relaxing, but does have some tension at some points. The voice acting was good as by the end of the game you did feel an affinity to Sam.
I would recommend the game, though if could get it on offer as £15, for max 3hrs seems bit high, but if you are like me and enjoy these game worth a look.
£14.99 (Steam)
Dear Esther (Page 4) – The Guest (page 6)
**The Guest**
In the guest you are Dr. Leonov and start in a gloomy hotel room, and have to figure out what is going on as your character does seem to be suffering from a mental illness which does affect his grasp on reallity. There are more puzzles in this game that others of its kind, so this game is more of a room escape game than a walking type sim.
The story does draw you in and the puzzles are pretty easy, the game dosnt last that long, I didnt finish it fully as got literally to the last door and the puzzle was a musical one that you had to follow the tones, to be honest im not that good at these so left it, but will go back to it again.
£6.99 (Steam)
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