Life Is Strange
Life Is Strange is probably the most well-known game on our list, but for a game of such a high caliber, we feel it needed far more love than it actually received. Putting players in the shoes of Max Caulfield, you’ll follow her story of the typical and not-so-typical problems of a teenager. Oh, and did we mention you can rewind time, too? Allowing players to see the outcome of specific decisions and altering the way things play out may seem counter-intuitive, but each and every effect could have a positive and negative result on the over-arching story so you’ll be left guessing whether you made the right decision hours later. A great cast of voice actors and some truly shocking moments mean this five part episodic game is one of the brightest gems that many gamers may overlook. Try this game, we promise you won’t regret it.
Nidhogg
Nidhogg is so basic in its premise that it means any two players can play a game and have one of the most enjoyable and hectic experiences this year. Each player controls a sword-wielding man with the objective of running in one direction through a series of screens without your opponent stabbing you and running in the opposite direction. Nidhogg’s mechanics are so balanced and easy to become accustomed to that many games will go on for way longer than you’d expect. And the longer the game goes on, the more intense it gets. If you’ve ever wanted a game that’s a great laugh at parties, Nidhogg is one of the best games you could pick up this year. By the way, if you and your friends are super competitive, it’s even better.
The Beginner’s Guide
From the creators of The Stanley Parable comes another rather strange game in the form of The Beginner’s Guide. Much like The Stanley Parable, Beginner’s Guide is narrative-driven. The experience won’t last all that long, but it’ll tell an engaging story of a person struggling to deal with something that they do not entirely understand. The game is best enjoyed if you go into it not knowing what to expect or experience, so we won’t say much more. All we’ll say is that if you’re a fan of games like The Stanley Parable, Dear Esther, and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, you should almost definitely pick up The Beginner’s Guide. The very positive reviews on Steam don’t lie, people!
SOMA
If you’re looking for a game to scratch that horror itch, SOMA is probably what you’re looking for. Set in the depths of the Atlantic ocean, you’ll be tasked with merely surviving in an eery world where you’ll be petrified to turn each corner. Yes, its premise may sound like the original Bioshock, but SOMA has the same suspense and atmospheric horror as games like PC horror classic, Amnesia, that you’ll want to avoid playing this game with the lights off if you scare easily. The game has overwhelmingly positive user reviews on Steam and is currently available for 20% off in the Steam Autumn sale. Now is the time to grab it if you’re after a horror to whittle away those dark, winter nights.
Titan Souls
Titan Souls is a top down action adventure game. Released in April of this year, Titan Souls has not gained as much attention as many owners of the game would have expected. Titan Souls is a fiendishly difficult game reminiscent of Dark Souls in the sense that the odds are very much loaded against you and every one of the game’s enemies are a puzzle in themselves. With only a bow, an arrow, and one life, you are tasked with taking down the Titans, which also only need one life to be defeated. The difficulty comes not in landing the blow on the enemy, but working out the best way to do so as well as protecting your precious life. If you’re after a challenging action adventure game that’ll have you questioning just how good you are at games, Titan Souls is the perfect way to fill your evenings with curse words and tears.
Have you played any of these hidden gems? Did we miss out one of your favorite lesser known games from 2015? Let us know in the comments below.
About the author
