In the world of gaming, the conventional approach has long been the standard: action-packed shooters, fantasy RPGs, competitive multiplayer experiences, and sports simulations. However, a growing number of developers are pushing the boundaries of what games can be, delivering experiences that defy traditional categories. These games are not just about winning, leveling up, or defeating enemies. They challenge norms, spark creativity, and offer players something completely new.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most unique and unconventional games that have left a lasting impression on the gaming community. From surreal narratives to innovative mechanics, these games redefine what it means to play.
The Importance of Innovation in Gaming
As the gaming industry has grown over the years, the diversity of experiences has expanded as well. While mainstream titles may dominate in terms of sales and popularity, the true beauty of gaming lies in its ability to evolve and surprise. Innovation in game design is important because it not only opens up new avenues for storytelling and interaction but also fosters a sense of exploration. When players are given something different, something they didn’t expect, they’re more likely to form deep connections with the game, leading to memorable experiences.
The games we’ll explore in this post stand as testaments to the creative potential of the medium, showcasing just how varied and unique video games can be. These titles may not be household names for everyone, but they are celebrated by those who seek fresh experiences outside the conventional realms of gaming.
1. Journey (2012) – An Emotional, Wordless Adventure
One of the most iconic examples of unique gaming experiences is Journey, developed by Thatgamecompany. Released in 2012, Journey is an exploration game set in a vast desert landscape. Players control a robed figure traveling across the dunes, with the goal of reaching a distant mountain peak. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity: there is no combat, no dialogue, and no traditional narrative structure.
Instead, Journey uses visual storytelling and a minimalist approach to create a deeply emotional experience. The game’s artistic direction, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and use of multiplayer mechanics (where players can encounter anonymous travelers on their journeys) make it an unforgettable experience. The lack of words or explicit plot forces players to interpret the narrative themselves, leading to a personal and often moving journey.
2. The Stanley Parable (2013) – Breaking the Fourth Wall
The Stanley Parable is a game that challenges the concept of choice and free will in video games. Developed by Davey Wreden and William Pugh, this narrative-driven experience takes place in an office building where players control Stanley, an office worker whose daily routine is suddenly interrupted when all of his colleagues mysteriously disappear.
What makes The Stanley Parable unique is its non-linear story. The game is built around a narrator who guides Stanley through various options and decisions. However, players soon realize that they are free to ignore the narrator and make their own choices, leading to an array of bizarre and humorous outcomes. The game plays with the idea of player agency, creating a meta-commentary on the conventions of video game storytelling.
The Stanley Parable is a profound exploration of narrative structure, player agency, and the relationship between player and developer. It’s a clever commentary on the illusion of choice in gaming and one of the best examples of how a game can break traditional expectations and conventions.
3. Papers, Please (2013) – A Morally Complex Simulation
In Papers, Please, players take on the role of a border control officer in the fictional, totalitarian state of Arstotzka. At first glance, the game may seem like a simple bureaucracy simulator, where the player’s job is to inspect paperwork and decide who gets to cross the border. However, Papers, Please quickly evolves into something much more thought-provoking.
As players scrutinize documents and make decisions about who to let in or deny, they are faced with moral dilemmas that reflect larger themes of power, ethics, and personal responsibility. The game forces players to make difficult choices, such as deciding whether to allow refugees fleeing persecution or upholding the strict regulations set by the state.
The game’s emphasis on ethical decision-making and the consequences of one’s actions sets it apart from typical simulation games. Papers, Please isn’t just about managing paperwork; it’s about the weight of your choices, and the impact they have on the lives of others.
4. Monument Valley (2014) – A Surreal Puzzle Adventure
Monument Valley, developed by ustwo games, is an example of a game that uses optical illusions and impossible architecture to create a visually stunning and intellectually engaging experience. Players guide a character named Ida through a series of intricately designed levels, where the environment itself bends the laws of physics and geometry.
What makes Monument Valley unique is its combination of puzzle-solving and storytelling. The puzzles are visually striking, requiring players to manipulate the environment in creative ways to progress. As players move through the levels, they uncover a deeper narrative that’s told through minimalistic visual cues and abstract designs.
The game’s calming atmosphere, beautiful art direction, and clever puzzle mechanics make it a standout example of how games can use art and design to convey emotion and narrative in ways that traditional mediums cannot.
5. Undertale (2015) – Subverting RPG Tropes
When Undertale was released in 2015, it quickly became a cult classic, largely due to its unconventional approach to role-playing game (RPG) mechanics. Developed by Toby Fox, Undertale is a quirky RPG that challenges traditional RPG conventions. In many RPGs, players must battle and defeat enemies to progress. However, in Undertale, players have the option to spare their enemies, engaging in peaceful dialogue instead of combat.
This shift in gameplay fundamentally alters how the game is played. Every decision matters, and the choices players make throughout the game can lead to radically different outcomes, including multiple endings. The game’s self-aware humor, engaging characters, and ability to evoke deep emotional responses make it a standout in the RPG genre.
The beauty of Undertale lies in how it subverts the expectations of an RPG, offering players the chance to explore different ethical paths and consequences, and ultimately questioning the very nature of violence and conflict in games.
6. What Remains of Edith Finch (2017) – A Series of Short Stories
What Remains of Edith Finch is a narrative-driven adventure game developed by Giant Sparrow. The game tells the story of Edith Finch, a young woman who returns to her family’s home to uncover the strange and tragic history of her relatives. Each chapter of the game is a self-contained short story, where players experience the lives of different family members, each with a unique gameplay mechanic and visual style.
What sets What Remains of Edith Finch apart is its ability to tell an emotionally resonant story through diverse gameplay experiences. The game seamlessly transitions between different genres, from first-person exploration to interactive fiction, and each segment provides new and unexpected ways to engage with the narrative.
The game is a masterclass in storytelling, blending mystery, emotion, and creativity. It’s an experience that’s best enjoyed without spoilers, as its impact is deeply tied to the surprises it holds for players.
7. Return of the Obra Dinn (2018) – An Ingenious Detective Puzzle
Return of the Obra Dinn, developed by Lucas Pope (the same developer behind Papers, Please), is a detective puzzle game set aboard a mysterious, abandoned ship. The player assumes the role of an insurance investigator who must piece together the fates of the ship’s crew by examining the scene of their deaths.
What makes Return of the Obra Dinn unique is its use of a distinctive, monochrome art style that evokes the look of early computer graphics. Players are tasked with solving a complex mystery by observing key moments and deducing the identity and cause of death for each of the ship’s passengers.
The game’s innovative mechanics, such as the use of a “Memento Mori” watch that allows players to witness the moments of death, create an incredibly engaging experience. The game challenges players’ powers of observation and deduction in a way that feels fresh and intellectually stimulating.
8. Death Stranding (2019) – A Philosophical Walking Simulator
Death Stranding, created by renowned game director Hideo Kojima, is a game that divides opinion like few others. It’s a surreal, philosophical experience that revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where players control Sam Porter Bridges, a deliveryman tasked with reconnecting isolated cities.
At its core, Death Stranding is about walking, carrying packages, and navigating challenging landscapes. However, the game’s deep narrative, filled with complex themes about life, death, and human connection, elevates it beyond a simple walking simulator. The game blends cinematic storytelling with immersive gameplay, creating a unique and meditative experience.
What truly makes Death Stranding stand out is its unconventional approach to multiplayer. While there are no direct interactions with other players, the game allows players to indirectly help one another by building structures, leaving supplies, and creating paths across the terrain. The sense of connection and cooperation is subtle, yet powerful, making it a truly unique multiplayer experience.
Conclusion: The Future of Unique Games
The games highlighted in this post represent just a small sampling of the innovative experiences that are shaping the future of gaming. These titles challenge traditional design, pushing the boundaries of what games can be and what they can communicate to players. They show that video games are not just about entertainment but can be a form of art, a platform for storytelling, and a way to explore the depths of human emotion.
As the industry continues to grow, we can expect more developers to take risks and experiment with unconventional ideas. The future of gaming is one that embraces diversity, creativity, and exploration, ensuring that the experiences players have will only become more unique and exciting.
In the end, it’s not just about playing a game—it’s about experiencing something new, something that challenges our expectations, and something that stays with us long after the credits roll.
