As with movies, I love a game that is unique and is best experienced knowing nothing about it (aside from maybe genre or very light amount of premise).

A couple months ago, I played Return of the Obra Dinn and loved it. A few days ago I bought The Forgotten City and loved it as well (completed it this afternoon).

EDIT: The below lists are categorized for my tastes, but I'm trying to include everything that people have listed in case anyone else wants suggestions of this type.

Ones I want to play:
Alan Wake
Astroneer
Axiom Verge
Dap
Greyhat - A Digital Detective Adventure
Jazzpunk
Night in the Woods
No Man's Sky
The Norwood Suite
OneShot
Outer Wilds
Oxenfree
Silent Age
Superliminal
There Is No Game
This Is the Police
When the Darkness Comes
Yakuza 0

Other's I've liked:
Antichamber
The Beginner's Guide
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
CrossCode
Cultist Simulator
Do Not Feed the Monkeys
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
Hollow Knight
LA Noire
The Messenger
Portal (Added this because if you somehow still know nothing about it and only go by the trailer...wow! Super amazing when it was brand new)
Quantum Conundrum
QUBE
Spec Ops: The Line
The Stanley Parable
Talos Principle
Thomas was Alone
The Turing Test

Games I need to look into:
A Blind Legend
Chicken Police - Paint It RED!
Haven
Paradise Lost
The Plan
Yuppie Psycho

Games that weren't for me:
Pony Island
Superhot I know :-(
Undertale I know :-(
The Witness (I love puzzles, but I was hoping for something a bit different - did enjoy watching a playthrough)

Haven't played, and likely won't:
Death Stranding
Doki Doki Literature Club (I know THE thing, but that's not a genre I'm into)
Don't Escape: 4 Days to Survive
Frog Fractions
Gemini Rue
Her Story (knew the gameplay wasn't for me, but did enjoy watching a playthrough)
Kathy Rain
Last Door
A Normal Lost Phone
Papers, Please (did enjoy watching a playthrough)
Root Double
SOMA
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
What Remains of Edith Finch

In the poll above are two others I want to try in the very near future. Are there any others you can recommend?

2 years ago*

Comment has been collapsed.

Which game should I buy and play next?

View Results
Inscryption
Subnautica
2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks! Added it above.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I guess you're not into novels and such but since you liked Dr. Langeskov, you might like The Temple of No.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Giving it a go at the moment. Kinda skimming to get the gist, but enjoying it so far.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Astroneer

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks! Added it above.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Astroneer not have storytelling,but is very original gameplay must survive,build,explore other planets it's all in realtime no loading,and physic very good and modify terrain too and it's relaxing not have enemies

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Not having enemies is good. I'm not great at games like that, and so I disabled them for Factorio.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Based on what you said I think Doki Doki would be right up your alley, its a short and a very unique experience plus its free.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks! Added to one of my categories.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

You're welcome, just to mention as I saw the poll now, depending where you are from(because of the regional prices) you could get Inscryption for $5.99 currently on Epic store as they are giving $10 off of every game thats $15+ and Inscryption is $15.99 so that might be worth checking out. If you aren't on usd just gotta check what's the cuttoff point for your region and whether Inscryption qualifies.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I used my coupon on The Forgotten City <3

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Oh how is that game? I heard lots of good things about it, by the way the coupon is not single use, can use it however many times you like on all games that qualify.

2 years ago*
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

WTF it's multi use?! Thank you for telling me!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Yup there's no limit as long as it applies to the game! Unbeatable sale really even compared with steam sales.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

The Witness is one that comes to mind :)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks! Added to one of my categories.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

OneShot – there was a part of the game where I wanted to quit but I'm so glad I didn't.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

And also:
Antichamber
Her Story

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks! Added these as well.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks! Added to one of my categories.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

This this this. A hidden gem for me, discovered through an itch.io bundle.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Oooh, never heard of that one and free? Heck yeah.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Oh, can't believe I totally forgot about Night in the Woods!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I got this one free on Epic and watched a partial playthrough on a friend's stream. Not enough to be memorable or to spoil it, and he seemed to really love it. I should try it out.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

It probably doesn't immediately look like it, but check out CrossCode. Pretty much everything- the gameplay, puzzles, story and dialogue between characters, is a very unique experience the first time around. ^_^

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

You know, I was super excited about the game, played it to about halfway and then abandoned it for some reason :-(

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Awww, yeah, that happens sometimes. :/
(Also, ops, I should have checked earlier. Btw, going by the achievements, you we roughly about 1/8-th to 1/6-th of the way through, not halfway. ^_^' )

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

lol, boy did I misestimate! I don't know where I got that number from.

That's one I'll probably watch a playthrough of. Was interested in seeing where it went, but no desire to restart and complex enough that it'll be frustrating to try to restart.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

That's fair. ^_^

Btw, a few more games that might be good candidates:

Root Double - Ok, yeah, this one is a Mystery-ish Sci-Fi-y Visual Novel so it's kinda natural that its story is best experienced blind and that it doesn't really offer much in the gameplay department. But it is a really interesting story and, honestly, I'm very impressed that they managed to keep all of that consistent. (Though it does kinda foreshadow some stuff a bit too much. And some parts were a slog to get through, but then again, I'm not much of a Visual Novel player... which I guess says a lot that I recommend this one.)

VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action - Another... I hesitate to call it a Visual Novel, since the whole bartending thing actually is gameplay. None the less, it's a very interesting story filled with lots of cool (and very relatable) characters and lots of humour.

The Messenger - An action plarformer which... let's say it does something about 1/3-rd of the way through that changes everything but also doesn't change too much... if that makes any sense. XD (Oh, and it's also often very funny too. ^_^ )

2 years ago*
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

First time I've seen someone mention Root Double! I'm an experienced VN reader and I think it's great too, aside from pacing issues after the first part.

VA-11 Hall-A is also great, of course.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Not big on visual novels, sorry. But adding the to the list for others that might be interested!

I really enjoyed The Messenger even though I was awful at it :-)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I haven't actually played it yet, but I've been told Outer Wilds is great and to go in blind.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

So I've heard. Thought I already had it WLed, but apparently not. Thanks! Added.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Kathy Rain
This is The Police (1 and 2)
SOMA

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

L.A. Noire
The Silent Age
The Begginer's Guide
The Last Door 1 & 2
Alan Wake

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Loved it
Have it, but haven't played yet
Loved it
I'm mostly...eh on point and click games. Played a LOT of them in my youth and I think I'm past that point in life :-( (And yeah...I know, Silent Age. That one jumped out for reasons I don't remember.)
lol, I've had it installed for like a year and just haven't opened it yet. Soon.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Not big on walking simulators, but looked interesting enough to watch a playthrough
lol wtf, piqued my interest
Doesn't look like it's for me
Loved it
Not big on survival horror, but this one looks intriguing. Strong maybe

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Jazzpunk

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

So I've been entering GAs for it, not remembering why I was interested in the first place. Just looked again and lol, the art style <3

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Oxenfree - A fantastic story-based retro mystery-horror. Highly recommended
Someone mentioned them before already, but I would also recommend Kathy Rain & The Silent Age. Both are great mystery-thrillers with puzzles

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Honestly, I am strong proponent of going into most games blind. There are a few points in Hollow Knight that are best to experience rather than see, so I'll suggest that. It is also my favorite game and the game I currently speedrun, so I am a bit biased.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I enjoyed that game, thanks :-)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I second Oxenfree. Also, maybe The Turing Test?

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I have Oxenfree and need to bite down and do it.

Turing was great!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

If it hasn't already been spoiled to you over the years, Undertale fits that criterion very well.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I actually refunded this game a couple years ago :-(

I was super excited for it based on reviews, but I'm just not a bullet hell person. I loved the Earthbound vibes. Got that one the day it came out.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Can I ask why you disliked SOMA from suggestions?

It is a narrative "walking simulator" not an FPS, so while it is scifi, unlike Forgotten City it can't be that far from the other game (but i not played Forgotten City), and I see you don't ignore scifi games as you played some. Just curious, because that would be one of the first game i would recommend to anyone:-)

You played the older Gemcraft on steam, so if you liked it...:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1106530/GemCraft__Frostborn_Wrath/

And a few more good ones i played this year and on -50% at least:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/983970/Haven/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/982720/Paradise_Lost/

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Originally I really disliked SOMA, but the additional difficulty level / mod made it closer to the walking sim, where it shines the best (imo). It really has the themes, and the story that made into my favourite game of the year I played it. It's one if the few high - sci-fi stories that are worthy of Arthur C. Clarke and others)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

So I didn't dislike SOMA. Just haven't tried it. I can watch just about any horror film, but once you put me in control? I nope out of there hard. I bought Amnesia: The Dark Descent the first time I saw it for $5 (2011? 2012?) and have attempted it twice. The second time was after seeing a playthrough of the whole game. Neither time, did I actually make it to an enemy. I'm THAT BAD at horror games. And while you might notice I have 90756293 hours in Phasmophobia, the fact that it's 100% co-op allowed a group of friends to talk me into it, and I've exclusively played with them <3

Re: Walking Simulator - It did cross my mind that a comparison to The Forgotten City might be made. This may be a genre I should probably re-evaluate, as the descriptor doesn't seem to be used consistently. I think the fact that the first many of them that were described as such were VERY slow movement speed, which I just can't handle.

Been playing GemCraft since it made me cry with the original flash game! The one you mentioned is wishlisted. If I may ask, what makes this one fit the description of the question? Spoiler as necessary, of course.

Haven and Paradise Lost are ones that I will check out, as even though they're not ones I'd normally jump at...they do seem to have a draw on first glance.

Glad I already have you whitelisted :-)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Gemcraft doesnt fit the topic, sorry, just when i browsed your played games i seen the first one with ~42h played time, then checked if you played the other one and added to the comment while forgetting about the main purpose of the topic:-)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

<3

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Skeal.

5 minute game playable online. Has mouse and WASD controls. It's not horror despite the first seconds having potential, but what it really is? That has to be experienced. I'm super happy, that the game exists - it's a true example of indie creativity :)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Hahahahaha, phenomenal. Reminds me (rightly or wrongly) or "You Have to Burn the Rope" and "Can Your Pet?"

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Played No Man's Sky at launch without even knowing what the game was. I was mindblown, I walked on the first planet for HOURS without knowing what I need to do and I still got impressed. In the first week I was so excited to go home as soon as possible to be able to play the game. No other game bring such excitement for me.
Also Prey, Observer.

And of course puzzles like Q.U.B.E series, The Turing Test, Quantum Conundrum, Superliminal, The Talos Principle etc

AND if you want to go blind in these games, why make research before so you know if you like it or not, what's the real purpose of this thread?

2 years ago*
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Definitely still have NMS wishlisted.

Prey on WL as well. Need to look into Observer.

And of course puzzles like Q.U.B.E series, The Turing Test, Quantum Conundrum, Superliminal, The Talos Principle
Loved them all except Superliminal, which is on the WL.

"why make research before so you know if you like it or not, what's the real purpose of this thread?"
Good question. I tend to just skim reviews to see if the general vibe is "go in blind". Skim images and skip through video to see if it's a genre I tend to like, etc. I don't spend more than a couple minutes on each game and just go by gut feel.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

There is actually a game that makes you go in blind by closing your eyes and go on your hearing, but i forgot it's name.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Is it the car driving one? I've seen someone play it for a bit, and actually seemed neat. (I know there are a few others out there that are completely audio only.)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Can't remember, might be, though could also been black legend.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thanks!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I found this one

And quite some time ago I tried this Android game (iOS) with a similar premise, short but really good

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

The Norwood Suite.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

THAT'S the name of that game! I played it and it stuck with me for a while and completely forgot what it was.

What a weird game that was, lol.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Definitely play SOMA. If your concern is horror, the game is not so scary.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Might be one I watch :-D

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Red Dead Redemption!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I've heard the stories are good. Played RDO with some friends a year ago and had enough fun.

As I understand (and I could definitely be wrong), it's kinda GTA-engine-ish but with a cowboy re-skin. Not a crazy implementation of mechanics or mind-blowing story (although they're both good dramas from what little I know).

Not trying to poo poo the suggestion! Just unsure if it meets what I'm looking for.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

On the surface it is exactly that: A GTA reskin. However, I never really enjoyed playing GTA past GTA 2, yet RDR managed to grip me completely. Personally I loved how the story unfolded not knowing anything beforehand, but of course this is very dependent on the individual. You are right though that you won't find anything revolutionary mechanism-wise 😋

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

And that's fine! The Forgotten City, mechanic-wise, wasn't groundbreaking really, I suppose, but the way it used well-known tropes seemed unique to me. Or at least better done.

I've heard enough good things about the RDR games to want to give them a go at some point, but as moods and desires shift, I'm currently craving weird/memorable games.

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

I kept scrolling wondering if anyone was witty enough to recommend Beyond Eyes

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

SENIOR MODS! WE HAVE AN EDGELORD

lol, I did chuckle though o:-)

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

While I am sorry you did not enjoy undertale, I often see the mistake of people recommending it to relatively new gamers or to people who never really were into old 2D rpgs.
One of the strongest elements of Undertale is the subversion of expectations, many being genre specific. People who dont have expectations or general fond memories of the genre (especially old jrpgs with turn based batlle) dont get half of Undertale and dont understand, how could such a seemingly random, wacky experience garner such high prestige.
Granted, it MAY be enjoyed without that preexisting knowledge or nostalgia, but its like watching Infinity War without knowing the plot of any of the former Marvel films.
Also not saying this is the cause in your case as I obviously dont know You or your gaming history. Just my two cents.
Also-also, I would recommend Spec Ops: The Line. But really, REALLY dont look up anything about it and play it to the end (its not particularly long).
And if I was wrong in my assumption of your history with 2D rpg, I'd definitely recommend Evoland 2. Its also a genre-specific homage, but surprisingly well executed. You'd think its nothing more than comedy and nostalgia (whic it IS), but thankfully did not stop at that point.
Do you know the games of Supergiant? Bastion, Transistor and Hades comes from them. A title thats less talked about is Pyre as gameplay-wise it is the black-sheep of the family, but its equally good in quality and a memorable journey of its own.
If you are into adventure games and never played the classics, The long Jounrey would be definitely the most recommended by me. Its chamring beyond words, despite its age regarding graphics.
If you are into noir and crime stories, I would insist that You try Chicken Police. To my knowledge, its demo is available so You can see for yourself if its your cup of tea.
My last recommandation is Axiom Verge. I really did not expect anything from it as I seldom even heard of it befor EPIC gave it to me free, but boy, was I pleasantly surprised upon playing!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

The thing about Undertale is that I knew very very high level things like what you mentioned. I played FF (yes, the original) when it was new on NES. I've loved 2D RPGs for ages. I was excited for the game. But despite knowing all that, I didn't know it was a bullet hell game as one of the major elements, and I just didn't feel like fighting through it to experience it. I've since watched a video of it and wished I could've experienced it all myself...but being a busy adult/parent/spouse, you just gotta pick and choose sometimes.

Spec Ops was one I trusted and REALLY glad I did. I'm not great at FPS games, but I can usually make my way through a campaign even if I have to lower difficulty, etc. But holy crap, when IT happened (and then later when a different IT happened)...yeah, worth it.

I enjoyed both Evoland games <3

So the thing about Supergiant is I WANT TO LOVE THEM SOOOO MUCH. Heard a lot about Bastion, bought it ages ago to fulfill the criteria of this thread, and was underwhelmed. I loved the art style and music! Gameplay and story were eh for me, although the final choice was super cool. Wasn't big on Transistor, and never played Pyre. And yet, I still felt the need to try Hades. Went in completely blind, even though I don't like roguelikes (roguelites are better if done a certain way), don't like visual novel games, and had meh experiences with Supergiant. But I WANTED TO LOVE THEM BECAUSE I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF THE COMPANY. So I gave it a shot with my summer Epic $10 coupon, and holy hell did I fall in love with the game. Only ever beat like 7 heat before calling it quits. But I got my money's worth!

The Longest Journey, I assume? Might be worth watching a playthrough of.

lol wtf is Chicken Police?! Looking into that one!

I missed the free Epic giveaway of Axiom Verge, but already had it wishlisted.

Thank you for the message!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Thank You for taking your time to answer in detail!

2 years ago
Permalink

Comment has been collapsed.

Closed 2 years ago by DirigibleDan.