Profits, Monsters, and Adventure!

Sources for images used sited below each picture.

In a world filled with AAA titles and mainstream hits, it can be easy to overlook some real gems in the gaming universe. Lesser-known games often provide unique experiences that can lead to unforgettable fun. Whether you are a casual gamer or a seasoned pro, exploring these titles can open up new worlds of enjoyment.

In this post, we will dive into some exciting games both new and (relatively) new that deserve your attention. From quirky indie titles to an unforgettable co-op experience, there is something for everyone. And maybe, one of these games is that something. So, grab your beverage and get ready to discover your next favorite game.

1. Game Stonk Simulator

Source: GameStonk Simulator Steam Page, simsum, Vsoo Games

Enjoyment Score: 9/10

Platforms: PC

Developer: simsum games

Price: Free (Demo)

Game Stonk Simulator: Gone Rogue is one of the most fun gaming experiences I've had in months. After several failed attempts by your cousins, your grandpa finally decides to give you your shot at running the family business, a game shop. With no games on the shelf and just 1000 dollars in the bank, you are tasked with keeping it afloat. Will you usher in an era of prosperity and turn this closet-sized "game shop" into a legit operation? Or will you be the one to finally sink the family business?

For me, this game sunk it's teeth into me immediately. I was hooked. The simplicity of the art style was charming, the "off-brand" game titles had me cracking up, (my personal favorite being "axes and demons") and the ability to customize not only your character, but the entire shop gave me a sense of pride that it was actually my shop. Everything from the games and other various products you sell, to the wallpaper and carpet. You can move anything around at any time. I will say, as with any simulation game, the gameplay can feel stale over time but as far as my experience went: I had a fantastic time. The full release of the game is still in development and only the demo is available at this time. However, the demo does offer around 3 hours of game time and you get to explore and experience a lot of what the game has to offer.

2. Still Wakes The Deep

Source: Still Wakes The Deep - FULL GAME Thumbnail - Hollow via YouTube

Enjoyment Score: 7/10

Platforms: PC, Playstation, Xbox

Developer: The Chinese Room

Price: 34.99 (Keep a look out for Steam sales, I got it for 9.99)

You awake on an Oil Rig as Cameron "Caz" McCleary. A Scottish electrician who took this seasonal job to make end's meet (Or did you do so to run from your problems?). You quickly find out that your boss learned of some legal trouble that you found yourself in on the main land and you're called up to his office to face the music. However, little did you know the chaos that would soon unfold.

As your oil rig encounters a critical, structural failure, you quickly learn that there's an otherworldly presence involved. This game has all of the classic horror elements that the mainstream titles have but adds it's own unique twist within it's main story. You watch as your crewmates who became your friends fight for their lives. Only to be transformed into something you no longer recognize. Can you help save the lives of those who are left? Or will you even live long enough to see it play out?

I'm typically not one to play horror games. I like watching them much more than I like playing. But, as a small streamer I decided to give it a try because I figured it would make good content. Boy did this game have my heartrate through the roof. The sneaking around monsters and navigating through tight corridors had me on the edge of my seat. With the dark ambience of flickering lights, creaking metal sounds and an unknown alien-like presence, I considered quitting a few times as it was much more than my "weeny" heart could handle. But, I couldn't. The story had me hooked and I just had to see how it played out. What made this game special to me was that it wasn't riddled with cheap jump scares. It was the environment and the ambience that did it for me. Coming from a non-horror gamer, this one is definitely worth the playthrough if you can stand the price tag.

3. Spiritfarer

Source: Spiritfarer Third Gameplay Teaser - Thunder Lotus Thumbnail via YouTube

Enjoyment Score: 10/10

Developer: Thunder Lotus Games

Platforms: Switch, Playstation, Xbox, PC, Mac

I'm adding this at the bottom because this actually isn't my recommendation at all. It's my wife's. My wife favors gaming on the Nintendo Switch. She likes cozy games where she can relax and unwind at the end of a long day. She doesn't like violence, shooters or anything like that. She likes the stuff that gives you that "cuddled up with a warm blanket" vibe.

 In Spiritfarer, players take on the role of Stella, a ferry master for spirits. The game combines management mechanics, with a touching narrative about helping spirits move on to the afterlife.

Players can build and upgrade their boat, gather resources, and forge relationships with the spirits they encounter. Each spirit has a unique personality, you'll find yourself forming an attachment to them quickly. The art style is charming, and the soundtrack is soothing. Spiritfarer is ideal for players who appreciate emotional storytelling and beautiful visuals. WARNING: This game was created by the developer to help him work through his own grief due to the loss of a loved one. You'll probably have yourself a good cry playing this.

My wife absolutely adored this game and I know she'd recommend it to anyone. She told me her favorite parts of this game are that you can leave the boat and explore various islands whenever you want, and that while the main story is linear, you can go at your own pace and play your own way.

(Bonus) The RPG: My First Dungeon Smells

Source: https://vgtimes.ru/games/the-rpg-my-first-dungeon-smells/screenshots/

Enjoyment Score: 8/10

Platforms: PC, ???

Developer: Dionysus Acroreites

I include this as a bonus because this demo is no longer playable. I just highly recommend you keep this on your radar and add it to your steam wishlist. Give this game a try when the full release comes out.

You awake on a carriage as a prisoner headed to a major city on an island in the middle of nowhere. Your first greeting being... "Hey you! Finally Awake?" (Sound familiar yet?...) You quickly experience an encounter that gives you an opportunity to escape from your captors, but it comes at a price. It also took away your only way of leaving the island. You awake from your daze, customize your character to your liking (I gave my character the largest head I possibly could) and explore.

With the hilarious dialogue, exploration and dungeon diving; I had an absolutely blast playing this game. You can explore the island, encounter hilarious NPCs (shoutout Mushroom Adorer) and the levels upon levels of dungeons you can fight your way through, this game has a ton to offer you. Not to mention, the sheer amount of Skyrim references within this game. As someone who has sunk thousands of hours into the Elder Scrolls series, it was definitely my favorite part. And, just like Game Stonk Simulator, it is still in development. All of this content is IN THE DEMO. Huge shoutout to the developer, you can tell it was truly a passion project.

Thank you for reading my very first post here on gamesiplayed.com, this is a bit of a passion project for me. I hope you'll consider one of these games for your next playthrough, and if you'd like - comment on this post and let me know which one you tried and give it your own enjoyment score! Have a great rest of your day and I'll see you next week! - Chance