Basically what the title says. I’ve only played two games like this so far (Silent Hill 2 and OMORI) and am looking for more.

Could be games, ROM hacks, mods of existing games, etc.

EDIT: So many great suggestions! Getting a bit overwhelmed by how many there are, so I’m going to need to find a way to put this in some kind of list with an order to play the games in. By all means, keep 'em coming, though!

  • Mikina@programming.dev
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    1 year ago

    For some shorter experiences I haven’t seen mentioned when skimming through a few comments here, I definitely recommend trying Transistor. It was one of the strongest emotional experience I’ve ever had in a game. I’ve managed to play it in a single sitting, but it is around 6 hours long. Supergiant games make such a uniquely perfect audiovisual experiences, that every game from them is a treat, but Transistor is the strongest emotional experience I’ve played from them.

    Another one would be two-hours long walking simulator with amazing environmental storytelling - What Remains of Edit Finch. You can play it in a single sitting, and it’s gorgeous and really well done.

    You should also play Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice . It’s also around 8 hours long, and you definitely want to play it with headphones, it’s such a strong emotional experience. The audio and game design is so well done, and the game has stuck with me for such a long time. It’s one of the few games where just seeing the trailer again tears me up and gives me chills. And after you play it, I recommend watching the documentary about how they tried to protray the mental illness of the main character through game design - it’s such masterfully done that I didn’t even realize most of what they are doing, but it has stuck with me and it worked wonders to make the experience even better.

    And for some even more unique game design - Before Your Eyes. What makes this experience so strong is the whole premise of looking over your life and memories after you’ve died, with the main mechanic of how to advance time being by blinking - physically blinking, because the game can work with your camera. That makes for a pretty strong metaphor that makes it even more emotional experience.

    And just to mention some games others have mentioned, to add to their recommendations - Outer Wilds, Ori and the Blind Forest, Life is Strange, Planet of Lana, all are really good games!

  • pacoboyd@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Probably gonna get hate for it but I’m a man in my 40’s and some of the Genshin Impact story lines have left me in tears.

  • robmexx@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I may be a bit late to the party but The last of us 1&2 had a pretty emotional impact on me. The game is pretty brutal, in every meaning, but the overall experience and story telling is hard to top.

    I highly recommend to not get spoiled and play it in order of release!

    • drcobaltjedi@programming.dev
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      1 year ago

      That game is the embodyment of “there are no right or wrong actions, just consequences” and it makes you feel terrible regardless.

  • Usnavi@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    I cried at the ending of Outer Wields. Its was very beautiful. You need to search the story for yourself and complete little puzzle. At the end when you get the full story its just beautiful and scary.

    • ludwig@reddthat.com
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      1 year ago

      Outer Wilds makes you think about the nature of existence itself.

      What a beautiful game.

  • Squirrel@thelemmy.club
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    1 year ago

    To The Moon.

    Rakuen.

    Life is Strange.

    Last Day of June.

    All of those made me cry, and they seem common recommendations on this kind of request.

  • sanpedropeddler@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    Disco Elysium made me cry after a short conversation with a random man on the street. I haven’t played much of it yet, so I can’t speak to the majority of the content, but what I have played of it evokes more emotion than any game I’ve ever played before.

  • tymon@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Disco Elysium shattered me half a dozen times. Two moments in particular made me step away from my desk and go on a walk. It’s the best-written game I’ve ever played.

    Firewatch. Gorgeous, emotionally honest game that wrings you out.

    Inside. More of a stressful, cathartic cry, but it applies.

    Mass Effect 3 - but only if you play the first two. Incredible story that beats you over the head with yearning .

  • drekly@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Bastion hit me like no other game really has. The start of supergiants fantastic game repertoire and I feel it gets overlooked due to its age. The music and narration is fantastic, and the story that unfolds is beautiful.

  • TuxCat@midwest.social
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    1 year ago

    I’d have to say Nier Automata, as well as the recent remaster of the game that came before it, Nier Replicant (ver 1.22…). Both are soul-crushing, which is helped by their amazing soundtracks. I definitely recommend them if you’re looking for something to make you cry.

      • DeGandalf@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        NieR: Automata is also definetely my favourite tip. Especially if you want to cry.

        Just as a hint: you need to play until you get ending c or d to experience the full story (and by that I mean, you are literally missing half the story otherwise). You don’t need to do anything special, just keep playing.

        Also after you get one you can easily do the other and then get the “true” ending.

  • Thalfon@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    Spiritfarer is an absolutely wonderful experience that is somehow both a casual open world chill game and a game that delves deep into the topic of death, being prepared for it, and leaving people behind. Really special game.

    • JackbyDev@programming.dev
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      1 year ago

      If you get this game don’t grind for resources. Only get them as you need them. There’s no reason to stockpile them.