Rank 8: Unpacking
Unpacking is probably the most relaxing game on this list. Over eight moves, you accompany a character whom you never see but learn so much about.
What makes the game special? In Unpacking, you unpack moving boxes and arrange the items in the new home. To complete a level, all items must be placed logically – after all, a frying pan has nothing to do in the bathroom.
Through this simple gameplay mechanic, Unpacking manages to tell a beautiful story. Which items make it from the childhood room to the first own apartment? Which are eventually left behind? And which are newly added?
Rank 7: Ultimate Chicken Horse
Ultimate Chicken Horse is a jump’n’run game that you can play as an online multiplayer or in couch co-op mode with up to three friends. Everyone plays a funny animal character trying to reach the finish line first.
What makes the game special? What’s interesting about Ultimate Chicken Horse is that you build the levels during the game. At the beginning of each run, each player can grab and place an item. The goal is for you to be able to quickly complete the course yourself, while simultaneously making it as difficult as possible for your fellow players. If all players reach the finish line, the challenge probably wasn’t big enough, and no one gets points. You’ve never cheered for your friends’ deaths quite like this.
Rank 6: Soundfall
Soundfall is a looter-shooter where you slash your way through various dungeons. You are the guardian of harmony, protecting the world from the discordant forces of dissonance. With one of five classes, you explore different regions and collect new weapons and gear to become stronger.
What makes the game special? Soundfall is not only about music in the story but also in the actual gameplay. You must fire your shots to the beat of the background music to deal more damage.
This is incredibly fun and quite literally gets you into a groove. What’s especially cool is the ability to import your music and play along to your favorite tracks.
Similar games? Soundfall also stands representatively for other unique rhythm games. Notable examples include Metal Hellsinger (via Steam), where we shoot our way through the Eight Hells to heavy metal music. Or One Hand Clapping (via Steam), where we not only click in rhythm but must also sing or hum into the microphone.
Rank 5: Outer Wilds
In Outer Wilds, you play a recruit of Outer Wilds Ventures, a new space program. You explore the open game world and try to solve the mysteries of the strange star system.
What makes the game special? Exactly 22 minutes after starting the game, the sun goes supernova and wipes out all life. That was a short adventure. Fortunately, however, Outer Wilds then really begins. You discover that you are in a time loop. Your goal is now to find out as much as possible in those 22 minutes before you die again.
The interesting part is that you do not progress by accumulating loot or leveling up your character. Instead, you learn something in each cycle that brings you closer to solving the puzzles.
