Most people assume that they'll be engaging with deep, engaging gameplay loops in their video games. This is understandable, but the interactive medium of video games doesn't necessarily need to be so complex.
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In fact, some great video games end up being memorable despite featuring little to no gameplay. The storytelling, visuals, and music — among other elements — ensure that players won't feel that the lack of gameplay is a detriment.
Class Of '09
A Hilarious Visual Novel With Some Truly Wild Endings
Class of '09
- Released
- June 10, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel
Players may find it hard to get invested in visual novels that feel like a static story rather than anything else, but some titles aim to provide novel gameplay in this genre. Such is the case with Class of '09, which is one of the few (if only) examples of an anti-visual novel.
Nicole is a hilarious protagonist to control, and all the endings are pretty satisfying to uncover. The great writing and fun characters ensure that this game will serve as a perfect introduction to the Class of '09 trilogy.
Mouthwashing
Aside From Some Annoying Chase Sequences, Gameplay Isn't A Huge Part Of This Title
Mouthwashing
- Released
- September 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Psychological, Horror
Players who want to check out a horror game for the ages will love what Mouthwashing has to offer. The game features a lot of walking around and simple puzzles that don't take away from the game's overbearing tension.
While the chase sequences can be a bit annoying at times, the gameplay itself remains fairly simple and ensures that players will have a great time with Mouthwashing. The chilling story will leave players with their jaws on the floor as they reach the end of a memorable horror game.
The Stanley Parable
An Elaborate Walking Simulator Where Hilarity Ensues Based On The Player's Actions
The Stanley Parable
- Released
- October 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Tobacco Reference
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Walking simulators are perfect candidates for games without a ton of gameplay, and The Stanley Parable is no exception. Fans love the game's narrator and how taking a simple route is enough to unlock more ending paths and the hilarity that commences.
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Each and every path in The Stanley Parable is tantalizing to explore, showing that strong presentation and a great narrator are all that's required to keep fans entertained. Even with a lack of gameplay, this title is still one of the best games players can get their hands on.
Slay The Princess
A Horror Visual Novel That Goes Down A Wild Route
Slay the Princess
- Released
- October 23, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
A visual novel with horror elements that's intensely riveting, a single playthrough of Slay the Princess will make it clear why this game is such a blast to play through. Players control a mysterious protagonist who must take on the role of the hero, but his goal is to kill an enslaved princess instead of saving her.
This story goes down a wild route as elements of divinity and Lovecraftian horror come into the picture. Eventually, players must embark on numerous ending paths to get the full picture as the number of voices in their heads keeps increasing.
Milk Inside A Bag Of Milk Inside A Bag Of Milk
A Simple Grocery Run Turns Into Something Nightmarish
Milk Inside A Bag Of Milk Inside A Bag Of Milk
- Released
- November 11, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel
Speaking of horror visual novels, another game that comes to mind is Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk. This game lets players follow the struggles of a girl suffering from trauma and psychosis, to the point where a single grocery run turns into a horror story for the ages.
The game is short and leaves a lasting impression on players with its incredible art style and writing. It's easy to see why the developer decided to build up on this title's success with a sequel that makes things bigger and bolder than ever while still retaining the chilling horror of this title.
Her Story
A FMV Video Hunter With An Incredible Story That Cooks At A Tantalizing Pace
Her Story
- Released
- June 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Puzzle, Indie Games, Simulation, Casual
At its core, Her Story is an FMV hunter that is deceptively simple. Players must uncover snippets of police interviews and use keywords to try and uncover the case of a missing husband and her wife's suspect testimony.
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It's a simple investigation game that makes the most of a barebones gameplay loop to let fans enjoy a unique experience. When it came out, there truly was no other game like Her Story, captivating fans the world over despite featuring little to no gameplay whatsoever.
Journey
One Of The Greatest Walking Simulators Ever Made
Journey
- Released
- March 13, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
The amazing visuals and simple gameplay of Journey won fans the world over when it came out. Fans were left spellbound by the incredible adventure this game took players on, ensuring that the simple act of moving forward would house a ton of depth.
The organic multiplayer ensures that players can experience this journey with other characters. However, it's the art design and beautiful storytelling that serve as the heart and soul of Journey, turning it into one of the prettiest and most relaxing (barring one infamous moment) video games of all time.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
The First Game That Would Establish A Beloved Series Of Detective Games
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- Released
- October 12, 2001
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Visual Novel
As epic as the Ace Attorney games may be, these titles are elaborate visual novels where players must pay attention to a person's testimony and figure out ways to break them down. While future games did add more things to the mix to switch things up, the same can't be said for the first game.
This was when the Ace Attorney gameplay loop was just getting established. There were no Magatama interrogations, mood boards, perception minigames, or Herlock Sholmes deductions to spice things up. Instead, there's just the classic loop of investigating locations and debunking testimonies that has served as the foundation for future Ace Attorney games.
All Ace Attorney Games, Ranked
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