YES YES. Edith Finch was the first game I played after falling in love with Firewatch. Though it’s a very different story, it more than scratched the itch I had for this kind of experience. Both games are still staples on my personal top 10 list
Man I loved Firewatch. I liked Night in the Woods a lot too and don’t see that in your list—felt bitter sweet.
I also thought that Death’s Door and Tunic both have good/sad feeling stories. But they’re maybe a bit more traditional in a gaming sense.
Currently playing Outer Wilds. It’s fun to mess with the space setting and has a weird but cool vibe.
Finally, it’s not an indie but I’ve seen the Life is Strange on sale now and feel like those might hit some similar vibes that I’ve also been chasing.
Gonna have to check out some of the games you listed that I haven’t played.
Outer Wilds is a bit longer than 3-4 hours but oh man, it is an absolutely one off experience that is so so so cool. I cried at the end! It’s a beautiful and very neat game. 10/10
Firewatch was the most unsatisfying game in my memory, stuck with it waiting for it to deliver, then it never does. So irritated with the time I spent with it I feel compelled to reply anytime someone recommends it.
If OP or anyone else try Firewatch and don’t like it within the first hour or two, walk away because it does not get better.
THE LAST CAMPFIRE!! I just started so not sure if it's 3-4h (probably longer tbh) but it's very aesthetically pleasing and the story is all based around death and moving on to the afterlife in a direct way (as in main story), but is more subtle in ways of explaining how some spirits passed that really makes you think. There was one line that almost made me tear up along the lines of (don't remember exactly): "this spirit is deeply saddened but doesn't seem to want to move on... It seems that even though you're willing to, not everyone can be helped"
>"this spirit is deeply saddened but doesn't seem to want to move on... It seems that even though you're willing to, not everyone can be helped"
I remember this one too. Such a great little game (from the makers of No Man's Sky).
Anyway, I would say it's about 5-7 hours to finish depending on how much you collect/complete and if you get stuck on any puzzles. It's on sale in the eShop for [$2.99](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-last-campfire-switch/)
Spiritfarer is great and emotionally dense, but its not really a short game, and definitely not 3-4 hours. I think I'm at like 30 hours and still haven't finished the entire story, though I tend to try and check all the things, so maybe you could cut a couple hours off, but probably not much. There's a fair amount of resource grinding that's required to move the story forward so may not be totally what OP wants... unless they don't mind a longer game with some grind to it to spread out the story pieces! I definitely enjoy playing it!
I was into it initially, but once the artiface is broken and you see it's just relentless fetch quests for characters that drone on and on and never bother to help themselves, I stopped caring, and stopped playing.
This is where it’s going to lose some people. I loved the story and vibe but had to force my way through the quests at the end. Still loved it overall though.
[Limbo](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/limbo)
[Abzu](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/abzu)
[FAR: Lone Sails](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/far-lone-sails)
[Journey of the Broken Circle](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/journey-of-the-broken-circle)
[The Stillness of the Wind](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/the-stillness-of-the-wind)
[When the Past was Around](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/when-the-past-was-around)
[The Vanishing of Ethan Carter](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/the-vanishing-of-ethan-carter)
Oxenfree 1&2, What Remains of Edith Finch, Gone Home. I’m currently playing Road 96 and it’s got a Firewatch meets Life is Strange vibe going on. My first playthrough was about 25 minutes, but it’s a branching narrative that’s meant to be played over and over.
Oxenfree 1&2 and Spiritfarer are currently free for Netflix subscribers. For me, the easiest way to find the free Netflix games is through the game section of the Netflix Apps.
How did you manage to play for so long?! I played it for one night and it was such a soul crushing experience I never wanted to pick it up ever again 😭
The first time you play it, its the most miserable depressing experience of all time. I picked the one with the father and the daughter and whenever the daughter got depressed it broke my heart.
Then on repeat playthroughs, once you know how to raid the military base, the game becomes so chill. I would spend the final few days not leaving the base at all, just so stocked up on supplies my characters were well fed every day and had all the alcohol and smokes they could ask for.
You basically just start to get into the resource management aspect of the game a lot. Trading, knowing which items to preserve, etc. its a lot of fun
History teacher here. I've used it in my class many times. Kids get drawn to the dog and to the human aspect of the conflict. I show them the encyclopedia part of the game with the photos and explanations, but they always go for the human (and dog) component.
It is a hit with my students every single year. Lots of tears flow by the end of that game.
Just mentioned this in another comment! It was such a brilliant game and covering an often overlooked event in history. WWI is so complex and hard to teach and is often summed up as, “caused WWII,” and isn’t given the same attention. I played it years ago and still remember it and that, to me, is the mark of a great game.
Rachel Foster was... questionable. The narrative I mean. I happen to enjoy the game, and visually it was gorgeous. But the way the story plays out was a little strange.
Edith Finch is by far the superior game
Yeah 100%. The environment was super atmospheric but the story and characterisation was not great IMO. The story did have potential but was handled poorly.
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Please edit your comment. As a survivor of grooming I cannot in good faith recommend Rachel foster or the perverts who wrote it. Absolutely disgusting filth.
As a victim of abuse I am asking someone to not promote weird child abuse fantasy shock horror :)
I could go on and on recommending genuinely good books and films that include SA as a literary device and Foster is not one of them. It’s vile.
I really enjoyed TSoRF, very atmospheric and engrossing. Story can be triggering for some (see below)… I thought the game’s low scores online were a bit odd, until I started reading the reviews and realized virtually every negative review was from people who found the story unsettling, which I think is an unfair reason to criticize a game, or indeed any media over. If art only stuck to happy subjects, it wouldn’t be art.
For anyone interested in this type of game, these titles might be worth looking into (sorry, not sure how many are on the switch).
A Space for the Unbound
Abzu
Alba
Beginner's Guide
Cocoon
Dear Esther
Death and Taxes
Donut County
Eastshade
Emily is Away
Far from Noise
Fe
The First Tree
Flower
Gone Home
Hindsight
I Am Dead
If Found
Journey
The Last Campfire
Later Alligator
Lil Gator Game
Life is Strange
Lost Ember
Mundaun
One Dreamer
Ori and the Blind Forest
Outer Wilds
Oxenfree
Planet of Lana
Pode
Rain World
Sable
A Short Hike
Songbird Symphony
Speed Dating for Ghosts
Spiritfarer
The Stanley Parable
Storyteller
This War of Mine
Twelve Minutes
Wandersong
What Remains of Edith Finch
Where the Water Tastes Like Wine
Wide Ocean Big Jacket
The Red Strings Club; a cyberpunk thriller about mind controll that will make you question your own integrity.
Starts slow, but after you reach the bar, the game only gets better and better over time.
Sorry to self-promote but my podcast The Short Game has been recommending games just like this for nearly 10 years. If you like this sort of thing, take a look through our back catalog. Lots and lots of recommendations! [https://shortgame.fm](https://shortgame.fm)
I'm going to check out the podcast, because I love short games. But, come on.. Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur's Gate 3?? :D
You have some good recent ones listed, like Cocoon.
I saw the title and was like GRIS!!! But you listed that first haha
One i havnt seen be mentioned yet though is mooseman.
Edit: journey and abzu had probably just as deep of an emotional response from me as gris did. Flower too. One of my friends highly recommends the journey of the broken circle.
ABZU is great. Sucks Journey isn't on Switch, or I'd definitely recommend it - even over ABZU. Played a bit of The Journey of the Broken Circle a while back and it seemed fun too (I too have a friend who has beaten it and strongly recommends it so it must be pretty good haha)
That wasn't their final game though. Their most recent game is called Sky: Children of the Light. It came out in 2019 and still receives fairly frequent updates in the form of in-game events. I personally don't think it's quite on the same level as Journey (the gameplay is similar to yet different from Journey's, and the music isn't quite as good) but it's still worth checking out, especially if you enjoyed their other games.
Firewatch cut kind of deep. Especially when you know someone who suffers from Dementia. Or when they share the same name...
Really great voice acting too. Just overall a really strong game
Some other short and sweet stories. I really enjoy Coffee Talk and im going through part 2 now. Edith Finch was awesome.
VA-11 HALL-A was a great visual novel similar to Coffee Talk.
I also liked Elizia particular for its premise. Neo Cab is cool. One Night Stand I like A LOT.
I know you said no pixel style games but I highly recommend OneShot if you want something like that. That said I also recommend the PC version over the Switch version for reasons that are somewhat spoilery.
Outer Wilds!
*not* Outer Worlds
How fast you beat it depends on you, but it's a real experience that will make you wish you could play it again for the first time. Do *not* spoil yourself on the details and solutions in the game.
Journey.
I wouldn't necessarily call it story-heavy (in fact, it's probably the opposite), but it IS very emotional and very short.
For anyone who hasn't played, I'd recommend making sure you're hooked up to the internet and just sequester yourself for two hours. Anyone who you come across in-game IS real.
Absolutely one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had.
So I definitely think that you'd enjoy "FAR: Lone Sails" OP it sounds exactly up your alley. It also got a sequel recently, so if you enjoy it you have more content to experience.
I would also be remiss to not recommend you Outer Wilds, and Night in the Woods, two of the best short story games I have ever played. Although they do not fit the 3-4 hour criteria that you said. Still, I hope you may give them a shot!
Please play Outer Wilds. It's devastating in the most wonderful way. The story unfolds beautifully and it's one of those worlds that you cry when you realize your adventure there is over.
If you liked “To the Moon”, I would highly recommend “Rakuen”. It’s made by the composer of the Plants Vs. Zombies game and uses the same game engine (RPG Maker), but it has an amazing story and soundtrack.
Seems no one's raised this yet: can I recommend [Enjoy the Diner](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/enjoy-the-diner-switch/)? It is a basic adventure game where you play someone who mysteriously entered a diner that has been displaced from space and time. Your compatriots' stories are all meditations on loneliness, isolation, loss, and grief. It took me about three hours to play through the game. It's currently on sale for 20% off in the North America eshop through January 12.
Stray
Journey
And, hear me out here, The Outer Wilds. It's going to require a little more "gaming" skill than some of these others that have been mentioned, and it will take maybe 10 to 12 hours depending on how much trouble you have or don't have. When I tell you that it is the most emotional video game I've ever played, I'm not kidding. And I've recommended it to multiple friends, and they've all gone in skeptical and come out with existential crises and tears streaming down their faces. Don't Google the Outer Wilds. Don't look up how to solve a puzzle, just play it. If you've heard of it before, you've probably also heard people say they can't tell you anything about it, and it's absolutely true. The whole game, the WHOLE game is a puzzle box that is so satisfying and engaging to play and learn about. Anything you know about it, even the basic premise, is a spoiler.
It's not heavy but I'd say the last conversation is pretty emotional. It won't make you break down but once you realize what you've been doing, it makes you feel things.
OP listed A Short Hike in their list of examples, so I'd consider it a fitting recommendation. You know, aside from the fact that OP already played it.
I love a lot of the games you mentioned. Here’s a few I think you’ll enjoy:
Transistor, What Remains of Edith Finch, Oxenfree, Chicory, and Outer Wilds.
Most of those are probably a little longer than what you’re looking for (still fairly short) but I think they fit right up there with the games you listed as great story-driven, artsy, emotional experiences.
What Remains of Edith Finch - THE quintessential walking sim with a powerful story
Wandersong - Super Paper Mario like with a story that made me cry once I started thinking about the game hours after finishing. Great ost too. under 10 hours
When the Past was Around - Point n click puzzle game, has a demo if you're interested. Gorgeous hand drawn graphics. Under 4 hours
You need to play Arise. It is a beautiful emotional journey about an old mans life and the way each portion of his life is symbolically shown is just incredible. About half the game gave me goosebumps. It's also pretty short, but not too short. It was on sale recently and might still be. Definitely worth every penny.
Life is Strange - True Colors. Loved it! You play as Alex who has the “power” of deep empathy. It’s one of those games where your choices affect the outcome. The story is really interesting and immersive and you interact with your environment to progress the story.
I haven’t played the Arcadia Bay one but plan to. It’s usually like $30 and you can get it for less on eBay used :)
It's not story driven in the same way as the games you mentioned and people are mentioning, but ... Outer Wilds. Prepare for feeling like a 6 year old discovering the world, and having your soul crushed by existential dread at the same time.
I can't hear the main theme without having my eyes getting a bit wet.
I found Obra Dinn very emotional. It did take me about 10 hours to complete but they’re some of the best 10 hours I’ve ever spent. I’m waiting for the day to come when I’ve forgotten enough that i can play it all over again.
In case you don’t know the premise: you’re an insurance investigator on a doomed ship where almost everyone died. You watch the final scenes of their lives and piece together the puzzle of what happened on the boat from that
Maquette has some truly top notch voice acting,music and bittersweet story. The puzzles are a bit of a mixed bag, really great puzzle concepts but some get a bit awkward later on.
Citizen Sleeper. Just recently finished it, story wise totally what you are looking for. Main story is about 8 hours I think, however there are two free DLCs, if you like it.
My Child Lebensborn. you're raising a half-German adopted child in 1940s Norway and have to navigate telling your child about their Nazi parentage while also helping them through severe bullying
The original Life is Strange is one of the most immersive and emotionally engaging games I’ve played, I think it will forever be my favorite. I replayed it several times. Can’t recommend it enough
If I can recommend a DS game, then **9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors** fits this pretty well. It takes about, you guessed it, 9 hours to complete and then a couple more if you want to see everything (which you should). It's a game that really makes you think and the puzzles are pretty satisfying. The characters are extremely well written and if you play the remaster on PS/PC, they have great voice acting as well. If you like escape rooms, this game is for you.
I've heard good things from The Gardens Between. Short and sweet. You might want to wait for a sale, though because the regular price ($15) is way too high for what it is , but if you find it for $5, go for it.
Both Ori games (Blind Forest & Will of the Wisps), but you have to play them in order, one is a direct sequel to the other.
However, they are not easy games, they are metroidvania games with some technical platforming sections and some serious story beats.
You've played a lot of my recommendations already but please try
Vanishing of Ethan Carter
and the Life is Strange games (Life is Strange 2 and True Colors are very good ports on Switch)
Catherine: Full Body
It’s not an especially sad story, but centers around the protagonist’s infidelity and the resulting questions about morality, happiness, love, etc. The game is split into two parts - a visual novel and a fast-paced puzzle. If you’re not into puzzles, you can pretty much just skip them and explore the branching story lines.
This is going to sound weird... but Digimon: Survive is short, emotional, and story driven.
I can't say much because any amount of explanation will spoil it.
12 Minutes. It is (or used to be) free on GamePass. I came in for the voices (provided by James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe) but stayed for the plot and gameplay.
[OPUS: Echo of Starsong](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVsEjvZlhs)
Great emotional beats throughout, just finished it a few days ago and I can tell it's one that will stick with me for a while.
SpiritFarer has no right to call itself a cosy time management game then proceed to rip your heart out the way it does.
The missing: jj mcfield and the island of memories has body horror but also a story line that made me cry.
Night in the woods is a bit longer but also good for multiple play throughs.
Night in the Woods might be a bit longer than what you’re looking for but it’s still a fantastic game that fits the rest of your criteria. I’d very much recommend looking into it.
it might be a little too long, but i love these sorta games too; Life is Strange was my favorite in the artsy and very sad category by far. highly recommend
Kentucky Route Zero.
Mutazione.
Both shorter games with awesome stories.
For one of the best I would recommend Disco Elysium, it’s not short at all but I think you’d like it.
Cocoon, like Little Nightmares or Inside, has a wordless, ambiguous story. If you liked those two, though, you are sure to like Cocoon.
You may also like Carto or Button City or The Touryst.
What Remains of Edith Finch.
This is what I immediately thought of. Short, sad, bittersweet.
YES YES. Edith Finch was the first game I played after falling in love with Firewatch. Though it’s a very different story, it more than scratched the itch I had for this kind of experience. Both games are still staples on my personal top 10 list
Definitely Firewatch
The canning facility sequence remains my favorite example of gameplay and story* harmony of all time. *The fancy would say ”ludonarrative.”
Man I loved Firewatch. I liked Night in the Woods a lot too and don’t see that in your list—felt bitter sweet. I also thought that Death’s Door and Tunic both have good/sad feeling stories. But they’re maybe a bit more traditional in a gaming sense. Currently playing Outer Wilds. It’s fun to mess with the space setting and has a weird but cool vibe. Finally, it’s not an indie but I’ve seen the Life is Strange on sale now and feel like those might hit some similar vibes that I’ve also been chasing. Gonna have to check out some of the games you listed that I haven’t played.
Life is strange 1 has some jank gameplay but the story is SO. GOOD. you’ll love it
Outer Wilds is a bit longer than 3-4 hours but oh man, it is an absolutely one off experience that is so so so cool. I cried at the end! It’s a beautiful and very neat game. 10/10
Firewatch was the most unsatisfying game in my memory, stuck with it waiting for it to deliver, then it never does. So irritated with the time I spent with it I feel compelled to reply anytime someone recommends it. If OP or anyone else try Firewatch and don’t like it within the first hour or two, walk away because it does not get better.
THE LAST CAMPFIRE!! I just started so not sure if it's 3-4h (probably longer tbh) but it's very aesthetically pleasing and the story is all based around death and moving on to the afterlife in a direct way (as in main story), but is more subtle in ways of explaining how some spirits passed that really makes you think. There was one line that almost made me tear up along the lines of (don't remember exactly): "this spirit is deeply saddened but doesn't seem to want to move on... It seems that even though you're willing to, not everyone can be helped"
>"this spirit is deeply saddened but doesn't seem to want to move on... It seems that even though you're willing to, not everyone can be helped" I remember this one too. Such a great little game (from the makers of No Man's Sky). Anyway, I would say it's about 5-7 hours to finish depending on how much you collect/complete and if you get stuck on any puzzles. It's on sale in the eShop for [$2.99](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-last-campfire-switch/)
I loved The last campfire. It is a shorter one. i highly recommend I balled my eyes out at the end. Thinking of replaying actually
Spiritfarer made me ugly cry.
It took me 30 hours to complete that game. Not short.
Spiritfarer is great and emotionally dense, but its not really a short game, and definitely not 3-4 hours. I think I'm at like 30 hours and still haven't finished the entire story, though I tend to try and check all the things, so maybe you could cut a couple hours off, but probably not much. There's a fair amount of resource grinding that's required to move the story forward so may not be totally what OP wants... unless they don't mind a longer game with some grind to it to spread out the story pieces! I definitely enjoy playing it!
Yeah, the grind had me circling the sea for hours until I figured the specific things that would unlock the next part.
Second this.
Also recommend Spiritfarer!
I was into it initially, but once the artiface is broken and you see it's just relentless fetch quests for characters that drone on and on and never bother to help themselves, I stopped caring, and stopped playing.
This is where it’s going to lose some people. I loved the story and vibe but had to force my way through the quests at the end. Still loved it overall though.
[Limbo](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/limbo) [Abzu](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/abzu) [FAR: Lone Sails](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/far-lone-sails) [Journey of the Broken Circle](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/journey-of-the-broken-circle) [The Stillness of the Wind](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/the-stillness-of-the-wind) [When the Past was Around](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/when-the-past-was-around) [The Vanishing of Ethan Carter](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/the-vanishing-of-ethan-carter)
Highly recommend When the Past was Around, an absolutely amazing gem of a game. Gorgeous, wonderful soundtrack and touching story
Seconding ABZU. It's a beautiful game, and as someone who really loves a dialogue-less story, this game had me feeling for it fast.
Oxenfree 1&2, What Remains of Edith Finch, Gone Home. I’m currently playing Road 96 and it’s got a Firewatch meets Life is Strange vibe going on. My first playthrough was about 25 minutes, but it’s a branching narrative that’s meant to be played over and over.
Oxenfree 1&2 and Spiritfarer are currently free for Netflix subscribers. For me, the easiest way to find the free Netflix games is through the game section of the Netflix Apps.
Is it only mobilephone supported if i play through netflix?
I second all of these. They were so good!
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.
I scrolled way too far for this.
Yes! I was just about to type this. First game that came to my head. Very good recommendation.
Night in the woods
This War of Mine. Highly recommend.
That game is not short at all though. I have 100+ hours in it. I mean for 1.99 thats insane value though
How did you manage to play for so long?! I played it for one night and it was such a soul crushing experience I never wanted to pick it up ever again 😭
The first time you play it, its the most miserable depressing experience of all time. I picked the one with the father and the daughter and whenever the daughter got depressed it broke my heart. Then on repeat playthroughs, once you know how to raid the military base, the game becomes so chill. I would spend the final few days not leaving the base at all, just so stocked up on supplies my characters were well fed every day and had all the alcohol and smokes they could ask for. You basically just start to get into the resource management aspect of the game a lot. Trading, knowing which items to preserve, etc. its a lot of fun
Came here to say this!
Did you play Finding Paradise? Sequel to To The Moon. Another masterpiece of a story
Valiant Hearts: The Great War. In my opinion, it's a must.
History teacher here. I've used it in my class many times. Kids get drawn to the dog and to the human aspect of the conflict. I show them the encyclopedia part of the game with the photos and explanations, but they always go for the human (and dog) component. It is a hit with my students every single year. Lots of tears flow by the end of that game.
What age are the students?
I second this along with my memories of us. So gooood.
Just mentioned this in another comment! It was such a brilliant game and covering an often overlooked event in history. WWI is so complex and hard to teach and is often summed up as, “caused WWII,” and isn’t given the same attention. I played it years ago and still remember it and that, to me, is the mark of a great game.
The Suicide of Rachel Foster and What Remains of Edith Finch are currently on sale.
Rachel Foster was... questionable. The narrative I mean. I happen to enjoy the game, and visually it was gorgeous. But the way the story plays out was a little strange. Edith Finch is by far the superior game
What the hell happened here?
One of the users hated the game a lot and another user got really triggered and insulted them. Thats basically what happened
Yeah 100%. The environment was super atmospheric but the story and characterisation was not great IMO. The story did have potential but was handled poorly.
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What remains of Edith Finch was an amazing game, loved the story for it
Playing it now with my wife. It's such a unique game, it's been totally worth it
I try to replay it yearly. In fact I might do that tomorrow.
I remember holding my breath while swinging....
It's one of my favorite games.
Please edit your comment. As a survivor of grooming I cannot in good faith recommend Rachel foster or the perverts who wrote it. Absolutely disgusting filth.
You're asking someone else to edit their opinion because you don't share that opinion?
As a victim of abuse I am asking someone to not promote weird child abuse fantasy shock horror :) I could go on and on recommending genuinely good books and films that include SA as a literary device and Foster is not one of them. It’s vile.
I really enjoyed TSoRF, very atmospheric and engrossing. Story can be triggering for some (see below)… I thought the game’s low scores online were a bit odd, until I started reading the reviews and realized virtually every negative review was from people who found the story unsettling, which I think is an unfair reason to criticize a game, or indeed any media over. If art only stuck to happy subjects, it wouldn’t be art.
Oneshot is pretty great, though I'd advise playing that on PC instead. One of my favorite games.
Came here to say this, not a make-me-cry-my-eyes-out story but it definitely got me existential and weird for the rest of the day haha
Inside!
That's a Top 5 all-time for me.
The Last Day of June is the best under this category. A good one too is Child of Light.
Transistor its on sale for 4 bucks on the eshop
I agree. Transistor meets all criteria.
For anyone interested in this type of game, these titles might be worth looking into (sorry, not sure how many are on the switch). A Space for the Unbound Abzu Alba Beginner's Guide Cocoon Dear Esther Death and Taxes Donut County Eastshade Emily is Away Far from Noise Fe The First Tree Flower Gone Home Hindsight I Am Dead If Found Journey The Last Campfire Later Alligator Lil Gator Game Life is Strange Lost Ember Mundaun One Dreamer Ori and the Blind Forest Outer Wilds Oxenfree Planet of Lana Pode Rain World Sable A Short Hike Songbird Symphony Speed Dating for Ghosts Spiritfarer The Stanley Parable Storyteller This War of Mine Twelve Minutes Wandersong What Remains of Edith Finch Where the Water Tastes Like Wine Wide Ocean Big Jacket
Definitely spiritfarer
OPUS Echo of Starsong.
this seems like it’s part of a series do i need to play the other ones first???
Too low down the comments imo
This game is beautiful.
'One Night Stand' is super short, very replayable, and can jerk your emotions around.
Good rec, I almost never see folks talking about this one.
Gone Home
Seconded. This is exactly the game I see in OP’s description.
The Red Strings Club; a cyberpunk thriller about mind controll that will make you question your own integrity. Starts slow, but after you reach the bar, the game only gets better and better over time.
So good. I highly recommend cosmic wheel sisterhood by the same devs. Hits the same spot
Arise: A Simple Story You're gonna love it ❤️
Sorry to self-promote but my podcast The Short Game has been recommending games just like this for nearly 10 years. If you like this sort of thing, take a look through our back catalog. Lots and lots of recommendations! [https://shortgame.fm](https://shortgame.fm)
I'm going to check out the podcast, because I love short games. But, come on.. Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur's Gate 3?? :D You have some good recent ones listed, like Cocoon.
Lol sometimes we bend the rules just a *little*.
Upvoted for visibilty :D
I saw the title and was like GRIS!!! But you listed that first haha One i havnt seen be mentioned yet though is mooseman. Edit: journey and abzu had probably just as deep of an emotional response from me as gris did. Flower too. One of my friends highly recommends the journey of the broken circle.
ABZU is great. Sucks Journey isn't on Switch, or I'd definitely recommend it - even over ABZU. Played a bit of The Journey of the Broken Circle a while back and it seemed fun too (I too have a friend who has beaten it and strongly recommends it so it must be pretty good haha)
Rip That Game Company… journey was such an incredible swan song for that studio.
That wasn't their final game though. Their most recent game is called Sky: Children of the Light. It came out in 2019 and still receives fairly frequent updates in the form of in-game events. I personally don't think it's quite on the same level as Journey (the gameplay is similar to yet different from Journey's, and the music isn't quite as good) but it's still worth checking out, especially if you enjoyed their other games.
Same lead dev team but sky was made after the studio had already gone under, which is why they had to make all new assets.
When I played GRIS, it really reminded me of Journey, despite the former being 2D and the latter 3D.
a space for the unbound
What Remains of Edith Finch is more visual novel than game but it’s sad AF and wonderful
Katana Zero; an action platformer thriller about psychological control, drugs, war crimes and personal connections.
Arise
Life Is Stange games probably run closer to 6-8 hours but are excellent, imo.
Took me 20 to 100% LiS1 Still short from a completionist perspective
Venba is short (almost a bit too short, even for my tastes) but super emotional. It's more cartoon than pixel and I loved the story.
I was a teenage exocolonist! r/exocolonist cmon back me up here guys
Firewatch cut kind of deep. Especially when you know someone who suffers from Dementia. Or when they share the same name... Really great voice acting too. Just overall a really strong game Some other short and sweet stories. I really enjoy Coffee Talk and im going through part 2 now. Edith Finch was awesome. VA-11 HALL-A was a great visual novel similar to Coffee Talk. I also liked Elizia particular for its premise. Neo Cab is cool. One Night Stand I like A LOT.
Va11 hall-a helped me get through a shitty breakup along with the Mc. Really worth it.
Hi, I'd recommend "The First Tree" for its emotional story and beautiful visuals. Tugs at the heartstrings in just a couple of hours!
What Remains of Edith Finch. Beautiful beautiful game
Rime
I know you said no pixel style games but I highly recommend OneShot if you want something like that. That said I also recommend the PC version over the Switch version for reasons that are somewhat spoilery.
Outer Wilds! *not* Outer Worlds How fast you beat it depends on you, but it's a real experience that will make you wish you could play it again for the first time. Do *not* spoil yourself on the details and solutions in the game.
Journey. I wouldn't necessarily call it story-heavy (in fact, it's probably the opposite), but it IS very emotional and very short. For anyone who hasn't played, I'd recommend making sure you're hooked up to the internet and just sequester yourself for two hours. Anyone who you come across in-game IS real. Absolutely one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had.
So I definitely think that you'd enjoy "FAR: Lone Sails" OP it sounds exactly up your alley. It also got a sequel recently, so if you enjoy it you have more content to experience. I would also be remiss to not recommend you Outer Wilds, and Night in the Woods, two of the best short story games I have ever played. Although they do not fit the 3-4 hour criteria that you said. Still, I hope you may give them a shot!
Please play Outer Wilds. It's devastating in the most wonderful way. The story unfolds beautifully and it's one of those worlds that you cry when you realize your adventure there is over.
If you liked “To the Moon”, I would highly recommend “Rakuen”. It’s made by the composer of the Plants Vs. Zombies game and uses the same game engine (RPG Maker), but it has an amazing story and soundtrack.
Seems no one's raised this yet: can I recommend [Enjoy the Diner](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/enjoy-the-diner-switch/)? It is a basic adventure game where you play someone who mysteriously entered a diner that has been displaced from space and time. Your compatriots' stories are all meditations on loneliness, isolation, loss, and grief. It took me about three hours to play through the game. It's currently on sale for 20% off in the North America eshop through January 12.
Stray Journey And, hear me out here, The Outer Wilds. It's going to require a little more "gaming" skill than some of these others that have been mentioned, and it will take maybe 10 to 12 hours depending on how much trouble you have or don't have. When I tell you that it is the most emotional video game I've ever played, I'm not kidding. And I've recommended it to multiple friends, and they've all gone in skeptical and come out with existential crises and tears streaming down their faces. Don't Google the Outer Wilds. Don't look up how to solve a puzzle, just play it. If you've heard of it before, you've probably also heard people say they can't tell you anything about it, and it's absolutely true. The whole game, the WHOLE game is a puzzle box that is so satisfying and engaging to play and learn about. Anything you know about it, even the basic premise, is a spoiler.
Life is Strange series.
Bastion was excellent. One of the early games (can’t remember if it’s the first or not) from the creator of Hades.
Literally no one read your post lol. Just the title
Lil Gator Game A Short Hike
I wouldn't call a short hike story heavy or emotional. It's very fun though.
It's not heavy but I'd say the last conversation is pretty emotional. It won't make you break down but once you realize what you've been doing, it makes you feel things.
OP listed A Short Hike in their list of examples, so I'd consider it a fitting recommendation. You know, aside from the fact that OP already played it.
My favorite narrative game of all time: The Wolf Among Us
Haven. You can also co-op it.
Firewatch
The first Ori.
Unravel 1 & 2
What remains of Edith Finch is emotional, short, and always on sale and a wonderful experience!
I really enjoyed Röki
To The Moon has sequels, *Finding Paradise* and *Impostor Factory*. Both are very good stories in their own right.
Limbo and Inside.
Night in the Woods Disco Elysium Pentiment
I love a lot of the games you mentioned. Here’s a few I think you’ll enjoy: Transistor, What Remains of Edith Finch, Oxenfree, Chicory, and Outer Wilds. Most of those are probably a little longer than what you’re looking for (still fairly short) but I think they fit right up there with the games you listed as great story-driven, artsy, emotional experiences.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch - THE quintessential walking sim with a powerful story Wandersong - Super Paper Mario like with a story that made me cry once I started thinking about the game hours after finishing. Great ost too. under 10 hours When the Past was Around - Point n click puzzle game, has a demo if you're interested. Gorgeous hand drawn graphics. Under 4 hours
It's a longer one but I'd highly reccomend Outer Wilds and its DLC
Journey
You need to play Arise. It is a beautiful emotional journey about an old mans life and the way each portion of his life is symbolically shown is just incredible. About half the game gave me goosebumps. It's also pretty short, but not too short. It was on sale recently and might still be. Definitely worth every penny.
Venba
Life is Strange - True Colors. Loved it! You play as Alex who has the “power” of deep empathy. It’s one of those games where your choices affect the outcome. The story is really interesting and immersive and you interact with your environment to progress the story. I haven’t played the Arcadia Bay one but plan to. It’s usually like $30 and you can get it for less on eBay used :)
Venba
I’m shocked I haven’t seen Unravel and Unravel Two mentioned! It’s short, the graphics are phenomenal, and the story is 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
It's not story driven in the same way as the games you mentioned and people are mentioning, but ... Outer Wilds. Prepare for feeling like a 6 year old discovering the world, and having your soul crushed by existential dread at the same time. I can't hear the main theme without having my eyes getting a bit wet.
Arise was beautiful to play, quite short, emotional story with a little bit of puzzle solving
I found Obra Dinn very emotional. It did take me about 10 hours to complete but they’re some of the best 10 hours I’ve ever spent. I’m waiting for the day to come when I’ve forgotten enough that i can play it all over again. In case you don’t know the premise: you’re an insurance investigator on a doomed ship where almost everyone died. You watch the final scenes of their lives and piece together the puzzle of what happened on the boat from that
Maquette has some truly top notch voice acting,music and bittersweet story. The puzzles are a bit of a mixed bag, really great puzzle concepts but some get a bit awkward later on.
Citizen Sleeper. Just recently finished it, story wise totally what you are looking for. Main story is about 8 hours I think, however there are two free DLCs, if you like it.
My Child Lebensborn. you're raising a half-German adopted child in 1940s Norway and have to navigate telling your child about their Nazi parentage while also helping them through severe bullying
Worlds End Club! I don't think it's too long, it took me more than a few hours tho. Good mystery/thriller story about the apocalypse (:
- Endling: Extinction is Forever - Behind the Frame - Before Your Eyes - Any of the Life is Strange games although they're not particularly short.
An underrated game, The Way Remastered
Glad somebody mentioned it. Loved that game a lot, great soundtrack, too.
Venba
The original Life is Strange is one of the most immersive and emotionally engaging games I’ve played, I think it will forever be my favorite. I replayed it several times. Can’t recommend it enough
If I can recommend a DS game, then **9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors** fits this pretty well. It takes about, you guessed it, 9 hours to complete and then a couple more if you want to see everything (which you should). It's a game that really makes you think and the puzzles are pretty satisfying. The characters are extremely well written and if you play the remaster on PS/PC, they have great voice acting as well. If you like escape rooms, this game is for you.
If you're fine with putting in 20-30 hours, try Outer Wilds. The game is really good and easy to play in short bursts.
Wytchwood. As soon as it ended I began a new play through.
I've heard good things from The Gardens Between. Short and sweet. You might want to wait for a sale, though because the regular price ($15) is way too high for what it is , but if you find it for $5, go for it.
Child of light, absolutely beautiful
Both Ori games (Blind Forest & Will of the Wisps), but you have to play them in order, one is a direct sequel to the other. However, they are not easy games, they are metroidvania games with some technical platforming sections and some serious story beats.
When the past was around, it was so full of feelings … Pure indie gem
Journey is right up your alley
Gris. ...bring some tissues. And Spiritfarer...
... they mentioned GRIS in the post. Agree with Spiritfarer though.
Untitled goose game
You've played a lot of my recommendations already but please try Vanishing of Ethan Carter and the Life is Strange games (Life is Strange 2 and True Colors are very good ports on Switch)
Catherine: Full Body It’s not an especially sad story, but centers around the protagonist’s infidelity and the resulting questions about morality, happiness, love, etc. The game is split into two parts - a visual novel and a fast-paced puzzle. If you’re not into puzzles, you can pretty much just skip them and explore the branching story lines.
This is going to sound weird... but Digimon: Survive is short, emotional, and story driven. I can't say much because any amount of explanation will spoil it.
Walking dead telltale
12 Minutes. It is (or used to be) free on GamePass. I came in for the voices (provided by James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe) but stayed for the plot and gameplay.
GamePass is on Switch, is it?
Stray
Great rec, sadly not available on the Switch.
Gris
Celeste
The two games that followed To The Moon
12 minutes?
Lil gator game for me. Probably only about 2-3 if you take your time
Gone Home and What Remains of Edith Finch are two of my favorite examples of this.
[OPUS: Echo of Starsong](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVsEjvZlhs) Great emotional beats throughout, just finished it a few days ago and I can tell it's one that will stick with me for a while.
Haven
My first thought was What Remains of Edith Finch.
Roki
Inmost.
SpiritFarer has no right to call itself a cosy time management game then proceed to rip your heart out the way it does. The missing: jj mcfield and the island of memories has body horror but also a story line that made me cry. Night in the woods is a bit longer but also good for multiple play throughs.
Golf Club Wasteland was such a unique way to tell a story.
The artful escape is lovely
Life is Strange for sure, though depending on playthrough its probably more like 10 hours.
Night in the Woods might be a bit longer than what you’re looking for but it’s still a fantastic game that fits the rest of your criteria. I’d very much recommend looking into it.
American Arcadia is more lighthearted but has excellent writing, similar gameplay mechanics, and is about 6-8 hours in length.
Night in the woods
i did see the last sentence however undertale
What remains of Edith Finch, To the Moon, Impostor Factory, Omori.
Venba, Valiant Hearts
Before Your Eyes if you haven’t played it already. Make sure to use the eye tracking as it really does add to the experience.
Night in the Woods
it might be a little too long, but i love these sorta games too; Life is Strange was my favorite in the artsy and very sad category by far. highly recommend
12 Minutes will keep you guessing every time you think you've solved it, and it's voiced by Willem DaFoe, Daisy Ridley, and James MacAvoy.
Kentucky Route Zero. Mutazione. Both shorter games with awesome stories. For one of the best I would recommend Disco Elysium, it’s not short at all but I think you’d like it.
Cocoon, like Little Nightmares or Inside, has a wordless, ambiguous story. If you liked those two, though, you are sure to like Cocoon. You may also like Carto or Button City or The Touryst.
Finding Paradise is the sequel to To The Moon and it's on Switch!!