Gaming in India is not as mature as it is in the US or in most other places in the world. This is largely because people view it as an unnecessary extravaganza. People believe that video games makes their children lazy, unsociable and violent. And of course video games waste time and make grades fall (On contrary, these 3 games, if anything, will only make one smarter). To some extent, I would agree with them. But let me save this discussion for a later time. Apart from all the modern shooters, fantasy RPGs and various other AAA titles out there, a few games stand out from the rest (like how 'The Lunchbox' stands out from its other Bollywood counterparts) with totally unique gameplay styles. These games are by no means unrecognized or devoid of fame. But they are widely unknown in the Indian market. I would term these games as 'an experience' rather than a game if given the choice. Anyone from a 14 year old teenager to an 80 year old grandma may have a fantastic time playing these games. And most importantly, you Don't have to be a Gamer to play these games and also you can't call yourself a Gamer if you play these games.
1. Portal 2
Portal 2 is a pure Sci-Fi puzzle game. From the developer Valve corp (the company that runs Steam and made Counter-Strike), portal 2 has absolutely mind bending puzzle elements. None of the levels seem even mildly repetitive and boast an engaging and amusing gameplay. You play as Chell, a human subject for a scientific testing, who is given the 'Portal Gun' which allows her to teleport to places. You are required to solve some environment integrated puzzles thereby allowing Chell to reach various parts of the research facility. The dialogues are well written making its deceptive evil villain, an AI robot named GLaDOS, excessively sarcastic to the likes of Chandler Bing and Charlie Harper. It also has a co-op mode that is specifically designed to keep two brains up and running. It is not easy for a puzzle game to sustain the elements of fun and entertainment. But Portal 2 outrightly nails it with ease.
2. Inside
A perfect 10 from both IGN and steam is something to start with. With Inside, the developers Playdead attained absolute perfection in their second venture. Inside take just about 4 hours to complete. One analog stick and two buttons (one to jump and the other to interact) is all you need to control the unnamed boy throughout the story. The game leaves one thinking and trying figure out the implications of its story (especially the ending) even hours after completing it. The game can be categorized as an adventure indie game with an appreciable amount of puzzles. The soundtrack is outstanding and perfectly complements the story in brewing suspense, grief, fear and guilt. The game is visually stunning by finding beauty in its simplicity. The game is flawless in all its aspects resulting in an extremely emotional package. Inside tells a profound tale that is so much memorable and lasting. Inside is as much of a movie as it is a game. And it won't be a tad bit of an exaggeration to say that Inside excels both as a game and as a movie.
3. Monument valley
Monument Valley, by the developers UsTwo, is the only mobile game in this list (available on android, iOS and windows phones). This game is art at its finest - an absolute masterpiece. Monument valley is yet another puzzle game that is quite short with about 18 levels (including the expansion pack). You play as Ida, a silent princess who explores the universe. Monument Valley has a very unique gameplay concept that is quite simple and fun. The game is the pinnacle of visual beauty. A screenshot any point of the game would provide you with a breathtakingly beautiful wallpaper, literally. The audio blends in so well with the visuals like a chocolate brownie does with vanilla ice cream. The audio is simply enchanting and induces a state of tranquility (unless you are cluelessly stuck at some level) unlike the previous game Inside, which works with a darker setting. Monument Valley is in short a Treat for the Eyes, Ears and the Soul
Anyone who knows me will agree that I don't claim something to be good unless it is excessively good. And anyone who has played any one of these games will agree that these are excessively good.
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