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Priceless Play – 14 March 2020Games to keep the wolf from the door.
Games to keep the wolf from the door.
Here are games that either contain or combat an air of disquiet, paranoia, and discomfort. Perhaps there is one (or more) among them that you will find comforting.
The Old City of High WallsfromJohnLee Cooper
Library of BabblefromDemi
The developer, Demi, wrote to another player who experienced a similar phenomenon: “My suggestion may be to simply keep wandering in a single direction, and I’m sure you’ll discover someplace nice soon.” So I walked on. I just headed south (although I was unsure what south reallymeantin a place like this) and, eventually, as Demi promised, my number came up. And I left a little message.
Demi recently made Library of Babble free as a move to help those who need a quiet game to play. As more and more people move to self-isolation, social distancing, and quarantining to respond to the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, perhaps a wander in the library would help them. Perhaps it would help you, too.
A Hand with Many FingersfromColestia
At this point, I don’t thinkColestiacan make a game Idon’tlove. I spend a lot of my time in archives, I love media about espionage and intrigue, and I deeply question the motives of institutional bodies. And so, I present for your consideration, A Hand with Many Fingers: “a first-person investigation game about a real Cold War conspiracy. Explore the CIA’s murky history of drug smuggling, weapons trafficking, regime change, and assassination.” Oh. And the game is set in an archive! Finally, archivists can be the action heroes. Finally, I can play a video game where I connect black-and-white headshots to newspaper clippings via strands of red twine. Finally, my little heart can go pitter-patter in the basement of the archives, drowning out the hum of the air-conditioner as I start putting my nose where it doesn’t belong. Wait – what was that sound?
A Hand with Many Fingers is just a demo for now – and while I typically shy away from demos, I knew I had to get my hands (with their many fingers) on this as soon as possible. I can’t wait for the full release, and I hope you check it out.
Recreational Grave SimulatorfromEm Reed
Recreational Grave Simulator is the least morbid game you’ll ever play about lying in a grave and looking up at the sky. More site-specific art piece than commentary on the finitude of death, Recreational Grave Simulator gives you a chance to take a minute for yourself and listen to the birds off in the distance. It calls to mind the site-specific work ofSophie Calle, orJames Turrell, or a piece I can’t quite remember on a university campus, which invited students who needed some time to think the chance to lie in the deep, dark, earth for a little while. Go ahead. Take a break. I’ll still be here when you get back.
If you’re looking for more profoundly financially undemanding games to play, hit our list of thebest free games.
