Pixelated Perfect: Low-Res Story Games

by Claire Brownstone, Contributing Editor

Rimworld (Ludeon Studios)

I know what you’re thinking – a top-down construction game with story?! It’s true! Rimworld is an indie sci-fi colony builder that’s also a story generator. At the beginning of the game, you choose between three narrators based on how you want your story to be told – completely random events, classic rising tension, or a more “chill” variation with plenty of time between events to focus on building. In addition to outside forces affecting the fate of the colony as a whole, your colonists themselves will interact with each other, forming and building friendships and rivalries to further enrich the story. If you liked Stardew Valley, but wanted it to be space-themed with complex geopolitical simulation, this game is for you. Also Muffalo are the cutest fluffy creatures I’ve ever seen!

2064: Read Only Memories (MidBoss)

[Editorial Note: MidBoss was rocked by scandal when its CEO, Matt Conn, was accused of sexual harassment, underpaying workers, discrimination against women and persons of color, and threatening employees with legal action. Conn has since been removed as CEO and the company has instituted policies to support a more inclusive and fair work culture. GwG absolutely condemns Conn’s mistreatment of workers, but we also want to recognize the hard work of the developers involved in making the game.]

In this point-and-click cyberpunk adventure game, the player teams up with Turing, the first sentient machine ever created, to solve a murder case. The game takes place in the futuristic town of Neo-San Francisco, and you work as an investigative journalist by traveling around the city, solving puzzles, and interviewing citizens. While unsurprisingly the game delves deep into the ethics of robotics, it also presents a unique commentary on the future of the human condition. Cybernetic and genetic modification has become a scientific reality, and newly modified humans called “hybrids” are the target of a great deal of discrimination. It’s an inclusive game with a diverse cast, and it has multiple endings based on your choices throughout the game.

Undertale (Toby Fox)

There would probably be a rebellion if I didn’t include Undertale in this list, and for good reason. The player explores an underground world as a “Fallen Human.” Besides wandering around the world, the actual gameplay falls into the “bullet hell” genre, in which you dodge the various attacks sent your way from the monsters you encounter. The game really shines because of its slowly unfolding emotional story, incredible soundtrack, the relationships you build with the characters, and the fact that you don’t have to kill anybody to beat the game. By exploring themes of loss, vengeance, and forgiveness, there is a sense of both wonder and dread, as you uncover the secret, conflicted history of the underground world. There are multiple endings to this game based on how you play it, but be warned – this game remembers what you’ve done. If by some miracle you haven’t already played this game or had it spoiled, do yourself a favor and go into the game blind.

To the Moon (Freebird Games)

Warning: Only play this game if you like to cry. This is a prime example of how a game can make an emotional impact with poorly rendered sprites and practically no gameplay mechanics. You play as two scientists, Drs. Rosalene and Watts, whose job is to insert themselves into people’s memories to fulfill their dying wish, though only in their mind. Most of the gameplay is exploring the patient’s memories, collecting clues to go further back in time, and then manipulating those memories. The soundtrack to this game is phenomenal, perfectly complementing the experience. It’s a short game, around three hours total, but well worth a play through. Demonstrating the importance of memories to our sense of self, whether pleasant or traumatic, this game seeks to explore what it means to truly live a life without regret.

Coffee Talk (Toge Productions)

In this visual novel, you play as a barista in a late-night café that caters to the denizens of a fantastical variation of Seattle. Elves, dwarves, succubi, and more go about their daily lives living in relative harmony with humans. The gameplay itself is limited to crafting drinks and crafting latte art, but as you serve up delicious beverages, you learn about your patrons’ personal struggles and offer them conversation. Although it’s perhaps a simple game – you should go into it expecting a more relaxing experience – the story provides an enjoyable escape from reality while also exploring some genuine problems society is facing today. For example, one couple is facing backlash from their family due to long-held prejudices against their respective races. The tone of the conversations are often times lighthearted, but a few contain more serious undertones. Now time to go practice my latte art…