Summary
Some games — such as those in the grand strategy, traditional roguelike, and RTS genres — while not always, commonly rely on complex gameplay mechanics to draw players in. Others, likeRainbow Six: SiegeorCall Of Duty, attract players with their competitive environments.
There are some games, however, that offerimmersive, atmospheric experiencesthat rely on their ability to build and maintain a moody atmosphere for extended periods of time. The best, of course, tend to meld great gameplay with an immersive ambiance, but games can often succeed off the back of a well-crafted mood.
Immersive, atmospheric sound design, gritty computer-terminal visuals, and a dark, grimy futuristic settingreminiscent ofAlien— these qualities dramatically improve the experience ofDuskers, making its minimal graphics and slow gameplay much more palatable.
Duskersis a real-time tactics game that tasks players with controlling robotic drones using a command console. While this sounds simple on the surface, the tension soon ramps up when the game’s monsters come into play. There’s no doubt that the game’s moody atmosphere is one of its greatest strengths.
7HROT
An Old-School FPS With A Focus On Mood And Atmosphere
Fans of classic first-person shooters such asQuakewill immediately recognizeHROT’saesthetic and fast-paced gameplay. However,HROTis a unique indie shooter among a growing crowd of90s-inspired FPS games, with a focus on atmosphere rather than gunplay.
In fact,HROT’sguns, while serviceable, aren’t nearly as satisfying to use as its contemporaries, or many of the games it’s inspired by. WhereHROTexcels is in its moody, immersive atmosphere, facilitated by buckets of pixelated rain, an oppressive color palette, and surrealist imagery.
There’s something strangely tranquil aboutThe Long Dark’sbrutal, unforgiving survival gameplay, and that’s almost entirely down to the game’s tremendous sense of atmosphere. Sporting stylized visuals, simulation-heavy gameplay, and the quiet, contemplative mood of a walking simulator,The Long Darkis a unique, addictive beast.
The Long Dark’smoody atmosphere is assisted by its harsh environments and unforgiving gameplay loop, making the moments of reprieve all the more rewarding. The quiet atmosphere brought about by the sound of a crackling fire and the distant howling of wind and wolf alike, combined with the knowledge that safety is finite, drenches every free moment in a melancholic treacle.
The rundown city of Revachol, the hopeless state ofthe game’s protagonist, and the downtrodden beauty of its world makeDisco Elysiuma uniquely moody RPG. The distinctive skill system results in gameplay that feels fresh, butDisco Elysiumis all about its moody atmosphere and evocative writing.
The narrative ofDisco Elysium— and how the player helps to shape it over the course of the game, coloring in the details wherever they can — is what sets this title apart from the rest. The moody atmosphere is certainly helped, however, by the game’s painterly visuals,talented voice acting, and political musings.
Melancholy is at the root ofNight In The Woods— it’s in the game’s bones, baked into its DNA, and the autumnal,small-town settingis the perfect place for it.Night In The Woodsis deeply atmospheric and often emotional, but its moody atmosphere is rarely oppressive, and exploring the familiar streets of Possum Springs can be a tremendously serene experience.
Players looking for a mechanical experience beware:Night In The Woodsis anarrative-driven gamewith little to offer outside of its moody atmosphere, well-written characters, and engaging story. That said, the game does feature a handful of mini-games that help to spice up the gameplay, including a rhythm game in the style ofGuitar Hero.
INSIDEis a relatively short but truly memorable experience packed with intuitive puzzles and set in an unsettling, dystopian world. This side-scrolling puzzle-platformer features a minimalist art-style and a quiet, eerie atmosphere that provides a great sense of mood and a handful of creepy moments.
The minimalist visuals and stark colors ofINSIDE’sworld do much of the heavy lifting in creating a moody atmosphere, but the game’s subtle storytelling and atmospheric music do a superb job of supporting it. Overall,INSIDEis perfect for fans of narrative-driven experiences and puzzle-platformers alike.
Channeling the melancholic loneliness and vague storytelling of FromSoftware’sDark Soulsand the mysterious exploration of classic Metroidvanias in equal measure,Hollow Knightis an overtly moody experience from start to finish. A Metroidvania itself,Hollow Knightis a 2D platformer with a focus on exploration and methodical combat.
From the ruined and mysterious nature ofHollow Knight’sunderground world of Hallownest and the way it limits the player’s information, to the fresh implementation of traditional game maps, this smash-hit indie title is brimming with mystery and layered with a melancholic atmosphere.
Thriving on a rich setting steeped in magical realism and constantly bombarding the player with surreal imagery and quirky characters,Kentucky Route Zerois a one-of-a-kind experience. The melancholic music, stylized aesthetic, and strange, mysterious narrative make for a consistently moody experience.
Kentucky Route Zerohas little-to-no gameplay outside of traveling and interacting with the game’s cast of truly unique characters. As such, its moody atmosphere and emotional story are the biggest reasons to keep playing.
