Mini-games with a deep story are a rare combination where a compact format reveals strong emotions and unexpected twists. Here are three such games, each offering a unique perspective on life, death, and memory.
If Found… (2020) is a visual novel that tells two parallel stories. One is about a space explorer trying to prevent a black hole from destroying the Earth. The other is about a transgender girl named Cassie returning to her native Irish village in 1993, where she must sort out her relationships with her family and friends. The game uses a unique erasure mechanic where the player erases diary entries to progress through the story, which symbolizes the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
Critters For Sale (2021) is an adventure game consisting of five short stories, each taking place in a different time and place. Players take on the roles of various characters, from a traveler in 972 to a teenager in 1991, encountering themes of time travel, black magic, and immortality. Despite their fragmentation, these stories are united by the common theme of cosmic conflict between the Architects of Paradise and the Devil Men.
Necrobarista (2020) is a visual novel set in Melbourne, in a cafe run by necromancers. In this cafe, the souls of recently departed people spend their last 24 hours among the living. The game combines elements of magical realism and black humor, offering players a unique perspective on life and death through the lens of everyday interactions.
These games prove that even in a compact format, it is possible to tell deep and moving stories that leave a lasting mark on the player’s memory.
