Want to play something that will leave you mind-blown well after you’ve finished it? Check out these Switch games that subvert expectations.
At first glance, games that subvert expectations might seem predictable and uninteresting. However, it is precisely this predictability that these games subvert, leading to an unexpected and delightful experience for players. When we think we know what’s going to happen, and the game throws us a curveball, it triggers our curiosity and rewards us with a sense of discovery.
It’s like a surprise party, but instead of cake and balloons, we get a cleverly crafted twist that makes us feel like we’re in on a secret. Switch games that subvert expectations not only challenge us but also tap into our love of the unexpected, leaving the player wanting more.
Return to the Obra Dinn
“Return of the Obra Dinn” is a unique puzzle game that subverts players’ expectations in several ways. First and foremost, the game’s art style is unlike anything else out there. The game features a monochromatic, low-resolution look that is reminiscent of early Macintosh games, yet somehow manages to be both striking and atmospheric. This visual style, paired with the game’s haunting, atmospheric soundtrack, creates an immersive experience that draws players in right from the start.
Another way that “Return of the Obra Dinn” subverts expectations is through its gameplay mechanics. Rather than relying on the standard tropes of action, adventure, or role-playing games, “Return of the Obra Dinn” challenges players to solve a complex mystery by piecing together clues and uncovering the fate of each of the ship’s crew members. This approach requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail, which can be both frustrating and rewarding at the same time.
The Stanley Parable
Ah, The Stanley Parable, what a fascinating game. It’s a game that defies easy categorization, with its emphasis on storytelling, player choice, and meta-commentary. The player takes on the role of Stanley, a worker in a sterile, unremarkable office building. But the game quickly becomes much more than that. The player’s choices determine the direction of the story, with the narrator often chiming in to comment on the player’s decisions.
What’s most striking about The Stanley Parable is the way it plays with the idea of agency. The player is constantly presented with choices, but it’s never entirely clear how much control they really have. The narrator is always there, observing, commenting, and often subverting the player’s expectations.
The game is a commentary on the very nature of choice in games and in life, and it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the relationship between player and creator. In short, The Stanley Parable is a game that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing, a thought-provoking exploration of the very nature of games and storytelling.
Doki Doki Literature Club
Doki Doki Literature Club is a subversive game that plays with the player’s expectations of what a visual novel game should be. The game starts off as a typical dating sim, with the player joining a literature club and getting to know the various members. However, as the game progresses, it becomes apparent that there is something darker and more sinister lurking beneath the surface.
One of the key ways in which Doki Doki Literature Club subverts expectations is through its use of genre conventions. It takes familiar tropes from dating sims and visual novels and turns them on their head, creating a sense of unease and tension that builds throughout the game. Additionally, the game uses metafictional elements to further challenge the player’s assumptions and create a unique and unsettling experience.
Inscryption
Inscryption is a unique and captivating game that blends various gameplay elements seamlessly to create a truly immersive experience. The game mechanics, which include card-based battles and puzzle-solving, are intuitive and easy to pick up, but also challenging enough to keep players engaged. In addition, the game’s art style and music create a creepy and mysterious atmosphere that perfectly complements the story.
One of the most appealing aspects of Inscryption is its narrative. The game’s story is intriguing and slowly unfolds as you progress through the game. The characters are well-written and add depth to the overall narrative, making you invested in their journeys. The game also features some unexpected twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Overall, Inscryption is a must-play game that offers a unique and enjoyable experience for gamers of all skill levels.
Undertale
Undertale is a critically acclaimed indie role-playing game developed and published by Toby Fox. The game features a unique combat system where players can choose to either fight or spare their enemies, resulting in multiple branching paths and endings. Undertale is also known for its memorable characters, catchy soundtrack, and emotional storytelling that subverts traditional RPG tropes. The game has received widespread praise for its innovation and creativity, winning numerous awards and cementing its place as a beloved cult classic.
One of the main reasons why Undertale is a good game is because it encourages players to empathize with their enemies and consider the consequences of their actions. The game’s morality system rewards players for showing mercy and taking non-violent approaches, promoting a message of compassion and understanding. Additionally, the game’s multiple endings and secret routes add replay value and encourage players to explore and experiment with different choices. Undertale’s combination of gameplay mechanics and storytelling make it a standout title in the gaming industry and a must-play for fans of RPGs and indie games.
Nier: Automata
Nier Automata is an exceptional game that delivers an unforgettable gaming experience by presenting players with unexpected and surprising twists throughout the game. The game takes players on a journey that challenges their beliefs, assumptions and notions of what a game should be like. The game manages to defy typical genre conventions by blending different gameplay styles such as action, role-playing, and shooter genres seamlessly. Furthermore, the game’s storytelling is exceptional, with its emotionally charged narrative, unforgettable characters and unique world-building that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
One of the most appealing aspects of Nier Automata is its ability to consistently surprise players, both in terms of its gameplay and story. The game offers a level of depth that is rarely seen in video games and manages to keep players on their toes with its many unexpected twists and turns. The game’s narrative is both complex and nuanced, with the player being constantly challenged to think and question the events happening in the game. This combination of engaging gameplay and thought-provoking storytelling is what makes Nier Automata a truly great game that is worthy of the highest accolades.
Superliminal
Superliminal is a remarkable game that takes players on an unexpected journey through the world of perception and reality. The game challenges players to think creatively and approach problems in new and innovative ways, constantly surprising and delighting them with unexpected twists and turns.
Its unique gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and clever puzzles make for an incredibly engaging experience that is unlike anything else out there. By blending elements of puzzle-solving, exploration, and surrealism, Superliminal creates an immersive and thought-provoking world that will keep players engaged from start to finish.
Baba Is You
Baba Is You is a game that challenges the player’s expectations by allowing them to manipulate the game’s rules and mechanics in unexpected ways. The game’s puzzles require the player to think creatively and use unconventional methods to achieve their objectives. This often involves breaking the established rules and finding new ways to interact with the game’s environment.
As a result, Baba Is You is a game that constantly surprises the player, forcing them to think outside the box and approach problems from new angles. Its unique gameplay mechanics and unconventional approach to puzzle-solving make it a standout title in the puzzle genre.
The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a captivating puzzle game that keeps players on their toes by presenting challenging puzzles that require both critical thinking and creativity to solve. What makes the game stand out is its clever use of philosophical themes and symbolism that adds a layer of depth and meaning to the puzzles.
The game doesn’t just rely on traditional puzzle-solving mechanics but instead encourages players to think outside the box and question the nature of their reality. The game’s narrative is also compelling, weaving together multiple storylines that leave players guessing until the end. Overall, The Talos Principle is a unique and thought-provoking puzzle game that challenges players in ways they might not expect.
Manifold Garden
Manifold Garden is a game that challenges players’ perceptions of space and gravity, encouraging them to think in unconventional ways. Its unique mechanics and abstract visuals create an immersive and mind-bending experience, where the player must navigate through an infinite and constantly shifting world.
The game’s puzzles require creative problem-solving and exploration, as players manipulate the environment to progress through each level. Manifold Garden’s use of non-traditional game design elements, coupled with its striking art style, makes it a standout title that offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the puzzle game genre.
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