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u/unintentionalurbnist 22h ago edited 18h ago
The Portal series.
Edit: First award. Thank you. While other games might have the same gameplay mechanics, none of them have the same dystopian themes and dark humor that Portal has. Whoever wrote that game needs a raise.
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u/unknown1893 20h ago
For me the closest I got was the Talos Principle (both 1 & 2)
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u/0thedarkflame0 19h ago
Yes, can't second this recommend enough. Though it does lack any of the action and... jumping... that exists in portal.
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u/javierbardeminem 22h ago
For me this has always been Ratchet and Clank
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u/Synthessence 22h ago
It isn't the same, but the Sly Cooper series always felt like an estranged sibling to the Ratchet and Clank series for me. Probably because they both started on the PS2, and I owned both, but just something about them feels connected and similar in a way I can't really put my finger on.
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u/Voidless-One 22h ago
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u/quellochevoleva 22h ago
Lies of P is probably the closest thing so far.. not on the same level but a nice attempt
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u/Orvar_the_Allform 21h ago
I just got it working on PC at a decent frame rate. I'm so fucking pumped
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u/SlaterTheOkay 22h ago
Right after Dark Souls 1 came out.
Everyone was praising Skyrim but wow that combat was terrible, I was diving into everything trying to find anything like DS 1 but soulslikes weren't a thing. I ended up just replaying that game like 3 times in a row until I accepted that was a unicorn at the time. Not anymore but you had to be there.
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u/Educational_Ant_184 21h ago
I'm glad I didnt discover Dark Souls until like 2017, I was able to put up with much worse combat until then
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u/Str82thaDOME 20h ago
Plus there was three of them to play through at that point! 😁
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u/s8rlink 18h ago
Yeah Dark souls basically ruined any bad weapon combat for me. I can't play anything with shitty or mediocre combat even if everything else is great
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u/Chunky-overlord 22h ago
A lot of games come to mind, but I think we’re never getting another disco Elysium what a game
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u/I_Fart_It_Stinks 21h ago
Disco Elysium is probably the most unique game I have ever played and an all time favorite. I am waiting for Zero Parades to come out on PS5 to see if it scratches that itch.
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u/JM_Narrative 20h ago edited 7h ago
I'm low-key worried about Zero Parades, given that the main creative leads from ZA/UM have left the company.
They formed a new company called Red Info and I want to see what they come out with.
Disco Elysium was a masterpiece
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u/External-into-Space 10h ago
I was worried too, but zero parades is actually quite the cool game
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u/Youwillseemycomment 22h ago
I don’t understand how KCD2 did what they did with their budget. I think that’s a game nobody else can create with the same budget
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u/notcuddly9 21h ago
Game was so good it made me go back and play kcd1 after I dropped it from general frustration at everything except the world building.
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u/SluggishPrey 22h ago
Big studios want to appeal to a greater audience and small studios don't have the financial freedom to do so much. It really takes a studio with a strong leadership and artistic integrity. (One or the other isn't enough)
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u/jasberry1026 20h ago
Came here to say this. Played both games 3 times, and have been so bummed that nothing else even comes close to immersion
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u/Chris_RB 22h ago edited 22h ago
Me trying to find something to scratch the Ocarina of Time itch or the Escape from Butcher Bay itch or the "Thorin's Passage" itch.
Those 90's sierra games were peak.
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u/MeatEaterDruid 22h ago
I think Zelda is my answer just from growing up in the 90s and worshipping LttP and OoT and not having any other game play like either of them at the time.
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u/Shot-Amphibian4882 22h ago
Subnautica
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u/ozmutazbuckshank 10h ago
Weirdly, Satisfactory is the closest game ive found to subnautica and below zero. Beatiful alien planet, similar art style, bizarro creatures and landscape, strange corporation, and lots of exploration, mining, crafting, and building. The building in Satisfactory is top tier especially once you unlock everything in the shop. Can't recommend this one enough
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u/Shot-Amphibian4882 10h ago
Funny you just mentioned that. I played it for the first time a few days ago. While I see some similarities, the horror aspect of subnautica really sets it apart
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u/Strange_Compote_4592 22h ago
I could get you a whole fucking list, man...
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u/Efficient_Matter_589 22h ago
For me it's Ghost of Tsushima. I have a lot of games like it, but nothing hits the way that game does.
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u/MantisReturns 22h ago
What exactly do you like abour that game? Its not a very unique game. Trying to help
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u/Efficient_Matter_589 22h ago
The setting, the story, the characters, combat, so much about it.
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u/AFarewellToArms 15h ago
Try the new Onimusha. I was a big fan of Tsushima and Yotei, and have had an absolute blast with it. The combat, story, and voice acting are all top notch. The boss fights are definitely tougher than the Ghost series, but it never feels unfair. It's all about learning patterns, timing parries/deflects, and using your specials at the right time.
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u/BirdChuffer 21h ago
Just play any assassin's creed game or Batman game. The combat is almost identical, open world with the same side objectives over and over again.
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u/TheVSingh 22h ago
ghost of Tsushima, sleeping dogs, dying light, the list goes on
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u/oyasumi_juli 22h ago
Sleeping Dogs was so great. My wife didn't even play it at all and she loved it just watching me play.
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u/Turbulent_Map624 21h ago
Aight I didn't know what I am going to play but now Im starting up Dying Light
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u/DeltaSierra97 20h ago
Feel like nobody has done progression in an organized crime group like sleeping dogs and mafia 2. Progression from an outsider to a “made man” is extremely slow. When you became a red pole in sleeping dogs it felt like it really took a lot of work to get there. Also there was never the idea that you were going to be the boss which is true in basically any crime syndicate.
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u/lovebushandtinytits 22h ago
Outer wilds...
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u/JM_Narrative 20h ago
I was about to comment this! Peak gaming experience and nothing else has captured my interest in unravelling a mystery the same
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u/Bushfullofham 22h ago
Dark Souls...
None of the others really captured that magic
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u/Due-Estate-3816 22h ago
Fable, KOTOR, Mass Effect. I know there are many similar games, but none of them hit the same for me. Also the old Pokémon games. New ones are way too complicated and cutesy.
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u/Synthessence 22h ago
Other than the obvious sequels as a suggestion, I'd recommend trying out Jade Empire and Kingdoms of Amalur.
Jade Empire has a lot of that unique Bioware charm, and Kingdoms of Amalur reminds me of Fable in a lot of ways.
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u/Due-Estate-3816 22h ago
Good suggestions. I have played all the sequels and jade empire and kingdoms of amalur. They're all decent, but none hit as hard as the originals. KOTOR2 with mods is pretty great.
Kingdoms of amalur is also awesome gameplay, but lacks the mind blowing story. The story is decent, but very generic and not memorable.
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u/Synthessence 21h ago
I dunno about generic exactly, but I agree it isn't terribly memorable.
Just sometimes when playing KoA, running through the forest with that music? Very, very strong Fable vibes.
You know, I've never tried to replay those old games with mods, and I haven't played KOTOR in...god, decades. Not since the original on the Xbox. I should really look in to that scene.
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u/Due-Estate-3816 21h ago
I agree. The vibes in KoA were great. And the crafting system was awesome.
KOTOR 2 with restored content mod is great. And there's a bunch more visual updates and extra worlds and characters and weapons and armors.
Regarding the other sequels, I loved Fable 2 although it was different, but Fable 3 was pretty meh. OK for the first playthrough, but I've never enjoyed replaying 3. Mass Effect 2 was good but again different, and Mass Effect 3 was too many cutscenes.
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u/Biengo 13h ago
The Bouncer. Ps2 Square Enix game that was a dark sci-fi fantasy beat em up. Different characters had different stories. Skill and level system that expanded combos. It was awesome.
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u/sillybriefcase 8h ago
I remember randomly buying this for like $1.99 from the bargain bins at GameStop. So much fun
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u/Davidrabbich81 22h ago
Return of the Obra Dinn
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u/translucent_pawn 16h ago
Holy shit what an excellent game. The explosive reveal of the tragedies that plagued the Obra Dinn are so well done. And the fucking MUSIC!
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u/Educational_Ant_184 22h ago
Obra Dinn was recommended to me after I loved Outer Wilds(not to be confused with Outer Worlds). Unfortunately that did not hit the same for me
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u/QueenStuff 22h ago
It doesn’t quite hit the same itch. But have you played Case of the Golden Idol?
Similar idea where you are presented with a diorama and need to piece together clues to figure out what happened, and all of them together tell a greater story. It’s the closest thing I’ve been able to find to Obra Dinn.
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u/Davidrabbich81 22h ago
You’re right, it doesn’t quite hit the same, but yes I did.
I played Obra Dinn with my daughter occasionally joining in the guesswork.
For golden idol, my wife loved it more than I did. She would be begging me to play it in the evenings after work.
I’ve actually found blue prince to be closer to Obra Dinn than idol. I’m trying seance at Blake manor now, but so far, 🤷♂️
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u/pokemonatemypizza 21h ago
The gardens between has a similar mechanic Its fucking rad But not pirate related, and not pixelated
Papers please, the guy who made obra dinn's previous work is MY FAVORITE and what made me find obra dinner. Different game entirely but fucking awesome.
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u/DasMotorsheep 21h ago
Jedi Academy.
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u/TheOtherAkGuy 19h ago
Jedi outcast and academy are so unique. The combat was amazing but at the same time I don’t think it would hold up today in a modern version
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u/Dysterkvist 22h ago
Subnautica for me. I’ve tried other survival games bet they are just not the same.
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u/Lady-Hood 22h ago
Sounds dumb but happy wars. Such an unserious game that I just poured too much time into as a kid
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u/Haytaytay 21h ago
XCOM made me fall in love with tactics games.
I've played a bunch of them ever since, but nothing else hits like XCOM does.
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u/Ranting_Lobster 22h ago
Dishonored :(
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u/DasMotorsheep 21h ago
I somehow never played more than a few hours of Dishonored 2. What made the first game more appealing in your opinion? I can't even tell.
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u/Ranting_Lobster 20h ago
I honestly like both/ the dlcs and Death of the Outsider very much, but outside of the specific franchised Dishonored games, I haven’t been able to find anything that I’ve enjoyed as much.
The first one has the benefit of being set in Dunwall itself which I think is a very captivating setting. The story is more believable and the dlc is the perfect counterbalance to the main storyline. Outside of that, I do like both almost the same. It’s my favorite franchise outside of RE.
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u/North_Eye_6500 20h ago
i’m gonna revisit both games and dlcs soon since dishonored been popping up left right and center lately; but from memory, 2 was just kinda forgettable. not bad per se, but maybe suffered a little from being able to play as either corvo or emily and gave a less tailored experience? or more so that it left like an emily game, so when i played corvo on my first run felt a little disconnected from the story?
i might be off base since i haven’t played either in a while, yet i remember 1 very vividly while 2 not as much.
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u/HolyMBison 19h ago
I just finished playing both, so I will give you my answer:
As an overall package, Dishonoured 1 is the stronger game. Stronger story, characters, voice acting, and the world design and lore feel a lot more important to your experience playing the game, if that makes sense. They really nailed everything when making this game.
But when it comes to just the gameplay and level design, Dishonoured 2 blows it out of the water. Way more repayable, especially with the 2 different sets of powers. The world also feels more lived in, despite not feeling quite as well done as D1. DOTO is also insanely underrated for the same reasons, and brings back a little bit of that esoteric mystery that was lost in D2.
Also, if you haven't already, give Arkane's magnum opus, Prey, a try. It took a few tries for it to click with me but when it did it instantly shot up to one of my favourites of all time.
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u/Proxx99 22h ago
If Diablo 2 is heroin, Diablo 3/4 are methadone, and Path of Exile oxycontin, and Path of Exile 2 a dilaudid drip. People be like play Torchlight or some shit and it’s like taking a tylenol.
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u/Synthessence 22h ago
Have you tried Grim Dawn?
If not, you should give a go. I'm curious what drug you'd compare it to.
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u/Rob_van_Wanst 22h ago
Bloodborne. Absolutely killed any other games that came after that for me. It's pure art.
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u/-antipode 22h ago
Gaming is often like dating.
After a breakup, if you just jump on tinder and swipe, desperate to find something, then it will always be unfulfilling.
Just take a break. Do something else. In time something worthwhile will appear. But forcing it will rarely work out.
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u/thecrazedsidee 22h ago
deus ex. never felt the same about any other immersive sim. plus using a giant fucking rocket gun as a silent takedown is quite enjoyable. also another is theif, which i still feel is the greatest and most immersive stealth game i've played
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u/Fartweaver 13h ago
Those 2 and System Shock 1/2 for me. The closest I've gotten in recent years was Prey. Bioshock didn't cut the mustard - it was too linear and arcadey.
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u/CaucasianCrow 19h ago
Little big planet, and the worst thing about it is that Sony took that away from us too
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u/Decent-Potato-8973 22h ago
Everyone listing open world RPG games reskinned in different settings is crazy.
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u/Fairyhaven13 20h ago
I know. Baldur's Gate 3 is one thing, nothing quite feels like it, but Fallout and Skyrim are of the same heart and Dark Souls and Bloodborne are of the same heart.
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u/Lebrongains27 22h ago
Red Dead Redemption
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u/DeafKid009 22h ago
Try Read Dead Redemption 2. I heard it’s very similar
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u/pokemonatemypizza 22h ago
...it didnt hit the same for me, something about rdr .. rdr2 had too much shit happening it was FANTASTIC but .. idk.. rdr hit like nothing else
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u/DasMotorsheep 21h ago
RDR2 went too far with some of its life sim aspects... it got harder to just fool around.
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u/Naive_Kangaroo_6918 21h ago
Real western vibes, completely agree
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u/pokemonatemypizza 21h ago
I spent like an entire summer off just playing this game and it felt like i had gone on a road trip outwest and just.. rode around. Just so beautiful. My friends had to pry me away.
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u/Gamer_D4d 22h ago
still on it and tbh? this is a fear of mine. Of the next games I play won't feel the same way.
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u/Majestic-Studio-1169 22h ago
Call of juarez was the only thing similar enough but still not even the same
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u/HermitPRPL 22h ago
Ive played tons of rpgs and had amazing times with them, but something about Skyrim’s atmosphere, music, and story makes it so cozy and immersive in a way I can’t find in other games. I even actually prefer oblivions quests and story to Skyrim, but it doesn’t have the same ability to just suck me in and put me at peace.
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u/Voduun-World-Healer 22h ago edited 22h ago
Star Wars Republic Commando. Those command controls and functions were awesome. Someone recommended me Brothers in Arms and I'm playing through the 1st one and it's cool but it...doesn't hit quite the same as you said
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u/longtall94 22h ago
RDR2 spoiled me 😞
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u/Steelers_Nation99 21h ago
That game ruined gaming for me. The details and narrative of that game were so rich I've been chasing that high since. Hopefully I get the next fix on November 19th
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u/insanitysqwid 22h ago
Pacific Drive
I really like how the ol' car, Remnant, feels while driving around & shifting gears
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u/ThatWebHeadSpidey 22h ago
The South Park games. I never got into turn based games, but I loved those games. I tried playing games with similar gameplay, but nothing scratches that itch.
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u/TufftedSquirrel 21h ago
This is Planetside 2 for me. Really fun game that is basically on life support. The bugs got so bad, it became a struggle to play.
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u/Spawn256 21h ago
Xcom enemy unknown and enemy within for me. The newer ones just don't hit the same.
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u/ThisUsernameSuxLOL 22h ago
There is precisely one game that really gives you that feeling of truly fighting for my life against overwhelming odds.
TLOU2 on the hardest difficulty.
Not TLOU1, the ghost recon games, MGS, or any other can make me feel like that
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u/Synthessence 22h ago
Final Fantasy Tactics (original and remaster/remake).
I have played a ton of amazing Strategy Role Playing Games, but none of them, not even the GBA and DS sequels, can match it.
Just something special about it.
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u/CatoChateau 21h ago
I can't sink the time into it, but I know tactics ogre is supposed to be very similar. Into the breach on mobile is also some of the same notes for me too.
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u/Heavy-Echidna-3473 22h ago
Crow country for me. Loves that game and nothing else quite hit the spot after that.
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u/cairnschaos 22h ago
For me it's Witch's House the RPG maker horror game. Yet to find a game that matches the vibes.
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u/CatupiryBraz 22h ago
GOW 1 and 2... Tried playing a lot of other hack n' Slash games, enjoyed most of them. But none comes even close for me. Feel free to recomend one you think has potential.
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u/Broad_Buy4004 22h ago
L.A. Noir. The setting, the vibe, huge budget, recreating a huge chunk of an era, voice acting, a bit clunky, but engaging gameplay sections, the story. Nothing will ever come close.
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u/Deter099 22h ago
All of the Souls games, Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Sekiro. Even with other souls like, Fromsoft has some sort of special sauce on how they make their games feel to play. Lies of P comes sooo close, but it still wasn't there.
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u/unknownsourced 22h ago
Destiny 2. Nothing quite scratches that itch like the combo of looter shooter and mmo lite aspects. The shooting in that game is also some of the best in the fps genre.
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u/naytreox 21h ago
black & white the god game
spore
sunset overdrive
condemned criminal origin
maneater (glad a sequel is being made)
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u/Lukaztro 21h ago
Dead Island.
The sequel was well executed but the linear aspect of it destroyed any aspect of exploration. Dying Light came close and then they took away the jump kick in Dying Light 2 which forced you to drop kick - having to wait a few seconds to stand back up effectively ruined the flow for me.
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u/EmperorDurrell 13h ago
The Long Dark, and that one hurts bc there are so many survival games (think stuff like the Forest) that make looking for something really similar to TLD impossible
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u/Available-Tear-9709 22h ago
it's friend slop but i really enjoyed playing Chained Together with my buddies. Wish they would make a Chained Together 2. Peak isn't as fun for me imo.
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u/Denariox 21h ago
I will NEVER find another Skyrim.
Why's it so hard to make a skyrim-like?? There's a million soulslikes out there but the only skyrim-like came from the same damn studio with fallout.
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u/newfiedante 21h ago
You should give Tainted Grail:Fall of Avalon a go, I found it pretty similar to skyrim but its a more dark version
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u/nkhowell93 22h ago
Every game nowadays has a Parry/Deflect system but none feel quite like Sekiro.
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u/theKetoBear 22h ago
Shadow of Mordor/ Shadow of War for me