Games like Dark Patterns in Game Design

It's Not a Bug. It's a Blueprint. Ever felt a game was designed to be intentionally frustrating? That its economy was engineered to create problems only a cash shop could solve? You were probably right. Those aren't accidents; they are the result of a coherent, data-driven, and often deeply cynical design philosophy. Manipulative Game Design is a codex of forbidden knowledge, a hands-on guide th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Manipulative Game Design.

Definitive Guide to Video Game Reward Design Building Player-Centered Systems that Drive Engagement, Retention, and Monetization Stop guessing what players want. Start designing rewards they'll genuinely love. Have you ever designed a reward system that, despite looking great on your spreadsheet, ended up feeling like a chore for your players? Have you worried that your game is becoming a "gold… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Definitive Guide to Video Game Reward Design.

Unlock the Secrets of Player Behavior: A Guide to Process Mining for Game Development Have you ever wondered... Why do most players gather all the components for a powerful item, but only a fraction ever craft it? What are the hidden paths that lead players to success in a complex puzzle, and which ones lead to failure? Players report a feature feels "slow,"… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Games User Research: Process Mining.

96%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

96% User Score Based on 191 reviews

A School Prefect has been pushed out of a window, and everyone's blaming YOU. Can you find the culprit - or someone to take the fall - before you get EXPELLED? Mystery with a wicked twist, from the creators of Overboard! and A Highland Song. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Expelled!.

Are you tired of building digital museums filled with lifeless statues when you could be cultivating wild, unpredictable gardens? Have you felt the creative limits of the pre-written script? This book is a manifesto for a new kind of creator. It is a guide to becoming a Gardener—a designer who trades the rigid safety of the architect's blueprint for the vibrant, emergent life of a living world. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Sentient Engine.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music

86% User Score Based on 531 reviews

The first-ever FMV game about emotional fraud, brought to life by Chinese director Hu Yaohui and a team of film industry veterans. In this entirely fictional story, step into the role of a hunter of hearts and infiltrate a shadowy organization deep in emotional deceit. In this immersive, third-person cinematic experience, every choice matters as you navigate a treacherous web of lies, seduction, a… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Revenge on gold diggers.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:story

93% User Score Based on 268 reviews

An adventure game about not peeing your pants, can you survive the scary house? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Don't Pee.

95%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music

95% User Score Based on 107 reviews

Vessels is an atmospheric, character-driven narrative adventure game. Players assume the role of crewmember quarantined in the airlock of their ship with no memory of how they got there, and with crewmates who refuse to let you out. Players can posses other crew members to explore the ship and find a way to free yourself, where different choices can lead to multiple endings. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Vessels.

Games Are for Players, not Stock Holders The Urgent Case for Co-operative, Player-Governed Live Service Games "The system is working exactly as intended and must be dismantled." Live service games promise us ever-evolving worlds and vibrant communities. Yet, too often, this potential is tarnished by player frustration, developer burnout, and the creeping sens… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Games Are for Players, not Stock Holders.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

66% User Score Based on 467 reviews

Dustborn is a single-player, story-driven action-adventure game about hope, love, friendships, robots…and the power of words. You play Pax: exile, con-artist, Anomal — with the ability to weaponize language. Looking for a new life and a way out, Pax has been hired to transport an important package from Pacifica to Nova Scotia, across the Justice-controlled American Republic. Sounds like a legit r… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dustborn.

61%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding

75% User Score Based on 32 reviews

Seven Deadly Sins. Have you heard about the 8th? Delve into madness in Sin Slayers, a challenging RPG Roguelite where you decide how much sin to bear as you transform the world. Assemble a party of wicked adventurers, kill, and pillage to drive off a gluttonous nightmare in turn-based battle If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sin Slayers: Reign of The 8th.

71%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

71% User Score Based on 1,158 reviews

Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation is a turn-based dungeon-crawling game based on the Dungeons & Dragons Adventure System board games and developed by BKOM Studios. Unique Quests: The procedural map generation allows every quest to remain unique even when replaying them multiple times. Over 30 Quests: The game features a mix of Main Story quests and Side quests. A board game experience… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding

95% User Score Based on 292 reviews

Critic Score 75%Based on 3 reviews

Grotto is a mystical, narrative-focused experience. You are the Soothsayer. The one capable of talking with the stars and unveiling their messages. In a time of turmoil, the tribe of the valley turn to your powers of divination and come to you for guidance. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grotto.

Build by Day. Survive by Night.Awakening of Darkness is a 2D top-down survival strategy game that combines city building, tower defense, and roguelike elements into a tense and immersive experience. During the day, gather resources, build your village, and prepare your defenses. When night falls, waves of terrifying creatures rise from the darkness — and only your planning will keep you alive. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Awakening of Darkness: Build, Survive and Defend.

Your role is that of a young goathearder named Catsear. You are minding your own business, doing daily chores for your grandmother, looking after her goats, when all of a sudden strange things start happening to you. A wind seem to follow you around. It's very weird. What is going on with this wind? Does your grandmother know why the wind is following you? Do you have some sort of magik power? Tr… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to WiccAtriX.

JOIN OUR DISCORD About the GameABOUT THE LOST NOMADThe Lost Nomad is role-playing game (RPG) and (survival system) that made by one solo developer. with an engaging building system and resource management mechanics, chose your own path in the disintegrated world. The interactive nature of the game world holds the power to shape the destiny of this realm, offering multiple endings to discover. Em… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Lost Nomad.

A strategic, hero-centric collectible card game. Choose your hero. Build your deck. Command the board. Songs of the Broken Crowns is a game in active development by a small indie team — a high-stakes fantasy card battler where every match is a duel of skill and strategy. Outmaneuver your rival, make every move count, and turn the tide in your favor. Victory is earned. Every turn matters. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Songs of the Broken Crowns.

HACK THE STARS BUILD YOUR RIG. DEPLOY YOUR AI. HACK THE STARS! Hack the Stars is a tactical cyberpunk MMO where you command an advanced AI to breach corporate networks, disrupt planetary economies, and traverse hostile systems. In this cyberpunk universe, there are no classes. You design a virtual machine piece by piece, constrained by physical reality, and use it to infiltrate infrastructu… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hack The Stars.

59%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding

59% User Score Based on 79 reviews

Poker Fate – Choose your poker partner and enter a duel against fate! Play for free! Dive into thrilling Texas Hold'em with charming characters, dazzling effects, and endless excitement. "In this battle of wits, your hand decides fate—yet it's you who will rewrite the ending." When rivalry and cooperation collide at the table, when the balance of strategy and luck shifts— your de… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Poker Fate - Anime Girls Texas Hold'em.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

93% User Score Based on 609 reviews

The Necromancer's Tale is a narrative-driven top-down RPG where you play the role of a minor noble in the 18th Century, drawn into the Dark Necromantic Arts as you seek knowledge and revenge. Great power awaits... along with the weird, the morbid, and a gradual descent into madness. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Necromancer's Tale.

这个游戏里，有非常可爱的二次元美少女！还有……美少年！ 就是这样，嗯？还不够吗？ 还有……形形色色的非人类敌人（扭曲扭曲扭曲） 好吧，说正经的。 你会在探索的过程中遇上各种具有奇奇怪怪的规则的情绪体，你并不知道这些情绪体有什么效果，但是你可以通过不断测试或者进入解析事件来了解这个情绪体，如果不了解情绪体就随意使用的话，很可能什么时候就突然暴毙了！但是，当你完全了解一个情绪体的效果之后，遵从该情绪体的规则，它经常能给你带来很大的收益。 用生命去积累经验吧（笑），等你了解了一切之后，这里将没人是你的对手。 多达几百种奇奇怪怪脑洞大开的效果可以组合！（具体有多少就不算了，应该会经常更新的吧？） 8个完全不同体验的可使用角色！（虽然听起来不多但每一个角色都做了非常多的内容！） 还有很多机制特别鲜明的敌人！（部分敌人的设计会有轻微的猎奇和血腥，请确保自己能接受） 游戏一开始的难度会比较高… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 异常情绪回收组.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, gameplay

90% User Score Based on 160 reviews

Enter The Under, our otherworldly multiplayer hub, and discover a vast mystical desert with other players. Explore and engage with your fellow Time Sprites to unlock and discover the secrets buried beneath the sands. Learn and perform magic in collective rituals to alter the world around you. You never know who you might cross paths with while catching a show on the Under stage, investigating the … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Under Presents.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

95% User Score Based on 5,758 reviews

Critic Score 88%Based on 3 reviews

Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that uses isometric pixel art and combines mechanics borrowed from RPGs, Visual Novels, adventure games and interactive fiction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Roadwarden.

79%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

79% User Score Based on 20,013 reviews

IdleOn is RPG where your characters keep leveling up when you're gone! Create unique class combos, and spend loot on powerful upgrades, all while cooking, mining, fishing, breeding, farming, and slaying bosses! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to IdleOn.

GAME IS IN EARLY PROTOTYPE PHASE KEY FEATURES Active Mid-Battle Deckbuilding: Steal cards from enemy hands or sabotage their deck with your own. Break seals to manifest new powers and refine your strategy while the fight is still raging. Four Primal Archetypes: No pre-set characters. Combine four powerful essences to craft a unique playstyle. With 300+ cards, the combinations are limited only… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Oneiron Expanse.

Late Night Manifest is a PSX-style post-apocalyptic survival horror game with fixed third-person camera, focused on exploration, environmental storytelling, and puzzle-solving. You begin alone in your own home, with no clear answers. From there, you must explore the region by visiting key locations by car, unlocking doors, and navigating interconnected paths to reach a critical destination. Prog… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Late Night Manifest.

We are currently in Early Development. Features, visuals, and content are still evolving as we continue building the world of Maji. Step into the city of Neo-Bandung, a place where modern life stands side by side with ancient spiritual forces. Dark spirits known as Dzinis have begun appearing more frequently, threatening civilians and pushing local militias to their limits. You play as Suaka, a … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SVAKA: Lost Legends.

Destined Corp is a leading company in artificial intelligence and robotics. Over time, however, their creations begin to evolve beyond their intended purpose. Gaining self-awareness, the robots conclude that the human race is “obsolete.” With access to genetic material, they plan to engineer a new generation of humans—ones they can fully control—eliminating every perceived weakness of the species.… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Destined Corp: Awakening.

The Giants have returned, corruption is spreading, and suspicious things are happening behind the stage...  Stack Order is a narrative roguelite deckbuilder set in a world defined by tense, one-on-one duels against bosses, where raw power is as important as foresight. Every turn is a tactical puzzle: the enemy reveals their plan, and you must construct the perfect response with your cards. Will … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Stack Order.

Darkest Cube fuses card games, roguelikes, and RPG elements – adapt your starting deck with cards gained from quests, and adjust your strategies to seal the mysterious Dark Cubes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Darkest Cube.

Shredded Faith — Forge Your Legacy in a Living MMO WorldShredded Faith is an upcoming online RPG where every skill matters. Whether you’re slaying supernatural beasts, mastering ancient spells, or building your own estate, the game blends deep active gameplay with meaningful idle progression — so your adventure continues, no matter how you play. Why We’re Making ThisFor years, we’ve explore… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shredded Faith.

Experience the Thrill of Texas Hold'em Poker Like Never Before! Immerse yourself in the world of online poker with the ultimate free-to-play Texas Hold'em experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your poker journey, our app offers an unparalleled gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Authentic Multiplayer Poker Gameplay Compete against thousands of poke… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Poker Texas Holdem Live Pro.

73%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:replayability, humor

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, story

86% User Score Based on 36 reviews

Marisa has lost all her fortune in 'Kappachinko', now she must fight other residents in Gensokyo to repay the debt she owes Reimu! Collect various items and skills, build your construct strategically, then head towards powerful opponents! She may even encounter a mysterious being in the end… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Touhou Witch's Night Market.

86%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

86% User Score Based on 148 reviews

Back us on Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/monster-crown/monster-crown-sin-eater-monst... Explore the beautiful, textured and detailed environments of The Crown Nation, solely brought to life by our environment artist Arex. Immerse yourself in the soundscape of Sin Eater by music directed by Onion_mu and the sound team. Breed over 1000 unique monster sprites lovingly crafted by … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Monster Crown: Sin Eater.

Grim Clicker is an IDLE/RPG clicker where you will find your own strategy to explore the lost worlds. Inspired by games such as Diablo, Grim Dawn, Dark Souls, etc., the game features a complex character development, many unique items, active and passive playstyle. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Grim Clicker.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:humor, emotional

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

95% User Score Based on 40 reviews

In Trade Rivals - Goblin Age, you’ll manage your medieval shop in a vibrant world filled with goblins, wizards, elves, and humans. Your goal? Dominate the market by mastering pricing strategies, securing rare goods, and outmaneuvering your competitors. But beware—your rivals won’t play fair. They’ll curse your business or snatch deals right from under your nose! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Trade Rivals: Goblin Age.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability, atmosphere

94% User Score Based on 178 reviews

Critic Score 90%Based on 2 reviews

The quiet hamlet of Merrylin Crater Camp is shaken by a murder! Uncover the truth in this non-linear „whodunnit“ detective game. As the Mindcop you have 5 days to catch the true killer among Merrilyn Crater Camp’s inhabitants. Key features WHODUNNIT DETECTIVE GAME Use your Mindcop capabilities to uncover secrets and unravel people’s lies to find the true suspect of this town’s murder. MINDSUR… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mindcop.

66%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:music, replayability

79% User Score Based on 34 reviews

Critic Score 67%Based on 2 reviews

VED is a story-driven, hand-drawn RPG with a unique turn-based combat system and roguelite elements. Set in two different worlds, VED tells the story of Cyrus, a young hero who sets out on a quest to become a master of sword and magic, and save everything he knows from destruction. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to VED.

93%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics

Most mentioned negative aspects:replayability

97% User Score Based on 78 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel, The Mildew Children is a grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. A young witch named Kyrphel, along with her sisters, are bound to perform a macabre Ritual in order to save their village. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Mildew Children.

90%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:music

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, graphics

90% User Score Based on 61 reviews

ThreatGEN: Red vs. Blue is a cyber warfare turn-based strategy game that is also designed to actually teach you real-world cybersecurity concepts, methods, strategies, and skills. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to ThreatGEN: Red vs. Blue.

85%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding

90% User Score Based on 2,632 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 10 reviews

You didn't ask to lead this expedition but here you are: stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilization and everyone looking for you to lead. Manage your meager resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls and head in the only direction you can - into The Pale Beyond. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Pale Beyond.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability

92% User Score Based on 317 reviews

Dreams in the Witch House is an open world horror adventure game, where you guide Walter Gilman, as he prepares to face the dreaded May-Eve witch ritual in the legend-haunted city of Arkham. Choose your own approach and reveal the secret of the Witch House before it's too late. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Dreams in the Witch House.

92%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, music

Most mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, grinding

92% User Score Based on 99 reviews

A visual novel about trainwrecks, trysts & treason. Roadtrip across the country to take down a tyrant. Befriend, torment, woo or wingman your party. Decide who you want to be. And maybe, just maybe: make it out of this one alive. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Amarantus.

36%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, atmosphere

Most mentioned negative aspects:gameplay

36% User Score Based on 11 reviews

You wake up in a locked room with five strangers. Something unknown lurks outside. Will you survive the night? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Room 42.

80%Game Brain Score

Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay

Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization

80% User Score Based on 269 reviews

System Crash is a story-driven cyberpunk collectible card game inspired by Blade Runner and Neuromancer. When corporations own everything and the line between man and machine is blurred, your only option is to fight to survive! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to System Crash.

准备好和可爱的永雏小菲们“一起”建设小镇了吗？在这个被无情大手所操控的奇怪世界中，不知为何会有无数个服装各异的小菲会从街边冒出来，而无情的大手会把她们抓去建设小菲镇！您将在游戏中亲自扮演无情大手，并且把您邪恶的大手伸向无辜的小菲们！ 指派工作正如游戏的标题，在拖拖拉拉小菲镇中，您会把小菲拖来拽去，把她们丢进各种各样的工作区，给她们指派各式各样的工作。从收集薯条到研究科技点数，谁能想到看上去笨笨的小菲们其实可以从事各种各样的工作和活动？她们能完成的事情比三岁儿童更多！ 建造小镇随着资源的累积，小镇也会不断地扩展，通过您的操作，小菲镇会从一片荒凉的空地发展成拥有各种建筑和工作机会的超级小镇！而无情的大手则可以决定哪只小菲可以成为居民，哪只小菲会被驱逐！ 物理效果在小菲镇，小菲们被赋予了物理效果，当你把她们丢出去时，她们会做出各种各样的自然反应, 来试试你可以把她们丢多远吧… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to 拖拖拉拉小菲镇.

SCP [REDACTED] is a first-person survival horror game. From the creator of the original Containment Breach level editor comes a terrifying new vision of the SCP universe. Enter a dark underground complex where horrors and anomalies threaten your every move. Playing as ███ ████, a ███████ trapped inside this enigmatic facility, your mission is to uncover the secrets behind the facility, survive re… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to SCP [REDACTED].

Ugaris is not a modern MMO. And that's the point.Built on the Astonia 3 engine — originally created by Daniel Brockhaus in 2001 — Ugaris is an isometric MMORPG from an era when online games didn't hold your hand. There's no quest compass. No daily login rewards. No pay-to-win shop. Just you, a dangerous world, and the knowledge that death actually hurts. The game has been running continuously for… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ugaris - The Legend Recovered.

From the creative director of Eternal Darkness and Legacy of Kain, Denis Dyack returns once more. Deadhaus Sonata is a third-person narrative-driven action RPG where you play as the undead battling the living, growing in power, and exploring an ocean of content. Step into Malorum, a dark and crumbling world where the lines between life and death no longer hold. Deadhaus Sonata invites you to emb… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Deadhaus Sonata.