Games like Zugzwang
Looking for games like Zugzwang? Here are top role playing recommendations with a fantasy, romance and dark fantasy focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with Cabernet, Always The Same Blue Sky... or The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante — Chapter 1&2.
- 95%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding95% User Score 1,618 reviews
Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire in her new unlife among the unsuspecting townsfolk. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Cabernet.
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- 70%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, character development70% User Score 125 reviews
A gripping seaside adventure following the connection of two young souls, each unknowingly helping the other make sense of a world that seems senseless. Complemented by breathtaking artwork and an addictive soundtrack, this charming tale will definitely suck you in and leave a lasting impression! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Always The Same Blue Sky....
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- 96%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:monetization, grinding96% User Score 624 reviews
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a narrative-driven text-based RPG set in a ruthless medieval realm that comes to life on the pages of the protagonist's journal. Though every man's life is predetermined by the Lot they received at birth, it is you who decides whether your character will challenge fate and alter his destiny, rewriting the established laws of the universe. The free version o… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante — Chapter 1&2.
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- 96%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding97% User Score 125 reviewsCritic Score 90%1 reviews
The Remainder is a dark fantasy story made of psychological puzzles, romance, and the unexpected. The Complete Edition contains acts 1 to 4! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder.
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This is a romantic story about a Drow named Violet, who teleported to Russia in the early 2000s, and a simple Russian guy named Ivan, who found her. The dark elf went to our world in search of the missing stone from the family pendant. This is a story-oriented game, in the course of the story the player will be given the opportunity to solve emerging in-game situations in different ways. The total… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Предновогодняя сказка.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:character development, grinding92% User Score 104 reviews
Once you open this book, you are no longer just a reader. A "reading-style" fantasy adventure in the spirit of The NeverEnding Story — handcrafted over six years by a 30-year veteran from Vanillaware. 100% handmade, from the first page to the last. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle.
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This game is ideal for YouTubers and Streamers: it allows you to create content, interact with your chatters and let your audience get to know you better! This creates a unique experience, for all parties involved. Players who play this game themselves can also enjoy the single player experience a lot! Imagine that you are in purgatory. Imagine that a demon of lust and debauchery has spoken t… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Holy Shift.
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The Dreamwalkers is a 2D Visual Novel/Point-and-Click Adventure Game in which you can project yourself into the world of Dreams. You play Morgan, a student in History of the Arts in Paris, who’s life is about to be turned upside down. Along his journey he will meet new friends, whose fate will be into your hands. Features 5 acts of 45mn each. Perfect for lunch break diversions! Highly … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Dreamwalkers.
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- 55%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding87% User Score 15 reviews
You will be the judge of the dead… and every choice will be remembered. I am Morta, your guide in this place. I will show you the tombs, the broken lives, and the voices that still echo in the dark. But the verdict is yours alone. Luce Spenta is a gothic and psychological visual novel where power rests in your hands: you will decide the fate of five souls — forgiveness, reproach, oblivion, or exec… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Luce Spenta.
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- 61%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, music94% User Score 16 reviews
Plunge into Greenhearth, a small town hiding heavy secrets: take on the role of Ricky Fox and lead an investigation that gradually shifts from an intimate film noir into oppressive Lovecraftian horror. Driven by memorable characters and revelations that will linger long after the credits roll, Echoes delivers a taut narrative where every discovery matters and leads to four distinct endings shaped … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Echoes.
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- 72%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, character development90% User Score 31 reviews
What Happened Here is a short adventure horror game: around 30-45 minutes, exploring the classic horror trope of being locked inside a house and exploring it in order to go out. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to What Happened Here?.
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- 82%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability100% User Score 33 reviews
Twincantation is a short and emotionally resonant visual novel set in the haunted woods of Mirrorstone National Park. You play as a teen trespassing on sacred private property to hold a séance for your deceased twin—but something goes terribly wrong. Choose your path through cozy horror or psychological introspection, with hand-drawn ink and watercolor visuals and an original soundtrack. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Twincantation.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, gameplay100% User Score 41 reviews
Trail of Stars is a short, bittersweet fairy-tale about two vulnerable souls navigating first love, growing up, and protecting what they have—when all they have is each other. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Trail of Stars.
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This is a Story about You!An anti-social Otaku who is a student at Ashikaga Academy, a very traditional private high school in Japan. Suddenly, you awaken in a place called the Spirit Realm and are tasked with saving the world! How? Well, with the help of your fellow classmates and future friends of course! Now all you have to do is join the Horticulture Club and actually meet them! Make Frie… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Otaku Miracles.
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A visual novel filled with strange, alluring characters and a lurking, dark danger. You wake up in a mysterious forest with no idea how you got there - just a surreal invitation to a masquerade ball and a bad feeling. Navigating manipulative meetings and potential romance, you’ll find yourself in a realm where fears take form and emotions have teeth. Every choice deepens a bond - or driv… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Banishing You.
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- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, replayability83% User Score 252 reviewsCritic Score 70%5 reviews
Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince - The Vampire Star. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mediterranea Inferno.
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- 47%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, atmosphere60% User Score 30 reviews
Yukie: A Japanese Winter Fairy Tale is a theatrical story game. Lead the hero Yukiji on a journey of vengeance, to the snowy mountain where Yukie resides. The story will proceed in a movie-like fashion. The game is fully voiced and voiceover can be turned ON/OFF. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Yukie: A Japanese Winter Fairy Tale.
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- 69%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay100% User Score 20 reviews
Shivering Hearts is a light-hearted role-playing game illustrated through detailed, hand-drawn watercolour paintings. Explore a world that reacts to your choices. The player can achieve over 120 possible ending combinations. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shivering Hearts.
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A fantasy/adventure Visual Novel that spans both past and present. The world is trapped in an endless time loop, and a terrible beast brings ruin over and over again. Dive into a simulated point in history to gather answers on breaking the cycle. As Freya Fae, track down the master assassin Orick Genn before he brings ruin to the city of Ironfall. Rely on your faithful companions and make friends… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Beneath Her Starry Sky.
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- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability84% User Score 172 reviews
Solstice is a dystopian mystery thriller about small personal disasters that turn into great catastrophes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Solstice.
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- 74%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding77% User Score 474 reviewsCritic Score 68%4 reviews
My Lovely Daughter is a simulation game with elements borrowed from other works of fiction that involve alchemy as part of the narrative. The game want to focus on the idea that “life is not beautiful,” and the few things that can make it pretty are things like family and success. The game want to present the question of how far will you go to achieve them. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to My Lovely Daughter.
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- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:stability81% User Score 72 reviews
Despite the chains around your wrists, this story is yours. You are the decision-maker. Freedom reaches out to you : you shall rise. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Arisen.
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- 48%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:graphics68% User Score 22 reviews
Your Story is a visual novel based in a fantasy world where you're a guide for a half-elf named Lia. She has no friends and can't find her place in this world. Together you will encounter meaningful choices, romances, mystery, and more. Will her story become Your Story? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Your Story.
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This game supports Japanese only.Fan localizations are welcome.*No permission or confirmation is required for localization, but if you contact us after completion, we will introduce it to you. Liz, a boy living as a noble lady for the sake of a political marriage, harbors an unrequited love for the maid Nymph.On the day before the wedding, he wishes for happiness with Nymph upon the “black rose … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to イツワリの令嬢少年.
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A romance-suspense visual novel set in Taishō Japan. Amnesiac actor Kotori Sakuma grapples with a dear friend's bizarre death, the awakening of his magic, and the blood ties that haunt him. As the truth unravels, shape Kotori's final choice: return to his bloodline's embrace, or pursue true freedom? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Taishō Romance Theater.
- 72%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding86% User Score 35 reviews
Forgotlings is a breathtaking cinematic action-adventure set in a magical land of sentient forgotten objects. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Forgotlings.
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- 66%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics100% User Score 17 reviews
Heartbeat House: Hong KongLove is not an experiment. It’s a reality. At least, that’s what the show claims. Are you ready for a romance experience with true Hong Kong flavor? A brand-new dating reality show — Heartbeat House: Hong Kong — is now on air. This is not Netflix. This is not YouTube. This is a villa in Hong Kong, where eight young adults live together. They eat, chat, date, flirt, arg… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Heartbeat House: Hong Kong.
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- 75%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, humorMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, optimization100% User Score 26 reviews
Before You Play & A Note from the Team We made a visual novel that’s a little… different. This time it’s fully live-action—real actors, real locations. It’s also an interactive film-style experience presented as a visual novel: text + voice + animated stills tell a story that’s both absurd and warm. There are no complicated inputs and no grindy unlock conditions—we want you to relax and sink… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Ballshit.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:character development, stability96% User Score 1,017 reviewsCritic Score 69%5 reviews
a candy alchemist one day finds a candy golem in her basement... If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Syrup and the Ultimate Sweet.
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- 97%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization97% User Score 200 reviews
Every night, you awaken in your studio and paint your masterpiece. Or, at least, you try to. Oh, if only your muse would return. If only lifting your brush didn't fill your fingertips with agony. It Paints Me is a short Gothic horror visual novel about art, pain, and love. It features: 3.9k words 3 endings hand drawn artwork original music partial voice acting … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to It Paints Me.
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- 71%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, emotionalMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, character development90% User Score 31 reviewsCritic Score 65%1 reviews
Shanghai Summer is an adventure game set in the millennium. Our protagonist, Baichuan, goes through a series of "anomalies" over the length of twelve days. In his pursuit of the truth, he found that his hopes and regrets from the past finally seem to converge. Will he be able to "fix" it for good? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Shanghai Summer.
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- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability90% User Score 140 reviewsCritic Score 65%2 reviews
"Savior" is the first independent videogame created entirely in Cuba. It is an animated 2D platformer that utilizes timing mechanics and other experimental elements more similar to non-games and other less commercial aspects of videogames. The story begins when your protagonist, a "Little God," awakes a strange dream to discover that his world is disappearing. From here begins a frantic search th… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Saviorless.
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- 97%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, stability97% User Score 156 reviews
Embrace the monster within to change the fate of a nation in this dark fantasy visual novel. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sigh of the Abyss.
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- 62%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding100% User Score 13 reviews
Chronotopia: Second Skin is a unique rewriting of the Donkeyskin fairytale, a darker variation of Cinderella. Follow Kionna into a painful but ultimately rewarding search for her true self. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Chronotopia: Second Skin.
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An adventure shattering stereotypes, a psychological experiment forcing a struggle within oneself. The tale of a girl with magical abilities who loses her beloved. Will she have a chance to turn back time? It's up to you! Feel the magic in you Set in a medieval fantasy world, an era filled with magic and dangers at every step. The main protagonist, Nicole, discovers her magical abilities and falls… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Day Before You Gone.
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- 67%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:music92% User Score 24 reviews
A branching visual novel set in a world where monster girls walk among us. Take the role of Will Getz, a young man with a score to settle after 15 long years of being away from home. Unravel the mysteries and intrigue that have been awaiting your return, after all this time. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Garden of Roses: Summerset.
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- 63%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay100% User Score 14 reviews
Sorcerer’s Choice: Angel or Demon? is a dark fantasy visual novel that tells the story of a boy called Lucil, the grandson of a great magician. After his house is attacked by a mob, his grandfather teleports him to safety. Burned and battered, Lucil is aware of two beings standing over him: one of Light, and one of Darkness. Which hand will he take? What fate awaits him when he chooses? If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sorcerer's Choice: Angel or Demon?.
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- 71%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability79% User Score 602 reviewsCritic Score 30%1 reviews
Create your own epic saga of conflict, mythology and community! Rule your own clan, take important strategic decisions, win battles and expand your influence in this unique mix of RPG, strategy and story-telling. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to King of Dragon Pass.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding90% User Score 2,632 reviewsCritic Score 80%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.
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- 47%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:humor, emotionalMost mentioned negative aspects:story, gameplay59% User Score 31 reviews
The story picks up after the first game ends, where Tom, Luke, and Helen escape to Mars with fake IDs, and Tanya remains on Earth to fight Nanotech, the company led by Richard Meier. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Bionic Heart 2.
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- 78%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, character development78% User Score 90 reviews
Oh no, the kingdom is preparing for war, and the princess has been captured by the Terrifying Dragon. Now you must travel through the Dreadful Forest to find the princess and fight the evil dragon. But what if the Dragon is not evil at all?.. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to My Furry Dragon.
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- 80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphics86% User Score 44 reviews
IMPORTANT : This comic is mostly silent, it's normal! :) Still Heroes is a digital comic with a reading time of approximately one hour. It includes interactivity, animation and sound elements. Emeline is a member of a group of superheroes. She hopes to make a living out of it even though the group doesn’t have many missions. However during a hectic party, her friends tell her that they d… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Still Heroes.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay90% User Score 50 reviewsCritic Score 60%1 reviews
Suhoshin is a 2D Visual Novel taking place during medieval Korea. While investigating mysterious murders, you will have to make interactive choices that will lead you to different paths and endings. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Suhoshin.
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- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:atmosphere, grinding92% User Score 99 reviewsCritic Score 73%3 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.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, replayability85% User Score 466 reviews
Become a god and help change the fate of people, even the world! In Will: A Wonderful World, you will receive letters written by characters living in urban cities. By rearranging the order and combinations of sentences in these letters, you are going to alter the destiny of whomever that wrote them. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Will: A Wonderful World.
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- 77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:graphics, music82% User Score 45 reviews
Hotel Tutwin is an interactive visual novel of the horror/romance genre, for casual gamers who appreciate female leads and supernatural characters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hotel Tutwin.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization90% User Score 4,546 reviews
A narrative-driven RPG set in a gritty world where a person's Lot is determined at birth, while the gods are real and preside over the fates of men. Set out on a lifelong journey and carve out your own destiny. Will you become a judge, an inquisitor, or conspire against the old order? You decide! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante.
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- 70%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:humor, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, music90% User Score 29 reviews
Seduce iconic holiday heroes and battle Krampus in an outrageous Christmas adventure like no other. Naughty or nice, the choice is yours! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Santa's Big Sack.
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- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:gameplay, grinding87% User Score 154 reviews
Seers Isle is a narrative game, set in a fantasy version of medieval northern Europe, where your choices impact the fate of a group of characters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Seers Isle.
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- 93%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability97% User Score 24,873 reviewsCritic Score 89%8 reviews
Youre here to slay the princess. Dont believe her lies. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Slay the Princess.
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