Well, it’s that time of the year. End of the year. Which means looking back at everything you did, recounting some of the most memorable stuff you saw and experienced – including video games, of course. Apart from a whole lot of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey, and Fortnite Battle Royale, Year 2024 gave me glimpses into some unusual and offbeat games that probably won’t be making many of your annual highlight reel, I reckon – which is precisely why they deserve your gaming attention.
Also read: Sonic X Shadow Generations: A High-Speed Adventure Across Time and Chaos
These games are some of the most weird and unusual games of 2024, enriching the video gaming landscape with their mere existence. More than anything, they’re the true testament of passionate game developers’ blood, sweat and tears. The least you can do is to pause all the BGMI and Valorant sessions for a change, and give these games a try – you may just like some of them, who knows!
Ah, inKONBINI. I came across it while interviewing Xbox India’s Arjun Varma, earlier this year. It’s not yet out for end users, but it’s a game I can’t wait to play. Set in a cozy Japanese convenience store circa 1993, this slice-of-life simulator wraps you in a warm hug of nostalgia. You play as Makoto Hayawaka, a college student helping her aunt behind the store’s counter for a week, juggling shelf-stocking and run-of-the-mill conversations with regular customers.
This is a game that’s less about grinding XP and more about soaking in the charm of everyday life. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – inKONBINI isn’t just about arranging cans of soda. What makes inKONBINI special is its vibe – inspired by the Japanese concept of ichi-go ichi-e, it cherishes fleeting, unique moments. For ‘90s kids like me, this game’s a love letter to a simpler era of gaming.
A clever little game, Roia isn’t your usual hack-and-slash or brain-twisting puzzler, but that’s precisely why it deserves your attention. This indie gem simply asks you to guide a stream of water down a mountain by shaping the land around it. That’s right – your only controls are raising and lowering terrain, and yet it’s oddly captivating.
Also read: Unknown 9: Awakening – A Mystical Adventure That Struggles to Find Its Voice
The game’s charm lies in its simplicity. No timers, no scores – just you, a zig-zagging river, and a tiny bird as your guide. Its calming piano soundtrack and laid back visuals make Roia a soothing retreat from the chaos of modern gaming. But don’t mistake it to be a piece of cake either, as figuring out how to shape the land to guide the water exactly where it needs to go can be surprisingly tricky. Give it a try, you’ll see. This game’s proof that even the simplest ideas can lead to hours of gaming fun mixed with relaxation.
Let’s talk about Brocula, shall we? Imagine Dracula waking up after 500 years, not to face vampire hunters, but the harsh reality of capitalism. That’s the quirky charm of this offbeat life simulator from Indian game creator and founder of Destroyer Doggo, Prateek Jadhwani – thanks to four years of solo development effort!
In the game, our fanged anti-hero finds his once-majestic castle in ruins, and the only way to reclaim it? Take up part-time gigs at a coffee shop, garage, and restaurant – yes, even vampires aren’t spared from the rigours of capitalism. Between navigating bureaucratic hurdles with the mayor and upgrading the castle, you’ll be chopping trees, farming, and even exploring magical forests. Sure, a few bugs and quirks might ruffle your cape, but this one’s got the bite to keep you entertained. If you’re up for a unique twist on the mundane, Brocula is worth sinking your teeth into.
Time for some craziness. Step into the chaotic, pixelated ring of Put Up Your Dukes, a browser-based boxing brawler that’s as brutal as it is bizarre. Designed with controllers in mind but perfectly playable on a keyboard, this top-down boxing game has just one simple goal – destroy your opponent’s head or torso to claim victory. Oh, and breaking their arms? That’s part of the fun too, of course.
Also read: Astro Bot Review: A Platforming Masterpiece
This game’s anything but smooth, and be prepared for some frustration along the way. With mechanics like dizziness from spinning too long and the hilarious desperation of headbutting if both your arms are broken, this game is equal parts challenging and absurd. One moment, you’re groaning at a missed punch – the next, you’re booting it back up for “just one more round.” Yes, it’s not Vampire Survivors, but it has its fair share of raw-and-visceral charm.
A scary but thrilling nostalgia trip, Crow Country’s a huge nod to survival horror games of the ’90s that will have you reliving the glory days of spooky environments and grainy visuals. Developed by SFB Games, this retro-inspired gem casts you as Special Agent Mara Forest, exploring the creepy, abandoned Crow Country theme park in search of its missing owner. It’s all isometric views, fixed camera angles, and clunky-but-intentional combat – all perfect ingredients for a nostalgic spook-fest.
Ammo is limited, puzzles are everywhere, and every decision feels like life or death. The haunting sound design and blocky environments suck you in, while the grainy PS1-era visuals crank up the visual charm of this highly-acclaimed game. Crow Country’s a modern twist on everything that made scary games a huge hit back in the day, one that you must try!
Also read: The ultimate gaming laptop buying guide 2024
