Most Unique Games

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As a gamer, I always get that feeling after finishing a really great game – that someone else will probably take inspiration from it. Maybe I don’t literally think, “They’re going to copy this!”, but it’s definitely crossed my mind how awesome a particular experience was. And honestly, a lot of game ideas do get borrowed and built upon, becoming even better over time. Think about monster-collecting games – Pokemon really set the standard, and so many others have followed, improving on the formula!

Some games are truly unique, offering ideas no one else has quite managed to replicate. It’s surprising these concepts haven’t been copied more often. While these games aren’t always perfect in execution, they more than compensate with their innovative concepts.

Shadow Of The Colossus

Haunting And Beautiful All At Once

Released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005, Shadow of the Colossus remains unique even today. While Praey for the Gods comes close to capturing its magic, it feels less streamlined with the addition of extra features. Many boss-focused games have been released since, such as Cuphead and Titan Souls, which is a good sign for the genre. Now, let’s take a look at Shadow of the Colossus as it originally appeared on the PS2.

The game begins with the protagonist, Wander, leaving a woman at a temple, after which mysterious voices guide him. Players then embark on a quest to defeat colossal titans, requiring them to scale these giants and strike at their weak points. The vast world feels largely empty, with only the massive Colossi roaming its landscapes. The game deliberately leaves many questions unanswered – who is giving Wander instructions, and what are the Colossi? – sparking a passionate online community dedicated to theorizing about the game’s lore. Shadow of the Colossus is widely considered a masterpiece of interactive storytelling.

Yoku’s Island Express

A Pinball Metroidvania

Pinball machines were incredibly popular in arcades from the 1970s through the 1990s. While dedicated pinball video games became rare starting with the PlayStation 2, the rise of digital gaming on consoles like the PlayStation 3 saw attempts to revive the genre. This resurgence is similar to what happened with Metroidvania games, and a particularly unique example is Yoku’s Island Express. This game cleverly blends the exploration and progression of a Metroidvania with the action of pinball.

In Yoku’s Island Express, you play as Yoku, a little bug working as a mail carrier on a vibrant new island. When a storm hits, Yoku’s deliveries turn into a challenging adventure played out on pinball tables cleverly integrated into the island’s different environments. It’s easier to experience than to describe! The controls, which use a paddle to guide the ball, can take some getting used to, but it’s a captivating game and a standout Metroidvania that deserves more attention. It’s a clever reinvention of pinball with a fresh, unique approach.

Catherine

Pushing Blocks, Knocking Boots

Catherine is a unique game that blends two different experiences into one. Created by the team behind the Persona series, it follows Vincent, a man struggling with his relationship with Katherine. She wants to get married and start a family, but Vincent isn’t ready for that commitment, leading to bizarre and unsettling dreams. When he falls asleep, he finds himself transformed, wearing only his boxers and sheep horns, surrounded by other people who have become sheep.

Catherine is a unique puzzle game that combines block-based challenges with a creepy chase sequence. You play as Vincent, who’s trapped in a nightmare and must navigate tricky cube puzzles to reach the exit while being hunted by monsters. Outside of these dream levels, Vincent faces a real-life dilemma: stay with his girlfriend Katherine or pursue a new relationship with the mysterious Catherine. The choices you make in the real world, presented in a simple text-adventure style, impact Vincent’s fate and his escape from this twisted situation. A remastered version, Catherine: Full Body, adds another potential love interest. Either way, players can expect a difficult and engaging story about love and desire.

Henry Hatsworth In The Puzzling Adventure

Platformer Meets Tetris

Released in 2009, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure cleverly utilized the Nintendo DS’s features. Players control an explorer who journeys through levels reminiscent of classic 90s action platformers. Henry fights enemies with his cane and can even call upon a massive, steam-powered robot for help. But the game has a unique twist: the bottom screen functions like a Tetris puzzle, adding another layer of challenge to the action.

If you don’t clear the blocks building up at the bottom of the screen, they’ll rise into the main platforming area and slow Henry down. Juggling both the puzzle game and platforming can be tricky, but the game doesn’t constantly throw enemies at you. You can switch to the puzzle game for a breather when needed. While it’s not a perfect system, it generally works well, and fans of the original Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure would likely welcome a sequel or updated version.

Ring Fit Adventure

Best New Nintendo RPG In Decades?

Ring Fit Adventure is a standout exercise game from the last ten years – it’s both effective and genuinely fun. The game uses a unique ring-shaped accessory: players insert one Joy-Con controller into the ring and attach the other to their leg. This setup tracks leg movements and allows players to control the game. For instance, to make their character run, players simply jog in place.

What’s really unique about this game is that all the exercises are built into a role-playing game. Doing arm and leg exercises lets you attack monsters in different levels. You can even make smoothies to regain health or get stronger, and there are extra mini-games if you just want to work out. While exercise games have been around for a long time, Ring Fit Adventure is one of the most engaging and challenging ones out there.

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2025-11-04 11:35