Three Hidden Gems on the Steam Store

After the reveal of some pretty major changes in Phasmophobia, my friends all quit. Since then, I've been wandering like a miserable spirit from game to game, trying to find something to bring them back. I haven't succeeded in that endeavor, yet, but I did find some great gems for myself.

Take a peek at these three hidden gems I found on the steam store.

Lost Lullabies

This bad boi is similar to Phasmophobia. Like really similar. But it's different enough to matter. It seems that the game takes place in an Orphanage that experienced some seriously spooky shit. That alone had my interest piqued, but I found the game when it was on sale and figured I might as well give it a whirl.

The creepy atmosphere is toned down with some intriguing elements, such as the art style. It almost feels like you're in an arcade with a bunch of broken-down animatronics. Maybe a little like Five Nights at Freddy's. You can interact with a sock puppet character who sells useful trinkets, too—this really helps with keeping me from being too scared to play the game (lol).

I'm really excited to dive into this game, and with any luck, I can convince my buddies to try it out with me.

Enigma of Fear

I have had this on my wishlist for a while. I can't say why it took me so long to try it, but I can only speculate that I just had other games I was more interested in. I finally did it, though, and right away I was ensnared by the story. It's a paranormal tale, with a character who works in some sort of supernatural organization. There are cult implications and blood zombies right off the bat, which gives me all the vibes.

The first thing I found upon play is that you can choose between two modes: Standard and Detective. As the name may imply, you gotta step up into some serious detective breeches and do some real investigating. You take pictures and notes of the game while blasting your way through this paranormal nightmare. I, naturally, took up the mantle of detective and I ran around like a madman trying to find the clues.

The story starts with a character who is looking for their father figure, who works for a supernatural organization. I'm not sure yet if the organization is public knowledge, but the characters all seem to be aware of the paranormal rules of this universe. While there is no character creator, you do get a doggy companion to run around with. He even has some cool utility. The combat leaves something to be desired, but I reason that this game isn't truly about combat so much as it is about story and investigation.

I'm not super far in, yet, but I'm excited to see what other kind of monsters and truths I might find. I'm also dying to know if my guess on the story turns out to be true.

Welcome to Elderfield

This game, specifically, has a great deal of my attention. Like many, I was smitten by the world of Welcome to Nightvale. I mean, who wasn't? That was supernatural story-telling at its finest, told in a way that I had never heard before. I was fascinated, and I still am. When I saw this game demo chilling on the Steam Store, it reminded me of the podcast and I knew I had to try it.

This pixel-art RPG is set in a supernatural world that looks and feels just a bit off. The characters are gloomy, weird, and relatable, and the "monsters" are actually funny. Some of the enemies in this game are just people. For instance, I encountered a Shopper at the mall and gave them an epic smack-down that nearly ended my character's life. Speaking of characters, this game has a character creator. It's not super detailed, but it really doesn't have to be with this style of game.

The environment is the only place, so far, that does any real story-telling. The map is foggy and unsettling, like Silent Hill, but teeming with life. The art style only helps to enhance the feeling of "wrongness" that I'm picking up in every accessible area. The game is currently in early Alpha, but I have no doubts about it. This one will be a winner for any fans of pixel-art RPGs. It reminds me a lot of Bloomtown but with the farming elements of Sunhaven or Stardew Valley. I am always ready for a cozy farming sim, especially when it has supernatural elements.

That's all I've got for now. I do want to apologize for my absence, though. Moving and acquiring a new job took a huge toll on my energy and I had to recover!

If you have any game recommendations, write me a comment below. I am always open to suggestions, especially where it pertains to Indie games.

Until next time, gamers.