Our favorite walking simulators

Our favorite walking simulators

Do you want to go on a nice summer walk, but the scorching sun on heavy rainfall crosses your plans? Here’s an idea – why not play a walking simulator instead?  Explore virtual worlds and experience great stories in our best picks from the genre.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, developed by The Astronauts, is a gripping dark adventure game placing players in the shoes of detective Paul Prospero. As the protagonist unravels the mystery behind Ethan Carter’s disappearance, supernatural abilities come into play alongside traditional detective methods. Drawing inspiration from literary masters like H.P. Lovecraft and Raymond Chandler, the game seamlessly blends horror and detective genres. With an expansive open world waiting to be explored, players are encouraged to delve deep into the narrative using Prospero’s unique talents, including communicating with spirits. Beyond its captivating storyline, the game boasts stunning locations meticulously recreated through photogrammetry, promising an immersive experience for all players.

Firewatch

Firewatch, developed by Campo Santo, immerses players in the wilderness of Wyoming in 1989. As a park ranger, the task is to prevent fire outbreaks during a dry season, revealing a seemingly peaceful job that unfolds into a tale of strange occurrences. The game boasts atmospheric graphics, an engaging storyline, and many opportunities for exploration. Released on February 9, 2016, Firewatch is a captivating experience for those seeking thrills while wandering through a picturesque yet enigmatic forest.

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Death Stranding

This title stands out on the list for its unique blend of exploration, combat, and elements from various genres. Despite its unconventional mix, Death Stranding focuses on seamless movement across locations, whether by foot or using equipment. This has playfully earned it the nickname “courier simulator,” as the protagonist is part of a group tasked with transporting goods to distant human colonies in a post-apocalyptic world. The character’s reputation, abilities, and stats are influenced by feedback from both the company and players. The game’s world is a grim one, marked by supernatural occurrences that have fractured society. Noteworthy is the star-studded cast, featuring Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelsen, and overseen by industry icon Hideo Kojima. The success of the game has paved the way for a sequel scheduled to launch next year.

The Stanley Parable

This narrative adventure game from Galactic Cafe is a true mind-blowing gaming experiment. As the titular hero Stanley, we find ourselves in a massive corporation where strange things start happening. The gameplay revolves around following or ignoring commands, with our actions always being commented on by a chatty narrator. It is the emphasis on player choices that gives The Stanley Parable several endings based on decisions made. Will you succumb to the narrator’s demands or act on your own? The Stanley Parable is a unique title in many ways. By abandoning traditional mechanics, using absurd humor, and offering non-linear gameplay, this game will surely appeal to those seeking unconventional experiences and a break from traditional video games. 

Journey

Journey stands out with its unique approach to graphics and dialogues, as they are absent altogether. Also remarkable is the way players communicate, as they can encounter each other in the game but must only use sounds and graphical signals to communicate. With this unique narrative, the interpretation of the journey lies in the player’s hands, creating a distinctive, personal experience while uncovering the mysteries of the desert. Combined with breathtaking views and a captivating soundtrack, Journey is a beautiful, emotionally rich expedition. Despite not being the newest game, it still boasts an active player base rediscovering its story.