Idk if it “went really hard” but I had fun playing Epistory. It was very cute.

frog fractions

Bugsnax starts out like a fun cross between Pokemon and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, but it gets weird and dark.

Factorio

one shot, Celeste, A Hat In Time, Castle Crashers, kingdom hearts, goat simulator (fun fact it recently got a remaster!), hollow knight, rain world

Escape from Tarkov

Pony Island

Ristar!

I mentally think of it as “Sega’s Kirby”. Not because it has any specific similarities to Kirby in gameplay. But simply because it is similar in tone and vibe. A super cute game that is secretly about fighting an eldritch entity.

… And as every Sega game in the 90s, it is exciting arcade action from beginning to end.

Interesting topic, funnily enough I watched a spanish YouTube video talking about that recently.

Here is an AI briefing of the titles mentioned:

Here are the 10 video games listed in the video:

• Piglet’s Big Game
• Rugrats: Search for Reptar
• Majora’s Mask
• Trauma Center: Under the Knife
• Hello Neighbor
• Earthbound
• Hat in Time
• Heart of Darkness
• FIFA
• Monster House The video also mentions other games that were suggested by viewers in the comments, such as:
• Drone to Life
• Ratchet and Clank
• 4ty Wings
• Evil Twin The video discusses how these games, despite appearing to be suitable for children, contain themes or elements that may be too mature or disturbing for younger audiences. These include:
• Piglet’s Big Game: Contains unsettling imagery and music reminiscent of Silent Hill.
• Rugrats: Search for Reptar: Features scenes with ghosts and creepy toys.
• Majora’s Mask: Contains dark themes and unsettling imagery, such as Link wearing a mask and encountering disturbing enemies.
• Trauma Center: Under the Knife: Deals with serious medical issues, including a deadly pandemic and the death of loved ones.
• Hello Neighbor: Reveals a tragic backstory for the titular neighbor, including the deaths of his wife and child.
• Earthbound: Contains disturbing imagery and themes, such as child abuse and religious cults.
• Hat in Time: Features a creepy mansion level with unsettling music and jump scares.
• Heart of Darkness: Contains graphic depictions of death and is extremely difficult, which may frustrate younger players.
• FIFA: Contains microtransactions and gambling elements, despite being rated for all ages.
• Monster House: Based on a film with a dark and unsettling atmosphere. The video also discusses the issue of age ratings and how some games may not be accurately rated for their content. It highlights the importance of parents being aware of the content of games their children are playing.

RimWorld

Stray

You play as a cat in a post-apocalyptic world where human already extinct.

Doki Doki literature club. I watched it being streamed for a bit. I thought it was just a dumb Japanese school girl high school drama game then suddenly one of the girls offed herself. Was not expecting that.

UFO50! Most of those games are very cutesy, upbeat, and warm in their art + sound design. At least a dozen games will cater to your taste and are bound to turn into favorites.

Eternal Sonata

Both Drawn to Life games get hard right at the last moment. And the second one throws an enormous plot curveball at you after you defeat the last boss.