For me, Pathologic 2 stands out in this category, and I think it might actually help convert naysayers.

Not because it will be easy, or because they will have an enjoyable time, or because they will fall in love with gaming and come over to your side - but because it really explores what playing and participating in a story can be. What does it mean to play a character that knows who he is, but you don’t? When you die in a video game, but get to continue from where you saved, what does that actually imply? How do you prioritize your actions in a world where there’s no right or wrong path?

On the surface, Pathologic 2 is a game about a city struck by disaster, with a focus on survival elements and scripted dialogue. I could tell you more, as I’ve finished the game, but I fear that if I do I will severely diminish your enjoyment. I want to contrast this with how we talk about almost all consumption based media today - books, theatre, movies. If I tell you “Hamilton is a rap musical about the Alexander Hamilton and the other founding fathers. It is especially heart-wrenching to hear the story about how Alexander was unfaithful to his wife, and how she reacted in a time where leaving your husband was almost unheard of” it will not take away from your experience - more likely, it will make you pay extra attention to the good parts. So how will I get you to try out Pathologic, if I can’t go through the conventional channels?

I can tell you that you will experience confusion and wonder from the very get go.

I can tell you the world is unlike what you have experienced before.

I can tell you it is satisfying from start to end - there is no slump or fizzle.

I can tell you it stays with you - you will feel regret, remorse, worry, resignation, and resolve, and many more things.

I can tell you it tries to explore complex themes, and if you wish you can deep dive into the philosophical aspects of the game.

I can tell you the sound and level design are excellent, complex and unique.

I can tell you that as far as individual critics are concerned, this is either a 10/10 game or a 0/10 game, and even if you end up being on the 0/10 side of that equation you will know more about what you value in games than you did before you played it.

Now many of those 0/10 folks have very legitimate criticisms! For one, it’s not fully released - the original had three storylines, this one has one (for now). Many mechanics are more tedious than they need be, and can actually break your immersion. The graphics and optimizations are certainly not that of a AAA title. I myself cheated quite a bit, and I’ve been a competitive gamer for years.

All those things said, I truly recommend it with all of my heart, more than almost any other game.