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Experimental

Category Tier-1 Genre

Top 150 best Steam games of all time tagged with Experimental, according to gamer reviews.

Rank, title, date, tags, platforms and price Score Rating
8.50
98% 9,092 votes
8.47
98% 8,221 votes
8.09
98% 462 votes
8.08
95% 2,191 votes
8.07
93% 4,818 votes
8.02
94% 2,592 votes
7.87
96% 347 votes
7.79
97% 160 votes
7.69
94% 198 votes
7.65
91% 490 votes
7.62
88% 1,635 votes
7.60
91% 440 votes
7.59
93% 177 votes
7.56
88% 1,348 votes
7.54
88% 1,464 votes
7.43
91% 139 votes
7.43
100% 25 votes
7.43
100% 25 votes

Correlated tags

Correlation is how often another tag appears together with this tag. If one in every five games tagged with Experimental is also tagged with a correlated tag, the correlated tag has 20% correlation. 100% correlation means the pair of tags always appear together.

Tags most frequently applied to the same games as Experimental, with at least 15% correlation.

  1. Indie 62%
  2. Singleplayer 60%
  3. Casual 49%
  4. Atmospheric 41%
  5. Adventure 37%
  6. 2D 35%
  7. Puzzle 32%
  8. Simulation 28%
  9. Action 27%
  10. 3D 27%
  11. Minimalist 25%
  12. Colorful 24%
  13. Exploration 24%
  14. Relaxing 23%
  15. Stylized 22%
  16. Story Rich 22%
  17. First-Person 21%
  18. Abstract 20%
  19. Surreal 16%
  20. Cute 16%
  21. Pixel Graphics 15%

The Experimental tag refers to games that push the boundaries of traditional gameplay or challenge established conventions in game design. Games with this tag often prioritize innovation, unique mechanics, unconventional storytelling, or experimental visual and audio elements.

Experimental games are typically created by independent developers who embrace creativity and artistic expression. They may not appeal to a wide audience due to their unconventional nature, but they offer a fresh and unique experience for players willing to venture into uncharted territory.

Experimental titles play a crucial role in driving innovation and advancing the medium of video games as a whole, whether or not they achieve commercial success. They offer players a chance to engage with interactive experiences that challenge their expectations and expand their understanding of what games can be.

Here are some defining characteristics of Experimental games:

  • Innovation Experimental games strive to explore new ideas or mechanics that deviate from mainstream trends. They aim to surprise players with fresh concepts or approaches that challenge conventional gameplay norms. Examples of experimental gameplay mechanics could include:
    • A puzzle game where you manipulate time instead of objects.
    • A platformer where gravity works in unpredictable ways.
    • A narrative-driven game without any dialogue or text.
  • Risk-taking Developers of experimental games are willing to take risks and defy expectations, potentially leading to polarizing opinions among players. These games often provoke thought, emotional responses, or introspection by breaking away from formulaic designs.
  • Artistic Expression Experimental games frequently exhibit distinct art styles, abstract visuals, avant-garde soundtracks, or non-linear narratives that depart from mainstream aesthetics. The focus lies in creating unique and memorable experiences rather than achieving photorealistic graphics.

Examples of experimental games include:

  • Everything Created by David OReilly, this simulation game allows players to take control of virtually any object or creature in the game world, exploring themes of interconnectedness and existentialism through a unique perspective.
  • The Stanley Parable Developed by Davey Wreden, this narrative-driven adventure challenges player agency and narrative structure. Players navigate through various choices in an office setting while exploring themes of free will, conformity, and existentialism.
  • Baba Is You Developed by Hempuli Oy, Baba Is You is a puzzle game with a unique twist where you can manipulate the actual rules of the game as objects within each level. This experimental approach allows players to think creatively and break traditional puzzle-solving conventions.

Experimental games provide an avenue for developers to explore new horizons, introduce fresh ideas, and spark conversations within the gaming community.

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