Games like That Dragon, Cancer

A two-hour interactive memoir of Joel Green's four-year fight with cancer, moving through first and third-person scenes built from family home video audio and spoken word poetry.

90% positive from 1,545 · 2016 · Steam Deck Verified · Lowest ever $5.99 (2018-11-22)

IndieStory Rich EmotionalAdventureWalking SimulatorNarration

Six games like That Dragon, Cancer

OPUS: Rocket of Whispers

92% positive from 1,683 reviews201841% finish itDeck Playable

This is a narrative-driven adventure game where players explore a post-apocalyptic world to gather resources and build a rocket. Its core loop involves exploration, item collection, and crafting to fulfill a space burial tradition.

What players likedPlayers praise its slow-burn story, lovable characters, and awesome soundtrack, reminiscent of a captivating, emotional journey.

The catchSlow gathering gameplay where time limits make exploration tedious

Both are tagged Narration, Emotional and Story Rich.

Games like OPUS: Rocket of Whispers →

THE CORRIDOR

94% positive from 3,586 reviews202022% finish itDeck Playable

This is a short, first-person walking simulator focused on player-game interaction within a single corridor. Its core loop involves simply walking and observing the environment.

What players likedPlayers praise this short, meta-narrative game for its humor and creative take on a simple concept, reminiscent of Stanley Parable.

The catchThe core gag closes the game to desktop constantly and relaunching gets tedious fast.

Both are tagged Narration, Walking Simulator and Adventure.

Games like THE CORRIDOR →

Bright Lights of Svetlov

93% positive from 1,367 reviews202163% finish it

A linear, story-focused life simulator with a 1.5-hour playtime, focusing on daily routines and family life in the Soviet Union. It offers a carefully depicted atmosphere of 1980s Russia.

What players likedPlayers praise its immersive '80s Soviet atmosphere and emotionally impactful story, despite its short length.

The catchMost of the playtime is mundane chores done at a slow-motion walking speed.

Both are tagged Narration, Walking Simulator and Adventure.

Games like Bright Lights of Svetlov →

The Gardens Between

94% positive from 2,748 reviews201836% finish itDeck Verified

Single-player adventure-puzzle game. Manipulate time to solve puzzles in dreamlike gardens, exploring friendship.

What players likedPlayers praise its unique time-manipulation puzzles and relaxing, combat-free atmosphere, reminiscent of other "walking simulator" puzzle games.

The catchPuzzles are so simple they nearly solve themselves, leaving the pace slow and boring.

Both are tagged Emotional, Walking Simulator and Story Rich.

Games like The Gardens Between →

9.03m

84% positive from 1,139 reviews2013

This is a narrative exploration game where players find butterflies on a beach. It has a somber, reflective feel, with proceeds donated to disaster relief charities.

What players likedPlayers praise its simple yet emotional design, beautiful art, and wonderful music.

The catchMinimal interactivity; a short guided walk, not really a game

Both are tagged Emotional, Walking Simulator and Indie.

Games like 9.03m →

A Juggler's Tale

92% positive from 2,213 reviews202151% finish itDeck Verified

A 2D puzzle-platformer where players use puppet strings to navigate obstacles in a grim fairytale world. It features a story of escape and empowerment with lyrical narration.

What players likedPlayers praise this beautiful, simple, and lovely narrated platformer about a puppet's freedom.

The catchInteractable objects blend into the scenery, so puzzles turn into trial and error.

Both are tagged Narration, Story Rich and Adventure.

Games like A Juggler's Tale →

More like this: Story Rich Walking Simulator Emotional

More about That Dragon, Cancer

What players liked

Players praise its unique, emotionally powerful narrative about grief and hope, unlike any other game they've experienced.

The catch

The second half turns heavily to Christian faith, alienating players who do not share it.

Reviews: 90% positive from 1,545
Released: 2016
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Verified
Price: Lowest ever $5.99 (2018-11-22)
Play: Single-playerFull controller support

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 90% positive, but with 1,545 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View That Dragon, Cancer on Steam

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