Who said a good game has to be expensive? On Steam, some free titles boast thousands of rave reviews. Between artistic experiences, supernatural romances and crazy fights, these games have more than 95% “extremely positive” reviews – a rare label, especially for titles without any entry price.
Topping the list is Doki Doki Literature Club. Behind its cute visual novel appearance lies a psychological thriller that has left its mark on a whole generation of gamers. Released in 2017, it is still one of the most downloaded free games on the platform today. But other more recent gems also deserve your attention.
A macabre romance, surreal barbecues and a music-loving sheep
With “98% of over 9,200 reviews,” A Date with Death puts you in touch with the Grim Reaper… via videoconference. This dating simulator from Two and a Half Studios offers a unique relationship with Death himself, influenced by your choices and enriched with a customizable apartment and multiple endings.
In a completely different register, ENA: Dream BBQ transforms video games into visual fever. Inspired by Joel G.’s cult YouTube series, this free game takes you into a psychedelic world with kaleidoscopic settings. “98% of more than 21,000 ratings” for a single playable episode, which heralds a promising series.
Sheepy: A Short Adventure, created by the famous YouTuber MrSuicideSheep, takes you on a minimalist but striking 2D adventure. A stuffed sheep comes to life in a dark universe, supported by a soundtrack praised by players, including Yoe Mase and Hahlweg. The game has “98% positive reviews from over 10,000 reviews”.
Cartoon fights, retro coop and werewolf investigation
If you like crazy fights, try Iron Snout, where a little pig faces murderous wolves with cleavers, chainsaws and… decapitated heads. The SnoutUp game is a quick and addictive romp. “The only game where you can punch a wolf while wearing a superhero cape… It’s dumber than a box of rocks and I love it,” sums up one player.
In The Expendabros, the creators of Broforce pay homage to the run’n’gun of yesteryear. This 2D shooter allows four players to play locally, chaining together explosions and virile responses to save the forest of Eastern Europe. “Incredible chain reactions of fire, napalm and limbs in the name of freedom,” announces the Steam page.
Change of atmosphere with The WereCleaner, a narrative gem where you play Kyle, a nighttime werewolf, forced to clean offices without devouring his colleagues. “It’s a game full of heart and internal organs,” the game’s presentation ironically states.
Hellish investigations, dead hedgehogs and healing princesses
In Helltaker, you dream of seducing demons. To achieve this, open a portal to hell, solve Sokoban-style puzzles, and survive satanic trials. “Not very smart, but at least it’s free,” joke its creators, despite more than 53,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Even SEGA got in on the action with Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. This visual novel transforms Sonic’s universe into a railway thriller, following the death of the blue hedgehog during Amy Rose’s birthday. “Yes, this free game is indeed great. At least, that’s what I think,” quips the author.
Finally, Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt offers a retro RPG experience where, instead of killing, you heal. Injured ducks, sick princesses, all in charming NES pixel art by Ludosity. The 2014 game remains one of the studio’s highest rated with “97% positive reviews from over 2,100 reviews.”