Surrealism in Video Games

[Mish12]

Surrealism in video games can be achieved through various elements that defy logic, challenge reality, or create a sense of the uncanny. Here are some factors that can contribute to making a game surreal:

Unusual Settings: Games that take place in bizarre, dreamlike environments or abstract landscapes can immediately establish a surreal atmosphere. These settings may defy the laws of physics or incorporate impossible structures.

Illogical Narratives: Surreal games often feature narratives that are fragmented, nonlinear, or deliberately ambiguous. Players may encounter bizarre characters, events, or plot twists that challenge conventional storytelling norms.

Visual Distortions: Visual effects such as distorted perspectives, glitchy graphics, or shifting environments can create a disorienting and surreal experience for players.

Absurdity and Nonsense: Incorporating elements of absurdity, randomness, or nonsensical humor can contribute to the surreal nature of a game. This might include nonsensical dialogue, unconventional puzzles, or absurd game mechanics.

Psychological Horror: Surreal horror games can exploit psychological elements to unsettle players and blur the lines between reality and fiction. Themes such as existential dread, subconscious fears, and altered perceptions are common in these games.

Experimental Gameplay: Games that experiment with unconventional mechanics, player interactions, or game structures can create a surreal experience by challenging players' expectations and perceptions of how games should be played.

Sound and Music: Surreal games often utilize atmospheric sound design and experimental music to enhance the otherworldly atmosphere and immerse players in the game's unique aesthetic.

Some good examples of surreal games include:

"Antichamber": This puzzle game features non-Euclidean geometry and abstract visuals that create a mind-bending and surreal experience for players.

"Inside": Developed by the creators of Limbo, this atmospheric platformer features a dark and dystopian world filled with surreal imagery and unsettling encounters.

"Yume Nikki": A cult classic in the realm of surreal gaming, Yume Nikki is an indie adventure game that takes players on a journey through the dreams and subconscious of a young girl, featuring bizarre landscapes and dreamlike imagery.

"Superliminal": This puzzle game plays with perspective and perception, allowing players to manipulate objects in the environment by changing their perceived size based on perspective, leading to surreal and mind-bending puzzles.

"The Stanley Parable": A narrative-driven exploration game that deconstructs the concept of choice in video games, featuring surreal narrative twists and meta-commentary on game design.

[100goats]

Thanks for the response and giving examples.

Edit: I removed the off-topic link to the game.