The Watchers (2020)

As a hallmark title from Straight Back Games, *The Watchers* delivers a uniquely tense co-op stealth experience. Two players step into the roles of siblings Luisa and Frederico, venturing into the eerie, abandoned compound of The Watchers of Azazel cult to uncover the truth behind their mother's disappearance 15 years prior. Success hinges on tight-knit teamwork, as players must communicate and strategize to navigate the sinister environment, solve challenging stealth puzzles, and evade the brutal enemies who still roam the halls. The game masterfully builds a chilling atmosphere of dread, focusing on sustained tension rather than cheap jump scares, making every shadow a potential threat. What truly places *The Watchers* among the developer's best is its deep commitment to a pure co-op design where gameplay is built entirely around the dynamic between the two fully-voiced protagonists. Players must rely on each other to overcome obstacles and piece together the disturbing truths of what happened to the cult and its leader, Anna Puerta. This fusion of cooperative gameplay and chilling storytelling is perfectly complemented by a haunting original score from composer Peter Fender, creating an unforgettable adventure defined by its palpable, ever-present sense of being watched.