Best games by Dear Villagers

AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected (2019)

AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected is a delightful and quirky adventure that stands as a testament to the passion of its two-person development team. This love letter to Japanese animation presents a vibrant, unusual 3D world inhabited by charming 2D characters. Players embark on a short, light-hearted narrative filled with action, humorous dialogue, and rogue-lite elements. The core gameplay involves smashing cute creatures to progress through a colorful, visually unique environment, offering a gameplay loop that is both engaging and whimsical. The experience is further elevated by a memorable anime-themed soundtrack, composed by Kazuhiko Naruse and performed by Aya Majiro. This game perfectly embodies the spirit of "Best games by Dear Villagers" due to its commitment to unique artistic vision and engaging, accessible gameplay. Despite the titular "evil forces" unleashed by Labiworks, players, as a harmless child wielding a wooden stick, must navigate this monster-infested neighborhood to uncover the mystery of missing parents. The genius of AWAY lies in its emphasis on friendship, allowing players to recruit up to eight distinct allies, each with their own special abilities. Players can even experience the world through their allies' unique first-person perspectives, offering a truly novel visual journey. This blend of creative storytelling, distinctive art direction, and innovative gameplay mechanics makes AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected a standout title that aligns perfectly with Dear Villagers' curated collection of memorable indie experiences.