Gone Home (2013)

On the surface, The Fullbright Company's Gone Home is a very simple game. It's a first-person exploration of a house in Portland, Oregon in 1995. In fact, to many, that would sound boring, but the developer's execution of a very simple concept has led to an overwhelmingly positive response. This title is from the perspective of 21-year-old Katie Greenbriar who returns home to her family to find the house deserted. Ignoring the note that tells her not to investigate, you begin to very slowly piece the story together. Objects and notes within the game will unlock different areas of the house, creating a puzzle element that adds value without being too demanding. Despite this, Gone Home tells a story that's realistic and told beautifully. You wouldn't expect objects to convey such emotion, but Fullbright ties in audio narration to give a true feel of the protagonist and her struggles. It gives an unflinching look at topics that are still needlessly taboo today, ultimately crafting a story that will stay with its players forever.