Similar projects.

[horsie]

Does anyone know any games, films, books, etc. that are similar to KRZ? Like, with the same deep atmosphere, interesting characters and sort of "road-movie" style.

[mendel]

That's a tall order to fill. The "magical realism" lists on imdb that I looked at weren't worth much, but maybe some movies directed by M. Night Shyamalan would serve? "Lady in the Water", "Unbreakable", "Sixth Sense"? They're not road movies in any sense, though.

[besmirched·tourist]

I love Kentucky Route Zero partly because I’ve never seen any game as wonderfully replete with metaphors, both literary and otherwise. I’ve actually learned something from KRZ and its fans. How often can anyone say something like that? And yet I’ve been spending a lot of time playing Eidolon lately.

While Eidolon has some points in common with KRZ (gorgeously austere visual style with atmosphere to boot and an intriguing text-based narrative loaded with mystery), it differs in many ways but primarily by being an open world scavenger hunt without standard NPCs. Even so, I tend to think of Eidolon as being the other side of Kentucky Route Zero’s coin.

Check out the videos, the forums, the few reviews that exist and see what you think.

[eli]

Checking out Eidolon now… looks interesting. I hope to play it some day. Reminds me a bit of Proteus. I like the narration aspect (which in itself reminds me of Thomas Was Alone). :)

[besmirched·tourist]

While others agree with your Proteus comparison, I've not yet played that game. I was absolutely wowed by Thomas Was Alone but I think it is far removed from the cumulative thrust of Eidolon.

None the less, if you like KRZ and you like Thomas then consider tossing in a slight bit of Dear Esther and Darwinia for a rough approximation of what Eidolon offers.

P.S. Do let me know if I'm off the mark.

[CastleDweller]

@shawn-m Games like KRZ? "The Dig" is one of the best matches that I can find (I absolutely love that game). You should look to the early 90's games, those were good times for this type of games.

Another titles:

- Another World
- Beneath a Steel Sky
- Loom
- Gemini Rue (that's a new title)
- The Longest Journey

[besmirched·tourist]

Okay then. Looks like I need to check out The Dig and the other titles you mention, too. Thanks for the references!

[Lore]

Super Brothers: Swords and Sworcery EP defintely has a KRZ vibe to it. Not just the minimalist visuals but the way the plot develops, the atmosphere, and the feelings the game brings.

While I don't disagree with Pizted, that all the games he mentioned are great games and you should definitely check them out (though there's better games in that genre,) I don't think they particularly have much in common with KRZ's unique feel.

[CastleDweller]

@Diogenes: Well you're right! how could I forget S&S?? (I'm not joking, I love that game) that would be the best match for KRZ without doubt :)

[Netscape Navigator]

In terms of film, check out Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky, specifically Stalker (1979). It's slow going if you aren't used to the Russian style, but definitely must have inspired KRZ.

[Gourgoues]

Some parts of the game like the Bureau of Reclaimed Spaces and the pseudoscience behind Xanadu really make me think the creators have read Steven Hall's "The Raw Shark Texts"

[Laser Cat]

check out swords and sworcery lp, its got a similar play style as this game. i enjoyed it quite a bit.

[nshady]

You could try Gone Home, or The Dream Machine. Or Machinarium, though as beautiful as that game is it's not exactly narrative-focussed.

Film-wise, try "The Rover" by David Michod. Wonderful off-kilter road movie film.

[doctor crouton]

I'd recommend watching Kelly Reichardt's films especially oldjoy and wendy & lucy

[mendel]

I'm happy that this thread pops up again, because I have meanwhile watched the movie "Wristcutters" (though I guess you could just as well read Etgar Keret's novella "Kneller's Happy Campers". It's a road-movie (interesting characters are a given) and also magically realistic. Very much recommended to KRZ fans.

[Ginjjii]

an adventure game with great dialog and atmosphere i rec is Sanatarium. its an old game but its all voice acted and the graphics look just as good as many modern games