Hollowreach

Hollowreach is slow in the best way. You explore a drowned city, piecing together what happened through notes, environmental clues, and the occasional light puzzle. There's no combat to speak of — the tension comes from the place itself.

The art and sound design carry a lot of the mood, and the game trusts you to notice things rather than spelling everything out. I spent a whole session just following a side path that led to an optional room with its own little story.

It's short, maybe five or six hours, but it lingers. If you want something calm to play before bed, this is a strong pick.

What we liked

• Rich atmosphere and smart environmental storytelling
• No combat, pure exploration and discovery
• Perfect length for a weekend playthrough