by thiefsie
Here is a list of the best games for architects in my humble architect opinion.
Mainly because the challenges in these games involve spatial problems that go beyond mere mortal comprehension, most of them also play with the poetics of space in weird, wonderful ways.
There may be some games in here that are purely relevant for a design perspective (or beauty), they would be a master class in world-building if I say so myself. These games are lower on the list of course.
Many of these games partake in non-Euclidean space which is of particular interest to me as an architect, as this sort of space cannot be experienced in the real world. Perhaps VR will drive this experiential area forward??
Note that none of these games are strictly 2D, although Fez is arguable either way, and Monument Valley and Echochrome are experienced in a 2D fashion.
Showing 1-10 of 25 items
The big, non-Euclidean daddy of them all. Perspective, space, movement, pattern, colour, everything. Combined. Awesome.
Like snooker, except for Mensa members. Have some philosophy thrown in for you smart types to boot. Sublimely constructed, and doesn't fight the player in the slightest.
An incredible world with layers upon layers of detail worth investigating. Probably one of the easiest games like this for non-gamers to get into. Epic world-building, art-direction and design.
This is the first comedy game that actually nailed it. Momentum and physics combine with portals and other such anomalies to pull you through this odd dystopian lab. Amazingly well worth the short run-through time, though don't take that as it's actually easy. Nothing on this list has anywhere near as much character as the Portal games.
A smash hit for a reason - and no not because it was oddly featured on House of Cards. Too easy for most, but fun while it lasts. The best 'Escher-Like' game so far.
More Portal, more complex. Not as direct and clear or minimal. If you love Portal, play this. Start with Portal before this if you haven't played either.
An eccentric, formal, spatial nightmare landscape. It's global-illumination run rampart. Impressive with what it leaves out. Anyone who designs in 3D will appreciate it, especially if they render out images at all. Chiaroscuro in navigable form.
This is pseudo 2D/3D platforming done incredibly. From the chiptune-alike sound and graphics, to the ultra-deep hidden puzzles. Not for the feint of heart if you want to go deep. Bring a pen and paper!
What do you do if like like exploring worlds, and also like electronic synth-based music????? Play this game that is. A neon 'Tron' world with beats to match. I full, self-contained synth/sequencer included - once you unlock it of course! Aurally significant.
A massive hit for a reason. Simple building blocks in a procedural world let you explore and construct in whatever way you like. It's almost the ultimate sandbox.