Hollow Lantern

Hollow Lantern is the kind of game you play with headphones on and the lights low. You explore crumbling ruins with only a lantern, solving small environmental puzzles and piecing together what happened here through notes and murals. There's barely any combat — it's about curiosity and quiet dread.

The controls are simple, mostly walking and interacting, but the level design guides you cleverly without ever slapping a giant arrow on screen. I got lost a couple of times, in the good way, where finding the path felt like a small victory.

It's short, maybe a few evenings, and it never overstays its welcome. If you want something atmospheric to sink into rather than grind, Hollow Lantern is an easy recommendation.

What we liked

• Gorgeous, moody atmosphere
• Clever, non-intrusive level design
• A tight, satisfying length