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A Normal Lost Phone similar games & best alternatives

A Normal Lost Phone

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

A Normal Lost Phone is a game about exploring the intimacy of an unknown person whose phone was found by the player.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Casual, Indie, Adventure, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Well-written and emotionally impactful story
    • Unique and immersive phone interface gameplay
    • Meaningful lgbtq+ representation
    • Pleasant soundtrack and art style
    • Accessible puzzles integrated with narrative

    Cons

    • Short length with limited replay value
    • Some puzzles can be cryptic
    • Heavy text may not appeal to all players
    • Lack of gameplay variety beyond reading and simple puzzles
    • No multiplayer or social features

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Fellowship, Expression. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Intimacy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy, Continuation.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players freely explore the phone's contents and decide which messages or apps to investigate next, reflecting high personal control and freedom."

    • Competence
      2

      "The game includes light puzzles requiring reading and deduction, offering some skill challenge but overall accessible and not highly demanding."

    • Competition
      -5

      "No competitive elements; gameplay is solitary and focused on personal discovery without comparison to others."

    • Continuation
      -3

      "Short game with limited replay value; players tend to complete it in one or two sessions and do not return frequently."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative features."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players creatively piece together story elements and solve puzzles by exploring and interpreting phone data, though no direct creation or modification."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No social dominance or power dynamics; interactions are with narrative content only."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game to immerse in an emotional narrative and escape real life through story exploration and empathy."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Engagement is voluntary and driven by intrinsic interest in story and themes, not obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      2

      "Players experiment with exploring different phone apps and messages to unlock new content, though within a guided narrative."

    • Exploration
      4

      "Core gameplay involves discovering new information and secrets by exploring the phone's contents."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Limited customization or self-expression; players interact with a fixed narrative and interface without avatar personalization."

    • Fantasy
      -4

      "Story grounded in realistic, contemporary issues and plausible scenarios without fantastical elements."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Primarily a solitary experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players learn about complex social issues and personal identity themes, gaining insight and empathy."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused reading and attention; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

    • Intimacy
      4

      "Strong emotional connection to characters and story, fostering empathy and personal reflection."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements; purely individual experience."

    • Progression
      3

      "Progression through unlocking new phone apps and story segments, accumulating narrative knowledge."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Calm pacing and soothing music create a relaxed atmosphere despite emotional story content."

    • Sensation
      1

      "Moderate sensory stimulation through art and music; emotional engagement more prominent than sensory thrills."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social status or recognition systems present."

    • Story
      5

      "Narrative-driven game with strong emphasis on story immersion and character development."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Minimal strategic or planning elements; puzzles require some reasoning but are straightforward."

    • Thrill
      0

      "Emotional tension present but no suspense or risk-based thrills."

    • Value
      4

      "Highly praised for delivering meaningful content at a low price, considered good value by players."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No violent or destructive gameplay elements."

    • Survival
      -5

      "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable and safe narrative environment."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026