The Old City: Leviathan similar games & best alternatives
The Old City: Leviathan
2014
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Quick resume
The Old City: Leviathan is an experiment in first person exploration that focuses entirely on story. All that exists is you and the world. Set in a decaying city from a civilization long past, The Old City: Leviathan puts the player in the shoes of a sewer dwelling isolationist.
Global score
72/100
Genres
Adventure, Indie
Pros
- Beautiful and immersive environments
- Deep philosophical and existential narrative
- Excellent voice acting and soundtrack
- Non-linear exploration with multiple paths
- Thought-provoking and unique experience
Cons
- Minimal gameplay mechanics beyond walking
- Heavy reading requirement with dense text
- Slow movement speed and some tedious backtracking
- Short overall length
- Story can be confusing or obscure for some players
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players freely explore a non-linear environment with choice of paths and discovery order, no forced gameplay mechanics"
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Competence-3
"Gameplay is limited to walking and exploration with no puzzles or combat, minimal skill challenge"
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Competition-5
"No competitive elements or comparison to others, focus is on personal exploration and interpretation"
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Continuation2
"Some players report immersive experience leading to extended play sessions, others note short length and possible frustration"
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Cooperation-5
"Single player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements"
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Creativity3
"Players engage in exploration and piecing together story from environmental clues, but no creation or modification"
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Domination-5
"No social dominance or power dynamics, solitary experience"
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Escapism4
"Strong immersion in a surreal, post-apocalyptic world offering mental escape and philosophical reflection"
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily driven by curiosity and interest in story and atmosphere"
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Experimenting2
"Exploration of multiple paths and discovery of hidden notes encourages some experimentation"
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Exploration5
"Core gameplay is about discovering new areas, secrets, and piecing together story from environment"
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Expression-4
"No character customization or player expression, fixed narrative and environment"
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Fantasy3
"Game blends post-apocalyptic realism with surreal, mythological and dreamlike elements"
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Fellowship-5
"Solo experience with minimal social interaction or community feeling"
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Growth3
"Players develop understanding of complex philosophical narrative and world through exploration and reading"
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity"
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention to read and explore, not suitable for casual or background play"
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Intimacy-5
"No social or emotional relationships formed, solitary mental experience"
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements"
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Progression2
"Progression through story and discovery of notes, but no item or skill accumulation"
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Relaxation3
"Atmospheric and immersive experience provides contemplative relaxation despite some unsettling themes"
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Sensation3
"Visuals, sound design and music create strong sensory and emotional impact"
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems"
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Story5
"Strong narrative focus with philosophical, mythological and existential themes deeply embedded"
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Strategy-4
"No strategic or problem-solving gameplay, focus on exploration and interpretation"
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Thrill1
"Some moments of tension and unease from atmosphere and narrative, but no traditional thrills or scares"
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Value3
"Good value for price given unique experience and immersive atmosphere, though short length noted"
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Violence-4
"No combat or destruction, focus on exploration and narrative"
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Survival-5
"No survival mechanics or threats, stable environment"
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Last update: 06/03/2026