Top 15 Games Like Fran Bow (Games Better Than Fran Bow In Their Own Way)

Updated:

11 Dec 2023

What Are The Best Games Like Fran Bow?

If you love indie horror, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard of Fran Bow. With a story and characters like no other, separation anxiety is the diagnosis when you’ve completed the game.

The following list will serve to quell that hunger for fantastic games just like Fran Bow.

15. Stitched

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Fluffex Studios
Release Date: Oct 30, 2017

Stitched gameplay

Ah, finally an RPG that was worthwhile. Stitched is a fantastic horror adventure RPG that is essentially Fran Bow seen in a different light. Imagine waking up in a doll factory all alone. Of course the doll factory is dangerous, and of course it’s dark. With blood and gore galore, what else is there to do but try to escape? If you have a craving for pixel RPGs, this is easily the next choice for you.

Catherine is seen here exploring the new factory in which she just awoke. The art style of Stitched is reminiscent of some of the best pixelated RPGs.

Like most mothers, Ellaine worries deeply for Catherine… and we know this is only foreshadow of what’s to come (considering Stitched is a horror game). You can see the immense detail put into the art, making this game worthwhile.

14. Black Mirror

Genre: Adventure
Developer: Cranberry Production
Release Date: Feb 8, 2011

Black Mirror gameplay

I’m not talking about the modern Twilight Zone-esque show, here. I’m talking about this sinister game based in England around 1969. In this game, your whole family is cursed in this giant mansion, and you end up killing some of them. I swear, I didn’t spoil anything. Give Black Mirror a search on Steam and the trailer speaks for itself. For a horror point-and-click from 2011, its graphics and ‘aura’ of creepy keep you wanting more and more.

Don’t you just love finding evidence? Pictured is some of the detailed art in Black Mirror.

The focus on the eerie lighting and the difficult topics is something Black Mirror takes very seriously.

13. Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars

Genre: Adventure
Developer: Revolution Software Ltd
Release Date: Sept 2, 2010

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars gameplay

Broken Sword was a series I played back in the early 2010s with my older brother, and practically spearheaded my love of mystery-solving. Although this title is not as dark as a child popping pills and seeing blood on the walls, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars holds adult themes like murder-mystery within its point-and-click style. The game is about 15 years old, but even the antiquated graphics bring about a sentimental feeling- that feeling you had when you played some of your first PC games “back in the day.”

Here we can see typical gameplay in Shadow of the Templars. The art in both styles is phenomenal, and truly makes up for the funny voiceovers.

Warning: There are clowns in this game. Only the creepiest for a good scare.

12. Syberia

Genre: Adventure, Casual
Developer: Microids
Release Date: Sep 1, 2002

Syberia gameplay

I had recurring nightmares about the puzzles in the game throughout my entire childhood. Plaguing my dreams around 2004, Syberia introduced some of the hardest puzzles to ever enter my life through the point-and-click realm. Don’t judge the game by its graphics, the title was so difficult, I don’t think I finished the game... which really makes me want to try again. Taking place in Europe, this “clockpunk” style game will really make you want to pack your bags and travel. Although the characters walk slower than ever, the storyline is more than charming enough to keep you sane while waiting for the main character to cross a room.

The gameplay is so similar to a movie. This game really spearheaded putting more effort into graphics.

Syberia is unique in that the movie-like gameplay was some of the first of its time.

11. Bear With Me

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Exordium Games
Release Date: Aug 8, 2016

Bear With Me gameplay

This game reminds me of those old school film noir movies from the 60s… but with a teddy bear; there’s a talking teddy bear detective, but it’s not voiced by Seth MacFarlane. Sad. The whole game plays in black-and-white, with some red symbolism here and there. The voice-overs are pretty good, and sound nothing like Resident Evil OG – so that’s good. Rather than literal puzzles, you gather clues to solve a missing persons mystery. Alongside that, there’s a unique hint system in case you get stuck… something that would come in a lot of handy to avoid clicking around, angrily. Take a look at the trailer on Steam!

This black and white game pays incredible attention to all detail in every scene, with special attention to symbolism and the characters themselves.

Pictured is an example of the attention to symbolism and detail in every scene. Unique characters highlight this game, as well.

10. I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

Genre: Adventure
Developer: Cyberdreams
Release Date: Oct 31, 1996

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

This game is almost as old as I am, but it’s still worth a play. Originally released in 1996, this psychological thriller still remains one of the best “old-school” games. This point and click adventure horror follows the fears of five people, and sometimes reminds you why you stop playing horror games every so often (or is that just me)…

The style of this game is reminiscent of Syberia or Broken Sword, in how items are utilized.

The art style was incredible for its time, and is a testament to how some games are destined to be played over and over.

9. The Cat Lady

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Harvester Games
Release Date: Dec 1. 2012

The Cat Lady gameplay

This story-rich, 2D adventure game may deter you at first. Its art style is not typical, and kind of reminiscent of Papers, Please. The gore doesn’t come as a surprise, but it is definitely shocking. Stick with this game — The Cat Lady is a phenomenal example of unique storytelling expertise.

This game borders on psychological horror, as many people can relate to the themes shown throughout the game.

Although the title may be misleading, the game is not feel-good and full of felines.

8. The Dream Machine

Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie
Developer: Cockroach Inc.
Release Date: May 11, 2012

The Dream Machine gameplay

This creepy, Claymation point-and-click adventure – yes, I said Claymation – truly brings a completely new facet of imagination into the gaming world. It’s such a wonderful story, so I want you to remember that it was only made by two indie developers. With incredible attention to detail, these two developers were able to craft a world that you’re able to completely fall in love with. The characters, music, and sets along with puzzles galore make this game a must-have.

This unique game takes Claymation to a whole new level, as most everything is created by hand.

The writing in this game does not lack humor, and the art keeps you playing longer and longer.

7. Dead Secret

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Robot Invader
Release Date: Mar 28, 2016

Dead Secret gameplay

The trailer for Dead Secret does not do the game justice, whatsoever. In this first-person horror game, you’re investigating the murder of a professor before you also become a murder victim. The set is a stereotypical, creepy house in the middle of nowhere, with lackluster art and graphics. The scare factor, however… that’s what this game is all about. It seems the title is less about the story and more about the heebie-jeebies, but isn’t that why we all play horror games?

Hints and clues strewn about this game keep you guessing the ending, and searching the web for more games just like it.

The graphics in Dead Secret are simple, but the writing and character monologue is enough to keep the story moving.

6. Machinarium

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Amanita Design
Release Date: Oct 16, 2009

Machinarium gameplay

Playing a point-and-click as a small robot is reason enough for you to take a look at this game. With a super-cute main character and wonderfully detailed art style, Machinarium accomplishes one of the best atmospheres in gaming that I’ve seen since Fran Bow. There’s no speech in this game and yet, the characters are able to communicate to the audience without fail. Go ahead, immerse yourself in this unique world that’s truly unlike any other.

The Tim Burton-esque art style is one of the crowning features of this game, making it very eerie and pleasing to the eye.

This adorable game features no dialogue, but instead shows speech in a way that is more involved.

5. Tormentum: Dark Sorrow

Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie
Developer: OhNoo Studio
Release Date: Mar 4, 2015

Tormentum: Dark Sorrow gameplay

Tormentum’s trailer made me briefly feel like I was watching a Metalocalypse episode. With its incredible art and twitchy animation, this game delivers some incredibly dark themes. The amount of time that must have gone into the artwork is absolutely astounding. You feel as though you’ve stepped into a Zdzisław Beksiński painting, and it only keeps getting better. Like Fran Bow, this title truly satisfies that craving for darkness… and you don’t even need any pentagrams on your wall.

The dark, demented art style of this game is incredibly aesthetically pleasing, and is a break from traditional art in gaming.

Gore and blood are main themes, so don’t be surprised by this recurring theme.

4. Tokyo Dark

Genre:Adventure
Developer: Cherrymochi
Release Date: Sep 7, 2017

Tokyo Dark gameplay

Although this game is a little more on the expensive side, it’s well worth the money (especially if you catch it while it’s on sale). You play as a female protagonist detective whose partner is missing. She will find not only the truth, but the secret behind a legend in Tokyo. Join Detective Ito, and fall in love with this brilliant point and click adventure.

Dialogue is one of the highlights in Tokyo Dark. The writers put a lot of thought into the script.

This anime-style game features strange scenes… like talking to cats.

3. Detention

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: RedCandleGames
Release Date: Jan 12, 2017

Detention gameplay

Heads up- this game may give you night terrors. Currently on my Steam wish list, Detention is the perfect survival horror game to also satisfy your aesthetic. With beautiful 2D art, this game also manages to hold ties to the White Terror Period that took place in Taiwan. It may be just me, but games or movies based on true events are the most terrifying. The point-and-click side-scroller keeps you guessing what will happen next as evil approaches. Good luck with this one and keep the lights on while you play.

Detention breaks away from traditional horror, as you can actively hide from creatures that you find.

Not only is Detention a 2D game, but there are moments with intense detail in the art.

2. Sally Face

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Steve Gabry
Release Date: Dec 14, 2016

Sally Face gameplay

Sally Face is a young boy with a prosthetic face who has gone through some real tough times. This game tells an incredible story and reveals the truth behind Sally’s past… The art, dialogue, and game play truly are unique, and are very similar to Fran Bow. The game keeps you on your toes… even more so because the game has episodes you must buy to finish the story. No worries… each game runs pretty cheap. Trust me, the puzzles are worth the buy.

Sally Face stays true to life, as adults are frank and sometimes rude to no end.

Pictured is Sally Face, walking by a group of people at a grave.

1. Rusty Lake: Paradise

Genre: Adventure, Indie
Developer: Rusty Lake
Release Date: Jan 11, 2018

Rusty Lake: Paradise gameplay

I personally own this game on my iPhone, and throw money at the developers any time a new game comes out. Rusty Lake: Paradise satisfies the same hunger for a dark point-and-click as Fran Bow. With sacrificial and ritualistic themes, RL: Paradise “serves up” a wonderful story accompanied by a fresh art style. The only way to progress through the game is by swimming through puzzles. Don’t worry, it’s not a bloody game of Sudoku- RL: Paradise delivers.