The Lantern Road

The Lantern Road is mostly walking, talking and small choices, and it's one of the most memorable things we've played this year. You travel between villages carrying letters, and every stop peels back a little more of a gentle, melancholy story.

Interaction is simple — tap to move, tap to speak — which keeps the focus on atmosphere and words. The soundtrack does a lot of heavy lifting, and the pixel art is genuinely beautiful in motion.

It's a short game, maybe four hours, but it's the kind you think about afterwards. Play it with headphones, ideally at night.

What we liked

• Beautiful, moody pixel art
• Story that lingers after the credits
• Perfect for short evening sessions