Something wicked this way comes in a platform game precision-engineered to go bump in the night. Inmost is designed to be played in a single three- to five-hour sitting – if you can find one, the team at Hidden Layer Games recommend doing so on a dark, stormy night – so it doesn’t require a massive time commitment to complete. Even so, be careful not to give yourself nightmares!

What we love: The stylish monochrome graphics may be pixelated and defiantly retro, but that doesn’t mean Inmost can’t creep you out. The lead role shifts between a scared young girl, a brave knight and a stranger trying to get to the bottom of Inmost’s mysteries. Each protagonist has a different skill set, whether they’re exploring, evading sinister forces or brandishing a sword with extreme prejudice. Some of the objects you find lying around can be used as monster-vanquishing weapons and, if you can keep clear of the encroaching darkness, there are also puzzles to be solved as the drama unfolds.

Quick tip: Be patient. It’s not always obvious what’s required to complete each level of the game, so backtracking and careful exploration are often essential. You can rest assured, though, that if you do make a mistake and die, you’ll respawn very close to where you left off.

Meet the creator: Alexey Testov, one of the two-person team at Inmost developer Hidden Layer Games, credits ’90s hits Flashback and Another World, monochrome horror Limbo and ZX Spectrum classic Dizzy as among the game’s melting pot of influences.