CARRION

This game does the "you're the monster" trope correctly. It's reminiscent of that one Aliens game where you may play the research subject that uses all their abilities to escape. As mentioned, you need to use stealth, and all your abilities - which you collect/evolve over time - to escape a facility filled with researchers and armed guards, and enter the wide world. Kinda plays like a metroidvania. Sadly there is no map, but the game is linear enough (unless you wish to collect all the ability enhancements.) Puzzles are not really difficult (except maybe one or two.) Short and sweet. I had a lot of fun with this role reversal, so it's an easy recommendation.

Short and not very challenging, Carrion still gets top marks from me. It's different, it's fun to play and it's solid design always keeps you moving forward. It's not quite a "metroidvania" since backtracking is really just for collectibles, it's otherwise pretty linear. It's not a platformer because your bizarro alien monstrosity can scale any surface and doesn't care about falling. It's not a hack/slash action game because only rarely do enemies pose any kind of threat, you nearly always have the tools to take them out with minimal risk to yourself. And yet, the fact that it defies all categorization is half the charm. Playing at the alien monster slinking around in the vents and grabbing soldiers who fire uselessly and scream is pretty damn fun.

a quick simple power romp of a terrifying alien beast in a high teh facility. challenging with minor puzzle elements and a satisfying conclusion.

Hey look at us we're working in a milatary facility doing things we shouldn't be doing and ahhhhh a monster noooo why is this happeing to us ahhh.... Yeah thats what happens when you do things you shouldn't...You get eatin by monsters, especially if you ate some Ramen recently. Monsters love humans stuffed with ramen! Seriously this game is too much effing fun!

The developer could teach a masterclass of game design. Every level's layout, every new puzzle, it's all expertly designed to lead you naturally to your next objective whether you're consciously thinking about it or not. Most combat situations have multiple solutions so you can approach them as you please. Also you get to be a friendly monster comprised of nothing but gnashing teeth and writhing tendrils who can cuddle up to spooked humans to comfort them. 10/10, only note I've ever had about this game is that I always want more.