Planet Laika (1999)

space log number 42069:

this twisted hell of a planet, i've discovered, is like a knife in the way it wounds the mind and splits my body apart. my crew is experiencing similar symptoms as when i return from he subconscious they can only speak through me. an entity is here, it is taunting us, hurting us, it manifests as pure malice and i don't know how long i can continue knowing that the very dust of this burning red star wants us dead.

the town is burning and the faces around me distort into familiar looks of disgust. even then, there is a glimmer of something beautiful, a glint off the silvery tinsel of a rocket gifted at christmas time. my rocket. and to think such a precious gift would land me here.

beware of mars, the planet of evil. beware the mine shafts with voices inside. beware your own mind and how it betrays you, and most of all beware the gentle carols at wintertime from when you were still whole and happy.

Planet Laika offers absolutely nothing in terms of gameplay: 90% of the game is just watching cutscenes and walking around hoping for something to happen that advances the plot. The interactions with the NPCs range from "a little weird" to downright absurd. Combat is just ridiculous: all, and I mean all the battles can be easily won if you just hold one button. You don't even need to choose between different attacks or anything like that. Most of the combat is optional anyway.

You also collect items sometimes... none of which I ever had the need to actually use to complete the game.

I guess Laika should be regarded more as a kind-of visual novel or film... in which case, it's a lot more interesting. You could also re-watch The Elephant Man or Ivan's Childhood, and don't waste the 7-8 (fast-forwarded) hours you need to endure to finish Laika. Maybe check out Youtube for a walkthrough if you are really curious about this uhm, well-hidden gem of a game.