I DON’T mean other games that let you build a car from scratch.
I’m looking for other complex open world games that throw you into the deep end without any explanation, and are completely unforgiving when you make mistakes.
Games that even actively hate the player, but give you a deep sense of satisfaction when you finally figure it out.
So no tutorial, no quest markers, no mini-map, no quick-saving, etc.
Bonus points if they also show you a glimpse into a niche culture, like My Summer Car does with rural life in Finland during the 90’s economic depression.
Other examples I can think of are Kingdom Come Deliverance in hardcore mode and Dwarf Fortress. Which ones do you know?
The La-Mulana series. They’re side scrolling metroidvanias that absolutely hate you. Getting hit is frequently fatal. Finding secrets aren’t just for fun, they’re a requirement. Puzzles range from pretty easy to “What in the actual fuck? How do I get there?” Hints are puzzles on their own. To top it all off, the lore is amazing and very well planned out. You’re basically setting out with nothing but a whip on a quest to look for your father and, in the process, you find god…
I’ve managed to beat both a few times and can say, they are, by far, two of the most difficult and well constructed games I’ve ever played.