I’m trying to remember a game I watched someone play a few years back on either PS4/PS5 or Xbox. It was definitely a dystopian setting and came out around 2020 or 2021.
The most memorable part was the conclusion where you encounter a young child who appears to be in some kind of medical sleep state. She’s connected to a machine through neural interfaces or something similar. I believe the player has to make a choice about whether to keep her connected or unplug the system.
I also recall there being at least one sneaking sequence where you had to avoid detection. Most of the gameplay seemed to involve exploring empty or ruined structures and buildings.
Does this ring a bell for anyone? I’ve been trying to figure out what this game was called but can’t seem to find it anywhere.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter maybe? Though that’s older than what you mentioned. Based on the timeframe and that specific ending with the child hooked up to machines, I’m leaning toward it being one of those indie sci-fi games that didn’t get huge coverage.
Sounds like you’re thinking of SOMA. The whole neural interface thing and the choice about the kid definitely fits. That game messes with your head in the best way possible.
There’s also Observer which has similar vibes with the cyberpunk dystopian stuff and neural connections, but I think SOMA is more likely what you’re remembering based on that ending description.
This sounds a lot like The Medium to me. Released in 2021, it has that dystopian atmosphere you’re describing and definitely involves exploring abandoned buildings. The whole thing with a child connected to machines and making choices about their fate fits perfectly.
There’s also plenty of sneaking around trying to avoid the main antagonist. The dual-reality mechanic where you’re exploring both the real world and spirit world at the same time creates exactly that kind of eerie, empty environment you mentioned.