17 Awesome 2014 Video Games You Might've Missed

By Jack Pooley /

13. Never Alone

What It's About: Pitting the player as both an Alaskan native Iñupiaq girl and her pet arctic fox, Never Alone sees the pair navigating a terrible blizzard as they encounter numerous figures and events from Iñupiaq folklore. Why You Need To Play It: Because it's so rare that a video game of any kind will engage so actively with a culture this niche, and do such a fantastic job of educating the outside world about it. Though the game's platforming elements are undeniably fiddly and can prove frustrating on occasion, it's hard to argue with the magnificent art direction and design, which in reflecting the Iñupiaq way of life, is quite unlike anything seen in a video game before. In addition to the uniqueness of the environments and the stories therein, there are also a number of educational clips included for those with a desire to learn more about these people. It won't demand too much of your time, and it's a fun way to dip your toes in another culture.