Have you ever dreamt of spending a day in your favorite video game character’s shoes? Or, better yet, wondered what the average Filipino’s whereabouts would look like as colorful pixels on your screen? These burning questions have probably kept your gamer friends up at night for quite a while now. But thankfully, you need not search far and wide for the answers you seek.
Photo: PiskeLaro, Karinderya ni Mark
Gaming communities nationwide are always on the lookout for fresh, buzz-worthy titles that’ll tickle our fancy, no matter how bizarre. So far, we’ve seen Mecha Chameleon, Roblox, and even the latest updates on Grand Theft Auto (GTA) VI accomplish this throughout the year. This new lineup of games, however, might actually be a cut above the rest—precisely because, you guessed it, they each pride themselves on homegrown flair.
Over the past few weeks, Itch.io has been gaining remarkable prominence among streamers, gamers, and pop culture enthusiasts alike for its diverse arsenal of Filipino-made online games. Each one promises vibrant visuals, engaging mechanics across numerous genres, and wholesome showcases of the country’s culture through its character dynamics, side quests, and story arcs. With all the well-deserved hype they’ve been getting, it won’t be long before they take our timelines by storm and successfully coax us into playing them, too.
Everyday encounters in Filipino neighborhoods take on a wide variety of twists and turns in these must-try games.
The best part? Most of them are free!
Whether you’re running a sari-sari store or broadening your palate with local cuisine, these titles are guaranteed to take you out of your doom-scrolling trance and into limitless virtual worlds worth exploring.
Karinderya ni Mark
Our favorite karinderyas have served us hearty home-cooked meals, snacks, and refreshments throughout every phase of our lives. But what happens when the tables turn, and we’re put on management duty in a humble eatery as we strive to bring smiles to customers’ faces?
These are the cards you’re dealt with in Karinderya ni Mark, an upbeat two-dimensional game that gives all our beloved Filipino dishes a chance to shine. Spread positive vibes throughout your shift—whether it’s on a plate, a stick, or both—and aim for sky-high ratings from visitors that’ll get business booming in no time.
Narinig Mo Ba?
Just when you thought slice-of-life stories and mind-bending thrillers couldn’t be further apart, Narinig Mo Ba? strikes an intriguing balance between the two genres that’ll have you hooked at first play.
Word travels fast in your neighborhood, and as the owner of a local sari-sari store, you must uncover its secrets and twisted truths through your everyday conversations with regulars. If there’s one thing you need by your side at all times in this cozy simulator-turned-fright fest, it’s trust in your gut instinct and unshakable intuition.
Lutong Bahay: Lola’s Home Cooking
Remember Cooking Mama, the iconic console game that had us convinced we’d all grow up to be Gordon Ramsay? What if we told you there’s a Filipino version of it, complete with interactive recipes for our favorite local meals?
Nostalgia meets enrichment in Lutong Bahay: Lola’s Home Cooking, a simple yet sentimental cooking adventure in the comfort of your own kitchen. Immerse yourself in the rich history and delicacies of every region with mouthwatering recipes worth passing down to future generations.
Takbo Taho
Nothing beats the adrenaline of dashing towards your local taho vendor and securing a cup or two before it’s too late. This exact enthusiasm makes Takbo Taho a platform game worth playing.
Takbo Taho introduces us to JayR D. Ogamo, a middle-aged taho vendor who braves the bustling city streets to provide for his loved ones. Join him as he perseveres for a brighter future through a series of struggles, sacrifices, and relentless sparks of hope.
Sa Akin ‘To!
Photo: Sa Akin ‘To!
Corporate life has never looked this fabulous. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into the inner workings of an advertising agency without the heaps of stress that come with it, then Sa Akin ‘To! is right up your alley.
Take your in-game career to the next level with insightful deals, projects, and sentiments from your officemates that’ll cement your status as a valuable and high-functioning asset to the team.
ALSO READ: This New Filipino Video Game Lets You Help Animal Shelters Just by Playing
What are your favorite Filipino video games these days? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
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