Faraway Qualia (2021)

Developer: Nyahhoiya
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Indie, RPG
Rating: 5.0 of 5, 12 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 13 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A modest, strategic JRPG where combat feels like a puzzle-focused, methodical hunt for materials.

strategicturn-basedtacticalfantasymethodicalmodestexperimental

What players say

Players compare it to early Atelier games, praising the thoughtful combat and stress-free item crafting. The condition-based loot system makes grinding feel engaging rather than tedious. The story is described as simple but well-told, though English translation is machine-level and Japanese fluency helps. Graphics are cute but basic, and boss fights demand strategy and preparation.

Screenshots

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.