Underplayed Gems

Franzen (2023)

Franzen cover
Developer
Scumhead
Platforms
Windows
Genres
RPG
Rating
4.9 of 5, 173 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 5.1 hours
Where to get it
Steam

More by Scumhead

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.

More games like thisWatch the trailer

or watch the trailer on YouTube

How it feels

A brisk, compact RPG with snappy turn-based combat and a colorful world, designed to be played through quickly without grinding.

snappyfast-pacedshortgrind-freevibrantmicro-rpgturn-based

What players say

Players praise Franzen for its rich world-building, outstanding pixel art, and a heartfelt story centered on an unconventional couple. While the turn-based combat is simple and the game is short, the writing, characters, and atmospheric setting make it a memorable free RPG.

Screenshots

Franzen screenshot 1Franzen screenshot 2Franzen screenshot 3Franzen screenshot 4Franzen screenshot 5Franzen screenshot 6

More games like this

More by Scumhead

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.