If you're like me, you're into those games on Steam (popular video game distribution platform) that most "serious" gamers aren't really impressed by. Yes, sometimes called casual, these games are often puzzle and quest centered, and still very fun. Here's my list of games that you may not have heard of, or at least not tried, that are worth your attention:

1. West of Loathing

By far the quirkiest on this list, West of Loathing is based off the old browser game Kingdom of Loathing. In West of Loathing you role play as a former farmer traveling west in early American history. You complete quests, fight bad guys and monsters, and chuckle at the hilariously witty writing in every dialogue box.

2. Stardew Valley

Since I’ve already dumped 47 hours into this game in the last two weeks since I bought it, Stardew Valley had to be on this list. You play as an employee of a sinister corporation. You are bequeathed a farm by their dying grandfather and you quit your job to move to your farm in Stardew Valley where you hone fishing, farming, ranching, mining, fighting (a few areas have monsters) and foraging skills.

You can also marry NPCs and have kids with them. The real draw to this game is that there are so many things to do. Unless you use mods (which you can, another plus) you won’t be finishing this game for a long time.

3. Slime Rancher

This game is on my wishlist, and I hear it’s pretty similar to Stardew Valley, except with a lot more slimes. Another big difference is Slime Rancher is a first-person game, meaning you see what your character sees, instead of seeing your character from above. Interestingly, some Steam reviews claim Slime Rancher can cure depression. One reviewer with the username Sublime Rhyme writes, “If you're a 20-year-old and you're depressed, this game is for you. If not, it's still for you.” Another reviewer (Circu~) simply put, “my depression is gone.”

4. Don’t Starve

This one is relatively popular, and if you traverse Steam at all, I’m sure you’ve heard of it. Don’t Starve is a quirky survival game in which your weapon-wielding character must beat the odds of the wilderness. It’s been on my wishlist for a while, but reviews on Steam seem to agree that it’s difficult in a fun way. Or as Steam reviewer Merc stated, “Fun 10/10 would starve to death again.”

5. Edna and Harvey: Harvey’s New Eyes

While this is a sequel to another game (Edna and Harvey: The Breakout) it is also a stand-alone game in many ways. I have not finished Harvey’s New Eyes yet (I lost all of my progress at one point, accidentally saved over my first game when showing my cousin how it works) but I still highly recommend it. It’s a puzzle game full of dark humor, and the narration is fantastic.

6. Chronology

You are an old inventor in a platform puzzle game out to find the real reason for a previous disaster. At some point, you gain the ability to manipulate time, and the adventure begins. I just bought this game, and it looks very promising. If you like puzzles, it's a must-buy.

7. Pit People

This is a turn-based co-op game (it does have a single player mode as well) in which you fight monsters and other players. A Steam reviewer known as Flash commends “The art, the story, the humor... and don't even get me started on the soundtrack. This game is everything I hoped for and has simply blown me away. “

8. Costume Quest

In this Halloween-themed game, you play as one of two siblings going out trick-or-treating. Your sibling gets snatched and you have to battle your way back to them. I bought this game around last Halloween (for reasons you could probably deduce) and it has a fun premise and storyline. Unfortunately, I got distracted by new games when Steam had their winter sale, but I’m planning on going back to it soon.

9. Undertale

In Undertale, you play as a human who falls into a realm of monsters underground. You can fight them or not (surprisingly, it's your choice) and complete puzzles to escape. It has a decent storyline and humor, and some nicely pixelated visuals, but also a rabid fandom (according to Steam reviewers).

10. Adventures of Bertram Fiddle: Episode One: A Dreadly Business

This game is simple but cute. It’s a Sherlock Holmes parody, in which a Sherlock Holmes NPC actually does make an appearance. You play as Bertram Fiddle, a second-class mystery detective, of sorts. The navigation is point-and-click, and the writing is humorous.

If your interest is piqued in one or many of these games, I highly recommend downloading the Steam client here if you don't already have it. I am posting my personal opinions which have not been paid for by Valve Co. or any of the game developers whose games are on this list.