The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets similar games & best alternatives

The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets

Meta Quest 2, Windows Mixed Reality, PlayStation VR, PC (Microsoft Windows), SteamVR, Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest • 2019

Should you play it?

Help your grandfather solve the mystery of the stolen pets by solving puzzles in wonderful miniature worlds crafted for VR. Use a hairdryer to melt snow in a wintery landscape! Search the wreck of a pirate ship hidden under the surface! Every world is unique, full of interactions and colorful life.

What works
  • Charming and immersive miniature worlds
  • Accessible and intuitive puzzle gameplay
  • Heartwarming story and narration
  • Relaxing and cozy atmosphere
  • Family-friendly and suitable for all ages
Things to keep in mind
  • Very short playtime (~1.5-2 hours)
  • Limited replayability
  • Puzzles are simple and not challenging for experienced players
  • Some find narration overbearing or story thin
  • Price considered high for content by some reviewers

What to play next

Top picks

Games that feel the closest overall

  • Gloomy Eyes

  • Lost in Play

  • CHUCHEL

  • Ollie & Bollie: Outdoor Estate

  • Teacup

  • Botanicula

  • Pode

  • FORM

  • Persian Nights: Sands of Wonders

Search more ->

Hidden Gems

Less popular games with surprisingly high similarity

  • Great God Grove

  • Sushi Ben

  • Pajama Sam 3: You Are What You Eat From Your Head To Your Feet

If you liked…

Recommendations by what you enjoyed most

  • Relaxation

    Breeze

  • Autonomy

    Hyper Light Drifter

  • Escapism

    AntVentor

Similarity map

Explore nearby similar games and see why they’re close.

How to use the graph
Similarity map

Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Why this game works” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

  • Purple star: this page’s game — everything on the map is relative to it.
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot to preview that game in the panel on the right; click to keep that comparison.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers (hidden on purpose).

The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets: Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Competition, Thrill. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Cooperation. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Continuation, Value.

Why this game works

A motivational profile of the game, with the closest similar game for each player motivation.

  • Autonomy

    Game with the same Autonomy vibe

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    "Players freely explore a non-linear world with minimal guidance and choose their own path and playstyle."

    Capsule for Hyper Light Drifter Hyper Light Drifter

    "Players freely explore and manipulate diorama worlds with intuitive controls and no strict routines."

  • Competence

    Game with the same Competence vibe

    2

    "Puzzles are generally simple and accessible, with some increasing challenge; skill is needed but not highly demanding."

    Capsule for PHOGS! PHOGS!

    "Puzzles are simple and accessible, requiring some thought but not complex skill mastery."

  • Competition

    Game with the same Competition vibe

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    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and puzzle solving."

    Capsule for Windosill Windosill

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and puzzle solving."

  • Continuation

    Game with the same Continuation vibe

    -3

    "Short playtime (~1 hour) and limited replay value reduce habitual or extended play sessions."

    Capsule for A Memoir Blue A Memoir Blue

    "Short playtime (~1.5-2 hours) and limited replay value reduce habitual long sessions."

  • Cooperation

    Game with the same Cooperation vibe

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    "Some players mention playing with friends or family, but the core gameplay is primarily single-player."

    Capsule for Furry Feet Furry Feet

    "Some reviews mention playing with family or friends, but gameplay is primarily singleplayer."

  • Creativity

    Game with the same Creativity vibe

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    "Players interact with many objects and solve puzzles in immersive environments, allowing some creative problem solving."

    Capsule for Exorcism of the Legion (Last Rites) DELISTED Exorcism of the Legion (Last Rites) DELISTED

    "Players interact creatively with miniature worlds and puzzles, manipulating objects and environments."

  • Domination

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    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; cooperative and gentle tone."

    Capsule for It's Spring Again It's Spring Again

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  • Escapism

    Game with the same Escapism vibe

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    "The game provides a charming, relaxing escape into a miniature world with immersive visuals and atmosphere."

    Capsule for AntVentor AntVentor

    "The game offers a warm, nostalgic, and immersive VR escape into imaginative miniature worlds."

  • Expectation

    Game with the same Expectation vibe

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    "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment; no pressure or obligation reported."

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    "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment; no pressure or obligation reported."

  • Experimenting

    Game with the same Experimenting vibe

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    "Encourages exploration and experimentation with environment to solve puzzles."

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    "Encourages exploration and experimentation with objects and puzzles in diorama settings."

  • Exploration

    Game with the same Exploration vibe

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    "Core gameplay involves discovering collectibles and secrets in varied, themed levels."

    Capsule for Super Kiwi 64 Super Kiwi 64

    "Core gameplay involves discovering hidden pets and coins in detailed miniature dioramas."

  • Expression

    Game with the same Expression vibe

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    "Limited customization; players experience preset characters and environments without personalization."

    Capsule for Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake

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  • Fantasy

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    "The story and characters are whimsical and imaginative, with a surreal narrative."

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    "Narrative and settings are whimsical and imaginative, evoking childhood memories and fantasy."

  • Fellowship

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    "Some social enjoyment reported in playing with friends or family, but primarily a solo experience."

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  • Growth

    Game with the same Growth vibe

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    "Players develop problem-solving skills and learn puzzle solutions, though challenges are mild."

    Capsule for Gibbous -  A Cthulhu Adventure Gibbous - A Cthulhu Adventure

    "Players learn puzzle solutions and develop observational skills, though challenges are mild."

  • Health

    Game with the same Health vibe

    0

    "No significant physical activity or health-related features noted."

    Capsule for Aperture Hand Lab Aperture Hand Lab

    "No significant physical activity or health-related features noted."

  • Idle

    Game with the same Idle vibe

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    "Requires focused attention to explore and solve puzzles; not a background or idle game."

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  • Intimacy

    Game with the same Intimacy vibe

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    "Emotional connection to story and characters but limited social interaction."

    Capsule for A Tiny Sticker Tale A Tiny Sticker Tale

    "Some emotional connection through story and family themes, but limited social interaction."

  • Leadership

    Game with the same Leadership vibe

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    "No leadership or group management elements; single-player puzzle experience."

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  • Progression

    Game with the same Progression vibe

    3

    "Progression through collecting items, unlocking new areas, and solving puzzles."

    Capsule for Monkey Island™ 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge™ Monkey Island™ 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge™

    "Progression through unlocking puzzles, finding pets and coins, and advancing through levels."

  • Relaxation

    Game with the same Relaxation vibe

    5

    "Highly praised for its calming atmosphere, soothing music, and gentle pacing."

    Capsule for Breeze Breeze

    "Highly praised for its calming, cozy atmosphere and gentle pacing."

  • Sensation

    Game with the same Sensation vibe

    3

    "Enjoyable visual style, sound design, and tactile VR interactions provide sensory pleasure."

    Capsule for Garden of the Sea (VR) Garden of the Sea (VR)

    "Enjoyable visuals, sound, and tactile VR interactions provide sensory pleasure."

  • Status

    Game with the same Status vibe

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    "No social status or ranking systems; focus on personal experience."

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    "No social status or ranking systems; focus on personal experience."

  • Story

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    "Narrative with character development, cutscenes, and emotional moments integrated into gameplay."

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    "Narrative about family and childhood memories adds emotional depth to gameplay."

  • Strategy

    Game with the same Strategy vibe

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    "Puzzles require some problem solving but are generally straightforward and simple."

    Capsule for Pilgrims Pilgrims

    "Puzzles require some problem solving but are generally straightforward and simple."

  • Thrill

    Game with the same Thrill vibe

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    "Game is calm and soothing with minimal suspense or risk."

    Capsule for Milo and the Magpies Milo and the Magpies

    "Game is calm and relaxing with minimal suspense or risk."

  • Value

    Game with the same Value vibe

    -2

    "Many reviews note the game is overpriced at full price due to limited content and short story; recommended to buy on sale."

    Capsule for KILL la KILL -IF KILL la KILL -IF

    "Many reviews note the game is short and best purchased on sale for good value."

  • Violence

    Game with the same Violence vibe

    -5

    "No violence; gameplay is family-friendly and cooperative without destructive elements."

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    "No violence; gameplay is peaceful and family-friendly."

  • Survival

    Game with the same Survival vibe

    -5

    "No survival or threat elements; stable, safe environments."

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    "No survival or threat elements; stable, safe environments."

Last update: 19/07/2026