Indie games are the unsung heroes of the gaming world. Without the support of big game studios and giant marketing budgets, indie game developers have to rely on their creativity and skill to create games that surprise and delight players. These games might not have the marketing hype of big studios, but they’re often some of the most engaging, innovative games on the market. Here are some of the best indie games you haven’t tried yet.
- Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a game that plays out like a gritty, modern noir novel. You play a detective who wakes up with no memory of your past or your identity. As you explore the city, uncover clues, and interrogate suspects, the game’s intricate story unfolds. It’s not just a great story, though – the game’s mechanics add another layer of depth to the experience. Your character has skill sets that you can level up, and the dialogue choices you make will affect the outcome of the story. Disco Elysium won numerous awards in 2019 and remains one of the best indie games of all time.
- Katana Zero
Katana Zero is a stylish, side-scrolling action game that combines fast-paced combat with a mysterious, time-bending storyline. The game’s combat mechanics are perfectly tuned – the controls are responsive, and the action is challenging without being frustrating. But what really sets this game apart is its cinematic style and the intriguing story that unravels as you progress.
- Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer is a game that takes a different approach to the usual platformer or puzzle game. It’s a management game where you play as the newly appointed ferryman for souls crossing over to the afterlife. As you gather new passengers and build your ship, you’ll also learn their stories and help them find peace. The game’s stunning art style and calming soundtrack create a relaxing, almost ethereal experience.
- Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a space exploration game that challenges you to unravel the mysteries of a dangerous and expansive solar system. The game’s environmental storytelling is superb – every planet and moon has a unique history and purpose to discover. But what really sets this game apart is its time loop mechanic – every 22 minutes, the universe explodes, and you start again from scratch. It takes some getting used to, but the time loop adds an extra layer of complexity and urgency to the game.