Indie games are whimsical, innovative, and full of life. The developers behind indie titles strive to stand out among the AAA titles. Indie games may play around with established game mechanics or the art style is unlike anything before it. Sometimes, the story is what really drives the player toward the end.
Regardless of what the indie game’s pitch is, it is usually a great game with a lot of character. This list features the ten best indie games from the past decade. They all range in different art styles, genres, and game mechanics. If you have not played any of them yet then be sure to give them a shot in the future.
10 Limbo (2010)
Limbo is a platform puzzler that features the story of a boy traversing a world on the edge of hell. The game’s art style certainly makes stand out from other games on this list. The characters, landscape, and objects are in a constant silhouette.
The game mechanics of Limbo are simple, but they tie in nicely with the world. Finding out how to pass a giant spider served to be a challenge, but it was fun nonetheless. Limbo was developed by Playdead which later created Inside. The studio certainly has a way with platform and puzzle elements.
9 Bastion (2011)
Supergiant Games released its action role-playing game, Bastion, in the summer of 2011. For fans of indie titles, the game was a perfect summer release. You play as yet another boy who traverses single plane maps from an isometric view. The maps are filled with enemies and objects to interact with.
The boy could also take his equipment to the Bastion where he could make upgrades. Bastion is a very colorful game, unlike Limbo. This indie title has a lot of heart within its story. Many praised the story and art style. The game went on to win several awards.
8 Journey (2012)
Many refer to Journey as one of the best games of all time. The reason for those claims is that the game features unique exploration mechanics. Players took control of a robed figure who could traverse a desert and find other players. The game encouraged strangers to explore together.
Furthermore, Journey did not feature any dialogue or cutscenes. Players could not talk to each other either. The game developers, Thatgamecompany, wanted players to connect to each other rather than talk or fight. If you did not get to play it, be sure to pick it up on Windows 10 or PlayStation 4.
7 Outlast (2013)
Regarded as one of the scariest games ever, Outlast set a standard for horror games. Red Barrels created an extremely terrifying game that still receives recognition today. Outlast was unique because players needed to use the night vision functionality of the camera to traverse the world.
The green hue of everything made the world bleak. Of course, environment design and storytelling helped achieve a scary setting. Characters in the Outlast world were also insane to interact with. Outlast went on to spawn a sequel with a third coming very soon.
6 This War of Mine (2014)
This War of Mine shines among other war games because it tells the story of the civilians affected by it rather than the soldiers. Players manage a wide range of characters and resources. You can travel to other parts of the city to scavenge for food or simply steal it.
This War of Mine is a tough game because food, medicine, and building materials do not come easy. There is a hard balance with every action you take during the day. You will also get attached to the character through story beats that may affect them. These connections sting more when you eventually lose them to the cold or they get killed on a scavenging mission.
5 Undertale (2015)
Undertale released in 2015 and was one of the highest-rated games of that year. It is critically acclaimed for its storytelling and gameplay. Undertale is a roleplaying game where a child falls into a world known as the Underground. It is full of monsters, cities, caves, and much more.
Combat was exceptionally unique because players took control of a heart which represented a soul. Incoming attacks would need to be dodged. Bosses would change the way this combat is played and attacks would need to be timed at just the right time. Undertale, to some, is a masterpiece.
4 Firewatch (2016)
2016 is full of amazing indie title and it is very difficult to choose which one is the best of them all. However, Firewatch is exceptionally well written and the voice acting alone will make you want to play this game over and over. The multiple dialogue options also give the game higher replay value.
Players take control of a volunteer fire lookout in the Wyoming forests. The main character, Henry, is trying to run away from something. We won’t spoil it here, but he talks to his supervisor, Delilah, over a radio. Henry uncovers a plot around the two fire lookouts that is engaging.
3 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)
Ninja Theory is no longer an independent studio, but before they were purchased by Microsoft, they released a stunning game known as Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. The game is an action-adventure game inspired by Norse mythology.
Senua is on a quest to retrieve the soul of her dead lover. The game is best played with headphones because the sound design is the best part of the game. However, the combat is done very well alongside some light puzzle elements. Try the game out on Xbox game pass if you have a chance.
2 Dead Cells (2018)
Dead Cells is a roguelike metroidvania game that features little story, but exceptional gameplay. Dead Cells has mastered the gameplay loop that makes it so satisfying to play. Every time you die, the maps are reset so no playthrough is the same.
Furthermore, the more you die the further you will get. Players need to get as far as possible each time through to collect dead cells. They will help you unlock new weapons, mutations, and equipment. Once you die, you then getter better access to those unlocked pieces of equipment. The game is a blast to play and perfect on any platform.
1 Untitled Goose Game (2019)
No one asked to play as a goose, but we are very happy to have the option in 2019. Untitled Goose Game released in late 2019 on the Nintendo Switch. The game is very colorful and the art style is simplistic. There is not too much detail in the world, but that is what gives it the indie game feel.
The gameplay is simple, follow the to-do list. As you complete things on the list, more areas will eventually open up. The goose can honk, flap its wings, and pick up any items in the game. Geese are extremely mean and Untitled Goose Game captures that perfectly. Some may argue it is a game of the year contender.
NEXT: Game of the Year Awards: 10 Contenders for 2019
