The Best Indie Games You Probably Missed Last Year
While the big AAA blockbusters dominate the headlines, some of the most creative, heartfelt, and unique experiences in gaming come from independent studios. Last year was filled with these hidden gems, many of which are fantastic short games perfect for clearing your backlog. If you're looking for something new and exciting, here are a few of the best indie games you might have missed.
1. Dredge
Genre: Fishing/Adventure/Cosmic Horror
On the surface, Dredge is a cozy fishing game. You sail your little boat, catch various fish, and sell them to upgrade your vessel. But as you venture out at night, a sinister, Lovecraftian horror begins to reveal itself. It's a masterful blend of relaxing gameplay and creeping dread that is utterly unique.
2. Dave the Diver
Genre: Adventure/RPG/Restaurant Sim
Dave the Diver took the world by storm, but it's still an indie at heart. By day, you dive into a beautiful, ever-changing ocean to hunt for fish. By night, you run a bustling sushi restaurant with your catch. Packed with charming characters, hilarious minigames, and a surprisingly deep story, this game is pure joy.
3. Cocoon
Genre: Puzzle/Adventure
From the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and Inside, Cocoon is a mind-bending puzzle game where you manipulate entire worlds held within orbs. You carry these worlds on your back, leaping between them to solve intricate environmental puzzles. It's a brilliant, wordless, and incredibly polished adventure.
4. Sea of Stars
Genre: Turn-Based RPG
A beautiful love letter to classic 16-bit RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. Sea of Stars features a stunning pixel art style, a fantastic combat system with timed hits, and a captivating story about two Children of the Solstice. It's a must-play for fans of the genre.
5. Jusant
Genre: Climbing/Puzzle/Adventure
A meditative and awe-inspiring game purely about the act of climbing. You ascend a colossal, dried-up tower that was once home to a thriving civilization. There are no enemies and no combat, just you, your gear, and the serene challenge of the climb. It's a unique and beautiful experience.
These games represent just a fraction of the creativity in the indie space. Adding a few of these unique titles to the gameyap Backlog Burner can be a great way to break up a list of massive AAA games and prevent gamer burnout.