Every month, a giant truckload of indie games is dumped onto the ever-expanding Steam games store. To search through them all is a thankless task, as there is simply not enough time in the day to stay on top of everything. This is where the GameZXC team steps in to save the day.
They have foraged through every last morsel of gaming goodness in order to prepare a list of the finest indie gaming treats that are to be recommended to cherished GameZXC readers. The support shown to these hidden gems can help to shape the entire industry. Be sure to try at least one of these titles.
10 Insomnia: Theater in the Head
In contrast to the interminable night of an insomniac, this is a short, sweet little game that is over far too quickly. It is the whimsical imagining of what the brain gets up to during those chugging hours of sleeplessness that seem to never end.
Whether players have ever actually suffered insomnia or not, this is a fascinating concept, brimming with quirkiness and eccentricity. It is filled with fantastic hand-drawn paintings and interesting little puzzles. It may be a game to try when struggling to go to sleep.
9 Prime of Flames
This is an interesting one: a turn-based roguelike strategy RPG that tasks players with leading their own clan. Each clan has differing abilities and different characters, while combat takes place across varying terrains, adding variety to proceedings. There are a number of twists on genre norms, including the decision to have no specific movement order during combat.
With such varied game characters and skills, there is great potential for experimenting with new tactics and strategies. The only minor downside is that the English translation from the Chinese developers is not the best, so instructions and storyline are not always as clear as they could be. But with some determination, players will find a surprisingly deep game lurking inside this odd little shell.
8 Memory Lost: Chapter One
This is not really a full game, but more of a free teaser prologue to the main game which is yet to be released. But this initial offering is still immense fun in its own right. Memory Lost: Chapter One is a story-driven, top-down action shooter that revels in fast, frenetic action and explosions.
The unique hook is that there are no first-aid kits or ammo pickups. The only way to survive is to use a special ability to merge consciousness with somebody else. If health or ammo is low, players just warp their consciousness into a nearby enemy, and they now become the controllable game character. This leads to a whole host of new tactical options in a firefight.
7 Chop Goblins
Some games are epic, sumptuous banquets. Some are small little snacks, but equally delicious. Chop Goblins is the latter, a throwback 90s-style FPS that can be completed in just one sitting, but a very enjoyable sitting.
While the concept is as daft as a box of ferrets, and the graphics are decidedly old-school. The main appeal to gamers is simply the nostalgic appeal of reliving their gaming youth, when some of the most famous FPS titles were similar in style to this. It is fast, streamlined and well-balanced. Go chop them Goblins!
6 Chicken Invaders Universe
The infamous Chicken Invaders series has been running for many years. For much of the Gen Z population, this was their genre introduction rather than the original Space Invaders. It is utterly daft, but great fun.
Aside from the fairly meaningless, albeit humorous, story, Chicken Invaders Universe is a compelling 2D arcade shooter. There are literally thousands of levels of chicken devastation, packed with loads of powerful weapons and mega boss fights. Players can even join multiplayer games with up to 99 players at a time. The game is free, and does not require in-game purchases to max out the stats. Whether veteran or newbie, definitely give it a go.
5 JellyCar Worlds
This is a nostalgic throwback to the original JellyCar cult classic. It is a 2D precision driving platformer with a vehicle made entirely of jelly. There are a number of special abilities the car has which sets it apart from other similar 2D titles, such as the ability to use sticky tires which enables players to drive on the ceiling.
While JellyCar Worlds may look like a kids' game, and young ones will certainly enjoy it, there is a real gamer's challenge here. There is quite a high level of care and precision involved with propelling the squidgy motor at great speeds over long distances. This is a game that anybody can enjoy.
4 Melatonin
This is a rhythm-based game set in that bewildering fugue between reality and sleep. It has a unique hand-drawn art style that helps convey the dream-like nature of the levels. There is also a story linking them all together.
The gameplay is very easy to learn, while keeping a moderate challenge throughout the duration of the game. A Hard Mode can also be unlocked which will keep more hardcore players satisfied for longer. The combination of fluid gameplay and hypnotic beats works well in this kooky little adventure.
3 Burnhouse Lane
Harvester Games have been releasing profoundly interesting games for over a decade. After The Cat Lady, Downfall, and Lorelai, there was quite a fanbase waiting for the next title. The fans were not disappointed.
Burnhouse Lane is a horror adventure with a branching storyline that plays out differently according to the choices players make. The story is deep, dark, and somewhat disturbing, but with an underlying theme of hope. It really is quite a powerful experience.
2 Solar Ash
This stunning game comes from the developers of the superb Hyper Light Drifter. It follows the journey of a Voidrunner trying to save her planet. While the story is moderately satisfying, the game really shines in the graphics and gameplay departments.
The momentum-based movement of the main character, Rei, is extremely satisfying to play with, and it allows for magnificent combinations of grappling and skating to build speed. Not to mention, the visuals are just inspired. The surreal dreamscapes of forgotten worlds are absolutely breathtaking. It is so refreshing to find a game where the visuals and the gameplay are mutually complimentary, where substance matches style.
1 Sail Forth
Very few games manage to achieve that elusive balance of depth and accessibility. This game manages it with aplomb. There is real depth behind the mechanics of sailing a ship, but it is easy enough to learn that it does not become frustrating. The gameplay, interactions, and objectives are overtly simple, and has the pick-up-and-play appeal. Yet for those that wish to dive deeper, there are whole new levels of tweaks, trading and customization awaiting them.
Sail Forth starts gamers off at a relaxing, measured pace, while it keeps them sailing gradually toward the more dramatic end-game scenes. There are always little mysteries to solve, characters to find, unique creatures, and places that inspire the imagination. Exploration is rewarded with not only loot, but memories that embed themselves deep inside, and will remain long after the game is completed.
