Indie games are continuously making waves in the gaming space. Games like Valheim and Tribes of Midgard let players become Vikings with friends. Meanwhile, Among Us and Fall Guys demonstrated how explosively popular indie games can be.
While Triple-A games may amass huge followings, indie games have proven time and time again that gamers should never doubt the underdogs. While some indie games have become overnight sensations and are still widely known, there are some that are amazing and very underrated. Here are a few gems that players might have overlooked.
9 Existensis – July 19th, 2021
Existensis takes players to the world of Ere, where they must complete their artistic opus. Players will explore the world as “The Mayor” and seek out inspiration in the form of the meanings of life and death. Existensis takes players down multiple paths across Ere, which is full of huge libraries, deserts of ash, ancient forests, and more.
There are no stamina or health bars to manage, meaning players can take their time interacting with the NPCs and traversing across platforms. Every character and area in the game is also hand-drawn, making the world full of color and life.
8 Eastern Exorcist – July 7th, 2021
Eastern Exorcist is a 2D side-scrolling RPG, set in a fantasy world infested with demons. Players will take on the role of an exorcist, and must fight their way through the world. The game features hand-drawn illustrations inspired by Chinese ink painting styles, a truly gorgeous art style. In combat, players will need to keep an eye on their stamina as well as health. Players can also regain healing items at shrines that they find around the world.
Fans of games with in-depth stories and quests will find that Eastern Exorcist delivers on this front. Many of the sidequests reveal the true nature of the demons that players must exorcise, and how human nature plays a huge role in that.
7 UnderMine – August 6th, 2020
Fans of games with action-adventure and roguelike mechanics will want to check out UnderMine, whigh blends RPG progression, combat, and dungeon crawling into one game. Players will attempt to solve the mysteries of the dungeons and decipher the cryptic messages the residents of UnderMine provide.
There are plenty of charming characters to interact with, who can help players on their journeys. Each area in the game has one or more deadly bosses to face. UnderMine also features an endless endgame, that can be enjoyed over and over again.
6 BFF or Die – September 13th, 2018
Players looking for a cooperative game they can play locally or online will want to check out BFF or Die, which takes players back in time where they must rescue the missing orbees. BFF or Die features several modes, ranging from single-player to four-player story modes.
The story mode features thirty levels, full of puzzles and enemies. Players can also choose to play the infinite trails mode, which generates random levels players must solve. Levels change slightly depending on the number of players playing.
5 Marie's Room – April 13th, 2018
Marie’s Room is a short exploration game about an unconventional friendship. Players will play as Kelsey and will return to Marie’s room one last time, in search of Marie’s journal. Players will take a trip down memory lane as they search through the room, and find more memories.
As players unlock more memories, they will also uncover the secrets surrounding their friendship with Marie. Best of all, Marie’s Room is a free-to-play game, meaning players can jump into the story immediately.
4 UnderRail – December 18th, 2015
Fans of retro turn-based games will want to check out UnderRail, a turn-based isometric RPG, set in a future where humanity lives underground. Players will take on the role of one of the citizens and must survive the dangerous world.
The UnderRail is composed of a vast system of connected metro station-states, that act as humanity’s last stronghold. The game also features plenty of character customization options. UnderRail draws inspiration from games such as Fallout and System Shock 2, so fans of these games should give it a shot.
3 Shadow Puppeteer – September 29th, 2014
Players dive into the world of Shadow Puppeteer alone or with a friend. Take on the role of a boy and his shadow, who must stop the evil shadow puppeteer from steeling more shadows.
Gameplay takes place on multiple planes, as the boy players will need to traverse platforms in the real world. Meanwhile, the player controlling the shadow will have to move via the shadows of those platforms. Players must work together to solve puzzles, using light to manipulate both worlds.
2 A Story About My Uncle – May 28, 2014
Players looking for a platforming non-violent adventure game will want to check out A Story About My Uncle, which revolves around the story of a boy searching for his uncle. His quest leads him to a world beyond imagination.
Players will swing through the world using a grappling hook, and while exploring, will meet creatures with their own unique stories and futures. A Story About My Uncle encourages players to dig deep into the narrative and uncover the secrets in the world.
1 A Walk in the Dark – November 7, 2013
A Walk in the Dark is an action platforming game where players take on the role of a cat in a dark fantasy world. Players will run, jump, and slide using precise controls that really capture the feeling of moving as a cat.
Though gameplay may seem easy at first, there are plenty of things lurking in the shadows. A Walk in the Dark features challenging levels in a strange and dangerous world. Gravity inversion mechanics will also test players’ skills and adaptability.