2023 has delivered some massive games so far and the rest of the year is shaping up to drop some heavy hitters. The triple-A scene is showing no signs of slowing down as they create morelive service experiencesor billion-houropen worlds.It can be overwhelming, but solace can be found in the opposite end of the spectrum – the indie game scene.
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As always, it often falls on the indie game scene to experience inspiring creativity, innovative narratives, and experimentation. The scene is bursting with new titles every day, so to stick out from the sea is tricky business. Indie gems can be buried so here are several that may have slipped under your radar but are well worth the glint.
10Bramble: The Mountain King
A dark storybook comes to life is a fitting descriptor for Dimfrost Studio game Bramble: The Mountain King. It uses Nordic folklore as a canvas to create a journeying experience enveloped in horror, traumatic sequences, and pernicious encounters.
The content warning at the beginning should not be taken lightly.
The kind of gameLimboandLittle Nightmaresreads before going to bed, Bramble will have you entrenched in mysticism and misery in equal measures. Its daring portrayals of ritualistic horror are truly worth experiencing and it’s a tale that’ll linger.
9Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer
Making an intentionally bad gameplay good is an inspiring skill. One that publishers No More Robots have pulled off by the butt-load withSlayers X.
The game is a juvenile romp through a Build Engine-esque shooter that exudes creativity and cheesiness. But underneath the parody lies a heart.
In between the seams of killing alive poos and shooting beams of hackblood out of your palms, Slayers X unearths a time capsule sense of nostalgia for old game-making passions and a message that no matter how old you are, It’s never too late to finish that project.
8Burnhouse Lane
With its recent release on Xbox, Burnhouse Lane is an excellent hidden gem being introduced to console audiences. If you’ve ever heard of The Cat Lady, this is Harvester Games latest macabre narrative game ripe with stark horror storytelling.
Buckle up for a morbid time.
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The plot revolves around Angie Weather and her quest to complete a plethora of impossible tasks to win her life back. The combat and tension are standout additions – nestling this title next to survival horror greats such asResident EvilandSilent Hill.
7Arcade Paradise
Hitting the Xbox Game Pass is an own-your-own arcade simulator where playing the cabinets is just as important as maintaining the upkeep of the premises.
You’ll be taking routine breaks from the blips and pews of the games to complete money-earning tasks to afford even more cabinets. Who says arcades are dead?
You’ll find all your favorite arcade pass times including air hockey and a satisfying foosball table experience. And the chores themselves have been given a gamifying veneer to fit perfectly into the world and bringthe whole sim together.
6Soccer Kids
When you think about football games, the triple-A scene holds a monopoly on them. So not only is Soccer Kids an indie football game from Acid Wizard Studios (of Darkwood fame), it’s a tactical turn-based one.
Where every kick and position has to be calculated in order to score the best goal.
It’s an intriguing gameplay style for a sports genre that hasn’t seen much in the way of innovation for years. Currently in alpha, Soccer Kids is a fun brain-scratcher for lovers of both football and something truly creative.
5Nuclear Blaze
Who remembers the PSOne title Rosco McQueen? A third-person action game about firefighting and robots. Well, if you’re looking for a recent stab at the niche firefighter sub-genre, Nuclear Blaze has you doused.
It’s a 2D platformer with belt-tight controls where you navigate a firefighter amidst a burning underground facility.
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Released earlier this year forNintendo Switch, Nuclear Blaze is well-designed and makes great use of its firefighting mechanics.
You’ll have to conserve water and pick your fires to douse as you try and get to the next refill. A hot one to play on the go.
4Lone Fungus
Fans ofHollow Knightare sitting on their numbed hands as thewait for the follow-up game Silksong continues.In the meantime, Lone Fungus might be a suitable dish to chew over.
It matches the sprawl and otherworldliness of HK whilst also retaining its own identity.
Whilst simple, the art direction is colorful and invokes a calming approach to exploration. It still has its challenges for the more harden Metroidvania fanatics, but this is a search action game worth anyone’s time.
3Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde
With the success and accolades of Poncle’sVampire Survivor, the influx of roguelite reverse bullet hells is only natural. The industry loves a good trend.
But Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde is a clone done right, with heart, and offers a beautiful addition to the genre.
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Like with many of these games, there is a tone of content to grind out. The visuals give off a Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic and the overall fantasy vibe means the variety in creature designs and spells feel unique.
2OTXO
Those who are familiar with the splash gore fest MadWorld will remember the monochromic color scheme that made the blood pop. OTXO goes for a similar jugular-bursting style as a top-down, split-second roguelite with vicious gunplay and abstract horror.
It’s every bit brutal and addictive to play. OTXO feels like the unholy conception from games such as Hatred andHotline Miami.
It’s been a hot minute since a fast-paced top-down gunner was worth any attention, but this is limelight suitable. Intense gunplay, unpredictable plot, and buckets of gore will keep you coming back for more.
1Greedventory
What would an indie game list look like without mentioning a game that takes inspiration fromDark Souls?So, here’s that obligatory entry with Greedventory that sews soulslike with point-and-click of all genres.
This pixel RPG relies on how good you are with your mouse cursor because you’ll be doing everything from parrying to casting with the flick of the mouse.
The humor is something this game leans into with great effect. Its witty, often tongue-in-cheek comedy is reminiscent of theMonkey Islandseries, which is refreshing to experience.
The atmosphere feels one of a kind, so if you’re looking to experience something Souls-y with a bit of a laugh, this is it.
