Best Of Indie Games: Hidden Gems You Must Play

Are you looking for something new and exciting in gaming? Check out indie games, full of hidden gems and new experiences¹. Games like Tunic and Dredge offer fresh takes on classic themes, making the indie scene a must-visit.

This article highlights the top indie games that have impressed both critics and players¹. You'll find everything from turn-based RPGs like Sea of Stars to the unique Cult of the Lamb. Whether you like relaxing games or thrilling adventures, we've got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Discover a wide range of innovative indie game genres, from roguelikes to Metroidvanias.
• Explore captivating narratives, unique gameplay mechanics, and stunning visual styles in the indie gaming scene.
• Uncover hidden gems and underrated titles that offer exceptional gaming experiences.
• Dive into the diverse and vibrant indie gaming landscape, where creativity and risk-taking thrive.
• Find the next indie game that will capture your heart and challenge your perceptions.

Stray

Among the many innovative indie games out there, "Stray" really stands out. It's made by the French studio Blue Twelve. Players take on the role of a curious cat exploring a mysterious, futuristic city².

The game's unique view from a cat's perspective, along with its cyberpunk world, has won over fans and critics². You guide the cat through neon streets, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets with the help of quirky robots. Its beautiful visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay make it a must-play².

The Acclaimed Indie Game Stray

Stray has made a big impact, winning the Best Indie award at The Game Awards². It was also one of the most nominated games there². This shows how highly critics and players value it, putting it alongside other top indie games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits².

Games like Stray, along with Citizen Sleeper, Neon White, and Vampire Survivors, show the growing popularity of indie games². They offer unique experiences that challenge the idea that indie games must copy big-name titles².

As gaming evolves, it's key to highlight these top indie games². Stray, with its engaging gameplay and cyberpunk setting, is a prime example of what gamers can discover and enjoy².

Indie Game	Price	Notable Features
Stray	$29.993	Awarded Best Indie at The Game Awards, one of the most nominated indie games of 20222
Lunistice	$4.993	Considered great value for money3
Arcade Paradise	$29.993	Offers over 35 games to enjoy3
Tinykin	$24.993	Included with Xbox Game Pass3
Tunic	$29.993	Included with Xbox Game Pass3
Nobody Saves the World	$24.993	Included with Xbox Game Pass3

Stray has gotten amazing reviews, with⁴ 97% of reviews being positive⁴. Its popularity keeps growing, with⁴ 96% of recent reviews being positive⁴. Plus, 531 curators have reviewed it, making it a top pick⁴.

With its engaging cat protagonist, immersive world, and new gameplay, Stray is a standout indie game². Its success shows the importance of celebrating indie games that push gaming forward².

Hollow Knight

In the world of indie games, Hollow Knight stands out. It's an action-adventure game made by Team Cherry. This game is a top indie hit that has won many hearts⁵.

The game takes you through a world filled with beautiful drawings and tough fights. You play as a silent hero, exploring a huge underground world. You'll find secrets and fight tough enemies to solve the mysteries of this forgotten land⁶.

A Masterful Metroidvania Experience

Hollow Knight combines classic Metroidvania elements for a great adventure. Its beautiful pixel art and exciting fights have made it a favorite among gamers⁵.

This game was made by a very small team. Yet, it's as good as big games like Capcom's Okami and Bethesda's Skyrim⁵.

The game is known for its tough challenges and a special mode that deletes your save if you die. This makes it a true test of skill and will⁶.

Its detailed levels, enemy designs, and music by Christopher Larkin make the game stand out. It's an award-winning experience⁶.

The game's world is huge and full of secrets and surprises. It's a top choice for fans of platformers and Metroidvanias⁶.

Hollow Knight has received high praise, with a Metascore of 87 from critics and a user score of 9.0 from over 2191 ratings. It has sold more than 3 million copies by the end of 2020⁷. This is impressive, especially when compared to other indie hits like Undertale and Stardew Valley⁷.

"Hollow Knight is a work of art, a masterpiece of game design, and an absolute must-play for any fan of the Metroidvania genre."

Hollow Knight is known for its engaging story, beautiful graphics, and rewarding gameplay. It has become a favorite among gamers, earning a loyal fan base⁵⁶⁷.

Hades

The indie gaming scene is buzzing with new and exciting games. Hades, a roguelike from Supergiant Games, is one such gem. It has made a big splash with its fresh take on Greek mythology, becoming a top indie game⁸.

Hades: The Underworld Beckons

In Hades, you try to escape the Greek god of the dead, Hades, through a maze of changing rooms. It has addictive combat, a deep progression system, and a story that pulls you in. This has earned it high praise⁸.

The game's art mixes modern styles with Greek mythology, making it visually stunning. Its unique gameplay, which weaves the story into the game, makes Hades a top indie game⁸.

Game	Release Year	Accolades	Sales Figures
Hades	2020	Multiple Game of the Year Awards, 97% Metacritic Score	Over 1 million copies sold since release9

Hades has become a big hit, showing the power of indie games. Indie games are now more accessible, letting small teams make great games with less money⁸. Now, indie games are more popular than ever, with hundreds coming out each year, each offering something new⁸.

"Hades is a masterclass in how to blend storytelling, gameplay, and mythology into a cohesive and highly replayable experience."

Hades stands out with its engaging story, new gameplay, and beautiful design. It shows the creative power of indie games¹⁰. Players will find a unique adventure in the Greek underworld that will leave a mark⁸.

Undertale

Undertale is a hidden gem in the indie gaming world. It has a mix of heartwarming stories, quirky humor, and new gameplay. Toby Fox made this game, and it's a top pick for fans of groundbreaking indie experiences¹¹.

In Undertale, a child falls into the Underground, a place full of monsters. The game is special because it lets you solve problems without violence. You can choose how the story goes and see different endings¹¹.

The game looks charming, has a great soundtrack, and breaks away from usual RPG rules. It's a true indie gaming masterpiece¹². It costs $10 on PC and takes about eight hours to play, making it fun for everyone¹¹.

You can beat the whole game without killing anyone¹¹. The game looks like an old NES and has new ways to play, making it fun to replay. It challenges you to think and be creative in each fight¹¹¹³.

The story of Undertale mixes drama, humor, and seriousness. It's known as a must-play indie¹². The music and simple yet powerful scenes make the game unforgettable. It's a true hidden indie gem¹¹¹³.

"Undertale is a game that defies conventional expectations, offering a unique and deeply engaging experience that touches the heart and challenges the mind."

Whether you're an experienced gamer or new to indie games, Undertale is a must-play. It offers innovative gameplay, great stories, and a commitment to a groundbreaking indie experience¹².

Terraria

Terraria is a hit indie game that has won the hearts of players all over the world. It combines 2D platforming, exploration, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Players navigate a world that changes each time they play, gathering resources and building things. They also fight off many different monsters¹⁴.

This game has a lot to offer, like a deep system for improving your character and finding new items and weapons. There are many places to explore, each with its own feel. The game lets players be creative, shape the world, and enjoy exploring, fighting, and making things. It's a top pick for fans of indie games¹⁵.

A World of Endless Possibilities

In Terraria, you can do what you want, like building big structures, going into dangerous places, or beating tough bosses. There are helpful characters that can make potions or heal you, making your journey easier¹⁵.

One special feature is the expert mode, which adds new challenges like harder enemies and places to explore. It's great for players who want a bigger challenge, but it's still easy enough for beginners¹⁵.

Since it came out in 2011, Terraria has kept a big group of fans. It's one of the most played Steam games of 2023, along with other indie hits like Stardew Valley and Oxygen Not Included¹⁴.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=i3DRHlkhVIc

The game's community has made it even better, with players showing off their creations and building amazing things in the game¹⁶. Mods like 'Calamity' add new stuff and make the game more balanced¹⁶.

"Terraria is a game that just won't quit. With its 13-year-old legacy, continuous updates, and dedicated community, it's a shining example of the enduring power of indie game development."

With the upcoming 1.4.5 update, Terraria will get even more exciting, including crossplay¹⁶. Whether you're new to the game or have played it for years, Terraria's endless creativity and lasting charm make it a must-play for indie game enthusiasts¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶.

Ori and the Blind Forest

In the world of indie games, some titles stand out with their unique stories and stunning visuals. Ori and the Blind Forest is one such game. It's a Metroidvania-style adventure made by Moon Studios¹⁷.

This game takes you through a forest filled with beauty, where you guide Ori, a small guardian spirit. They aim to fix the Blind Forest after a big disaster¹⁷. The game mixes exploration, puzzles, and tough fights for a fun and rewarding play¹⁸.

The game's visuals are stunning, known for its unique art style. The hand-painted scenes and bright colors make the game world feel alive and touching¹⁷.

The soundtrack adds to the game's magic, fitting perfectly with the action on screen. It makes the story feel more real and emotional¹⁷.

Ori and the Blind Forest is known for its smooth controls and challenging levels. It's a game that has won the hearts of many players worldwide¹⁸. Its unique art style and compelling storytelling have made it a top indie game¹⁷.

Metric	Score
Gameplay	9/10
Story	8/10
Visuals	9.5/10
Audio	9/10
Accessibility	8/10
Challenge Level	9/10
Replayability	8/10

Moon Studios developed and Microsoft Studios published Ori and the Blind Forest¹⁷. It was first shown at E3 in 2014 and came out on March 11th, 2015¹⁹. It's a mix of platforming, puzzles, and exploration that has made it a favorite among indie fans¹⁸.

"Ori and the Blind Forest is a masterpiece in indie game design, with its breathtaking visuals, captivating soundtrack, and engaging gameplay that transports players to a magical, emotional journey."

If you're looking for a game that shows off unique art styles and compelling storytelling, Ori and the Blind Forest is a must-play¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹.

CupHead

In the world of indie games, Cuphead stands out. It was made by Studio MDHR and takes you back to the 1930s cartoons. The game's visuals are stunning, making you feel like you're in a retro world²⁰. The creator of the game reviewed it four times, changing their mind after playing it more²⁰. They've looked at over 600 indie games, giving us a deep look into what makes Cuphead special²⁰.

Cuphead is known for being very hard. It has tough boss battles that test your skills and quick thinking²⁰. There's an easy mode and a harder one, and the creator started with the easy one²⁰. The game got a new DLC on June 30, 2022, adding more to the game²⁰.

What makes Cuphead stand out is its beautiful look and sound. The game's visuals and music take you back to classic cartoons²¹. The creator aimed for a perfect score in their detailed review, showing how deep and fun the game is²⁰. They plan to review the game in four parts, one for each world, showing how big and immersive it is²⁰.

Exploring the Run-and-Gun Levels

The game's run-and-gun levels are a big part of the fun. The first level, Forest Follies, is inspired by classic games like Contra III²⁰. The second level, Treetop Trouble, takes cues from Ghouls 'n Ghosts²⁰. While climbing in Treetop Trouble can be tough, the random lady bugs add an extra challenge²⁰.

The boss battles in Cuphead are just as exciting. The Goopy Le Grande fight in "Ruse of an Ooze" is a standout. It's inspired by classic games and is praised for its creativity²⁰.

Cuphead is a hit for its detailed design and nod to classic cartoons. It's gotten great reviews and has a strong fan base. With its retro look and challenging gameplay, it's a top example of indie game creativity²¹.

"Cuphead is a visually stunning game that captures the essence of 1930s cartoons, challenging players with a level of difficulty that is both punishing and rewarding."

Key Insights from Cuphead Reviews	Description
Retro-Inspired Aesthetics	Cuphead features hand-drawn cel animation with watercolor backdrops and a specially produced jazz soundtrack that replicates the 1930s cartoon style21.
Challenging Boss Battles	The game offers a unique gaming experience with a focus on boss battles, featuring various end-of-level encounters like the Baroness Von Bon21.
Cooperative Gameplay	Cuphead can be played in a co-op mode, enhancing the gaming experience with nostalgia for classic Mega Drive games21.
Pricing and Availability	Cuphead is priced at £12.74 / $17.20 on Steam with a 15% discount, and at £14.22 / $16.99 on Xbox One during the winter sale. The potential availability of Cuphead 2 for multiple platforms remains uncertain, as Microsoft holds indefinite exclusivity for the franchise21.

Cuphead's mix of retro graphics, immersive worlds, and tough yet rewarding gameplay has made it a favorite indie game²¹. The hard work and care from Studio MDHR have given players a memorable experience²¹²⁰²².

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a top indie game made by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone. It's a farming simulation game that has won the hearts of millions worldwide²³. This game is a must-play for anyone who loves indie adventures²³.

In Stardew Valley, you can leave behind the stress of everyday life. You'll find yourself in Pelican Town, where you can take care of crops and animals. You'll also make friends with the town's diverse characters²³.

Stardew Valley's Impressive Accolades

Stardew Valley is known for its farming, exploration, and building relationships. It has a retro look and a soothing soundtrack. This has made it very popular, selling over 15 million copies²³.

It's priced at $15 on consoles and PC, and $7.99 on mobile devices²³. Players can enjoy over 100 hours of fun²³.

What makes Stardew Valley special is its detail and replay value. The game has procedurally generated caves and random weather, making each play unique²³. Eric Marone, also known as ConcernedApe, created the game and its soundtrack on his own²³.

Stardew Valley keeps getting updates with new features for players who have been playing for a while²³. Its warm atmosphere and farming experience have made it a favorite among gamers²³.

"Stardew Valley is a game that reminds us of the simple joys in life - tending to a farm, building relationships, and escaping the daily grind. It's a true indie gem that has raised the bar for every other farming simulation game to follow." - Harrison, Gaming Journalist

Stardew Valley has inspired many other indie games with its charming style. Games like Slime Rancher, Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town, and others have followed in its footsteps²⁴.

Whether you're an indie game fan or new to the genre, Stardew Valley is a must-play. It has great reviews and offers a lot of content to explore²⁵. This game has set a high standard for farming simulation games²⁵.

Game	Release Year	Metacritic Score	Notable Features
Stardew Valley	2016 (PC), 2017 (Switch)	91	Farming, Relationships, Procedurally Generated Content
Slime Rancher	2016 (Early Access), 2017 (Full Release), 2021 (Switch)	81	Ranching, Exploration, Unique Slime Creatures
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town	2003 (GBA), 2020 (Remake)	82	Farming, Social Relationships, Remake of Classic Harvest Moon
Minecraft	2011	93	Sandbox, Building, Crafting, Procedurally Generated Worlds
Terraria	2011	84	Sandbox, Exploration, Crafting, Procedurally Generated Worlds
Animal Crossing: New Horizons	2020	90	Social Simulation, Building, Customization, Relaxing Gameplay

This table shows some indie games similar to Stardew Valley. They all have great reviews and offer unique experiences²⁴²³²⁵.

Conclusion

The indie gaming world is full of narrative driven indie experiences, visually striking indie gems, and influential indie trailblazers. Games like Stray and Hollow Knight show the wide range of must-play indie titles out there²⁶. These games highlight the creativity and passion of indie developers. They offer unique and immersive experiences that often beat triple-A games.

If you like retro looks, emotional stories, or just want to escape, indie games have something for you²⁶. Look out for these indie gems to find gaming experiences that will stick with you.

Indie games keep getting better, with new innovations and artistic visions. From simple lo-fi games to visually stunning ones, there's a lot for every gamer to explore and love²⁶²⁷²⁸.

FAQ

What are some of the best indie games to play?

Great indie games include Stray, Hollow Knight, Hades, Undertale, Terraria, Ori and the Blind Forest, Cuphead, and Stardew Valley. These games offer unique and innovative experiences from indie developers.

What makes these indie games stand out?

These games are known for their engaging stories and immersive worlds. They also have artistic designs and new gameplay mechanics. They often beat triple-A games in quality, showing the creativity of indie developers.

Where can I discover more hidden indie gems?

Look for indie game showcases, read reviews in gaming magazines, and connect with the indie gaming community online. Don't miss indie game festivals and events that spotlight the best indie titles.

Why should I play indie games over mainstream titles?

Indie games offer unique and engaging experiences not found in mainstream games. They provide a break from familiar formulas. You'll find innovative gameplay, compelling stories, and stunning art styles not seen in big games.

How can I support the indie gaming community?

Support indie games by buying and playing them, sharing your thoughts with others, and connecting with developers on social media or forums. Helping spread the word and giving feedback lets indie studios keep making great games.

Source Links

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