Indie games have been consistently delivering innovative experiences, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay, and art. As we dive into 2023, a brand new slate of indie games promises to continue this trend. Here are the top 10 indie games you should definitely check out in 2023.
1. Solar Sails
Cosmic Duck Games brings us “Solar Sails”, a thrilling space adventure that perfectly blends roguelite elements with action-packed cooperative gameplay. The game is a visual delight, presenting a universe teeming with vibrant art, stellar landscapes, and cosmic beasts.
The storyline is anchored in a world where space pirates dominate. Players navigate treacherous space seas, where they face monstrous space creatures and unpredictable challenges. Hidden treasures are scattered throughout the game, offering valuable resources to upgrade your pirate ship.
With an emphasis on cooperative gameplay, “Solar Sails” offers a bonding experience, making it a perfect choice for players who enjoy multiplayer games. This element also adds layers of complexity and strategy to the game, as players must work together to overcome challenges.
2. Recompile
Next on the list is “Recompile”, an atmospheric Metroidvania-inspired hacking adventure from Phigames. The game places you in the role of a sentient virus, capable of infiltrating and manipulating a digital world.
The narrative is a standout feature in “Recompile”. The story changes based on your actions, providing a dynamic narrative experience that encourages exploration and multiple playthroughs. Each choice you make has the potential to influence the storyline, making every playthrough unique.
In terms of gameplay, “Recompile” offers a balanced mix of combat, exploration, and environmental puzzles. The stunning visual design, complemented by a haunting soundtrack, sets a gripping ambience that pulls you into the game’s virtual realm. If you appreciate games that offer a blend of narrative depth and challenging gameplay, “Recompile” should be on your list.
3. Endling
Endling, developed by Herobeat Studios, is an emotional survival game that takes a grim look at the impact of human encroachment on wildlife. You play as a fox, the last of its kind, striving to survive in a world devastated by human activity.
Your primary mission in “Endling” is to protect and feed your cubs while navigating a world filled with dangers, both natural and human-made. The game pulls on the heartstrings with its narrative, focusing on themes of survival, family, and environmental preservation.
The 3D side-scrolling game presents a challenging survival experience. Players need to hunt for food, avoid threats, and find a safe den for the fox and its cubs. With its poignant storytelling, engaging gameplay, and striking visual design, “Endling” is a must-play title for any indie game enthusiast.
4. Witchbrook
“Witchbrook” is a magical life simulation game from Chucklefish, the publishers of popular indie games like “Stardew Valley”. The game is set in a magical school, where you play as a student witch learning new spells, crafting potions, and unraveling mysteries.
“Witchbrook” stands out with its compelling life simulation mechanics. Players attend classes, complete assignments, and build relationships with other students. Additionally, the game offers non-linear gameplay, giving players the freedom to choose their own paths.
The pixel art style of “Witchbrook” is charming and full of character, capturing the enchanting atmosphere of a magical school. If you’ve ever dreamed of attending a school of witchcraft and wizardry, “Witchbrook” is the game for you.
5. Sable
“Sable”, developed by Shedworks, is an exploration-focused game set on an alien planet. You play as Sable, a young girl exploring vast deserts, ancient ruins, and forgotten spaceships to complete her rite of passage.
“Sable’s” distinctive art style, inspired by French and Belgian comics, is instantly captivating. Its exploration-centric gameplay is complemented by the rich lore of its alien world. Players are encouraged to explore at their own pace, discovering secrets and artifacts that reveal more about the game’s world.
Mechanically, “Sable” provides an immersive experience. Players must navigate challenging terrain, solve puzzles, and interact with various nomadic tribes. The game has no combat, placing its entire focus on exploration and narrative.
6. A Juggler’s Tale
“A Juggler’s Tale” is an atmospheric 3D side-scrolling adventure from Kaleidoscube. You control Abby, a string puppet, as she navigates a puppet world controlled by a puppet master.
The puppet mechanics of “A Juggler’s Tale” are innovative and engaging. Abby, as a puppet, is restricted by her strings, which can get caught or tangled, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game’s puzzles.
The narrative of “A Juggler’s Tale” is driven by a rhymed narrative and the beautiful, if eerie, puppet world. Its unique combination of innovative gameplay, compelling narrative, and stunning art design makes “A Juggler’s Tale” a standout indie title in 2023.
7. She Dreams Elsewhere
“She Dreams Elsewhere” from Studio Zevere is a surreal adventure RPG that delves into dreams and the unconscious mind. You play as Thalia, an anxiety-ridden woman trapped in a coma, who must confront her nightmares to wake up.
The game stands out with its psychedelic visuals and its emotionally charged narrative. “She Dreams Elsewhere” combines traditional RPG elements with a deep narrative, exploring themes of mental health and self-identity.
The combat in “She Dreams Elsewhere” is turn-based, requiring strategic planning to defeat enemies. The game also offers a ‘connection’ system, where building relationships with characters can lead to different outcomes in the game.
8. Little Devil Inside
“Little Devil Inside” is a highly anticipated action-adventure RPG from Neostream. The game offers a survival-based gameplay loop, mixing exploration, combat, and survival mechanics.
Set in a semi-open world, “Little Devil Inside” features beautifully crafted environments to explore, from snowy mountains to arid deserts. Players can engage in various activities like hunting, fishing, and cooking to survive.
The combat system of “Little Devil Inside” is complex and dynamic, offering a mix of melee and ranged combat with an array of weapons and equipment. With its intricate gameplay systems and stunning visual design, “Little Devil Inside” is a must-play indie title in 2023.
9. Unpacking
“Unpacking”, developed by Witch Beam, is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home.
The game challenges players to unpack items and arrange them in various living spaces, from a single room to an entire house. It’s a unique concept that’s surprisingly engaging, offering a meditative experience through the simple act of unpacking.
“Unpacking” uses its gameplay mechanics to tell a wordless narrative. As you progress and unpack different environments, you learn more about the character whose belongings you’re handling.
10. Backbone
Lastly, we have “Backbone”, a noir-inspired detective adventure from Eggnut. The game features a raccoon private investigator, Howard Lotor, in a dystopian Vancouver inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.
“Backbone” combines point-and-click gameplay with stealth mechanics and offers a deep narrative influenced by player choices. Its pixel art style and atmospheric jazz soundtrack effectively capture the noir mood.
The investigations in “Backbone” are engaging, requiring players to gather clues, interrogate characters, and make decisions that affect the story’s outcome. If you’re a fan of detective stories with a twist, “Backbone” is the game for you.
These are the top 10 indie games to play in 2023. Each offers a unique experience, showcasing the creativity and innovation that indie developers bring to the gaming industry. Whether you’re into atmospheric narratives, challenging gameplay, or unique concepts, there’s an indie game on this list for you. Don’t miss out on these captivating gaming experiences in 2023!