While there were some notable AAA titles in 2024, it really was a much better year for indie games with the likes of the award-winning Balatro and the critically acclaimed 1000xRESIST launching this year. It can be hard to remember how good the selection of indies is in 2024, especially because of how many there are.
Determining which ones are worth playing can be difficult, especially since they fall into so many different categories. Whether it's the best cozy indie games of 2024 or the complex philosophical and narrative-focused games, narrowing down the selection to add to a backlog will be a tricky task. Fortunately, while they're all worth playing, It's not hard to tell which are the best of the bunch and it's worth checking out first.
10
Dungeons Of Hinterberg (Microbird Games)
A personality-like adventure
Hinterberg Dungeons took the indie scene by storm when he revealed his mix of Person-like life simulation and Zelda dungeon crawling gameplay. It manages to combine these two aspects incredibly well, largely through the adoption of Character iconic scheduling system in which days are segmented into times of day and players can perform an action during each. For example, during the day, players must explore open areas fighting monsters, collecting resources, and then relaxing to increase their stats or tackle a dungeon.
At night, the options are much more varied, as you can spend time with any of the game's many characters to increase your friendship score and unlock unique skills or items. Alternatively, players can watch a movie or even relax in the spa. All These systems help elevate the game's fully immersive narrative and challenging combat. With boss fights, magical abilities to unlock, gear progression, and puzzles to solve, Hinterberg Dungeons is a great cozy RPG.
9
Bloomtown: A Different Story (Different Senses Games, Lazy Bear Games)
It's the 2D personality meets 1950s America
Bloomtown: a different story is another Person-like RPG in 2024although it takes more inspiration from its combat, music and aesthetics than its programming system. In Flourishing cityPlayers make a pact with the devil and must defeat a series of challenging bosses in exchange for the ability to summon a powerful spirit. Alongside their friends, they must venture into colorful dungeons and fight creative monsters in turn-based combat, all while listening to a very jazzy soundtrack.
Of course, while Flourishing city it often seems Person finds EarthboundIt still manages to be a unique experience. Everything from the creature design, characters, narrative, and overall aesthetic helps it stand out in a sea of indie RPGs. and make it one of the best indies of the year. For those looking for a 40-hour RPG similar to Person series, Bloomtown: a different story it's the perfect game.
8
Bem Animal (Billy Basso)
A truly exceptional Metroidvania
Animal well reviewed extremely well when it was released in early 2024, and that's almost exclusively thanks to its unique take on the Metroidvania genre. While it can often feel like an oversaturated genre, occasionally there are games like Animal well that completely revolutionize it, offering a new experience that feels like much more than a mere Hollow Knight clone. Animal well It's a game about discoveryand as such, its secrets - many of which still remain a mystery - are well hidden.
Animal well relies on the player's intuition rather than holding their hand throughout the game. Things are not explained, nor is there a clear path forward. Animal well expects people to be naturally curious and discover its complex but well-executed mechanics. Suffice it to say, Animal well is an excellent game, ideal for newcomers to the Metroidvania genre and longtime fans wanting something new.
7
The Plucky Squire (all possible futures)
A fairy tale that changes perspective
The brave squire is a unique indie game that cleverly uses perspective as a core mechanic. It begins in the world of a picture book, with players controlling the titular hero across its many pages. But soon, they encounter a puzzle that can't be solved without leaving the book and entering the 3D world of a child's bedroom. There are many more perspective shifts and genre shifts throughout The brave squireall of which are best experienced in person.
Frankly, The brave squire is the kind of indie game that reminds people why gaming is so much fun. Every ounce of it has been purposefully designed to instill a sense of wonder and joy in the player.ensuring that no matter what, it's impossible to get bored playing. Very similar to the GOTY winner Astrobot, The brave squire It's really fun to play and worth playing.
6
Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios)
STALKER 2 in a car
Long before STALKER 2 graced the screens of Xbox users, offering a fantasy of a lone wanderer in a world full of anomalies, Pacific Drive gave players exactly the same experience. It is clear that there are fundamental differences between the extensive STALKER 2 and Pacific Drivenamely that the latter focuses on a car and uses it to navigate a world full of surprises. Players will receive this beat-up car at the start of the game and must upgrade it to help it better survive the challenges ahead.
Pacific Drive is a game about venturing into the vast wilderness in search of new materials and artifacts to improve the car. Meanwhile, the player will find more narrative details, advancing the story even further. Of course, once they obtain the materials, they will need to return home, a journey that is just as dangerous as finding the loot. With enough STALKER vibrations and a great game loop, Pacific Drive is one of the most exclusive indies 2024.
5
Neva (Studio Nómada)
A moving journey from GRIS developers
Snow is the next game from Nómada Studio, the infinitely talented folks behind the heartwarming indie hit GRIS. It expands on the developer's previous title in several ways, adding engaging combat, a wolf companion that grows with the player, and a longer runtime. However, It is clear that a large part GRIS' The DNA remains in Snowand that is absolutely the best.
With stunning environments, beautiful stories and expertly conveyed themes, Snow It's a phenomenal experience from start to finish. Anyone with even the slightest interest in the indie gaming scene should check it out Snow, If only to see what the exceptionally glowing reviews are about. Snow will certainly continue to be a much discussed indie in the coming years as it is an incredibly memorable journey that is worth continuing.
4
UFO 50 (Moss Mouth)
A huge collection of stunning Indies
UFO 50 it seems like it can't be real, but Mossmouth somehow managed to pull it off. It's a collection of 50 full-size games inspired by those from the 8-bit era, spanning multiple genres. Includes everything from beat 'em ups, multiplayer games, RPGs, platformers and morewith each game carefully crafted to appeal to a modern audience while retaining much of what made that era so great.
UFO 50 also has its own built-in story, with each game coming from a fictional 80s developer, and some even being sequels to others available in the collection. There are collectibles and achievements to unlock, giving plenty more to do for those who want even more than the already impressive 50 games. Additionally, half of games feature local co-opwhich is great for anyone who wants a strong indie co-op experience.
3
1000xRESIST (Sunset Visitor)
A deeply moving experience
1000xRESIST is a science fiction thriller set in an exceptionally unique universe. Set 1000 years in the future, the player takes on the role of the Observer who discovers a secret that not only changes his life, but changes the lives of all that is left of humanity. This story serves as a way for developer Sunset Visitor to explore a variety of socio-political themes and topics. which are beautifully conveyed in this fully voiced masterpiece.
1000xRESIST is not a particularly conventional game, as it constantly changes genre and perspective to better convey its story. Its surreal visuals and expertly crafted writing help immerse the player in the world of conspiracy and science fiction, without ever overshadowing the important themes found throughout. 1000xRESIST It's the kind of experience that can only exist as an indie gameand that's what makes it such a profound and bold masterpiece.
2
Nine Sols (red candle games)
Hollow Knight meets Sekiro
Red Candle Games are the developers behind psychological horror games Detention and Devotionboth critically acclaimed. However, Nine suns is a complete departure from those experiences, instead offering a beautifully hand-drawn Taopunk Sekiro-like 2D Metroidvania that quickly became one of the best of the genre. Nine suns is an expertly crafted game by a developer at the top of his game.
Featuring a story-rich story full of surprising twists and turns as well as a challenging but never punishing combat system that elevates some of the best boss designs in Metroidvania Nine suns never ceases to surprise. While its combat may be too difficult for those new to the genre, for those who want a challenge or want to fully immerse themselves in the game's Taopunk world, Nine suns It's the ultimate indie experience.
1
Balatro (LocalThunk)
The best Roguelike deck builder of the year
Balatro is by far the best indie game of 2024. Not just because it was nominated for GOTY at the 2024 Game Awards, nor because it became one of the best-selling Steam games of the year. Instead of, It's because it completely redefined the deckbuilder's roguelike experiencetaking what was quickly becoming an oversaturated genre and making it feel like something entirely new.
Balatro is a consistently engaging and compelling game that could be played over and over again if it weren't for the need to sleep and eat. It's such an immersive game that, while every other indie game is worth playing, it could end up dominating a player's playtime all year long. 2024 was actually a great year for indie games and games like Balatro, Nine sunsand more are proof of this.
Source: Twin Sails Interactive/YouTube, Fellow Traveler/YouTube