Sometimes I have enough of huge open-world, third-person, narrative driven AAA games. This is when I try to find something different, something that will keep me occupied for hours by surprising mechanics or more in-depth philosophical dialogue with my inner self.
For years now I have found those in smaller games from independent developers or side-projects of smaller teams being part of large studios, so beware, sometimes I will recommend here something that is not Indie per se, but have a charm of indie games.
These games are listed in no particular order, as choosing the best is subjective and depends on personal preferences.
Pentiment
Pentiment is not exactly from independent game developer as Obsidian Entertaiment is part of Xbox Games Studios and fairly large studio employing over 300 people.
Obsidian is known for critically acclaimed series such as Pillars of Eternity and the highly anticipated Avowed, but small team working under game director Josh Sawyer created a unique small narrative driven game with outstanding art design based on medieval manuscripts and woodcuts. We are playing as an artist Andreas Maler during his wander through Medieval Europe.
We land in small fictional village in Upper Bavaria where we will be helping to investigate crime that shocked normally peaceful village. I don't want to add any spoilers in here, so let's leave plotline here.
What really surprised me in this game is number of important player choices that we make, art style which is really beatiful and attention to historical details.
Loop Hero
It's deckbuilding game, featuring retro-inspired pixel art reminiscent of 90s games. CRT filters enhance the nostalgic feel. It's not typical card playing game, it's a mix of roguelike and deckbuilding.
You need to gather new cards to build environment around you for example trees, rocks, forests, witch huts etc. Every played card builds one square of the environment and every square gives you some ability like 1% HP more.
On your way through you will face enemies which you can loot for better armor and weapons and with every loop they are tougher and tougher but so are you. In the end of every level boss awaits you and boy, they are not easy.
Inscryption
Inscryption hooked me with interesting card game mechanic, which requires you to sacrifice your played cards to play new ones, but what is even more interesting, you can stand up from the table where you play and check the souroundings where numeroues puzzles wait to be solved.
What for? Well, you are not exactly playing the cards of your own will, so you probably will want to escape the cabin in the woods. I don't want to mention much of the story behind, but it's solid, apart from typical "one more round"
I couldn't stop playing this game because of the story, it's great, it's dark, it's interesting.
Darkest Dungeon
Did i mention that if one of your characters dies in battle it's over? You will need to recruit someone else. It makes me sweat when dice rolls not in my favor and another attack misses. Complete must play!
Check Darkest Dungeon price here
PowerWash Simulator
