Summary
Over the past couple of decades, it’s often been indie games that have pushed the boundaries of the gaming industry. These small projects are able to take risks that larger developers simply can’t stomach, leading to brand-new experiences that leave players wanting more.
Indie games have proved again and again that they can have a major impact on the industry, sparking new trends and redefining whole genres. Many of the games below have innovative gameplay, compelling storytelling, or groundbreaking design (or, rarely, all three). Either way, these titles have pushed the boundaries of what gaming means.
Journey represented a huge jump in video games. It relied onminimalistic gameplayand breathtaking graphics to deliver an emotional experience. It wasn’t a game of action, but it did show that video games could existwithoutendless action. You travel across a vast desert towards a glowing mountain, exploring the landscape and meeting companions along the way.
There is absolutely no dialogue in this game, but it manages to evoke all sorts of emotions. The game’s haunting score, composed by Austin Wintory, was even nominated for a Grammy, a first for a video game soundtrack.
Supergiant Games’ Hades pushed the roguelike genre to new heights with its compelling blend offast-paced combatand a rich narrative. You play as the rebellious son of Hades, who is attempting to escape the underworld. Hades is unlike traditional roguelikes because it uses death as a storytelling tool, not something that is brushed aside.
The game shines in several other ways, like its dynamic dialogue. It even earned multiple Game of the Year nominations.
Super Meat Boy was one of the first indie games to compete with major titles on almost solely gameplay. This platformer is extremely difficult, but it also features great controls and clever level design. Plus, many were drawn to its quirky humor and retro aesthetic. It’s just a game full of personality!
The game was very important in popularizing indie games on consoles, as it was particularly popular on Xbox Live Arcade. It also revitalized an interest in challenging platformers.
The Binding of Isaac pushed roguelikes into mainstream gaming. It blends a dark aesthetic with procedurally-generated levels. You control Isaac, who is a child trying to escape his frantic mother, and you must travel through randomly generated dungeons filled with enemies and upgrades.
It’s extremely replayable, thanks to its huge variety of items and outcomes. McMillen’s raw, personal storytelling struck a chord with players, and it set the tone for future roguelike games.
Limbo is best known for its artistic storytelling. It uses only black-and-white visuals and is extremely minimalistic, but it still manages to deliver an eerie experience. You take the role of a nameless boy who must travel through a dangerous environment and solve puzzles. There is absolutely no dialogue in the game, so the storyline itself is vague.
However, there are some serious feelings of loss and fear throughout the game. Limbo proved that you couldrely heavily on the atmosphereto portray what you wanted your game to say. This has only led to more games emphasizing atmosphere in the years since.
There are very few indie games as popular as Stardew Valley, which revitalized the farming simulation genre and became an instant sensation. Inspired by Harvest Moon, it expanded on the genre with deeper mechanics, including farming, mining, fishing, and relationship-building. Many players were charmed by its pixel-art and relaxing gameplay. It’s a cozy game, but it also has a lot of depth.
What really sets Stardew Valley apart is its endless replayability. It’s been frequently updated and has a thriving mod community, which only adds to its depth. It continues to have a very strong community, even though it’s been out for almost a decade.
Hollow Knight allows you to explore the ancient kingdom of Hallownest, where you’ll battle enemies while exploring the game’s rich lore. It has become the defining game of the Metroidvania genre, thanks to its great soundtrack and atmospheric art. Its fluid combat keeps the gameplay fun, too.
The game is very unforgiving, and there is lots of hidden content for you to look for. It tends to be popular amongst hardcore gamers who are looking for something with tons of depth.
Celeste may look like any other platformer game. However, it speaks to some deep human challenges, which set it apart from other indie games. You’ll follow Madeline as she climbs mountains, but you’ll also have to battle inner demons along the way.
This game is also accessible forallskill levels, which really sets it apart from many other indie games. Yes, it has some very challenging levels, but it has a very generous assist mode for those who need a little bit of help. After all, many play Celeste for its narrative alone, though its gameplay is plenty put-together, too.
Undertale completely flipped the RPG genre on its head with unique mechanics. For instance, you have the choice to spare or fight enemies. This innovative combat system is deeply entwined with a deep story that revolves around you and other characters you meet. It’s a game of humor and heart, which has only added to its success.
The decisions you make in Undertale have a lasting impact on the world. This concept and great execution have led to more narrative-driven games in the decade since its launch.
Minecraft is easily one of the most influential indie games of all time. You can explore its procedurally generated worldforever, building, exploring, and surviving. Minecraft is exceptionally simple, but its open-ended design leads to practically endless gameplay. You can never finish doingeverythingMinecraft has to offer.
Minecraft remains a huge cultural touchpoint today. It’s inspired books, movies, and spinoff games. Plus, its mod community is so in-depth that you may turn Minecraft into practically anything you want.
