5 Indie Gems That Deserve far More Attention
The sprawling universe of indie games is packed full of incredible games crafted with artistry, innovation, and a creative flair that mainstream blockbusters can’t quite match anymore.
We all know the “indie darlings” – Minecraft, Undertale, Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight, Celeste – that are titans in their own right and exceptional examples of what passionate indie studios can achieve.
Yet, despite their burning brilliance, many titles remain underappreciated gems, garnering cult followings but not yet receiving their deserved time in the limelight.
From mesmerizing soundtracks to innovative gameplay or stylised artistic masterpieces, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you five indie titles that deserve FAR more attention... Strap in, we’re going on an adventure!
Abiotic Factor
Abiotic Factor presents a simple question - what if Half-Life but Grounded but Satisfactory?
How might the Black Mesa personnel have handled the Xen invasion without Mr. Freeman and his trusty crowbar to batter them into submission?
By dismantling every desk in sight, turning pens into deadly crossbow bolts, and frying up delicious Carbuncles, naturally...
"Abiotic Factor" is a survival crafting game that plunges players into the depths of a secret underground research facility. Developed by Deep Field Games and released by Playstack in early access on May 2, 2024, the game challenges players to survive in a high-stakes environment marked by a catastrophic containment breach and a military crusade.
The game supports single-player and online co-op gameplay, offering a rich crafting and exploration experience against the backdrop of a narrative involving global research labs and otherworldly threats, wrapped in a nostalgic art style that perfectly captures the vibe of the early 2000s.
“I can feel my proteins denaturing!” - My character, moments after eating radioactive meat from a conspicuously glowing trash can...
Project Wingman
What if the thrill of dogfighting wasn't just about raw power but also finesse and strategy? That's where Project Wingman stakes its claim, transforming players into ace pilots in a post-apocalyptic world where skill reigns supreme.
The game presents its audience with a compelling narrative that does more than just send you from mission to mission; immersing you in a richly crafted world where every fight feels like the future of Cascadia hinges on every tiny decision you make.
Project Wingman isn't just about the action—it's about the experience. Engaging, polished gameplay mechanics make it accessible for newcomers while still offering challenges that will test seasoned pilots.
This game will leave you deeply fearing the colour orange, with VERY good reason...
Fear & Hunger
"Fear & Hunger" is a grimdark, old-school RPG that merges elements of horror, survival, and turn-based combat in a uniquely unsettling way. Set in the dungeons of Fear & Hunger, the game plunges players into an unforgiving world where every choice matters and the stakes are survival itself.
The game stands out for its emphasis on brutal difficulty and complex mechanics. Players must navigate through a labyrinthine dungeon filled with horrifying creatures, scarce resources, and cryptic lore. The game challenges traditional gameplay mechanics by introducing permanent character disfigurement and consequential decisions that drastically impact the chilling narrative of “Fear & Hunger”.
Offering multiple endings influenced by the player's choices throughout the game, “Fear & Hunger” holds significant replay value and depth, encouraging players to explore different strategies and moral paths to uncover all the game's dread secrets and sinister outcomes.
Drawing inspiration from a mix of dark fantasy sources, including works like "Silent Hill," "Hellraiser," and "Amnesia: The Dark Descent," the title screen music alone is well worth the price of admission.
If nothing else, Fear & Hunger will redefine your understanding of the concept of marriage...
Victory Road
Victory Road uniquely combines elements of sports management with real-time strategy. Players take on the role of a boxing coach, responsible not only for training their fighter but also for making real-time decisions during fights that can make or break their boxer's career.
Unlike traditional sports management games, Victory Road emphasizes hands-on management during matches. Players must quickly decide when their boxer should attack, defend, or use special tactics against opponents. This active participation makes each match thrilling and strategic, as players adapt their tactics based on the opponent’s moves and the current state of the fight.
The game's pixel art style and intuitive interface enhance its accessibility while retaining depth in both gameplay and strategy. Players must manage their boxer’s training regimen, diet, and recovery to ensure peak performance, adding layers of complexity outside of the ring.
I upset several pedestrians by putting too much ketchup on their hotdogs while trying to earn money for my boxer... 10/10 What’s not to love?
Suzerain - (Author’s Top Pick)
Suzerain is a political drama that thrusts players into the complex world of modern governance. As Sordland’s newly elected President Rayne, players are tasked with navigating the intricate and often murky waters of political, social, and economic decisions that can determine the fate of their recovering nation.
Suzerain distinguishes itself with a meticulously crafted narrative that encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different political ideologies and outcomes. The game’s strength lies in its ability to engage players emotionally and intellectually, challenging them to consider the broader impact of their policies on national and international scales.
The art style is minimalistic, focusing on maps and text, which emphasizes the game’s narrative-driven approach. This simplicity in design directs players' full attention to the weighty dialogues and decisions, enhancing the immersive experience of leading a country.
Suzerain offers a profound, reflective experience that delves into the realities of leadership and governance, making it a hidden gem amongst hidden gems. I went into this game expecting a fun little adventure… 82 hours and several playthroughs later and Suzerain has cemented itself as one of my favorite games of all time.
Snapshot from my own Steam library...83 hours, several playthroughs, and I haven’t even STARTED the full game sized Kingdom of Rizia DLC yet. Torpor Games have created a masterpiece here.
So there you have it! Voxsomnium’s top 5 indie games that we believe deserve FAR more attention.
Feel like we’ve missed something? Got a hidden gem you’d love to scream about?
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