{"id":193714,"date":"2019-12-29T01:00:13","date_gmt":"2019-12-28T17:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geek.com\/featured\/-1814612\/"},"modified":"2019-12-29T01:00:13","modified_gmt":"2019-12-28T17:00:13","slug":"these-are-the-top-20-indie-games-of-the-decade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itteacheritfreelance.hk\/test\/wordpress\/2019\/12\/29\/these-are-the-top-20-indie-games-of-the-decade\/","title":{"rendered":"These Are the Top 20 Indie Games of the Decade"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I think it\u2019s safe to say that this decade was a golden age for indie games. Thanks to digital marketplaces like Steam, as well as first-party console makers becoming more generous, smaller companies released a bevy of unique titles AAA publishers would never dream of conceiving. This last point is ironic given how some mechanics in the most popular indie games inevitably make their way to AAA games. In this regard, indies serve an important function since they\u2019re willing to take risks that can potentially move the industry forward.<\/p>\n

The list below comprises of some of the very best indie games released this decade.<\/p>\n

Bastion<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: July 20, 2011<\/p>\n

Bastion<\/em> is an action RPG with a unique twist. As players make their way through each of the game\u2019s vibrant levels, a disembodied voice narrates their actions. Though scripted, the narration feels as if it\u2019s happening in real-time given its astounding accuracy. Besides the narration, Bastion<\/em> features solid combat mechanics and a nice sense of progression. It\u2019s also one of the most visually arresting titles out there. This is a must-play title, just for the dynamic narration alone.<\/p>\n

Axiom Verge<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PS4, PC, PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox One, Switch
\nRelease date<\/strong>: March 31, 2015<\/p>\n

Metroidvania-inspired indie games are ubiquitous these days but Axiom Verge<\/em> stands above the majority. The game\u2019s biggest selling point is its atmosphere, which instills an ever-present sense of dread in players. The imaginative level design and wide-range of strange alien weapons give players the incentive to continue exploring every corner. The fact that a single person (Thomas Happ) created this entire game is insanely impressive.<\/p>\n

Rogue Legacy<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PS4, PC, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch
\nRelease date<\/strong>: June 27, 2013<\/p>\n

Rogue Legacy<\/em> is a textbook example of a \u201croguelike.\u201d Players hack and slash their way through randomly generated dungeons; defeating enemies and obtaining gold necessary for upgrades. Death comes swiftly and often even if you\u2019re on top of your game. Thankfully, one\u2019s progress transfers over to the player characters\u2019 heirs. Heirs have unique attributes that allow them access to different parts of the map. Though lacking mercy, Rogue Legacy<\/em> is a satisfying experience for those willing to brave it.<\/p>\n

Firewatch<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, Switch Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: February 9, 2016<\/p>\n

Firewatch<\/em> is a simple game with an impeccable presentation. The story centers on two fire lookouts who pass the mundane days away by talking to each other via walky-talky. Through selectable dialogue choices, the characters grow closer to each other. Gameplay consists of exploring the beautifully rendered forest and its diverse biomes. There isn\u2019t much \u201caction\u201d here, but the stunning visuals help offset this. Though Firewatch<\/em>\u2019s ending isn\u2019t all that satisfying, its visual presentation alone makes it worth checking out.<\/p>\n

Hellblade: Senua\u2019s Sacrifice<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: August 8, 2017<\/p>\n

With Hellblade: Senua\u2019s Sacrifice<\/em>, developer Ninja Theory delivered an indie game with AAA production values. Players take on the role of Senua, who travels across a devastated land facing demons both external and internal. The game does an exceptional job of making players feel Senua\u2019s anguish through its disturbing imagery and sound design. This is a game you want to play with headphones so you can better hear the voices inside Senua\u2019s head. If you have yet to try this dark Norse mythology-inspired game, you owe it to yourself to do so before its sequel releases next-gen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Gone Home<\/h3>\n

\"Gone<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: August 15, 2013<\/p>\n

Gone Home<\/em> gave birth to the term \u201cwalking simulator.\u201d This isn\u2019t without reason given how there is little in the way of interaction. Players spend most of the game exploring their empty house in search of clues as to why no one is there. Despite appearing like one, Gone Home<\/em> is not a horror game. There are no supernatural elements or anything out of the ordinary. At its core, it is a story about how a family deals with one of its members embracing their identity. Though not a conventional \u201cgame,\u201d Gone Home<\/em> leaves a lasting legacy behind.<\/p>\n

Fez<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, PS Vita
\nRelease date<\/strong>: April 13, 2012<\/p>\n

Ignoring all the drama surrounding the game\u2019s development and infamous creator, Phil Fish, let\u2019s instead focus on how awesome Fez<\/em> is. This imaginative puzzler is a massive love letter to early Nintendo games. While numerous indie titles have aped the 8-bit style, Fez<\/em> does it in a masterful and genuine way. The art style lends itself perfectly to the gameplay, which has players rotating the 2D world to open up new and hidden paths. It\u2019s a shame we never got a sequel to Fez<\/em> since it was (and is) so refreshingly unique.<\/p>\n

Inside<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: Xbox One, PC, PS4, Switch
\nRelease date<\/strong>: June 29, 2016<\/p>\n

Limbo<\/em> is brilliant in its own right but we have to go with Inside<\/em><\/a> as Playdead\u2019s true masterwork. Players venture through a monochromatic dystopian world as they attempt to escape from its repressive authorities. Along the way, they must contend with a series of puzzles, environmental hazards, and enemies. Given its minimalist presentation and bleak world, Inside<\/em> instills players with a sense of hopelessness. Its mind-bending closing moments only serve to enhance this feeling. Inside<\/em> isn\u2019t a \u201cfun\u201d game but it is extremely enthralling.<\/p>\n

The Stanley Parable<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC
\nRelease date<\/strong>: October 17, 2013<\/p>\n

You can consider The Stanley Parable<\/em> as the prototype for the modern \u201cwalking sim.\u201d Like similar games, there is little to no action. One mostly walks from location to location. What sets The Stanley Parable<\/em> apart is its use of narration. Oftentimes, the narrator will state what the player will do next. One can follow what the narrator says or completely ignore it. Doing so allows players to forge their own path which in turn creates a series of different endings. An innovative title to this day.<\/p>\n

Super Meat Boy<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PS4, PC, PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, Switch
\nRelease date<\/strong>: October 20, 2010<\/p>\n

Super Meat Boy<\/em> is for those who love their platformers insanely challenging. The air-tight controls are perfectly tuned for a game where it\u2019s better to play by instinct than thought. Each of the 300 expertly designed levels provide players with grueling obstacles to overcome. While Super Meat Boy<\/em> balks at holding player\u2019s hands, it is always fair. Because of that, one feels a true sense of accomplishment upon completing levels and defeating bosses. Frustrating and addictive, Super Meat Boy<\/em> is the ultimate platforming experience.<\/p>\n

Shovel Knight<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, Nintendo 3DS, Switch, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Wii U, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: June 26, 2014<\/p>\n

On the surface, Shovel Knight<\/em><\/a> doesn\u2019t appear much different than most 8-bit inspired indies. Actually playing it reveals a solid and challenging 2D platformer whose world contains many secrets for players to discover. The biggest compliment we can give Shovel Knight<\/em> is that it feels like a long-lost class<\/a>ic from the NES era. It\u2019s little wonder that it has so many ardent fans.<\/p>\n

Celeste<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: January 25, 2018<\/p>\n

Like Shovel Knight<\/em>, Celeste<\/em> could have come straight out of the late 1980s thanks to its nostalgic gameplay and graphics. Playing as the titular character, users must navigate the colorful pixelized world by running, jumping, and climbing walls. A mid-air dash, along with a number of other moves obtained over the course of the game keeps gameplay fresh and exciting. Celeste<\/em>\u2019s piano-heavy soundtrack is also of note since it gives the entire experience a more sophisticated feel to go along with its serious meditation on mental illness.<\/p>\n

Papers, Please<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PlayStation Vita
\nRelease date<\/strong>: August 8, 2013<\/p>\n

Though it lacks action, Papers, Please<\/em> is one of the most intense titles out there. Taking on the role of an immigration officer in the fictional nation of Arstotzka, players must process a never-ending stream of immigrants and determine which to let into the country. As the game progresses, the rules for qualifying for entry become more complex. Players must then make moral choices. They can do \u201cthe right thing\u201d and let in those in need or they can allow entry only to those who will end up benefiting them. Considering the current immigration debate, Papers, Please<\/em> remains a relevant title.<\/p>\n

Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch
\nRelease date<\/strong>: March 10, 2015<\/p>\n

Hotline Miami<\/em> is one of the most lauded indie games of the decade and its sequel is even better. Like the original, Wrong Number<\/em> is set in the neon-drenched world of 1980\u2019s Miami. The top-down view is reminiscent of Smash TV<\/em>. Like that class<\/a>ic, players must kill waves of enemies using a myriad of different weapons and abilities. Of course, Smash TV<\/em> didn\u2019t relish in extreme violence the way Hotline Miami 2<\/em> does. If you liked the first game, you\u2019re going to love this follow up.<\/p>\n

Stardew Valley<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS Vita, Tesla
\nRelease date<\/strong>: February 26, 2016<\/p>\n

Not every game is about blowing up everything in sight. Some are about taking a slow approach and having a chill experience. This is where Stardew Valley<\/em><\/a> comes in. Heavily inspired by Nintendo\u2019s Harvest Moon<\/em> series, Stardew Valley<\/em> has players tending and expanding a farm they inherited. They must tend crops, feed animals, and determine when to reap their harvest. In addition to tending the farm, players can explore the nearby town and strike relationships with residents. Extracurricular activities like cooking, fishing, crafting, and exploring caves keep the gameplay from becoming repetitive. There\u2019s a reason Stardew Valley<\/em> has become such a success. It\u2019s just an overall pleasant experience.<\/p>\n

Rocket League<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: July 7, 2015<\/p>\n

Rocket League<\/em> fuses racing and sports games into one addictive package. Using rocket-powered vehicles, two teams of up to four players try to win matches by pushing an over-sized soccer ball into the opposing team\u2019s goal. Because of the rocket-powered cars and physics engine, Rocket League<\/em> never lets up on the action. Now an eSports staple, Rocket League<\/em> is among the generation\u2019s biggest successes. Not bad for an indie game whose premise sounds ludicrous on paper.<\/p>\n

Undertale<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, PS4, PS Vita, Switch
\nRelease date<\/strong>: September 15, 2015<\/p>\n

If you want an example of a game that came out of nowhere to become a cult-hit, look no further than Undertale<\/em>. What makes this RPG unique is how players can go through the entire game without killing a single enemy. Instead, one can pacify foes through dialogue options they select via the Bullet Hell-like combat screen. That same dialogue is also part of the reason why the game is so beloved. To this day, Undertale<\/em> remains one of the generation\u2019s most notable success stories.<\/p>\n

Minecraft<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PS Vita, Wii U, Switch, New Nintendo 3DS
\nRelease date<\/strong>: November 18, 2011<\/p>\n

What can I say about Minecraft<\/em> that you haven\u2019t already heard a million times before? The massively popular game is one of the titans of the generation; spawning dozens of imitators. Don\u2019t let the game\u2019s objectively simple graphics fool you, there are very few titles on the market that afford players the freedom to build whatever they desire the way Minecraft<\/em> does. Who knew a game that is effectively digital Lego blocks would become so huge among both kids and adults?<\/p>\n

Untitled Goose Game<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
\nRelease date<\/strong>: September 10, 2019<\/p>\n

Untitled Goose Game<\/em><\/a> lets players take on the role of a farm animal that delights in trolling humans. Why is the goose being such a dick? Who knows, and quite frankly, who cares? The game\u2019s premise is simply too hilarious to dwell on things like logic and reason. Though Untitled Goose Game<\/em> lacks longevity, it makes it on this list because it gave us one of the last internet memes of 2019. Given the current (depressing) state of the world, something like Untitled Goose Game<\/em> provides us with much-needed levity.<\/p>\n

The Binding of Isaac<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms<\/strong>: PC
\nRelease date<\/strong>: September 28, 2011<\/p>\n

In The Binding of Isaac<\/em>, levels consist of The Legend of Zelda<\/em>-esque dungeons where players must face all manner of bad guys. Numerous power-ups give Isaac and the other playable characters strategic advantages. Of course, since this is a roguelike, permadeath means one will lose all progress upon death. This gives the game a sense of urgency. One cannot collect all power-ups and weapons in a single playthrough; thus incentivizing multiple runs. To many, The Binding of Isaac<\/em> is the ultimate roguelike.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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I think it’s safe to say that this decade was a golden age for indie games. Thanks to digital marketplaces like Steam, as well as first-party console makers becoming more generous, smaller companies […]<\/p>\n

The post These Are the Top 20 Indie Games of the Decade<\/a> appeared first on Geek.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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