This page was generated automatically, to view the article in its original context you can navigate to the link below:
https://www.inverse.com/gaming/the-best-indie-games-of-2024-ranked
and should you wish to have this article taken down from our site, kindly reach out to us
Frequently neglected, a select few indie games (ahem, Balatro, ahem) emerged as some of the most talked-about launches of 2024. However, indie gaming doesn’t merely revolve around those titles that receive recognition at The Game Awards. Many of this year’s standout indies stand side by side with the blockbuster heavyweights and Game of the Year honorees regarding creativity, and the sheer delight of engagement. The only aspect absent is the substantial development funding and the even greater marketing expenditure.
Keeping this in mind, Inverse‘s Gaming team gathered our favorite indie titles of the year, ranging from those simple yet endlessly replayable to the intricate yet enthralling. In a year where indies have penetrated the mainstream like never before, these are the games we’ll be enjoying and discussing well into 2025.
10. Thank Goodness You’re Here
Creating humor in video games is exceedingly challenging. Numerous games feature fantastic, memorable segments or satire that can elicit laughter from players. Yet few games are crafted specifically as comedies, and even fewer succeed without feeling somewhat tiresome. Thank Goodness You’re Here is among the rare titles that achieve this goal with impeccable execution.
Every primary character you engage with is brought to life through intricate animation. The game’s ensemble, which includes the unforgettable Matt Berry (What We Do In The Shadows, Toast of London), delivers outstanding performances. Their exaggerated, deeply hopeful depiction of the British locals is as quotable and memorable as any video game can aspire to be. — Trone Dowd
9. Dungeons of Hinterberg
Dungeons of Hinterberg is a stunning, heartfelt title centered on self-discovery. The central character, Luisa Dorfer, an attorney seeking to escape the monotony of life, finds herself in Hinterberg, a fictional European alpine village known worldwide for its cozy serenity, its immaculate vistas… and the 25 monster-infested dungeons that visitors can tackle for an added rush of excitement. Its vivid colors, diverse environments, and cel-shaded visuals make it one of the most welcoming games I’ve experienced in years. — Trone Dowd
8. Nine Sols
Nine Sols is likely to push your abilities to their limits, even for experienced gamers — and there’s no assurance you’ll reach the conclusion. Taking inspiration from Sekiro’s demanding parrying mechanics, Nine Sols is a challenging but exhilarating Metroidvania that chronicles its protagonists’ journey for vengeance and redemption. As rigorous as its combat may be, Nine Sols’ captivating narrative and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations make it well worth the effort to reach the finale. — Robin Bea
7. I Am Your Beast
Every moment is critical in I Am Your Beast. This hyper-speed first-person shooter places you in the role of Alphonse Harding, a retired special operations agent who’s weary of being pulled back in for “one last assignment.” This leads to a series of brisk stages as Harding aims to evade his pursuers by taking them out as effectively as possible, utilizing everything from the nearby trees to his enemies’ own weapons against them. The game’s singular focus induces a trance-like state as you strive for survival at any cost and eliminate waves of uniformed adversaries without a single misstep. — Robin Bea
6. Another Crab’s Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasure is the quintessential underdog narrative, a game about a small character thrust into a perilous environment where nearly everyone desires to wipe him from existence. It’s also among the most creative interpretations of the Soulslike genre I’ve ever encountered: a brutally challenging action game, an animated adventure through a vibrant world, and a thought-provoking critique on the perils of pollution and climate change. The realm of Another Crab’s Treasure is pure joy to explore, filled with Easter eggs and intricate details around every turn. While the somber, melancholic worlds of FromSoftware are remarkable, Another Crab’s Treasure demonstrates that the Soulslike genre still has ample room for evolution. — Hayes Madsen
5. Animal Well
An innovative, often enigmatic puzzle experience, Animal Well is easy to wander through yet makes discovering your way out a thrill. Hidden in virtually every room of this sidescrolling platformer is a puzzle leading to deeper enigmas, and sometimes just finding the puzzle itself is a challenge. Completing the game isn’t the conclusion, as numerous secrets remain even after the credits roll, and even the tools you’ve utilized throughout the game may have undiscovered applications. One must be ready to bump their head against a few barriers (or consult other players) to navigate through Animal Well, but its widespread acclaim indicates that it’s worth the struggle. — Robin Bea
4. UFO 50
The concept of 50 games bundled into one in UFO 50 is enough to make it extraordinary, but what elevates it to greatness is something far deeper. Presented as a chronological showcase of releases from the fictional studio UFO Soft, each of UFO 50’s games builds upon its predecessor, gradually narrating the evolution of technology and UFO Soft itself throughout the 1980s. The array of titles blends contemporary and retro aesthetics with an impressive variety of genres. None of this would be nearly as striking if the games themselves weren’t as superb as they are, ensuring that every player will uncover at least a few titles among them to become deeply passionate about. — Robin Bea
3. Balatro
In simple terms, Balatro stands out as one of the premier games of the year and is undeniably competing for one of the finest of the decade. It’s an accessible game to dive into with endless intricacies. It serves as a masterstroke in game creation, approaching perfection in the realm of video games. The poker roguelike draws inspiration from the Cantonese card game Big Two, making a concerted effort to ensure it is straightforward for players unfamiliar with the games that influenced it. The potential of Balatro knows no bounds. Much like Tetris and Rollercoaster Tycoon before it, it’s one of those games that lingers in your thoughts even when you aren’t engrossed in front of a display playing it. — Trone Dowd
2. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
The most enthralling puzzle game in years, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes essentially releases you into a spooky hotel where you need to unravel everything from how to unlock its numerous barricaded doors to identifying who your character truly is. As reality disintegrates around you, you will confront exceptionally challenging puzzles utilizing a blend of in-game and real-life understanding while revealing the tales of a group of unconventional artists. A tour de force of ambiance, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is eerie, deep, absurd, and above all, one of the most unforgettable games of the year. — Robin Bea
1. 1000xResist
Covering extensive expanses of time and space, 1000xResist narrates a tale of generational trauma, diaspora dynamics, and the intricate notion of forgiveness. Primarily set in a future where existence is shaped and controlled by the caprices of a self-centered teenager from the distant past, 1000xResist interlinks its visionary struggles for liberty with contemporary movements for Hong Kong’s autonomy. A narrative triumph boasting incisive writing, flawless voice performances, and a distinctive aesthetic, 1000xResist may be the most vital game of 2024. — Robin Bea
This page was generated programmatically; to view the article at its original source, you may visit the link below:
https://www.inverse.com/gaming/the-best-indie-games-of-2024-ranked
and if you wish to have this article removed from our website, please contact us.
