Indie Game Spotlight: Unleashing Hidden Gems and Forging Epic Adventures!

“Approximately 70 or so” isn’t a mistake! It’s widely known: the VICE Games team adores indie games. You’ve listened to me go on about this repeatedly. “Essential to the gaming industry, crucial to interactive art” — we’ve had this conversation. To cut to the chase, I have two indie “titles” for you today! The first is somewhat of an obvious pick because UFO 50 isn’t exactly a secret. Nonetheless, it merits being experienced by as many individuals as possible!

“why is playing ‘ufo 50’ worth it?”

This next mention is for my fellow “old heads” out there: do you recall Action 52? Once upon a time, Action 52 was released on the NES and Sega Genesis. It was a compilation of 52 games that covered various genres and playstyles. In summary: most individuals loathed it. Well, UFO 50 is like Action 52 if Action 52 were one of the finest video game compilations ever assembled!

Videos by VICE

Where Action 52 showcased disappointingly brief, poorly developed games, every single title in UFO 50 is a full-length journey. With various levels, characters, and modes! I’m not joking — you’re receiving the “indie games marathon” with UFO 50. It’s nostalgic in its presentation, yet stunningly modern and intricate under the surface. This is a game for both retro enthusiasts and newer audiences who appreciate the “depth” of contemporary gaming without feeling outdated.

Honestly, this is among the top indie games to ever launch. There’s something that caters to everyone here, and truthfully? At $25, even acquiring five of the 50 games included is more than worth the cost. Take the leap and thank me later, friends. (I believe UFO 50 is set to arrive on consoles this year as well. If so, brace yourself for an unhinged ranked list of every UFO 50 game.)

“why is it worth playing the ‘haunted ps1 flipside frights demo disc’?”

HEY, don’t you dare leave this article! Believe me! So, The Haunted PS1 has existed since 2020. In simple terms: it’s a collection of fantastic demos for upcoming indie titles. Most of them are indie horror-themed games, yes. However, there are compilations (like the recent “Flipside Frights” that launched today) which include indie games of different genres and themes!

They’re always available for free download! If you enjoy a specific game, you can easily follow it to Steam, add it to your wishlist (or purchase it if it’s available from a prior collection), and move ahead! To highlight the reason: The Haunted PS1 has featured titles like Fear the Spotlight, DEAD LETTER DEPT. (more details on that one later this month), and Sorry, We’re Open. We’re discussing past, present, and future indie game royalty, understood?

you have a fondness for indie games, right?

Let’s be clear, there’s a reason I’ll never cease advocating for indie games and initiatives like the Slow Game Club. AAA titles possess the marketing and promotional budgets to reach your attention. Indie developers seldom enjoy that privilege. We lament about how “similar” games tend to be while ignoring the indie scene that always offers what we desire somewhere. Furthermore, more often than not, superior alternatives. Indie creators and their games will always find a home and platform here. That’s a guarantee.