Complex indie games. Best indie games

Hi all! Below is a selection of the best indie titles on PC. And if in Russian, then these are games of independent developers that were made without anyone's help.

POSTAL 2

Release date: 2003

A satirical first-person shooter with lots of black humor, tons of ultra-violence and surprisingly varied and addictive gameplay. The game has a lot of interesting locations, combined into one big game world, which also lives its own life. The main character is a simple dude named... A dude who is already pretty sick of everything: Dirty politicians, a grumpy wife, stupid people with their endless lines. At one not the most beautiful moment, the Dude decides to start his own vendetta, in which we must help him.

The concept of the game is interesting, where ordinary ordinary tasks (for example, buy milk or cash a check in a bank) can be performed both peacefully and violently. In this case, the game will push you to the second path (and who needs a peaceful passage of the game when you can burn and decapitate people here, use cats instead of a silencer and urinate on representatives of the law?).

Castle Crasher

Release date: 2008

A 2D beat'em up with high-quality cartoon graphics in which we, as one of the knights, must stop an evil sorcerer. The game has many different levels, a rich selection of weapons and spells, there is the possibility of pumping, there are unique bosses, each of which you need to choose your own tactics, and even an arena. Each of the knights has its own unique magic, and there are as many as 25 characters available for opening!

A huge part of the fun of the game adds the ability to play co-op up to four characters, while in the final then there will be a battle between the players for the kiss of the princess. In general, the project is filled with excellent humor with many references to everything that is possible.

Braid

Release date: 2008

A role-playing game with elements of strategy in a medieval setting, which is essentially an independent add-on to the original Mount & Blade and adds a number of innovations and improvements to it, among which there is also an online multiplayer game. On our website, the game is included in .

The project is interesting for a number of unique game features, including: an excellent combat system with the ability to fight on horseback, siege castles and cities, diplomacy, the ability to develop your own village / city / castle, the ability to upgrade not only your own character, but also his army, etc. In fact, this is a kind of medieval sandbox in which you can both engage in peaceful affairs (for example, trade) and fight, joining one of the kingdoms or starting your own struggle for the throne.

LIMBO

Release date: 2016

Genre: Platformer, Horror

Atmospheric 2D-platformer, in which the gameplay is very much involved in physics and the interaction of the main character with the objects around him. Our character is a boy looking for his own sister in an extremely unfriendly world. He can run and jump, climb ledges, ropes or ladders, and pull and push objects. The game world, made in black and white style, is doing its best to kill our protagonist, so be prepared for frequent, very frequent deaths.

Despite frequent deaths, the project is not too hardcore and all the puzzles, as well as difficult places, are completed on the second or third attempt. At the time of its release, the game instantly received recognition from both game critics and the players directly, as well as many prizes, including in the nominations "Best Platformer" and "Best Visual Style".

Terraria

Release date: 2011

Adventure indie sandbox, the main feature of which is the ability to explore a huge world without any restrictions, creating various objects and structures. The project is made in 16-bit style, and its gameplay resembles a mixture of games such as Metroid and Minecraft. The game world is randomly generated, and we always start with three basic tools for extracting resources. Actually, most of the gameplay is based on this - we extract resources, craft the necessary items, move on, fight monsters and, if necessary, repeat this again ad infinitum.

There are many opponents in the game, and if you defeat the especially powerful boss "Wall of Flesh", then a "difficult mode" with new items will become available to opponents and NPCs. There is also an even more hardcore “expert mode” here, where opponents become many times stronger.

Bastion

Release date: 2011

Genre: RPG

An isometric indie role-playing game with amazing graphics and an interesting storyline. The locations here are presented in the form of a kind of "flying islands" in which we need to find special items that improve the Bastion - a city that survived after an unknown disaster. As you progress through the character is pumped and finds (or acquires) a new weapon. At the end of the level, the player returns to the Bastion, where he builds or upgrades buildings, and also creates items for himself, etc.

It is noteworthy that in addition to story missions, the game contains a variety of tests, both for possession of weapons and for endurance - this adds variety to the project. One of the main features of the game is the presence of a narrator, who not only retells the plot offscreen, but also comments on what is happening on the screen with a bit of humor.

The Binding of Isaac

Release date: 2011

An indie top-down roguelike with a lot of bible references and just some incredible replay value. The game has several unlockable characters with their own characteristics, however, the main character here is the boy Isaac, who finds himself in the basement dungeons of his house, where his mother, who has lost her mind, has driven him.

Levels are randomly generated and divided into rooms, where you often need to fight monsters to advance. Along the way, you can collect money and equipment that increases your advantage over enemies. At the end of each stage there is a boss, the victory over which will open the transition to the next level. Interestingly, even in 10 playthroughs, opening all the content of the game is simply unrealistic, and if you still managed to open absolutely everything here, then the developer has added a lot of tests for you with special conditions.

to the moon

Release date: 2012

Genre: Adventure, indie,

An indie adventure game that tells the story of two doctors who travel through the memories of a dying elderly man in an attempt to fulfill his lifelong dream of flying to the moon. There is no action at all in the game, and all we will do is explore the memories of the old man, right up to the earliest days of his life, along the way, finding out why the dying man thought of this. But! Despite the absence of any battles, the game is able to keep you at the screen until the end credits. The reason is a charming storyline and an excellent soundtrack.

The project, which was created on the basis of the RPG Maker program, received many awards, including in the categories "Best Story", " The best music”, etc. The game is played in one breath, and you will have more impressions in your soul than from some highly acclaimed books.

Torchlight II

Release date: 2012

Genre: Top-down RPG

Action-RPG in the style of steampunk, made in the spirit of the Diablo series and is a direct continuation of the first part. The gameplay here is traditional for games of this genre, however, unlike the first part, the developers have significantly expanded the world, as well as worked out the graphics and overall design of the project, including its plot component.

We are given 4 classes of characters to choose from: engineer, wanderer, berserker and ember magician. Each of the classes has its own weapons and combat tactics. In the process of passing, we will complete quests, fight mobs and get a lot of all kinds of gear, including unique sets. I was pleased that, despite class differences, even a magician here, in addition to a magic wand, can take a pistol or a sword in his second hand. A separate plus is the possibility of cooperative play.

Chivalry: Medieval Warfare

Release date: 2012

Genre: First Person Action, Knights,

A brutal first-person action game in the Middle Ages in which you, playing as one of two teams, must complete various tasks on large multiplayer maps, crushing enemies left and right along the way. The game stands out for its thoughtful combat system based on strikes, blocks and timing, as well as a variety of tactics. The latter is due to the presence of several classes, each of which has its own style of play.

Besiege or defend castles, attack settlements and fight your opponents in this great hack and slash game inspired by movies like Gladiator, 300 and more. hone your skills before heading into the real battle.

Hotline Miami 1 and 2

Release date: First 2012 Second 2015

Genre: 2D, "Shoot 'Em All"

A 2D top-down action duology inspired by 1980s culture and the movie Drive. The game is divided into chapters, which in turn are divided into stages. The task of each stage is to kill everyone (with rare exceptions), and before the mission we can put on one of several masks that give certain bonuses. The gameplay of both parts is built on a fast and clear sequence of actions leading to the total "cutting out" of enemies. Hesitated even for a second - you're dead (the hero literally dies from one hit), so the levels have to be replayed several times.

The second part continued and completed all the story arcs of the first, while the gameplay remained almost unchanged. The main difference is the presence of a new hardcore difficulty level, as well as a greater variety of characters and masks.

Battle Block Theater

Release date: 2013

Genre: Platformer

A fun platform game in which you, as a prisoner, have to go through various levels of the theater. Our hero can run, jump and fight. Levels consist of various blocks, obstacles and hostile creatures. There are two modes: "Adventure Mode" and "Arena". The first is a story campaign that can be played solo or with a friend. The second is literally an arena in which several players participate in mini-games.

The project is full of sparkling humor and references to various games, films, etc. The game has a level editor that allows any player to create their own locations, and share them using the Steam Workshop.

Don't Starve

Release date: 2013

Genre: Sandbox, Roguelike, RPG, Survival

Dive into the hostile randomly generated open world in this computer game action-adventures genre with roguelike elements. At the very beginning of your adventure, you will need to choose your character, set up the world and start to survive directly. The hero finds himself in a random place without any items and resources. No help - just collect everything that comes to hand, hunt, make scientific discoveries and try to unravel the mysteries of these mysterious lands.

The main goal of the game is to survive as long as possible in a randomly assembled world. In this case, the player can have two endings - death, as well as a portal that leads to a new world. The longer the player manages to survive, the more new characters he will be able to open. There is also an adventure mode in the game, in which the hero enters the worlds of cruel trials through special Doors.

Sanctum 2

Release date: 2013

Genre: Tower Defense, first-person shooter

A mixture of genres such as Tower Defense and first-person shooter, which, moreover, can be played in co-op with a friend! The gameplay can be divided into two parts: construction and defense itself. In the first part, we build blocks and towers (determining, in fact, the geometry of the level), using resources that are kindly given to us before each mission. In the second, we begin the defense, becoming, as it were, its main element.

Apart from the direct participation of the player in the gameplay, everything else here is standard for the TD genre. Opponents go to our base in order to destroy it, the towers kill them. We, in the person of one of the four characters (each with their own characteristics), help our towers and periodically distract the enemy. Lots of enemies, lots of towers, lots of weapons and upgrades - what else do you need for fun?

Papers, Please

Release date: 2013

Genre: Adventure, Indie, Political

A unique pixel art indie game in which you take on the role of an immigration officer in the fictional totalitarian country of Arstotzka. Your country has recently opened its borders to foreigners and you need to verify documents and perform other verification activities at the checkpoint. And if at first everything seems quite simple and unpretentious, you gradually have to increase your vigilance, because among the crowds of immigrants there are smugglers, terrorists, and spies.

The gameplay is further complicated by the fact that some of the visitors are trying to pass without documents, others slip fakes on you, and still others do not know what a passport is at all. At the same time, you need to support your family and try to work in such a way that you do not receive a fine from your superiors. Original gameplay, deep storyline and as many as 20 endings!

Path of Exile

Release date: 2013

Genre: RPG, Hack and Slash

Free-to-play fantasy action RPG with hack and slash elements. The gameplay is reminiscent of the Diablo series. In particular, we have several available classes, huge locations, many quests, clouds of mobs and bosses from which we knock out reagents for crafting, as well as new gear, etc. There is no gold, instead of it, all the same ingredients are used to improve items equipment. Character development is unlimited. Each of the classes has a common tree of skills, consisting of 1325 items.

It is noteworthy that the donation here does not affect the gameplay. For real money, you can buy cosmetic items or, for example, expand your inventory, but you won’t be able to purchase any super-strong weapons - please create or knock out on your own. The game is actively supported by the developer, who regularly adds new content.

Space Engineers

Release date: March 2013 In Early Access

Genre: Sandbox, construction simulator,

A voxel indie sandbox in which the player needs to extract resources, then build and maintain spaceships, bases, etc. The game has 3 planets with their own planetary biomes and satellites. Resources can be mined both on planets and in space, for example, on asteroids. For those who are bored with single player, there is an opportunity to play in multiplayer.

It is worth noting that this game will require quite a lot of time from you. Those. if, for example, you devote 1-2 hours a day to it, then one adventure can drag on, if not for years, then definitely for months. In general, the project is very interesting and definitely recommended at least for review.

Rim World

Release date: 2016

Genre: Survival, sandbox, building

Sci-fi roguelike game in which you control a colony of people who survived a spaceship crash somewhere on the edge of the known space of the universe. The project does not go to any specific final. Here we have a kind of simulation of stories, both tragic and comic, which in a certain way take place in your settlement. For random events, a special AI is responsible here (similar to the director from Left 4 Dead), which decides which of the great many situations will be most interesting at the moment.

During the game, you will have to monitor the moods of your colonists, injuries and illnesses, thoughts, relationships with pirates or other tribes, and much more. Each gaming session is unique and capable of giving an unforgettable gaming experience.

Project Zomboid

Release date: 2013

Multiplayer cooperative tactical shooter about the events of the Iraq war. There are two sides to the conflict - American PMCs and Iraqi rebels. Each team has two departments, and the players in each of the departments have a clear specialization, from which their game task is built. For the sake of realism, there are no menu items on the screen, and players die already from 1-2 shots.

The project, which has evolved from an ordinary mod on the Source engine, boasts the presence of more than 20 types of weapons with the possibility of improvement, 27 unique maps, 8 multiplayer and 3 cooperative game modes, and even an offline training mode with bots. The disadvantages include a small number of active servers.

Goat Simulator

Release date: 2014

Literally, the goat simulator is an indie project that was originally a comic prototype, the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich gamers liked so much that it prompted the developer to release a full-fledged game. "Goat" is a huge location in which you, in the role of a goat, must destroy everything that is possible.

The project has just an incredible amount of bugs that have become its hallmark. Even the developers themselves note that these bugs are so hilarious that they did not remove them (apart from critical errors). A nuclear concentration of stupidity, bugs and glitches, as well as tons of all kinds of parodies and references to everything that is possible - this is a recipe for endless fun that a goat simulator can give you!

Transistor

Release date: 2014

Genre: RPG, action

Sci-fi story of a singer named Red, made in the genre of Action-RPG. The game has a pleasant visual style, excellent musical accompaniment and competent presentation of the plot. The heroine is controlled from a third-person perspective. Our girl is armed with a two-handed sword, which allows you to make many different strikes (most of them open during the passage). Combat system has a planning mode in which you can select a sequence of movements and actions and a real-time mode.

In terms of gameplay, everything is standard for RPG games - we get experience points, gain a level, upgrade an active or passive skill and repeat this process again. For its captivating storyline, great atmosphere and strong soundtrack, the project received many awards.

The Forest

Release date: 2014

Turn-based fantasy RPG with party role-playing, which is a prequel to Divine Divinity. At the beginning of the game, we create two characters for ourselves (between which love relationships can even develop as we progress) and hit the road. Subsequently, our team can grow up to 4 players. The story begins as a simple small-town detective, but develops rapidly, and now you yourself do not notice how you are moving towards saving the world. On our website, the game is included in .

The turn-based battles are based on classic role-playing mechanics: there are action points, backstab and flank attacks are taken into account, as well as interaction bonuses between different characters. The gameplay is “assembled” according to the old old-school patterns, which means get ready for the fact that you will really have to look for quest items on your own, and in general you will have to be very careful when completing tasks, since there are no markers kindly pointing us to important places.

Five Nights at Freddy's game series

Release date: 2014

Genre: Survival horror, point-and-click

A popular series of games that combines genres such as survival horror and point and click. Thanks to its mystical plot and minimalist gameplay, the project is highly appreciated by both players and professional critics. In all parts of the gameplay is based on survival. For example, in the first part of the game, you, as a guard, need to hold out for five nights and prevent the Animatronics from getting to you. At the same time, we actually sit in one place, and from a special remote control we control various doors, cameras, etc.

In the last parts of the game, the gameplay is already more diverse, in addition, it is diluted with additional mini-games that reveal the main plot of the series. In addition to addictive gameplay and an atmosphere of hopelessness, all parts of the franchise boast an abundance of all kinds of Easter eggs and references that players are happy to find.

The Escapists

Release date: 2015

Genre: Action, Adventure, Simulation, Strategy

A role-playing game with a touch of top-down puzzle in which the player controls a prisoner and has to escape from several prisons. To accomplish their goal, players can use many options: acquire, find, steal or create various tools, complete tasks for inmates, play sports or read books in the library to increase their characteristics. It is also necessary to observe the daily routine and in every possible way avoid the attention of the guards, who from time to time can search the cells of prisoners.

Reviews of the game are generally favorable. The players highly appreciated the possibilities of the game and the freedom of choice. It is noteworthy that each new prison will not only be different from the previous one (for example, have its own daily routine, etc.), but will also be more difficult to complete.

Dungeon of the Endless

Release date: 2014

Genre: Roguelike, tower defense

A roguelike game with an admixture of genres such as RPG, tactics, strategy and tower defense, which, moreover, are neatly and harmoniously interconnected. We select several characters from the proposed list, get into the dungeon and methodically open the doors at each level in search of a passage to the elevator to another level. Behind each of the doors you run the risk of finding both enemies and something of value (and sometimes both). At the same time, monsters may appear in already open rooms, which will stomp to the capsule on which you flew in and try to destroy the crystal there. If they succeed, you've lost.

This is where one of the game features of the game becomes clear - you can’t just mindlessly clear the rooms. You constantly have to protect the crystal by extracting resources and placing turrets at strategically advantageous points. With each new room, it is more and more difficult to protect the crystal, and here the player has a choice - to try to get more resources from the level or go to the next one. The game has 2 difficulties super easy and easy. "Easy" is actually incredibly difficult. Oh yes! In the game, after losing, we start all over again from the first level.

This War of Mine

release date: 2014

Bright and colorful arcade game with simple but addictive gameplay. Players need to press literally one button (space, up arrow or LMB) and then the character on the screen will perform certain actions. There are many levels, each of which also has hard-to-reach places with secrets. As you progress, the player will pick up special spheres that give some kind of bonus, as well as go through portals that will allow the player to change their size, change gravity, speed, etc.

Each level has its own difficulty, and although they are open all at once, it is better to start from the first, gradually moving on to the next. Also in the game there is a practice mode, where the player is given the opportunity to practice in the ideal passage of a particular stage. In addition, there is a level editor that allows you to embody your own game design fantasies on the screen and share them with the game community.

Verdun

Release date: 2015

Genre: first person shooter,

A multiplayer first-person shooter in a very realistic way that tells about the events of the First World War. Realism is felt literally from the first minutes of the game - there is no usual crosshairs, and players die already from 1-2 hits. The project offers players 4 game modes with their own characteristics, as well as the presence of several types of combat units with different roles on the battlefield. In addition, gun lovers will certainly appreciate the realistic models of weapons of the First World War and authentic uniforms.

The gameplay of the game is as severe as possible, and elements such as realistic blood and the ability to die from 1 hit make it possible to feel the fullness of immersion in the gameplay. The developer's attention to detail is amazing. Is there a gas attack? Put on a gas mask immediately. A sudden artillery salvo began? Urgently seek shelter and pray to live until the end of the shelling. Good game, conveying the true experience of the First World War.

Rocket League

Release date: 2015

Genre: Cars, simulator

A dynamic game that combines such genres as car racing and football simulator. Since the game does not pretend to be realism, the cars here behave very funny. For example, you can ride a wall or jump up to hit a ball in mid-flight (there's even a double jump). In addition, special places are scattered throughout the level that give the player certain bonuses, such as acceleration or the ability to fly.

There is only one game mode here, however, you can play both 1 on 1 and 2 on 2, 3 on 3 or even 4 on 4. The main task is to take possession of the ball and push it into the opponent's goal by any means. There are also ample opportunities for customization in the game, however, any body kit changes the car only cosmetically, and does not give any special advantages over the enemy. The latter allows both beginners and “old-timers” to play Rocket League without any imbalance in one direction or another.

Undertale

Release date: 2015

Genre: RPG, puzzle

An original RPG in which we play as a child trapped in the Underground - a closed area inhabited by "monsters", long ago expelled from the surface by people. The player can interact with the monsters in different ways, and our main task is to get out. At the same time, during the game, you will decide more than once who is worth killing, and who should be saved or even made friends with. The ending of the story directly depends on the actions and decisions of the player.

The project was warmly received by critics and the gaming community, who praised the dialogues that change depending on the situation and attitude towards the player, the intuitive combat system and the contrast of the dark plot with witty humor. Often, during the game, the fourth wall will be broken, and observant players will meet many references to the old role-playing games.

Plague Inc: Evolved

Release date: 2014

Genre: Simulator, strategy,

A biological simulator of a dangerous virus (and not only) with an admixture of strategy. So, you have in your hands one of the many diseases (each with its own possibilities), with which you infect patient zero. The whole world is in front of you, and the task is to infect and, if possible, destroy all of humanity! As more and more people are infected, the player will receive DNA that can be spent on developing disease parameters such as lethality, stealth, animal and bird tolerance, etc.

The game is incredibly realistic, while the world, controlled by extremely smart AI, will adequately respond to the impending threat. So, for example, countries will begin to close their borders, and scientists will direct their forces to confront the infection. With the latest additions, a cooperative and competitive mode was added to the project, when two dangerous diseases develop in the game world at once!

Life is Feudal: Your Own

Release date: 2015

Genre: Medieval, sandbox, MMO,

Role-playing sandbox in a medieval setting with the possibility of terramorphing, free building and an extensive crafting system. In general, the game is a "pocket version of the MMO" in which the action takes place on a small island 3x3 km for 64 players. Here players can create their own world with their own rules. The location is inhabited by various animals that can be hunted and even tamed. There is a system of guilds and even a family brand!

The combat system of the game is based on physics and is characterized by the lack of the ability to capture the target. The direction of the attacks depends on what mouse movements the player performs. Directed attacks in conjunction with basic movements allow you to create truly deadly combinations for opponents.

Airships: Conquer the Skies

Release date: 2015

Genre: Sandbox

An indie sandbox constructor in a steampunk universe where players design and build flying ships from various functional modules, complete tasks and fight each other or against artificial intelligence. The game is made in 2-D pixel art, and the ships are shown here in a sectional side view.

The construction of a flying flotilla occurs by installing various modules on a free space on the ship, while the player must constantly take into account the fact that certain modules are interconnected with each other, as well as the fact that each module is serviced by the ship's crew. There are a lot of options for creating combat flying vehicles, and each ship will eventually have its own strong and weaknesses. There is a single-player campaign with a fairly strong AI (where each of the virtual opponents behaves differently), and there is also a multiplayer.

Darkest Dungeon

Release date: 2016

Genre: RPG, turn-based battles, roguelike

A challenging turn-based RPG with elements of the roguelike genre set in a dark, gothic medieval world where the characters' adventures take their toll and affect their mental state. The player controls a group of "adventurers" who explore the dungeons under an old manor. Before the start of each campaign, you can select several characters with different classes and characteristics. In randomly generated dungeons, the player can find treasure, meet monsters, or fall into a trap. The characters, depending on their state of mind, may have a kind of “quirk”, and in case of serious danger, the fighter may lose his nerve and he will behave inappropriately.

The replay value is colossal, and the project itself turned out to be very hardcore. So hardcore that latest updates The difficulty of the game was lowered, although it remained at a fairly high level.

factorio

Release date: 2016

Genre: Sandbox, real time strategy

An indie real-time strategy game in which we have to build factories and keep them running. The main game mode here is a sandbox, where we, controlling one character, study an unknown planet, extract resources and build all kinds of devices, both for extracting these same resources and for processing them. Very quickly, the player will physically not have time to perform all the necessary actions on his own, so he will have to build automated production chains, carefully planning the structure of his factory and balancing the production and consumption of components.

The expansion of the factory will require the construction of a railroad network, which is similar to Transport Tycoon in terms of controls. Do not forget about the waste of the factory, which can disturb the local inhabitants. The latter can gather in a flock and attack the source of pollution. Here the player will have to build fortifications and weapons, including even tanks.

Grim Dawn

release date: 2016

Genre: Hack and Slash, Top-Down Action, RPG

Action-RPG, made on the Titan Quest game engine, and telling us the story of a fictional gloomy world. The gameplay is based on battles and collecting all kinds of "loot" - weapons, armor, potions, money, etc. There is also a crafting system similar to the DOTA game. Leveling is similar to the same Titan Quest, when a character can combine two classes. In addition to the classes, there is a piety system that can greatly improve the characteristics of the hero.

The graphics in the game are nice. The plot, although trivial, is quite interesting. Implemented the possibility of cooperative passage. After completing the story, you can play in hardcore mode or install the official survival mod (purchased separately).

This Is the Police 1 and 2

Release date: First - 2016 Second - 2018

Genre: strategy, simulation, management

An indie strategy game in which we take on the role of police chief Jack Boyd. He has 180 days left before his retirement, and our hero decided to secure a decent old age and earn half a million dollars. How he will do it depends on the player. Here you can, for example, start cooperating with the mafia, help various enterprises, or look for other ways to earn money. The gameplay is divided into several parts, one of which is real-time duty, where the player will have to decide how many people to send to this or that operation, build a strategy, etc.

The game has several endings that can cause a variety of emotions in the player. In general, the game will not let you get bored for a second, as the routine and monotonous duties of the police chief will constantly be diluted with emergency situations.

Lost Castle

Release date: 2016

Genre: RPG, roguelike

Beat 'em up with a touch of genres like RPG and roguelike. The game has a huge castle with randomly generated rooms that we have to explore, finding chests with loot, traps and all sorts of opponents there. Naturally, there are also ultra-strong bosses, all kinds of merchants and much more. The combat system is reminiscent of the Castle Crashers game - we walk around the locations, hit opponents with two types of attacks and periodically use a super-skill. After the death of the hero, he is replaced by another (completely random) one, to whom the already deceased character “kindly” left his achievements and savings.

You can improve the hero for the souls of killed enemies, and equip it with a variety of various items, artifacts and other things. As you play, the project will constantly challenge you, and random events and generated dungeons add replay value.

Terratech

Release date: 2016

Genre: Sandbox, action

An indie sandbox constructor in which players need to create combat vehicles from various parts, fight other players, win, get new materials from defeated enemies and again create more powerful and deadly units for themselves. There are four factions with a clear bias in one or another specialization: explorers, resource miners, racers and military.

The game has a very convenient and voluminous constructor - there are a lot of details, and even more options for combining them. At the same time, some blocks are opened for completing missions, extracting resources, or defeating enemies. In addition to creating combat vehicles, the player can create a base out of extra blocks, which will become a plant for processing extra resources and their subsequent sale.

Dead Cells

Release date: 2017

Genre: Platformer

An indie action-platformer with roguelike and metroidvania elements, in which players will find a huge ever-changing castle, 2-D Souls-lite style skirmishes, many deaths and rebirths.

The gameplay is based on a 2D action game with a complex but fair combat system. At the same time, the game encourages high-speed passage, giving bonuses for quickly killing enemies or fast travel locations. The hero explores the castle with many secret rooms and secret passages, fights, collects powerful weapon and is gradually pumped out. Death happens often here, because. each new opponent requires a special approach, and the levels are often replete with all sorts of traps. After death, the game must be started all over again, however, pumping for the killed souls of enemies remains, which makes the hero stronger over time and allows you to gradually move further and further with each replay.

Graveyard Keeper

Release date: 2018

Genre: Simulator

An indie simulator of a medieval cemetery in which the player builds and expands his own cemetery (as well as the church adjacent to it) in order to earn money both on ritual services and on things that are completely far from the cemetery theme. At its core, this game is about capitalism, so the player needs to do everything possible to make his business prosper. So, for example, you can scare the inhabitants so that they begin to attend church more often, or sell the organs of the dead on the black market.

Graphically and gameplay-wise, the game is reminiscent of Stardew Valley, but without the focus on farming. We have a character who develops his own business, who can not only do business, but also explore dungeons, arrange festivals, craft the necessary items, etc. There is a global goal - to earn money by providing funeral services, which can be achieved both in honest ways and, going beyond ethical standards (in this case, the developers do not limit the player in any way).

With the advent of stores like Steam or GOG, the number of games developed by small teams has also increased. A lot of them have been released over the past few years. Therefore, when compiling this list, we had a large choice. Maybe even too much.

To appreciate everything that the industry has given us, we simply have to sum up some results. This is what we will try to do. Some of the games on the list were developed by first-year students, others by former employees large companies who worked on AAA projects. Despite this, they still have a lot in common.

So, what is the list of the best indie games for PC? Puzzles, quests and even top-down action adventure games, there are projects for every taste. And believe me, you will want to play everything. Let's get started.

The Witness

In a sense, Jonathan Blow can be called a pioneer who started the "boom" of indie games. After all, almost ten years ago he took part in the creation of Braid. His next project, The Witness, is a completely new type of puzzle.

Here you have a huge island at your disposal, studying which you will get acquainted with the plot and features of this world. In just two games (The Witness and Braid), Jonathan Blow clearly demonstrated how indies have changed.

In The Witness, the gameplay is puzzle solving. Their main feature is that they do not have any general solution algorithm. Each adds new rules that complicate the process.

Another feature of The Witness is that it lacks tutorials and hints. You will have to look for solutions on your own. To do this, you first have to understand the essence of the first puzzle, and then apply the knowledge gained to complete the next one. By the way, the lack of training is another feature of games from Jonathan Blow.

Rocket League

It should have been obvious from the start that football and cars are the perfect mix to create one of the best indie games ever made. And don't try to point out Psyonix's other failed attempts at something like this right now (like the Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars). Despite the fact that these projects contradict what we said just above, Rocket League outshines them all.

The game has two teams that drive cars and score goals. Therefore, in the process, you will also have to make sure that the balls bouncing off the bumper do not hit your goal.

Perhaps the reason why Rocket League has become so popular is that there is no special equipment, special skills and different classes. All you do is just drive the car, in the process trying to develop some tactics to win. Not sure if the chosen strategy really works? Then turn to special guides for help. Having learned a couple of tricks, you will be able to skillfully handle the ball and score goals much more efficiently. Not to mention management, having mastered the basics of which you will learn the game from a new perspective.

Inside

Studio Playdead is in no hurry to say goodbye to its iconic monochrome game Limbo. With the release of Inside, she showed how you can change the original idea and make it even more interesting.

The pale palette does not look as bright as the black and white tones in Limbo. But in general, the surrounding world seems much deeper, more detailed. Lighting also plays an important role. Objects that are not in the field of view disappear almost immediately. What adds charm to Inside.

It is difficult to see any emotions on the face of the protagonist. But when he runs away from a pack of dogs or lands on the ground from a high height, his screams and groans are much more expressive than those of the protagonists of other games. Not to mention the agonizing emotions that you will experience when strange people in masks try to drown him.

Horror, as well as the atmosphere of mystery, are important components of Inside. As you progress, you will get to know the world better, the puzzles will become even more difficult. Over time, you will begin to wonder: why do corpses come to life and how can you use it?

As far as the plot is concerned, the form of narration here is very unusual. Therefore, you will have to deal with everything on your own. Gradually you will learn new details about the gloomy world, the plot. The ending will not leave you indifferent either. It is considered one of the most interesting, intriguing and widely discussed, which everyone understands in their own way.

Firewatch

Firewatch is an action-adventure game where you control a lookout for a fire tower in the Shoshone National Forest of Wyoming in 1989. You have to look after the territory of the park, and in one of the tasks you will have to deal with teenagers swimming in the lake...

The game is characterized by a slow pace of narration. Therefore, in the course of the passage, Henry will have time to think about his past more than once. Actually, this is exactly how the acquaintance with the plot of Firewatch will take place. This is a story about the problems in the life of one the only person not the whole galaxy. But this does not prevent you from empathizing with the main character.

You will learn the details of Henry's life thanks to his communication on the radio with the boss Delilah. And only her voice keeps Henry from complete isolation. She will issue tasks, and sometimes just ask how you are doing. Every time you complete any mission, you will realize that Firewatch has both comedy and drama.

This is a story about how much we can give and lose. Therefore, Firewatch is one of those games that are best played without knowing absolutely any details about the plot or gameplay mechanics. Even if the plot does not attract you very much, then still pay attention to Firewatch: rarely is a game capable of conveying the atmosphere of that place and time so accurately. And in such a beautiful way.

Oxenfree

Oxenfree is great in every way, but when it comes to dialogue, it is an order of magnitude superior to other popular indie games and confidently claims to be the best. The project was created by Telltale and Disney alumni.

The teen drama features a natural dialogue system, well-written lines and other phrases that the main characters exchange among themselves. It's really fun to listen to them. And while you choose a suitable replica, the game is not paused. Instead, at the beginning, you can choose the action that Alex will take while you think about what to answer. Or refuse the offer and just remain silent, listening to your friends who will continue to talk without your participation.

The game is somewhat similar to the series The X-Files, only with the participation of teenagers. If at first the story resembles a typical horror movie, then after a few minutes you will realize that everything is much more complicated. As you progress through the game, you will have to explore the world and solve puzzles. By the way, Oxenfree has several endings. And if you want to get to know the main characters better, understand their motives, then one passage will obviously not be enough.

Hotline Miami

Dark indie top-down action turns the battles from the first GTA into real art. Hotline Miami is a brutal neon shooter featuring extreme violence and a surreal storyline.

Every day you get a call from a mysterious caller who explicitly asks you to clear the building of the bad guys. You will have to literally make your way through each room, killing everyone who gets in your way. To do this, you can use melee weapons, rifles, pistols. Failed to complete the mission the first time? Then press the "restart" button and start all over from the beginning. Trust us, you will have to do this more than once.

You will soon realize that you are the epitome of everything that is usually inherent in antiheroes. You swing open the doors, breaking the noses of the thugs, shoot from a shotgun right in the face, throw the bouncers from one corner of the room to another, simultaneously destroying everything around. In other words, arrange a real massacre. Like the neon films with Ryan Gosling, Hotline Miami 2 is not much better than the first part. Therefore, acquaintance with the series is better to start with the original game.

stardew valley

Despite the fact that Harvest Moon is a Nintendo console exclusive, there are a huge number of PC gamers who are not indifferent to it. This is partly why Stardew Valley has become so popular. This is a farming simulator with elements of a role-playing game that has absorbed all the best from Harvest Moon and added a couple of its own advantages to it.

Stardew Valley begins with the protagonist inheriting an abandoned farm in the fictional Stardew Valley. At first, you will be exclusively engaged in planting new plants and selling them, but over time, your opportunities will only grow. In addition, soon after the start, you will be able to explore the world around the game.

The fact that the farm needs to be constantly monitored is rather not tiring, but rather relaxing. This is the perfect game for those who want to relax after a hard day's work. In addition, Stardew Valley has a co-op mode and a huge number of mods available for download. This is an unforgettable adventure for all those who crave rural peace.

Gone Home

In the game Gone Home, the main character returns home after a year of living abroad. Upon arrival, you find that the house is empty and no one is waiting for you. You have to figure out what happened here and where everything went. To do this, you will have to study in detail each room and the things left behind, listen to the audio cassettes scattered around the house.

It's a voyeuristic journey that you won't be able to enjoy while watching let's play or streaming on Twitch. Instead of watching someone else's game, it's more fun to play it yourself and become part of the story. All in order to get acquainted with the life of three interconnected generations.

The gameplay is pretty simple. You will wander around the house, study the things left by the tenants and learn the details of family life literally bit by bit. The game touches on issues such as parenting and depression. By the end, you will realize that in the end you received a much more interesting revelation, something that you were counting on at the very beginning.

What Remains of Edith Finch

Speaking of huge abandoned mansions. Studio Giant Sparrow, who developed the console exclusive The Unfinished Swan, has prepared another mystery for us. This time, the main action takes place in the state of Washington.

What Remains of Edith Finch has a lot in common with games like Gone Home and Firewatch. But at the same time, there are also new, unique ideas, thanks to which you can look at the genre that is popular today from a different angle. Not to mention the insanely entertaining storyline.

What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of stories about the Finch family. And as one of its members, a girl named Edith, you return to the family mansion to unravel the mystery of the curse. If you believe the rumors, then this is the reason for the death of your relatives. The game tells the story of several generations and touches on serious topics such as depression, weaving them into the gameplay in an unusual way. And, be sure that after passing you will be impressed.

Spelunky

Undertale

In traditional RPGs, you almost always start your story by appearing in a small town or village. Only after passing a little training and getting to know the inhabitants, you can start pumping the selected character. If we say that almost all the problems that you will encounter in the process of passing can be dealt with with weapons or magic, then we will not be mistaken either. But in Undertale, killing is a last resort, just like in real life.

In this amazing 16-bit indie RPG, you can subdue, calm down and even flirt with your enemies. How you deal with adversity will affect how other characters treat you. If you decide to leave the enemy alive, then in the future you can see him again, and maybe you can even make friends. If you still prefer to kill someone, then this decision will be fair.

You control a child who got into a world filled with monsters and is now trying to escape from it. An incredibly exciting adventure awaits you with a detailed plot, unforgettable characters and an excellent soundtrack.

gunpoint

Gunpoint is a 2D stealth puzzle game. The game takes place in the near future. The protagonist Richard Conway - "a spy for hire" - gets at the disposal of the so-called "hyperpants", with which you can jump great distances and fall from any height without any harm. One day, he discovers that he is the main suspect in a murder case, which, of course, he did not commit.

The game is a set of missions in which you have to penetrate protected areas and steal, replace, destroy any data. The buildings you need to get into are shown in a section, so you can immediately see all the guards and the location of the desired terminal.

If you wish, you can threaten the guards with weapons, but over time you will realize that it is more convenient to use the indicator light. For example, it can be used to make a door open when a light switch is pressed, or when a security camera enters the field of view, an elevator is called instead of activating an alarm. The pleasure of the game is guaranteed.

Pyre

Almost all of Supergiant Games' work deserves to be on the list of the best indie games. But we will only mention the latest release of the studio - Pyre. This is one of the most unusual games where there is nothing superfluous, and all elements are interconnected. It has insanely beautiful graphics with great visuals, a fantastic soundtrack and a heart-warming story. As for the gameplay, half of it consists of mechanics inherent in sports games, and the other half - role-playing.

Given the features mentioned above, such a hybrid is really difficult to describe. The game is a text-adventure with a story about exiles fighting for their own survival. At the same time, you will recognize the world around you thanks to excellent hand-drawn locations.

To leave the badlands of the world of Pyre, you will have to participate in magical basketball matches, somewhat reminiscent of Quidditch with curses. Be prepared for the fact that you will be attracted not only by the main characters, but also by the standings. And believe me, it's not just victory and glory that's at stake.

Papers, Please

The main action of the game takes place in 1982. You control the immigration inspector of the Arstotzky checkpoint, whose task is to protect the homeland from terrorists, smugglers and wanted criminals.

Every day you have to process as many documents as possible. It is worth making even the slightest mistake, as it will immediately affect your salary. If you think that this is not so scary, then keep in mind - your family is in desperate need of money. And with too little salary, you are unlikely to be able to provide a decent future for her. There is only one way out, to work hard.

Papers, Please is the best indie game where you can learn about your own moral principles. Bribes will be offered to you every day, and you must choose between risking the security of the country and a better future for your own family.

Will you be able to separate a married couple, if only one of them has everything in order with documents, and deny entry to the other? Choosing the right solution will not be easy. Be careful, because in Papers, Please, the danger is that everyone here can turn out to be an enemy of the country, taking advantage of your kindness.

Will you agree to make bloody sacrifices for the sake of an anti-government organization? Of course, everything is exclusively for the benefit of Arstotzka! Or are you ready to put up with what is happening and drag out an unhappy existence for the good of the communist state? All this depends only on you. Just put a stamp.

night in the woods

Night in the Woods is an exciting 2D adventure from the studio Infinite Fall. The story centers on May, who dropped out of college and returned to her hometown of Possum Springs to reunite with her friends. Upon arrival, she realizes how much everything around has changed. The coal mines, thanks to which the city developed, closed, and the inhabitants are now unrecognizable.

As the game progresses, the story will develop, revealing more and more terrible secrets of Possum Springs. Night in the Woods touches on serious topics such as economic turmoil, depression and more mental illness. Some things you realize only when the credits roll. You will definitely want to go through the game again in order to get to know other residents of the town better and feel this adventure again.

Don't get hung up on the fact that this is a 2D game with tons of mini-games. This doesn't affect the gameplay much, but it allows you to get to know the city of Possum Springs and its inhabitants better. The real secrets lie in Mei's mind, and in time you will understand what difficulties she had to cope with.

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program is hardly the game with the most beautiful graphics or attractive design. Frightening visual hides just an incredible space simulator. In a sense, the game can be called a NASA tycoon, in which everything needs to be calculated with mathematical precision. Do you want the rocket you created to be able to go into outer space?

To do this, you have to think through every detail to the smallest detail. It will be a long time before you launch your first rocket into the stratosphere instead of crashing into rocks at about 10,000 kilometers per hour. But with experience, you will understand what indicators you need to monitor more closely.

Kerbal Space Program rewards those who are able to set goals and are ready to fulfill private and government contracts. This way you will earn enough money to spend on learning new skills in the tech tree to create something truly incredible.

The game does not limit your ideas, so you can design the most unusual rockets that have little to do with real science. And it doesn't matter if she can fly. The main thing is not that. Kerbal Space Program is one of the best indie games we've ever played.

Little-known indie games are often rated lower than their top-tier competitors, citing primitive graphics and incomprehensible gameplay. If you belong to the anti-indie camp, try any of the games on this list and you are guaranteed to change your mind. Undeniably, the capabilities of modern game consoles like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One are amazing, and there are many beautiful adaptations of games from famous developers, but among indie games there are often real gems. Indie games typically break away from the traditional in-demand development model by offering a deeply emotional gaming experience. Using vibrant graphics and a carefully crafted storyline, indie game developers create amazing things, sometimes real gaming masterpieces.

Even if you are a staunch supporter of more popular video games, do not refuse to try indie games at least in between the releases of high-profile new products. You will discover a huge variety of exciting and technically simple game materials, most of which are adapted for the PlayStation 4.

This ranking contains games that do not claim to be the absolute "best" (because, as you already know, there are too many indie games to rate them all). But, nevertheless, you should certainly expand your gaming experience with at least one of these gems. Believe me, it's worth it!

11. The Unfinished Swan - Giant Sparrow, SCE Santa Monica Studio

The Unfinished Swan (PlayStation 4 version) is one of many storytelling games that prioritize combat over deep emotional experiences. You have to, armed only with canvas and ink, create various paintings, thus moving along the storylines. This is the story of a little orphan named Monroe, his inner world is devoid of bright colors, but no less rich and deep. A touching story, a fascinating plot, pleasant music - take a break from everyday life and relax in peace and quiet.

10. Terraria - Re-Logic

Terraria (console version) is a 2D adventure game similar to Minecraft. Terraria is especially interesting for the locations we already love, as well as for the exciting game story. The world can easily be destroyed and rebuilt, Construction Materials can be obtained in the mines, fighting the monsters of the night. The familiar structure of the game, refined in the same way as Minecraft, also offers a platforming experience similar to Metroid and other classic SNES games. Terraria players can also build their own houses and install NPCs inside (accessed in various ways) to unlock additional features, such as personal outlets.

9 Transistor - Supergiant Games

Transistor (PlayStation 4 and PC version) is a fast-paced role-playing game with steampunk locations.

The game attracts with an unpredictable plot with many auxiliary missions. Little hints during the game will help you get to the core of the developers' idea. The game is dynamic, carefully designed, full of surprises and rewards, and also does not deny fans of traditional role-playing games the opportunity to feel like an unsurpassed strategist. It is simply impossible to tear oneself away from the colorful events on the screen! In short, Transistor is the complete package: smart design, great graphics, and a compelling storyline. What could be better?

8. Outlast - Red Barrels

Looking for thrills? Turn off the lights, put on your headset and be sure you will squeal like a schoolgirl when a huge monster starts chasing you. Keep in mind, even when you feel the urge to drop your controller and daydream about puppies and unicorns, you still can't stop playing. Outlast can be completed in about five hours, but it's enough to enjoy non-stop horror. You'll end the game feeling relieved, which isn't surprising, because Outlast will give any horror movie a head start...

7 Shovel Knight - Yacht Club Games

Shovel Knight is a kind of hello from the good old NES era. This is a two-dimensional game, the events of which develop around a knight in blue armor with a shovel in his hands. The clever use of eight-bit graphics (remember the NES's color palette) makes the game something of a bridge between early and new era video games. The controller options go beyond the capabilities of a simple two-button joystick and are perfectly combined with New Game Plus mode, which allows the player to use replay - an advantage of very few modern games. Do such praises make you distrustful? Well, let's not be unfounded: Shovel Knight has been repeatedly nominated for the title of Game of the Year, along with many hyped games, and also won the Best Independent Game nomination.

6. Child of Light – Ubisoft Montreal

Child of Light is a platform role-playing game that is popular mainly due to its compelling storyline and simple but fun combat system. While the “indie” category may be associated with primitivism and a lack of advertising, Child of Light proves otherwise by demonstrating the benefits that keep popular gaming consoles, including the PlayStation 4, still targeting indie games. prescribed two-dimensional environment, bright, juicy graphics will certainly involve you in the course of the game. Meanwhile, the combat system, combining the technical simplicity of execution with the strategic depth of the best RPG games, perfectly matches the 2D platform.

5. The Banner Saga - Stoic

The Banner Saga has taken a lot from the Game of Thrones and classic RPGs, but this is by no means a drawback, but, on the contrary, one of the main achievements of the game's creators. The game tells about the adventures of the Viking tribe, in the course of events you will have to participate in complex dialogues, and your choice of replicas will depend on the further course of the plot. Combining the virtues of famous and successful games, The Banner Saga (a colorful fantasy world and a story full of mysteries) will not leave indifferent even an experienced player. The success of this game speaks volumes for a significant improvement in the quality of indie games.

4. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter – The Astronauts

The developers of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, previously available only on PC, are going to adapt this unique quest for PlayStation 4. The protagonist of the game is a detective with a supernatural ability to see into the past. He (and, in fact, you) need to understand the intricacies of memories and uncover the mystery of the disappearance of Ethan Carter. There are not a lot of hints in the game, the developers will not lead you to the solution by the hand, you will have to draw conclusions on your own. It is necessary to examine each location very carefully, which will undoubtedly give you pleasure, because the graphics are beyond praise. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter proves that a story-driven game doesn't have to be full of fights to please the audience. Enough quality and thoughtful design.

3. Flower - Thatgamecompany, Bluepoint Games

Flower (PlayStation version) is primarily an emotional impact. In this sense, it goes beyond the simple and familiar development of the game environment - there is no dialogue, no plot, not even battles. Enemies, checkpoints, time limits, struggle and tension - no, all this is superfluous, there is only peace and quiet. You control the wind, gently sway the flowers, enjoying high-quality graphics and a pleasant soundtrack. This game is not easy to analyze, because people react differently to it ... or not at all. But even if Flower does not impress you, you need to pay tribute to the developers who broke gaming stereotypes and called self-knowledge and peace as the goal of the game.

2. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth - Nicalis

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita version) is a 2D catacomb adventure based on The Legend of Zelda with horror, dark humor and religious overtones. Everyone will find something for themselves in this game, and yes, one more good news: the game story is new and original. It is unlikely that you will get a similar gaming experience twice, because the developers have worked hard to create a game system for a random combination of different episodes and missions. Fascinating plot, humorous tone and second place in our ranking.

1. Amnesia: The Dark Descent – ​​Frictional Games

In my opinion, this is the scariest video game ever. I even screamed during the game to relieve some of the tension, and yet I could not do without a pair of necessary change of underwear. If you think that you are not so easy to scare, I highly recommend trying yourself in The Dark Descent. For half of the playing time, I simply could not decide to move my characters from their place, because darkness was gathering around, and dangers lurked at every turn. The second half I ran without looking back, as if the darkest horrors of the Underworld were on my tail ...

Over the years of existence and development, the segment of indie games has been transformed many times and has become more and more popular. Even indie publishers have appeared, such as Devolver Digital, which takes independent studios under its wing and helps them with the promotion of projects. Nevertheless, we will consider in the ranking the best indie games in the classic sense of the term - those that were published by the developers themselves. So, let's begin:

10. Oxygen Not Included

Space colony simulator from Klei Entertainment, known for the Shank dilogy, the stealth action Mark of the Ninja and the survival simulator Don`t Starve. Oxygen Not Included puts players in control of settler colonists who have landed on an asteroid and established a settlement there.

One of the features of this indie game on PC is hardcore gameplay: living in conditions of lack of resources is obviously not easy, and the head of the colony will have to take into account many nuances of her life, including personal characteristics settlers. However, survival here is not only difficult, but also very interesting, so the game deserves a place on our list.

9. Thimbleweed Park

8. Hob

Swan Song by Runic Games, also known for the hit duology Torchlight, closed shortly after the release of Hob. The game invites gamers to go on a journey through a mysterious world, where numerous battles and exciting puzzles await them. Hob tells a story without dialogue or text: the player learns about the past and present of the game world, exploring its territories, imbued with its atmosphere and observing its inhabitants.

7 Hollow Knight

6. The Escapists 2

Samizdat in the indie segment allows developers to implement the most daring ideas in games without looking back at publishers who may not like them. One of these bold and unusual projects is The Escapists 2 - prison escape simulator.

Here, players need to develop and implement a plan for release from imprisonment alone or together with friends (supported by co-op for 4 participants). How to do this is up to the heroes themselves to decide: dig an underground passage, bribe the guards, arrange a riot, pretend to be dead and get into a poorly guarded morgue, and so on. At the same time, in the process of preparing an escape plan, it is important not to forget to follow the rules of the prison so as not to arouse suspicion ahead of time.

5. Hand of Fate 2

4. The Long Dark

Survival simulator with stunningly beautiful landscapes and hardcore gameplay that throws the player into a harsh cold world. The Earth has survived a global geomagnetic catastrophe, and people are now forced to survive in conditions of extreme cold.

The Long Dark serves as a tutorial on the topic "How to keep warm in the middle of a snowy desert": here the gameplay is as close to reality as possible, and the player needs to take into account a lot of factors, from temperature environment to the level of fatigue and hunger of the character. In addition to the piercing cold, the constant lack of resources and the hungry predators roaming the area, the permanent death function is added, which makes the project very difficult, but at the same time one of the most interesting in the genre.

3. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

An example of how a studio with sheer enthusiasm can create a real masterpiece. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a AAA-class indie game with gorgeous graphics, a great storyline and an unforgettable sound design.

Studio Ninja Theory, known for Heavenly Sword, Enslaved and DmC: devilmay Cry, self-funded the game of their dreams, putting everything on the line: if Hellblade failed, it is unlikely that game developers could continue to operate as an independent team. In order to save money, all means were used: the developers built their own motion capture studio, and the main character was played by an employee of Ninja Theory.

The result exceeded all expectations: Hellblade: Senua`s Sacrifice is a high-quality action movie that immerses players in the depths of the subconscious of the suffering mental disorders Celtic warrior. The game is impressive, captivating and intriguing, so you should definitely download it if you appreciate good slashers.

2.Cuphead

A platform game inspired by the classic Disney cartoons of the 1930s and developed over a long seven years. The game is interesting in the absence of ordinary opponents (not counting the levels that are not required to pass) - each enemy here is a boss, of which there are several dozen. Moreover, for each of them it is necessary to find a unique approach with a specific battle tactic.

Cuphead will give you an unforgettable experience: firstly, with a visual style that has no analogues in any game, and secondly, with the complexity of the passage. Hardcore platforming gameplay will test your reflexes for speed and nerves for strength, so it will not be out of place to call a partner for a game together.

For the last few year s.

Players will take part in an exciting story, during which they will decide the fate of the world, argue with each other, fight against numerous enemies, do good deeds and petty atrocities. Divinity: Original Sin 2 gives the characters complete freedom of action: here you can become anyone, do anything, go to the goal by any means, and if you wish, transform into the role of a game master and create your own adventures, limited only by your imagination.

Finally, I would like to tell you about the indie games of the last six years. There are an insane amount of them, listing only some of them is already difficult. And I tried to choose the best of them. Let's get started.

Super Meat Boy

Key Super Meat Boy for 315 rubles.

One of the most famous indie games that appeared in this world. Super Meat Boy is primarily famous for throwing you into a state of rage every time you fail at something. No, it's not the game, of course. She talks about a meat man who lived with a girl and did not grieve, but an evil embryo in a jar stole half and the protagonist and took it for himself. The meat guy just needs to pull himself together and save his beloved!

There are six worlds in total, each of which has about 20 levels on normal and hellish difficulty. Each of the difficulties is played separately, so I can't say that you can choose here (for example, in the hellish world there is always one warp zone). You will have to jump through levels, bounce off walls, dodge monsters, projectiles and everything else that can kill your hero.

From the very beginning, you will not understand why the game is difficult, but trying to pass the hellish difficulty in the second world, you will begin to imagine what will happen at the end. There are also boss battles, which are quite interesting and non-standard. Yes, what can be standard when the hero cannot touch anything. I don’t recommend the game to “100% people”: trying to go through everything on A +, collecting all the patches and finding all the “warp zones”, he can just break something. Or simply not notice how he wants to drink and get dehydrated. The game is captivating.

Spelunky

Spelunky key for 430 rubles.

Spelunky is a fun adventure that will take you to explore dangerous but rich mines. It's not just an adventure, as it has an admixture of the much-loved roguelike. You will control a rather big-nosed but cute gold seeker who has come to the mines for the sake of profit and girls who can be saved. The more gold you collect, the better for you. But there are two things that definitely set the roguelike inclinations here: after death, everything starts all over again and each time the levels are generated differently.

The protagonist has in his arsenal a whip, a "hook-cat" and many other things that he can use during his journey. For example, by placing a bomb, you can clear your way, but you have to be extremely careful. There are 16 levels in total, four worlds, and in each you will be in for as many dangers as possible. At first, the game seems very nice and interesting, but after playing for a couple of hours, you begin to understand that this is a real bloody mess that requires you to knock your hands into porridge and hone your reaction to the animal.

You die from everything, whether it's your bomb, a rat, a trap, or a merchant who has been offended by you. It seems that the creation of the game began with the fact that the developers came up with exactly how to die, and not something else. But that doesn't make the game bad - quite the contrary. Therefore, the more you die, the more experience you gain. All roguelikes of all years work according to this system: in none of the roguelikes you can just go and not die more than 1000 times. A game for those who love a challenge. For those who love gold. And for those of you who love Steam Achievements (I love them).

Braid

Braid key for 435 rubles.

This is a platform puzzle game developed by just one person. Braid turned out great, and therefore, of course, I send big rays of respect to the developer. The story is quite mysterious, although it tells about a boy named Tim, who wants to save the princess from the monster. The plot gives a lot of clues that present the story in the form of a bunch of interpretive inserts: from simple separation to the development of the atomic bomb.

There will be six worlds in total, but you will start your journey from the second. Later you will understand everything. Unless, of course, you can beat the game. It is really very difficult and falls into the same list of reference puzzles in which freedom of movement is given in the level, but it does not say exactly how and what to do. Some levels I had to think for hours. If you do not give up, then sooner or later you will be able to understand what's what, don't worry.

All ideas will be related to time management. You can go back in time at any time, fall into a "slowdown loop", split your fate into two segments, and even move time in only one direction. Such puzzles have never appeared on our computers before, and therefore it is simply impossible to prepare for such a game in advance. Pull yourself together, warn your convolutions and go ahead!

Don't Starve

Don't Starve key for 315 rubles.

An excellent adventure indie game with a well-implemented survivle component. Don "t Starve talks about a lot of people (all characters can be opened as you progress) who fall into the world created by Maxwell - a strange man who looks more like a butler than some kind of villain. Now the game has two modes: survival and adventure.

The first is to survive for as long as possible. The longer you live, the more experience you will gain and the more characters you will unlock. Each character, except the very first, has interesting abilities. Although the first one too: he grows a beard. But also through Maxwell's portal you can get into the Adventure, which will give you hours and even days of enthusiastic passage.

Now the version is stable, but multiplayer is being developed, which would make the game even more interesting and juicier. Total in Don "t Starve 11 characters, and therefore, most likely, it will be possible to combine heroes with good skills and make the game a little easier and much more interesting. It will be especially interesting to go through the adventure together. Therefore, of course, we hope and wait.

VVVVVV

Key VVVVVV for 135 rubles.

Another one good game, which was developed by just one person, even though the music was made by another. Now this platformer has been on so many platforms, including mobile ones. It is made in a very interesting Atari style, where almost nothing is incomprehensible and looks square, but it still remains quite interesting and exciting.

The story tells about a spaceship on which an accident happened. The captain of the ship - a brave and attractive pixel man - is going to get his whole team out of this problem, and for this you will have to go through dozens of different levels, which are full of dangers, enemies and other things. Our protagonist can't jump, but he can change the gravitational field. That is, it can stand both on the floor and on the ceiling. In this case, the camera will not change.

The game does not like those who do not like to strive for victory: levels in VVVVVV is terribly complicated and no one is going to help you. Only the most courageous and patient will be able to reach the end. Don't break anything while you play. It will be a pity the monitor. It is better to immediately take a sedative and start playing. The music in this game is simply amazing. I'm crazy about her.

Terraria

Terraria key for 115 rubles.

2D indie sandbox, which is the second indie indie where you can build whatever you want, after the well-received Minecraft. As you understand, you will see everything in the game a little differently. For example, since it would be very difficult to play if you could only see one block below you, you are given the ability to see everything within a radius of about 10 blocks.

AT Terraria, as in Minecraft, there is no goal and therefore it is impossible to pass it. But in the first there are quite a few interesting moments that are not in other games. For example, as soon as you build a house, NPCs will start coming to you. The more rooms and the fulfilled conditions, the more useful people you will have: sellers, a nurse and so on. You can be attacked by goblins, the night of the blood moon can begin, you can fight with a huge eye, a skeleton, an underground worm, and so on. So many things to do!

How much in Terraria interesting biomes (lands): deserts, plains, jungles, dark lands and many others. You can even go down to hell and fight a huge wall, after which life will seem to you one of the most difficult things in this world: everything will become much more difficult and interesting. You can collect statues, artifacts, visit flying islands and everything else that exists. And you can easily play with friends. What else is needed for happiness?

The Binding of Isaac

The Binding of Isaac key for 185 rubles.

In theory, Binding of Isaac is the friendliest roguelike in existence today. Everything you need: randomly generated levels, death is the whole game, hundreds of different items that you can pick up and put on yourself, dozens of different mini-bosses and bosses, and a pretty interesting story. And characters to unlock. And scenarios that can also be played. So many things, so many things! This game will captivate anyone who can live in it for at least two floors. I went through it myself.

The plot is based on one of the biblical stories. She will tell about Isaac and his mother, who lived happily ever after, until a strange voice from heaven tells the mother to take everything from her son. A little more, and she will try to kill him, but the protagonist Isaac manages to escape from the house in time with the help of a hatch under the carpet. This is where his adventure begins. Total in Binding of Isaac, by the way, 13 endings. Who would have thought.

The game has such interesting moments as "super secret" rooms, deals with the devil, main bosses and more. You need to play about a hundred or two times to collect all the items and find all the secrets of this wonderful bagel. Very soon, by the way, should be released Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, which should be three times more interesting than its predecessor. I'm waiting for her myself. Although sometimes I see scribbling that she came out. Isn't that true?

Limbo

Limbo key for 190 rubles.

Limbo is an indie platformer that has a puzzle part and a horror part. He talks about a boy who lost his sister and goes on a quest, finding himself on the edge of the hell in which he found himself. You will need to solve a bunch of different riddles, otherwise you won’t be able to complete the game: everything that exists in this world will try to kill you or run away from you. Nobody wants to be friends with a lost boy. And then you have to take responsibility.

Limbo is terribly atmospheric: everything is in gray colors and looks pretty scary if you see it for the first time. I especially dislike the maggots that enter the brains of other beings and control them. You will also have to "fight" with these. And so, you do not have a weapon with which you could simply take and kill someone. For some, the game can cause fits of uncontrollable rage and small cracks in the brain.

Mark of the Ninja

Key Mark of the Ninja for 275 rubles.

A good indie stealth action game that will talk about a ninja who will be called the Champion. Unlike others, he does not have a sane name, but this does not make the game worse, believe me. All passing techniques will be inclined on the passage of "No one will see me": you will have to avoid contact with the enemy and disarm the traps. The protagonist can also hide in all sorts of hatches and behind interior items, if they are present at all.

The main weapons owned by the Champion are the sword, which can be used for silent kills, and the bamboo darts, which are not needed for killing, but are useful in cases where you need to destroy a light source or distract the enemy's attention with an unknown knock in a dark corner. But even though you have a weapon, you can go through the game without touching anyone you meet (Good ending from Dishonored was made in the same way).

You can also find puzzle rooms, hidden artifacts, bonus quests that are given at each level, and much more. Naturally, from Mark of the Ninja will be crazy fans of ninja-themed (70% of them are children, but still), as well as those who love to play games that require absolute silence and caution from the player.

Papers, Please

Key Papers, Please for 315 rubles.

Papers, Please is a great indie game that doubles as an immigration officer simulator. You will have to sit in a small booth and check the documents of visiting residents, identify inconsistencies and, it turns out, skip or kick the poor things, depending on the situation. Sticking to you will be given both for a person who was not allowed in for no reason, and for an immigrant who forged or forgot any documents.

You will have to work with everyone in the queue for a long time: you need to check the date, photo, and everything else. Even if it turns out that the passport indicated the female gender instead of the male, and you missed a person with such documents, you will be issued a warning for dishonest work. Do your best, otherwise you will be shot and hanged in the main square. And they rob. They always treat lazy people like that there. And also remember about the instructions from the authorities: sometimes you will have to block certain residents from passing.

For those who do not know English, this game will be difficult and incomprehensible: many instructions and other points related to your work can be missed, and then you cannot avoid a slap in the face. But any person who forged documents can turn out to be a criminal who shoots down half of your city. And the game may also seem disgusting for those who love beautiful graphics: they are not here. Didn't I scare you? Then go ahead! Glory to Artstotska!

fez

Fez key for 150 rubles.

It's an indie puzzle game that takes you into a 2D... no, 3D... no, still 2D world. In fact, this is not clear here: you are in the second dimension, but at any time you can change it to another. In total, as you understand, there should be four of them, if you do not take into account the unrealized opportunities that move you, for example, under the main character (Although such an opportunity would destroy the whole wonderful idea of ​​​​the developers to dust)

The story tells about a small and sweet little man named Gomez, who lived all his life in a two-dimensional world. One day, he found a three-dimensional cube, which, of course, seemed terribly strange to him. He gave the protagonist a fez, wearing which you can explore the world in three dimensions. Now he has to find parts of the hypercube, which recently exploded, otherwise the whole world will be mired in darkness and all creatures will die. Hurry up!

In total, you will have to collect 32 cubes that are scattered around the world. You will have to go through all sorts of dungeons and other pits in order to find at least one piece. Once you play a couple of hours, you will immediately be able to calmly navigate this 2-3D space. Fez is clearly worth it to go through.

The Stanley Parable

The Stanley Parable key for 555 rubles.

In my own opinion Stanley Parable is simply godlike. An excellent plot, dozens of endings, a wonderful voice of the announcer who directs our lives in the direction he needs, and wonderful humor. I'm ready to shake hands with both the developer and the screenwriter. The game will tell about life office worker. We all know that office work is the worst job in the world. Now you can find out why.

The story will tell about how one day the cycle of the "office worker" was interrupted: all the colleagues of the protagonist disappeared. There is no one left in the building where he worked, and only you decide what to do now. From the very beginning, you will be greeted by a narrator with a beautiful voice, who seems to just explain what's what, but in fact this is a very interesting person who will actually talk to you. If you want to start looking at the world with different eyes - this game is for you.

Crypt of the NecroDancer

Key Crypt of the NecroDancer for 250 rubles.

One of the best indie games ever made. Honestly. Crypt of the NecroDancer is a "bagel" with rules known to us: if you die, you start from the very beginning, each new game always looks completely different, and you can always unlock new things to play through, fight bosses, and finally get to the end of the game, which is unrealistically difficult. That's just all you will do ... To the music! Yes, movement and attack is carried out only with a certain speed, under the "beat", and the monsters move under it. If you try to move as always, you will be stuck. Here is such a game.

The graphics just look great, as well as the drawing in general. The monsters look very interesting, and the concept for the bosses is very unusual. Each monster has different chips (for example, one of the enemy knights, when hitting it, will retreat to the cell, and in the next "beat" will dash at the character), and it would be nice to know these chips by heart, if you, of course, want to to go through the game once.

There are a lot of characters, each of which is a completely different mechanics. For example, one of the heroes does not use conventional weapons in principle, but has an infinite supply of bombs that cause huge damage to enemies. You won't believe how dynamic Crypt of the NecroDancer, and how long it can take. The music is great, but you can choose something from your own Steam collection: the program will adjust itself to the right beat. Are you ready to reach the end of the game? Are you ready to die thousands of times and learn from your mistakes? Then go ahead!

AT Shadow of the Colossus was pretty much the same, but there were a little more bosses in my opinion. And yes, it was much more breathtaking. However, for an indie game Titan Souls is even too good. Its pixelated environment, for all its simplicity, is still mesmerizing, and each boss boasts unique attacks and characteristics. You are.. An ordinary guy who only has a sword and a bow. But even with these little things, he will defeat anyone, if only the player's hands were straight.

No upgrades, no levels. Here you are not a Korean grinder where you don’t even have to think, oh no. That's why I can't say more without spoiling anything. So go ahead and with the song, you have already lined up a huge line of bosses who want to fight.

Undertale

Undertale, any little thing will be interesting. I have nothing to say about her, and I really don't want to say too much. Don't even think about it. Just buy and play. You will be crazy about Undertale. For example, I'm already addicted.

This is where the list of indie games ends. I am also ready to announce that the lists of games for 2009-2015 have also come to an end. Whether there will be the same lists for other time passages is not clear, but we will keep you updated on this case.