Video games give us the chance to experience something we may never get to and that is more often achievable when you play an indie game. Indie games offer unique storytelling and freedom of creativity, they have character, passion, and beautiful visions. Here are four indie games that will inspire you and steal your heart.
Celeste
Celeste was developed by: indie studios Maddy Makes Games and Extremely OK Games and published by: Maddy Makes Games (2018).
Overview: The main character of the game, Madaline, is a young woman who decides to climb the mountain Celeste. Battling with depression and anxiety, Madaline takes us on a journey of self-improvement and self-battling. Celeste is an adventure game with a strong message that will ”touch” everyone’s heart.
Platform availability:
- Nintendo Switch
- Linux
- PlayStation 4
- macOS
- Microsoft Windows
- Xbox One
- Google Stadia
- Mac operating systems
Hades
Hades was developed and published by: Supergiant Games (2020).
Overview: Follow Zagreus on his journey from the underworld to Mount Olympus. Being the son of Hades, hence Prince of the Underworld, Zagreus wants to escape from his father’s realm to find his mother Persephone. The game features a hack-and-slash combat system and If you like Greek mythology and roguelike games, this is a must-have.
Platform availability:
- macOS
- Nintendo Switch
- Microsoft Windows
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- iOS
A Short Hike
A Short Hike was developed and published by: Adam Robinson-Yu (also known as adamgryu) a Canadian indie game designer (2019)
Overview: You play as Claire a bird who, after visiting her aunt for the summer, realizes that has no cellphone reception. The only place that has reception is Hawk Peak so she decides to start hiking it. A Short Hike is an open-world exploration game that offers relaxing gameplay and freedom of exploration. If you are looking for a peaceful, cozy, and enjoyable experience this game is for you.
Platform availability:
- Microsoft Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
Firewatch
Firewatch was developed by: Campo Santo and published by: Panic and Campo Santo (2016)
Overview: Henry, the protagonist, is a fire lookout in Shoshone National Forest. The game takes place in Wyoming in the summer of 1989. Henry has to explore the forest and even though he is isolated he is never really alone. He carries around his walkie-talkie and communicates with his supervisor, Delilah. The player’s dialog options choices will influence his relationship with Delilah and that can build or even destroy it, it’s a constant emotional rollercoaster. Firewatch is a single-player adventure game played from a first-person view, that combines beautiful scenery, amazing sound design, and great character development.
Platform availability:
- Linux
- OS X
- PlayStation 4
- Windows
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Conclusion
Indie games are always a great alternative. As gamers we are not only playing a game, we are supporting a dream, a passion, which makes this experience even more unique. Personally, I deeply enjoy playing indie games and in case you haven’t tried to play one I encourage you to do so and discover the beautiful world that indie games have to offer. Have you ever played any of the four indie games suggested in this article? Which one did you like the most? Even if you never tried to play one of these indie games, which one would you try first? I would love to know your opinion, all you have to do is choose your favorite one in the poll below.
