10 Coolest Indie Game Crossovers

Indie games often share similarities or influence one another more frequently than larger games, due to the fact that a smaller number of creators working on these projects typically have fewer restrictions when it comes to intellectual property (IP). This flexibility allows other developers to adapt and build upon these original works as they see fit.

In some cases, independent (indie) video games tend to receive more favorable treatment compared to popular triple-A crossovers, particularly in titles that boast a wide array of unique and exciting games.

Instead of frequently crossing over with just a couple of elements, often shared with games by the same publisher or creator, let’s focus on the remarkable exceptions that transcend the norm.

Among these games, you’ll find a variety of fascinating independent titles, though Shovel Knight appears roughly half the time, which is less frequent than the typical occurrence for indie game compilations.

10. Deltarune

Temmie’s Misadventures

I’d like to draw attention to an indie game that combines elements from different titles on a smaller scale, and it seems that Deltarune fits this description quite well. This game has a unique connection to another title, as it was developed by Temmie, the primary artist of the other game.

Toby Fox and Temmie sometimes allude to their respective games due to their frequent collaboration, as seen when characters from Deltarune show up in Dweller’s Empty Path.

In a delightful tribute for those who have enjoyed both games, the main character from Dweller’s Empty Path makes an appearance as a plush toy on the shelf in Seam’s shop within the world of Deltarune, acknowledging the connection between these two narratives.

Deltarune shares some connections with Undertale, although it doesn’t follow as a direct sequel or share a linear narrative. Instead, it employs elements from Undertale’s storyline and characters to provide players with intriguing information, making it quite interesting.

9. Kilaflow

Silly Indie Suits

Kilaflow is still under development, but it has already demonstrated potential for representing independent games well. It offers an appealing variety of costumes from both established and emerging indie game developers.

Significantly, Absa, a character from the game “Rivals of Aether,” serves as a costume option. She appears alongside other small independent games such as Dotty Game, Settlemoon, Vocaless, Fech the Ferret, and potentially many others in the future.

This item also boasts a variety of skins inspired by games such as Nights into Dreams, along with skins that pay tribute to the designer’s other characters. Each skin adds its unique charm, making personalization an enjoyable experience.

It’s really exciting to witness numerous under-the-radar indie games gaining prominence in this game, and it’s particularly noteworthy because Kilaflow is an outstanding choice for enthusiasts of fast-paced platformers.

8. Rivals of Aether

Yes, It Has Shovel Knight

While Shovel Knight is indeed the only fighter character it has cross-over with explicitly, it’s essential to acknowledge the vast array of user-generated content available for the game, which in many ways expands and enriches the gaming experience beyond just the original characters.

This game offers seamless and user-friendly modding options, making it possible to play with characters ranging from Kris in Deltarune, Peppino in Pizza Tower, all the way to Among Us favorites.

Some of these workshop creations in the game are so intricately designed that they’ve been adopted as official characters, blending elements from Rivals of Aether and homemade fan designs. It’s pretty neat to observe this fusion!

The game also includes some elements not directly related to its primary characters, such as a skin inspired by “Brawlhalla”, a character from “Settlemoon”, and a stage from “Tower of Heaven”. Interestingly, even though it primarily focuses on its own cast, it shows similarities to “Smash” in these aspects.

7. Balatro

Jimbo’s Buddies

Although Balatro has achieved remarkable success, it is updated infrequently, usually due to one of two circumstances: either expanding the game by incorporating new card sets inspired by various other games instead of using the traditional face cards.

We’ve received trading cards featuring characters hailing from indie games such as Shovel Knight, Don’t Starve, Among Us, The Binding of Isaac, Cult of the Lamb, Vampire Survivors, Slay the Spire, Potion Craft, Stardew Valley, Enter the Gungeon, and 1000xRESIST.

Among the indie games, we’ve obtained trading cards showcasing characters from Shovel Knight, Don’t Starve, Among Us, The Binding of Isaac, Cult of the Lamb, Vampire Survivors, Slay the Spire, Potion Craft, Stardew Valley, Enter the Gungeon, and 1000xRESIST.

Both versions maintain the original meaning while sounding more natural and easy to read.

These cards don’t have any specific function; they’re merely texture variations that you can change at your convenience. However, it’s quite pleasing to witness Mayor Lewis being crowned as the King, a title fitting for him indeed.

It’s quite impressive to observe indie games like Stardew Valley sharing the stage with heavyweights such as The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, even more so because the designer of Stardew Valley himself created its unique card designs.

6. Friday Night Funkin’

A Flashy Loveletter

If you share my nostalgia, chances are you spent a good chunk of your youth immersed in Flash Games found on sites such as Newgrounds. The game Friday Night Funkin’ is an impressive homage to that era of independent gaming, with most characters being a nod to that time, as they crossover from various games.

In this game, there are numerous references that can’t all be mentioned here, but among them are Pico, Henry Stickmin, Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac, and undeniably, Tankman, who is famously known as the symbol of Newgrounds.

Most of these references are merely backdrop characters at the mall, but many of them take center stage in a lively rap competition. However, Pico stands out as a distinctive character who brings along a wealth of fresh content to explore.

Celebrating all the elements that truly defined the unique character of Newgrounds games, from the bold, edgy dialogue, rough yet endearing art style, to the undeniable, humble allure that made them so appealing.

5. Among Us

Cavalcade of Costumes

Initially developed by a small team of three, Among Us began as a modestly successful game. However, it later skyrocketed in popularity, becoming one of the most renowned indie games. Remarkably, the creators have maintained their indie spirit and frequently acknowledge their roots through various tributes.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to find this game sporting costumes inspired by titles I’ve loved in the past – Henry Stickmin, A Hat in Time, Alien Hominid, BattleBlock Theater, Castle Crashers, Celeste, Crypt of the NecroDancer, and even Untitled Goose Game! These are games that have left a lasting impression on me, and seeing them represented here feels like a tribute to my gaming journey.

This game incorporates subtle connections to various other games beyond simply the characters’ outfits. It has been included across numerous titles, even those less well-known such as the game known as Fortnite.

The character design is adaptable enough to accommodate various styles seamlessly, which explains why it has been featured in numerous collaborations. In essence, you can now don a Sans costume within Among Us, as Toby Fox would put it.

4. Super Meat Boy

Nostalgic Oldies

In a nod to popular indie games from the mid-to-late 2000s and early 2010s, Super Meat Boy opted to include numerous playable characters in its roster.

This game features characters inspired by titles such as VVVVVV, Bit Trip Runner, Castle Crashers, World of Goo, Spelunky, Minecraft, I Wanna Be The Guy, Aquaria, and Alien Hominid. A few of these characters are unique to the console versions.

One intriguing aspect of these occurrences is that unlike many previous entries, each one functions uniquely from the others, often incorporating mechanics from their original games.

As a gamer, I adore the way Steve plays; it’s reminiscent of his impressive showing in Smash Ultimate, where he seamlessly traverses levels by digging into the earth and constructing structures everywhere. Top marks, nothing more to add!

3. Fraymakers

Supersized Smashing

Talking about Super Smash Bros., Fraymakers is a creation from the dedicated fan game developers, who are also known for Super Smash Flash 2. Essentially, it’s an affectionate tribute to indie games and platform fighters, packed with numerous characters from various independent titles, making it a significant crossover event on its own.

While it’s impossible to mention all the games available, some standouts include “Bit Trip Runner,” “Downwell,” “Octodad,” “Rivals of Aether,” “Slap City,” “Slay the Spire,” “Among Us,” “OneShot,” and “Pizza Tower.” There are many more excellent titles to discover as well.

The game regrettably offers just a few select playable characters, while many others are merely available as summonable assists. However, similar to Rivals of Aether, it boasts an expansive modding community.

The project is continuously being worked on by its creators, who often add fresh features to it. Occasionally, they surprise us with a new character like Spark the Electric Jester. If they decide to introduce him, my happiness would last a lifetime.

2. Terraria

Mishmash of IP

If we exclude the one owned by Microsoft, Terraria stands as the most popular independent game ever. Given its widespread popularity and its unique blend of various game elements, it’s no surprise that fantastic collaborations are a common occurrence.

Among smaller game crossovers featuring titles like Edge of Space, Minecraft, Core Keeper, Stardew Valley, Worms 3, and Pixel Piracy, none surpass the excitement generated by the collaborations between Don’t Starve and Dungeon Defenders.

In Terraria, there’s an additional optional boss that comes with its own set of distinctive weapons and accessories, unlike Don’t Starve. On the other hand, Dungeon Defenders boasts numerous summon weapons, a non-player character (NPC), and what is arguably the most monotonous event within the entire game.

We’re moving forward towards the arrival of exciting cosmetic items and weaponry from Dead Cells, as well as a mutual collaboration content with Palworld, but it hasn’t happened quite yet.

1. Dead Cells

Everyone is Here

Talking about Dead Cells, it aimed at merging with various indie games by incorporating unique elements from them, through two significant updates primarily dedicated to introducing content developed by smaller studios.

In the end, it gathered content from games such as “Skul: The Hero Slayer,” “Hollow Knight,” “Hyper Light Drifter,” “Guacamelee,” “Curse of the Dead Gods,” “Blasphemous,” “Soul Knight,” “Slay the Spire,” “Shovel Knight,” “Terraria,” “Hotline Miami,” “Katana Zero,” and lastly, “Risk of Rain.

Each game featured here receives a complete overhaul with custom vanity armor sets, distinctive items incorporating mechanics from the original game, and a special starting room brimming with homages to the source game.

These specialized armor collections come with distinct requirements for activation, like the Commander’s set in Risk of Rain, where defeating an Imp Statue from the initial game is necessary to access it. This detail brings me great joy, knowing I’m among a select group who appreciate such intricacies.

2025-02-09 19:40