10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

As a seasoned gamer with a heart full of nostalgia for the golden age of RPGs, I simply cannot help but be enthralled by the captivating world of indie games that have graced our screens lately. Among these modern marvels, three stand out as the cream of the crop – the enigmatic Undertale, the emotionally charged Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and the god-like adventure, Hades.


As an ardent supporter of independent gaming, it seems undeniable that the spotlight often veers away from indie productions in favor of AAA games. Given their limited financial backing, scarce resources, and humbler platforms for dissemination, they’re somewhat like the underdogs in the gaming world, striving to make their voices heard amidst the roar of the mainstream giants.

When one stands out amidst the commotion and catches your interest, you can be confident that it’s extraordinary.

We have carefully selected some truly outstanding independent games from recent years, and we are delighted to share them with you now. While each of these games undeniably falls under the indie category, they offer extraordinary experiences that reinforce the idea that bigger isn’t always better.

10 Among Us

Deadly Hide & Seek

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Don’t most people enjoy solving mysteries about who did it? I’m talking about murder mysteries that keep us guessing. That might be why Among Us became so popular among gamers. Innersloth created an atmosphere of suspense and suspicion in a cleverly designed, stealthy multiplayer game.

At first glance, the game appears to involve straightforward mini-games, yet beneath this facade lies a creeping sense of unease that gradually intensifies.

Among your friends, which one secretly appears friendly and adorable but might actually be a terrifying alien imposter, causing us to underestimate them until it’s too late? The deception is skillfully hidden through cute artwork, making us suspect nothing until we find ourselves unexpectedly swallowed up by the real aliens among us.

9 The Plucky Squire

Pretty As A Picture Book

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Occasionally, a book’s exterior can give you a good idea of what’s inside, especially when the cover is as captivating as The Plucky Squire. This title is from Devolver, and it offers an unending dose of playfulness and one-of-a-kind entertainment throughout its pages.

Here, you find yourself, the main character, unceremoniously displaced from the storybook you once inhabited and suddenly immersed in an expansive, unfamiliar realm.

On my adventure, I pick up fresh skills to slice through enemies like butter, all while tackling mind-bending challenges that keep me on my toes.

In addition to its usual antics, The Cheerful Knight frequently introduces fresh mini-games, including a brawl reminiscent of Punch-Out!! and a fast-paced bullet-storm similar to Resogun, presented as a challenging battle on the side of a coffee mug.

No matter what you find yourself doing, you can rest assured it will look amazing. A beautiful tribute to creativity unbound.

8 Cassette Beasts

The Pokémon Killer

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

It’s likely that everyone here has heard about Pokémon. What started as a unique Japanese concept soon grew into an immense empire, consistently releasing games at regular intervals.

It hurts to acknowledge that the show hasn’t made many groundbreaking advancements in the past ten years. However, a game that has truly taken over as the leader in the genre of monster capturing is known as “Cassette Beasts.

The game, Cassette Beasts, exudes a delightful nostalgia and seems as if it were a chic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) title. Upon landing on a puzzling isle, you’re soon bestowed with the power to metamorphose into creatures straight from your cassette player.

This game not only showcases the unique talent of controlling various creatures, but also introduces an extraordinary skill to combine two beasts, reminiscent of games like Persona or SMT. Additionally, it offers dating mechanics and numerous side quests. To top it off, it boasts a substantial post-game content. If you’re a fan of Pokémon, this game is definitely worth adding to your collection.

7 Neva

A Girl And Her Wolf

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Nomada Studio left many in awe with the breathtaking artistry of their game GRIS. A few years down the line, they introduced us to another title called Neva. Unlike GRIS, it’s not as abstract and instead emphasizes the bond between the character Alba and her wolf cub, Neva, making it no less beautiful.

Unlike GRIS which emphasized platforming and was marketed as a puzzle platformer, Neva leans towards action-oriented gameplay.

As a fervent admirer, let me tell you that Alba and Neva are about to encounter colossal beasts, and it’s their harmonious collaboration that will prove crucial in vanquishing these monstrosities. Don’t be fooled by my affinity for felines; this thrilling dog-centric escapade is bound to captivate you too!

6 Dead Cells

Heroic Goo

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Unusual talent is needed for a roguelike game to rise above the clamor, given that the genre is notoriously difficult and demands both perseverance and skill acquisition.

It could come as a shock that Dead Cells achieved such a wide range of popularity. However, it certainly did, as proven by the steady flow of DLC it has been putting out since its launch.

Speaking from a fan’s perspective, I find Dead Cells to be an exhilarating yet enjoyable test of my skills. As the Prisoner, I’m slowly uncovering the mysteries hidden within this post-apocalyptic realm, and every moment is thrilling!

As you delve deeper into gameplay, your character becomes increasingly powerful, acquiring fresh equipment, skills, and additional features. However, the most compelling evidence that Dead Cells has succeeded lies in its collaboration with Castlevania on a gloomy, gothic DLC campaign.

5 Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

A Treasure Chest of Fun

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Initially, it was challenging to envision the expansive nature of Shovel Knight, as we might have been content with a single journey.

However, Yacht Club Games showcased their exceptional talent in game development, which led them to expand the original game into numerous unique downloadable content (DLC) adventures.

Regardless of whether you choose the boisterous Plague Knight, the somber Specter Knight, or the flamboyant King Knight, each character offers a fully-fledged adventure filled with enjoyable gameplay mechanics.

Determined to keep up the momentum, Yacht Club continued their triumph by venturing into unique spin-offs such as Shovel Knight DIG and Pocket Dungeon. It’s a tale of success that everyone can appreciate.

4 Sea of Stars

Chrono Trigger’s True Successor

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Regardless of when you were born, it’s likely that you’re familiar with the iconic role-playing game, Chrono Trigger. It left a profound impact on the RPG genre.

Although Chrono Cross didn’t achieve the same level of success as Chrono Trigger, it nevertheless served as a source of inspiration for Sabotage Studio, resulting in the creation of Sea of Stars – a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of adventure.

If you’re unfamiliar with this game, let me tell you it offers an extraordinary journey. It blends tactical turn-based battles with breathtaking aesthetics, captivating landscapes, and a complex narrative filled with intrigue and mystery.

If you’re already acquainted with Sabotage, you might notice it nods to their earlier work, The Messenger. For all RPG enthusiasts, Sea of Stars is an unmissable adventure worth embarking on.

3 Undertale

Weirdly Wonderful

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Generally, adventures don’t commence with characters being plunged into a mysterious, monster-filled universe. However, that’s precisely the unique approach taken by Undertale, and it consistently pushes boundaries.

This game is designed to comprehend players’ strategies, consistently surprising and puzzling us with its intelligence.

Whether you go for the pacifist or violent route, Undertale will provide an immersive experience.

Above all, what sets this unusual role-playing game apart is its character-centric dodging mechanics – a feature that might just make you feel deeply connected to the characters. However, be prepared for an unconventional and non-traditional gaming experience, as this game certainly breaks away from the norm.

2 Ori and the Will of the Wisps

An Emotional Journey

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Instead of following a predictable path by creating another conventional yet visually stunning Metroidvania game after mastering Ori and the Blind Forest, the creators chose to surprise us with something extraordinary.

Rather than that, they introduce a child character from the initial antagonist, the owlet Ku, and invite you to collaborate with this adorable creature in Ori and the Will of the Wisp’s storyline.

Working hand in hand, Ori and Ku will strive to mend a fractured and devastated world, facing formidable obstacles throughout their journey.

In contrast to the initial game, Ori and the Will of the Wisps offers a greater number of boss fights, which turned out to be both demanding and enjoyable.

With a touching soundtrack and an expansive environment to delve into, this game embodies the aspiration of many side-scrolling adventure titles.

1 Hades

God-like Adventure

10 Indie Games With AAA Appeal

Being a kid is hard, especially when your dad is a Greek god. That’s the basic hook of Hades.

In simpler terms, you are Zagreus, the rebellious offspring who challenges the rule of your father, the deity of the dead realm. Instead of defying him in a conventional way, your mission is to break free from the underworld’s grasp – not exactly an everyday task!

One advantage Zagreus possesses is the vast network of Olympian deities who are related to him. These divine relatives could lend you their support, enhancing your abilities significantly. However, be mindful of maintaining their favor, as their disapproval might lead them to turn against you.

As a diehard fan, I can confidently say that this rogue-like game is meticulously crafted, with its distinctive top-down perspective drawing me in. Each time I stumble and find myself back in the underworld, my determination to emerge victorious grows stronger. Somehow, some way, I’m determined to escape, even if it means confronting my overbearing father.

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2024-10-30 16:39