Best Games Made By Development Studios Based In Finland

Key Takeaways

Finland‘s gaming industry includes notable titles like Noita, Baba Is You, and the Alan Wake franchise.
Noita by Nolla Games is a challenging and dynamic roguelite popular for its creativity and gameplay.
Angry Birds, a worldwide phenomenon, has become a full franchise with a big future.

As a seasoned gamer with roots deep in the Finnish gaming scene, I must say that these games have truly captured my heart and imagination. Each one offers a unique and immersive experience that speaks to different aspects of gaming enjoyment.

Finland, which might be more famously recognized for its durable Nokia phones and deep-rooted affection for saunas, has been stirring up a storm in the gaming industry for quite some time now. Besides these well-known aspects, this small nation is home to innovative minds and prominent video game development studios.

Although Finland might not have ruled the gaming industry as extensively as the United States or Japan with blockbuster series such as “Red Dead Redemption” and “Final Fantasy”, it has produced games that have significantly impacted the gaming world. It’s fascinating to note that some might be taken aback to learn that their favorite games were created in a relatively small country, often the subject of jokes on the internet about its existence. Here are a few well-known Finnish games and franchises, recognized for their high ratings or widespread popularity, produced by studios within this Nordic nation.

8 Noita

An Excellent Indie Entry From Nolla Games

Kicking things off with an indie game, “Noita” by Nolla Games, nestled in the heart of Helsinki. This enchanting, magic-rich roguelite draws inspiration from another renowned Finnish title, “Liero”. The game’s rapid rise in popularity can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, a responsive environment (which is also procedurally generated), and the surge of interest in roguelites.

In simpler terms, the game Noita, despite its toughness due to permanent death, offers a captivating and expansive world that’s irresistible to explore. Plus, experimenting with the wand and spells introduces an engaging element of creativity and freedom.

7 Alan Wake Franchise

A Horror And Action-Adventure Series With A Unique Atmosphere

The Alan Wake series has had a fair amount of success over the years, largely due to the creativity of Remedy Entertainment. While Alan Wake has been making waves again due to the release of its sequel, it’s important to note that Remedy Entertainment is not a new face in the industry. They have previously produced notable games like Quantum Break and Control.

The sequel in this series significantly ramped up the horror element, offering a much more dreamlike ambiance and intriguing narrative. The music has earned particular acclaim from fans, although some have noted that the gameplay isn’t always perfect, with instances of repetition due to an overabundance of puzzles or prolonged walking segments. Nevertheless, critics rave about an exceptional survival horror tale that demands to be lived to truly grasp its depths.

6 Baba Is You

The Rules Are Fluid In This Adorable Puzzle Game

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that the genius behind the captivating game, Noita, presents Baba Is You – an irresistible puzzle game that will undoubtedly satiate your cravings for classic pixel games. Reminiscent of Noita, Baba Is You is another triumphant indie creation from Finnish developers, hidden beneath its unassuming veneer lies a formidable challenge and over 200 levels brimming with brain-teasing fun.

In a fresh take on puzzle games, Baba Is You lets players modify the game’s own rules by adjusting their surroundings. This innovative strategy earned it widespread acclaim and ultimately made it the top pick at the Nordic Game Jam in 2017, where its creator, Hempuli, designed it exclusively for the competition.

5 Angry Birds Franchise

The Most Recognizable Game Export From Finland

Instead of merely referring to “Angry Birds” as a single game, it’s more accurate to describe it as a cultural sensation. Since its inception at Rovio Entertainment, it has expanded exponentially into a full-fledged franchise from humble origins.

Back in 2009, I stumbled upon a mobile game that would change my gaming world forever. At first glance, the concept seemed straightforward – hurling birds at pesky pigs and their fortified strongholds. Little did I know, this simple premise would catapult these feathery characters into global stardom. Now, you can find Angry Birds not just in movies and TV shows, but also in books! And for the little ones, there are even Angry Birds-themed parks in Finland that bring the game to life.

Due to the extensive reach of the Angry Birds franchise, it’s not unexpected that a major corporation like Sega eventually showed interest in it and made their move in 2023. Only time can reveal what the next significant milestone for Angry Birds will be.

4 Barotrauma

Undersea Chaos Aboard A Submarine With Or Without Friends

Two Finnish programmers joined forces to produce the game titled “Barotrauma“. This is an exciting cooperative adventure set in a submarine sailing through the dangerous seas of Europa’s moon. It can be played solo too, but the true excitement lies in teaming up with friends, assigning each player a unique role to perform while navigating the vessel together.

This game has plenty of appealing aspects – from its futuristic atmosphere reminiscent of sci-fi simulations to the terrifying depths of Europa’s seas, and not forgetting the thrilling challenge of managing a complex vessel. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback it has received on Steam, it comes as no surprise that Barotrauma finds itself in this top list effortlessly.

3 My Summer Car

A Charming, Summery 1990s Take On Car Building And Driving Simulators

What could be more quintessentially Finnish than a video game about crafting your own summer vehicle in the idyllic Finnish countryside? For those aiming to grasp the essence of Finnish culture, this lighthearted car simulation game is an ideal starting point. Developed by Amistech Games, this independent title, though currently in Early Access, has been garnering attention on social media and streams due to a unique, humorous aspect yet unmatched by any other game.

In this simulation, players can construct their unique vehicles from scratch, take them for a spin, encounter accidents, and in an unusual twist, suffer permanent character death. For those who might tire of automobiles quickly, there’s plenty more to keep them engaged – the game also offers various other vehicles and the traditional Finnish sauna experience complete with refreshments. What more could a car enthusiast desire from a game?

2 Control

A Feast For The Eyes In The Form Of An Innovative Action-Adventure

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I’d have to say that despite some players expressing concerns about the length of Control, it stood out as one of the most remarkable games of 2019. The narrative of Jesse was nothing short of captivating, and it showcased what video game storytelling can truly achieve. Visually, the game was stunningly beautiful, but more than that, its gameplay was exceptional, elevating the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from a video game experience.

The game stands out for its unique approach to gunplay and movement mechanics, seamlessly integrating Jesse’s unique abilities with third-person shooting gameplay. This fusion left many craving more, positioning Control as one of Remedy’s triumphs. Fortunately, by February 2024, Remedy had secured the franchise rights from 505 Games, suggesting that we can expect further developments in the future.

1 Max Payne 1 & 2

Even Years After, Remedy’s Third-Person Shooter Stands The Test Of Time

In terms of groundbreaking and distinct gameplay, games like Max Payne and Max Payne 2 paved the way well before Control entered the spotlight. As third-person shooters, these games allowed players to step into the shoes of a determined cop seeking vindication in the original Max Payne. They were immersed in a gritty, urban environment with cinematic, slow-motion combat scenes.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always been captivated by the fact that Remedy Entertainment was instrumental in shaping the first two installments of this epic franchise. However, with time, these classics have grown a bit outdated, necessitating fan-created updates to keep them running smoothly. Yet, they remain undeniably iconic within the third-person shooter genre. Excitingly, we’re on the cusp of experiencing remakes developed by Remedy itself, designed specifically for next-gen consoles and PC gaming platforms.

2024-10-22 16:35