The Best Indie Video Game Franchises, Ranked

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Summary

  • The Chzo Mythos features four classic horror adventure games that are free to download and offer classic point-and-click gameplay.
  • The Outlast series is known for its horror and gore, offering players a shocking and immersive gameplay experience in nightmarish institutions.
  • Five Nights at Freddy’s is a detailed franchise with lore and animatronics that haunt players, making it a jumpscare fest loved by many dedicated fans.

Independent video games are currently trending, providing budding creators with minimal funds an opportunity to present unique, captivating titles adored by fans for their freshness. Some exceptional indie games exhibit cutting-edge gameplay mechanics that have even inspired bigger-budget productions within the AAA industry.

Occasionally, some independent games are so delightful to play that they give birth to cherished gaming series. The popularity of these series may vary, but enthusiasts always enjoy immersing themselves in the captivating narratives and engaging game mechanics of these series.

Franchises will be ranked based on their overall quality and popularity.

8. Chzo Mythos

Horror Point-And-Click Adventure Series With Incredible Lore

  • Notable Entries: 5 Days a Stranger, 7 Days a Skeptic, Trilby’s Notes, 6 Days a Skeptic

Prior to gaining renown for his work on Zero Punctuation and Fully Ramblomatic, Yahtzee had already created a number of video games that fans adored. Among these was the Chzo Mythos series, which comprises four exceptional horror-adventure games that warrant greater recognition.

Looking back fondly, fans of the Chzo Mythos indie series reminisce about its intriguing storylines ranging from Trilby’s escapades to satanic rituals depicted in these titles. You can still play all four games for free, immersing yourself in traditional point-and-click gameplay while solving puzzles and outmaneuvering terrifying creatures.

7. Outlast

Creepy Visuals And Uncomfortable Gore

  • Notable Entries: Outlast, Outlast 2, The Outlast Trials

The initial installment of the chilling and gory “Outlast” series became incredibly popular due to its intense, immersive gameplay and startling scenes. Players tirelessly attempted to evade numerous grotesque adversaries in their pursuit, all while striving to flee terrifying institutions at every turn.

Each installment within the Outlast universe is packed with gruesome and unsettling scenes which might prove too intense for some viewers. Yet, those aware of the frightful experience these games offer can savor the delightfully terrifying atmosphere that this series provides.

6. Five Nights At Freddy’s

A Jumpscare Fest That Kickstarted A Phenomenon

  • Notable Entries: Five Nights at Freddy’s, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted

Although some individuals might criticize certain aspects as being less than polished in the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” game series, it’s hard to argue against the fact that the franchise is richly detailed and meticulously crafted. Players find themselves immersed in the series’ intricate lore and the numerous animatronics that relentlessly stalk them throughout their gaming experience.

In the initial versions of this game, players were tasked with following and evading the ghostly animatronics that hunted them during the nighttime hours. Later instalments introduced more traditional horror elements, where gamers had to work through puzzles while trying to escape pursuing monsters. Anyone wishing to grasp why the fanbase for Five Nights at Freddy’s is so passionate should definitely give these games a try.

5. Class Of ’09

Hilarious Visual Novels With Surprisingly Deep Themes

  • Notable Entries: Class Of ’09, Class Of ’09: The Re-up, Class Of ’09: The Flip Side

Regrettably, The Flip Side didn’t meet expectations after the outstanding quality of the previous two games, but if you’re a fan of distinctive visual novels, Class of ’09 is worth giving a try. It challenges traditional genre norms by allowing players to guide rebellious teenage girls who engage in questionable behavior with men and even perform some unsavory acts along the way.

The writing is laugh-out-loud funny at times, yet it manages to be deeply moving when necessary. Gamers who appreciate lighthearted visual novels that don’t drag on and offer multiple endings will find a lot to enjoy in every game of the Class of ’09 series.

4. The Banner Saga

Strategy RPGs With Tantalizing Storytelling

  • Notable Entries: The Banner Saga, The Banner Saga 2, The Banner Saga 3

Fans who appreciate a distinctive hand-drawn art aesthetic combined with tactical gameplay will find much to appreciate in The Banner Saga. In this game, each battle is punctuated by segments reminiscent of the classic Oregon Trail, where your caravan travels from location to location and encounters new adversaries for combat.

1. “The tale is just as grandiose as it gets, and subsequent installments are definitely worth continuing if gamers find themselves drawn to the original’s key qualities. This three-part indie series is a joy to experience and ranks among the most visually stunning games for players to explore.”

2. “The narrative is as epic as they come, making later chapters compelling for those who appreciated the initial game’s highlights. This indie trilogy is an exciting adventure through and through, boasting some of the best graphics players can find in a game.”

3. “The story is as grand as any epic you could imagine, and subsequent entries are well worth sticking with if gamers appreciate the strengths of the first game. This indie trilogy is an absolute blast to play through, featuring some of the most stunning visuals players can encounter in a game.”

4. “The tale is as grand as they come, making it hard to turn away for those who enjoyed the original’s strong points. This three-part indie series offers a breathtaking journey that stands among the best games for players to explore visually.”

Choose the one you think sounds most natural and easy to read!

3. Amnesia

Full Of Immersive And Horrifying Experiences

  • Notable Entries: Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, Amnesia: Rebirth, Amnesia: The Bunker

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on how The Dark Descent garnered unprecedented popularity, primarily due to its innovative emphasis on first-person immersive horror. This strategy tapped into the zeitgeist of Let’s Plays, drawing in fans like never before. The captivating narrative and chilling horror elements of these games have only grown more appealing over time, much like a fine wine maturing gracefully with age.

Each installment in the Amnesia series is definitely worth giving a try. In particular, The Bunker employs an innovative save system that instills fear as players strive tirelessly to evade the Beast, ultimately aiming to find a Safe Room after an extended period of investigation. This game serves as a compelling demonstration of how the Amnesia series has progressed and remains one of the top-notch horror games for fans to explore.

2. Lisa

A Unique Take On The Post-Apocalypse With A Lot Of Dark Humor

  • Notable Entries: Lisa: The First, Lisa: The Painful, Lisa: The Joyful

In the role of an enthusiastic gamer, I’d share: “I recently delved into ‘Lisa: The Painful,’ a gripping sequel that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic landscape devoid of women, save for a baby girl whom our protagonist, Brad, takes under his wing. Interestingly, this game follows on from a previous title where players controlled Brad’s sister, set in a world inspired by ‘Yume Nikki.’ In this game, the haunting remnants of their father’s atrocities are starkly evident.

In the game “The Joyful“, players will initially guide Brad, but later they can take command of Buddy who pursues objectives. As she does so, she recollects pieces of her past. This captivating trilogy highlights Dingaling’s abilities as a talented indie developer.

1. Divinity

Kickstarted Larian Studios’ Journey

  • Notable Entries: Divinity: Original Sin, Divinity: Original Sin 2

Initially, the early Divinity games relied on publishers. However, with the Divinity: Original Sin duology, Larian Studios opted to self-publish their games instead of being bound by unfavorable contracts. The success of these titles clearly demonstrates why independent publishing was a fitting choice for the Divinity series.

By planting the foundation for Larian to manage the Baldur’s Gate intellectual property, it opened the door for them to create one of the most outstanding role-playing games in recent history. Fans who have enjoyed Baldur’s Gate 3 should definitely explore the Original Sin series. These games are an absolute delight to experience due to their challenging combat and engaging storylines.

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2025-01-18 18:34