For every single AAA video game release, there are hundreds – even thousands – of independent games. These indie games tend to range in quality – from jokes and clones of other successful titles to truly remarkable experiences that stand-out far more than the next installment of big-name, household franchises that have long since lost their spark. Here is another batch – five, to be exact – of those indie games that, in some way or another, did something truly special.
“Eastward,” Shanghai-based development studio Pixpil’s debut game, is an action-adventure role-playing game set in a futuristic world wrought with a devastating plague known as the “miasma.” The player alternates between two characters, a miner named John living in an underground community and a young, white-haired girl named Sam he uncovered in his work. After a banishment to the surface, they begin their journey “eastward” in the new and exciting land up above. Along the way, the pair meets some friendly and not-so-friendly faces.
One of the most charming features of “Eastward” is its delightful and beautiful pixelated art style. It shines with a seemingly simple art direction that still shows off so much detail – from the thriving cities to overgrown forests. The game manages to stand on its own two feet as a unique experience while simultaneously paying homage to many iconic role-playing games such as “Dragon Quest,” “EarthBound” and “The Legend of Zelda.”
The third game from French development studio, DigixArt, “Road 96” is a procedurally generated, story-based game about escaping the fictional dictatorship of Petria, a country on the cusp of an upcoming election that just might drive it over the edge. Although the player’s never-ending teenage hitchhikers remain unnamed and are never revisited after reaching – or failing to reach – the border, it is the handful of key characters that the player continuously meets along the way that are important.
On the ever-changing road, the player randomly crosses paths with characters on their own journeys, whose stories are revealed in pieces during those short encounters. From a young hacker trying to discover the truth behind his parents’ deaths to the teenage runaway who is the daughter of a key member of Petria’s government, the cast of “Road 96” and their individual stories are the true heart of this game, rather than the larger, political tensions that make up the setting’s backdrop.
The patience of “Hollow Knight” fans truly knows no bounds. “Hollow Knight”, Team Cherry’s Metroidvania masterpiece, received heralds of praise by critics and audiences alike.
The original “Hollow Knight” follows a nameless, bug-like protagonist, equipped with a Nail to battle the other insect foes wandering the underground kingdom of Hallownest. Through the player’s own free exploration, the past of Hallownest – and its subsequent ruin – is revealed.
Nearly two years after the first game’s release, Team Cherry announced the sequel, “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” of which the anticipation for has only continued to grow. In the Australian-based studio’s initial announcement back in 2019, the developers shared their plans, excitement and hard work – along with a reminder that they are a team of only three people.
Even in the face of several delays and whilst spamming “Silksong!” in the live comment section of every Nintendo Direct, fans of one of the most anticipated indie games ever have remained steadfast and loyal.
A turbulent development lasting over six and a half years with several delayed release dates eventually led to the launch of L.A. based art studio Omocat’s “Omori” on Christmas Day in 2020.
Created using RPG Maker engine, “Omori” simultaneously feels like a classic, turn-based role-playing game and something completely fresh – and that makes it feel all the more special and personal. A unique blend of hand-drawn style (that coincides with the game’s webcomic origins) and pixel art compliment the game’s chiptune-like soundtrack.
While many audience reviewers offer advice to those interested in playing “Omori” to “not look anything up about it,” for the ones who need that final nudge, here is a brief synopsis.
“Omori” follows the two alter-egos of a young hikikomori boy – the real world Sunny and dream world Omori – and his group of friends as they explore a bizarre world that is equally as sweet and colorful as it is dark and terrifying.
It is reassuring that a video game experience is undoubtedly a memorable one if critics and general players simply proclaim to “just play it.”
“Firewatch” is the debut title from Campo Santo, a small team composed of several veterans of the now-defunct Telltale Games. After Campo Santo’s acquisition by Valve, the studio moved its home base from San Francisco to Bellevue, Washington, which effectively placed any work-in-progress projects on hold.
Although the future of Campo Santo and their future games seems to be unknown, their highly successful adventure game “Firewatch” is still here.
“Firewatch” is an exploration, walking simulator-type game heavily rooted in story and mystery. The player follows the main character, Henry, who accepts a fire lookout job deep in the Wyoming wilderness. With only one person to speak to on the other side of a walkie-talkie, Henry begins to find strange things happening around the lookout tower while wildfires begin to loom ever closer.
Although a relatively short experience easily completed in a single sitting, “Firewatch” packs a serious punch and carries a hefty amount of heart when it comes to its story, environment and characters.
All of the games listed here are either the debut or break-out games for each of these indie studios, and each one proved successful in their own rights.
They all brought something special to the screen in their respective genres, whether it be a unique artistic direction, gut wrenching narrative, memorable voice acting or an imaginative setting. And, as they were either the first or stand-out game for each studio, that proves to be a sign for good things to come from each of these small teams who already nailed down a hit for players everywhere.
Featured Image Courtesy of firewatchgame.com
Stay Connected!
You can find more pieces like ”Another Batch of Five Indie Titles To Try” and you can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Emma!
“From Our Haus to Yours”
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
