2022 Indie Games
If you are one of the many people who, affected by the current global situation, and are working from home, then you probably play games to pass the time. But, are you playing the games you should be? Gamers will like the following article. Especially if you’re looking for insight in indie games that you should consider playing on a PC.
But before we dive right into the list of games you can play in 2022, we need to cover a few things related to indie games, starting with the reasons you should be playing them.
A quick note: Some of these are ideal for streaming. You can show off your gaming skills to your fans and friends online. Something to consider…
Top Reasons To Play Indie Games
Here are what we believe are the top three reasons to consider playing indie games, especially if you are not an avid gamer and/or if you have limited gaming skills.
They Don’t Require Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
If you are not a fan of expensive next-gen consoles like PS5 or the latest Xbox and don’t own such a console, you are better off playing indie games. The indie games don’t require high-performance machines, which can set you back a couple of thousand or more.
The novice gamer is often quick to change consoles and that gets costly. These indie games don’t require that and that equates to money in your pocket.
Also, if you didn’t know, the indie game options today are incredibly impressive, and there is something for everybody. Whether you’re into action-adventure, role-playing games, open-world exploration, and even point-and-click games, there is something for you. So, yes, something for everybody, without the need to constantly upgrade your hardware to play.
They Cost Way Less Than High-Profile Publications
Indie games are developed by smaller-scale studios and often fill the void while a significant AAA studio releases the next big-budget game or upgrade. That allows indie game creators to create creative games and charge their customers way less.
I should also point out that these don’t have the boundaries that high-profile companies require, and the creators are free to take an innovative approach and provide unique gameplay and unforgettable characters. But because the indie games cost less to develop than high-profile publications, they also cost way less to purchase and play.
There Are Very Few Franchises Or Sequels
The nature of indie games is not fixed, and it is often why there are no franchises or sequels. What this means for the player is that once you finish the game, you are done, and you’ll not have to wait a couple of months or years for the next sequel. Avoid that anxiety of playing the waiting game and just move on to another game!
The goal is to relax players with simple, short, and entertaining gameplay. Also, made by an independent developer or a small company, these are shorter, have less complicated gameplay, and as a result, are less expensive.
A win-win for all, as all the indie games covered here are creative, innovative and provide engaging fun for all. Now, time for the good stuff. Here’s a rundown of the titles that are the top picks from some research and play. Try at least some of these, as they all have something different to offer. If we left anything list-worthy out, then please contact us and we’ll consider adding it to the list!
Top Indie Video Games Anyone Can Play (And Stream)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits comes from the developer Ember Lab, a new name in game development. The game can be played on a PS4, PS5, and PC and is very well designed. The player controls the main character Kena, a spirit guide, and helps lost spirits find their way.
The gameplay features storytelling, combat, and puzzle-solving. Kena: Bridge of Spirits has been one of the best indie game releases in 2021 and is still very popular in 2022. It has gotten impressive reviews and has been nominated for several Game Awards. Definitely worth checking out, hence why it’s the first mentioned on our list.
Unpacking
You know a game is popular when memes start popping up about it. Unpacking is surprisingly addictive, as it takes a boring and mundane task as a premise and makes it interesting. The game is available for Xbox, PC, Mac, Linux, and Nintendo Switch and is surprisingly entertaining. The game has a subtle story, and the gameplay progresses as the player unpacks rooms from the girl’s childhood, university, failed relationships, and more.
This involves puzzle and problem solving, and the ultimate goal is to unpack all the boxes and put the items in the correct places, bringing the room together until there are only empty boxes left. It’s one of those simple yet entertaining games with a strong therapeutic effect.
The Artful Escape
The Artful Escape comes from developer Beethoven & Dinosaur and can be played on Xbox and PC. It’s a space opera-style game and has a unique drawing effect. The gameplay follows teenage guitar enthusiast Francis Vendetti on his intergalactic journey to find himself, leaving his folk music roots behind, and escape his famous uncle’s shadow.
This is full of light gameplay where the main character’s guitar is used against cosmic forces. The Artful Escape is appealing to everyone, especially music lovers. It features the voices of famous actors like Mark Strong, Lena Heady, Jason Schwartzman, Carl Weathers, Michael Johnston, Caroline Kinley, and others.
Death’s Door
Death’s Door can be played on Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, and it has received the Golden Joystick Award as the best indie game of 2021. It comes from two-man developer studio Acid Nerve and draws its inspiration from the legendary classic Legend of Zelda.
The player assumes the position of the main character, a reaper crow with a sword, and bow and arrows, whose task is to collect the souls from the dead. The enemies don’t want to give them up, and the game features combat but also bureaucracy, puzzle-solving, and more.
Inscryption
Created by Daniel Mullins and available for PC, Inscryption is a card game like no other. The gameplay features a roguelike deck builder, taking the player to unexpected places with an emphasis on horror. The player plays cards against a demonic force known as the Game Master.
Unlike other card games, this one allows players to leave their cards at the table, stand up, walk around the room, and encounter a long list of never-ending twists and meeting self-aware creatures. Plus, the game features an addictive soundtrack.
Sable
Available for Xbox and PC, Sable comes from developer Shedworks and the publisher Raw Fury. The game combines elements from European comics, Japanese anime, and even sci-fi movie influences. The main character Sable is on a rite of passage, and through his adventures, the player explores the world’s deserts and ruins.
There are many hoverbike riding, climbing walls, walking across the sand, puzzle-solving, nomad encounters, and revealing secrets. There is no combat gameplay, but the exploration elements are powerful, and the unique puzzles make it worth your while.
Genesis Noir
Genesis Noir can be played on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac and is a point-and-click game with appealing gameplay. The player controls the entity No-Man going through a film noir adventure. The game explores the darker side of existence, with each character personifying various aspects of the Universe.
The game portrays the birth of the Universe and focuses on the inability of one person to save everyone/everything. The gameplay also features odd puzzles and is very addictive and entirely original.
Omno
Omno is available for Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC and is the product of a single developer Jonas Manke. The game was created due to a Kickstarter campaign and features third-person adventure, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
Omno allows players to discover stories and history of ancient beings and civilizations, continuing their pilgrimage towards the Light. The game shows a beautiful and serene world and has a deep, emotional story that draws the players.
To Wrap Up: These Truly Are The Best Indie Games Today…
While we could add many more titles to our list, the games listed here are truly superb and have captivating premises. The best thing is that each of these titles are quite affordable and offer a chance to escape reality and immerse yourself in creative gameplay. Also, each of these is available for PC or Xbox One; plus, you can stream them on your favorite OBS platform.
