I've been an indie game fan since before the Xbox 360, and my passion for the little guys continues to this day. 2023 has been an incredible year for indie games, but the following entries on this list are the best of the best.
Top 10 Indie Games of 2023
Sea of Stars
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation4/PlayStation 5
The long-awaited Sea of Stars is a beautiful pixel art retro RPG inspired by the likes of Chrono Trigger but with modern features. Input-based attacks and a colorful cast of characters are the highlights of its turn-based combat. Discovering the story and exploring the in-game world showcases the care and attention that developer Sabotage Studio took when creating this fantastic RPG. Sea of Stars is truly a rewarding indie game, and I recommend anyone who enjoys RPGs to pick it up, but you can check out our Sea of Stars review for more!
Dredge
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation4/PlayStation 5
A Lovecraftian fishing simulator is not what I expected in 2023, but I am so glad Dredge came when it did. The gameplay loop is simple but enthralling as the desire to push deeper and unlock new secrets becomes overwhelming. Dredge has numerous elements that come together but also stand out on their own. Whether I was dealing with the locals, upgrading my fishing vessel, or simply completing my catch catalog, Dredge had me on the edge of my seat.
Dave the Diver
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
2023's indie lineup returns to the ocean with Dave the Diver, another nautical experience I thoroughly enjoyed. It trades horror and dread for coziness and humor in an adventure for the ages. Dave explores the sea, fishing by day and serving what he catches at his sushi restaurant by night. A charming cast of characters and delightful mini-games support the gameplay loop of this cute 2D and 3D title.
Pizza Tower
Platforms: PC
Pizza Tower plays and looks like a fever dream mix of classic Mario platformers and the chaotic style of Wario titles. Join Peppino Spaghetti and enjoy a supersonic 2D platforming set to an energetic soundtrack that will have you moving along with the running and jumping. Pizza Tower has five different areas with numerous levels to explore, secrets to discover, and bad guys to pummel. All of this is set to a continually rising score so you can constantly challenge your times and reach new heights. Pizza not included.
Cocoon
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation4/PlayStation 5
Cocoon's pedigree comes from the lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside, two of my favorite puzzle games. Intricate and delightful puzzles can be found across many worlds on the player's quest to uncover a mind-bending mystery. New environments and mechanics keep the game fresh without becoming overwhelming. The joy of Cocoon comes from solving unique puzzles and leaping between worlds, and is best experienced going in blind.
Related: How to unlock Photo Mode in Dredge
Planet of Lana
Platforms: PC, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S
Planet of Lana is another excellent puzzle game in 2023. It combines cinematic storytelling with thought-provoking puzzles on a quest spanning galaxies. Full of heart, Planet of Lana had me teary-eyed and determined to see the story through to the end. The puzzles I encountered along the way tested my wits, but the drama and companionship of Planet of Lana kept me coming back again and again. Like Cocoon, Planet of Lana is an experience you must try without prior information.
Lethal Company
Platforms: PC
While the survival horror genre has numerous titles, Lethal Company stands out from the rest in 2023. It features co-op gameplay as a group of contracted workers attempt to collect scrap for the Company and survive their stint on various abandoned moons. You can work together outside your ship or leave a player behind to remotely control traps and locked terminals through the ship's terminal. Danger lurks in the night, but that didn't stop my friends and me from having a blast with this cooperative horror game.
Venba
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
I love to cook, and Venba puts a delightful spin on the activity while adding a charming narrative with branching options. Each playthrough can be different, but the food always remains delicious. You'll discover the life of an Indian mom in 1980s Canada as she cooks delectable South Indian food and experiences love, loss, and more, all while listening to an original soundtrack. Venba is a delightful and charming puzzle experience wrapped up in coziness.
Viewfinder
Platforms: PC
Viewfinder is a unique take on the puzzle genre, experimenting with perspectives and surreal landscapes to make a delightful experience. Reshape the world as you explore with your instant camera, but it's not just for taking in the sights. Use your photographs to alter the world and solve the numerous puzzles you'll encounter. While progressing through the world and puzzles, you'll get to uncover the player-driven narrative as deep as you want.
For more information on gaming, check out White Trevally Guide – Dave the Diver and Does Viewfinder have VR support? – Answered on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Dec 31, 2023 01:00 pm