EinarWhat indie games do you consider to be must-play?
Subnautica. One of the best experiences I've had in gaming.
Outer Wilds. One of the most creative and thought-provoking games I've played. Definitely go into this one knowing as little as possible about it.
Hollow Knight also deserves a spot here, but personally I preferred Salt and Sanctuary.
Perfect list!
Landrin201Outer wilds is ridiculously good, it's such a crazy unique experience. But you have to go in without spoilers, it's not nearly as fun if you know where things are.
Subnautica
Tunic
The Legend of Grimrock 1 and 2 (I've convinced 0 people to try these)
Don't care too much about Grimrock 1... But the sequel? Fantastic. (Though I don't particularly care for the hunger mechanics)
I loved LoG, the 1st one even more than the 2nd.
vis4valentineGone Home.
Celeste.
Most of Pokemon fan games (my boyfriend loves fangames)
BriongloidHades is a must play.
FTL, Into the Breach, Celeste, Hollow Knight, Banished
pineappleThere are a lot I'd recommend, but I think the only must-play for me is Cave Story.
When I was growing up, Cave Story was like the paragon of games as art, and was a major inspiration behind me making games as a hobby and getting into software development professionally. Cave Story was made by a single talented auteur, not for profit, and released for free. And it was as good as Metroid and Mario, or maybe even better. It proved to everyone that such a thing was even possible.
I think the only indie game that could possibly compete with Cave Story for the title of "most influential" would be Minecraft. Though Minecraft should probably be disqualified from that title for having sold out to Microsoft as soon as it started to get big...
The original Cave Story is truly a piece of art. I could not believe back then how good this game is that was created by a single person. He did everything. In an Interview Pixel(?) said that he learned composing music while creating the game. He had no knowledge in that field and just tried and stocked to what sounded nice to him. He created one of the most memorable soundtracks I ever heard! What an unbelievable talented and creative person. So inspiring!
RQGA ton of great suggestions here already. Let me add some more.
Dead Cells: amazing 2D action rogue lite with metroid Vania elements. A game that keeps getting updates faster than I can play them. And they are good.
Battle Brothers: hex based tactics and management game where you play a band of mercenaries in a fantasy world. It's insanely deep and we'll made.
Disco Elysium blew me away with the writing, absolutely a must-play.
CorrodedCraniumGris. Gorgeous visuals and stress-free gameplay
Not incredibly long either
Celeste took much of my time, even though I'm usually not a big fan of this genre.
Stray was pretty interesting for me as a fan of cyberpunk culture.
Plague Tale was a breath of fresh air
Oh disco elysium for sure. Fantastic crpg.
I saw it here on this thread now a couple of times. Seems worth a look. What makes it so special?
Not posted here yet: Hades. Though, all of Supergiant's games are worth playing.
Not posted here yet: Hades. Though, all of Supergiant’s games are worth playing.
IntangibleSlothMy partner and I loved playing Plate Up! We've also played Overcooked 1 & 2, but spent more time playing Plate Up!.
datendefektThe games that stuck with me are (in no special order) Paradise Killer, Sable, Disco Elysium, Gris and of course What remains of Edith Finch.
I usually only play the large bombast blockbuster titles, but Actual Sunshine did leave me speechless.
We will need a topic for the AAAs as well. 🙂
Do you mean Actual Sunlight?
Yes. My bad on the name. It’s been a couple of years.
LiliumThere is this little hidden gem called The Witcher 3.
Ok, real answer: To the Moon and Doki Doki Literature Club are two indies that really left a mark on me, specifically the former. Both games are fantastic.
FantasticFoxThe Return of the Obra Dinn.
starroxChained Echoes. Hollow Knight. Gloomwood. Project Zomboid.
Valheim - especially if you fork out for a dedicated server. I was playing with family and friends across the Atlanic, so we'd log on the next day and find new bases and bridges built, etc.
I just wish you could modify and expand the boats!
Airships: Conquer the Skies - a great little 2D airship builder and combat game
Songs of Syx - a fun city builder even if combat is largely unfinished still
Risk of Rain!
First, second, or both?
First. Second is nice, but it's 3D, makes it a little harder.
Also they are releasing a new revamped version of the first.
Celeste is one my favorite games of all time!
Superhot, Katana Zero, Hotline Miami, Celeste
Factorio has been my crack-torio for many years. Satisfactory may have better graphics, but I prefer the simplicity and depth of Factorio.