it’s been a minute since i indulged in a good indie game as i have been in my dark souls bag as of late but these were the games i would recommend that i love!
MUTAZIONE - DIE GUTE FABRIK (2019)
a gorgeous game which follows a girl named Kai on her journey to meet her dying grandfather. set on an island near rio which was struck by an asteroid causing the island to be inhabited by mutants. help their island thrive by working with the surrounding nature and meet everyone! the most beautiful soundtrack of any game i’ve ever played, gorgeous visuals too. if you are looking for a low stakes low maintenance game to chill with then this is the one. there is also a free play mode where you can just make lovely gardens!
AFTERPARTY - NIGHT SCHOOL STUDIO (2019)
the lesser known cooler younger sister of OXENFREE (which i would also recommend). afterparty follows two recently deceased best friends navigate their way through (and hopefully out) of hell. after some digging they find a loophole to give themselves another chance at life; to out drink the devil. very personalised player experience with multiple different endings, and even your own personal demon criticising you for every decision you make. very good game, can be multiplayer, mostly point and click with a few minigames, more of a work out for the brain!
ABZU - GIANT SQUID (2017)
this game is a spiritual experience. you, as the player are given a vessel to explore the beauties are ocean has to offer. you’re job is to restore the various species to their rightful habitats. the game is so gorgeous, the soundtrack is amazing and you might learn something about your local marine life!
NIGHT IN THE WOODS - SECRET LAB (2017)
night in the woods is based in Mai Borowski, a recent college drop out’s, hometown. she seeks to find meaning and stability in her old life which is irreparably different than before. with mystery and emotional depth, many find this game to be the perfect thing to play when you’re feeling lost in life!
SPIRITFARER - THUNDER LOTUS GAMES (2020)
in spiritfarer you play as stella, a girl with big shoes to fill. stella’s new job is to be the ferrymaster and escort the across the everdoor and to the afterlife. stella reunites with loved ones and departs from them too, in the mean time accommodating to the spirits whims. gorgeous game that deals with themes of grief but has a lot to do in it!
CHEF RPG - PIXEL ARCHITECT (2024)
chef rpg made by noah, otherwise known as pixel architect, is an upcoming “stardew valley” game centering a young chef who flees their life in the big city to white ash harbour to revive a once famous restaurant. the coolest thing about this game is that you can watch the developer make it! on noah’s youtube channel you can watch him create this game piece by piece. im really looking forward to it coming out!
COFFEE TALK - TOGE PRODUCTIONS (2020)
this game has a special place in my heart. in coffee talk you play as a barista in a coffee shop that’s only open at night. you spend your time making drinks for regulars and listening to their story develop night after night. the drinks you make have a big impact on the game. there’s a second game now which i haven’t played yet but this is a super relaxing games which packs a good punch in the emotional department!
STRAY - BLUETWELVE STUDIOS (2022)
i’m sure you’ve seen this game before. you, a little cat, navigate the ghost of an underground metropolis. the empty and failing city seems a little less lonely when you meet B-12 the friendly drone that assists you in navigating the unknown territory!
NOT INDIE: BEYOND TWO SOULS - QUANTIC DREAM (2013)
every single time someone says they like life is strange i tell them they have to play this! Jodie is a girl who has had a gift her whole life, what she does with that gift is up to you. with multiple different endings, it can be pretty high stakes. you should def play!!!
so sorry this was so long, i hope you enjoy some of these as much i have! xoxo