So, if you’re looking for your next indie obsession, here are a couple of indie hidden gems that you may have missed out on last year that you should check out:
Echo Generation
This turn-based role-playing game is as mysterious as it is quirky and weird, and it feels like Stranger Things meets Earthbound. Having said that, the game’s distinctive voxel-based graphics will really draw you into its world of suburban mystery. In the beginning, Echo Generation was only available on Xbox consoles and the PC app; however, a Steam version will be released shortly after.
Operation: Tango
In this asymmetrical two-player experience, one player takes on the role of a spy, while the other takes on the role of the “man in the chair” and provides information to the spy. For both players, Operation: Tango is a fantastic time to be alive, and it is only second to ‘It Takes Two’ when it comes to fantastic cooperative experiences in 2021.
Tunche
Clearly, there are many roguelikes released in 2021, but only a small number of them will eschew the dungeon crawling aspect of the genre in favor of something entirely new. When it comes to roguelites, Tunche is one of the best. It plays like a beat ’em up, with robust movesets, four-player cooperative play, and even a cameo appearance by the Hat Kid from the A Hat in Time.
Blackwind
Blackwind was technically released in January 2022, but it was released a year later than the original 2021 release date due to a scheduling conflict. We’re still counting it as a 2021 experience, despite the circumstances. Blackwind is a worthwhile mecha dungeon crawler that offers a refreshing change of pace by allowing you to play as a fast-paced robot rather than a lumbering giant.
Unsighted
It’s possible that this cyberpunk action-RPG is the most underappreciated video game of 2021. It’s full of meaningful consequences and has a fast-paced gameplay. Unsighted is a lot of fun for fans of Megaman Battle Network and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, so if you decide to pick it up, be prepared for a truly immersive experience. Unsighted is available now on Steam.
Death’s Door
This game’s world and atmosphere are best described by words such as dark and moody, mysterious and enigmatic. These are just some of the words that come to mind when describing Death’s Door’s world and atmosphere. The gameplay, on the other hand, is much more straightforward, but it still offers a great deal of depth for those looking for a fun hack and slash adventure. Death’s Door is a game that is both similar to Zelda and similar to Souls. It has a lot going for it.
Filmechanism
Taking ‘snapshots’ in this Game Boy-style puzzle platformer allows players to rewind time in a level, which is as challenging and mind-bending as it sounds, and it is a lot of fun. Despite the fact that Filmechanism is difficult and has a steep learning curve, it does offer a variety of difficulties across its many levels, as well as a rocking chiptune soundtrack to accompany it.
ULTRA AGE
This futuristic soulslike adds a touch of anime flair to the entire endeavor while still providing a reasonable challenge for those who are looking for one. Ultra Age is a hack-and-slash game that places a strong emphasis on swordplay and resource gathering, among other things. The former is supplemented by the various blades that the player can choose from, and the latter is supplemented by the number of robot parts that the player will be able to collect.
Despot’s Game: Dystopian Army Builder
You may have seen advertisements for this game on the internet, and usually games like this aren’t worth your time, but thankfully Despot’s Game: Dystopian Army Builder is a fantastic time for everyone. This roguelite is a cross between Pikmin and The Binding of Isaac, and it puts you in command of a large armada of fighters with a variety of bizarre character classes at your disposal.
Dandy Ace
Like Hades, but with magicians as the main characters, Dandy Ace is a complete and utter royal flush if you are a fan of roguelike dungeon crawlers of any kind. In contrast to Hades, which placed a greater emphasis on the story, Dandy Ace takes a page from Dead Cells by offering countless options for players to customize their characters on the fly as they explore.
