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2020 Indie Games you have to play
Whether you're an Indie connoisseur or just looking for something to occupy your time with, this is the perfect list to get you started!
2020 was more than just a new year and a chance to re-start all those mislaid resolutions from 2019 -- it marked the start of a new decade of possibilities. If we learnt anything from the 2010s, it’s that technology moves faster than we can prepare ourselves for. The potential for videogame technology to advance and become more accessible means that Indie games especially may see a huge boost in the next few years. Although the big-budget games have already started to flood the market, this year’s Indie output so far has been nothing short of incredible. The sheer range of quirky titles already available as of mid-April is hopefully a good indicator of what is to come; offering emotion, hilarity, and complex combat in spades -- whilst also showcasing some of 2020’s brightest minds and developers.
Here are a few of the games you may have missed from the start of this new decade.
5. Not For Broadcast - PC
Become a newsroom producer in this quirky simulator game
© TinyBuild Games/NotGames
This high-stakes newsroom propaganda sim beautifully captures the vibrancy and chaos of an 80s mixing station, throwing you in at the deep end as an unwitting new recruit during an unusual general election. If you’ve ever thought you could do a better job than the professionals, now is your chance to prove it.
You are tasked with controlling the live studio output of the newsroom -- censoring, directing, and tweaking footage in real-time as your malleable audience looks on. Given the volatility of your erratic guests, the constant stream of governmental gaffes, and your ability to add nuance to straightforward news -- Not For Broadcast is far more complex than it lets on. You will also have your home life to contend with, and the possibility of a burgeoning revolution…
Do your job perfectly, or use your newfound power to start something bigger than yourself, the choice is yours but the impact may reach further than you imagined.
4. Coffee Talk - PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
This wholesome game will do more than just keep you occupied
© Toge Productions
Coffee Talk is the perfect remedy for a cold and lonely night. It’s full of interesting stories, lovable characters, and minigames to warm the heart and soothe the mind.
As the city’s only midnight barista, you act as a point of contact for a wide range of lost souls, their stories shared over the course of many nights. Pour the coffee and hone your mixing skills, dishing out advice and companionship in the meantime. Styled with gorgeous pixel art and a funky soundtrack, Coffee Talk is something a little different from your average visual novel. There is very little in the way of the usual clunky storytelling, instead drawing on the nuances of various characters’ personalities and requiring you to read between the lines. As in real life, there are some complex issues raised, delicately touched on, and sometimes not quite resolved. Although the real-life success of a midnight coffee house can be debated, Coffee Talk is certainly a rewarding place to spend an evening.
If you’re looking to kill a couple of hours in a calm and life-affirming way, Coffee Talk should be first on your list. After you’ve had a nice long chat with your customers you can spend hours crafting perfect blends and decorating your lattes with steamed milk, a truly meditative game for when life refuses to slow down.
3. Deathtrap Dungeon: The Interactive Video Adventure - PC
Don't miss this one if you're a fan of Dungeons & Dragons
© Branching Narrative Ltd
If you’ve always longed after the D&D experience but not had the means, social structure, or finances to give it a proper go -- the folks at Branching Narrative have once again provided a nifty workaround. Ian Livingstone’s Deathtrap Dungeon series is one of the all-time classic gamebooks, with many spin-offs attempting to do it justice -- but this new version steps outside the box to produce something truly captivating. Narrated entirely by Eddie Marsen perched on a grand leather chair, the game creates an unusually cosy feeling as you dictate your choices to him at every turn, allowing him to sculpt a narrative filled with mystery and adventure. In total, Deathtrap Dungeon is armed with five hours of detailed FMV, and more branching paths than you could ever hope for.
2. The Procession to Calvary - PC
The iconic painting has been turned into a video game
© Joe Richardson
Sometimes a game is released that you can’t help but recommend to everyone you know - regardless of their usual taste. The Procession to Calvary is one of those games, with a wit so devastatingly sharp it is sure to charm even the most discerning of cynics.
A clever brutalizing of classical artwork, these collaged scenes of point-and-click madness revel in their Python-esque humour and disarmingly clever use of source material. You can battle through the puzzles, explore your surroundings, or simply slay anyone who gets in your way -- presenting a clever twist on accessibility to the genre. The animations are charming and the dialogue will have you giggling long after the game is over -- not to mention the soundtrack is fully composed of gorgeous classical music so you can feel a bit more cultured than usual whilst playing a crude and ridiculous game.
1. Ori and the Will of the Wisps - Xbox One, PC
This game is full of intricate puzzles and stunning visuals
© Moon Studios
Already hailed as an incredible start to the decade, the continuation of Ori’s saga is an exhilarating masterpiece with an intensely emotional story to back it up. Gorgeous graphics and heartrending soundscapes all come together to further this tale of family, friendship and destiny.
The love and care that has been poured into Ori and the Will of the Wisps makes it a joy to play. Hand-painted backgrounds, vibrant character design, and a specially composed score aside, the pacing and gameplay elements excel themselves. Boss fights have been crafted to perfection, and the greatly improved combat system makes it an accessible venture even for those new to the series. The few flaws that the original game had have been dutifully corrected and developed into new ways to depict the complex lore of Ori’s Metroidvania-style universe.
Given that we are only four months in, the year still has a lot of potential, so keep your eyes peeled for more amazing indie games!
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