Show the mega-corps who’s boss!
Show the mega-corps who’s boss!
Sometimes, we have to recognize that big, Triple-A studios don’t usually have the best of intentions. Look at Assassin’s Creed: Ubisoft had been fine-tuning that series’ movement and combat mechanics for years, fostering a community that wasn’t massive, but loved their games. Then, starting with Assassin’s Creed Origins, Ubisoft rolled out predatory microtransactions, and it began a pattern in releasing games that are purposefully tedious and unfun, all to make the player give extra money to skip the boring stuff. The series has been looking up recently, but there’s still an overwhelming presence of these microtransactions, and the series has lost a lot of the soul it had pre-2017.
Steam has made it easier than ever for gamers and developers alike to break from the endless stream of unfinished games from major studios and yearly re-ups of the same game. Indie studios and developers are here to shake this landscape up. This is a list of games made with passion and heart. These are games we can really call labors of love, carefully crafted to create the most enjoyable gaming experience.
Very Positive (90%) | Singleplayer | $19.99
Firewatch may not be the newest game on the block, but it cemented itself as one of the richest stories on steam. In Firewatch, you play as an aimless man going through an emotionally tumultuous moment in his life. For the last couple of years, Henry’s wife has been slowly drifting into early onset dementia, and, rather than embrace his pain and be there himself, he’s entrusted his wife’s extended family to care for her. Henry has decided to leave his life behind and spend a few months in a firewatch tower, looking over a stunning Wyoming forest.
If you like experiencing emotions, Firewatch will certainly help you do that. The dialogue between Henry and the other watchtower worker, Delilah, is funny, unsettling, and devastating all at the same time. Uncover a deep mystery and keep watch for fires in this groundbreaking story driven indie game, rightfully earning its spot as one of the best indie games on Steam.
Get Firewatch here
Overwhelmingly Positive (97%) | Singleplayer | $14.99
Have you ever wanted to feel your brain actively turning inside out as you try to solve a puzzle? Well, even if you haven’t, Gorogoa could still be the game for you. Gorogoa is a unique puzzle point and click puzzle game with a grid system. Each square on the grid is a different area in terms of scale, function, and location, but they all interact with each other to make one solid puzzle. This twisted jigsaw puzzle is perfectly emblematic of the game’s publisher, Annapurna Interactive, which is a studio of nothing but hits like:
Gorogoa is a gorgeous game about keeping an eye out for hidden connecting details and balancing memory with perception. Basically, it’s short, sweet, and difficult, while still being fun enough to be worth every penny.
Get Gorogoa here
Overwhelmingly Positive (97%) | Multiplayer | $39.99
There is no end to what could be said about Satisfactory. In its five years of early access Satisfactory was already a good enough game to warrant a massive following. Now that it’s fully released, Satisfactory fans can really dig into the story of the game.
In Satisfactory, you play as the pioneer, an employee for noted definitely-not-evil-space-traveling corporation FICSIT, exploring a planet filled with new wildlife, flora, and untapped resources. Satisfactory shines in its factory building system, which gives you a 3D open world to explore and build in. Few games offer more creativity, and Satisfactory does it with a custom, expansive map. There’s truly never a dull moment of exploration in the world of Satisfactory. Conquer this new planet and help FICSIT accomplish its massive goals… whatever they are.
Get Satisfactory here
Overwhelmingly Positive (98%) | Multiplayer | $14.99
How could a list of indie games be complete without this modern classic? Stardew Valley is the definition of labor of love. The game released in 2016 and quickly grew an intense, passionate following. This is the cosiest of cozy games, and it’s perfect for cozying up anytime, anywhere.
In Stardew Valley, you play as a farmer who has just inherited a plot of farmland just outside the cute village of Pelican Town. While Stardew Valley is technically a “farming simulator,” there’s so much more to do! Every person living in Pelican Town has a unique and in-depth character arc and story to discover. Plenty of them are candidates for marriage, too. Work on fixing up the local community center, aided by the magic Junimos, tiny spirits of nature that live in the valley. Take part in possibly the greatest fishing minigame ever created. There are thousands (and I mean thousands) of hours of content to experience in this incredible game, so go experience it!
Get Stardew Valley here
The number of indie games on Steam is far too high to count. They span a wide range of genres, prices, and qualities, but these four are some of the more impressive of the medium. Make sure to check all of them out. They’re worth a shot!
