When AAA games get bored with their monotony and lack of new ideas (not for everyone, but for many), it makes sense to pay attention to AA-titles or the indie segment. I collected a selection of the first in another article, now it’s time for projects from independent developers. Fortunately, in 2021, a lot of such games were released, and I was able to score a dozen especially interesting ones.
Twelve Minutes
Games with gameplay tied to time loops were released in 2021 not only in the AAA segment. Twelve Minutes is point-and-click, which means that the main mechanic is to click on objects of the environment to develop the plot. The latter here motivates to go through the game, because it is revealed with each new time loop played in a different order of actions. The finale is filled with unexpected twists and requires careful study of all the intricacies of the plot. Although the game is an indie game, which often implies small development budgets, actors Willem Dafoe, James McAvoy and Daisy Ridley took part in its creation. They were engaged in the voice acting of key characters, so it is pleasant to listen to them.
🎮 Twelve Minutes on Steam (480 rubles)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
At first glance, you can’t say that Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an indie project. An independent studio is behind the high-quality animations, beautiful visual design and captivating action. It’s a short yet addictive adventure with a colorful world and hardcore opponents – there are even multi-wave bosses. They did not forget about the plot – it correctly explains the motives of the main character.
🎮 Kena: Bridge of Spirits in the Epic Games Store (2,136 rubles)
The Ascent
Stylish isometric action RPG set in neon cyberpunk setting, places the player in the brutal world of the future and forces him to survive by accepting the role of a mercenary of a corporation. The gameplay is similar to other top-down shooters – fight opponents and improve weapons and skills. In pursuit, you can complete various quests, which will only speed up the development of the character. The cyberpunk genre made it possible to put on augmentations and change the appearance.
🎮 The Ascent on Steam (1004 rubles)
Lake
Cozy indie game in which you will visit a quiet town of the 80s. The main character goes there for two weeks to take a break from the big city. Players will be able to enjoy scenic views, deliver mail and communicate with residents. Lake is a tube project with soulful stories, calm gameplay and colorful location. Surely it will appeal to those who are tired of constant action and want to relax.
🎮 Lake on Steam (348 rubles) and Epic Games Store (610 rubles)
Myst
A remake of the original 1993 Myst, an unusual first-person quest. The new version of the game provides classic content in a modern shell – instead of static images, a full-fledged three-dimensional world, and even with ray tracing. Myst repeats the concept of the original – the player needs to navigate a mysterious island and solve puzzles.
🎮 Myst on Steam (463 rubles) and Epic Games Store (649 rubles)
UnMetal
2D stealth action is nothing more than a quality parody of Metal Gear and partly old action films, and the plot and circumstances are full of satire. The main character of the game is accused of a crime that he did not commit, so gamers will have to sneak through all the enemies at the military base in order to escape. Of course, this will require the use of classic stealth game mechanics. For the destruction of enemies, points are issued that increase the level of the character – this allows you to pump skills.
🎮 UnMetal on Steam (494 rubles) and Epic Games Store (486 rubles)
Sable
Sable is conceived more meditative than with an emphasis on complex gameplay. The game opens up a wide desert filled with simple quests and allows you to explore a huge world alone. The goal of the game is even more achieved through an atmospheric soundtrack and a special visual style reminiscent of a drawing. Sable is one of those games that are valued for a relaxing experience, rather than constant battles and difficult challenges.
🎮 Sable on Steam (371 rubles) and Epic Games Store (367 rubles)
Road 96
An adventure full of both gameplay and dialogues with colorful characters. The story of the heroes’ attempt to leave the country is tightly woven with unusual art design and soundtrack. The peculiarity of Road 96 is non-linearity – each time you play as different characters with different paths of passage. At the same time, those whom you meet on the road remain in their places and it is their stories that matter.
🎮 Road 96 on Steam (476 rubles) and Epic Games Store (476 rubles)
Death’s Door
Isometric Death’s Door throws into a huge world with a beautiful design and deeply designed locations, where the player will have to fight various opponents, solve puzzles and pass tests. This is all backed up by a slightly dark plot, which explains the motives of the heroes. “Combat” is simple, but it is fun to fight with enemies, a system of character upgrades is attached to it.
🎮 Death’s Door on Steam (411 rubles) and Epic Games Store (411 rubles)
Impostor Factory
Like another fairly well-known game from the developers called To The Moon, Impostor Factory is tied to a rich storytelling. The project is full of emotional dialogue and carries the spirit of old RPGs. A strong story is presented with high-quality humor, without slipping into a comedy and leaving a touching core in itself. Don’t be confused by simple pixel art, as in many indie games, for the value of Impostor Factory is in the content, not the form.
🎮 Impostor Factory on Steam (207 rubles)
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