Indie games are a great way to experience fresh and innovative gameplay, storytelling, and art styles that often challenge the conventions of mainstream gaming. Whether you’re looking for action, adventure, horror, or something else, there’s an indie game for you in 2023. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 indie games of 2023 that you should keep an eye on, and why they deserve your attention.
1. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong is arguably the most anticipated indie game of 2023, and for good reason. It’s the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, a Metroidvania-style game that combines exploration, combat, and platforming in a dark and beautiful world. In Silksong, you play as Hornet, a nimble and agile heroine who embarks on a new adventure in a vast and mysterious kingdom. You’ll face new enemies, bosses, allies, and secrets as you explore diverse landscapes and uncover the mysteries of Silksong. The game promises to deliver more of the same thrilling gameplay and atmospheric storytelling that made the original a masterpiece, with improved graphics, music, and mechanics. Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to launch in Q1/Q2 2023 for PC and Nintendo Switch.
2. Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a retro-inspired JRPG that pays homage to classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. It’s an indirect sequel to The Messenger, a ninja-themed action platformer that also drew inspiration from the 16-bit era. Sea of Stars follows two children of the Solstice who can manipulate the power of the sun and the moon to fight against an evil alchemist who wants to destroy the world. The game features gorgeous pixel art, dynamic turn-based combat with rhythm-based inputs and elemental interactions, a rich and colorful world to explore, and a charming story with memorable characters. Sea of Stars is aiming for a mid-2023 release for PC and consoles.
3. Hades 2
Hades 2 is the sequel to Hades, one of the best indie games of 2020. Hades is a roguelike action RPG that puts you in the role of Zagreus, the son of the Greek god of the underworld who tries to escape his father’s domain with the help of other gods and mythical beings. Hades combines fast-paced and satisfying combat with a compelling story that unfolds through dialogue and events that change every run. Hades 2 makes Zagreus’ sister Melinoë the protagonist and introduces new characters, weapons, abilities, enemies, and environments. The game will also feature cross-save functionality between PC and consoles, as well as online co-op mode. Hades 2 will be released in its Early Access state via Steam on PC sometime in 2023.
4. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a spiritual successor to the Suikoden series, a beloved JRPG franchise that has been dormant for over a decade. Eiyuden Chronicle is developed by Rabbit and Bear Studios, a team composed of former Suikoden developers and veterans of the genre. The game follows a group of heroes who rise up against a corrupt empire in a war-torn continent. The game features over 100 recruitable characters, each with their own story and skills, a six-character turn-based battle system with dynamic camera angles and formations, a base-building system where you can upgrade your facilities and interact with your allies, and a stunning 2.5D graphics style that blends pixel art with 3D backgrounds. Eiyuden Chronicle is expected to launch in late 2023 for PC and consoles.
5. Dordogne
Dordogne is a narrative adventure game set in rural France, where you play as Mimi, a young woman who revisits her childhood memories of spending summers with her grandmother in the region of Dordogne. The game is divided into two parts: one where you explore the present-day locations as Mimi, and one where you relive the past events as her younger self. The game features hand-painted watercolor graphics that create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, as well as puzzles, mini-games, collectibles, and branching choices that affect the outcome of the story. Dordogne is slated to release in Q1/Q2 2023 for PC and Nintendo Switch.
6. Planet of Lana
Planet of Lana is a cinematic puzzle platformer that tells the story of Lana, a young girl who lives on a peaceful planet with her animal companion Mui. Their life is disrupted when an intergalactic war reaches their world, and they have to embark on a journey to save their home from destruction. The game features stunning hand-painted visuals that create a contrast between the natural beauty of the planet and the mechanical menace of the invaders, as well as a rich and emotional soundtrack that accompanies the gameplay. The game also promises to deliver a heartfelt and touching story that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. Planet of Lana is scheduled to release in spring 2023 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
7. Lies of P
Lies of P is a dark and twisted action RPG inspired by the classic novel Pinocchio. You play as a puppet who wakes up in a plague-ridden city, where he meets a mysterious man who offers him a chance to become human. To do so, you have to lie your way through the city, manipulating people and events to your advantage. However, every lie you tell has consequences, both for yourself and for others. The game features a deep and complex combat system that allows you to customize your weapons, skills, and appearance, as well as a branching story that changes based on your choices and actions. Lies of P is expected to release in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
8. The Last Case of Benedict Fox
The Last Case of Benedict Fox is a detective adventure game set in 1930s London, where you play as Benedict Fox, a retired private investigator who is forced to take on one last case that involves his old nemesis. The game combines point-and-click gameplay with dialogue options, puzzles, clues, and evidence that you have to collect and analyze to solve the mystery. The game also features a noir-style aesthetic that creates a moody and immersive atmosphere, as well as a witty and humorous script that adds some levity to the dark and gritty story. The Last Case of Benedict Fox is planned to release in Q3/Q4 2023 for PC.
9. Open Roads
Open Roads is a road trip adventure game from Fullbright, the studio behind Gone Home and Tacoma. You play as Tess Devine, a teenage girl who goes on a journey with her mother Opal to explore the secrets of their family history. Along the way, you’ll discover old documents, photos, tapes, and other clues that reveal more about your ancestors and their lives. The game features a unique art style that combines 3D models with hand-drawn textures, as well as a dynamic dialogue system that allows you to shape your relationship with your mother and influence the story. Open Roads is set to release in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
10. The Plucky Squire
The Plucky Squire is a medieval action RPG that puts you in the role of a squire who dreams of becoming a knight. You’ll have to train your skills, complete quests, make friends and enemies, and prove your worth in the kingdom. The game features an open world that you can explore on foot or on horseback, a combat system that requires timing and strategy, a reputation system that affects how people react to you, and a branching story that changes based on your decisions. The game also boasts a charming pixel art style that creates a colorful and lively world. The Plucky Squire is aiming for a 2023 release for PC.
These are just some of the indie games that we’re looking forward to in 2023. There are many more out there that deserve your attention and support. Indie games are often made by passionate developers who pour their heart and soul into their projects, creating unique and memorable experiences that can rival or surpass those of bigger studios. So don’t miss out on these gems, and keep an eye on our blog for more updates and reviews on indie games in the future.
