This list is a compilation of the five best indie titles that we, here at TGF, are playing this week. A lot of us at TGF love indie games just as much as we love big budget titles. Indie games often have interesting game mechanics, or stunning visuals; this is what makes them so much fun to find and play. So here, for your reading pleasure, are the ‘Top 5 indie games we’re playing this week”.
5. Her Story
Her Story is a game that has taken the indie world by storm. The problem with writing about the game is that it’s impossible to avoid spoilers. For this reason, I will keep it short, sweet and spoiler-free. Her Story operates like a giant puzzle. One is presented with 200 pieces of information, and moments. You are presented with videos, 5 minuets a piece, of a single women being bombarded with various questions. Her Story takes a wild trip through the players psyche, and bring thrills, chills and all feelings in between. If you enjoy watching a story unfold, and piecing things together in your own head, then Her Story is worth picking up:
4. Brothers: Tale Of Two Sons
This Award-winning indie title, developed by Starbreeze Studios is a real gem. The game is a story-driven puzzle platformer, which in its own right is nothing too spectacular. But, the game is truly brought to exuberant life through its visual style and control scheme. The game plays from a third-person perspective, and each brother is controlled by opposing thumb sticks. For this reason, there is no frustrating AI, all control is in the players hands. Combine this interesting mechanic with the compelling story, and you are sure to embark on a journey that will show you how emotionally weak you actually are.
3. Styx: Master Of Shadows
Well, we have had two story-intensive titles, so now its time for a little action. Styx: Master Of Shadows is, shockingly enough, a stealth-action game; in which you take on the role of Styx, a Gretchin on a hunt for the mystical ‘amber tree’. For those who have lives, a Gretchin is a Goblin subspecies; usually presented as small, hunched over, green figures. The game is graphically quite impressive, for a smaller title, and shows off a rustic, medieval style. This perfectly compliments the gritty, visceral game play. However, buyers must be warned of the games difficulty curve. While not intensely difficult, the game is hardcore stealth through and through. In contrast to the likes of Dishonored, there is no ‘non-stealth’ option. If one wishes to run head on, one will end up dead; so check your corners!
2. Ori And The Blind Forest
Another heavy-hitter in the indie community, with overwhelmingly positive reviews on almost all sites. Back to the puzzle base, story games; Ori And The Blind Forest follows Ori in his attempt to restore the forest. Similarly to Her Story, its tricky to write about without spoiling a lot of the content and story, but I shall try my best. The game is most striking in its visual presentation, with a beautiful, soft aesthetic. This aesthetic perfectly represents the theme. Nature, spirituality and tranquillity. But this softness does not excuse the player from combat, the player must always be on guard.
1. Rocket League
Be honest, did you expect this? Of course you did. Rocket League has lived up to its name sake, and taken off. Almost everyone over at TGF has seen or heard about it, and we are buzzing. Sports games are typically a niche market, usually appealing to those interested in the particular sport. However, Rocket League takes Football, and boils it down to its most basic rule-set. The point is basically to just score, however you don’t use your feet; instead you use your car. So I suppose ‘carball’ would be a more apt term. However, the cars move extremely fast, have rocket boosts, jumping and flipping abilities. This makes the game a face-paced romp, that is ridiculous fun to play. If you have a PS4, there is no reason to not get it free. Even on PC the £14.99 asking price is totally worth it.
