Gaming is constantly changing with new software and hardware transforming how we design and play. There’s almost no way to predict what’s going to be successful, and it becomes a puzzle to figure out why. You can put two seemingly unrelated concepts together and create something that will stand the test of time while inspiring generations of new titles in the wake of its release.
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They walked in the footsteps of giants… and then leapt over them.
We frequently turn to indie games for their creative spark, made by individuals and teams who hope to share their fun creations with those who are willing to play them. Among those releases, some ultimately set the bar at a level the industry would strive to reach.
8
Minecraft
Mine, Craft, And Expand
Minecraft
- Released
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November 18, 2011
When we first glimpsed this block-filled world of Minecraft, which is a possible representation of 3D pixel art, we didn’t know what to expect, mainly because we weren’t told to expect anything. We were just dropped off and let loose in a massive, clean world full of resources, materials, crafting, and monsters to keep us on our toes.
Minecraft remains a truly popular title and is a primary reason why “Mining” is its own genre. It also helped establish the “survival-craft” genre, where you’re challenged to survive in a world of environmental and wildlife dangers while using anything you can get your hands on to keep yourself alive. Lastly, it can be credited with encouraging community and customization as standard features in both indie and AAA titles.
7
Stardew Valley
Pixel Farming At Its Finest
ConcernedApe has built a sturdy foundation on Stardew Valley, the farming sim that changed the genre. On its surface, it’s a game about inheriting a dilapidated farm and trying to make a life in a small town that Hallmark would view with hungry eyes. You start farming, which leads to crafting, which in turn leads to adventuring. As time ticks away, you eventually find yourself socializing and participating in the various town events.
Farming games have existed since the cartridge days, but it was Stardew Valley that gave them mass appeal that other creators tried to emulate. It also prompted us to revisit the possibilities of 2D pixel art, with the following titles featuring even greater detail and animation, while still retaining that nostalgic flair. Sim games evolved to be more expansive and complex, incorporating elements that would appeal to multiple players, not just farming enthusiasts.
6
Limbo
Innocence Lost In A Dark World
The Xbox Live Arcade was one of the first functional and popular digital grounds for small studios and indie developers to share their games. It was here that Play Dead grabbed the spotlight with their physics-puzzler Limbo. Even though it was about a small child running and jumping in a 2D world, the silhouette visuals and bleak atmosphere made it stand out.
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It was surprising to see such an innocent, big-headed character fall victim to so many horrible fates, which started a trend. New platformers arrived, which required a slower pace, where you had to pay more attention to your surroundings, not just to solve puzzles but to avoid unexpected dangers. You can’t swing a pendulum without hitting a game featuring a child lost in a horrifying reality, and that’s thanks to Limbo.
5
The Binding Of Isaac
Every Depth, A New Nightmare
There’s a good chance that most of us reading this are not familiar with the Bible story of “The Binding Of Isaac,” and the game of the same name should not be used as a reference. What began as a simple yet disturbing Flash game has since evolved into a full-fledged title, expanding to include new levels, enemies, bosses, items, weapons, characters, and secrets.
It’s also the reason why the roguelike and roguelite genres continue to dominate the gaming charts. While it’s not the first roguelike to ever exist, it’s the one that gave us a craving for more and made a strong case for blending cute and creepy. The sheer number of RNG combinations that become possible when applied to every asset has not only boosted the replayability of many titles but also provided a hefty challenge to overcome.
4
Vampire Survivors
Survive Endless Waves Of Night
Vampire Survivors looks and feels like a classic arcade game where all you have to worry about is moving, collecting things, and not touching enemies. This simple formula is presented in a challenging, engaging, and satisfying way, with every weapon you get and new level you reach feeling like a massive boost. You’re constantly building toward becoming an unstoppable force as enemies get stronger and more numerous.
Since then, Survivorslike has become its own genre with other levels taking the structure and experimenting with different themes, tweaking mechanics, and even trying to tell stories. It has a similar effect to zombie games, where you want to gather weapons and then go on a rampage. Only this time, there are far fewer controls to worry about and even more strategies to consider when it comes to the most effective weapon and stat combinations.
3
Slay The Spire
Climb Your Cards To Victory
Solitaire has lingered on computer hard drives for decades, showing the potential of digital card games, and Slay The Spire took it further. This roguelike follows one of several warriors drawn to a mysterious Spire where what they seek is at the top. To get there, they must navigate winding paths of ever-changing locations, events, and enemies while using cards tailored to their abilities to succeed.
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The RNG of card drawing with the control of deck-building made for a refreshing challenge that never really gets easier, solely relying on your skills and understanding of each character’s cards to succeed. It makes for a whole other angle of customization as you gather cards rather than gear for your build. Because of Slay The Spire, creators are still finding new and fun ways to use digital cards for battling, adventuring, building, and dueling.
2
Undertale
Fighting Monsters With Kindness
Toby Fox unknowingly created a masterpiece in Undertale, which would go on to inspire creative types across the board while leaving a lasting impression on our minds and hearts. The story follows a child who falls into an underground world inhabited by monsters who are looking to fight. However, with the simple presence of a “Mercy” option, we’re prompted to stop and think: Are all monsters monstrous?
This mechanic changed the landscape of RPG battles, accompanied by a witty and touching narrative. Since then, numerous games have emerged with a greater focus on character development, interaction, and a more engaging user experience (UX). Undertale also makes a compelling argument for the potential of pixel-art animation, emotional writing, and interactive turn-based battles.
1
Braid
An Artsy, Time-Bending Platformer
Jonathan Blow is an indie success story that you’ve likely heard about, and if you haven’t, here’s a refresher: Blow and his team of two invested all their time, money, and resources into creating a truly artistic and mechanically interesting game known as Braid. It follows a young man named Tim as he goes on a quest to save a princess from a monster… or so it appears.
Using clever writing and beautiful artwork to present truly inventive puzzles, Braid became proof that games could be both artistic and engaging. As a result, we have begun to see more games utilizing their visuals and gameplay to tell a story, rather than relying solely on text and cutscenes—games where you can feel the narrative and emotions through both playing and seeing.
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