Related
Summary
Story-driven indie games have truly taken off in the last few years.
These narratives linger long after the credit rolls.
These games prioritize complex characters and often let you make meaningful choices that impact the plot.
Sometimes, these games have lots of action, but the story is always front and center.
2024 showcased some of the most creative, innovative, and magnificent indie games of varying genres.
These stories vary widely.
Some are heartfelt journeys through grief, while others are mind-bending mysteries.
Let’s take a look at some indie games that use powerful storytelling.
You slowly uncover an emotional tale full of love and regret.
The soundtrack is also breathtaking and does a lot to carry the game.
Few games handle strong emotions as well as this one does, making it an unforgettable story-driven experience.
8Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer is a story-driven game that also has a great deal of gameplay.
It’s a game about death and forgiveness.
This game represents death as a journey towards acceptance, not as fear.
Plus, it’s a couch co-op game and suitable for children with basic gameplay skills.
There is no dying or failure in the game, so it’s accessible for all skill levels.
Each story has a unique gameplay style, which keeps everything interesting.
However, the gameplay doesn’t take center stage and is exceptionally simple.
You play as Edith, the last surviving member of the Finch family.
This game is rather short, but the stories are deep.
6Oxenfree
Oxenfree is a very emotionally charged game witha bit of the supernatural sprinkled in.
The game focuses on natural, flowing conversations that are time-based.
Each conversation shapes your relationships with others and will ultimately decide the fate of your friends.
You’ll take control of Mae Borowski, a college dropout struggling with adulthood and mental health.
As she reconnects with old friends in the dying town of Possum Springs, a deeper mystery unfolds.
The gameplay is mostly focused on dialogue, exploring hard themes like depression and economic hardships.
Its hand-drawn art style is also loved by many.
4Hades
Hades is a funroguelike action gamewith smatterings of gripping, character-driven narrative.
You play as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades.
Every time you die, new dialogue options are available that help you evolve your relationships.
The game’s storytelling is integrated into its gameplay.
However, the gameplay is also exceptionally important in the game.
You play as a child who falls into the Underground, a world of monsters.
Each monster is a unique being with fears and desires, though.
Instead of being faceless enemies, you’re able to befriend these monsters (or not).
It is possible to finish Undertale without harming anyone.
Here are some tips for getting this special ending.
The game tracks all your decisions, leading to multiple endings.
There are some very well-done character arcs and some very witty writing.
Undertale can often be just as funny as it is emotional!
2Celeste
Celeste is an extremely tough platformer, but it’s also an emotional journey.
The gameplay is designed to mirror her inner struggles, exploring topics like mental health and anxiety.
It’s easily one of the most touching indie games ever created.
1Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is an RPG unlike any other.
You play as a washed-up detective with amnesia who is trying to solve a murder in a crumbling city.
There is no traditional combat in the game.
Instead, the gameplay is solely about dialogue and internal monologues that drive the story.
Your choices shape the story, leading to wildly different outcomes based on your skills and ideologies.
These games changed their developers' lives.
