2020 has been another excellent year for Indie games. We’ve been treated to a wide variety of games from all different genres that have had excellent reception. We thought we’d share some of our favourites and others that have had considerable critical acclaim. Titles featured here will have all released in full in 2020. Therefore this list won’t contain games still in early access.
Without further ado let’s check out some of the best indie games of 2020.
Hades
Just when you think roguelikes can’t get much better along comes Hades. Originally released on the Epic Store in early access back in 2018, Hades hit its 1.0 release date earlier this year.
With its excellent story-telling that progresses through your deaths and completed run-throughs. Coupled with tight hack and slash gameplay, with interesting weapons, abilities, and upgrades to obtain. Hades truly sets a new bar for Roguelikes. With an almost perfect 99% positive reviews on steam it seems basically everyone who plays it, loves it.
In Other Waters
This wonderful trip through an alien ocean was a joy of an experience to play through earlier this year. Uncovering the story and secrets of Gliese 677Cc as you explore the sea bed for new life forms was relaxing even though there were some dark secrets to find.
With a unique perspective to play from in the form of an AI diving suit guiding a xenobiologist, In Other Waters was unlike anything I played, not only this year, but in a long time.
Also, it just looks amazing, the UI is so cool. I love it. Play it.
Risk of Rain 2
Another game that left early access this year was the incredibly fun yet intense Risk of Rain 2. Almost from the moment you start playing, this game is action. The relentless difficulty that is ever increasing creates an assault of the sense of explosions, music and movement.
With practically limitless stacking of upgrades available to pick you’re never short of having a new experience each time you play. Remember when you could unlock new stuff in games just from playing, before micro-transactions and battle-passes. Well Risk of Rain 2 has just that. New characters can be unlocked by completing specific and sometimes secret objectives. If you like shooting things with an insane sense of power, Risk of Rain 2 is a game you should check out.
Inertial Drift
This isn’t a game we’ve played – although it’s on my wishlist. Yet, I’ve heard many talk about how good it is. Inertial Drift seems to have slipped under many radars when it released in September. However, this stylized drift racing game offers unique racing with twin-stick controls and has you racing through a neon soaked retro futuristic world.
Spiritfarer
Death is a subject many fear, or simple avoid talking about. But in Spiritfarer you’re tasked with looking after the deceased by caring for their needs as you guide them across a mystical sea to the spirit world.
This isn’t some morbid grim affair through, Spiritfarer takes inspiration from Studio Ghibli works. You’ll meet a diverse range of characters in a beautifully hand-drawn world
Fall Guys
For a short while Fall Guys took over the internet. Twitch was dominated by the quirky new take on the battle royale genre. Their memes were stretching to all and any brand you could imagine. Everyone wanted a piece of the action. Whilst that initial fervor has died down a little, Fall Guys still remains an excellent game to play with both friends and strangers.
With season 3 not too far away, this is one game you will be hearing about for a while. Honestly, if you’re looking for something a little more chilled out, funny and easy to pick up, then I’d recommend Fall Guys any day of the week.
Mortal Shell
Souls-like games have been a particularly popular genre over the past few years. With many variations and re-imaginings popping up. Earlier this year Mortal Shell took on the genre with probably the closest homage to Demon Souls we’ve seen outside of From Software’s creations.
Mortal Shell is dark and gritty, stuffed full of atmosphere. The world is engaging and full of wondrous beasts to fight. There are tough challenges to take on and secrets to discover. It certainly hit the right cord for many when it released and is a very solid game.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
I’ll be honest, the lines are pretty blurred when considering if Ori is an indie game. But I still like to think of it as one, and I’m certain many others do too.
Ori and the Blind Forest is one of my favourite games of all time. To top that or even equal it would be a mean feat. However, Ori and the Will of the Wisps did exactly that. Bigger, more beautiful, new abilities, new challenges, and a whole new fantastic world to explore. This is not only one of the best indie games this year, but one of the best overall games from 2020.
Descenders
Another personal favourite over at Geek Sleep Rinse Repeat is the thrilling downhill mountain biking game Descenders. With procedurally generated worlds and the freedom to freestyle, your way down the mountain Descenders has a bucket load of replay-ability.
This is an adrenaline-filled, action-packed adventure on two wheels. For anyone looking for something a little different to play, Descenders is certainly a good option.
Desperados 3
Developers Mimimi Games are pretty much the masters of the real-time tactics stealth genre with Shadow Tactics being an exceptional game. Desperados 3, the long-awaited sequel to the Western romp with Cooper and the gang is also an amazing game.
With a diverse cast of characters featuring different play styles, a wide variety of locations to visit. Plus open levels with multiple ways to complete objectives, Desperados 3 is the whole package when it comes to tactical gameplay.
The Procession to Calvary
The Procession to Calvary is a bit of a mad one, especially at first glance. Looking like something straight out of a Month Python sketch show. This point and click adventure takes you through renaissance paintings as you steal, perform in a talent show, become an assistant to a terrible magician, and more. It looks mad and has been extremely well recieved.
-Will
