The Best Indie Games of 2023: Sea of ​​Stars, Cocoon, Blasphemous 2, Dredge, and More

Contents:

• Sea of ​​Stars
• Dredge
• Cocoon
• Viewfinder
• Chants of Sennaar
• The Fabulous Fear Machine
• Gunbrella
• Bramble: The Mountain King
• Mr. Sun's Hatbox
• Slay the Princess
• Backfirewall_
• Blasphemous 2
• Figment 2
• Storyteller

At the end of December, we already discussed large projects, now we will turn our attention to indie games. 2023 saw the release of many exciting and high-quality games from independent developers. Some of them, such as Sea of ​​Stars, Cocoon, Blasphemous 2, and Dredge, have become particularly noticeable thanks to active promotional campaigns, The Game Awards, and the studios' previous achievements. However, there are many other equally worthy games that deserve attention. The indie sector continues to delight players with original ideas and fresh approaches, offering a unique gaming experience.

The list is certainly not exhaustive, but we have tried to present only the most important and relevant elements.

• Sea of ​​Stars
• Dredge
• Cocoon
• Viewfinder
• Chants of Sennaar
• The Fabulous Fear Machine
• Gunbrella

• Bramble: The Mountain King
• Mr. Sun's Hatbox
• Slay the Princess
• Backfirewall_
• Blasphemous 2
• Figment 2
• Storyteller

Sea of ​​Stars

Sea of ​​Stars is a turn-based RPG developed by Sabotage Studio, known for its previous hit, The Messenger. Many reviews and news articles begin with this fact, and rightfully so, as The Messenger has become a landmark project in its genre. Judging by the reviews and success at The Game Awards 2023, the new project not only lives up to the high standards set by the previous game but also offers players a unique experience worth checking out.

Sea of ​​Stars is a nostalgic return to classic RPGs such as Chrono Trigger, Golden Sun, Final Fantasy 6, and Breath of Fire, but with a modern twist. The game's story centers on two Solstice Warriors, imbued with the magical powers of the sun and moon. Their mission is to destroy hostile creatures created by an evil alchemist. New characters join the heroes throughout their adventure, and their small team gradually restores peace to this beautiful pixel art world. Sea of ​​Stars offers players a unique experience, combining elements of traditional gameplay with modern graphics, making it appealing to both RPG veterans and new players.

Dredge

Dredge is a unique game that combines elements of fishing and open-water exploration. In this game, you control a small trawler, exploring the mysterious sea depths and catching various sea creatures. You can catch mackerel, crabs, and groupers, as well as more exotic ocean inhabitants, such as goblin sharks, anglerfish, and pipefish. The funds you earn can be used to upgrade your vessel, allowing you to once again set off on an exciting sea voyage, cruising between the beautiful islands of the archipelago. Dredge will be a true discovery for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy exploring game worlds.

Dredge immerses you in an atmosphere of fear of the unknown, lurking beneath a defenseless vessel and in the fog shrouding the water's surface. Dagger-sharp reefs and deceptive lights beckon you deeper into the darkness. The ominous eyes of unknown creatures watch your every move, and the waves that form in windless weather create the feeling of something enormous and threatening nearby. This combination of elements creates a unique experience, full of tension and mystery, simultaneously engaging and terrifying.

Dredge is not as dark and merciless as Sunless Sea, but it does feature elements of Lovecraftian horror. This creates a unique atmosphere that can immerse the player in a world of the unknown. Dredge is also the second game nominated for The Game Awards 2023 in our selection, highlighting its quality and appeal to the gaming audience.

Cocoon

Cocoon, another nominee for The Game Awards 2023, is an engaging sci-fi puzzle game designed by Jeppe Carlsen, the creator of the acclaimed games Limbo and Inside. In this game, players explore different worlds, each enclosed in a compact sphere. A unique mechanic allows you to stack spheres, opening up new puzzle-solving possibilities. Players will activate alien devices and battle powerful guardians, immersing themselves in an immersive gameplay experience. Cocoon offers not only intellectual challenges but also an atmospheric journey through mysterious worlds, making it a must-play for genre fans.

Each sphere acquires unique characteristics over time: one highlights invisible paths, another activates platforms, and a third has the ability to shoot. The ability to move worlds within other worlds adds multi-layered gameplay. Spheres become not just locations with tasks but also the tools needed to solve them. This creates an engaging gameplay experience where interaction with the environment plays a key role in success.

Viewfinder

The latest list of nominees for The Game Awards 2023 features the puzzle game Viewfinder, which features a unique mechanic that allows you to create 3D environments using 2D photographs. Players can place their photographs anywhere, which gives them complete freedom in the game. Unlike traditional games where you need to find fixed angles, here you decide what and how to photograph. This innovative concept makes Viewfinder an interesting and captivating entry into the world of video games.

The abstract, colorful world is replete with deceptive elements—interactive objects that appear static and unexpectedly flat forms that appear three-dimensional. A barcode in this world can turn into a forest you can stroll through, while an opening at the end of a corridor leading to a courtyard turns out to be just a painting on the wall. As in Madonnari art, it's important to look at the right angle to discover hidden beauty and depth. This world challenges the viewer to rethink their perception of reality, revealing new facets of the visual experience.

Chants of Sennaar

Chants of Sennaar is a thrilling adventure based on deciphering mechanics. The game features fictional languages ​​that are unfamiliar to you, and you will be forced to guess the meaning of words based on context clues and gradually expand your vocabulary. The language systems are logically designed and have their own characteristics, including different sequences of words in sentences and unique hieroglyphs. One of the languages ​​even uses arithmetic, which adds an extra layer of complexity and interest. The game offers a captivating experience that develops thinking and language comprehension skills.

The story tells of the ancient inhabitants of the Tower, who lost touch with each other and split into five nations, each settling on its own floor. You will become a pioneering linguist, tasked with restoring communication between the nations and returning to the unity lost over the centuries. This journey will reveal a wealth of languages ​​and cultures, allowing you to reconnect with people and restore their shared past.

The Fabulous Fear Machine

The Fabulous Fear Machine is a game developed by the creators of Do Not Feed the Monkeys, a well-known simulator with a unique concept. In this game, you immerse yourself in the world of a secret club, where members observe people's lives through cameras. This project combines elements of strategy and interaction, which makes it exciting for players looking for unconventional game mechanics and a deep story.

The Fabulous Fear Machine is a unique simulator in which players become the owners of a mysterious Machine that can give fame and fortune. To succeed, you must prepare the local population, using fear and panic as tools. Your task is to choose urban legends to spread: be they conspiracy theories, rumors of maniacs, or stories of toxic waste threatening human life. You will drain resources from regions, infiltrate rivals' offices to eliminate them, and manipulate the public's consciousness until you achieve your ambitious goals. This game offers deep strategy, allowing players to explore how fear can be used to achieve power and influence.

Gunbrella

Gunbrella is a noir side-scrolling action game in which players take on the role of a lumberjack determined to seek revenge after the tragic death of his family and the destruction of his home. The game combines action and platformer elements, offering a captivating storyline and atmospheric locations. Immerse yourself in a dark world full of dangers and mysteries, where every decision you make can lead to unexpected consequences. Explore the environment, fight enemies, and uncover secrets to achieve justice and restore lost treasures. Gunbrella offers a unique gaming experience for genre fans, combining immersive gameplay with a deep narrative.

The protagonist finds himself involved in an investigation into an attack, which leads him into confrontations with cultists, criminal gangs, and supernatural beings. He overcomes all the challenges with the help of a unique device – the Umbrella Gun. This magnificent invention not only fires, but also allows for rapid dashes and hovering. It also provides protection from bullets and inclement weather, and its stylish design makes it an attractive accessory. The Umbrella Gun becomes an indispensable tool in the fight for survival and uncovering the mystery at the heart of the investigation.

The developers behind Gato Roboto have unveiled a new, exciting title. Gato Roboto is a retro-metroidvania in which players control a cat in a furry spacesuit. If you haven't experienced this unique game yet, it's worth checking out. The new title promises to immerse players in a captivating world with exploration elements and engaging gameplay.

Bramble: The Mountain King

Bramble: The Mountain King is an exciting adventure game inspired by deep Norse mythology. The story tells of a girl kidnapped by a troll and her brother, who sets out to rescue her. Players are immersed in a magical world full of enchanting landscapes and mysterious creatures. During their journey, the hero faces various challenges, explores enchanted lands, and uncovers secrets associated with Norse mythology. This game offers not only a gripping storyline but also a unique visual style that allows players to deeply experience the atmosphere of Scandinavian legends.

The game is often compared to Little Nightmares due to its dark atmosphere. It is a fairy tale filled with gloomy elements: impenetrable forests full of shadows and sharp stones, a ruined village with decomposing bodies, and a witch's hut in the heart of the swamp where terrible rituals take place. The game world is inhabited by unknown creatures, including dwarves, stone giants, witches and forest spirits, as well as living lights and the Mountain King. Although not all of them wish harm to the main characters, not all are ready to help. The journey through the lands of Bramble proves to be enchanting but deadly, which makes the game unique and memorable.

Mr. Sun's Hatbox

Mr. Sun's Hatbox is a comical roguelike platformer starring hats. Your task is to manage a courier service that faces an unexpected problem: gangsters have stolen a package right at the client's door. Although the client tries to ignore it, you take your job seriously. You build a temporary base, explore the enemy's lair, and take several criminals hostage to turn them into allies. Your goal is to recover the stolen package and eliminate the remaining enemies. This engaging story, dynamic gameplay, and a touch of comedy make Mr. Sun's Hatbox a unique representative of the genre.

In Mr. Sun's Hatbox, made in the best traditions of the roguelite genre, players can enjoy base leveling, procedurally generated runs, a diverse arsenal of weapons, and unique bonuses in the form of hats. The game features a wide variety of hats, from cardboard boxes and helmets to a stack of books and a coiled snake. Each agent has randomized characteristics that can significantly impact gameplay, including negative aspects. For example, some agents may steal gold from missions, others can't take weapons and throw away their pistols, and some may experience a fear of dead bodies, causing them to panic after killing an enemy. This unique mechanic makes each game unique and adds an element of strategy to the process of leveling up and selecting agents.

Slay the Princess

Slay the Princess is a dark comedy that reimagines the classic fairy tale plot of rescuing a princess. In an abandoned house, a sad girl is chained to the wall in the basement, but the narrator strongly advises against trying to free her. Your task as the player is to kill the princess and thereby save the world. This unusual approach to a familiar story offers players a unique experience and makes them think about traditional heroic narratives. Slay the Princess combines elements of comedy and drama, making it appealing to a wide audience.

In Slay the Princess, you are not given a reason to destroy the princess - simply trust this decision. This creates psychological manipulation: the narrator persuades you to complete the task, while the princess defenselessly begs for mercy. You are faced with a choice of whom to trust—and what will happen if you refuse to follow orders? Or decide to abandon the mission and turn back? Slay the Princess explores the concept of "what if" and challenges you to find a possible happy ending, if one even exists. This game makes you consider the consequences of your choices and what alternative paths may open up to you.

Backfirewall_

Backfirewall_ unfolds its actions in an unexpected environment - inside a smartphone that needs an update. You are the program responsible for updating the operating system. At first glance, your task is simple: perform the intended function. However, the situation takes an unexpected turn. The old operating system convinces you to help it and initiate a reboot to prevent the update from taking place. Otherwise, you'll also be at risk of being deleted once you complete your objective.

Backfirewall_ combines elements of narrative adventure and puzzles, reminiscent of Portal 2. The game features not only engaging puzzles but also a charismatic narrator, similar to Wheatley. Other titles that come to mind include The Stanley Parable and Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald, which leave fond memories. Your smartphone offers a wealth of interesting things: from app dialogues to exploring user emails, as well as cheat codes for system errors, and even a certain nightclub. This game offers a unique blend of engaging storyline and intellectual challenges, making it appealing to fans of unconventional gaming solutions.

Blasphemous 2

A new Metroidvania based on Spanish folklore, Blasphemous 2 lives up to the expectations of fans of the first part. The game immerses players in a dark world filled with bloody religious motifs and phantasmagorical landscapes distorted by the Miracle. Suffering becomes the only way to atone for sins, which is the central theme of the game. The path of the Penitent One passes through these eerie lands, allowing players to explore and uncover the secrets hidden behind an incredible atmosphere and a deep story. Blasphemous 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering a new dose of intense gameplay and a captivating narrative.

Gameplay has become more varied and engaging thanks to the introduction of new mechanics like double jumping and air dashing, which fit perfectly into the Metroidvania genre. Instead of the iconic Mea Culpa blade, players can now wield three different weapons, opening up new possibilities in both combat and puzzle solving. The skill system allows for character customization, adding a touch of personalization. Enemy and environment designs are meticulously crafted, and the game's aesthetics are captivating and immersive. The developers have lived up to expectations, creating a unique and captivating gaming experience.

Figment 2

The sequel to the original Figment once again immerses players in the unique world of the human mind. The events of both parts unfold in a bright and bizarre space where thoughts, desires, memories and inner voices are intertwined. In this chaotic-harmonious environment, hostile nightmare creatures begin to appear, disrupting the order in the mind. The main character remains Dusty, a symbol of the courage of the mind, who boldly confronts these threats. Players will once again be able to explore the depths of the mind, facing new challenges and uncovering secrets that make the game truly captivating and unforgettable. Figment 2 combines childlike magic with mature depth. Cartoonish locations and good humor harmoniously intertwine with serious themes. Charismatic bosses act not only as opponents but also as the stars of their own show—battles with them are staged like vibrant musicals. Overall, the game retains the spirit of the first game and offers players a unique experience. Figment 2 src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2F1_SvrMm1lxg%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com% 2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1_SvrMm1lxg&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F1_SvrMm1lxg%2Fhqdefau lt.jpg&key=8d3909c69dfb4ee29c710191d8dd756a&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture;" allowfullscreen="true">

Storyteller

Storyteller is a unique puzzle game where you create your own fairy tales. Empty scenes and characters open before you, and by correctly arranging all the elements, you can create captivating stories. These could be plots of unrequited love, the overthrow of a tyrant, a magic mirror, or long-awaited revenge. The game not only offers entertainment but also the opportunity to express your creativity by combining various elements to create original narratives. Storyteller is the perfect choice for lovers of storytelling and creative thinking.

The fairy tales resemble silent films: they lack dialogue, and instead feature picturesque animations. Each scene unfolds, and by changing the characters and locations, you can create funny situations. The easy puzzle difficulty in Storyteller makes it akin to watching interactive cartoons, where the player becomes the director. This engaging experience can keep you busy for several evenings, allowing you to immerse yourself in a unique world of storytelling and creativity.