The rise of indie games SBOBET88 has added a new dimension to the gaming industry, offering unique storytelling, experimental mechanics, and fresh ideas that are often absent from big-budget, mainstream titles. However, not all indie games receive the recognition they deserve. While some titles like Hades, Celeste, and Hollow Knight have earned widespread acclaim, many brilliant indie games fly under the radar, overshadowed by bigger releases or simply lost in the flood of new games.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most underrated indie games of all time, highlighting their innovative gameplay, compelling stories, and the charm that makes them stand out—even if they didn’t achieve mainstream success.
1. A Short Hike (2019)
- Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
At first glance, A Short Hike appears to be a simple exploration game, but beneath its modest premise lies a deeply emotional experience. Players take on the role of a young bird named Claire as she explores Hawk Peak Provincial Park. The game’s minimalist design, relaxing music, and open-world mechanics encourage exploration at your own pace.
What makes A Short Hike special is its combination of lighthearted humor and introspective moments. Its short length (around 2-3 hours) makes it a perfect game for those seeking a peaceful escape, yet it never compromises on storytelling or charm. Despite its brilliance, A Short Hike is often overlooked when discussing indie gems.
2. The Swapper (2013)
- Developer: Facepalm Games
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
The Swapper is a puzzle-platformer with a heavy dose of philosophical intrigue. Set on a mysterious, abandoned space station, players control an astronaut equipped with a device that creates clones of themselves and swaps their consciousness between these clones. The game’s puzzles are inventive, requiring not only problem-solving skills but also deep thought about identity and individuality.
The haunting atmosphere, combined with eerie visuals and a thought-provoking narrative, make The Swapper an unforgettable experience. However, it remains underappreciated despite its innovative mechanics and gripping storytelling.
3. Oxenfree (2016)
- Developer: Night School Studio
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Oxenfree blends supernatural horror with teenage drama, offering a dialogue-driven adventure unlike any other. Players follow Alex, a teenager who visits a remote island with friends, only to find themselves trapped in a surreal and eerie mystery involving time loops and ghostly entities.
The standout feature of Oxenfree is its naturalistic dialogue system, which allows players to shape conversations and relationships in real time. The narrative evolves based on the player’s choices, making it a deeply personal experience. Despite its haunting atmosphere and emotional storytelling, Oxenfree often flies under the radar when discussing great indie adventures.
4. The Sexy Brutale (2017)
- Developer: Tequila Works and Cavalier Game Studios
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
The Sexy Brutale is an inventive mix of puzzle-solving and murder mystery. Set in a sprawling mansion-casino, players must prevent a series of murders by manipulating time. The game’s time-loop mechanic allows players to relive events repeatedly, uncovering new details and piecing together the clues needed to save each victim.
With its unique art style, clever puzzles, and gripping narrative, The Sexy Brutale delivers a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Unfortunately, the game never achieved the popularity it deserved, remaining a hidden gem among puzzle fans.
5. Hyper Light Drifter (2016)
- Developer: Heart Machine
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Hyper Light Drifter is a gorgeous action RPG that pays homage to classic games like The Legend of Zelda. Players explore a vast, pixel-art world filled with cryptic lore, challenging combat, and stunning visuals. What sets it apart is the emotional undertone—it’s a deeply personal game inspired by the developer’s struggles with chronic illness.
While Hyper Light Drifter received some acclaim within indie circles, it never gained the widespread recognition that other indie RPGs have enjoyed. Its difficulty may have deterred some players, but those who stick with it will find a rewarding and unforgettable journey.
6. Darkwood (2017)
- Developer: Acid Wizard Studio
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Darkwood is a survival-horror game that takes a unique approach to the genre. It foregoes cheap jump scares and instead creates an atmosphere of creeping dread. Set in a mysterious forest, players must scavenge for resources by day and survive terrifying encounters at night.
The top-down perspective adds a layer of detachment that makes the horror feel even more unsettling, while the procedurally generated world ensures that no two playthroughs are the same. Despite its innovative approach to horror, Darkwood is often overlooked in favor of more mainstream horror games.
7. Iconoclasts (2018)
- Developer: Joakim Sandberg
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Iconoclasts is a 2D action-platformer with deep storytelling and a vibrant pixel-art aesthetic. Players control Robin, a young mechanic who navigates a world ruled by a tyrannical religious authority. The game offers a mix of puzzles, combat, and emotional narrative, with themes of rebellion, personal responsibility, and family relationships.
While Iconoclasts was praised by those who played it, it never reached the level of popularity enjoyed by other platformers like Celeste or Ori and the Blind Forest. However, it remains a must-play for fans of narrative-driven platformers.
8. Frostpunk (2018)
- Developer: 11 bit studios
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Frostpunk offers a unique blend of city-building, survival, and moral decision-making. Set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world, players must manage a city’s resources and citizens to ensure their survival. The game forces players to make difficult choices—should you enforce child labor to increase productivity, or maintain moral integrity and risk losing valuable manpower?
Despite its engaging mechanics and deep ethical dilemmas, Frostpunk didn’t receive the mainstream attention it deserved. It stands out as one of the most thought-provoking management games in recent years.
9. Kentucky Route Zero (2013–2020)
- Developer: Cardboard Computer
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Kentucky Route Zero is an episodic, narrative-driven game that defies traditional genres. It tells the surreal story of a truck driver navigating a mysterious highway and interacting with strange characters along the way. The game’s minimalist art style and haunting soundtrack complement its dreamlike atmosphere.
While Kentucky Route Zero has a cult following, its slow pacing and unconventional storytelling have kept it from achieving broader recognition. Nevertheless, it offers a unique experience for those willing to dive into its world.
Conclusion
The indie gaming world is filled with hidden treasures that offer experiences far beyond what mainstream games can deliver. While many great indie titles have achieved widespread recognition, others remain underrated gems that deserve more attention. Games like A Short Hike, Oxenfree, and Hyper Light Drifter showcase the creativity and emotional depth that indie developers bring to the industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone looking to explore new genres, these underrated indie games offer fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Give them a chance—you might discover your next favorite game.