Go Indie Now Holiday Indie Game Buying Guide by JD Estrada

Go Indie Now Holiday
Indie Game Buying Guide

Written by JD Estrada

It’s the Holidays and you have a gamer you want to get something for but have NO idea what to get them? What do you do? Well here’s a HEARTY list of indie games sure to please a variety of gamers. Games here will include a variety of genres and will be for a variety of skill levels.

Owlboy – D-pad Studio

I want to start off this guide from one of the best games I’ve played in the year and in a long time. It’s dreamy and a throwback to gorgeous 2-D sprites, compelling stories, and a whole lot of heart.

Who will love this game?

People who love Metroid-vania games but want something a little less dark should love this game.

What makes this game special?

Owlboy has charm up the wazoo and is one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played in a long time. Controls feel great, the story is compelling, the level design is smart, the difficulty is challenging without being too frustrating, and the soundtrack…wow…as in one of the best soundtracks in my life good.

PLAY IT HERE

Celeste – Extremely OK Games

Unlike Owlboy, Celeste WILL demand perfection from even the most seasoned gamers and once you finish the game, there are bonus areas in case you didn’t grind your teeth to oblivion. That said, this is even more of a graphic throwback than Owlboy…and shows sprite animation, and 8- bit games can be absolutely beautiful.

Who will love this game?

Gamers who think the Mega Man series is easy.

What makes this game special?

Beyond controls that are tight and responsive, the challenge in this game is definitely part of its appeal since it’s also forgiving in its relentlessness. This means that every time you die, and you WILL die a LOT, it feels as if it was your mistake, never that the game was cheap or unfair. But that’s the gaming itself…beyond that and a gorgeous 8-bit soundtrack, there’s a deep story here…talking about depression and some truly heavy topics. Fortunately, it’s handled with love, care, and storytelling skill that is rare in any medium.

PLAY IT HERE

Untitled Goose Game – House House

                            

You are a goose. A naughty goose. A naughty goose wreaking havoc in a small village. If this sounds weird, it is…and it is also AWESOME.

 

     

                          

Who will love this game?

This entry is perfect for pretty much anyone who can pick up a control and have the patience to learn mechanics. Also, if you’re looking for a good time, I won’t blame you if you want your spirit animal to be a goose from here on in.

What makes this game special?

Rarely has a game made me laugh in as many ways as this game does. I’m talking hilarious, smart, old school comedy. Controls are sometimes loosey-goosey…and it makes it even better. Seriously, how often can moving a character be as fun as seeing your goose waddle up stealthily behind someone to either get a set of keys or scare the bejeezus out of them! My only complaint is that it’s short though I’d rather they do several short games of this quality than an epic goose game. Of special note is the sound design in this game. How the music fades in and out with the actions of the goose harkens back to Charlie Chaplin era comedy and it works to brilliant effect time and time again.

PLAY IT HERE

Firewatch – Campo Santo

                        

Another game pretty much anyone can pick up and play is Firewatch…and if you like compelling storylines, I highly recommend doing so.

Who will love this game?

People who love games that are not demanding but have a compelling narrative.

What makes this game special?

If dialogue is king, Firewatch is most definitely royalty. You play as a guy who decides that the best way to escape your problems is to become a fire marshal in California. Your job is to stay in a tower in the middle of nowhere and communicate if there’s any fire. What makes this storyline so compelling is that you are in contact with another fire marshal and every dialogue choice affects how you guys get along…or don’t. It’s an intense, brilliantly written storyline, and even if the ending might have some people wishing for another outcome, that doesn’t take from this very special experience.

PLAY IT HERE

What Remains of Edith Finch – Giant Sparrow

In the vein of Firewatch, you have What Remains of Edith Finch…except that rather than a linear storyline, you explore the lives of different family members who have died whilst exploring one of the most memorable settings I’ve ever seen in a game.

Who will love this game?

Do you like odd movies from directors like Wes Anderson or the Cohen Brothers? Then dive in.

                              What makes this game special?

Even with its short running time, this is a supremely special game. Something that will jump out at you is the level of detail in this game. As in, look at every bookshelf, look through the pantry, and in general LOOK. The detail is off the hook because with every delay, designers were invited to keep working on the house…and man, did they ever. It’s an odd game, with an odd storyline, often very compelling, sometimes sad, sometimes scary, but even in its weirdness, it feels oddly believable.

PLAY IT HERE

Guacamelee – DrinkBox Studios

Ever wanted to be a luchador brought back from the dead to fight the forces of evil? Then you’re in luck!

Who will love this game?

This is a well-polished, tight controlled platformer again in the vein of Metroidvania games where exploration is encouraged AND rewarded. If you like a challenge but want to keep your sanity, I think Guacamelee does a great job in balancing things out. IF you want to cut corners, it’s fairly challenging. If you want it all, get ready to have to work for it.

What makes this game special?

The graphic style and soundtrack are definitely infused with a lot of Mexican flavor. While some people might find some aspects of the game questionable, those are people who take things too seriously and don’t see this game for what it is…a fun Mexican inspired video game. It has terrible puns, it has enchiladas, it has goats, and it has nods and tributes to a bunch of games. Keep your eyes peeled for tips of the hat to Super Mario, Journey, Metroid, and Mega Man among others. As for the controls, again, if you mess up, it’s on you and I’ll always welcome a good challenge. The storyline is quirky yet compelling and it plays like Samurai Jack/Johnny Bravo but in Mexican form.

If you like puzzlers I do have a couple of recommendations, 

starting with a game that is just jaw droppingly beautiful.

PLAY IT HERE

Candle – Teku Studio

A challenging and absolutely stunning game, Candle has a deep root in mythology, a very different type of storyline, challenging puzzles that for the most part, most gamers can figure out themselves, and a charm all its own.

Who will love this game?

People who love challenging puzzlers with a strong, unique narrative that dives into a different type of culture/mythology, and feels extremely authentic to its roots.

What makes this game special?

I remember the first screen just leaving me floored in regards to the beautiful artwork. Granted, point and click games are supposed to be pretty…but man, this is another level of beautiful. What I really liked about this game is how out of the box some solutions can be and definitely a game I’d recommend to exercise creative solution finding. The storyline is also lovely and the voice work was top notch for the narrator. Well paced, well written, well designed. Only complaints would be the platforming aspects where you have to get used to controls and timing, though it’s only on occasion and not enough to truly be a nuisance. Beyond those blips, just an impressive work of art.

PLAY IT HERE


GRIS – Nomada Studio

Speaking of works of art, if you like graphics that make you feel something…prepare for your gut to be punched with GRIS.

Who will love this game?

This is a unique game because it doesn’t have dialogue and although it potentially explores depression and other deep topics, it does so with a broad stroke that invites interpretation.

What makes this game special?

The music and the graphics are really special. It’s like playing a watercolor anime. But its wordless yet emotionally intense narrative is definitely compelling, where the main character lands in a colorless world…and she has to find color again. The soundtrack is worthy of putting on your writing playlist and in the challenge level is never too extreme, so it’s a game most people will be able to get through and one I recommend just for the attention to detail in each level. The closeups and panning and overall art direction is remarkable and gives me goosebumps by just remembering my first playthrough.

PLAY IT HERE

Shovel Knight – Yacht Club Games

There are many Metroidvania games in this list and for great reason, each is really special and does a LOT of things well. In a world dominated by first-person shooters, I love a game that is a throwback and still manages to show me new things.

Who will love this game?

People who love classic video game platformers.

What makes this game special?

In regards to control and level design, Shovel Knight consistently wowed me and is just so satisfying to play and beat. The Treasure Trove has other versions of the same game and it’s amazing how much an experience can change with tweaks in scenes, orders, mechanics, and special powers.

PLAY IT HERE

Jenny LeClue – Mografi

How often do you play a videogame for which you’d love to see a movie/series adaptation? THAT’S how good the storyline is in this puzzler. Originally released for IOS and Steam, the Switch Version has voice acting included…and all I can say is wow.

Who will love this game?

Anyone who likes puzzlers and a compelling detective story for kids should love this game.

What makes this game special?

Story. Story. Story. Although the puzzles are fun and memorable, what makes this game sing is the story and how charming Jenny is. Imagine landing in between Scooby Doo and Sherlock Holmes and then taking a left into the LOST TV Series territory. Well that. Voice acting throughout is some of the best I’ve seen in any game and you get plenty of bang for your buck, that’s for sure.

PLAY IT HERE

Donut County – Annapurna Interactive

But maybe you like weird stories instead. If that’s the case, then may I present Donut County…where the goal is to move an ever-growing hole to basically swallow up a town.

What makes this game special?

I’ve never played anything like Donut County. It’s not particularly hard but man is it weird and the amount of silly laugh inducing yet weird moments are often. Look for it on sale though, it’s not a long play and hey, sometimes we need something quick to disconnect.

PLAY IT HERE

Actually let’s check out some other short games that might also be available for your phone.

Down in Bermuda – Yak and Co.

Are you stressed out? Then imagine a video game fidget spinner and I give you Down in Bermuda.

Who will love this game?

People short on time who like clicking stuff, a mostly soft challenge to pass the time, and a game that is actually very pretty in its art direction.

What makes this game special?

Look at the initial description. I can’t think of another video game that acts like a fidget spinner and although on occasion it’ll make you think and work for solutions, for the most part its pan, explore, click, and repeat.

PLAY IT HERE

The Gardens Between – The Voxel Agents

Another quick game that invites you to think outside the box for solutions

Who will love this game?

People who love puzzlers that challenge them to think of new solutions.

What makes this game special?

It takes some getting used to but The Gardens Between does a pretty good job of inviting you to think different until you decipher how to solve each puzzle. That said, the story is very sweet, the graphics are interesting, and should lead to some interesting inspiration if you’re a creator of any kind.

PLAY IT HERE

Mind Path to Thalamus – Carlos Coronado

Speaking of thinking outside the box…how about thinking outside the brain. Mind to Thalamus is a mind bending puzzler with some striking imagery that is sure to make synapses fire as you decipher what you need to do in this unique gamer.

Who will love this game?

Cerebral people who are in search of a surrealistic video game and I mean REALLY surrealistic.

What makes this game special?

Like many of the games on this list, I’ve never played anything like this before. It definitely demands creative thinking but beyond that, the visuals…it’s a game worth playing just for some of the vistas. It’s that beautiful. As for the existential nature of the narrative, that was also quite compelling.

PLAY IT HERE

The Bridge - The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild

To continue with puzzlers with unique mechanics, take a game that explores a Mobius strip and mash it with MC Escher and you get the Bridge.

Who will love this game?

People who love a great brain teaser.

What makes this game special?

This game makes you think so much and from one puzzle to the other, you have to switch gears in very unique ways. From changing orientation or gravity to trusting that walking past a cliff’s edge will let you walk to the goal.

PLAY IT HERE

ICEY – Fantablade network

How about a side scrolling game with beautiful graphics and where your character is actually going up against the game developer.

Who will love this game?

People who wouldn’t mind a game influenced by Blade Runner, Memento, The Game, or any story that breaks down walls and rules of convention.

What makes this game special?

When’s the last time that not following screen prompts elicits a response from a game? Although there are areas of opportunity, it’s a game that’s easy to pick up, play, and tinker with eventually leading you to completely disagree with signage and prompts because you learn to not only distrust the AI, but to recognize it for the enemy that it is.

PLAY IT HERE

Cat Quest – The Gentle Bros

In terms of cat puns, I think there is no work of art in any medium with more than Cat Quest.

Who will love this game?

People who like light RPGs that aren’t a massive grind.

What makes this game special?

Controls for this game were actually pretty solid and what I really enjoyed is how enjoyable it was to just play. Very often combat can feel like a grind, but in Cat Quest, it was super fun. Add some cutesy art style, and you have a game that is challenging but still playable, passable, and purrrfectly enjoyable.

PLAY IT HERE

Steamworld Dig – Image and Form

Another quick-ish game to play, Steamworld Dig has some very fun mechanics to explore as well as a very quirky steam punkish storyline to follow.

Who will love this game?

Metroidvania game lovers who like the sound of a steampunk version of the Wild West.

What makes this game special?

One of the reason there are so many Metroidvania games in this list is because the controls are so solid and dependable. There are AMPLE games out there with controllers that make you want to punch the developers. Steamworld Dig is another seamless example of attention to detail and quality development. Add to it a different type of story style, and you have the base for a solid game, which this is. ANY game that invites you to dive back in to complete is a testament to quality.

PLAY IT HERE

Super Meat Boy – Team Meat

Speaking of the beauty of simplicity, how about a platformer that will push your platforming skills to mad heights.

Who will love this game?

Gamers who love cramped hands and sweat and swear-infused gaming sessions.

What makes this game special?

Super Meat Boy is not for the faint of heart. It is challenging and has controls that rival and possibly surpass Celeste and that is definitely something to be proud of. It often demands perfection in execution but what I love about this game is that these quick levels offer various routes and you will want to pat yourself on the back after doing some crazy jumps and runs. Add to that a bizarre storyline worthy of Ren and Stimpy where you’re a hunk of meat trying to rescue your girlfriend, who is made of bandages, and you’re going up against Dr. Fetus…I’m not making this up lol.

PLAY IT HERE

Baba is You - Hempuli

 

Speaking of hard, although I’ve put some very worthy puzzle games on this list, in terms of brainpower, most will come second place to Baba is You.

Who will love this game?

People who love to learn new skills and challenge their brains.

What makes this game special?

You are Baba…you shift words and signs in the game so that the mechanics of the stage reflects what’s written. You will find solutions and teach your brain to think in ways it’s never thought before and you WILL get stuck. I recommend playing and WHEN you get stuck, take a breather and leave the stage percolating in your brain to return in an hour or a day and reattack. It is very gratifying to find solutions and shows that simplicity leaves a TON of room for complexity and creativity.

PLAY IT HERE

Night in the Woods – Infinite Fall

So you think some of the games on this list are either too easy or too hard? Night in the Woods. Another Wes Anderson-esque narrative, what makes this game unique is that the game itself isn’t hard…but good luck acing the side games.

What makes this game special?

Again, another game very unique and like nothing I’ve ever played. It’s got a LOT of meat to it and when I say that, you have to look for it. Rarely does a game reward talking to everyone and interacting with everything as much as Night in the Woods. Sometimes you have to find a snippet of newspapers and you can go directly to what you’re looking for….or read the 15 or so clippings to get a true sense of the town where the setting takes place. It has some very trippy surrealistic dream sequences and an odd ending, though what makes this game sing is the character development to discover what Makes Mae tick, as well as her parents, close friends, and semi friends. Wouldn’t mind a graphic novel series exploring this world.

PLAY IT HERE

Machinarium – Amanita Design

Here’s another puzzler with a lot of heart and charm.

Who will love this game?

People who love puzzle games and robots.

What makes this game special?

Few times have a played a puzzler where the animations are as satisfying as with Machinarium. Another great game with hand-drawn artwork worthy of hanging up in your home or office. It’s got SO much charm and heart and definitely makes you think. Part of the reason I’m recommending it is that I truly think it can inspire writers to write something super charming.

PLAY IT HERE

Aer Memories of Old – Forgotten Key

I love a game that despite graphic constraints can still manage to be stunning and Aer is definitely dreamy.

Who will love this game?

People who played Journey, Flower, or games of that nature that are not TOO intense.

What makes this game special?

Although the visuals are wonderful, the way they reveal the narrative is beautiful. You see ghosts, memories, scrolls, and reveal the story piece by piece. It’s definitely inspiring in how you reveal your stories and I think lessons that can be applied to any medium.

PLAY IT HERE

Old Man’s Journey – Broken Rules

Here’s a unique recommendation. It’s a very sweet story, the music is beautiful, and it was so enjoyable I actually wrote developers because although a nice game, I think it comes short from transcending and some gameplay additions would have taken this from an enjoyable experience to a profound one.

Who will love this game?

People who don’t mind getting misty because of a videogame.

What makes this game special?

Take a step back and the story and its components aren’t the most amazing…but see the journey the main character takes and the overall tone and warmth of the story, and you see why it’s so special. Beautiful artwork, memorable music, and the potential for greatness are enough for me to recommend to inspire writers, composers, and developers all around.

PLAY IT HERE

Lifeless Planet – Stage 2 Studios

Imagine how solid the atmosphere and storyline are that I’ll forgive occasionally wanting to curse the controls of this game.

Who will love this game?

Lovers of deep existential sci fi games/stories.

What makes this game special?

OK, above I mentioned some issues with control and truly, some scenes are a pain for the wrong reasons…that said, the story here is MY type of sci-fi that keeps you wondering, questioning, guessing, and pushing forward to get those answers. That it was designed by a single person adds to the charm and makes me forgive any occasional control shortcomings because it sets SUCH a mood.

PLAY IT HERE

And there you have it, a hearty list and many more reviews in the future. So keep it dialed to this blog and the YouTube Channel, because whether it’s in music, filmmaking, writing, or video game development, it’s always time to Go Indie Now.