We’ve played hundreds of indie games this year, and have enjoyed each and every one of them for various different reasons. There’s something inherently special about the indie genre, as no two games are the same, and all of them have a lot to offer. However, if you’ve been waiting patiently for word on this year's "best of the best" indie games, your wait is now over!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of our picks for the best indie games of 2016!
Abzu
Abzu is a perfect example of an indie game that excels in its simplicity. While the story may be short, Abzu is nevertheless a beautiful underwater adventure that instantly pulls you in and refuses to let go. Despite having no vocal narration, Abzu's message and story are understandable and cohesive.
There's almost something Studio Ghibli-esque about Abzu's message and striking visuals. Abzu is a game that can be played in a single sitting, and can be played through multiple different times if you're looking for something to help you float away for a while. Scored by the award-winning Journey composer,
Abzu is a game that can be played in a single sitting, and can be played through multiple different times if you're looking for something to help you float away for a while. Scored by the award-winning Journey composer, Austin Wintory, Abzu has one of this year's most beautiful indie game soundtracks and succeeds in being one of the most graceful titles of 2016.
That Dragon, Cancer
Cancer is a painful, difficult subject that is made infinitely more complex when it afflicts a child. The game That Dragon, Cancer is one of the most heart-wrenching games you’ll ever play, and for good reason. Created by the family of a young boy stricken with cancer, the game gives you a fly-on-the-wall perspective into the realm of childhood cancer. We respect the bravery and devotion behind this game’s
The family worked tirelessly to create this project, and it shows. At the end, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of life, death, and the overwhelming love and strength needed to push forward in the face of a dragon like cancer. We respect the bravery and devotion behind this game’s creation, and firmly recommend purchasing it if you haven’t already. That Dragon, Cancer is without a doubt 2016's best nonfiction narrative game... and perhaps, one of the best indie narrative games of all time.
Shadow Warrior 2
We mentioned in our Shadow Warrior 2 review that Shadow Warrior 2 is one of the best games of 2016, and we weren’t kidding. While Shadow Warrior 2 may not be perfect, there’s no denying just how fun it truly is. Game sequels, just like sequels to anything in life, can be hit or miss. Shadow Warrior 2 wasn’t just a hit... it actually managed to exceed our initial expectations!
Lo Wang delivers with his hilarious one-liners and fierce sword-fighting action. If swords aren't your thing, Shadow Warrior 2 boasts an extensive array of weapons that will keep you entertained no matter how many times you play the game. Dive in, whip out your Wang, and slice-and-dice your way through one of the wildest action indie games of 2016!
Thumper
It’s not often that you come across a game that defies all explanation. On the surface, Thumper is a beat mechanic game vaguely reminiscent of Audiosurf.
However, once you dive in and actually play the game, you’ll realize that Thumper is unlike anything you’ve ever played before. In Thumper, you control a chrome beetle as it races through the hostile voids of space. In Thumper, you control a chrome beetle as it races through the hostile voids of space.
The game is described as a "rhythm hell game" by its creators, and plays out in a similar manner to an endless runner. Make two mistakes and you're whisked back to the beginning to try again. While Thumper is difficult, the speed with which it ramps up the difficulty level is one of the best aspects of this game. You're never too frustrated, and you're never bored. Overall, we feel Thumper is one of the most unique indie game entries of 2016.
Firewatch
Campo Santo's Firewatch is one of the best “walking simulator” games to come out in quite some time. Where Abzu whisks you deep under the sea, Firewatch transports you to a place that feels altogether too familiar. Firewatch contains immense
Firewatch excels in its maturity, and method of approaching topics without ever blatantly throwing them in your face. Because of this, the emotions you experience in Firewatch seem to hit you harder than you initially expected. It’s easy to get lost in Firewatch, and easier still to connect with the game’s protagonist, Henry, on a personal level. Firewatch is one of the most intriguing, metaphorical indie games of 2016.
Hyper Light Drifter
Extremely complex and challenging, Hyper Light Drifter is a game that’s hard to explain. After playing it, you’ll find that you're left with just as many questions as answers. Calling upon classic 8-bit and 16-bit action titles for inspiration, Hyper Light Drifter is a grand and epic adventure.
The game is artistic, and while it's certainly a joy to look at, it's even more fun to play. Despite its lack of instruction, it isn't too difficult to jump in and begin your journey. Punctured by its memorable opening cutscene, Hyper Light Drifter’s tight controls and contemplative nature make it one of the best indie adventure games of 2016.
Stellaris
What indie games list would be complete without a masterful sci-fi title? This year, several notable planetary exploration games have been released, including the controversial No Man’s Sky. However, Stellaris is arguably one of the best examples of a well-rounded space game that’s boasts incredible depth and cohesive mechanics.
At the core, Stellaris is a hardcore 4X strategy game. However, once you dive into the game you’ll realize that interacting and exploring the universe distract you from the difficulty associated with the game’s 4X components. Stellaris is hands-down one of the best strategy games of 2016.
Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a dark breed of roguelike dungeon crawler. Not only will you explore the game’s mysteries, but you’ll try to prevent your band of Heroes from going insane in the process. Darkest Dungeon is a refreshing game in that it doesn’t always play fair, and you will undoubtedly have to make difficult decisions in order to progress forward in the game.
We feel the game is capable of earning the “horror” title, as the idea of losing your mind (and your life) is almost scarier than the instantaneous jumpscare deaths rampant within the modern horror genre. Darkest Dungeon is one of the most thought-provoking (and terrifying) indie games of 2016!