Videojuego independiente(Indie Games) are some of the best things to happen to gaming. Every year, a few indie games truly define new genres in gaming. And this year was no different.
While some breakout indie hits, like Palworld, shook the gaming world, indie games have generally stayed out of the limelight.
As gamers, we’re always looking to try out new games. And with sales happening left and right, our Steam libraries are filled with games we’ve yet to play. However, there’s always one annoying thing that stops us from downloading and trying out a new game, and it’s those dreaded límites de datos de internet(internet data limits).
To make sure you can download and play as many games as you want, I recommend getting Optimum Internet that doesn’t have data caps. Spanish-speaking amigas and amigos can get dedicated Optimum en español customer support.
With your internet conexión set and ready to go, let’s show some love to innovative indie developers out there and take a look at some indie gems you probably missed in 2024.
Pacific Drive
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Minishoot’ Adventures
Hades 2
Balatro
Pacific Drive
- Genre: Survival
- Developer: Ironwood Studios
- Release Date: February 22, 2024
- Available On: PlayStation 5, Windows
Pacific Drive is a weird game in the most excellent way possible. It combines different elements from games like Control and STALKER and puts a unique spin on them. It’s a driving game with survival elements.
You find yourself stranded in a fictional version of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The zone is filled to the brim with supernatural dangers, each of which brings its own unique challenge. You’re tasked with restoring your car in an abandoned garage.
With every trip, you’ll have to pack the appropriate gear, gather data and resources along the way, and get back safely. With bizarre weather conditions, dangerous remnants, and an unforgiving landscape, Pacific Drive is one of the most unique indie games you’ll play.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer: Coal Supper
- Release Date: August 1, 2024
- Available On: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows, Nintendo Switch, macOS
Thank Goodness, You’re Here! is different from anything you’ve played in the past decade. It pays homage to the unique humor of the British culture and dials it up to the max. The world in this game makes no sense and will leave your jaw dropped with everything it offers.
The game starts as you’re just an average Joe waiting to talk to the mayor. But the very busy mayor isn’t available to talk which is why you decide to head out to the city.
It’s hard to explain the game without mentioning spoilers, so I recommend playing this game on your own without doing any prior research.
Minishoot’ Adventures
- Genre: Bullet Hell, Adventure
- Developer: SoulGame Studio
- Release Date: April 2, 2024
- Available On: Windows, macOS
If you’re looking to scratch that itch you got from playing games like Enter the Gungeon, Hades, and Hotline Miami, then Minishoot’ Adventures is just the thing you need. Inspired by classic Zelda and infused with elements from bullet hell and metroidvania games, this indie game is a heart-pumping, action-packed shooter that will test your reflexes.
You control a responsive and swift spaceship as you shoot your way through encounters that feel crisp and well-thought-out. The interconnected world features a surprising amount of depth and the boss battles can get hectic.
Minishoot’ Adventures offers several ways for you to customize your ship, unlocking new powers and abilities.
Hades 2
- Genre: Roguelike, Action, Hack and Slash
- Developer: Supergiant Games
- Release Date: May 6, 2024
- Available On: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows, macOS
While Hades 2 is still in early access, it already feels like it’s a complete game because of its unbelievably polished mechanics and a world that’s even larger than the original game.
The game still features a gameplay loop similar to the original game. You drop into its massive world, traverse through different locations, fight enemies, and collect items and upgrades to power up. When you die, you return to the central hub and restart your journey.
However, you get to keep a few upgrades and progression, meaning that every new run offers something new to look forward to.
Balatro
- Genre: Roguelike, Card Game
- Developer: LocalThunk
- Release Date: February 20, 2024
- Available On: Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Balatro isn’t just one of the best indie games of 2024, it’s the type of game you keep playing for a long time. The game is essentially a roguelike poker game with unique abilities. You’ll combine poker hands with unique Joker cards to create a new synergy and build.
The game features 150 Joker cards, each of them having their own abilities. A Joker card can also have up to 5 potential variants that add new abilities. There are 15 Decks with distinct modifiers and 22 Tarot cards to enhance regular cards.
Balatro also has 11 Planet cards that can level up poker hands and 32 voucher cards that can provide a permanent buff for the current run. The game can be extremely addictive and is almost infinitely replayable.
2024 has been an insane year for indie games. However, the new year seems even more promising, with games like Slay The Spire 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hyper Light Breaker, and Streets of Rogue 2 slated for release sometime in 2025. Did I miss anything? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.