2021’s lineup of indie games will give AAA titles a run for their money. This year promises to offer indie games for all types of people, with upcoming titles covering numerous genres like RPG, simulation, adventure, narrative, action, and more. They individually capture exciting stories, gameplay, visuals, and music.
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These stories and art are not something that gamers would find in large-scale games. These ten indie games represent some of the many creative and unique stories independent developers bring to the table. Gamers should keep an eye out for the following games in 2021.
10Sable
Sableis an open-world adventure game where the main character, named Sable, glides through the Moebius-style desert. It’s an exploration game that emphasizes freedom, allowing players to experience the campaign how they choose to.
It doesn’t have a set pace that players need to follow. There are secret areas to find, collectibles, puzzles, and meet nomads along the way. The soundtrack will offer a delightful experience on its own with music by artist Japanese Breakfast.
9Backbone
Backboneis a dark, detailed pixel art point-and-click adventure game that will engulf players in its dystopian noir take on Vancouver. The main character is an anthropomorphic raccoon private investigator following a string of intriguing cases.
Backboneis an RPG with branching storylines, exploration so players search for clues, and a doom jazz soundtrack to feel the despair in the air.Backbone: Prologuewas released in 2019, while the full game is expected to drop during 2021.
8Minute of Islands
Minute of Islandsis an upcoming puzzle-platformer game that will have players feeling like they jumped inside a graphic novel. Mo, a mechanic, and her family live on an eccentric group of islands where ancient giants once lived.
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Beneath the islands are gigantic machines that need to be kept active because of a destructible threat. With the help of her trusty Omni Switch, players will discover secrets and environmental puzzles in a captivating comic-style world.
7Open Roads
Tess and Opal are a mother-daughter duo on a road trip to discover family secrets at previous family properties. The hand-drawn art aesthetic and cozy colors of Fall bring the world to life.
The road trip and destinations will have interactive dialogue and actions to uncover truths and new information about the characters.Open Roadswill truly have players sit back and enjoy the ride. Along with PC,Open Roadswill be available on the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
6Stonefly
Stoneflyfollows the story of Annika Stonefly, an inventor who is on a journey to take back a family heirloom. It’s also her path of self-discovery and belonging. This colorful, painterly world takes inspiration from mid-century modern design. Both the natural world and machinery capture that style.
While this is a more relaxed action-adventure game with mech crafting and bug battles, players will strategically fight eccentric critters in this colossal flora.
5Venba
Venbashares the warmth of home, family, and food through its narrative. Players will experience the story of an Indian mother who immigrated to Canada with her family in the ’80s.
Venbadoubles as a cooking game, with that feature helping to build the story. Players will make vibrant, authentic regional South Indian dishes to help her recover lost recipes. Her recipes are her cherished connections to her homeland.
4Hoa
If gamers are looking to be transported into a magical world, then they need to check outHoa. This puzzle-platformer creates a calming atmosphere but still puts players up to the challenge.Hoalooks like a fantastical painting with the vibes of an adventurous Studio Ghibli-esque film featuring this tiny, red-cloaked character.
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Both the flora and fauna present obstacles, but also opportunities for progress. The gentle music in the background tops it off.
3Mind Scanners
Mind Scannersis a point-and-click simulation game. Players will diagnose psychiatric issues in residents of The Structure and aid them by examining their views of the world. This game will place players in situations where morals and ethics are questioned.
This dystopian, retro-futuristic game implements retro colors and technology with its pixel art to create an immersive RPG. Players will learn about the Zygnoka power source, The Structure megacity, technological control, and the character’s motivation.
2Teacup
If anyone is longing for a youthful, nostalgic game, this is the perfect match.Teacupis a beautifully illustrated, side-scroll narrative game with entertaining dialogue. It’s about an introverted frog named Teacup who loves tea.
Teacup embarks on an urgent journey to gather all the ingredients she’s missing for her upcoming tea party. She’ll come across all sorts of animals and plants in the forest. The animals will lend a hand, but only if she promises to help them as well.
1Song of Farca
The protagonist, Isabella Song, is a private detective in a technologically advanced, cyberpunk future.Song of Farcais a simulation game where players need to click through Isabella’s screen since the character doesn’t move around.
The goal is to use mechanics such as hacking and surveillance to connect the dots. Although some cases may seem unrelated, they will come together to form a bigger, intense story. Also, the choices the player makes are consequential.
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