While blockbuster video game titles often dominate the gaming industry, there are countless hidden gems that go unnoticed. I’ve always been a fan of indie games as much as the AAA powerhouses, and regardless of my MMO of choice (The Elder Scrolls Online, always and forever) I probably play indie games more than anything else at the moment.

I wouldn’t say that all of the following games are unknown or underrated (many of them have been rated highly by reviewers!), but I want to draw attention to them because each one offers unique experiences, interesting storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics that deserve more attention. If you haven’t tried any/many of these yet, they are definitely worth exploring.

Outer Wilds (2019)

Outer Wilds is an exploration-based game that takes players on a mysterious journey through a dynamic and ever-changing solar system. Developed by Mobius Digital and released in 2019, the game combines elements of exploration, puzzle-solving and storytelling to create an unforgettable experience.

In Outer Wilds, you assume the role of an unnamed astronaut from a race of beings known as the Hearthians. Equipped with a small spacecraft and a handheld tool, you get to embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of an ancient alien race known as the Nomai.

The game begins with the protagonist waking up on their home planet, Timber Hearth, on the eve of their first space voyage. They discover that their solar system is trapped in a time loop, causing everything to reset after 22 minutes (yes, that’s 22 minutes in real time). The protagonist realises that they are the only one who retains memories of each loop, and it is up to them to explore the planets, uncover the truth, and find a way to break the time loop.

Throughout the game, you – as the protagonist – gradually piece together the story of the Nomai and their tragic fate. By exploring their technology, deciphering their writings and unraveling the mysteries left behind, you gain insights into the Nomai’s experiments, their discovery of a dangerous celestial phenomenon called the “Eye of the Universe,” and their desperate attempts to escape its grasp.

I love this game but one thing I realised very quickly was that I’m crap at taking off in the spaceship. The amount of times I bumbled and crashed… well, it’s embarrassing.

Ori and the Blind Forest (2015)

Ori and the Blind Forest is a visually stunning and emotionally charged platform-adventure video game developed by Moon Studios. Released in 2015, the game tells the heartfelt story of a guardian spirit named Ori and their journey to restore the forest of Nibel.

The game begins with a catastrophic event that sets the stage for the narrative. The ancient Spirit Tree, the source of life and light in the forest, becomes corrupted, leading to a balance between darkness and decay. As Ori, you must navigate through a beautifully hand-painted world, overcoming obstacles and unraveling the mysteries of the forest.

Ori possesses agile movements and various abilities that can be upgraded throughout the game, allowing for fluid platforming and combat. You must use these skills to traverse treacherous environments, solve puzzles, and battle formidable enemies. As the game progresses, Ori gains new abilities, granting access to previously unreachable areas and expanding the gameplay possibilities.

Along the way, Ori encounters different characters who aid in their quest, including Sein, a small spirit that serves as a guide and provides assistance in combat. The story is driven by the deep bond between Ori and their companions, as they face heart-wrenching challenges and make sacrifices to save the forest and its inhabitants.

The emotional resonance of Ori and the Blind Forest is heightened by its gorgeous visuals, the atmospheric soundtrack and evocative storytelling. The game seamlessly blends gameplay and narrative, immersing you in a richly detailed world filled with stunning landscapes and hauntingly beautiful music.

Inside (2016)

Inside is a thought-provoking and atmospheric puzzle-platformer video game developed by Playdead, the creators of Limbo. Released in 2015, the game takes players on a mysterious and unsettling journey through a dark and oppressive world.

The game follows the story of a young boy who finds himself navigating a bleak and dystopian landscape. As you control the boy, you must solve puzzles, avoid dangers and uncover the secrets that lie within this haunting environment.

Inside features a minimalist art style, with monochromatic visuals and atmospheric lighting that effectively convey the game’s somber and oppressive tone. The world is filled with eerie and foreboding elements, such as oppressive machinery, grotesque creatures and dystopian environments, all of which contribute to a sense of unease and mystery.

Pyre (2017)

Released in 2017, Pyre presents you with a captivating blend of fantasy, sports, and narrative-driven gameplay.

Set in a mystical world called the Downside, Pyre follows the journey of a group of exiles who seek freedom and redemption. The Downside is a purgatorial realm where individuals who have been banished from society participate in a ritualistic competition known as the Rites. The Rites are otherworldly battles where teams of exiles face off against each other, striving to earn their freedom and the chance to return to the land above.

Pyre also incorporates a unique gameplay mechanic called the “Triumvirate,” which involves selecting and managing a team of three characters with distinct abilities and roles. Each character brings a different playstyle to the Rites, and strategising their placement and actions is crucial for success.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (2017)

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, released in 2017, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Ninja Theory. It offers a gripping and psychological journey into the mind of its protagonist, Senua, as she battles her inner demons in a haunting and dark Norse mythology-inspired world.

Senua is a Celtic warrior plagued by severe psychosis, as she embarks on a harrowing quest to rescue the soul of her deceased lover from the clutches of the Norse goddess Hela. Senua’s mind is shattered, and you witness her descent into madness as she confronts her traumas and struggles with her own distorted reality.

Hellblade’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of mental illness, as it delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist. Through a combination of stunning visuals and exceptional motion capture performances, the game provides a visceral and immersive experience that highlights the internal torment and struggle faced by those with mental health conditions.

As you guide Senua through a treacherous and nightmarish landscape, you engage in intense combat encounters and solve environmental puzzles. The combat mechanics emphasise precision and timing, challenging you to master Senua’s swordplay while maintaining a delicate balance between survival and the deterioration of her mental state.

Katana ZERO (2019)

Katana ZERO, released in 2019, is an action-packed, neo-noir platformer game developed by Askiisoft, set in a stylish and dystopian cyberpunk world. You take control of The Dragon, a highly skilled swordsman with the ability to manipulate time. The game combines fast-paced combat with strategic decision-making, challenging you to plan your attacks, deflect bullets and eliminate enemies in a single, fluid motion.

The narrative unfolds through intense dialogues, branching choices and dream sequences. As you progress through the game, you must make critical decisions that impact the story’s outcome and reveals the truth behind The Dragon’s past and his connection to a government conspiracy.

What sets Katana ZERO apart is its striking visual style, combining pixel art with vibrant colours and atmospheric lighting. The game’s soundtrack further enhances the experience, immersing you in its dark and tense atmosphere.

A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019)

Set in 14th-century France during the Black Death, the game follows the harrowing journey of Amicia and her younger brother Hugo as they navigate a treacherous world ravaged by the plague and faced with the horrors of the Inquisition.

You assume the role of Amicia, a resourceful and courageous young girl, who must protect and guide Hugo through perilous environments filled with swarms of disease-carrying rats and ruthless soldiers. The siblings must rely on their wits, stealth, and cooperation to overcome challenges and survive in a desperate and unforgiving world.

Plague Tale: Innocence combines elements of stealth, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven gameplay. The game has beautifully crafted medieval landscapes. You have to solve environmental puzzles and make strategic choices to outsmart enemies and manipulate the swarm of rats that plague the land.

Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)

Released in 2018, Return of the Obra Dinn is a puzzle-solving game developed by Lucas Pope, the creator of Papers, Please. Set in the early 19th century, the game puts you in the role of an insurance adjuster tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of the merchant ship Obra Dinn and its crew.

Equipped with a magical pocket watch that can reveal the moment of a person’s death, you must explore the abandoned ship and piece together the events that led to its demise. By examining the frozen scenes of death and utilising deductive reasoning, you gradually unravel the fates of each crew member and uncover the truth behind the Obra Dinn’s voyage.

The game’s distinctive monochromatic art style, reminiscent of early Macintosh graphics, adds to its atmospheric and immersive experience. You must carefully examine details in each scene, interpret visual and auditory cues and cross-reference information to learn the identities and stories of the crew members.

Hollow Knight (2017)

This is another one of those games that I adore but I suck at. Hollow Knight, released in 2017, is a visually beautiful and challenging action-adventure game developed by Team Cherry. Set in the haunting underground kingdom of Hallownest, the game follows the journey of a small and mysterious knight as they explore a vast, interconnected world filled with perilous creatures, ancient secrets, and forgotten civilisations.

Through traversing the depths of Hallownest, you uncover a rich and atmospheric world, rendered in a stunning hand-drawn art style. The game’s visuals, combined with its haunting ambient soundtrack, create an immersive and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the game’s themes of solitude and exploration.

Hollow Knight offers tight and responsive gameplay, with fast-paced combat, precise platforming and a wide array of unique abilities and spells. You have to master the knight’s move set, adapt to various enemy patterns and navigate challenging environments to progress through the game’s intricate and interconnected map.

The game also features a deep and layered narrative, told through subtle environmental storytelling, cryptic dialogue and encounters with enigmatic characters. You gradually piece together the history and downfall of Hallownest, discovering tragic tales of its former inhabitants and their fates.

Exploration is a key aspect of Hollow Knight, as you venture into uncharted areas and acquire new abilities and upgrades. These discoveries unlock new paths and reveal hidden secrets, providing a sense of progression and rewarding those who are thorough in their exploration.

Hollow Knight is known for its challenging difficulty. I often hear it described as Souls-like.

Disco Elysium (2019)

Disco Elysium, released in 2019, is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking role-playing game developed by ZA/UM. Set in the fictional city of Revachol, the game immerses you in a dark and gritty detective story, where you have to unravel a complex web of mysteries and confront you own inner demons.

You assume the role of a troubled detective with a fragmented memory and a variety of conflicting personalities known as “the Thought Cabinet.” As you investigate a murder case, you must navigate a richly detailed world filled with diverse characters, political turmoil and moral dilemmas.

What sets Disco Elysium apart is its emphasis on narrative depth and player choice. The game’s dialogue system offers an incredible level of freedom, allowing you to shape your character’s personality, morality and investigative approach. Every decision and dialogue option can have far-reaching consequences, influencing the story’s outcome and the relationships with other characters.

Supporting Indie Games

This is probably a good time to point you to a new magazine that was launched recently: Debug. This is what they say about themselves on their website:

Two independent gaming companies are joining forces to launch a high-quality gaming magazine that’s solely focused on the indie gaming market. WAVE Game Studios, which has published a large number of new indie SEGA Dreamcast games since 2021, and Super8 Media, publishers of the popular gaming magazine, SEGA Powered, have united to launch Debug, a quarterly publication designed to help independent game developers and publishers get their titles seen by a passionate and focused audience.

I’ve already found a handful of wonderful indie games through Debug so if you are in a region that can get it, I highly recommend this magazine.

Do you have any favourite underrated games? Drop a comment below.

All images are from IGDB.com.