Night in the Woods
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
Night in the Woods isn’t like most other games out there right now. You’re not really set any proper objectives. You’re not constantly in the heart of the action, and you’re never in a hurry to do anything either. That’s because players assume the role of college dropout Mae Borowski as she hangs out with friends, goes to band practice, eats pizza, and just plays around.
While this may not sound like the perfect recipe for a game, Night in the Woods is a stellar example of the creativity often seen in indie games. Despite its cutesy characters, Night in the Woods tackles some hard-hitting subjects like mental health, relationships, and responsibilities. Even when dealing with these, though, Night in the Woods never loses sight of its goofy charm and humor, resulting in powerful, memorable moments.
If you’re open to experiencing some of the slower-paced, story-driven experiences that indie games offer, Night in the Woods is most definitely something you should check out.
Thimbleweed Park
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
When a pillow factory closes down in the center of the thriving social scene known as Thimbleweed Park, it doesn’t take long before the whole place has fallen into complete decay. Of course, with an eerie, derelict-looking town comes a mystery to be solved. In Thimbleweed Park, that comes in the form of a body found just outside of town. Cue plenty of point-and-click fun, tons of humor, and some incredibly challenging puzzles.
As you try to uncover the mystery and explore the bizarre town of Thimbleweed Park, you’ll switch between a cast of eccentric characters that’ll have you laughing along the way. Thimbleweed Park encapsulates all of the magic of the very best point-and-click adventure games, and you really don’t want to miss it out.
Stories Untold
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
Described as an experimental text adventure that guides players through a compilation tape of four experimental adventures, Stories Untold isn’t going to be for everyone. This isn’t going to put you at the heart of the action, instead combining the best of point-and-click games, classic text adventures, and smart writing to deliver a mind-bending experience.
What’s more, due to the game’s relatively short length, it won’t break the bank to pick it up either. Stories Untold is the perfect game to jump into one evening if you’re not looking for a huge time investment.
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
Set within the world of pen-and-paper RPG Numenera, this indie drags players into a deeply detailed world, and tells a story about the individual, rather than epic events (though you’ll still have plenty along the way). Tides of Numenera plays as an isometric point-and-click RPG similar to the likes of Diablo. However, rather than placing its focus on loot, Tides of Numenera is at its best when you dive into its conversations and conflict resolution mechanics. Want to prevent a fight? Invest in your persuasion or intimidation skills to have your enemies cowering in fear without even landing a blow.
Tides of Numenera offers a deep, complex, and rewarding RPG that will consume many, many hours of your time if you give it the chance, and you won’t regret a second.
2064: Read Only Memories
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
Set in Neo-San Francisco in 2064, players assume the role of a struggling journalist as they search for their missing friend. You won’t be in this foreign land alone, though. Tagging along for the ride is your Relationship and Organizational Manager robot buddy named Turing. And trust us when we say he’s quite the hoot.
While 2064: Read Only Memories is another slower-paced indie to release in Q1 2017, that doesn’t make it any less engrossing. Driven forward by its intriguing story of the dark side of technology, players will converse with NPCs and solve environmental puzzles to uncover the missing person mystery. With some witty writing, excellent environmental storytelling, and a diverse cast of characters, 2064: Read Only Memories is a world you’ll find difficult to pull yourself away from.
Detention
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
Point-and-click adventure fans have been spoiled by excellent indie games releasing in Q1 2017. Detention is a short game that takes players back to 1960s martial-law Taiwan. Two students find themselves in their high school haunted by evil creatures and it’s down to you to guide them through the campus, use objects and solve puzzles to help them escape.
Though it might be short in length, Detention’s striking art style and emotionally-stirring experience is one that horror fans will reflect on for quite some time.
EVERYTHING
Best Indie Games of Q1 2017
Ever wanted to gallop majestically across a desert as a Giraffe? Everything lets you do that. It also lets you control a tree, galaxy, and many thousands more random objects and creatures. You won’t be switching between all of these in order to complete an objective, though. Everything is an interactive nature simulation with deep philosophical undertones that are expressed via its spoken prose.
It’s certainly not going to be for everyone, but if you’re willing to roll with the obscurity of it all, Everything is a thought-provoking and unique experience in the landscape of video games.
What were your favorite indie games to release in Q1 2017? Which indies are you most looking forward to releasing later in the year? Let us know down in the comments below.
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