The Top 10 Indie Games of 2023

2023 was an incredible year for the gaming industry, and the indie gaming scene is no exception. With so many great games this year by brilliant developers, it’s only right to give them the recognition that they deserve. Here are the top ten independent video games of 2023!

2023 was an incredible year for the gaming industry, and the indie gaming scene is no exception. With so many great games this year by brilliant developers, it’s only right to give them the recognition that they deserve. Here are the top ten independent video games of 2023!

10. DREDGE | Metacritic Score: 80

Explore through an ocean world on your fishing trawler, hunting for many unique underwater creatures to sell to different merchants. While the premise of fishing and exploration may seem very relaxing and non-threatening at first, you will quickly learn about the horrors the dark brings if you dare stay out too late.

Meet with the locals of different towns to help you learn more about the islands around you. Find collectables and resources on your travels to upgrade your trawler to explore further through the vast open sea. Just be sure to handle your inventory well and keep your eyes peeled. Who knows what you will find in this haunting archipelago.

9. Sea of Stars | Metacritic Score: 87

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG made with beautiful pixel art. Join the Children of Solstace Valerie and Zale in their journey to stop the evil alchemist, The Fleshmancer. Fight off his many evil creations as the powers of the sun and moon together in harmony, while also having some friends help you along the way.

The game is reminiscent of retro RPGs like the early Final Fantasy games, which is sure to leave you feeling nostalgic. Traverse through the many diverse parts of the world as you go from fighting many hostile magical creatures, to stumbling into small towns and their taverns, or taking the time to stop and fish.

8. Hi-Fi Rush | Metacritic Score: 87

Hi-Fi Rush is a game all about following the beat. Chai is a wannabe rockstar who accidentally receives a built-in, music based combat upgrade by the evil corporation called, “Vandelay Technologies”.

Now considered a defect, Chai must survive from the robots and corporate officials that chase him down, while also trying to destroy the corporation with his new friends and great rhythm. As you traverse each level, everything is synced to a beat, making the game and especially the combat more satisfying and fun to play. Don’t forget your headphones!

7. Astral Ascent | Metacritic Score: 88

Astral Ascent is a flashy, combat heavy platformer that is sure to keep you addicted. With many different characters with their own powers and upgrade combinations, master your combat skills as you traverse through levels and bosses that will test you.

Each playable character is not just unique in their choice of weapons and combat style, but also with their own individual backstories that influence their way through the story. Speaking of the story, replayability plays a major part, as each time you play, a new part of the story and its characters will be revealed to keep you hooked.

6. Cocoon | Metacritic Score: 88

Cocoon is a mystical, puzzle adventure game that will take you across different worlds hidden within orbs that you carry on your back. Find evidence of alien life on your journey as you learn to use ancient machinery left behind. Discover the secrets hidden between these connected worlds as you use your abilities given by your orb.

Your orb will help in revealing hidden passageways, triggering switches, and more in order to help solve the puzzles you find along the way. While the game may seem simple at first, you will learn new mechanics in utilizing your orb to the fullest in order to be able to fight against the many enemies and bosses.

5. Pizza Tower | Metacritic Score: 89

Pizza Tower is an intensely fast-paced platformer that was released in January of this year. Follow the struggling pizza chef Peppino Spaghetti, as he climbs the Pizza Tower in order to stop the sentient floating pizza, Pizzaface, from blowing up the chef’s pizzeria with a massive laser.

Travel with the chef and his friend Gustavo through the multiple levels, time trials, and boss fights in the tower in hopes of surviving their wacky surroundings. Learn the many moves of Peppino and try to keep up with his surprising fast and agile speed. The game is sure to give any player a challenge, but will still keep you playing with its witty humor.

4. Videoverse | Metacritic Score: 90

Inspired by early forums in the early 2000’s, Videoverse follows Emmett through his memories on the once popular Videoverse website. Here, you can post your artwork, join fandom discourse, and make as many friends as you wish.

Depending on your choices in these conversations, Emmett will change throughout the game, ultimately affecting the ending. Besides chatting online, you will join Emmett as he plays through the JRPG, “Feudal Fantasy”. Sound familiar? Overall, the game seems very cozy, but just like the internet in real life, you may find some dark corners if you’re not careful.

3. Dave the Diver | Metacritic Score: 90

Dave seems like the regular sushi restaurant owner. That is until you realize what he must do in order to gather ingredients. Follow Dave as he swims and explores the depths of the Blue Hole sea during the day, and serves sushi and drinks by night. Upgrade your harpoon and gear to help you dive deeper and deeper, where you will discover both the prettiest, and most dangerous parts of the ocean.

Go from battling sharks, to massive crabs, to even other divers on the hunt. The game has a lovable wacky humor with many eccentric characters to run into. This game will not only keep you on your toes as you hunt for fish and treasures, but laughing with every little joke and charm this world has to offer.

2. Slay the Princess | Metacritic Score: 90

This game only has one simple goal. Slay the princess or the world will end tomorrow. Or will it? This story will put your mind and morals to the test, as you are given the life of a seemingly innocent princess in your hands.

As a psychological horror visual-novel, there are multiple unique paths and situations to find yourself in. With that, there is a ton of replay value to keep you busy and intrigued. Discover new details about this supposed “end of the world” and how you and the princess are involved. Who even is the princess?

1. Turbo Overkill | Metacritic Score: 91

Johnny Turbo is a man with rocket robot arms and a deadly chainsaw leg. He comes home to a place called Paradise, only to find it taken over and infested by an evil AI named Syn. A bounty with a hefty price tag is placed on whoever can take down this AI, and Johnny is desperate for money.

Battle your way through hordes of the AI’s massive army on the streets of the city. Use every gun you can get your hands on to blow through each level. Keep an eye out for other bounty hunters wanting the same bounty as you, and be prepared to show them who’s boss. Fly in futuristic ships from one battlefield to another. In a Doom inspired, flashy and bloody world like this one, you better be sure that you have good aim.