Hey everyone! 2024 was a fantastic year for indie games, and I can’t wait to dive into my top 11 picks that hit PlayStation this year. Let’s get started!
First up, we have Pacific Drive, a ‘road-lite’ survival game that throws you into a stormy, enigmatic forest with only your trusty car by your side. Each adventure takes a toll on your vehicle as strange anomalies begin to tear it apart, but gather resources wisely, and you can repair and upgrade it back in your garage. With every journey through these randomly generated woods being different, you’ll find yourself hooked by its captivating and addictive gameplay.
Next on the list is Animal Well, a gorgeous game that combines pixel art with a fresh flair. Its world is a nostalgic nod to the past, bathed in surreal lighting that brings it to life. This Metroidvania masterpiece is brimming with surprises and demands your cunning to overcome its tough platforming sections and puzzling mysteries. The sense of triumph you’ll experience is nothing short of electrifying.
Making the jump to PlayStation is a fan-favorite vampire survival game from the PC realm. Players begin as weakened vampires, driven to feed on the blood of foes and animals to reclaim their strengths and powers. Sunlight is your greatest adversary, forcing you to stick to the shadows or risk perishing in its brilliance.
Remember those childhood games of leaping from shadow to shadow? SCHiM takes that idea and runs with it, letting you play as a quirky, frog-like creature that navigates the world by hopping between shadows. It’s not just about clever mechanics; the game dazzles with unique colors and an art style that’s hard to look away from.
Plucky Squire offers a delightful mix of action and adventure by merging 2D storybook gameplay with the wonders of a 3D world. You’ll find yourself flipping between these realms, solving puzzles, and enjoying playful gimmicks that create a truly engaging experience perfect for players of every age.
Originating from Japan, Palworld is an indie sensation that combines open-world exploration, crafting, and survival with the cuteness of collectible critters known as Pals. You’ll find yourself immersed in its addictive loop of gathering Pals, fortifying your base, and daring to explore more of its vast world.
Neva, the latest gem from the creators of the poignant GRIS, takes you on an emotion-rich journey alongside a wolf cub through a colorful world that changes seasons. Told without dialogue, its moving story is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you teary-eyed by the end.
Fear the Spotlight is a nostalgic horror adventure wrapped in a retro low-polygon art style. Two teenage girls venture into their school after hours but soon find themselves navigating the horrors of paranormal disturbances. Your mission is to piece together puzzles and evade a lurking monster to reunite safely.
From the genius mind of Keiichiro Toyama comes a haunting tale set in ’90s Kowloon, Hong Kong. As a disembodied entity, you possess NPCs to fight against the grotesque Slitterheads, creatures feeding on human brains. Channeling your inner hero through ordinary folks is both thrilling and satisfying.
Nine Sols, crafted by Red Candle Games, mixes deflection-based action with a compelling blend of cyberpunk and ancient Chinese mythology. Drawing from the mechanics of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, this challenging game rewards perfectly timed parries and counterattacks. Its unique setting enriches the experience with fascinating lore and aesthetics.
Finally, imagine a game that marries poker with roguelike elements—sounds unusual, right? Yet, once you delve into this global phenomenon created by a solo developer, you’ll find it so addictive you won’t want to put it down.
These indie wonders have truly made this year special for gamers on PlayStation. Be sure to check them out and see which ones capture your imagination!
