Shacknews Top 24 Indie Games of the Year 2024

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the indie games scene in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. The sheer variety and quality of games released this year have left an indelible mark on me, and I find myself constantly astounded by the ingenuity and passion these developers bring to their craft.

2024 stood out as another exceptional year for video game launches, with independent games particularly shining throughout the entire year. As is our custom, we would typically compile our top 10 indie games here. However, we feel that 2024’s indie gaming scene was too vibrant to be limited to just ten titles. Therefore, we expanded our list and included an additional 14 games as well.

Shacknews Top 24 Indies, 24 – 11

24. Little Kitty, Big City

23. Felvidek

22. Card-en-Ciel

19. Kamikaze Lassplanes

19. Fields of Mistria

19. Luma Island

18. Isles of Sea and Sky

17. Slitterhead

16. Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

15. Thank Goodness You’re Here!

14. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

13. 1000xRESIST

12. Tales of Kenzara: ZAU

11. Penny’s Big Breakaway

Kudos to those who made our list, even if they didn’t make it to the Top 10. This year’s voting was incredibly close and many of these games were exceptional, provoking intense competition! If you haven’t had a chance to play them yet, I highly recommend giving them a try as each one is truly remarkable. So, here’s to all of them for making it onto the scene this year. Now, let’s proceed without delay to the Shacknews Top 10 Indie Games of 2024. Here are our picks:

10. Crow Country

90s horror video games carry a strong sense of nostalgia, and it’s remarkable how the creators of Crow Country successfully encapsulated not just the visual aesthetic, but the atmosphere and essence of those classic games in their critically acclaimed indie horror release this year.

In a more natural and easily readable manner: Crow Country skillfully amplifies dread without overusing jump scares or other gimmicky techniques. Instead, SFB Games relies on atmosphere to unnerve its players. From the haunting music and sound design to the eerie creature designs, Crow Country leaves a lasting impression, burrowing itself into your subconscious.

This year, the enigma surrounding Crow Country provided ample material for numerous YouTubers, as they joined forces to solve the puzzles set by SFB Games. It’s remarkable how a game can cultivate such a community, and Crow Country truly represents the best of independent horror gaming.

Crow Country is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

9. The Axis Unseen

It was clear from the outset that Nate Purkeypile was going to create a game worth remembering when he unveiled The Axis Unseen. Regardless of your stance on independent games, first-person perspectives, or survival genres, this game stands out due to its remarkable concept: A survival game inspired by heavy metal music, where you explore the wilderness armed with a bow, arrows, and supernatural abilities. You’ll encounter cryptids in this world, and more often than not, they will hunt you as well.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that Purkeypile burst onto the scene with an impressive level of ambition. He was among the pioneers in the indie game development community, swiftly embracing Unreal Engine 5. From the get-go, it was evident that UE5’s streamlined asset creation and specialized tools were a godsend for an experienced environmental designer like Purkeypile. The world of Axis Unseen is nothing short of breathtaking, boasting a sprawling wilderness teeming with hills, mountains, and a myriad of creatures waiting to be explored.

In The Axis Unseen, the creature designs are spot-on. Initially, you encounter small, generally harmless creatures that will attack you only if provoked. But as time passes, you’ll come across massive tree giants armed with thorny branches and powerful Bigfoot-like creatures capable of causing significant damage if they get a hold of you. Your success depends on your strategic use of arrows and the abilities you can infuse into them.

In the context of 2024’s gaming landscape, The Axis Unseen stood out as one of the most intriguing indie stories. Nate Purkeypile demonstrated a unique vision and the expertise to execute it effectively, yet his initial work with UE5 seems ripe for admiration and examination by fellow independent developers. What sets this game apart from others is the opportunity it offers to dodge and pursuit Bigfoot amidst rocky outcrops adorned with massive horned skulls and skeletons of otherworldly creatures.

The Axis Unseen is available on Steam and Epic Games Store platforms.

8. Mouthwashing

At Shacknews, we rarely encounter games that genuinely unsettle us. However, Mouthwashing was far from a mere discomfort; it invaded our minds, left us feeling uneasy, uncomfortable, and downright disgusted by the actions portrayed in the game. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the most impactful indie games this year.

In simpler terms, “Mouthwashing” is a chilling psychological horror video game that takes place on a spaceship transporting cargo between planets. The crew is compact, made up of only five individuals, and given the circumstances, it’s not surprising that tensions escalate. The story begins with the ship crashing into a celestial object due to someone tampering with the navigation system.

From hereon, the story unfolds in a dual sequence: one leading towards the accident and another starting post-crash. You’ll find yourself aboard the ship, assisting with various tasks ranging from routine upkeep to comforting individuals emotionally. However, events take an unexpected turn for the worse.

Experiencing Mouthwashing evokes an ominous anticipation, as the team grapples with more than just depleting resources; their psychological and emotional wellbeing is also at stake. It’s a harrowing game that leaves you gaping in shock as the end rolls in. Ready for an emotional rollercoaster? Give Mouthwashing a try!

Mouthwashing is available on the Steam platform.

7. Another Crab’s Treasure

After Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring set the standard for the souls-like genre, many studios have tried their hand at creating spinoffs. However, one game that has managed to distinguish itself from the typical Soulsborne atmosphere is Another Crab’s Treasure. Rather than playing as a spectral being exploring a desolate realm or the aftermath of a brutal conflict, you take on the role of Kril, a hermit crab, who seeks to reclaim his stolen shell. The game takes place on an ocean floor that has become inundated with human debris left behind by careless inhabitants. Consequently, this is a subaquatic souls-like experience where your resources are trash and your weapons are the various shells Kril can equip, each granting him unique abilities.

In Another Crab’s Treasure, the setting strikes a balance between amusing, picturesque, and disquieting. Each location you visit exhibits a certain underwater beauty, yet this natural charm is marred by the tacky remnants of human-world waste that marine life finds appealing. Unbeknownst to them, prolonged interaction with this debris causes them to become increasingly erratic and aggressive.

In this game, Kril needs to battle against bizarre beasts that are significantly larger than him. So, how does a hermit crab cope? The answer lies in the shells. Whenever he’s in danger, Kril can quickly take refuge in a nearby item like a soda can, banana peel, or yogurt cup. These items serve as his protective shield while he fights back with his handy crab fork and fishing hook. Each shell also has unique abilities that can help Krill stay alive. For example, the soda can allows him to dodge backwards and emit a spray of bubbles that hone in on an enemy. Choosing the right shell for the right situation is crucial if Kril wants to make it through this tough game. The developers at Aggro Crab have even given players the option to lessen the difficulty, offering options such as giving Kril a gun.

Fundamentally, Aggro Crab strikes a unique balance between humor and allure, interwoven with a somewhat grim undertone. The humorous crab and zany fish characters are adorable to the extreme, yet they can be equally terrifying and distressing. The settings share this same dynamic. Couple that with intuitive action and underwater platforming, and you may begin to appreciate Another Crab’s Treasure.

Another Crab’s Treasure is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms.

6. The Plucky Squire

Straightaway, The Plucky Squire found itself on our top games of the year wishlist upon viewing its unique blended art style that plays with reality. By skillfully merging 2D and 3D aesthetics, the game’s creators, All Possible Futures, have managed to enjoy both worlds simultaneously.

Apart from being visually pleasing, The Plucky Squire also offers an enjoyable gaming experience. Its stages and challenges pay tribute to classic game designs while still introducing enough novelty to maintain a sense of freshness in gameplay.

Experiencing The Plucky Squire feels much like diving into an enchanting tale brimming with laughter and engaging characters. Here’s hoping there’s more to explore within this captivating miniature world!

The Plucky Squire is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam platforms.

5. UFO 50

Initially, we assumed that the creators of Spelunky and its sequel developing a new game would result in something entertaining. However, what we never anticipated was that it would consist of 50 separate games, each one cool in its own right. UFO 50 is an exceptional compilation unlike any other. It’s essentially a tribute to numerous classic video game titles and might offer the most unbelievable value for your gaming dollar, given that several of its included games are actually full-length titles.

From the very beginning, Mossmouth grants players access to a total of 50 games found in UFO 50. This is reminiscent of a shadowy corporation clandestinely releasing these titles. They all hark back to the era of ’80s arcades and personal gaming systems, with some being quick and simple to conquer, while others are lengthy RPG-style games that could consume numerous hours to finish.

This assortment of titles is quite impressive. It ranges from action and horror to sports, adventure, puzzles, and narrative journeys. There are even tributes to metroidvanias, first-person dungeon crawlers, and narrative horror games like NES’s Uninvited, Deja Vu, and Shadowgate. Remarkably, Mossmouth managed to infuse their unique style of charm and humor into most of these titles, making this a truly exceptional collection.

As an enthusiast, I wholeheartedly endorse UFO 50 for its universal appeal. The game caters to diverse tastes, making it suitable for players of all ages. With a staggering variety of 50 games within one package, it’s almost unbelievable! Despite the mystery behind why Mossmouth decided to include such an impressive collection, I can only express admiration for their audaciousness and the exceptional quality each game offers.

UFO 50 is available on the Steam platform.

4. Neva

In a captivating storyline this year, Neva portrayed a moving account of a woman’s connection with a wolf. This narrative delves into the complex bond shared by humans and their animal companions, offering an insightful exploration of the joys and sorrows that come with it.

In terms of visual appeal, Neva stands out as one of this year’s most breathtaking games. Each setting offers a scenic charm, with idyllic landscapes contrasted against a deteriorating environment.

Besides being proficient at platform gaming, Neva offers a moderately tough experience lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours. For players more interested in the storyline, there’s an option to play in Story Mode.

Neva serves as an illustration of how powerful video games can be, particularly since many of their most compelling narratives are found within the independent gaming sector.

Neva is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam platforms.

3. Pacific Drive

2024 marked the early launch of Pacific Drive, a captivating sci-fi driving survival game from Ironwood Studios. Once released, it quickly became a firm favorite and remained engaging throughout the entire year. In truth, no other game in 2024 (and even games beyond that year) could quite match the appeal of Pacific Drive. Its stunning environments, enchanting soundtrack, and gripping storyline ensured that when the Shacknews Awards were being considered, it stood out as one of the most distinctive titles of the year.

In Pacific Drive, you assume the role of a clandestine investigator who explores the forested region of the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Exclusion Zone, a mysterious area shrouded by the government due to environmental experiments and peculiar occurrences. Encircled by a barrier for containment purposes, this Zone has kept its secrets well until your arrival. However, the barrier isn’t foolproof, as you soon find out.

In theory, to leave The Zone, you’d have to delve deeper, seeking out abnormal locations to gather energy for your experimental equipment. The Zone is delicate, making each exploration an unpredictable trek through thick forests and hills in a Station Wagon, gathering necessary supplies, crafting useful tools, and maintaining the vehicle. Be mindful, as you may encounter unusual anomalies that pose risks to both you and the car, such as self-electrifying scrap piles acting autonomously. Furthermore, extracting energy from a Zone location can lead to its instability, prompting a desperate bid for survival before it’s too late.

Returning to your garage provided a satisfying respite with the resources you’d salvaged, and repairing and customizing your car for the next escapade was both restorative and therapeutic. You could even personalize it by painting and adding decals, making it uniquely yours. In total, Pacific Drive stood out as an exceptional game this year, with Ironwood Studios rightfully earning praise for crafting such an engaging odyssey, not to mention a flawless sci-fi road trip soundtrack that felt like the ideal mix of upbeat tunes tailored just for you.

Pacific Drive is available on PlayStation, and Steam platforms.

2. Animal Well

From the very first glance, it was evident that Animal Well stood out as something extraordinary. Its enchanting, understated pixel art design painted a picture of a desolate realm brimming with puzzles waiting to be unraveled. Once launched, people could truly appreciate the brilliance hidden within Billy Basso’s mind.

As a player enamored with gaming, I can’t help but rave about Animal Well, a Metroidvania like no other. Unlike traditional games in this genre, there’s no combative element to be found. Instead, as a minuscule creature, my survival tactics are limited to outrunning any potential danger or cleverly utilizing the intricately designed tools for an advantage.

You see, you’re not going to get something as straightforward as unlocking double-jump or a grapple hook. You’re going to get a Frisbee, a yo-yo, and other childhood toys. It’s not even going to be clear how these things work and how you might use them to solve the game’s myriad puzzles and navigate its dense, secret-packed world.

Once you learn to utilize these objects, you’ll perceive the world in a new light. Frequent instances of ‘aha’ moments occur in Animal Well, as you immerse yourself in one of the most enjoyable puzzle-platformer games of the year.

Although Animal Well didn’t win our Indie Game of the Year 2024 award, it was very nearly our pick and has earned a special place among our team at Shacknews. If you appreciate indie games with an uncanny ability to leave you amazed, make sure to give Animal Well a try!

Animal Well is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam platforms.

1. Balatro

Over the last few decades at Shacknews, it’s challenging for our team to recall any independent game that has received such widespread praise or achieved such greatness as Balatro. While there have been many remarkable indie games throughout the years, like Journey, Gone Home, and Hades, Balatro seems to surpass them all. Indeed, it stands out among a crowded landscape of exceptional indie titles in 2024.

For solo developer LocalThunk to build on a relatively simple idea and captivate the entire gaming world has been nothing short of impressive. A poker roguelike sounds like a simple idea in theory, but the execution and the way it all came together has been special. Thousands of players across multiple platforms continue to try and chase high scores, just like in gaming days of old, all while utilizing well thought-out strategies and rolling with whatever luck befalls them. There are few sensations better in gaming right now than when a Balatro run comes together with the right combinations of rare Jokers, enhanced cards, and Boss Blinds that somehow manage not to upend the entire outing.

The Balatro formula is simple to grasp and leaves a lasting impact. This simplicity is one reason why the Shacknews team was apprehensive about its arrival on mobile platforms, as it’s a game tailored for casual play during daily commutes or downtime. It stands alongside gaming classics such as Tetris and Dr. Mario in terms of user-friendly design and addictive gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.

LocalThunk’s work is truly commendable. It’s astonishing to witness a solo artist pour so much dedication into creating such a finely tuned game. This kind of achievement might be rare in gaming for quite some time. Shacknews was fortunate to follow the story of Balatro throughout 2024, and we’re proud to award it as Shacknews’ Best Indie Game of 2024.

Balatro can be found on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Nintendo eShop (for Nintendo Switch), PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and Steam.

Check out our Shacknews Indie Game of the Year 2024 – Balatro article to read more.

We tip our hats to all the game developers who managed to launch a game in this particularly challenging year. It’s their exceptional creativity that keeps our industry thriving. A big thank you for another year filled with fantastic indie games, and heartfelt congratulations to those whose games made it onto our Shacknews Top 24 Indie Games of the Year 2024 list.

Be sure to read over the rest of the Shacknews Awards in our Year of the Games: 2024 feature.

2024-12-28 21:30