The indie games that have left the biggest impression on me
, by Quentin
A long-time fan of AAA games, I have only dabbled into indie games just recently. I'm fully aware that this is one of the biggest sins and mistakes of my gaming life, and lo and behold, I've decided to write this article paying tribute to the latest experiencies that have made the biggest impression. From now on, the trend is reversed for me. No longer will I go for the big-budget works, instead focusing on the modest ones that try to take risks and innovate.
Harold Halibut
This is the last indie I've finished, and boy, did it make a 180º on me! With a knockout art direction that really stands out from the rest, it also features super writing. And yet, if I'm being honest with you, it's a game that spans around 13 hours but takes a long time to set the stakes and get its story started. At first, I found it redundant and almost left it behind.
But once it gets going, oh boy. You become part of a moving adventure: that of a handyman named Harold, searching for his place in life on a spaceship, the only home that a group of humans who fled planet Earth because of a disaster over a century ago knows. Now underwater and on a distant planet, the want to escape and resume their journey into the unknown. But not our man. Harold is looking for purpose and meaning in his life. Thus we're left with an indie gem that will sure move you to tears.
Tchia
An ode to travel, that's what Tchia truly is. Beneath a childlike art lies a game that is everything but. Sometimes bloody, sometimes violent, it doesn't hesitate to counterbalance the game's artistic direction.
You follow the adventure of Tchia, who sets out to rescue his father who has fallen into the hands of a strange, abominable creature. You'll travel through some great landscapes of a fictional archipelago inspired by New Caledonia. She is equipped with some handy, incredible abilities, such as the ability to take control of animals and objects around her.
Planet of Lana
Set in a 2D world, Planet of Lana puts you in the shoes of a young girl who must travel through a dangerous land populated by evil aliens, all with the sole aim of finding her sister.
You'll be doing so accompanied by Mui, a cat-like animal who will help you with the puzzles that stand in your way, as well as escaping the creatures on your tail. The game also features a magnificent soundtrack and beautiful landscapes. It's an experience I highly recommend.
Jusant
While I've discovered the previous games by chance, this one I was waiting for since the moment it was announced. Of course, I wasn't the only one, as it make some waves when first shown to the public.
Your goal is simple: you're faced with a huge mountain to climb using your skills. You'll need dexterity, patience and the ability to solve a few puzzles along the way. The answer to the many questions that plague the main character lie at the summit. With the help of your travel, a strange yet really cute thing, youl''get to reach your goal and get some answers.
Dordogne
OK, I'll say it. Dordogne is my favorite game of this bung. Now, I'm going to have to sum exactly why it's this one. Perhaps it came at a time when I needed its shjimmering colors and a change of scenery the most; whatever the case, this story touched me deeply.
You play the role of Mimi, who explores her childhood memories with her grandmother, who has sadly left her. It's also the perfect opportunity to uncover many family secrets and get some answers. Once again, the art direction is just delicious, and the game takes us on a tour through the Dordogne with hand-painted watercolors. It's an adventure as soft as it is powerful, and one you must absolutely experience.
Which indie games do you recommend? Which are the biggest ones? I'm always eager to discover new worlds and experiences. Tell me in the comments!