Hello, fellow gamers! 2024 has truly been a remarkable year for indie games, and I can’t wait to dive into a few of my top picks that graced the PlayStation platform this year.
Let’s kick things off with “Pacific Drive,” a game that introduces players to a “road-lite” survival experience. Imagine cruising through a mysterious, storm-laden forest with only your trusty car as your ally. The challenge? Each journey wears down your vehicle due to peculiar phenomena, compelling you to make it back to your garage before starting anew. Gather resources during your excursions to repair and enhance your ride. The unique and ever-changing nature of each adventure promises hours of addictive gameplay.
Moving on, “Animal Well” transports players into a mesmerizing pixel-art universe. Despite its vintage vibes, the surreal lighting breathes new life into the game’s world. As a Metroidvania venture, it’s brimming with wonders and secrets. The satisfaction of overcoming complex platform sections and solving enigmatic puzzles is simply unmatched.
If you’re a fan of vampire survival games, rejoice! The immensely popular PC vampire survival game has now made its way to PlayStation. Players emerge as weakened vampires, craving the blood of foes and creatures to reclaim their powers and dominate the terrain. Caution is advised—vampires resent sunlight, so you’ll need to skillfully use shadows to evade the sun’s deadly rays.
For those nostalgic about childhood games, “SCHiM” is your ticket to reliving those shadow-hopping days. This game casts you as a quirky, frog-like entity who can only traverse the world by leaping from shadow to shadow. Its vibrant color palette coupled with a distinct art style makes it an absolute visual treat.
Next up is “Plucky Squire,” an enchanting blend of action and adventure that shifts between 2D and 3D worlds. One moment you’re engrossed in a 2D escapade within a storybook’s pages, and the next, you’re solving puzzles in the outer 3D realm. Filled with endearing mechanics, it offers an experience that players of any age will relish.
From Japan, “Palworld” has captured players’ hearts with its open-world setting teeming with delightful creatures known as Pals. This crafting and survival game offers a captivating loop of collecting Pals, expanding your base, and venturing ever further into its enchanting world.
For a breathtakingly beautiful yet emotionally intense experience, look no further than “Neva,” brought to us by the creators of the acclaimed GRIS. Journey through changing seasons alongside a wolf cub named Neva in this stunningly silent narrative adventure that promises an unforgettable ending.
In the realm of atmospheric horror, “Fear the Spotlight” channels the aesthetics of the original PlayStation with its retro low-polygon visuals. It follows two teenagers sneaking into school after hours and facing eerie paranormal events. Players must solve puzzles and avoid lurking monsters to reunite safely.
From Keiichiro Toyama, the mastermind behind Siren and Gravity Rush, comes an intriguing mystery set in ‘90s Hong Kong. As a disembodied entity, players must possess NPCs to combat terrifying creatures called Slitterheads. The thrill of taking down these brain-feasting monsters is an exhilarating ride.
Red Candle Games, known for Detention and Devotion, introduces “Nine Sols,” inspired by “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice”. This challenging action game rewards skillful deflection-based combat. Its fusion of cyberpunk aesthetics with ancient Chinese mythology and Taoism creates a distinct and enchanting atmosphere.
And finally, a surprising blend of poker and roguelike elements takes center stage with a game developed by a lone creator. This hit has taken the world by storm—once you begin, it’s tough to step away.
These titles showcase the diversity and creativity in the indie game scene on PlayStation this year, promising hours of enthralling gameplay for fans across different genres. Enjoy your next gaming adventure!
