If there’s one thing the PlayStation 4 doesn’t have a shortage of, it’s indie games. These are smaller budgeted, independent titles made by small teams. Don’t let that fool you, though – these people know what they’re doing when it comes to producing entertaining game experiences. In fact, Sony took the time to highlight these teams during its pre-E3 press conference, emphasizing how important indie development is to the PS4.
There are several titles coming out, but there are 10 in particular that stand out. Even though most are coming following the system’s release, they’ll be well worth downloading. Here are ten indie games that you won’t want to miss on the PlayStation 4.
10. Minecraft: PlayStation Edition (Mojang)
It’s been a sensation on the Xbox 360 and PC, so why can’t it do the same on PlayStation 4? Minecraft: PlayStation Edition brings all the block destroying and building action of the original, complete with a polished, new blocky sheen, online interaction, and a few extra Creepers for good measure. The game should also feature some bonus goodies, including possible TouchPad integration. Swing that axe!
9. Octodad: Dadliest Catch (Young Horses)
Okay, right off the bat, we’re just going to say that Octodad is weird. Well, more like extraordinary, actually. You control an octopus that tries to walk around like a human being, going through his day-to-day events with rather hilarious results. The offbeat approach to Octodad is what makes it work so well, whether you’re trying to go grocery shopping or trying – and failing – to put dishes in a cupboard. It’s definitely going to be good for a few laughs.
8. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Nicalis)
With its adult-oriented storyline, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth clearly won’t be a game for everyone. However, those curious enough to undertake its theme will find a worthwhile successor to the classic Legend of Zelda games, as a naked Isaac fights his way through a demon-filled basement, trying to avoid his wrathful mother in the process. With plenty of challenging boss battles and useful power-ups, this game should be a fond favorite to those who like old-school design.
7. Contrast (Compulsion Games)
We recently published a first look at this amazing platformer, which oozes early 1920’s essence throughout as you guide a pair of characters through both the real world and a shadow realm, integrating with both almost seamlessly. If the atmosphere doesn’t grab you, the classic platforming gameplay will, challenging you at every turn as you attempt to complete objectives. Oh, and don’t forget to stop and listen to the music. It’s great stuff.
6. Rogue Legacy (Cellar Door Games)
If the Dark Souls team over there at From Software ever worked on an 8-bit platformer, chances are it would end up like Rogue Legacy. You play a valiant knight – as well as the knight’s various next-of-kin – as you battle through a castle, destroying enemies and collecting treasures along the way. Your journey won’t be easy – you’ll die often – but it’s well worth undertaking if you want a challenge.
5. Outlast (Red Barrels)
We know that Halloween is over, but there’s still room to get scared out of your wits on the PlayStation 4. Red Barrels’ Outlast is just the game to do that. In this creepy first-person adventure, you work your way through an overrun mental ward, avoiding enemies while trying to stay alive the best way you can. You don’t have access to too many weapons, so sometimes you’ll just need to run and hide in order to stay in one piece. That won’t be easy, because these guys smell fear. Good luck.
4. N++ (Metanet)
Remember the original N+ on Xbox Live Arcade? That fast-paced platformer offered more than its fair share of thrills, as you played a ninja-like warrior moving from point A to point B in a maze filled with booby traps. These included machine gun turrets, renegade robots, and mines, sometimes littered across the walls and floors. That game was a blast, but you haven’t seen anything yet. N++ promises to bring more of the same, as well as the return of the level-building feature, in which we’ll see hundreds of new challenges from the community. Hey, we’re ready.
3. Mercenary Kings (Tribute Games)
If you grew up on classic shooter games like Contra and Metal Slug – like we did – then chances are the side-scrolling shmup action of Mercenary Kings will be a perfect fit for you. Featuring classic 16-bit style graphics, a variety of characters and weapons, and an unending challenge across dozens of levels, this KickStarter-funded delight should be a huge addition to the PS4 library. Just make sure your lives are stocked up for this one – chances are you’re going to need them.
2. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number (Dennaton Games)
Considering that the original Hotline Miami was a hit on PlayStation 3 and PS Vita, the sequel should have no problem following suit. We gave this a first look a while back and were overwhelmed by the excitement the game brought, as you try to battle your way through a group of thugs while keeping your one-hit life bar intact. You can use a number of weapons along the way, and the more powerful they are, the better chance you have at survival. Oh, and we shouldn’t forget the new animal masks either. They add an extraordinary amount of replay value to the game. We can’t wait to dial this Wrong Number.
1. Transistor (Supergiant Games)
Bastion easily stands as one of this generation’s better “indie” efforts, and it was a huge success for Supergiant on the PC, mobile and Xbox Live front. With Transistor, PlayStation 4 finally gets a taste of the developer’s brilliance. This futuristic tale has your silent singing starlet team up with a talking sword (using the same voice as the narrator as Bastion – nice!), battling enemies and trying to solve a mystery regarding devastating changes to the landscape. Featuring beautiful isometric visuals and nice mix of action and stealth gameplay, Transistor easily sits on the top of our list when it comes to indie game delights. Just look at that trailer – how could it not?
PlayStation 4 hits store shelves on November 15th.
Published: Nov 13, 2013 05:15 pm