Another year has come to an end, and it’s time for gaming media like the Metacritic website to introduce the best games of the year. We also do this with our focus on independent games in two articles. In the first one, we introduce the top ten independent games based on their scores on the Metacritic website. But the other article will be about choosing the games we played and loved, whether they were highly rated or not.
Dwarf Fortress
It is an indie game that has been developing and releasing different versions since 2002. A strategic, management, and roguelike title initially had images with text, but the latest update has nice pixel art graphics. This game has different modes and is highly appreciated on Metacritic for its fun systems.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
It is a remake of a game called The Stanley Parable, originally released in 2013. The game is a first-person adventure game, and you are an employee named Stanley, who must uncover the mystery of people’s disappearances. The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe has an exciting atmosphere and is easy to play.
Chained Echoes
Chained Echoes is a one-man-developed game. It’s an old-school JRPG title. It means you will see 16-bit pixel art graphics in which you control minimalistic characters. The game has an open-world map. Unlike many Japanese games, the enemies can be seen on the map. Of course, the combats are still turn-based.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
It’s a standalone expansion pack for the Cuphead game that follows the same formula. That is, a fast 2D action where you must dodge an infinite number of bullets, have quick reactions, and remember enemies’ behavior patterns to destroy them. The game is difficult, unlike its cartoonish look, which is similar to old Disney animations.
Rogue Legacy 2
Rogue Legacy 2 is a great action platformer game that was first released early access in 2020 for PC. Now its full version is available and its reviews released on the Metacritic website. Like many new 2D action games, this game has a roguelike mode, and of course, it also has Metroidvania elements.
Neon white
It’s a first-person action card game that can provide a breathtaking experience. Contrary to the appearance of being a card game, the game is based on completing the stages as quickly as possible and has a high rhythm. Also, here you should try to finish each level in the best possible way to get more points, which requires accuracy and proper management of cards.
Norco
If you miss old adventure games, Norco is just for you, Because the game is both point-and-click and text-based. In addition to a fine story and outstanding world-building, the two-dimensional graphics are fantastic and have many details. In this game, you are looking for the lost brother of the protagonist.
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
It is a 2D sci-fi and action card game that has a teenage world. Among the prominent features of this title are the detailed story, various combat cards, complex social relationships, and funny cartoonish designs.
Immortality
Movie games may not be very many in this period, but the few such games sometimes have great quality. Immortality creator has worked on games such as Her Story and even two Silent Hill games in his portfolio. Immortality is a mystery about the disappearance of a young actress.
Pentiment
Pentiment is an exclusive game for Microsoft platforms, developed by a small team of Obsidian Studio developers. Views on this game were somewhat contradictory. So that despite the high reception on Metacritic, some of them gave low scores to the game. Pentiment is a highly creative 2D action role-playing game that takes place in the 16th century.