Impressive Student-Developed Games You Should Check Out

As a gamer and tech enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for innovative new games. Lately, I’ve been blown away by some of the incredible games created by students. In this article, I’ll highlight some of the most impressive student-developed games that you need to check out.

Journey of the Prairie King

Journey of the Prairie King is a fast-paced shooter/adventure game developed by concernedape for a game jam in college. You play as the hero Wes, exploring the wild frontier and shooting enemies like bandits and varmints. It packs a ton of action into short 2-3 minute rounds.

I love the retro pixel art style and chip tune music that makes it feel like an NES game. There’s also local co-op so you can team up with friends. As you progress, you unlock new characters with unique abilities. It’s an addictively fun and challenging adventure that’s impressive considering it was made by just one student.

Miegakure

Miegakure is a mind-bending puzzle platformer set in a world with four spatial dimensions. It was created by Marc ten Bosch while he was a student studying math and computer science. The key mechanic is moving your character along the 4D axes to shift between different 3D slices of the world.

The puzzles require you to think very spatially and conceptually. It makes your brain hurt at first! But as you play more, you start to understand and visualize the 4D space. This amazingly inventive concept crafted by a student combines science and gaming in a beautiful way. Miegakure teaches you fascinating mathematical ideas smoothly through gameplay.

Octodad

Octodad is a hilarious physics-based adventure game where you control an octopus masquerading as a human dad. Developed by students at DePaul University, Octodad has you complete everyday tasks while controlling the floppy limbs of the octopus. Just navigating through a room or picking up objects becomes a challenging feat.

The ragdoll physics and octopus animation make me laugh out loud. Trying to keep Octodad’s true identity secret while playing soccer with the kids or dancing at the wedding is such an absurd premise. This student-created game brings chaotic fun with its imaginative gameplay and charming story.

Hokra

Hokra is an artistic minimalist sports game crafted by students from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Up to 4 players compete in an abstract sport with the goal of getting a ball in the opponent’s goal. It has a clean pixel art aesthetic that focuses on the purity of the gameplay.

I love the fast-paced competitive action blended with strategic passing and positioning. The teams are differentiated by color rather than appearance, bringing a more inclusive feel. There’s also great couch co-op and online multiplayer modes. Hokra exemplifies the creativity and innovation that student game developers bring.

Hollow Knight

The expansive action adventure game Hollow Knight was developed by Team Cherry, a trio of students from Australia. You traverse the insect kingdom of Hallownest with challenging 2D souls-like combat. The world is rich and atmospheric with great lore.

I’m blown away by everything from the hand-drawn art style to the responsive combat. Unlocking new abilities and exploring the sprawling map never gets old. Secrets and mysteries around every corner drive you forward. Hollow Knight’s massive scope and high level of polish is incredibly impressive for a student team’s first game.

Crab Champions

Crab Champions is a hilarious and intense local multiplayer party game created by students at Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab. You play as weapon-wielding crabs dueling to be the last crab standing. Matches are fast and frantic as you switch between guns, swords, axes and more to defeat your friends.

The crabs’ animations and sounds will make you crack up every time. I love the over-the-top action packed into quick 5 minute matches. Unlocking new crabs and arenas adds variety. Crab Champions shows off an incredible multiplayer experience crafted by students.

Ooblets

Quirky life simulation game Ooblets was developed by two students at the NYC School of Visual Arts. You grow ooblets (adorable creatures), explore the village, craft items, and battle wild ooblets. With its mix of farming, collection, and competition Ooblets creates a magical relaxing world I can’t get enough of.

The ooblet designs are bursting with personality thanks to the student artists. The world feels playful and full of surprises. Multiplayer farming competitions and dance offs add to the social engagement. Ooblets exemplifies the innovation student developers bring to blended gameplay genres.

The student developer community continues to push game design forward with creativity. If you’re looking for your next gaming obsession, be sure to check out these impressive student-created gems! They represent the bright future of indie game development.