As an avid gamer and indie game enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique, innovative games from independent developers. This year promises a stellar lineup of indie titles across multiple genres and platforms. Here are some of the most promising indie games slated for release in 2023 that I have my eye on.
Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a gorgeous upcoming indie RPG developed by Sabotage Studio, the creators of The Messenger. It features a unique “dual timeline” mechanic where your choices in the past affect the future.
- The art style is absolutely breathtaking, combining 16-bit visuals with hand-drawn backgrounds.
- Combat looks tactical and engaging, with turn-based battles featuring combo attacks.
- The story and world seem ripe for adventure, following two Children of the Solstice on a quest.
- It’s scheduled to release in 2023 on Nintendo Switch and PC.
I’m thrilled about Sea of Stars because of the developers’ proven track record and the game’s incredible pixel art aesthetic. The interconnected timeline mechanic also sounds like a fresh approach to storytelling.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 2017 Metroidvania game Hollow Knight. Developed by Team Cherry, it looks to expand upon the dark, enchanting world of insects and heroes.
- The graphics retain the signature hand-drawn 2D style of the first game.
- Combat seems faster and more fluid, with new weapons and abilities for the nimble protagonist Hornet.
- A massive interconnected world is teased, ripe for exploration and discovery.
- Release is slated for 2023 on multiple platforms.
As a big fan of Hollow Knight and Metroidvanias in general, I can’t wait to dive into the dangerous depths of this sequel. The expansive new areas and gameplay refinements have me eager to swing my needle once again.
Wizard with a Gun
Wizard with a Gun combines magic and mayhem for a blend of tactical action and comedy. Developed by Galvanic Games, it can be played solo or cooperatively.
- The voxel-based visuals give it a distinct and charming look.
- Co-op promises chaotic fun, with up to 4 players slinging spells and bullets.
- A collection of robes, artifacts, and spells enable cool character customization.
- Whimsical enemies and humorous writing infuse it with personality.
- It’s scheduled to launch on PC and Nintendo Switch in 2023.
As someone who enjoys both intense action games and laughing out loud, Wizard with a Gun looks like it will check both boxes in an irreverent supernatural setting. The co-op possibilities also excite me.
After Us
After Us is an emotional narrative-driven game about friendship, loss, and memories. It’s in development by Piccolo Studio.
- The visual presentation is stunning, with a painterly art style.
- You play as Gaia, exploring memories of lost loved ones via orbs called Remembrances.
- Puzzles promise to be clever and engaging, tied into nostalgic exploration.
- A thoughtful story tackling grief also seems likely to resonate.
- It’s expected to launch on PC and consoles in 2023.
I’m intrigued by the poignant concept behind After Us and how it aims to capture the essence of treasured relationships. Playing through memories as orbs is also a fascinating game mechanic I’m eager to experience.
Baba Is You 2
The award-winning original Baba Is You was a hit for its mind-bending puzzles based on rule manipulation. Baba Is You 2 looks to deliver more brilliantly clever puzzles from developer Hempuli.
- The core mechanics revolving around word blocks remain intact.
- New rules, interactions, and game elements are promised to surprise and challenge.
- Cute characters like Baba, Keke, and more return along with new faces.
- Level editing tools will also provide unlimited replayability.
- It’s scheduled to release on PC and Nintendo Switch in 2023.
With so many possibilities for wild and inventive new puzzle designs, I think Baba Is You 2 will delight fans of the first game. The ability to also create my own levels offers limitless gameplay potential.
Conclusion
2023 is shaping up to be an amazing year for must-play indie games. I’m particularly excited for the artistry displayed in titles like Sea of Stars and After Us, the sequels to beloved games like Hollow Knight, and experimental concepts like Baba Is You 2. The variety of genres, innovations, and passion on display reinforces why indie game developers are so vital to pushing the medium forward. I’ll definitely be clearing space on my calendar to fully dive into these rich and memorable virtual worlds once they release.
