Recently released indie games like Valheim and Unpacking are proof that indie game developers are more than capable of releasing top-notch titles. Unlike developers that mostly focus on creating AAA games, independent game developers have the liberty to push games to their limits and create titles that are inventive, original, and experimental.
Some game developers go the extra mile by creating positively eccentric games. Whether it's featuring glitchy and trippy graphics or an unconventional form of narrative, some weird independent games have crafted a uniquely fun experience that has captured the hearts of critics and casual gamers alike.
The Artful Escape
Gamers who want a platformer should check out The Artful Escape. Developed by Melbourne-based indie game developer Beethoven & Dinosaur, The Artful Escape elevates the traditional platforming gameplay with its '80s guitar solos, ax-wielding action sequences, and trancey visuals.
The Artful Escape's creative sound design and snazzy graphics make it feel weird and quirky to those who play it. The whole atmosphere also reminds gamers of the great subversive musical artists of the eighties, such as David Bowie and Eurythmics.
Binding Of Isaac
Roguelite games tend to have a straightforward narrative. However, indie developers Florian Himsl's and Edmund McMillen's Binding of Isaac is a roguelite game like no other. In the game, a little boy is desperately trying to run away in fear of being sacrificed by his religious mother. Apart from having an intriguing and slightly controversial story, Binding of Isaac is full of strange game elements that add an anagogic vibe to the game.
In spite of its bizarre narrative, Binding of Isaac has managed to impress gamers due to its creative game mechanics and amusing artwork. Each run is randomly generated, but the game gets more disturbing and harder the deeper the gamer descends.
She Dreams Elsewhere
With its groovy graphics and narrative that's reminiscent of the global gaming phenomenon Persona 3, She Dreams Elsewhere got gamers excited and has placed high on the year-ender lists of RPG enthusiasts. She Dreams Elsewhere is a game about Thalia, a girl who is on a journey to decimate the demons imprisoning her in the dream world.
Besides its interesting story, the visual stylistic choices the developers made when creating the game have flamed its weirdness. In the game, players will see striking illustrations superimposed on top of an 8-bit world. The game's soundtrack is also quite bizarre, ranging from high-energy techno tracks to bedroom pop.
BPM: Bullets Per Minute
Roguelike games are a fun and quick genre where players go on randomly generated levels every time they go on a run. Innovation is key in roguelike games, as the format is wildly popular among developers. BPM: Bullets Per Minute manages to elevate the roguelike genre by having an FPS gameplay and rhythm-based elements.
In the game, players have to shoot enemies while being mindful of the soundtrack and beat of the game. However, those who decide to play it will need to have extra patience since some runs might not have a good flow and are significantly harder. This is due to the game's mechanic that every action in the game — whether it's jumping, dashing, shooting, or reloading — should be done to a corresponding beat.
Superliminal
Superliminal is a puzzle game that flips the genre on its head and takes it one step further. In the game, players will have to shift their visual perspective in order to solve the puzzles and beat the game.
What also makes Superliminal interesting is its chilling narrative. Gamers will have to assume the role of a sleep therapy program patient. The game is focused on the patient's dream experience and the deeper the player goes inside the patient's head, the more distorted the visuals of the game become. The game's hypnotic visuals remind gamers of some of the best mind-bending movies like Inception and Primer.
Path To Mnemosyne
Playing Path to Mnemosyne is an out-of-body experience. Aside from its clever puzzles, Path to Mnemosyne has a beautiful art style that features gorgeously hand-drawn figures and elements. In the game, the player has to find an end to a seemingly never-ending tunnel in order to unlock the main character's memories.
Despite having challenging puzzles and a somewhat arresting and disturbing art style, Path to Mnemosyne has straightforward and easy controls. All of these make Path to Mnemosyne a fun indie game that's weird enough to have players think twice before buying it.
Jazz Punk
Jazz Punk is a first-person adventure game set in a world rife with spies and cybercrime. Aside from its clunky, but charming graphics, Jazz Punk also has an excellently-written comedic script and diverse gameplay that manages to charm even those who exclusively play AAA games.
There are a lot of ridiculous things that happen in the game and the conclusion to it is just as absurd as the players expect it to be. However, what makes the game a crowd favorite among gamers are the interactive conversations and side missions provided by the equally-silly NPCs.
Braid
With a princess to save and huge castles to traverse, players can't help but think that Braid is just Super Mario Bros. in a hypnotic package. However, Braid's so much more than that. The puzzle-platformer has an absolutely moving story about regret and sadness that will surely tug at any player's heartstrings.
Braid is also a feat in perseverance and patience as it is one of those games that has been created by a solo developer. Its cartoonish visuals and time-distortion-centered gameplay have made it one of the most interesting platformers of all time.
Aviary Attorney
Detective-style games aren't for everyone. However, some detective games are just too good to pass up. Take the case of Aviary Attorney. Jointly developed by indie developers Vertical Reach and Sketchy Logic, Aviary Attorney is a rather flighty take on the Ace Attorney series.
In the game, anthropomorphic birds take on cases in French law courts. With its delightful hand-drawn art style and hilarious script, Aviary Attorney is a detective-style game that'll surely entice those who are aversive to the ever-popular game genre.
Zineth
First created as an experimental thesis project, Zineth is an open-world game that encourages the gamer to go fast and go to great lengths. The game's art style and design are bold and interesting enough for it to be nominated as a finalist for the 2013 Independent Games Festival Nuovo Award.
Aside from its parkour and roller-skating-inspired gameplay, Zineth also features an in-game cellphone where players can access their Twitter feeds and even play a Pokémon-like minigame. The combination of all these eccentric game mechanics has allowed Zineth to cultivate a loyal following of gamers.