Hello, everyone! Another amazing year has passed in the world of indie games, and 2024 delivered some truly unforgettable PlayStation titles. I’m thrilled to introduce you to my top 11 picks from this year’s lineup.
First up, we have “Pacific Drive.” This game throws you into a stormy world where your only ally is your trusty car. Known as a ‘road-lite’ survival game, the adventure begins as you journey through a mysterious forest, dodging bizarre anomalies that continuously threaten your vehicle. You’ll need to make it back to your garage safely to avoid starting over. It’s all about scavenging resources, upgrading, and repairing your car, making each excursion excitingly unpredictable.
Next, let’s delve into the enchanting pixel-art landscape of “Animal Well.” This Metroidvania masterpiece combines nostalgia with newness through its surreal lighting and ever-surprising world. Conquer challenging platforms and unravel cryptic puzzles for a sense of thrill that feels absolutely rewarding.
Jumping onto PlayStation from PC, the immensely popular vampire survival game is now available for console players. You’ll awaken as a weakened vampire, hunt your way back to strength by consuming the blood of animals or enemies, and strategize against the deadly sunlight. It’s a game that tests your wits and instincts as you navigate an expansive map.
Have you ever hopped from shadow to shadow as a kid? “SCHiM” brings back those nostalgic fantasies, allowing players to embody a shadow-hopping frog-like creature. Leap through a visually striking map, exploring its unique color palette and art style, which promises a captivating gameplay experience.
“Plucky Squire” is a delightful action-adventure that takes you on a unique journey between 2D and 3D worlds. Imagine diving into a storybook’s 2D action, only to be catapulted into an immersive 3D adventure outside its pages. With clever puzzles and entertaining gimmicks, it’s sure to charm players of all ages.
Next on the list, from a talented indie developer in Japan, is “Palworld.” This open-world crafting and survival game features adorable creatures known as Pals. Its gameplay loop of collecting Pals, expanding your base, and exploring new territories is deeply addictive and hard to resist.
From the creators of the poignant 2018 game GRIS comes “Neva.” This narrative piece takes you and a wolf cub, Neva, on a heartwarming journey through a seasonal world. With no dialogue, this game manages to evoke deep emotions and will likely leave you in tears by its conclusion.
For those with a taste for atmospheric spookiness, “Fear the Spotlight” offers a retro horror adventure that recalls the early PlayStation era. You’ll guide two teenage girls as they sneak into school, solve puzzles, and avoid paranormal dangers in order to reunite safely.
In another genre leap, the mind of Keiichiro Toyama brings us a gripping horror-action game set in 1990s Kowloon, Hong Kong. Play as a bodyless entity possessing NPCs to battle Slitterheads, brain-eating monsters. Ordinary characters become your saving grace in this exhilarating fight for survival.
Red Candle Games strikes again with “Nine Sols,” inspired by the combat mechanics of “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.” It’s a hardcore action game that revolves around mastering deflection-based combat. Its cyberpunk-meets-ancient-Chinese-mythology setting adds a fresh, intriguing twist to the experience.
Last but certainly not least, there’s a game blending poker and roguelike elements—a combo you might not expect, but once you try it, it becomes impossible to put down. This intriguing title is a testament to what one talented developer can achieve. Incredible!
So there you have it, my personal highlights for indie games on PlayStation in 2024! Each one has its own unique charm and will surely keep you entertained for hours. Happy gaming!
