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The 50 Best Indie Games of 2017: #20 — #11
#15 — Rakuen
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Rakuen has a 16-bit RPG aesthetics, but is actually a non-violent adventure game in which you play as a boy who lives in a hospital. The boy asks his mum to take him to a fantasy land from a storybook he loves, in the hopes of being granted a wish. Challenges ensue, and the boy must uncover the truth behind the hospital while also resolving the problems plaguing the fantasy world. Critics praised it for its emotional storytelling and music.
Get it if: You’re prepared to cry quite a bit because this is going to be one of those games isn’t it.
#14 — West of Loathing
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
West of Loathing is an RPG set in the Kingdom of Loathing universe, but with a Wild West theme going. You can play as a wide variety of roles as you explore a strictly black-and-white world and interact with the many colourful characters you’ll encounter. Critics praised it for its abundant humour and charming aesthetic.
Get it if: You just bought an Nvidia Titan V graphic card and need something demanding to run it.
#13 — Finding Paradise
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Finding Paradise is the sequel to the cult indie adventure To The Moon, and it brings back Dr Rosalene and Dr Watts as they allow patients to have another chance to live their lives, even if its only in the patient’s own head. In this adventure, the good doctors follow the life of their new patient, Colin and his curious wish. Critics praised it for its story, writing and music.
Get it if: You still have some tissues left over from crying over Rakuen because oh god this is another one of those games isn’t it.
#12 — Night in the Woods
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android
Night in the Woods is an narrative adventure with some platforming thrown in for good measure. You play as college dropout Mae Borowski, who has returned to her hometown of Possum Springs and now looks to reconnecting with her past friends and getting on with her life. The town has changed, however, and strange things are afoot. Critics praised it for its evocative story.
Get it if: You ever doubted that millennial cats could be hipsters.
#11 — Everspace
Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
Everspace is a space shooter featuring a singleplayer story and roguelike elements. In each run, you encounter different events that will affect how that particular run goes. Critics praised it for its space combat and its graphics.