Niche & Indie Game News

9 followers

1 articles/week

Discover the hidden gems of the gaming world with Niche & Indie Game News. Get the latest updates, reviews, and insights on unique and innovative games from independent developers. Explore the road less traveled in gaming!

This new indie horror game is one of the most terrifying I’ve ever experienced It is by no means wild to claim that Lethal Company is one of the most revolutionary horror games of the past decade. It spawned a genre of its own, one where proximity voice chat plays a crucial role. But what if I told you that another game was made and just got its demo in the land of Steam Next Fest, where the best indies lie? The effect of the uncanny valley is immensely strong in Mimesis Enter: Mimesis . A co-op horror game that puts you and your friends against... well, you and your friends. The formula it follows is the same as we saw in Lethal Company and R.E.P.O.: go to a spooky place, collect scrap, sell it, and then do it all again. Sounds simple, sounds fun—and it is. However, there is one horrifying aspect that makes this game stand out among the rest, and that, my friends, are the Mimics . While other horror games have tried out the concept of mimicry to try and copy the player and their pals, Mimesis does so in such a terrifying way that I was sweating all throughout playing with one of my friends, and that's just in a two-man lobby. The mimics not only record what you say but try to map your movements, behavior, and mannerisms, so as to look as real as they possibly can. I won't lie and say that I didn't get fooled by both the Mimic and my friend poking fun at me by pretending to be one. It was horribly scary, and I loved every second of it. The Mimic will sometimes just stand there and watch you, learning how you behave and what you say. Screenshot by Destructoid The game's sessions take place over three days, just like in Lethal Company , and the Mimics build compound knowledge each subsequent day. If you have a very long and successful run, the Mimics will build so much knowledge of you that it becomes genuinely difficult to discern reality from mimicry. They play back what you or your friends say; whenever you die, a new Mimic spawns on your body, meaning your friends won't have any idea that you're really gone. The more your lobby dies, the more Mimics there are in the game, all masterfully copying your team and playing tricks on the mind. Mankind has an ingrained fear of the uncanny, things that look familiar, but there's something off with them. The mimics in Mimesis are embodiments of this concept and will strike fear in even the most hardened of horror gamers. It is genuinely amazing, and it's only a demo. It's free at the moment as part of Steam Next Fest The game is not set to release before the third quarter of this year, and I believe that by the time all its systems are fleshed out, the game will be even more terrifying than it is currently. It utilizes a fantastic, simple gameplay loop and adds to it an incredible mechanic that many have tried to implement but failed to make it worth your while. Mimesis , however, is more than worth a try. If you've a knack for horror games and want your friends to be your worst nightmare, give Mimesis a try. It has a free demo as part of the Steam Next Fest, alongside countless other indie adventures that deserve our attention now more than ever. The more successful indies there are, the less chance corporate studios have to muck everything up more than they already have. So, do your part and give the devs some honest feedback so they can create the most haunting horror experience imaginable. Do you think more games should go for mimics and add them to their monster rosters? Or do you think the tech is not there yet for them to be smart enough? Let us know below. The post This new indie horror game is one of the most terrifying I’ve ever experienced appeared first on Destructoid .

Indie Archives – DestructoidJun 10

The best indie games of all time Indie developers have shown time and time again that you don't need a big budget to create masterful and unforgettable video games. The best indie games can transform genres, flipping everything we knew, or create something that makes you wonder, "how hasn't this been done before?" While Frictional Games has created some of the best indie horror ever made , I refrained from putting games like Amnesia , SOMA , and Penumbra on the list to free up space for other equally impressive entries with genres more accessible to the masses. So here are our top 30 best indie games of all time, showcased in alphabetical order. Our top 30 indie games ever made ANIMAL WELL Image by Billy Basso Birthed inside a puzzle-platforming labyrinth, there's mystery hanging over you as you navigate around this world without any guidance on where to go or how you're supposed to achieve your goal. ANIMAL WELL is all about the journey and how far you've come as an inconsequential blob inside a massive ecosystem. Celeste Image by Maddy Makes Games Inc. Climbing Celeste Mountain is both a mental and physical battle against oneself to enact change when you're stuck in an unforgiving rut. A challenging platformer that's fitting for its mental health themes, Celeste stands proudly for its strong story and flawless level design. Crow Country Image by SFB Games The theme park isn't as abandoned as Mara thought, as it's crawling with monsters that seem a tad bit too human. Crow Country is the ultimate throwback to retro survival horror, with quirky dialogue and immersive level design that'll surely keep you invested as you uncover the disturbing truth behind the park's closure. Cuphead Image by Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc. A deal with the Devil goes south, and now you have to pay as a debt collector. Beautifully illustrated with non-stop platforming action, Cuphead is a challenging and satisfying boss rush game that'll surely test your patience and resilience to keep fighting. Disco Elysium Image by ZA/UM Following an amnesiac and hopeless detective, it's up to you to shape Harrier Du Bois as you solve a murder. A story about identity and having hope in the darkest times, Disco Elysium is a reason to hold on and keep going because you never know where life will take you. DREDGE Image by Black Salt Games H.P Lovecraft's fear of the unknown is prevalent in the open waters, but there's a calming feeling as you make waves as a curious fisherman. Just like the ocean, there are layers to DREDGE that'll tug at you, inviting you to peel them back and peer inside. Can your mind comprehend the horrors? Five Nights at Freddy's Image by Scott Cawthon Power is limited, and there's nowhere to go. 6am and you can punch out. Why would anyone ever come back here? You're confined to your seat and the cameras, monitoring the sentient animatronics around you—hungry and hunting. A point-and-click horror, FNAF destroyed childhoods and sparked intrigue with its increasingly layered lore. Hades Image by Supergiant Games Starting from the very depths of the Underworld, leaving this place won't be easy. Olympus is calling your name, a deserving place only for those who want it enough. So, do you have what it takes to climb? Hades is a gorgeous roguelike, a demanding challenge for only the most resilient players. Learn from your mistakes and try again. Hollow Knight Image by Team Cherry Infection has spread like wildfire, driving the residents into violent, mindless creatures. At the center: Radiance. Hollow Knight is a 2D action-platformer that will satiate that curiosity and drive to reach the end, with satisfying challenges throughout and a beautiful hand-crafted world to fall in love with. Hotline Miami Image by Dennaton Games See the surrealism surrounding violence and become engrossed in the blood-stained neon lights that'll make you question whether you're wrong to be enjoying this game as much as you are. Top-down endless action and quick-thinking strategy with intoxicating effects, Hotline Miami is addictive for its gory delivery. IMMORTALITY Image by Sam Barlow / Half Mermaid Three unreleased films, an ageless leading actress, and a disappearance that's yet to be explained. The truth is hidden in the black and white. Look back and study everything. IMMORTALITY is one of a kind for its storytelling, vision, and delivery. You won't forget what happened to Marissa Marcel. INSCRYPTION Image by Daniel Mullins Games A cursed video game that knows it's alive. There's something keeping you here—that curiosity that you can't help scratching. The deck-building roguelike of INSCRYPTION will keep its claws in you for its palpable atmosphere, intrigue, and challenge. Look Outside Image by Francis Coulombe Something wakes you in the middle of the night, a calling to peer outside. But doing so means you'll never be the same again. You have 15 days, what will you do? The survival horror of Look Outside is intense, with the feeling of confinement and impending doom at its very center. Minecraft Image via minecraft.net Fighting the Ender Dragon from nothing is one thing, but the limitless creative freedom you have in this block world is more than enough to keep you returning. The ultimate escapism and full autonomy to do what you want at the pace you want is why Minecraft is an easy survival game to sink endless hours into. Night in the Woods Image by Infinite Fall Finding your place in the world can be tricky, especially when we only have so much freedom to do what we actually want. The spirited world of Night in the Woods is brought to life by its quirky, memorable cast, who have realistic depth and dimension, where a dark underbelly haunts the town and its residents for an unforgettable experience. Nine Sols Image by RedCandleGames A story about revenge against the very people that sacrificed his family, Yi embarks on a relentless journey to defeat the Nine Sols. A story about betrayal, hardship, and having the will to go on, Nine Sols is a demanding yet rewarding action-platformer, full of beauty and drenched in Taoism. OMORI Image by OMOCAT LLC The dark truth is slowly seeping out from dream to reality, self-destructing the sunny masquerade. But what truth did you work so hard to protect and forget? Handling dark psychological themes, OMORI will hold onto you like a comforting embrace, both for its intriguing and profound storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Outer Wilds Image by Mobius Digital Traverse across the stars, listen to the stories of others, and learn what life is truly about. An action-adventure about acceptance and living a fulfilling life, Outer Wilds has so much beauty in its hopeless situation, where the inevitable isn't something to be sad about or afraid of, but instead to enjoy the time we have. Papers, Please Image by Lucas Pope Shifting through immigration papers, you must decide who passes through the border. A moral dilemma, you begin to question your own ethics as you deny safe passage. What should be a mundane game somehow isn't as Papers, Please is instead an immersive point-and-click puzzle adventure that'll test your deductive skills and compassion. Stardew Valley Image by ConcernedApe The tranquillity of life on a farm feels like a peaceful retirement plan, offering the fulfilment of growth and self-development, with the hope of running into the one right around the corner. Stardew Valley offers pure escapism from real-world stresses, providing a calming exterior that houses charming residents to befriend and even marry. Subnautica Image by Unknown Worlds Entertainment Conquer Thalassophobia by submerging yourself into the great unknown. We've only discovered five percent of the ocean; why not be the first to swim where no other man has swum? An open world at the palm of your hands, discover the fear and breathtaking beauty of Subnautica in this survival game that rewards the greatest explorers. Terraria Image by Re-Logic Do whatever you want, build whatever you want. There's no right or wrong way to place. The 2D world of Terraria truly is your oyster. Bring stability to the vibrant land by building, interacting, and fighting for one important reason: Your survival. Thank Goodness You're Here! Image by Coal Supper Your trip takes a turn for the worse when the residents of Barnsworth start running into problems the moment you arrive. Brought into their eccentric madness, Thank Goodness You're Here! is full of ridiculously witty and quintessentially British comedy that'll surely bring a smile to your face. The Cat Lady Image by Harvester Games The afterlife tightly holds onto Susan, who's given immortality instead of release, tasked to take the lives of five sinners. A dark story that navigates the incredibly dark themes relating to the human mind, The Cat Lady is a gripping story-driven horror adventure that'll surely leave its mark. The Stanley Parable Image by Galactic Cafe A bizarre story about the mundane shifting into the surreal, your life is orchestrated by a narrator. The Truman Show of games, The Stanley Parable is all about the control you have in your life and the drive to do what you want to do, not for the sake of others, but yourself. Undertale Image by Toby Fox Falling into the deep Underground, a realm where no human has set foot, Frisk must navigate battles and friendships, all while trying to stay alive. In this 2D RPG, Undertale showcases that actions have consequences as the story twists and turns based on your choices. What kind of person do you want to be? Until Then Image by Polychroma Games The mundanity of life is altered forever by The Ruling as deja vu plagues Mark's life. A story-driven game delivered as a visual novel with a dark underbelly, Until Then is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that handles real themes of loss, friendship, love, and grief with grace. Vampire Survivors Image by poncle Experimentation and tenacity are rewarded to those willing to learn. To dust yourself off and try again. The hordes won't stop coming, but there's always another route you can take. Vampire Survivors is an all-out action roguelike with impressively long battles and satisfying rewards that'll keep you invested in the long run. What Remains of Edith Finch Image by Giant Sparrow A walk down memory lane into the eccentric home of the cursed Finchs. Uncover how each member passed and question whether there's a curse at all—or if they died doing what they loved. What Remains of Edith Finch carries weight in each story, told through surrealistic and dreamlike imagery. YOU and ME and HER: A Love Story Image by Nitroplus Stuck inside a love triangle, you strive for a normal life but aren't given the satisfaction, for everything comes down to who you choose. YOU and ME and HER is no ordinary visual novel for the stakes in this drama are far too high, and leaving her hanging may just end in misery. The post The best indie games of all time appeared first on Destructoid .

Indie Archives – DestructoidJun 3

Indie Quest 2025: All The Games RevealedLoads of active time battling & turn-based hitting action! The post Indie Quest 2025: All The Games Revealed first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 30

This game really, really hates you (and I love it) Do you like games that crush your soul through sheer difficulty? Do you like games that reward your persistence and give you a massive endorphin boost when you finally overcome the hurdles and feel all-powerful? I have the perfect game for you. I've never enjoyed overly difficult games; I play games to relax, not spike my blood pressure. But there's this one game you may not have heard about that's crushingly difficult, yet weirdly offers a relaxing experience at the same time. I know it seems nuts, but hear me out. This is Kenshi . You aren't 'The Chosen One' Weak. Screenshot by Destructoid Kenshi is a game in which you take control of a number of the world's laziest people. I say this because when you start, your team has zero skills. Nothing, nada. Yet, they're fully-grown adults. So they've successfully avoided any and all forms of skill-building up until the moment you arrive in the world. You quite literally start at rock bottom, and even the wimpiest bandit out there will absolutely wipe the floor with your squad. I'm talking about a 1v5 against a 90-pound severely starting bandit, and your five heroes will end up as bleeding heaps on the ground. If you don't have a first aid kit or no one in your team regains consciousness long enough to bandage you all up, that's it, game over. It just ends, and you're left staring at a world in which you no longer play a part. Unless, of course, a slaver team passes by, in which case you'll likely end up working the pits of Rebirth, a slave-labor settlement in the game. Screenshot by Destructoid Ironically, working the pits of Rebirth is kind of a blessing, because it gives you the opportunity to build your skills in a locale where you're not able to die of starvation. If you try to escape and fail, though, death is a very real possibility there as well. You can also lose limbs. Lose a leg here, and your playthrough is pretty much done. Escaping a slave camp isn't easy when you can sprint, it's impossible when all you can do is crawl. The opening hours of this game are brutal. You're constantly being beaten down by anything on a whim. And you'd better hope you don't run into Bone Dogs while transporting your hard-earned copper, or you've just become lunch for the local wildlife. Which, while we're on the topic, is also actively trying to hunt and eat you. Not getting eaten is quite the achievement Screenshot by Destructoid Depending on where you start your playthrough, your early game won't contain too much threat from wildlife. It's only once you start to explore the world that you run into all manner of things. Bone Dogs are the tamest of the beasties, because you also get Skin Spiders, Blood Spiders, Gorillos, and more. Each of these animals will beat you to a pulp, and all except the Gorillos will eat you afterwards, but none are more feared than the infamous Beak Thing. Terrifying. Screenshot by Destructoid Unless you have top-quality robotic legs (that's a thing), you won't be outrunning a Beak Thing, ever. Your only choice is to either stand and fight and potentially lose your whole squad, or sacrifice one or two while the rest make their escape. And then you have mods, and the manner of creatures that can find their way into your game are the stuff of nightmares. Let's not even go there. I'm still haunted by the time a single mutated skin spider chopped off half my squad's limbs in a 1v8 fight. The turning point is the most satisfying thing Screenshot by Destructoid By this point in the game, you're so used to getting your butt whooped by everything and running from all but the weakest bandits, that it's just habit now. And then something strange happens. Your squad gets into a fight while you're preoccupied elsewhere, and you return to find bleeding heaps on the ground—but this time, they're not yours. Your group of outcasts and misfits actually won a fight. This series of victories can go on for quite some time as you become bolder, explore more, and discover that all those ass whoopings actually paid off. You no longer have a team of starving beggars and mine workers, you have a group of competent fighters. That is, until you happen upon a particularly scary group known as the Skin Bandits. And this is where many a playthrough ends abruptly. You see, these Skin Bandits are incredibly powerful, quick to recover, and have a seemingly endless supply of troops. Knock them down, they get back up. But when they knock you down, they hastily scoop you up and transport you back to their base. You're then placed in what is known as a peeler. Skin Bandits. Peeler. I bet I don't have to go into more detail there. But this is around the point when you take what you've learned and try it all again. After a while, things just start to click, and the next time you meet the skin bandits, things aren't so easy for them. And so the cycle continues, and it never really gets old. Kenshi's success is surprising A player-created village. Screenshot by Destructoid It always surprises me when I talk about Kenshi , and others don't know about the game. It's old, sure, having been around since 2014 and finally officially launched in 2018. But still, this game went on to sell over two million copies. It's a niche game, but at the same time has outsold far bigger studios. Which reminds me, this game was made by one guy. Others eventually joined the team to complete the game, but most of the framework was created by Chris Hunt. If you're a fan of Kenshi , you'll be happy to know that Chris and team have been hard at work on Kenshi 2 , and boy, am I excited. Should you play Kenshi, or wait for Kenshi 2? As my final thoughts, I'll give you all you need to know on whether you should actually play Kenshi . The answer is yes. Everyone should give this game a go. That said, if you've only ever played FPS games and can't stand anything else, then maybe you shouldn't. Kenshi is mostly an RPG Strategy Sandbox game. There is no story you have to follow, nor do you have to unlock anything, or even discover the game's lore. It's all entirely up to you how you go about playing this game. So if you prefer heavily directed stories, again, pass. However, if you prefer to create your own stories, your own characters and their backgrounds, and really flex your creative muscles in a way that few other games allow, then Kenshi is absolutely, most definitely for you. Oh, and as we approach $80 games, this one goes for $30 and under, with regional pricing making it way more affordable in certain locations. So go ahead, spoil yourself. And no, this was not a sponsored post, merely a look back at one of the best sandbox games I've ever played. Have you played Kenshi? Tell your story in the comments—if there's one thing the Kenshi community enjoys, it's hearing the stories of other Kenshi players! The post This game really, really hates you (and I love it) appeared first on Destructoid .

Indie Archives – DestructoidMay 26

OTK Games Expo 2025: All The Games AnnouncedIndies galore, courtesy of a coalition of streamers. The post OTK Games Expo 2025: All The Games Announced first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 26

Horror Game Whisper Mountain Outbreak Gets Unleashed This August…...in Early Access form. The post Horror Game Whisper Mountain Outbreak Gets Unleashed This August… first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 25

This Solo Malaysian-Made Beautiful JRPG Will Be Out This AugustLukisan paling cantik. The post This Solo Malaysian-Made Beautiful JRPG Will Be Out This August first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 22

Dreadout 3 Announced; To Be Published By Soft Source In 2026Don't put your phone away. The post Dreadout 3 Announced; To Be Published By Soft Source In 2026 first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 14

The Makers Of My Lovely Empress Announces New Adventure Title Set In 1998 IndonesiaAn Indonesian historical event, now an adventure game. The post The Makers Of My Lovely Empress Announces New Adventure Title Set In 1998 Indonesia first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 5

The Games Exchange Australia X Indonesia Indie Game Session Slated For MayAustralia and Indonesia, together! The post The Games Exchange Australia X Indonesia Indie Game Session Slated For May first appeared on Kakuchopurei .

Indie | KakuchopureiMay 5