GamesI cover indie games every week, and the likes of Balatro, Animal Well, and Thank Goodness You’re Here have made 2024 an unforgettable yearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesI cover indie games every week, and the likes of Balatro, Animal Well, and Thank Goodness You’re Here have made 2024 an unforgettable yearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Panic)
If 2024 has proven anything, it’s that indie games continue to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of smaller, independent developers. As the resident indie game enjoyer – and runner of the dedicatedIndie Spotlightcolumn here at GamesRadar+ – reflecting back immediately shows that we’ve been absolutely spoiled for choice this year. From breakthrough hitslike Balatro, to comedic delights such asThank Goodness You’re Here, and inventive experiences with a surprising amount of depth like Animal Well, there’s no shortage of examples that demonstrate the sheer wealth of fantastic indie games.
In the spotlight
(Image credit: Aggro Crab)
The best of 2024(Image credit: Future)Check out our pick of thebest games of 2024.
The best of 2024
(Image credit: Future)Check out our pick of thebest games of 2024.
(Image credit: Future)
Check out our pick of thebest games of 2024.
It’s actually quite challenging to distill the year down to just a few examples, given just how many memorable indie games I’ve seen arrive in 2024. But with so many wonderful experiences out there, it feels only right to look back on all of the gems we’ve seen and celebrate some of the team’s highlights over the past year. I can’t think of a better example to start off with than the delightful musical adventureSnufkin: Melody of Moomin Valley, which drew us into Moonmin creator Tove Jansson’s beloved picturesque world for a heartwarming, puzzle-filled time.Summerhouse then came along to up the cozy factorwith its mellow city building set up that lets you get creative and design your very own tranquil spaces.
Fast forward a month or so, and a fresh seawater soulslike entered the scene withAnother Crab’s Treasure. Sure,Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtreemay have dominated the conversation later on in the year, but Aggro Crab’s vibrant underwater twist proved an indie soulikes can stand out among the genre’s biggest names, and deliver an approachable experience for newbies and veterans alike. In fact, I’d argue that the indie space is unmatched when it comes to bringing us unique, artistic, or original takes on major genres.
(Image credit: Suspicious Developments)
You just have to look at the likes ofTactical Breach Wizardsas an example of how to deliver an excellent mashup of thebest strategy games, while also carving out its own identity. We also saw some new indie games channel shooters in refreshing ways that were anything but run-of-the-mill – whether it be developer Rene Rother’s grimy,puzzle infused shooter, Children of the Sun, or themoving, visually striking twin-stick shooter Hauntii, that’s laden with mystery from Moonloop games.
Plus, we’ve also seen some ambitious projects come to life this year that put their own spin on some beloved series, such as the Zelda-like open-world adventureEuropa, which captured our hearts with its meaningful message.
If there was ever an indie game that encapsulates how strong this year has been, though, it would have to be1000x Resist, which our very own Gaming Editor Oscar Taylor-Kent declared has one of gaming’s best-written and best-paced narratives going. And with such glowing praise, it also speaks to how many indie games this year have not only earned critical acclaim, but they’ve also surprised us time and again with how imaginative and innovative game developers continue to be in this industry.
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(Image credit: Shared Memory)
Some of my own personal highlights include theadorable Big Kitty, Littly City, the deeply movingSims-like Closer the Distance, thegorgeous platformer Neva, and thehumorous noir-inspired Duck Detective: The Secret Salami. But there really has been something for everyone this year, with everything from unsettling standout horrors likeMouthwashing, to Metroidvaniaslike Bo Path of the Teal Lotus, and relatable story-driven experienceslike Vampire Therapist. Honestly, I could keep going with so many more examples, which just speaks to how stellar 2024 has been for indie games.
I’m sure we’ll still be talking about many of the releases we’ve seen in 2024 for years to come, with the likes of Balatro winning awards, and so many earning much deserved recognition and praise from critics and players alike – just look at our ownAnimal Well review. I’ve always been a firm believer that indie games can deliver the most memorable experiences around, and 2024 has continued to reaffirm that for me time and again. As we wind down to the end of the year, looking back on everything we’ve seen this year only makes me all the more excited for theupcoming indie gameswe have in store.
Through the Fallout TV Show, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Life is Strange Double Exposure, 2024 is the new 2015.
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
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1
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”