In recent years, indie games have taken the gaming world by storm, offering unique, innovative experiences that often push boundaries in terms of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and artistic direction. The PlayStation 4 has been an excellent platform for indie developers, providing a wide array of indie titles that showcase the creativity and passion of small studios. These games, often produced with smaller budgets and teams, deliver extraordinary experiences that stand out in the vast world of gaming. If you’re a fan of fresh, unique gameplay and immersive storytelling, here are some of the best indie games you need to play on the PS4.
Hollow Knight (2017) is often regarded as one of the finest indie games of its generation. Developed by Team Cherry, this action-adventure title takes BEST 188 players into the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest, a vast underground kingdom filled with insect-like creatures and dark secrets. The game’s tight platforming, challenging combat, and stunning hand-drawn art style immediately capture players’ attention. As you explore the world, you’ll uncover new abilities, face challenging bosses, and delve deeper into the mysteries of the kingdom. With its rewarding difficulty, non-linear progression, and immersive world, Hollow Knight is a must-play for anyone who loves Metroidvania-style gameplay.
Celeste (2018) is a platformer that combines difficult gameplay with an emotional, thought-provoking story. Developed by Maddy Makes Games, Celeste follows Madeline as she climbs the titular mountain while struggling with her own inner demons and mental health issues. The game’s challenging platforming mechanics are complemented by a touching narrative that explores themes of self-doubt, perseverance, and personal growth. Each level introduces new obstacles, both in terms of gameplay and story, and the game rewards players not just for completing levels, but for understanding the deeper emotional journey of its protagonist. With its beautiful pixel art, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and deeply personal storytelling, Celeste is a standout indie game that transcends its genre.
Inside (2016), developed by Playdead, is a dark, atmospheric puzzle-platformer that will leave players questioning everything they see. A spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Limbo, Inside takes players through a dystopian world filled with unsettling visuals, eerie environments, and thought-provoking puzzles. The game’s minimalistic design and lack of dialogue allow players to piece together the narrative through environmental storytelling. The gameplay itself revolves around solving puzzles while avoiding traps and hostile forces. Inside is a haunting experience that thrives on tension and atmosphere, providing players with a deeply immersive journey that stays with them long after the credits roll.
Journey (2012), developed by Thatgamecompany, is one of the most critically acclaimed indie games on the PlayStation 4, and for good reason. In this short but emotional experience, players control a mysterious robed figure traveling through a vast desert toward a distant mountain. The game’s beauty lies in its simplicity, focusing on exploration, discovery, and the joy of connecting with others. What makes Journey so unique is its online multiplayer component, where players can encounter other players without communication, relying solely on visual cues and shared experiences. The game’s striking art design, evocative music, and meditation on the human experience make it an unforgettable experience, and it’s widely regarded as one of the best examples of video games as an art form.
Oxenfree (2016) is a supernatural thriller and a narrative-driven adventure that revolves around a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift while exploring an abandoned island. Developed by Night School Studio, Oxenfree stands out due to its innovative dialogue system, which allows players to engage in conversations while still exploring the world around them. The game’s story is filled with twists and turns, blending mystery, horror, and drama as the group faces strange occurrences that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. The voice acting and the game’s eerie atmosphere work together to create a tense, immersive experience that will keep players hooked until the very end.