Feature: Top 10 Indie Games On Steam You Have Got To Play

Indie games are becoming more and more common place within the gaming industry; they’re cheap to produce, cheap to buy and often times provide unique gameplay that’s hard to find in your run-of-the-mill AAA games.

Steam has become the hub for all indie developers, with its huge online store and bigger user base, it’s the place to be right now if you’re an indie developer, as well as a frugal gamer.

So, with that, let’s see what the top 10 indie games on Steam are, there’s something for everyone!

Prison Architect
Developer: Introversion Software
Price: £19.99

Before you run to comments screaming hellfire about the price, please note that this is the most expensive on the list, all others are MUCH cheaper! That doesn’t mean Prison Architect isn’t worth the money, because it’s worth it and more.

The game plays out as a 2D management sim, where you are tasked with building the perfect prison to hold the numerous criminals. You’ll need to plan accordingly as your budget is only so big and without a steady income you’ll soon find you have less cash to improve. This is where Prison Architect gets interesting. If you’re into management sims then you’ll enjoy the challenge on offer.

The game is currently in Alpha and is available through Steam’s Early Access program, whereby if you buy the game now, you’ll receive a free copy of the full title when it is eventually released.

Don’t let the fact that it’s an Alpha build put you off, Prison Architect is in a very playable state, but does have some bugs that can affect gameplay. The developers are also very pro-active with their community, they’re releasing new builds every month, steadily improving the game and pushing it in the direction of being one of the best management sims available.

Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
Developer: Starbreeze Studios AB
Price: £10.99

If it’s a game with a story you’re looking for, coupled with a low price of course, you can’t do wrong with Starbreeze’s Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons. You’ll control both of the Brothers in their quest to find a cure for their father who has fallen ill. Along the way you’ll be presented with some of the most stunning scenery you’ve ever seen in a game, it’s God damn gorgeous!

The story clocks in at around 5-6 hours, depending on how you play, so it’s fairly good value for your money, especially when considered against a lot of AAA titles that you can breeze through in half the time for twice the price.

Rust
Developer: Facepunch Studios
Price: £14.99

Rust is another fascinating title on the list, in that it’s more or less whatever you make it to be. You start with nothing more than a rock and are left to fend for yourself. Think Minecraft with a realistic world, human players and the need to manage your vitals, that’s Rust for you.

The hilarity that can ensue within Rust is what really makes it worth the price-tag. Seriously, head over to the Steam reviews page for Rust and if the user reviews alone can’t convince you that Rust is worth your time, then the fun part in your brain is broken.

Awesomenauts
Developer: Ronimo
Price: £6.99

Ronimo’s fantastic 2D MOBA pits players in 3 vs 3 battles for control of the precious inter-stellar currency Solar. You pick your character from the ever expanding list, each with their own attributes and skills which can be upgraded throughout the course of a match, and then you battle it out. Simple!

It’s the simplicity that really makes Awesomenauts a great game, the learning curve is just right for new beginners and you’ll be chucked into matches with similar skilled people, so you won’t be getting ganked by League 1 teams every game.

For £6.99 there is a lot of fun to be had, a serious amount. I’ve clocked in almost 900 hours of game time since I first took the plunge a year ago, and I’ve never looked back. Also, most awesome theme tune ever.

Hotline Miami
Developer: Dennaton Games
Price: £6.99

If you’ve not played Hotline Miami then you’re in for a real treat. The bonkers top-down action game is fueled by neon lights of the 80’s and given an adrenaline boost by the most bonkers soundtrack.

You’ll be smashing skulls with baseball bats, blowing mofo’s to hell with shotguns and generally looking like the biggest bad-ass ever. The controls are tight and the gameplay is frantic, sometimes annoying difficult but always fun. The main element in any game should be the fun, Hotline Miami is THE fun.

FEZ
Developer: Polytron
Price: £6.99

Fez may be forever linked to the notorious Phil Fish, who has pissed off many a gamer in recent months, but we can’t deny he created one of the best indie games, no correct that, best games ever. The critically acclaimed platformer has a 91/100 metacritic score for good reason; it’s bloody brilliant.

Seamlessly switching between 2D and 3D worlds, there’s a lot to see in this little world. You play as the character Gomez as he gains the ability to see the world in 3D, and it’s a stunning world at that. The gameplay is fun and intuitive and it’s available on Steam for just under seven quid. What more could you ask for?

Garry’s Mod
Developer: Facepunch Studios
Price: £5.99

When you think of indie games, Garry’s Mod doesn’t immediately spring to mind, mainly because it isn’t a game as such, but it still warrants a place on this list purely down to it’s fun factor. You’re presented a sandbox world in which you can do whatever you please.

Think of it as LittleBigPlanet for PC, but bigger and better. The huge user support has resulted in some of the best games we’ve ever played, and admittedly the worst. For £5.99 you’re easily getting your moneys worth. Find the right server and you’re set for life, you wouldn’t need to buy another game.

The Escapists
Developer: Mouldy Toof Studios
Price: £6.99

Ever wondered if you’d be able to escape a prison? Haven’t got the balls to commit a heinous crime to get into prison to test your theory? Worry not, The Escapists can be your outlet.

Unlike the aforementioned Prison Architect, where you goal is to keep prisoners in, The Escapists puts you in the shackled of an inmate and challenges you to escape the confines of the prison boundaries. It’s tough and sometimes a little confusing, but the satisfaction you get from pulling off the perfect prison escape eclipses everything.

The Escapists is currently in Early Access, so there’s a few bugs here and there, but for the most part it’s a damn good game. Now if only we could escape the “one more go” feeling…

Gang Beasts
Developer: Boneloaf
Price: £11.99

Now a lot of people don’t know it, but the PC platform is pretty good for local multiplayer games. Granted, there aren’t a great deal of them about, but Gang Beasts is one of the finest indie games ever created for it.

Think Super Smash Bros. on whiskey and you have Gang Beasts. You’ll battle it out with friends in the hazardous maps with some physics involved, resulting in the funniest fighting game ever. Seriously worth a look if you’re in need of some local multiplayer games for when your buddies come round.

Goat Simulator
Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
Price: £6.99

Have you felt an emptiness inside yourself? Have you ever wondered; What is love? What is life? Have you ever sat in a field all day eating grass and defecating wherever you please, but felt it just wasn’t enough? Goat Simulator will help you find inner peace and guidance as you control a goat.

Literally, you control a goat. It’s not going to help you find inner peace. You could strap goats milk to your stomach, lie in a field of goats and feed the young and get a better idea as to what life is like as a goat. But you’ll never know the joy of back flipping in somebody’s house as a goat. For the silly fun you can have in Goat Simulator, it earns its place on this list.

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