Feel like going on a virtual adventure across time and space? From Red Dead Redemption to Hogwarts’ Legacy, the action-adventure genre isn’t short of triple-A blockbusters to explore.
But lesser-known studios have dropped a string of equally immersive titles — only with half the marketing budget. At Niche Gamer, we’ve decided to give these indie adventure games some well-deserved love. So, sit back, relax, and check out our top picks before logging into your Steam account.
5.Bokura
Available in early access so far, Bokura hit full release in August this year. And the integral version of this two-player puzzler definitely hit the mark.
The story follows two boys leaving their homes to explore the wide world. Upon encountering a dead deer, however, they faint only to wake up to a changed world they no longer recognize. While one boy sees animals all around, all the other can see is machines. Cooperation is key to making sense out of these bizarre circumstances.
This side-scrolling co-op title plays out this theme perfectly, displaying an entirely different screen for each player. Finding a way back to the actual world boils down to efficient communication throughout the game, as both partners need to work closely together to see through each other’s eyes.
4.Planet of Lana
Next up is another indie adventure that came out on Steam in 2023. Planet of Lana takes place on a once beautiful planet swarmed by a faceless army of hostile alien machines. It is up to a young girl and her trusted companion to embark on a fateful journey to protect their vibrant home.
Blending head-scratching puzzles and action sequences, this indie title balances out action and wit cleverly. But Planet of Lana impresses the most in the visuals department.
Inspired by movies such as Spirited Away and retro adventure games like Another World, the cinematography of this epic sci-fi odyssey is second to none.
3.The Forgotten City
The time-loop mechanic is quite hit-or-miss in the gaming sphere. Thankfully, The Forgotten City doesn’t fall for the traps of that worn-out genre. This open-world murder mystery sends you back 2,000 years to a Roman city where a pernicious curse condemns everyone to die if one person sins.
Bribery, intimidation, and violence can steer you in the right direction. Yet, these brutal methods will only get you so far. To solve the mystery, you need to dig deeper into the intertwined lives of a community threatened by impending doom – and exploit the time loop to piece it all together.
If slightly dialogue-heavy, The Forgotten City is a narrative masterpiece full of unforgettable characters and more than enough moral quandaries to keep you on edge.
Funnily enough, The Forgotten City started as a Skyrim mod. It ended up a deceptively addictive adventure carrying more philosophical weight than meets the eye.
2.Card Shark
Say you’re a mute tavern boy from southern France whose life takes a fateful turn when you cross paths with a mysterious nobleman. The enigmatic Comte de Saint-Germain recruits you into a scheme to embezzle the top dogs of 18th-century French society.
While oblivious to the shadowy intentions of your benefactor and the conspiracy that brews behind the scenes, you ascend from humble gambling dens to the King’s table through your cunning – and your mastery of less-than-honorable card tricks. From deck switching to false shuffles, anything goes in Card Shark.
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1.Undertale
Undertale doesn’t fit into one single category. An RPG, a puzzler, and an adventure game all wrapped into one, this indie gem subverted many classic gaming tropes to carve a distinctive legacy.
For instance, killing is unnecessary throughout encountering the many monsters that populate the Underground where the player-character is trapped. Instead, befriending every eccentric enemy that comes your way is an option.
But every choice you make affects the outcome of this game that packs tons of surprises at every turn. With an exceptional musical score and a delightfully nostalgic pixelated art direction to boot, Undertale truly is an indie must-play.
