Introduce
From crows dealing with death to space rocks, there’s an incredible array of indie titles to enjoy this year. Some topics are difficult to deal with like mental health. Some let us escape into a carefree world. They released on every platform, get to star in game presentations big and small, and even let us practice before launch.
But it’s not just the sheer variety that makes these titles so enjoyable. It seems that this year, more impressive artists than ever are leaving with the highest scores in Game informantevaluation of. Did your favorites get the highest score? Are there any great experiences you missed? Check out our 2021 top scorers list below to find out.
8.5
8.5
A moving narrative adventure about life and more centered than death that the player can control with the blink of an eye and a webcam. | Our review
This game takes the phrase ‘sleep on it’ seriously as you battle nightmares to improve your waking life. | Our review
Recalling classic role-playing games like Homebound, Eastward follows two characters John and Sam in their journey to escape the suffocating underground life. | Our review
The world is falling apart horribly, and a young priestess and her loyal knight are the only ones who can stop it in this Metroidvania-style title. | Our review
In FIST, you explore and battle through a detailed world, revolving around like a rabbit with a heroic past and a massive mechanical arm. | Our review
Escape from the depths of hell, and your father, who runs it, in this lifelike title from the makers behind Pyre, Transistor, and Bastion. | Our review
With a few of 2021’s triple-A sports games hitting the mark, this fast-paced dodgeball title could be one of the genre’s best titles this year. | Our review
While you don’t control the character, there’s so much to do and explore that will make you want to go another round. | Our review
Don’t let the pixelated art style lull you into a false sense of security; The story of a warrior in a strange land has some evil wars. | Our review
The card-building mechanics combined with the city-building mechanics in Ratropolis are topped only by the lovable design of the game’s rodent inhabitants. | Our review
Race across the galaxy that defines your identity and cry on your guitar in a space adventure colored by stunning visuals and rocking sounds. | Our review
Twin orphans Jenn and Tristan discover their adoptive father has been kidnapped and set out to save him, knocking down anyone in their path. | Our review
8.75
8.75
While the aesthetic and painterly goals of this coloring book may seem simple at first, Chicory actually has a great insight into mental health. | Our review
Whether fighting over weapons or words, you’ll want to play your cards right in the Griftlands that build the deck. | Our review
See the beauty of the desert as you wander the sands to discover your own identity and help those around you. | Our review
Skate across the galaxy destroying enemies and find a way to keep your home from being swallowed up by Ultravoid. | Our review
No two stories are alike in Wildermyth, so feel free to combine multiple characters and start your adventure. | Our review
9
9
It’s your job as a raven to reap souls, but your latest acquisition has been jerked and you must take it to restore order to the world. | Our review
The final version of this award-winning RPG from developer ZA/UM includes full voice acting and more story content. | Our review
One of the other indie sports titles that are out there with the best titles this year, Dodgeball Academia is full of personality. | Our review
If you’re looking to play something you wouldn’t expect, this mysterious card game should be straight to the top of your must-play list. | Our review
Winner of The Game Award’s best independent award, Kena puts you in the role of a spirit guide who helps souls transition to the afterlife. | Our review
Diving into this chilling sequel title feels just as good as the first, as it builds nicely on the original game’s formula. | Our review
What would you do if you found yourself in an ancient civilization where one mistake means certain death for everyone around you? | Our review
The clock is ticking, and time is running out as you try to save people from turning into mindless killing machines. | Our review
9.25
9.25
It takes two
It Takes Two took home Game of the Year at this year’s TGA, and it also received our best independent review score for 2021. | Our review
To see Game Informer’s top 10 games of the year, go here. Or if you can’t get enough of the list, click the goose below.
