AAA games feel like what we gravitate to when we want our mind blown or absolutely saturated in something, whether that's an insanely detailed world or crazy action. Indie games have a much wider variety, and because by necessity they have to have a great hook or idea to form a game around, those that usually see the most success are also the most interesting games of the year.
Here are the nominees for TechRaptor's 2024 Indie Game of the Year Award for outstanding creative and technical design from outside a large studio.
- 1000xRESIST
- Animal Well
- Balatro
- Indika
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
- Manor Lords
- Neva
- The Plucky Squire
- The Rise of the Golden Idol
- UFO 50
Check out here for our other award categories.
Fifth Place - The Rise of the Golden Idol
Developer: Color Gray Games | Release Date: November 12th, 2024
Written by Andrew Otton
The Case of the Golden Idol was easily one of my favorite games in recent years, and thankfully the sequel The Rise of the Golden Idol doesn't disappoint. An exercise in beautiful simplicity, Rise of the Golden Idol is amazing at making you feel like a genius (or idiot for an extended period) when something finally clicks.
Rise brought with it some quality of life updates in this detective/investigation game in how information is organized and how you can quickly access it as you try to suss out exactly what happened in any one scene. There are bigger storylines connected in interesting ways, with plenty of callbacks to the original game as well.
If you like logic-based puzzles or really just want to figure out some mysteries, including some murder mysteries here and there, this game is a no brainer.
Fourth Place - UFO 50
Developer: Mossmouth, LLC | Release Date: September 18th, 2024
Written by Austin Suther
If you love the artform of video games, UFO 50 is the game for you. It’s a digital time capsule with 50 individual games, giving us a glimpse at how technology and gameplay evolved during the early years of the medium, warts and all.
There’s a fun little narrative behind the scenes, with this fake company called UFOsoft, running on fake hardware and a bunch of made-up employees in the credits. It’s fun to explore the history of UFOsoft, but the games themselves are, of course, the highlight.
We’d be here forever if I explained the ins-and-outs of every game within this collection, but just know these can range from quick, arcade-like experiences to full fledged RPGs. UFO 50 is a remarkable achievement in game design.
Third Place - 1000xRESIST
Developer: Sunset Visitor | Release Date: May 9th, 2024
Written by Tyler Chancey
1000xRESIST is the kind of interactive experience that is few and far between -- a narrative experience that is equal parts strange and personal, profound and intimate.
Across 15 hours, it encompasses the complexities of high school drama, the anxiety of uncertainty in the face of a pandemic, the existential dread of an alien invasion, the hollow comforts of a religious cult, and the complex cracks in the system by revolution.
It is the kind of narrative that is dense with metaphor and layered meaning. The generational gaps of Watcher, All Mother, and Iris. The recursive nature of humanity throughout the centuries: oppression leading to revolution leading to oppression.
While its gameplay features are light, little more than dialogue options, the experience of 1000xRESIST cannot be missed by those that love interactive narrative or thoughtful sci-fi.
Second Place - Animal Well
Developer: Shared Memory | Release Date: May 9th, 2024
Written by Andrew Stretch
This game caught my eye as soon as it was revealed -- a tease of puzzles within puzzles, upon release it absolutely delivered. With a core game experience presenting a tight, non-linear Metroidvania, you can enjoy the unsettling atmosphere as you hop through the world. For those who enjoy finding collectibles you'll be treated to unique puzzles and gameplay challenges.
If you scratch just a bit further below the surface, the experience is one that only a few games have managed to pull off so far. No matter what level of interest in this game, it's an entertaining and unique experience for every type of player.
Winner - Balatro
Developer: LocalThunk | Release Date: February 20th, 2024
Written by Blair Bishop
It was somewhat humorous to see the reaction to Balatro in the run-up to awards season. People simply couldn’t believe a game that looked like that could generate enough hype to last throughout the entire year. So they delved in and saw for themselves how this was possible, and they returned changed. Ashamed that they ever doubted that this was possible.
It’s a testament to how well-designed Balatro is. It’s easy to pick up and play, and it’s easier to find yourself lost in it. Striking the perfect balance between casual muckabouts and all-in numbers games, LocalThunk has created something which will be in the space for years to come.
And maybe even after that.