Cheaper and cheerful
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get your new game fix as these independent titles prove
ANOTHER month, another increase in the cost of living.
People are facing the biggest squeeze on incomes in nearly 50 years, which means those with expensive hobbies – like gaming – can find it tough to justify their pastime. But indie games could be the answer to your prayers.
You don’t have to look far to find indie studios that are producing incredible work.
Here are five indie titles you should check out this month.
Source of Madness (PEGI 12)
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch, PC
Price: £15.99
This side-scrolling, dark action roguelite is set in the twisted, Lovecraftian-inspired world of the Loam Lands.
The player must journey through this nightmarish world as a new Acolyte to destroy the sources of madness.
Graphically this instantly gives off a ‘Dark Souls’ type vibe, with walls that feature eyes and limbs, and environments that seem so thick with rot and decay you can almost smell them.
Each level is procedurally generated, so you won’t encounter the same hellish monster twice, as you fight your way to the mysterious Citadel and attempt to stop ‘what is to come.’
Trek to Yomi (PEGI 18)
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC Price: £15.99
One of the most visually stunning games I’ve seen in a while, this is a must for fans of Japanese cinema.
Dripping in clichés, this follows the story of Hiroki, a lone samurai who has vowed to protect his town and the people he loves.
This katana-swinging, sidescroller may start out as a standard tale of revenge, but it slowly morphs into something else – a narrative on the futility of vengeance.
I hate to sound superficial, but by far the best thing about this game is its looks. It feels like a love letter to the Japanese greats, playing out in stunning monochrome that somehow makes it feel all the more affecting.
Combat leaves a bit to be desired, but there were a few oddly challenging puzzles along the way that broke up scenes of gore.
Lost Nova (PEGI TBC) PC
Price: £11.39
If you’ve ever wondered what No Man’s Sky would look like in a cutesy, alternative universe, then wonder no more.
Lost Nova tells the story of Mia, whose spaceship has crash landed on an alien planet and she has to repair it.
Your job is to help her explore and gather the resources she needs to get back home.
Quite apart from the cute cartoon graphics, this is an oddly relaxing way to spend some time.
You can wander around the planet at your own pace, harvesting resources and earning currency to buy upgrades and unlock new activities.
Mia meets some weird and wonderful characters on her travels too, and luckily for her, they’re all
friendly.
Moo Lander (PEGI 7) PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Price: Demo free until May 27 Certainly one of the odder games out this month, this action-adventure RPG is an epic about cows and milk.
Moo Lander sees you in control of your civilization’s last remaining spaceship, as you scour varied environments in search of the source of infinite amounts of milk.
While cows are known for being gentle souls, in this game you’ll find yourself battling some bovines who have had enough and aren’t willing to part with their dairy so easily.
If you can’t quite believe what you’re playing, then you can share the oddness with up to three other gamers in couch multiplayer.
We Were Here Forever (PEGI 12)
PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, PC Price: £14.99
The latest in the We Were Here series of puzzlers, you will need a fellow gamer for this one as it’s co-op only.
You both wake up trapped inside Castle Rock, and you’ll both need your wits to find out who put you there, and why, if you are to have any hopes of escaping.
Solving puzzles alone is fun, deciphering them together can be twice as satisfying... or a nightmare, depending on who you’re brave enough to attempt this one with.
Other games in the series have been surprisingly good, and if you’re on PC, check out the bundles available on Steam which is currently selling all four games as the ‘Chronicle of Castle Rock’ for £32.