Does it ever feel like there is “nothing to play”? The magic moments when you discover a new title worth your time seem to become rarer and rarer after you experience some of the best crafted works out there.
It’s no secret that PlayStation exclusives tend to be absolute masterpieces. However, they can also easily upstage great indie titles that end up sitting in obscure corners of the PlayStation Store. These special games often come from small teams, sometimes even one person, who cannot afford to market their product as well as FIFA or Cyberpunk 2077, for example. Nonetheless, these games are innovative and deserve more attention.
10 My Friend Pedro
The combination of 2-D platforming and slow motion run-and-gun found in My Friend Pedro is something out of this world. This game is worth playing simply to pretend you are Neo from The Matrix, as you roll through a grate and into a room blasting your guns.
Seriously, there is some awesome gameplay to be found in this title. The game was initially released in 2019 for every current-gen console, except the PS4. In 2020, My Friend Pedro was finally ported over to PlayStation. Parkour and shooting mechanics are simply brilliant in this action title.
9 Bloodroots
Ultraviolent combat and videogames are terms that go hand in hand. Games like Doom or Hotline Miami heavily depend on the fun factor that comes with laying destruction upon your enemies, and Bloodroots is no different. Mister Wolf is the murderous lumberjack protagonist of this exuberant revenge story.
One day Mister Wolf gets attacked by his former gang members, and is left for dead — except he still has plenty of fight left in him. It’s up to you to use everything you can grab to slice, tear, and rip your way to revenge.
8 Moons Of Madness
This title is heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, in fact you will find plenty of Ctuhulu-like tentacles all over a space station on Mars, which serves as the setting for this game. Moons Of Madness is found somewhere along the lines of horror, sci-fi, and puzzle solving.
All those who have a soft spot for being isolated into the unknown will undoubtedly enjoy this slow-burn, intricate game. You play as Shane Newehart, the Chief Engineer in charge of upkeeping the state-of-the art facility he finds himself in, until a new team arrives to replace him. But did you turn off those lights, or was it someone else? Perhaps it’s all in your head.
7 Two Point Hospital
This one has been around since 2018 on PC, but like most games, it made its way to PS4 only recently. Two Point Hospital is a management sim with a focus on building a network of hospitals in the fictional Two Point Country, where people are affected by hilarious problems.
Hospitals are not generally associated to having a fun time, but Two Point Hospital manages to put a humorous spin on an otherwise serious setting. You play as the hospital manager in charge of building necessary rooms and equipment, and your job also includes maintaining your creations in good shape.
6 Cloudpunk
If you are excited to get your hands on Cyberpunk 2077, or particularly enjoy flying cars and the ambiance from Blade Runner, then Cloudpunk is the perfect quick-fix for you. The art style this game possesses is singular in its ability to create a resonant sci-fi experience.
You play as Rania, a delivery driver in a futuristic city trying to make a living. She works for the illegal company Cloudpunk, who handles package consignment as well as actual passengers. You pilot her HOVA (think customizable flying car), as you make your way through the night.
5 Moving Out
The best way to describe Moving Out is to imagine moving from your house without any stress and with tons of laughter. This top-down perspective title relies on physics-based mechanics to deliver hours of exhilarating fun. Gameplay is centered around collecting a set number of furniture before the timer runs out.
You can do everything in your power to accomplish your objective: break windows, trample over other items, or toss smaller furniture into the truck. However, this game becomes a million times better with a friend — there is no better way to experience Moving Out.
4 Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition
Kentucky Route Zero first found its footing on Kickstrater back in 2013. Jump to 2020, and you have yourself the fully fleshed-out experience complete with five chapters to play. This title received praise on several fronts, including its distinct aesthetic style and ability to create a unique ambiance.
In this point and click adventure game, you play as Conway, a truck driver going through the fictional Route Zero in Kentucky. Along your journey you will meet some of the strangest characters in gaming, as you come across special and unforgettable moments.
3 Spiritfarer
If you associate games to relax you need to play Spiritfarer. This lovely title warms the heart both on its surface level and through the deeper themes it presents. Graphics are colorfully polished, introducing you to a world capable of teaching valuable lessons.
As a matter of fact, Spiritfarer primarily deals with death and the necessary acceptance that comes with it. Not an easy topic to tackle effectively, even for games like The Last Of Us II. You play as Stella, followed by her trusty cat Daffodil, who essentially becomes the new Charon, inheriting the task to ferry the dead into the afterlife. Give this one a try if you are a fan of meaningful journeys.
2 Tokyo Dark: Remembrance
Detective Itō Ayami is looking for her missing partner in this thriller, point and click adventure game developed by indie studio Cherrymochi. Kazuki Tanaka disappeared during an investigation, it’s up to you to figure out what happened. A mysterious mask you find will help you in your efforts, though you must be wary of your deteriorating mental wellness.
Your choices matter here, so pay attention to what you do: your experie2nce can end in eleven different ways. Those who enjoy experiencing a visual story, while solving puzzles and exploring different environments along the way, will find a hidden pearl in this game.
1 Visage
The psychological horror and mind bending puzzles found in this title will make your hands sweat, while you hope that noise you just heard is not coming from behind you. If you had a chance to experience the demo for the cancelled Silent Hills game, known as P.T., you already have a sense of what to expect from Visage.
This game will make you scared of being alone in your house. Your goal is to get through three chapters full of paranormal activity, Resident Evil-like puzzles, and moments that can make you jump out of your seat. Visage is the perfect game for every horror lover.
NEXT: The 15 Best Indie Horror Video Games Of All Time, According To Metacritic
