Dive into a Single Playthrough: 10 Indie Games with Unforgettable Stories

In the realm of indie games, numerous titles employ a narrative-driven approach to fully engage players in the game universe and convey a significant story. Among these titles, certain games profoundly and indelibly touch players upon their initial playthrough, earning recognition for their exceptional innovation, passion, and distinctive storyline.

While it is always encouraged for players to replay games they enjoy, there are certain narratives that can only be fully experienced and immersed in during the first playthrough. Whether it is a dramatic, mysterious, comedic, thought-provoking, or curious storyline, indie games have the power to leave a lasting impact on players' initial save.

10 Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer, developed by Thunder Lotus, is a captivating and emotionally charged game that follows the journey of guiding souls to the afterlife while striving to fulfill their last desires. As players embark on this adventure, they navigate a stunning world aboard a customizable boat, evolving it to accompany each passenger's individual passage.

With each passenger possessing a distinctive and poignant narrative, players traverse the game while uncovering hidden details about the protagonist they embody — the ferryman. This moving and enchanting storyline resonates powerfully upon initial playthrough, imparting a profound understanding of compassion and the significance of aiding others in their transition.

9 Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery

Behind The Frame: The Finest Scenery, developed by Silver Lining Studio, is an immersive and visually stunning interactive story. It follows the journey of a talented artist as she completes one of her final artworks for a gallery exhibition. In this game, players will delight in the process of adding vibrant colors to a canvas and discovering the true beauty of everyday life. Through the exploration of various paintings, players will uncover a captivating narrative that is best experienced with a sense of wonder, much like savoring a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

8 Unpacking

Unpacking by Witch Beam is a unique organization game that tells its story without using any dialogue. Instead, the narrative unfolds through the items that players unpack while moving into different homes in each level. With the freedom to arrange and categorize to their heart's content, players can discover a deeper storyline through the available content and space for the main character's belongings.

As players progress through the game, they experience a comforting and relatable journey of growth and self-expression through their living space. Each level reveals new aspects of the protagonist's life and the challenges they face in finding a place that truly reflects their identity. By helping the main character move for the first time, players can witness the impact of this progression firsthand.

7 What Remains Of Edith Finch

What Remains Of Edith Finch is an interactive fiction exploration game developed by Giant Sparrow. The game explores the story of Edith, the last surviving member of her family, as she delves into her ancestral home in search of answers. Throughout the game, players unravel a series of enchanting, distinct, and poignant stories, each narrated by a different Finch family member. These stories ultimately reveal the profound impact they had on the family and shed light on the significance they hold for Edith during her personal quest.

6 A Memoir Blue

A Memoir Blue, an enchanting point-and-click game by Cloisters Interactive, intricately depicts the bond between a mother and daughter through their shared memories. Combining captivating hand-drawn and 3-D visuals, this game delves into Miriam's poetic journey as she explores her past.

As players accompany Miriam on her introspective quest, immersing themselves in a series of vignettes, they can unwind and become fully engrossed in this interactive dream-like narrative. This immersive experience allows players to comprehend the delicate dynamic between a renowned athlete and her adoring mother.

5 Firewatch

Firewatch, developed by Campo Santo, is a captivating first-person mystery game that takes place in the dense forests of Wyoming. In this immersive experience, players assume the role of Henry, a fire lookout stationed atop a mountain. Isolated and with minimal human contact, Henry's only means of communication is through a handheld radio, connecting him to his supervisor.

As players delve into the vast wilderness, they become drawn to intriguing discoveries beyond the confines of the watchtower. Through exploration and investigation, they uncover vital clues and are faced with critical decisions that directly impact the safety of the forest and Henry's relationships with the few individuals still in his life. Immersed in Henry's narrative, players encounter the unique joy of unfolding his story and observing the consequences of their in-game choices, especially during the initial playthrough.

4 Gylt

Gylt, developed by Tequila Works and Parallel Circles, is a captivating game that delves into the fears of a young girl and the profound emotional consequences of her actions. This narrative-driven experience combines elements of stealth, action, and interaction, allowing players to immerse themselves in the fictional mining town of Maine alongside the protagonist, Sally. As her life becomes increasingly challenging following the disappearance of her cousin Emily, Sally must navigate through a distorted and nightmarish version of her town, potentially created by her own hand. The unique blend of stealth gameplay and exploration enhances the immersive nature of Gylt, while the unraveling of the twisted town's secrets and the search for answers regarding Emily's vanishing add an extra layer of enjoyment to the game, particularly during the initial playthrough.

3 Beacon Pines

Beacon Pines, developed by Hiding Spot, is an enchantingly eerie game enveloped in a mysterious book. Set in a town within the book, peculiar occurrences take place, and it is up to the player to assist Luka in unraveling concealed truths and discovering words that can reshape the book's storyline.

The player has the power to influence events in the book, actively participating in rewriting them. The game encourages players to utilize charms that guide the characters towards the most favorable course of action. Uncovering the hidden enigmas within this game is possible and can even be altered according to the player's desires, presenting an initial challenging task.

2 Abzû

Abzû, developed by Giant Squid, is a captivating underwater adventure game where the player embarks on a mesmerizing journey through an enchanting marine world, devoid of dialogue. Immersed in the depths of the ocean, players swim and explore, encountering both stunning and potentially perilous sea creatures. Amidst this breathtaking experience, the game subtly imparts a profound narrative, complementing the awe-inspiring visuals. Amongst the vibrant sealife, players stumble upon remnants of an ancient civilization, providing valuable insights on reviving lifeless areas and restoring harmony. In its silent brilliance, Abzû captivates players on multiple levels, showcasing not only its beauty, but also its impactful storytelling.

1 Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, developed by Snoozy Kazoo, is an entertaining and comical adventure and puzzle game. It follows the misadventures of a mischievous turnip who finds himself in a massive debt and facing eviction from his home. However, things take a more interesting turn as the turnip teams up with the locals to overthrow a corrupt and unjust vegetable government.

In this charming game, players engage in activities such as farming, minor offenses, exploring dungeons, and tearing up tax documents. While the game offers multiple outcomes depending on the player's ability to avoid taxes, the true enjoyment lies in experiencing the hilarity and creativity of the game for the first time!