Hidden Gem Games That Deserve Your Full Attention in 2023

Highlights

Indie games in 2023 have proven to be some of the best titles of the year, rivaling AAA games in terms of quality and experience.

Dredge is an indie game that skillfully blends addictive gameplay, stunning artwork, and a disturbing atmosphere, delivering an unexpected fishing/survival-horror experience.

Cassette Beasts takes the Pokemon concept to a new level, emerging as one of the standout indie games of the year and one of the finest monster taming games overall.

2023 has been an extraordinary year for gaming, much to the dismay of many players' wallets. With the release of new installments in the Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Diablo franchises, as well as a vast array of highly anticipated sequels and new IPs set to launch later this year, it is evident that there is no shortage of captivating content to immerse oneself in. While the year has been brimming with remarkable AAA releases, with new games seemingly dropping every week, indie developers have also been hard at work creating some of the most captivating and enjoyable indie games of the year. Unfortunately, many of these gems may have gone unnoticed by players who were solely focused on the next major blockbuster title.

Earlier in the year, there was a glimmer of hope that Hollow Knight: Silksong would be released in 2023. However, due to a lack of substantial updates and continuous delays, it is more realistic to anticipate its arrival on players' screens in 2024. Nonetheless, 2023 has still presented us with some of the finest indie titles in recent years, several of which have the potential to be considered among the best of the year in such a bustling gaming landscape. These indie titles are not just of exceptional quality; they provide experiences that rival the best offerings from AAA games.

Dredge

Cassette Beasts

In March of this year, the unexpected arrival of the fishing/survival-horror hybrid game, Dredge, took the gaming world by surprise. Like notable publishers such as Devolver Digital, Team 17 has earned a reputation for discovering and showcasing remarkable work from small indie studios. Dredge is no exception, captivating players with its addictive fishing mechanic, stunning art style, and a pervasive feeling of existential dread that intensifies as day transforms into night, leaving players unsure of their own perceptions. It's unlikely that anyone predicted a fishing game would be one of the scariest games of the year in 2023, but somehow, Dredge accomplishes just that.

For over 25 years, the core Pokemon formula has remained relatively unchanged, despite some alterations to world design and the inclusion of various generational gimmicks. However, Bytten Studio has taken the essence of Pokemon and actualized it in its own game called Cassette Beasts. This indie masterpiece not only stands out as one of the best titles of the year but also as one of the finest monster taming games ever created.

Warhammer 40K: Boltgun

Dave the Diver

The Steam storefront offers a plethora of top-notch Boomer Shooters for players eager to immerse themselves in thrilling action. Among them, this year's Warhammer 40K: Boltgun stands out as a remarkable addition to the genre. This game not only flawlessly incorporates the vast Warhammer extended universe but also perfectly captures the essence of classic Doom and Quake gameplay. Boltgun seamlessly blends into the ever-growing Warhammer game library, offering enthusiasts an authentic "old-school" shooter experience. While many Boomer Shooters feature a retro aesthetic in modern FPS games, Boltgun truly transports players back to the glory days of ID Software titles, reminiscent of 25 years ago.

Despite entering Early Access in October 2022, Dave the Diver didn't reach its full 1.0 release until late June of this year. However, since then, the game has gained immense popularity, becoming a viral sensation. Just a few minutes of gameplay is enough to understand why. Against all odds, Dave the Diver manages to successfully combine multiple competing systems, creating a harmonious experience that not only supports the core gameplay loop but also keeps players engaged and entertained. In 2023, Dave the Diver stands out as a remarkable example of innovation and offers some of the most enjoyable gameplay available.

Dave The Diver is available now on PC, with a Switch version currently in development.