Game of the Year 2023 – Best Independent Game
What does it mean to be an indie developer? Well, the definition these days seems to about as broad the Action-Adventure genre. Games with all the hallmarks of an indie production can come from a small team within a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, from indie publishers that have brought developers in-house, and then we’ve seen independent developers build up and grow over the course of decades to the point that they can craft landmark, genre redefining RPGs.
Really it’s all about vibes and making a judgement call, but let’s just say that the games at the top of our list are absolutely indie games.
Dredge is unique concept – a rare find these days – and plays like a dream. Somehow it managed to combine the peaceful tranquility of fishing with Eldritch horror, with giant monsters roaming the seas and ghostly eyes peering from beyond. It does sound like it could be a mess, the game changing within seconds from being quiet and relaxing to a panic-filled race to safety, but it’s never scary enough to disturb the chilled out mood you settle in when playing for a few hours.
The game mashes up mini games, tall stories, Tetris, and fishing in a delighful hodge-podge of weirdness that can be explored at your own leisure. There’s no time limits, no area is off limits right from the start and you can float around at your own pace. Despite the H.P. Lovecraft inspirations, it’s also family friendly and a great game to watch someone else to play.
Dredge feels like one of those games that gets some great reviews, but that few people talk about. Well, clearly there are some secret Dredgers on the TSA team!
– Tuffcub
Sea of Stars, a love letter to the halcyon days of the very first RPGs, is a very good game. The passion that the devs at
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