It might not be as prominent as years before, but the independent scene is still the best place to look for the most innovative, creatively-free and outstanding titles that gaming has to offer. This year was no different, with hundreds of studios around the world creating memorable titles to make their mark on the industry. But, unsurprisingly, the best of the best came from someone everyone knows pretty well.
And the winner is…Transistor!
Supergiant Games set themselves an extremely high bar when they released Bastion, but Transistor manages to grab it and, in some ways, pull itself over. At a glance, you might think it’s just a re-skinned do over, but Transistor retains the best of what Supergiant games does while bringing some new ideas to the table.
A gorgeous, unique setting, a tragically moving tale and an incredible turn-based combat system all make up part of Transistor’s repertoire, which are all beautifully woven together to create one of the standout games of the year. And let’s not forget about that soundtrack, which I still have playing on repeat nearly everyday. Truly stellar stuff.
Honourable mentions:
The Adventures of Van Helsing, Dead Run, Divinity: Original Sin
Last Updated: December 19, 2014
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 13:31
I came here expecting to disagree.
Well played Sandy. Well played.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 13:36
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing was excellent. I’m starting a second playthrough the weekend with a friend actually before moving on to number 2.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 19, 2014 at 13:40
I’m probably starting it this weekend, after I finish Remember Me.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 13:44
I quite enjoyed it. Feels like a good old school RPG
Sageville
December 19, 2014 at 13:38
Does Kim Kardashians game count as “Indie”?
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 13:45
only as crappie
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 13:38
DAT HEADER!!!
ToshZA
December 19, 2014 at 13:39
Transistor, Van Helsing and Divinity: Original Sin are on my wishlist.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 13:45
Divinity is on mine and Van Helsing is worth it. It should go down a bit more though.
Hammersteyn
December 19, 2014 at 13:46
Valiant hearts for me.
Joe Black
December 19, 2014 at 14:17
My personal favorite was Dungeons of the Endless. It was definitely on par with FTL. But those apply for my tastes of course.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 14:20
I’ve really been intrigued by that game. It’s good to finally hear from someone that it’s worth getting.
Joe Black
December 19, 2014 at 14:26
Its really good. I even replayed it many times after finishing it and for me that says a lot.
Be prepared to be frustrated a few times though.
Captain JJ the engaged
December 19, 2014 at 14:31
It’s been on my wishlist forever, maybe I’ll get to knock it off now. Thanks.
Admiral Chief on leave
December 19, 2014 at 14:42
FTL!!!!!
Wyzak
December 20, 2014 at 19:08
Wasteland 2?
Clickbait_Killer
December 22, 2014 at 14:04
Gutted Beyond Flesh and Blood didn’t get mentioned here. They’ve done a Christmas demo as well http://beyond-xmas.net but then the full game isn’t released until next year..