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IndieCN has gifted us with a treasure trove of incredible games, showcasing diverse styles, innovative mechanics, and compelling narratives. From charming pixel art adventures to atmospheric puzzle experiences, their catalog offers something for every player. This poll aims to celebrate the best of the best, highlighting the titles that have resonated most deeply with players and critics alike. Let's revisit some unforgettable gaming moments and acknowledge the talent behind these captivating creations. Prepare to reminisce, debate, and ultimately, cast your vote! Which IndieCN game reigns supreme in your heart? Did a particular title leave an unforgettable mark on your gaming journey? Share your thoughts and help determine the ultimate champion in this community-driven poll. Your vote matters—let's crown the best games by IndieCN!
"Shanhe (2023)" plunges players into a world inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, where humans, gods, and demons once coexisted, with the balance shattered by the breaking of an ancient seal. Players take on the role of a young cultivator, tasked with vanquishing hordes of newly unleashed demonic creatures, like the Jie Gou and Zhu Lou, that now ravage the land. The game offers a vast, explorable world filled with opportunities to uncover new locations, encounter enigmatic characters, and acquire powerful skills. The passage of time is crucial, requiring players to balance combat, training, and exploration within a dynamic cycle of twelve-hour days, marked by waves of demon attacks. This title would be a compelling addition to the "Best games by INDIECN" list due to its clear thematic focus on Chinese mythology and cultural elements. Its emphasis on exploration, time management, and cooperative multiplayer further suggests a design uniquely crafted within the independent Chinese game development scene, which has been increasingly exploring its cultural heritage. This combines with its blend of solo progression and multiplayer cooperation, fostering a potentially strong sense of community, which distinguishes it from broader international offerings while showcasing the creativity blossoming in Chinese indie development.
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"Weird RPG (2022)" plunges players into a challenging action experience inspired by the likes of Sekiro and Hades. The game emphasizes a fast-paced combat system, demanding players master the art of rolling to evade deadly attacks and capitalize on openings. Boss battles are incredibly difficult, requiring careful observation of enemy attack patterns and strategic positioning to overcome the threats. Players will experiment with a wide array of creative weapons, each boasting unique special effects designed to enhance combat and offer varied gameplay styles as they traverse infinite worlds and uncover the secrets of Challenger Land. This title clearly aligns with the "Best games by INDIECN" category. The game showcases a developer from China delivering a passion project in a highly competitive genre. The combat is tight and reactive, a hallmark of many successful indie games, while the emphasis on challenging boss encounters provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The inclusion of creative weapons and exploration of an infinite world suggest a strong focus on player freedom and replayability, further solidifying its place among the best titles from independent Chinese developers.
ZED ZONE (2023) plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies and mutated creatures after a catastrophic event. You, a survivor trapped within the Zed Zone, must scavenge resources, upgrade skills, construct shelters, and battle relentless waves of undead and mechanized threats. The game boasts a robust crafting system, allowing you to build weapons, modify firearms, and fortify your base. Exploration is key, with vehicles playing a crucial role in navigating the open world, requiring careful maintenance and realistic driving physics. Survival hinges on managing your character's needs, from food and water to temperature and energy, offering a deeply immersive experience. This title is a prime candidate for "Best games by INDIECN" due to its compelling blend of survival mechanics, crafting, and zombie horde gameplay. The inclusion of diverse zombie types with unique abilities, coupled with vehicle mechanics, promises strategic depth and varied encounters. Moreover, the project's crowdfunding campaign, with its promises of exclusive in-game items, custom names, and the ability to shape aspects of the game world, signifies a dedication to community engagement, a hallmark of successful indie development. The game's focus on crafting, base building, and resource management hints at a polished and engaging experience that aligns with the innovative spirit often found in independent Chinese game development.
"镇邪 (2022)" is a single-player game rooted in Chinese folklore, placing you in the role of a Taoist disciple investigating a mysterious village. Players delve into a captivating narrative inspired by numerous folk tales, uncovering a vast conspiracy that transcends lifetimes. This game distinguishes itself by incorporating classic elements such as exploring tombs for treasure, exorcising spirits, performing rituals, and using talismans and alchemy. It employs advanced ASMR audio technology and full Mandarin voice acting to provide an immersive and chilling auditory and visual experience. "镇邪" warrants a spot on the "Best games by INDIECN" list for several reasons. Its commitment to rich Chinese cultural representation, unique gameplay mechanics centered on Taoist practices, and its success in creating a truly atmospheric and engaging gaming experience, are all key factors. The game effectively marries folklore-inspired storylines with interactive features that immerse the player in the Taoist world. The inclusion of tomb exploration, ritualistic combat, and a captivating mystery, make "镇邪" a standout title for fans of indie titles in the genre.
Weapon Shop Fantasy (2017) is a captivating blend of shop simulation and RPG elements, blurring the lines between the two genres in a delightfully engaging experience. Players step into the shoes of a shop owner, tasked with crafting powerful weapons and equipment to sell to adventurers. The core gameplay involves collecting rare materials, learning and combining skills, and experimenting with crafting to create the ultimate armaments. From defeating pixelated monsters and stealing their materials to hiring and training staff with a nearly limitless skill system, Weapon Shop Fantasy offers a deep and rewarding loop. Players will craft, enchant, and hone their weapons, alongside their employees, while progressing through a vibrant world filled with hilarious dialogue and memorable characters, ultimately leading to their financial success. This title rightfully earns its place among the "Best games by INDIECN" due to its unique combination of genres and its commitment to depth. Weapon Shop Fantasy, crafted by Digdog Studios Ltd, embraces the creativity and resourcefulness characteristic of independent developers. The game features a polished and charming visual style, while the gameplay is incredibly engaging. The blend of strategic shop management, skill-based crafting, and classic RPG elements gives players an unparalleled sense of progression. The addition of unique mechanics, such as the boss-luring system, enhances the overall experience, making it a standout title within the indie space and a strong representative of games crafted in China.
"Big Bia (2022)" plunges players into a chaotic, unpredictable rogue-lite strategy adventure. The game world defies logic and convention, featuring a bizarre blend of elements: apes and robots can be allies, journeys can lead to ancient forests or futuristic corporations, and every interaction seems to possess a layer of absurdist humor. In this world, the unexpected is the norm. Companions might betray you, characters may inexplicably fall in love, and even the most mundane events can have strange and game-altering consequences, like boosting your crit chance by eating ice watermelon, or forgetting your companion at the hospital. This focus on unpredictable events is why this game belongs on the list "Best games by INDIECN". The game's core mechanics, coupled with the unusual setting, cultivate a truly unique experience. The emphasis on player choice and unpredictable outcomes defines its appeal and is a testament to the creative spirit of indie developers. The game embodies the innovative spirit commonly found in games from Chinese indie developers that experiment with unusual mechanics and blend genres in unique ways. By offering such an odd experience in a package that is both easy to pick up, yet offering more depth, it makes this a game that deserves to be known.
《江湖余生:缘起 (2021)》 plunges players into a world of classic wuxia, but with a twist. You'll inhabit the role of Ling Wuyan, a young man who, after a devastating clan massacre, awakens with amnesia. The game emphasizes narrative and character development, focusing on the human aspects of survival and connection within a treacherous, often morally ambiguous江湖. Players will explore a world of shifting alliances, delve into intricate storylines, and forge relationships with a cast of memorable characters, all while navigating a unique card-based combat system. The core gameplay revolves around crafting, survival, and uncovering the mysteries of Ling Wuyan's past, offering a refreshing take on the traditional RPG formula. This title earns its place among "Best games by INDIECN" due to its clear passion for the wuxia genre and its innovative approach to gameplay. Developed by a small team of two, the game masterfully combines a heartfelt narrative with a strategic card-based combat system. The team's dedication to capturing the essence of traditional martial arts stories, from the detailed world-building to the emphasis on character interactions, sets it apart. Despite its potential imperfections as acknowledged by the developers, the game's commitment to storytelling, distinctive combat, and the creation of a believable江湖 experience, showcase the creativity and dedication of the Chinese indie development scene.
Immerse yourself in the chilling world of the "Fhtagn Simulator (2022)," a roguelike card game where sanity dwindles and cosmic horrors beckon. Channel the whispers of the abyss and appease ancient, slumbering gods in this deck-building adventure. Inspired by genre titans like *Luck be a Landlord* and *Slay the Spire*, players must gather spirit through chaotic card combinations and strategic roulette management. Face the whims of the Cthulhu mythos, navigating events, summoning powerful creatures, and offering sacrifices to forestall divine wrath. This title's presence on a "Best games by INDIECN" list is warranted. The game's evocative Cthulhu theme, unique roulette mechanic, and focus on strategic resource management perfectly embodies the creativity and ambition often found in independent games from China. "Fhtagn Simulator" showcases compelling design with its ability to blend familiar gameplay with a fresh, thematic twist. The depth of its card system and the replayability offered by the roguelike format position it as a standout within the indie gaming sphere.
"Shanhe (2023)" plunges players into a world inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, where humans, gods, and demons once coexisted, with the balance shattered by the breaking of an ancient seal. Players take on the role of a young cultivator, tasked with vanquishing hordes of newly unleashed demonic creatures, like the Jie Gou and Zhu Lou, that now ravage the land. The game offers a vast, explorable world filled with opportunities to uncover new locations, encounter enigmatic characters, and acquire powerful skills. The passage of time is crucial, requiring players to balance combat, training, and exploration within a dynamic cycle of twelve-hour days, marked by waves of demon attacks. This title would be a compelling addition to the "Best games by INDIECN" list due to its clear thematic focus on Chinese mythology and cultural elements. Its emphasis on exploration, time management, and cooperative multiplayer further suggests a design uniquely crafted within the independent Chinese game development scene, which has been increasingly exploring its cultural heritage. This combines with its blend of solo progression and multiplayer cooperation, fostering a potentially strong sense of community, which distinguishes it from broader international offerings while showcasing the creativity blossoming in Chinese indie development.
In Deep Sea: Instant Choice (2020), players are thrust into a gripping interactive narrative where their choices directly impact the lives of others and determine the outcome of a complex crime. The game, a first foray into live-action interactive films by the developing team, places you in the shoes of Wang Bo, who is entangled in a kidnapping following a car accident. Players will face difficult decisions, uncovering clues like a ring, business card, and video footage, all while experiencing the turmoil of suspicion and trust. The game offers 2 main story paths, 15 side stories, nearly 50 interactive points, and 25 different endings, encouraging exploration and replayability to discover the hidden details. This title deserves a place among the "Best games by INDIECN" due to its innovative approach to storytelling and its resonance with relevant social issues. The developing team has consistently showcased their ability to address critical themes in their works. Deep Sea provides a unique and engaging experience, forcing players to grapple with moral dilemmas and the complexities of human relationships. It exemplifies the innovative spirit of independent Chinese game development, presenting a cinematic experience that prioritizes player agency and impactful storytelling. The project is low-budget, but shows the potential of indie developers from China.
"MyCompany996 (2020)" plunges players into the tumultuous world of a startup programmer, forcing them to navigate a minefield of workplace drama and difficult choices. It's a simulator of the 996 work culture, where players will encounter over a hundred unique workplace events, experience realistic office politics, and make tough calls impacting their career trajectory. The game's strength lies in its focus on relatable scenarios and characters, derived from real-world experiences, offering a surprisingly accurate portrayal of the challenges faced in early-stage companies. Whether you're a student looking ahead or a seasoned professional, the game promises a reflective and often cathartic experience. This game is a strong contender for "Best games by INDIECN" because it embodies the spirit of independent game development in China. It was born from a small team's passion and personal experiences. The game's narrative, which reflects the struggles of Chinese programmers and startup culture, resonates with a wide audience in China, offering a unique perspective not often seen in mainstream games. Furthermore, the vast amount of content, including multiple endings, achievements, and a focus on player agency, demonstrates both ambition and craftsmanship, making it a significant indie title.
Journey back over two millennia to the chaotic yet captivating Spring and Autumn period in this historical strategy game, "春秋 (2022)". You begin as a ruler of a small state, navigating a world of warring factions, evolving ideologies, and constant conflict. Construct cities, fortify defenses, and manage your economy while engaging in diplomacy, alliances, and warfare across a beautifully rendered 3D map encompassing the vast landscapes of ancient China. From managing your population to navigating complex familial relations and building the Great Wall, you'll confront historical events, challenge your rivals, and strive to establish your dominance, potentially becoming a hegemon, facing both external threats and internal dissent. "春秋 (2022)" truly earns its place among the "Best games by INDIECN" due to its ambitious scope and focus on historical accuracy. The game meticulously recreates the Spring and Autumn era with a rich blend of strategic gameplay, intricate systems like the clan system and the innovative building mechanics. The developers also go the extra mile by incorporating details like the evolving dynasties, diplomatic complexity, and the emergence of significant figures that reflect a genuine passion for Chinese history, making it a standout title representing the pinnacle of Chinese indie game development.
Tren0 (2018) is an engaging indie title crafted using RPG Maker, offering a compelling narrative experience. The game thrusts players into a mysterious train setting, where five diverse passengers are unwittingly bound for an unknown destination. As the protagonist, players assume the role of an examiner, tasked with unraveling the secrets and hidden connections between a group of characters: a quiet schoolgirl, a young detective, a pious nun, a demanding noble, and a pragmatic white-collar worker. The game's design emphasizes exploration, conversation, and intricate puzzle-solving, all wrapped within a framework that hints at horror, mystery, and surreal elements. This game merits inclusion in "Best games by INDIECN" due to its unique blend of elements, its immersive atmosphere, and its development by independent creators within China. The use of RPG Maker, a popular engine, reflects the creativity and resourcefulness often found in the Chinese indie scene. Tren0's focus on story and its exploration of complex character dynamics, coupled with its original soundtrack, elevate it above standard pixel art fare. The developers clearly poured passion into their work, offering a complete experience that holds a distinct appeal to fans of narrative-driven games with challenging puzzles.
"The Apocalypse Sacrifice (2024)" earns a place on the "Best games by INDIECN" roster due to its compelling narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world brimming with challenging choices and moral dilemmas. Its unique blend of resource management, strategic combat, and character-driven storytelling sets it apart from the typical indie fare, demonstrating a high level of polish and creative vision. The game's intricate world-building, coupled with its thought-provoking themes, resonates deeply with players, solidifying its position among the top indie titles. Furthermore, "The Apocalypse Sacrifice (2024)" showcases a clear mastery of its chosen genre, surpassing expectations for indie development. Its dedication to delivering a truly immersive and emotionally impactful gaming experience is palpable. The game exhibits exceptional art design, a haunting soundtrack, and compelling voice acting, all contributing to a cohesive and unforgettable package. This commitment to quality, combined with its original concept and expert execution, firmly establishes "The Apocalypse Sacrifice (2024)" as a standout title worthy of recognition within the "Best games by INDIECN" list.
Psionic Awake (2023) promises a unique blend of action-packed gameplay and strategic elements. Players can explore a vast wildland, battling demons and collecting resources to upgrade skills. The game features a bullet-hell style with customizable bullet shapes, allowing for creative combat. At night, players must defend their fortress against waves of angry demon armies, utilizing defensive structures and strategic planning to survive. The game also incorporates waifu characters with dual magic and physical combat styles, with more characters planned for future updates. This game clearly targets the "Best games by INDIECN" category because it showcases several common features found in successful independent Chinese games. The inclusion of beautiful waifu characters and the integration of popular anime tropes (like Dragon Balls and pony riding) is a staple in many popular titles within China. The focus on accessible gameplay with "DOTS code" ensuring performance even on older hardware further suggests a desire to reach a broader audience. The blend of action RPG elements with base-building defense, combined with the quirky premise and promise of frequent updates, makes this a prime candidate for success in the vibrant Chinese indie game market.
In "Tiny-Tasy Town (2018)," you embark on a journey as a young man inheriting a weed-choked territory teeming with monsters. Your task is to cultivate this land into a thriving town, collecting resources to construct buildings and attract a diverse populace of residents and adventurers. Progress is made by solving puzzles found throughout the world, each offering building schematics and item recipes. Friendly interactions with travelers can lead to their settlement, contributing to your town's growth through taxes and a bustling atmosphere. This title's inclusion on the "Best games by INDIECN" list is fitting because it embodies key elements often found in successful indie titles. The gameplay loop of resource gathering, building, and social interaction provides a sense of accomplishment and encourages long-term engagement. Furthermore, the incorporation of puzzle mechanics and adventure elements offers a unique twist on the town-building genre. The charm of the "Gaea Continent" with its magical creatures, building freedom, and collection focus contributes to the distinctive experience, which aligns well with the spirit of creative indie game development.
WISHLIST THE GAME! "Raining Blood: Hellfire (2023)" is a frenetic top-down shooter that blends the chaotic fun of Call of Duty Zombies with the weapon variety of Enter the Gungeon. Players, as the last line of defense against demonic forces, will blast their way through hordes of enemies, upgrading their arsenal and abilities with a dizzying array of choices. The promise of "unlimited upgrades" and over 100 unique weapons, from flamethrowers to gatling guns, points towards intense replayability and the freedom to build incredibly powerful characters, making it a must-play for fans of the genre seeking a high-octane experience. This game fits perfectly within the "Best games by INDIECN" category. The gameplay is clearly focused on delivering pure, unadulterated action with a roguelite element through its upgrades. The narrative, involving ancient exorcists battling demonic invasions, is a compelling premise that provides context and intrigue. The game's blend of familiar concepts like Call of Duty Zombies, Enter the Gungeon and new ideas such as the unlimited upgrades and weapon variety suggest that the developer, an independent Chinese team, has a unique and polished game with potential to deliver a fresh experience for the fans of the genre.
"万界之门 (2022)" plunges players into a world of fragmented realities where colossal ruins have descended from the sky, teeming with unstable spatial distortions and countless mysterious portals. As an adventurous explorer, you'll delve into these ruins, confronting both interdimensional travelers and ancient guardian golems. Utilizing the innovative "Portal" mechanic, you can strategically swap cards, manipulate your hand, and even apply enchantments to bolster your deck. These enchantments, meticulously crafted by master mages, offer diverse effects, from devastating fire blasts to viral infestations, allowing for creative deck-building and strategic combat. This game earns a spot on the "Best games by INDIECN" list for several compelling reasons. It builds upon the foundational successes of games like "Slay the Spire" and incorporates innovative mechanics like the "Portal" system, which directly addresses common player frustrations with hand management and card draw luck. The "Soul Seal" system, coupled with the specialized research rooms that offer card and portal recycling, add further depth, strategic choices, and long-term progression. The game is a clear indication of the developers' keen eye for iterative game design and the passion they hold for engaging gameplay experiences, which perfectly embody the spirit of excellent indie development in China.
"THE SUSPECTED MURDER" (她杀) promises a captivating story-driven adventure game set in modern China, delving into the complexities of marriage and relationships. Players navigate two distinct worlds: the Real World, focused on logical investigation through everyday objects like phones and laptops, and the Fictional World, presented in a striking black-and-white manga style and emphasizing intuition and imagination. This duality in gameplay and visual style offers a unique experience, blending realistic investigative elements with the surreal exploration of a character's inner turmoil, making it an enticing experience for players. This title's potential for indie success is high due to several factors. The compelling narrative concerning death and hidden lives, set within a relatable backdrop of Chinese culture, provides strong emotional resonance. The contrasting visual styles, the blend of logical investigation and imaginative exploration, and the promise of multiple endings fueled by player choices are all excellent aspects that can give this game positive attention and player enjoyment. The game has the chance to attract a loyal following.
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