A weak PC and an empty wallet are no reason to despair and give up on games. Indie projects are inexpensive, run on almost any, even not very powerful, computer, and sometimes provide no less pleasure than large AAA games. In October, independent developers delighted us with pixel roguelikes, creepy tales, and exciting action games.
Most Popular Indie Games of October
BALL x PIT
Hundreds of thousands of copies sold, thousands of enthusiastic reviews. And this proves: there are no outdated game mechanics, they just need to be properly reassembled — and the pleasure of the process returns with renewed vigor.
At its core is a roguelike: each run is unique, levels are generated in a new way, and the player receives random combinations of abilities. You have 60 different balls at your disposal, each with its own characteristics. It's also an Arkanoid: these very balls need to be directed so that they destroy the walls of blocks approaching you. The further you go, the denser the attacks, the more intense the rhythm.
And where is the city-building? Here it is: between runs, you build and develop a base. Resource extraction, technology research, management of automated systems — all in order to strengthen your balls and prepare for the next cycle.
A slight brain explosion occurs. But, in fact, what's surprising? Devolver Digital is behind the game — a publisher that clearly has a knack for non-standard, daring, and at the same time impeccably assembled projects.
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, Switch.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: very positive (90% out of 10281).
- Price on Steam: 550 ₽.
Super Fantasy Kingdom
It only seems that managing your own kingdom is simple. But those who have already tried Super Fantasy Kingdom will tell you that this is hard and very responsible work. Of course, you don't have to follow every subject, but there are plenty of things to do. You need to plan construction taking into account resource extraction and defense, organize the work of residents so that there are enough resources for all needs, and think about the development of the army. And even then, the prosperity of the kingdom is not guaranteed — first you need to survive.
Super Fantasy Kingdom is a curious roguelike. It is a kind of mix of tower defense, city-building simulator and partly 4X strategy (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). You have to develop a fantasy state that is constantly attacked by aggressive neighbors. Something similar was in Ancient China, when the Great Wall of China had to be erected to protect against barbarian hordes. So here, too, strong defensive structures are indispensable. And in order for the builders to have materials, you have to do everything else: from mining minerals and growing food to raising heroes capable of repelling the onslaught of enemies. The main goal is to last as long as possible. And not everyone succeeds.
If you think that such problems exist only for the living, then you are mistaken. The undead face the same challenges, albeit from a different angle. There are enough people who want to bury the undead, and the undead themselves also want to survive. Moreover, the gameplay for humans and the dead is very different — so the techniques learned for one race may not work for another.
The game was released in early access, but, judging by the reviews, there is already enough content for two races, and the gameplay is incredibly addictive. In less than two weeks, Super Fantasy Kingdom has collected almost three thousand extremely positive reviews — and this counter continues to grow.
You can read our review at the link.
- Compatibility: Windows.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: very positive (88% out of 2692).
- Price on Steam: 449 ₽.
Necesse
There is an interesting description of Necesse in the reviews: "...it's as if Terraria decided to start a family with RimWorld and Stardew Valley." But if in a little more detail, Necesse is a huge, procedurally generated open world in which you have to develop your own settlement — hello RimWorld. You will have to develop it from scratch: plant gardens, build farms and workshops, as well as collect resources and craft — just like in Terraria.
In addition, you will hire settlers who will work in the fields, take care of animals and, in the end, partially free you from the need to independently extract resources (although it will probably never be possible to completely get rid of this task). In this world, you will also interact with non-player characters (NPCs), almost like in Stardew Valley: they will give you tasks, thanks to which you will go on adventures as a fighter, archer or mage. Numerous monsters will be waiting for you in different biomes, with which you can fight both alone and at the head of your own squad.
There is plenty of entertainment. Before the release of version 1.0 in October, the game was in early access for six years. During this time, it sold over one million copies and gained a dedicated fan base. Over the years of development, Necesse has ceased to be just a survival game — it has become something more, incorporating the best from other genres. Judging by the reviews of the players, the developers really took a lot of good things. Most often in discussions they remember Terraria, calling Necesse its deeper and expanded version.
The gameplay can be customized: if you don't want intense battles with bosses, just turn them off. Then you will have a cozy adventure. At the same time, the developers tried to make the controls and interface as comfortable and convenient as possible.
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, SteamDeck.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: very positive (91% out of 3607).
- Price on Steam: 550 ₽.
CARIMARA: Beneath the forlorn limbs
You are Carimara. A magical silent creature who has to unravel one mystery.
This game, created by one developer, stands out not only for its atmosphere. Our hero does not speak, and communication takes place through cards, where instead of words there are symbols. We show the card to the interlocutor — we get an answer. We approach a new object, be it a chest or a nameless grave — we get a card to later return and silently ask a question. The whole gameplay is built on this.
Almost all players note: the story that unfolds in the game is incredibly touching. The unusual visual style and peculiar soundtrack deeply immerse you in the atmosphere. At the same time, you don't have to walk far and for a long time — this is a chamber story, and the location to be explored is small. And the fear that is felt at the beginning disappears as you progress.
Play or not? Yes, if you are not put off by the appearance. CARIMARA will not take much money or time from you. 199 rubles at release is the regional price, and it will take only 60 to 90 minutes to complete the "scary tale". The only thing that can disappoint is the ending. Not everyone liked it, and some of the negative reviews are just related to it. But in everything else, the game is fine.
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: extremely positive (96% out of 993).
- Price on Steam: 199 ₽.
Worth paying attention to
Silly Polly Beast
Silly Polly Beast is a hardcore action game with young Polina in the lead role, an attractive visual style and unusual gameplay. It's amazing that only one person is behind such a serious project.
The game has found a place for shootings, and the use of melee weapons — a skateboard acts as such — riding on this very skateboard, as well as magic: after all, we ended up in the other world. In addition, the levels and puzzles are well (for the most part) designed.
Players note that Silly Polly Beast hooks with its style, atmosphere and non-standard game solutions. However, there are also dissatisfied reviews: excessive hardcore can spoil the impression for those who are not used to challenges. There are also comments about individual levels — in terms of design, they are inferior to the rest.
Our reviewer Maxim Ivanov completed Silly Polly Beast on the "hard" difficulty and was satisfied with the game, although he noted: it has "weak balance and many perverse gameplay elements".
- Compatibility: Windows.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: very positive (85% out of 789).
- Price on Steam: 650 ₽.
Little Rocket Lab
Little Rocket Lab is something like Factorio for young players, and even with a touch of Stardew Valley (which, apparently, almost all indie developers are equal to).
From Factorio here — the creation of a giant production complex, setting up production chains, conveyors, resource extraction. In general, the construction of such production facilities can be incredibly exciting. To create and observe how your work turns a deserted space into movement and life is a very strong gaming experience.
And here the second component in the spirit of Stardew Valley should be included — social interaction, which is also present... but, judging by the reviews of the players, it is implemented worse. In Stardew Valley, this aspect is much more interesting; here it feels formal, mainly reduced to accumulating communication points.
In general, Little Rocket Lab is not the most original, but attractive project. According to players, this "cozy" version of Factorio is able to drag on for a long time. Of course, there are shortcomings. Having enjoyed several dozen hours of high-quality gameplay, you may begin to notice repeating elements — and at this point the game risks losing you. But are several dozen hours of a good game for such money a little?
- Compatibility: Windows, Switch.
- Russian language: not supported.
- Reviews: very positive (92% out of 715).
- Price on Steam: 660 ₽.
The Séance of Blake Manor
1897. A mysterious mansion-hotel, gloomy corridors and dark basements, living and otherworldly guests — and you, private detective Declan Ward. The Séance of Blake Manor is a typical detective game: you have to interview suspects, record evidence, identify motives and look for clues. And there is not so much time to search for and rescue the missing woman Evelyn Dean.
Unlike The Darkside Detective — the previous work of the Spooky Doorway studio — The Séance of Blake Manor does not have pixel graphics, and the genre has shifted from a quest to a more classic detective. The difference is not cardinal, but noticeable. At the same time, The Séance of Blake Manor stands out for its special atmosphere: everything here is permeated with mysticism. The investigation will have to be conducted among spiritualists and mediums from all over the world who have gathered for the Great Spiritual Séance.
It looks like another episode of the show "Psychics are investigating" — and, despite the seeming freakishness, many people like this approach. And in the case of The Séance of Blake Manor, 97% of players are satisfied in general! We have a real masterpiece in front of us, albeit in a not very massive genre.
They praise the plot, the atmosphere of research and investigation, deep characters and measured gameplay. The only thing that Russian-speaking players regret is the lack of translation into Russian. However, the English in the game is quite simple: if school knowledge has not yet faded, there should be no problems.
- Compatibility: Windows, SteamDeck.
- Russian language: not supported.
- Reviews: very positive (97% out of 458).
- Price on Steam: 710 ₽.
Undusted: Letters from the Past
Not everyone likes to do housework. Day after day, wash dishes, fold clothes, dust, wash laundry — repeat the same actions from week to week. Not the most exciting activity.
It's another matter to clean things in Undusted: Letters from the Past. It would seem the same thing: you take a brush in your hand and clean different objects. But there is a nuance: behind each thing there is its own story, its own memories. And as we immerse ourselves in the game, we seem to be imbued with these moments of the past. The process ceases to be routine — it becomes cozy, touching, with a slight touch of sadness. And players like it. In Undusted, the main thing is not the gameplay, but Letters from the Past, messages from the past. It is they who give the game a soul.
So, the next time you clean your house, try to remember how these things got to you, what feelings you had then, what they mean to you. Or just play Undusted — to indulge in nostalgia in silence and tranquility.
- Compatibility: Windows.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: very positive (96% out of 396).
- Price on Steam: 385 ₽.
Slots & Daggers
There are roguelikes with card game and poker mechanics. There are roguelikes built on dice rolls. And now there is a roguelike with the mechanics of a "one-armed bandit" — that is, a classic slot machine, a slot machine. In Slots & Daggers it is exactly like this: you spin the reels, collect combinations and turn successful winning lines into combat power.
If you've ever played slots, you know: the simplicity and casualness of the mechanics are compensated by the rapid delivery of dopamine directly to the brain. Spun — no match, immediately spun again — and now the symbols have converged. Bliss.
In Slots & Daggers, this mechanic is framed by dark fantasy and filled with strange creatures that you fight by playing on a strange machine. And, of course, since this is a roguelike, each run offers new builds, improvements and unexpected twists of fate.
Players praise the project: the gameplay is incredibly addictive. True, the game itself is small — all the content can be mastered in 3–5 hours.
The recommendation will be this: do not play gambling games. Even in specially designated areas. And if you really want to spin the reels — Slots & Daggers will take a little money from you... and will not leave you without pants.
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: extremely positive (93% out of 203).
- Price on Steam: 320 ₽.
