May 2023 might have kicked off with a letdown as Redfall turned out to be a massive disappointment. However, don’t lose hope just yet – Tears of the Kingdom is on its way and could likely become one of the greatest (If not the very best) games of 2023. Even if you don’t own a Nintendo Switch, you can still maintain your enthusiasm. We’ve handpicked five of the top indie games of May 2023 – from a wide range of different mechanics.
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Cook Serve Forever
Vertigo Games, renowned for their cooking games, is set to expand their collection with a new addition. Cook Serve Forever captivates players with its stunning art world and engaging background story, while offering a blend of time management and cooking game mechanics. The gameplay is straightforward, requiring players to press designated keys within a limited timeframe to prepare various dishes.
As you advance through the game, recipes become increasingly challenging, and tasks grow more complex. Players assume the role of Nori Kaga, a young, ambitious chef, aiming to broaden her menu, master new recipes, and achieve flawless cooking. Serving as the spiritual successor to the Cook, Serve, Delicious series, Cook Serve Forever stands out as one of the most notable indie games of May 2023.
Developer: Vertigo Gaming
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: May 8, 2023
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Everdream Valley
Describing Everdream Valley is both a breeze and a challenge. At its core, the game appears to be a blend of some of the most successful indie games from the past decade. It offers a farm simulator experience reminiscent of Stardew Valley, gameplay features akin to Graveyard Keeper, and role-playing mechanics that enable character development over time. So, it seems like an appealing fusion of these elements.
Yet, it also sets itself apart. Boasting a fully 3D design, Everdream Valley delivers a cosy visual experience that promises to be unique. During daytime, players tend to crops on their grandfather’s farm (Sound familiar?). At night, they interact with mythological creatures encountered in their dreams. The game features intriguing mechanics, such as resource gathering, cooking, and allocating XP points. Everdream Valley is a charming indie game that certainly seems worth exploring. We will see together whether it is good or bad in indie games in May 2023.
Developer: Mooneaters
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch
Release Date: May 28, 2023
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Above Snakes
This is quite exciting, as the game demo has already garnered immense success. Above Snake is an isometric survival game infused with RPG elements. While zombies are the main threat, the game doesn’t feel as generic as it might initially sound. Players are tasked with gathering materials, cooking food, and constructing houses, all through a dynamic interface and camera angle that sets it apart from countless similar games in the genre.
The full game is yet to be released, so it’s highly recommended that you download the demo and give it a try. Interacting with NPCs, exploring the map, and advancing the story is incredibly satisfying. Moreover, you have the power to decide where the map expands, adding a unique twist to the gameplay. Our expectations for Above Snake are sky-high, and even if it delivers just half of what’s anticipated, it’s poised to be one of the best indie games of May 2023.
Developer: Square Glade Games
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: May 25, 2023
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Darkest Dungeon II
Darkest Dungeon II is likely the most well-known indie game of May 2023, and it’s not because of an impressive advertising campaign or a hefty budget. The reason lies in the fact that the first game, released in 2015, remains one of the best in its genre even today. The sequel to the original game, which masterfully blended rogue-like and dungeon crawler genres with deep role-playing mechanics, is just around the corner.
Two key points can be made about the early access version. Firstly, developers have experimented with various elements and achieved success in most instances. Reviewers who have played the game note that the sequel feels markedly different from the original. The new mechanics contribute significantly to this, but the primary shift is in the storytelling approach and the transition to a 3D art style. Secondly, it’s not as “Ground-breaking” as the first game. While this critique is understandable, given that it’s a sequel to a well-known game, we still hope that the second instalment will be anything but average.
Developer: Red Hook Studios
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: May 8, 2023
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Bread & Fred
Let’s discuss Bread & Fred, a game that’s simply too charming to resist. In this co-op designed game, you and a friend control two penguins connected to each other. Your objective is quite clear (And somewhat familiar) – to climb to the top of the mountain while overcoming challenging obstacles. To achieve this, you’ll need to work together, time your jumps correctly, and of course, persevere through numerous setbacks.
Though we’re unsure if it’ll be as difficult as Getting Over It, the two-player gameplay mechanics promise to be a lot of fun. You can download the demo from Steam for free and give it a try yourself. As a pixel-art game, it seems unlikely that Bread & Fred will disappoint. While it may not dominate the gaming world, it’s bound to be an enjoyable experience you can share with your best friend, partner, or family members (Even with your children). So yes – we can say that this two penguins’ journey will be one of the best indie games of May 2023.
Developer: Sandcastles Studio
Platform(s): PC
Release Date: May 23, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What Defines an Indie Game?
For a game to be classified as indie, it must be developed by an independent developer or team. Indie games are produced under more constrained circumstances, without million-pound budgets to back them up. A variety of game engines can be employed, with Unity being a particularly popular choice. Over the past decade, the indie game trend has been on the rise, and this momentum is set to continue in 2023 with the release of numerous new indie titles.
Is the Number of Indie Games Increasing?
The number of indie games and developers grows annually, largely due to the fact that game engines like Unity are often free to use. This allows independent developers to transform their game ideas into reality without incurring massive costs. By 2023, more marketing and publishing platforms will be available than ever before. An indie game that garners community support can easily become a bestseller on Steam.
What Is the Biggest Indie Game?
It’s difficult to single out one title as the biggest or best indie game. However, numerous indie games have been released in recent years, managing to captivate millions of players. The common denominator among these games is that they were all created by independent developers. Some are fully completed upon release, while others continue development in early access. Here are a few of the most notable indie games: Terraria, Project Zomboid, Stardew Valley, Valheim, Phasmophobia, Geometry Dash, and Vampire Survivors.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.