We're Going On An Adventure
There are some games that just have this spark to them; where you get this giddy build up of anticipation of just going on a true adventure. Each game on this list fits in this or that other genre, but between them all, there’s a sense of heading out on a journey.
The Outbound Ghost
A somewhat cozy Paper Mario style adventure about helping out your ghostly pals, battling it out in turn based battles using figments of your personality to defeat the baddies.
The Serpent Rogue
Despite it's "mixed” review status, this crafting focused adventure is a genuinely cool game about finding ingredients to concoct all sorts of potions and ointments to help you on your journey. It’s a “you either click with it or don’t” type of game.
Tunic
I’ve said many, many words on why Tunic is extremely fantastic here, so you should read that for my full thoughts, but - BEST. GAME.
Stray
I don’t think anyone could have anticipated just how successful Stray turned out to be. Stray not only had a great hook and a killer vibe, but I think it’s success is indicative of more than this; it released at a time when no big AAA games were in the spotlight, so press and streamers covered it like any other AAA release. No doubt it’s budget was much larger than typical indie fare, as well as getting prime time spotlighting and backing from Sony - but I think it’s proof that the biggest budget, high fidelity AAA titles don’t strictly need to exist. Stray is an excellent example of just a great, classic indie game.
Time Thief
Free
A free bite sized action adventure game where time only flows once you leave the safety of your village. Slay creatures to gain more time. A little like Minit, except you play through the game generally all in one go.
Timemelters
Early access
A third person action game with one of the neatest hooks I’ve read in a long while - a mechanic that "allows the player to go back in time and fight alongside themselves”. One of those hard to squeeze into a genre type games - parts action, strategy, tower defense, puzzle, all compelling.
Torii
An “introspective journey” adventure game about traveling through a surreal world in search of your little sister. Solve puzzles, meet strange creatures, tackle complex emotional beats.
Valkie 64
An N64 inspired adventure game aesthetically and mechanically pulling from Ocarina of Time while still being its own thing. An inexpensive open biome adventure with boss fights, side quests, gear upgrades and everything else you could want from this style of adventure game.