We’re diving into this edition with a gaming throwback to 2016, which some might argue was on of the best years in indie gaming. Amidst huge global shifts like Brexit and Harambe, the creative industries were at large, pumping out incredible talent in the form of Kygo, Stardew Valley and Rogue One (the best Star Wars film - fight me).
So let’s get to it, we’re only getting older and our reflexes are getting worse!
Friendly Reminder: At the time of publishing, all games are over 85% positive reviews on Steam and offer up to 15 hours of gripping gameplay and fun.
What was the best indie from 2016?
MORE 2016 BANGERS
With such massive titles, we wanted to highlight some bangers that might’ve slipped through the cracks (which you can almost certainly snag for a juicy discount)👀
ONESHOT
A story rich surreal RPG where you try to save the world. However not everything is as it seems, the world is watching you back and every action has an impact. Discover brilliant art and incredible storytelling.
ORWELL
As an employee of Orwell, it’s up to you to investigate the private lives of citizens and uncover the truth behind a series of terror attacks. Your choices matter though and the information you share could have unintended consequences.
RUSTY LAKE HOTEL
A brilliant point and click, puzzle adventure set in the world of Rusty Lake. Navigate your way through this mercurial hotel, managing puzzling rooms and unsettling dinners. Make sure every dinner is worth dying for!
VA-11 HALL-A
Don’t let the store short description fool you. ‘Valhalla’ is a brilliantly executed narrative adventure where it’s up to your bartending hands to ease truths and stories from your patrons. Set in a vibrant cyberpunk dystopian world, this is a cult classic.
SPEEDRUNNERS
Go fast and be faster than four other players if you want to stand a chance. Use cunning tools and pick-ups to gain the advantage at the comfort of your sofa or play online.
HYPER LIGHT DRIFTER
Probably one of the most beautiful hack and slash games out there, but don’t let the pretty colours fool you. Enemies are relentless and the world is unforgiving.
DEADBOLT
An undead uprising has taken place and it’s your job as the reaper to put things back in order. The twist? You die in only one hit, so subtlety is crucial in this stealth side scroller.
PLAGUE INC: EVOLVED
Relive your covid years but this time as the virus! Start from Patient Zero and work your way across the world for total domination. Don’t let health organisations hold you back!
BACK TO THE FUTURE
A quick peek back at January 2026 and what’s been trending!
TR-49 $6.99
This is a really tight deduction game (~5hrs) where you a voice calls out to you through an old WWII computer. You must sort through letters, journals and corrupted files to find an important document. If you love sci-fi and a good puzzle, this should tickle the brain and be right up your street.
BLADESONG 10% Off
Bladesong, the game where you make really really cool weaponry, just launched into Early Access to resounding success. What may surprise you is the story mode which has pleasantly surprised players and offers around 10 hours of gameplay for you to live out your best medieval fantasies.
What a year 2016 was, and it’s incredible to see how many games on that list are cult classics today. For my AAA fans, let’s not forget that it was also the year that Overwatch released (RIP, forever in my heart), Titanfall 2, Doom, Uncharted 4 and much, much more. What a time to have been a student with no responsibilities… Let’s hope 2026 produces as many hits as 2016.
Anyway, I’m off to buy some retinol to hide the aging and pick up a few classics I missed. Catch you in the next newsletter! And as always, be sure to follow on socials for more recommendations.
Sophie & the Team.