Now more than ever, Indie games are as vital to the gaming world as any other release. No longer relegated to being the pretentious, artsy corner of the gaming landscape, Indie titles now showcase all the variety and fun that their bigger budget counterparts do. Gaming is all the better for it.
Admittedly, 2019 wasn’t the best year for Indie games, and notable fell short of the string of strong years that predated it. Still, the little guys still managed to put up a good fight, and provided what I guess can best be described as my most “unique” selection for Best Indie Game of the year so far…
Winner: Untitled Goose Game
While Untitled Goose Game may lack the depth of some of my previous winners in this category, it makes up for it with its undeniable charm and sense of humor.
This breezy, wonderfully casual experience sees players take on the role of the Goose, who is out to have a productive day and completing his daily checklist of chores. Because he’s a goose, that means these chores are comprised of different ways to be a jerk to unsuspecting people.
Taking inspiration from Super Mario 64, Untitled Goose Game has the player tackling miniature areas (the game’s levels) and completing that area’s tasks as they see fit. Only instead of collecting stars like good ol’ Mario, the Goose’s only goal is to mess with the humans around them. Whether it’s moving a chair just as an old man is about to sit down, scaring a kid to lock himself in a phone booth, or stealing some dude’s flip-flops, the Goose’s tasks are always fun and funny.
It may not be the next Shovel Knight or Undertale, but not every Indie game has to be a classic like those games to be enjoyed. Sometimes, the good, simple fun of video games is all you need. And if Untitled Goose Game doesn’t put a smile on your face, you must have a heart of stone.
Runner-up: Toejam & Earl: Back in the Groove
Past Winners
2014: Shovel Knight*
2015: Undertale
2016: Stardew Valley
2017: Hollow Knight**
2018: Celeste
*This particular award wasn’t given for 2014, but upon reflection, Shovel Knight was the clear winner that year.
**I originally awarded Cuphead with the honor, but upon further consideration, Hollow Knight is probably the more deserving of the two.
Wizard Dojo 
Nice choice! Hopefully we will see a sequel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much as I love the title, I feel Goose is a game that’s just more fun to spectate than it is to play. I didn’t really play that many indies last year, but I’d probably still consider Minoria my favorite, it wasn’t quite as good as its predecessor, but it was still an entertaining romp through a Metroidvania.
LikeLiked by 1 person