illustration: Jonathan Gartmark
SPOOKY INDIE GAMES TO FALL IN LOVE WITH!
By: Kim Svedberg
6th of November 2022
Halloween has passed but November leaves us with another month of fall, so whatever should you do now that the scary festivities are over? If your answer was to ‘study for midterms’, you are completely wrong. Here are some spooky indie game recommendations to keep you occupied during the chilly and candle-lit nights that are ahead of us.
Little Misfortune – Killmonday Studios (2019)
Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, Android/iOS, Xbox One
Genres: Interactive, Adventure, Point-and-click
Price: 219 SEK
Description: In this interactive and exploration-focused game, we meet Little Misfortune – a young girl who is looking to find eternal happiness for her mother. Venture into an eerie and intriguing world where nothing is what it seems, but every choice has consequences. The setting is especially interesting for us Swedish residents since the in-game town is heavily inspired by Hedemora, a municipality in the Dales. Discover the creepy residents and places in Openfields as you shudder with recognition!
Similar games: Fran Bow (Killmonday Studios), Sally Face (Portable Moose)
Little Misfortune observing the missing children posters put up in Openfields.
Image source: https://thelasttavern.com/a-game-where-life-is-at-stake-and-glitter-is-the-currency-review-of-the-game-little-misfortune/
Mad Father: Remake – Sen (2020)
Platforms: PC, Switch
Genres: Puzzle, Horror, Adventure
Price: 110 SEK
Description: This retro-styled game falls under the niche ‘RPG Maker Horror Game’ genre which paved its way into popularity during the early 2000s. The remake now lets a new generation of indie-horror-lovers enjoy this classic! Follow Aya, an 11 year old girl, as she discovers her father’s twisted secrets on the anniversary of her mother’s death. Get ready for jumpscares galore and a story-rich adventure!
Similar games: Corpse Party (Makoto Kedōin), Ib (kouri), The Witch’s House MV (Fummy), Ao Oni (J-Novel Club), Omori (Omocat)
An unsettling encounter for Aya from Mad Father.
Image source: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/mad-father-switch/
Night in the Woods – Secret Lab and Infinite Fall (2017)
Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Android/iOS
Genres: Platformer, Adventure
Price: 219 SEK
Description: Mae Borowski may not be the ideal role model since she is a college dropout, but her struggles and worldview may be relatable for many. In this platformer with stunning visuals and music, our heroine returns home in hopes of finding herself again. What she doesn’t anticipate is that she’ll have to embark on a tough journey to solve the strange mysteries in her town. While dealing with difficult topics like mental health is no easy task, Night in the Woods does so skillfully and provides the player with a game to remember.
Similar games: Firewatch (Campo Santo, Panic Inc.), A Short Hike (Adamgryu), What Remains of Edith Finch (Ian Dallas).
Mae and her friend Greg on a bicycle ride during sundown.
Image source: https://www.pinterest.se/pin/763712049281818406/
