Indie Power Rankings – 2021 and Below

The 2021 and Below Indie Power Rankings feature the eligible indie games released in 2021 or prior that have been reviewed by The Single Player Experience. Games are ranked by their SPE Review Score out of 10, with the Passion Score out of 100 serving as the tiebreaker when multiple games share the same Review Score. Only fully released games reviewed by SPE are eligible.
Click here for more information on the review and passion score system.

The Big Three

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Hades

SPE 10.0

Hall of Fame

Action Dungeon Crawler Roguelike

PC Ps5 Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Supergiant Games

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 91 / 100

Why It Ranks

Hades is a masterpiece because its storytelling, combat, and roguelike structure all work together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. Its premise is immediately compelling, its characters are unforgettable, and its combat offers an almost endless supply of satisfying ways to approach each run. More importantly, it helped redefine what I look for in games within this genre. This is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you've reached the surface.

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Touhou Luna Nights

SPE 8.0

B-Tier

Action-Adventure Metroidvania

PC Ps5 Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Team Ladybug

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 90 / 100

Why It Ranks

This action-adventure is a great metroidvania that has good levle designs, well thought out boss fights, and smoothly fun combat.

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Hollow Knight

SPE 8.0

B-Tier

Action-Adventure Metroidvania Souls-like

PC Ps5 Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Team Cherry

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 39 / 100

Why It Ranks

Hollow Knight represents the kind of independent game that can define a genre for years after its release. Team Cherry's combination of hand-drawn artwork, atmospheric music, precise combat, and interconnected exploration creates a world with a remarkably strong creative identity. Its demanding design will not appeal to everyone, but its influence and craftsmanship are difficult to deny. Even players who struggle to connect with its approach can recognize the ambition behind Hallownest and the lasting impact this adventure has had on indie gaming.

Rest of the Top 10

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Carrion

SPE 7.0

C-Tier

Action Puzzle

PC Ps5 Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Phobia Game Studio

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 68 / 100

Why It Ranks

This game has good gamepleay, well crafted levels, cool visuals and a dope premise. This a unique experience even with its lack of a narrative.

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Replikator

SPE 7.0

C-Tier

Roguelike Twin-Stick Shooter

Developer Studio R_Games, Ratalaika Games S.L.

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 58 / 100

Why It Ranks

If you are looking for a fun twin-stick shooting rouge-like game yes check this game out. It’s a fun time and a worthy addition to the roguelike genre.

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Trifox

SPE 6.0

Mid-Tier

Adventure Platformer

PC Ps5 Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Glowfish Interactive

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 57 / 100

Why It Ranks

A cool IP that feels like a action adventure platformer that reminds of the golden age of Mascot Platformers games. This is a cool experience for 3D platformering fans.

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Flynn: Son of Crimson

SPE 6.0

Mid-Tier

Action-Adventure Platformer

PC Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Studio Thunderhorse

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 57 / 100

Why It Ranks

The game has a fun Action Adventure Platformer that has gorgeous artstyle, good bosses and fun gameplay.

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Phogs!

SPE 6.0

Mid-Tier

Cozy Platformer Puzzle

PC Ps5 Switch/Switch 2 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Bit Loom Games

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 24 / 100

Why It Ranks

Phogs! Review As a 90s kid, we grew up with some dope but weird cartoons. Among them was a classic called Catdog. Phogs feels like catdog but in a zany and friendlier world and with A Dog-dog. Its a weird concept, but a unique one....

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Blood Waves Review

SPE 5.0

Mid-Tier

Shooter

PC Ps5 Xbox (Series, One)

Developer Studio Light Road Games, Sometimes You

Passion Score (Tiebreaker) 31 / 100

Why It Ranks

A simple Zombie game that is pick up and play friendly. A fun game even though it is a deep as the water you can hold in your hands.