Summary
Supergiant Games is arguably one of the best developers, especially when it comes to RPG games. But the studio has successfully experimented in other genres as well, including turn-based real-time strategic titlesto impressive roguelikes. From the breathtaking visuals to the diverse characters, this studio has managed to set its mark in the indie world with its games.
5Pyre
Pyre is a criminally underrated sports game that also involves tactical battles with a lot of politics. You play as the Reader, making them go through a series of events, interacting with unusual yet interesting characters, and eventually looking to escape the strange world Pyre puts you in. The combat it offers is truly unique. You get to compete in a ritual called The Trials, where two teams face off against each other with the ultimate goal of capturing the enemy’s Pyre using a ball to win.
Pyre has pretty decent gameplay mechanics, but it is not popular enough. Nonetheless, this fantasy sports game definitely deserves some more attention and is worth trying out solely because of its fantastical battle modes.
Transistor is an amazing RPG with a beautiful hand-drawn art style depicting a deep and interesting tale. It might not be Supergiant’s best title, but it certainly comes with a great and unforgettable story. You play as Red, whose voice has been stolen, and now it’s up to you to solve the mystery as you take part in several unique battles.
Transistor incorporates different interesting mechanics, includingfreezing, slashing, and even teleportingto defeat enemies without making it too overwhelming. The game mostly revolves around Red and the Transistor, the talking sword that narrates and guides you through the game. Despite the extremely short playtime and repetitive gameplay, it still has great storywriting and exceptional graphics.
A decade-old game that still stands as one of the best indie titles, Bastion has truly stood the test of time with its amazing story-driven gameplay. It stands out from other indie titles thanks to its simple yet coherent design and art style. You play as Kid, who escapes a post-apocalyptic world to go to a sanctuary called Bastion only to find it destroyed. As you progress, guided by the narrator, Rucks, your duty is to collect power cores to restore Bastion to its original glory.
The combat is simple yet engaging, as with each level, you get to unlock new and fun weapons ranging from swords to revolvers and even flamethrowers. This isometric RPG will truly test your skills with its sturdy bosses and enemies, which become more powerful as you level up. It might be a bit dated, but Bastion is no less than a masterpiece, with its charming visuals, phenomenal soundtrack, and equally incredible combat system making it worth trying out even after years of its release.
Supergiant’s first time making a direct sequel, Hades 2 successfully carries the legacy of its predecessor with captivating isometric combat and a deep storyline. The best part about it is that it does not feel repeated at all. Supergiant Games managed to make Hades 2 even more brutal and introduced a whole new set of refreshing features. You get to explore the amazing locations while playing as Melinoe, the sister of Zagreus.
You get to interact with familiar gods whose styles have evolved, and you get blessings from them in the form of boons that can greatly aid you in battles. Hades 2 follows a fast-paced combo paired with a variety of weapons that focus onmelee as well as magical attacks, thanks to Melinoe being a witch.
The Magnum Opus of Supergiant games, and rightfully so, Hades is a roguelike isometric RPG with punishing combat that challenges your skills brutally. Like each and every title under Supergiant games, Hades beautifully connects the narrative with the combat and does a great job of balancing both. You start out as Zagreus, the god of rebirth and son of Hades, setting out on a journey in the Underworld, making his way through the enemies in unique locations Hades offers, including Tartarus, Asphodel, and Elysium.
On your journey, you get to interact with several gods with interesting personalities, and the game allows you to form bonds with them through interactions and gifts. The storyline is complex yet coherent, and the atmosphere and setting are pure art. Despite a punishing learning curve, Hades manages to keep it fun as you get to wield a variety of Infernal Arms, each allowing you to enjoy different playstyles.
