The Best Indie Games of December 2016

Her Majesty’s Spiffing

Her Majesty’s Spiffing is an indie game that combines the recent Brexit vote and typical British humor and wraps it all up in a rather eccentric adventure game. The story goes that The Queen, isolated by the political choices of 2016, dissolves parliament and establishes S.P.I.F.F.I.N.G (Special Planetary Investigative Force for Inhabiting New Galaxies). Players follow the story of Captain English and his sidekick, Aled Jones, as they play through a blend of point-and-click action and off-the-wall puzzles.

Her Majesty’s Spiffing is at its best when it’s not afraid to be completely out there. Some of the best puzzles will have you completely perplexed at the beginning, but kicking yourself when you realize the solution was staring you in the face from the start.

If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit different to your usual video game affair, then Her Majesty’s Spiffing is definitely worth checking out. Be warned, though, the British humor is in full-force, and it might not be for everyone.

Maize

Maize is an game about what happens when two scientists misinterpret a message from the US government and end up creating sentient corn. Yes, Maize is about sentient corn, and that’s not the weirdest thing the game has in store for you, either. In order to advance the story, Maize requires players to explore its beautiful world, picking up items along the way and using them to solve puzzles.

For the most part, Maize’s presentation delivers, with rays of sunlight piercing through the glowing rows of corn. It helps to build an eerie atmosphere, one that compliments the game’s wacky story well. Unfortunately, Maize’s difficulty level is less consistent. Puzzles will go from being stupidly easy to fiercely difficult, which can be a tad frustrating.

If you’re willing to roll with the fluctuating difficulty of its puzzles, then you’ll have a good time with Maize. Its story is as intriguing as it is out there, and its presentation helps to bring the ludicrous tale to life.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun combines stealth and strategy into one of the most compelling games we’ve played in quite some time. Putting you in control of a team of stealth operatives, you must eliminate those who stand in your way as you embark on your mission to bring nationwide peace. Each member of your team of five has their own unique abilities and skills that you’ll need to factor into each level’s strategy. Though, if plan A goes out the window, it’s not game over. Shadow Tactics’ levels can be completed in a number of different ways, making it the perfect game to go back to and replay as soon as you’re done.

With its beautiful environments, ninja-like traversal options, and a ton of open, challenging levels to make your way through, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun shows how stealth and strategy can be combined to make an unforgettable RTS experience. You’ll spend a ton of time perfecting your team’s plan, but when it all comes together, it’ll make every second feel worth it.

Stardew Valley

Yes, indie darling Stardew Valley released on PC back in February, but December did see the farming sim title make its way to the Xbox One and PS4. Allowing players to channel their inner farmer, Stardew Valley leaves you to restore and develop the abandoned farming plot left to you by your grandfather. It’s down to you to tend to the livestock and crops, go mining for minerals and ores, court one of the townsfolk, and fill the museum with rare objects.

Stardew Valley is one of those games that’ll have you saying ‘just one more go’ about five times before you actually do put your controller down. Its grind is satisfyingly rewarding, and simply exploring the town is a delight. With its retro visuals and charming story, Stardew Valley is definitely worth checking out for all Xbox One and PS4 owners out there, even if it has taken some time to finally arrive.