10 Indie Horror Games That Changed Everything

10. Limbo (Playdead)

Brimming with atmosphere and interesting mechanics, as well as gruesome outcomes for its innocent young protagonist, Limbo is a gorgeous and terrifying game that has since lent clear inspiration to others that came after.

As a puzzle platforming 2D side-scroller, the thoughtful complexity put into its solutions balances well with the simplicity of its visuals and story; it's thought-provoking without being overfilled with unnecessary bells and whistles. Its visual style is easy to identify, iconic in its dreamlike, shadowy black, white, and gray. It also made a splash with its horrifically gory deaths for its child protagonist, which discouraged repeated mistakes in gameplay.

Some similarly dark horror games that took clear inspiration from Limbo include Little Nightmares and the recently released Bramble: The Mountain King, both having the child protagonist, side-scrolling puzzle platform elements, and the gruesome monsters and death scenes.

Despite reported interference by investors during the production, independent studio Playdead was able to bring such a unique and brilliant vision to the gaming world, rewarded with both critical and commercial acclaim, in 2010, with another Playdead production, Inside, releasing in 2016.