12 Unbelievable Indie Games That Deserved Your Attention In 2013

2. The Stanley Parable (PC)

The first time we were introduced to the Stanley Parable was in 2011, when it had its first life as a mod creation for the Source engine, used for the likes of Half-Life and many other Valve games. A labour of love by creator Davey Wreden, the mod was released and quickly built a cult following, so much so that Wreden was able to build up enough interest to create a high-definiton remake of the game, released this year on Steam. It's not often that there's a huge level of anticipation for such a small developer's indie game, but that was definitely not the case for this game. Taking control of the titular Stanley, the player is left to the evil machinations of "The Narrator," who controls Stanley's fate and never seems to let you get the upper hand. You do what he wants and if you don't, then there are consequences. Even when you follow his commands, you're left with the ever sinking feeling that you're not getting anywhere. In terms of a villain of the year, he almost certainly ranks up there with the best; there's a real sense of delight in his dulcet tones as he orders you about, making him a more personable but suitably matched counterpart of another Valve stalwart, GLaDOS. What makes the game stand out so much is that it de-constructs the "choice" in many story-driven games that are on the market at the moment and makes you realise how little choice there really is. Though there are many different paths that you can go down €“ and you're left wanting to, given how obvious those choices are €“ but you're always left with the same feeling of losing your real control over the situation. As a type of psychological experiment, it's fascinating; as a game, it's a must-have.