Game of the Year: Best PS5, PS4 Indie Game of 2023 1

Our Game of the Year coverage continues with the Best PS5, PS4 Indie Game of 2023, of which a top four has been put together by the Push Square editorial team. This category focuses on the best PS5, PS4 titles from indie developers not afforded the big marketing pushes and significant production budgets, and a fantastic experience has arisen in spite of that. At the end, we'll list some honourable mentions.

Bronze Trophy: The Talos Principle II

Game of the Year: Best PS5, PS4 Indie Game of 2023 2

Eight years after the PS4's Deluxe Edition of the original game broke our brains with a puzzling masterclass, sequel The Talos Principle II has done it all over again with an even better sequel. With new ways to solve the returning light beam puzzles, the follow-up manages to still feel fresh, especially so when conversations introduce philosophical talking points to provide depth and meaning long past the credits roll. A game you might be thinking about for a while, The Talos Principle II is more than just a puzzle game masterclass.

Silver Trophy: Sea of Stars

Game of the Year: Best PS5, PS4 Indie Game of 2023 3

Sea of Stars quickly gained traction on social media with its gorgeous pixel art visuals, but this retro-flavoured RPG proved to be much more than that. Set within a charming, original fantasy world, the game's winding story has players exploring cute seaside towns and beautiful natural environments as Zale and Valere fulfil their shared destiny. With an engaging, strategic combat system, a colourful cast of characters, and lots of great rewards and secrets to discover, it's little wonder Sea of Stars resonated so strongly this year.

Gold Trophy: Humanity

Game of the Year: Best PS5, PS4 Indie Game of 2023 4

One of the quirkiest releases of the year, Humanity has you directing long lines of humans to magical doors as a dog. It is excellent. The concept becomes more and more complex as new twists and mechanics are introduced, but the core idea reigns supreme with imaginative stages and Goldy pick-ups for added challenges. Bundling in fascinating boss encounters on top, the latest game from Rez Infinite and Tetris Effect studio Enhance is an essential playthrough for puzzle enthusiasts.

Platinum Trophy: Cocoon

Game of the Year: Best PS5, PS4 Indie Game of 2023 5

The debut title from Geometric Interactive is named the best PS5, PS4 indie game of 2023 thanks to its outstanding design in gameplay and mechanics, allowing you to seamlessly jump in and out of worlds to solve fun and creative puzzles. Playing just as good as it looks, Cocoon triumphs in every facet imaginable, presenting a genuinely unique, memorable experience that combines the satisfaction of puzzle-solving with the intrigue of a narrative that does not feel the need to verbalise a single word. A true indie great.


Honourable Mentions: A Space for the Unbound, Blasphemous 2, Chants of Sennaar, Jusant, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, Venba, and Viewfinder.

What was your favourite PS5, PS4 indie game of 2023? Place a vote in our poll and then explain your personal pick in the comments below. For further Game of the Year coverage, click the link.

What was your favourite PS5, PS4 indie game of 2023? (375 votes)

  1. A Space for the Unbound  0.8%
  2. Blasphemous 25%
  3. Chants of Sennaar1%
  4. Cocoon13%
  5. Humanity8%
  6. Jusant3%
  7. Sea of Stars35%
  8. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew3%
  9. Tchia8%
  10. The Talos Principle II5%
  11. Thirsty Suitors1%
  12. Venba1%
  13. Viewfinder4%
  14. Other11%