Sometimes a game comes along that shatters expectations, completely changes the gaming landscape and elevates the genre it's in, and becomes an instant classic. Some of these games are so influential and groundbreaking that they have become household names and comparisons in their genre.
These titles will stand the test of time, producing something so innovative or unique to the genre that they attract players who have never even considered playing them. While some of these titles are sequels or later developments, you'd be surprised how many of these great titles were debut games from their specific studios. These games are great debuts.
Stardew Valley
Worried monkey
Talk about a debut game. Eric Barone probably had no idea how much of a cultural shift his game Stardew Valley would become. Now one of the quintessential farm life simulation games that everyone in the genre knows, this little game was able to quickly grow a life of its own after its debut.
Now with several projects under its belt, including its own board game, Stardew Valley has cemented itself as one of the best debut games out there. Several games are still trying to emulate the experience Stardew Valley gives players.
The best indie games of all time
There have been some truly exceptional indie games released over the years. But these titles stand out as the best the genre has to offer.
Death Stranding
Kojima Productions
Sure, Kojima is known to be a legend in the industry, but that doesn't negate the debut game from his company, Kojima Productions. Death Stranding turned out to be unlike anything we've seen before, launching right before a time where the subject would be more relevant than anyone expected. Death Stranding subverted expectations.
One of the most anticipated game titles before launch, the message resonated with all of us, and the game showed how much we need each other. There may have been some issues with the game, but the experience of players helping each other rebuild was amazing to see at the time.
Bastion
Super giant game
With the success of Game of the Year nominee Hades, it's easy to forget just how great the first title from Supergiant Games actually was. From its distinctive art style to its enchanting music and memorable narration, Supergiant Games proved that they were a developer to watch after the release of Bastion.
You can see the roots of what would become Pyra, Transistor and, of course, Hades and Hades 2 buried in this amazing debut, and yet Bastion still holds its own against them all.
Minecraft
Imagine knocking it out of the park so well on your first run that you don't even have to try again. Minecraft is the successful debut that is so successful that it is the only game on this list with its own feature film.
The game that keeps on giving, allowing for some mind-blowing creativity and expanding the possibilities available in gaming, this sandbox style game puts the sandbox style of play on the map. You didn't need rigid constraints to have fun, because accessible freedom was and still is the ultimate way to play, and Minecraft proves that every day, showcasing the creativity of the community.
The path of exile
Grinding equipment games
Opportunity sums up what Path of Exile has to offer. There are several basic ideas here that are unique and refined to make an experience that will make you compare other games to what Path of Exile has to offer. As a dark fantasy action RPG, like most of the options on this list, it mixes elements together to create something unique.
Even looking at the game, you see how its influence has spread across other titles. Collecting loot, trying out different builds, and exploring the depths of Path of Exile, it's easy to see why it's so popular and influential.
Terraria
Re-Logic
An action-adventure title that's popular for a reason, Terraria takes the big sandbox style similar to Minecraft and adds to it, making something similar, yet unique.
Full of player freedom, but also retains a replayability with boss fights, tons of craftable items, and limitless possibilities. No Terraria game will ever be the same, and Re-Logic created something truly special with its launch. You can see the influence of Minecraft and Terraria today.
Half-life
Valve
The first-person shooter that cemented itself as one of the best games of all time, Half-Life, put Valve on the map at launch. Half-Life isn't all about shooting, though. Like many other titles on this list, this debut blended multiple genres to create a unique experience that influenced several games to come.
Puzzles and the immersive nature of the story do plenty of work here, with a story that still stands the test of time. You will still see the title influenced by Half-Life and try to capture the magic of this debut title.
Hollow Knight
Team Cherry
More than just a popular cult classic, Hollow Knight proved that a small team could make a game so influential that the sequel to the myth would be highly anticipated. Known as a master class in game design, this game has just the right amount of everything it does to spread onto the gaming scene in a huge way.
With careful attention to so many details, this debut game just feels good to play. Responsive controls, lore, a unique design and something fresh to the table cemented Hollow Knight as a largely influential title for a debut.
Little Big Planet
Media molecule
Little Big Planet brought the freedom, creativity and creator content to consoles with its launch on PlayStation. Media Molecule's Sackboy was an adorable mascot who was the face of a game that brought community and opportunity to the PlayStation.
With a great community, fun costumes, and a platformer to play when you're not crafting, this game influenced several others after it, and was a unique debut for the studio. Games like Astro Bot, winner of the Game Awards Game of the Year, have a lot to thank Little Big Planet for.
Clair Obscure: Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive
What happens when you take a genre you know and love and mix it with another of your favorite genres? You create a creative and ambitious game that has hardly been seen before. Add in a compelling story, impeccable cast, and just the right level of difficulty, and it's easy to see why Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 is one of the most award-winning games out there.
Mixing all the well-known RPG and JRPG staples of the genre and its complexity from planning turn-based gameplay, mixed with the parry of an action game, you get a unique blend of a title that changed the industry at launch. Other similar titles will surely be made for those to come.
10 indie games that changed the industry
These indie games had a huge impact on the industry.
