5 indie games to cure your quarantine blues

Many of us are now stuck at home with a computer that barely runs Microsoft Paint. Gaming is a hobby that requires demanding hardware, most of the time.

For those looking to get some action with hardware that qualifies as a toaster, here are five handpicked games that are seriously fun to play.

Give these titles a try if you are looking to cure your quarantine blues.

Ion Fury

Ion Fury is a cyberpunk first-person shooter from 3D Realms, the company behind cult classics such as the Duke Nukem 3D, Prey and Max Payne.

Step into the shoes of Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison, a bomb disposal expert working for the Global Defense Force.

When a transhumanist cult unleashes an army of cybernetically enhanced super soldiers on the futuristic dystopian city of Neo DC, Shelly gets called in to deal with the terrorist scum.

The gunplay is bloody, action packed and brutal, complete with a thumping soundtrack. Mowing down cybernetic soldiers with dual SMGs never felt this good in a long time. The game is love letter to the glory days FPS shooters in the 90s.

Ion Fury is available on Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Forager

Forager is an open-world action adventure game that incorporates resource gathering and crafting in a surprisingly addictive way.

Waking up on a remote island, you will initially have nothing but your trusty pickaxe. By collecting resources that spawn on the island, you will gradually unlock increasingly complex gadgets and technology.

The tech can then be used to craft new buildings, weapons, gears, and tools. As you buy new lands to plunder and explore, solve puzzles, and collect money, you will have to fight hordes of enemies and dangerous bosses.

But you will befriend other island dwellers too.

The game is currently available on Microsoft Windows and Linux, and is slated for release on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.

Iconoclasts

Iconoclasts is a 2D action platformer mixing the elements of exploring, fighting, and solving environmental puzzles.

Hunted by the authorities that labeled her a criminal and a heretic for trying to help people in need, renegade mechanic Robin goes on an epic journey to uncover the secrets of her dying world.

Armed with a wrench, you will explore a large world filled with intricate puzzles, interesting characters and menacing bosses, with a focus on clever use of gadgets and tools to cross the levels.

Iconoclasts delivers awesome action, hilarious hijinks, wrapped up with deep storytelling.

The game is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.

Doom 64 Remastered

Doom 64 is a first-person shooter that came out for the Nintendo 64 back in 1997. The game, which needs no introduction, has now been remastered for modern hardware.

Doom I and II is best known for allowing the player to launch an one man genocide against the hordes of hell. As a direct sequel, Doom 64 does not disappoint.

Curiously, the game takes you a bit away from the frenzied action. Doom 64 is much more atmospheric, as it makes you constantly watch your surroundings for traps, environmental hazards.

That however does not mean the game lacks the classic FPS action and a creepy soundtrack. You will get a shotgun and 500 metric tons of demons to kill and brutalise, what more can anyone ask for?

The remastered port is available for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

CrossCode

CrossCode is a retro-inspired 2D action RPG set in the not-too-distant distant future.

If you are looking for a fast-paced combat system and clever puzzle mechanics, combined with a gripping sci-fi story, this title will blow you out of the water.
You will take the role of a mute character named Lea as she plays a fictional game known as the CrossWorlds. This top down RPG features a deep combat system, intricate storyline and a massive futuristic world to explore.

Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions as you delve deeper into the mysteries of Lea. The game is available on Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.