OneShot (PC, 2016) has reminded me why I love indie games.

A friend of mine recently gifted me a copy of this incredible indie game on Steam. I had no idea what to expect, and I’d heard nothing about this game other than a brief conversation with my friend after I noticed some cool game art on his scarf.

Within the first few minutes of gameplay, OneShot’s dark, moody, and mysterious vibes pulled me in. I am typically not a fan of puzzle/adventure games, but that did not have much effect on how much I enjoyed my playthrough. There are a few moments where players may get stuck, but for the most part, the puzzles are fairly intuitive and straightforward. If you’re really not a puzzle gamer, just use a guide like I did. If you are a puzzle gamer, this game will easily be a 10/10 for you.

OneShot’s greatest strength is its well written story. Indie games can be hit or miss when it comes to writing, but OneShot certainly excels in this area. The dialogue can be playful, but also intentional. There’s plenty of humor, but also some deeply emotional moments as well. The fact that just three people are responsible for developing the vast majority of this game impresses me greatly. Sometimes the right people with the right talent come together in the right season to make something wonderful.

The cute pixel art is another strength of the game. Niko’s design is perfect. He or she (the developers intentionally left Niko’s gender ambiguous, open to player interpretation) is instantly likable — plucky, witty, and pure, but with a touch of sarcastic humor. The other main characters are also quite interesting and well written. If you’re not into dark or moody games, don’t worry. The moodiness isn’t oppressive or stressful like horror games. Rather, the game maintains an innocuous charm all throughout.

The music contributes well to the game’s atmosphere. Most tracks are relaxing, ambient, and chill — sometimes a bit dreamlike or otherworldly. I could definitely see this OST finding a way into my instrumental playlists I listen to while working. Nightmargin has crafted a great score.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will keep this vague: OneShot features some of the most clever 4th wall breaking interactions I’ve ever seen. Video games have experimented with breaking the 4th wall since the original Metal Gear on the MSX2 in 1987, but OneShot manages to find new ways to keep this storytelling device fresh and interesting.

OneShot is a very unique meta gaming experience (and no I don’t mean this meta). One of the reasons I love indie games so much is that indie developers are not afraid to take some big risks. Some of the most wild, way-out-of-left-field game design concepts have come from indie developers like Future Cat Games. The massive AAA game studios can’t afford to take big swings, since one or two unprofitable flops can bankrupt a studio. Many indie studios get their start with passion projects just like OneShot and are able to push the limits of their creativity. It’s because of that boundless creativity that we are blessed with indie gems like OneShot. I’m very excited about Future Cat’s next game, Margin of the Strange. Looks like another banger.

Even if you’re not a puzzle/adventure gamer, you must experience OneShot in its fullness. Make sure you see your adventure through all the way to the end (the true ending, of course).