ACMI expert reveals his top 10 Australian-made video games

Attention gamers – a video games expert has identified 10 “Aussie gems” you should be playing right now. See the list.

Cause mischief and mayhem as a “horrible goose”, become a cult leader, or travel back in time to the era of private eyes and femme fatales.

The top 10 Australian-made video games you should be playing right now offer these crazy scenarios, and more.

Picked by Arieh Offman – a programmer and curator of video games at Australia’s only screen culture museum, ACMI – the list features games that won awards and became instant bestsellers for their addictive gameplay, gorgeous designs and creative storytelling.

“The video game industry has been growing year upon year, seeing a huge spike in growth throughout the pandemic,” Offman said.

“Australia has become one of the leaders in the indie scene, with many locally made games capturing the world’s attention.

“(These) 10 Aussie gems showcase the diversity and creativity of our industry.”

Free exhibition Out of Bounds: Exploring the Limits of Videogames is also open at ACMI, in Melbourne’s Federation Square, until April 23.

TOP 10 AUSSIE VIDEO GAMES

Cult of the Lamb (2022)

Cult of the Lamb was crowned Game of the Year in the 2022 Australian Game Developer Awards.

Offman’s review: “Take control of a cute anthropomorphic lamb and lead your cult of followers to greatness. Winner of Game of the Year in the 2022 Australian Game Developer Awards, this game became an instant bestseller due to its uniquely appealing art design and addictive gameplay.”

Developer: Massive Monster and Devolver

Available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC

Untitled Goose Game (2019)

Players are a “horrible goose” whose aim is to “create mischief and mayhem” in the hilarious Untitled Goose Game.

Offman’s review: “It’s a lovely morning in the village, and you are a horrible goose. Your only goal is to create mischief and mayhem for kindly folk living there. This award-winning puzzle game by Melbourne studio House House rewards a player’s creativity and experimentation with moments of pure laugh-out-loud comedy.”

Developer: House House

Available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC

The Gardens Between (2018)

The Gardens Between was made in Melbourne.

Offman’s review: “Discover the story of two young friends as you explore landscapes made from their memories. Featuring a unique time-control mechanic, environmental storytelling and gorgeous art design, this Melbourne-made puzzle game is a moving meditation on the power of friendship.”

Developer: The Voxel Agents

Play it at ACMI, also available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC

Wayward Strand (2022)

Wayward Strand features the voices of veteran Australian actors, including The Castle star Michael Caton.

Offman’s review: “A moving story that, at times, brings tear to your eyes, Wayward Strand has the player take control of a young journalist as she explores a hospital aboard an airship. Discover the lives of the various residents, voiced by some of Australia’s finest actors (including Michael Caton, Jenny Seedsman and Anne Charleston), as they move through the ship in real time.”

Developer: ghost pattern

Available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC

Heavenly Bodies (2021)

Offman’s review: “Explore the importance of gravity, or lack of it, in this gorgeous space simulation. Traverse your way around a space station as a 1970s cosmonaut and battle physics as you take control of each of their arms. Fun to play by yourself, but even more so with a friend as a couch co-op experience.”

Developer: 2pt Interactive

Play it and view the original design artwork at ACMI, also available on PlayStation and PC

Hollow Knight (2017)

A screenshot from Hollow Knight sequel Silksong screenshot, supplied by developer Team Cherry.

Offman’s review: “Delve deep into an eerily gothic environment, wending your way through caverns and battling a variety of monsters. This worldwide smash hit captured gamers’ attention through its easy-to-pick-up and difficult-to-master gameplay, with the eagerly awaited sequel Silksong due to release this year.”

Developer: Team Cherry

Play it and view the original design artwork at ACMI, also available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC

Unpacking (2021)

Unpacking is “surprisingly moving”, Offman says.

Offman’s review: “What do the objects in our life say about us? What we keep with us, what we leave behind – what stories do they tell? This meditative puzzle game about removing and arranging items from boxes is surprisingly moving and was awarded Game of the Year in the 2021 Australian Game Developer awards.”

Developer: Witch Beam

View the original design artwork at ACMI, and play it on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC

Video World (2021)

Offman’s review: “Part rhythm game, part puzzle game and all spooky Halloween adventure, this uniquely charming short game is an interactive companion for the EP by Melbourne synth-pop artist Monster Mansion. A perfect bite-size experience clocking in at around 20 minutes.”

Developer: Things for Humans

Available on PC

The Dame Was Loaded (1996)

The Dame Was Loaded transports players back to “a 1940s noir world”.

Offman’s review: “Take a trip into a 1940s noir world of private eyes, femme fatales and some of the best (and cheesiest) hard-boiled dialogue ever recorded for a game. Created using full-motion video, the game was crafted by filming real actors on sets, and during the 1990s, was thought to be the next big thing in video games.”

Developer: Beam Software/Philips Interactive Media

Play it at ACMI, also available on PC

Born Punk (2022)

Offman’s review: “Take control of an android, a hacker and a CEO as you explore the future through this frequently humorous Cyberpunk adventure. Inspired by traditional point-and-click adventure game mechanics, the engaging characters and witty writing will keep you eager to uncover the mysteries held within the narrative.”

Developer: Insert Disk 22

Available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch and PC