We might have bit a bit more than we can chew this PAX. The infamous PAX plague didn’t help by any means. But we’ve finally been able to write up about all the indie titles we checked out at PAX this year. This is an incredibly diverse line up of titles. There should be something for everyone. Expect more PAX coverage coming shortly.
Developer: Auroch Digital
Publisher: Ripstone Ltd.
Release: TBD 2018
What it is: For the uninitiated, Achtung! Cthulu Tactics is an adaptation of a board game and universe of Achtung! Cthulhu where Nazi’s have harnessed supernatural powers and evil creatures. Achtung! takes inspiration from games like X-Com but adds its own spin on the genre. Players will control an elite squad tasked with bringing down the Cult of the Black Sun. Because this is the Cthulhu universe, the game plays with the themes of light and dark and psychological horrors as key mechanics. Players will be able to use vision cones and light cones to both expose and surprise enemy units. Your unit sanity will need to be maintained to be successful. We only were able to check out an early level of the game, however, what we saw looks promising.
–John Laster
Developer: Chainsawesome Games
Publisher: Chainsawesome Games
Release: TBD
What it is: Everyone has played some variation of hide and seek in their lifetime. It’s an age-old game that suddenly loses its wonder as you get older or perhaps we just realize how unsafe it gets when played on a larger scale than a house. Aftercharge looks to reinvigorate the game with an online 3v3 shooter focused on competitive gameplay. One team is full of invisible robots. They must hide and sneak around destroying energy extractors. The other team is armed to the teeth and ready to destroy those robots as they protect the extractors. The invisible team must rely on almost guerilla warfare tactics as they cause distractions on one end of the map only to strike on another as they attempt to disable each generator. The armed team must disable all three enemies at once to win the game. It’s a game with deep potential if it can resonate with an online player base. Thankfully, Chainsawaesome is aware of this hurdle and has planned everything possible to work optimally with cross-platform play. While most competitive shooters are focused around precision and control that typically favors keyboard and mouse, Aftercharge is more about decision making keeping a fairly even playing field for PC and Console players. I’m cautiously optimistic this title won’t stay hidden forever.
–John Laster
Developer: Aurora44
Publisher: Microsoft Studios, Annapurna Interactive
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: A 3rd person action RPG set in a world consumed by darkness and ash, work at not just surviving, but bringing light to the gloom. You play in an open world with passive online cooperative adventuring. You will meet real people who are strangers and be able to complete quests with them. There is no talking, no inviting friends, just random fellow gamers. Once you depart from the session with them, their character will appear as an NPC that you can still find and interact with. Certain puzzles will require a companion, thus insisting you combine forces with another person.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: System Era Softworks
Publisher: System Era Softworks
Release: Game Preview, TBD
What it is: Set in the 25th century, explore new frontiers and establish bases to learn about the vast universe. This game is all about wandering around a planet solo or with a friend to build and gather supplies and knowledge of the planet you’re on. There is a lot of customization, and you can be as creative or boring as you want when making your base and various vehicles. There is also a mystery, which the game will center around figuring out what exactly it is. Will it be something you can use or something that can harm you?
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Capybara Games
Publisher: Capybara Games
Release: 2018
What it is: A roguelike adventure game shown from a top-down perspective, Below is about an adventurer on a mysterious island with randomly generated environments. Players go “below” the mountain and into dark caves with evil foes that must be defeated carefully. Remember, the game has permanent death, and you will need to make sure you are prepared for every confrontation you find while searching for answers. The game looks beautiful, and the sound echoes with the haunting sounds of danger.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: theMeatly, Joey Drew Studios Inc.
Publisher: Rooster Teeth Games, Joey Drew Studios Inc.
Release: October 26th, 2018
What it is: A first-person horror game utilizing puzzles and exploration, you play as Henry, a former animator. When called back to the studio he used to work at; he is met with a horrible discovery. His creations have come to life. He must fix the ink machine to stop this madness, and a character named Bendy is also after him. Bendy is the type you must avoid or face instant death. It’s kind of an evil cartoon survival game. The game has five episodes that will be released on Xbox One. The marketing campaign has been brilliant, utilizing even Funko Pops to help promote the series.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: E-Line Media
Publisher: E-Line Media
Release: TBD
What it is: Beyond Blue utilizes footage from the BBC’s Blue Planet II to create an underwater adventure filled with realism and wonder. The E-Line media team is best known for working on Never Alone, which explored the Native Alaskan Culture. The demo we played at PAX was fairly short, however swimming underwater felt great. The deep ocean an environment that doesn’t need much added to feel magical. The access the E-Line team had to experts and footage has given them a unique position to give players a window to an environment most of us will never see in person. If E-Line can keep the gameplay fun, the subject matter should be able to carry the game.
–John Laster
Developer: Neowiz Games
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Release: TBD
What it is: If the team behind Bless Unleashed could communicate one thing with you directly, it is that this isn’t the same game as the PC version. Bless Unleased has been fully redesigned from the ground up for console and to strengthen the experience. Bless Unleashed will be a free-to-play action-MMO. Players will play as one of five classes, which feature your typical, mage, archer, tank and my personal favorite, the Berserker. We played through the game with each class available at PAX and left genuinely excited about the game. The world looks graphically incredible, and gameplay felt at home on a controller. Parrying past an enemy only to turn into a spinning top of death as we took out hordes of monsters is just flat out fun.
–John Laster
Developer: Hobo Interactive
Publisher: Holy Cow Productions
Release: TBA
What it is: A racing game with various charming species that have robots they use for racing. You can customize and unlock power-ups to gain the advantage to win. Multiplayer and split-screen will be supported. While normally racing games choose wheels, Bot Rods race on mechanical legs! The race tracks are all pretty futuristic, and one even looks like a water park! It’s not just about being fast, but how you use the powers to slow down or demolish your opponents.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Dead Mage
Publisher: 11 Bit Studios
Release: 2018
What it is: A family who watches over a mountain suddenly gets tested as corruption spreads throughout the land. Morta is the name of the mountain, and you play as the guardians, vanquishing monsters who threaten the peace. Each family member has their own fighting styles, and you learn more about them as you play. The game plays out like a hack’n’slash where you can level up your characters and find better equipment. Endure the wilderness and escape back to your home to recover. It almost feels like a dungeon crawler at heart with abilities you can test to find the perfect balance in your family.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Sindiecate
Publisher: Sindiecate
Release: TBD
What it is: Imagine a game like Stardew Valley, but set in the inner city. Instead of a peaceful life in a charming, quaint town, you’re struggling to make it out of poverty in a capitalistic society. Each character in the game looks like something out of Bojack Horseman, and perhaps this game will be able to capture similar dark humor that shines a light where we often don’t. The developers have created a sandbox that doesn’t make the player feel like the protagonist, but instead like an NPC just trying to survive. The build we saw was clearly early, but this is definitely a game to watch. It will be interesting to see if the developers can make such a bleak existence in an intentionally oppressive system fun.
–John Laster
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Publisher: Behaviour Interactive
Release: 2018
What it is: If you’ve ever seen the movie Surviving the Game, you know what you’re in for. One hunter chases four runners in the wilderness. The hunter has guns and gadgets to help him easily overcome the runners who have nothing but their skills of escape. It’s similar to games such as Evolve where a team of people must outwit the stronger lone player. The goal isn’t for the runners to kill the hunter, but to escape. There is an emphasis on parkour type agility while the heavily armored villain is in pursuit with long-range weapons. The game seemed to run smoothly from what I saw, and the title is one of the coolest I’ve seen in a long time.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Oscar Brittain
Publisher: Akupara Games
Release: September 2018
What it is: An RPG based hoverbike racing game? This is what Desert Child aims to be. Except it looks much more retro than current racing RPGs. In fact, you actually get to shoot and collect money while you race. There is heavy use of guns and on-screen enemies. The racing is a side-scrolling type, allowing you to move up and down only as you speed through each track. There’s something about the character that screams swagger, and there is a soundtrack to match his cool persona.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Hyperstrange
Publisher: Hyperstrange
Release: TBA
What it is: When hearing the pitch to Elderborn, the developer described it as Doom Souls. It’s easy to see where that description came from. Elderborn screams doom. It’s gory, visceral with a heavy metal aesthetic. Players hack and slash their way through rooms of enemies. The game also prides itself on heavy skill based combat. The levels aren’t procedurally generated, and everything is planned. First person melee combat has always felt difficult to execute well, but what we played of Elderborn felt solid. If you want to blast metal while wielding epic melee weapons and destroying monsters, this might be the game for you.
–John Laster
Developer: Lucas Govatos, Epitasis Games
Publisher: Epitasis Games
Release: Q1-Q2 2019
What it is: You find yourself in an ancient alien civilization after entering a portal that you’ve discovered. A puzzle game in which you explore in a first-person perspective, Epitasis progresses with more knowledge of what actually happened to the now desolate island. It appears most of the puzzles revolve around beams of light you must direct to certain relics. I only got a glimpse of the game, but it did look interesting if you’re into puzzle games.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Void Studios
Publisher: 1C Company
Release: September 2018
What it is: An action RPG where you play as an elf on a journey to protect the Elven immortality. Face fantastic monsters in a gorgeous third-person adventure. Set to a backdrop of Norse mythology, you must free the last unicorn. There were four originally, but the others had been cursed by witchcraft. You can upgrade your weapons and skills to become powerful enough to wander into even more dangerous areas. The idea behind the story is a beautiful fantasy, and we can’t wait to explore a game that feels like a book you can’t put down.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Traxmaster Software LLC
Publisher: Traxmaster Software LLC
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: An almost speed run feeling game where you have a timer, traverse through areas designed to be virus infected programs you must destroy. Wall jump, slash and shoot your way through stages attempting to score fast times. If you keep failing at an area, you can try a different path or maybe even avoid certain enemies altogether. The perception is backed away, making your hero feel small but allowing you to see everything at once.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Mr. Whale’s Game Service, Okomotive
Publisher: Mixtvision Digital GmbH, Mixtvision
Release: 2018
What it is: Described as an atmospheric vehicle adventure game, set out on a lone journey through desolate lands. Land you ask? Yes, the water has been mostly dried up, and you’re on a vehicle with wheels and sails to push you along. Survive storms and repair your vehicle as it wears down from the environment. Are you really alone in the world? Continue sailing to find out. The music is also a highlight of the game. You can check out the soundtrack done by Joel Schoch on a few platforms including Spotify and iTunes.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: IronOak Games
Publisher: IronOak Games, Curve Digital
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: A JRPG style turn based system combining hexagon spaces for a tabletop feel, For the King is a charming but brutal game where your heroes must bring balance to a corrupt kingdom. There is also heavy use of a chance system which will remind you of Dungeons and Dragons. There is a use of time and day mechanics, where night time is feared because of the more deadly monsters that show up on the board. It’s definitely a slower game, and you must take care to get strong gear and increase your abilities.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Avalanche Studios
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Release: Q4 2018
What it is: Open world survival first-person shooter set in the 1980’s. Machines are everywhere, and you must sneak or fight through a dangerous world, with or without your friends. Sandbox type games in first person have a lot of appeal, especially when cooperative and let you choose how to handle each situation. This should be a lot of fun wandering around with someone else online. You can set up tactical ambushes to kill enemies before they have a chance to attack you.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Lab Zero Games
Publisher: 505 Games
Release: 2019
What it is: Skullgirls was an incredibly impressive game, and even though I’m not a fighting game fan, the unique and gorgeous art style was easy to watch. Lab Zero Games is back with their unique hand-drawn art but with a deep action RPG Platformer. The demo segments we played were clearly compressed to give players the change to meet and use tons of different playable characters and see their unique playstyles and personalities come to life. Combat is as simple as hitting the button for the character you want to attack but actually gets rather deep when every special attack is taken into account. I loved what I played, and I can’t wait to see more.
–John Laster
Developer: Artifex Mundi
Publisher: Artifex Mundi
Release: July 25th, 2019
What it is: A point and click game filled with sarcasm and witty humor, Irony Curtain takes place during the Cold War. You play as a Western journalist visiting for the first time. A peek into the communist regime; you’ll actually learn about the absurdities of what went on during that time. It is very much inspired by the lead game designer’s family and friends who grew up during the period. Homage is paid to games from LucasArts and Sierra, borrowing the idea of humor to make your puzzle-solving fun and engaging.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Graffiti Games
Publisher: Graffiti Games
Release: TBA
What it is: Up to four players can team up together in this color-coded platformer. Each danger ahead of you is a certain color, and all of the characters will match these patterns. You must constantly switch to survive barriers, enemies, and jumps. The difficulty ramps up with the more people you have, as you must rely on communication to avoid death. If you play solo, the AI will take control of the other three. It will be a blast to play with friends.
Developer: Noio, Coatsink
Publisher: Raw Fury
Release: 2018
What it is: The Kingdom franchise looks simple. Players control a royal monarch who doesn’t need to get their own hands dirty. Instead, they pay for their subjects to perform tasks. Roaming and exploring the level for hidden secrets and tasks on horseback or giant lizard, players throw coins at various vendors and interactable objects signaling their subjects to complete a task. It’s a unique take on the strategy genre that is both minimalistic, engaging and deep. Kingdom Two Crowns adds online and local multiplayer allowing for players to explore together. With tons of new hidden secrets, features, enemies and upgrades, Kingdom Two Crowns looks to push the formula even further.
–John Laster
Developer: Digital Dominion
Publisher: Digital Dominion
Release: 2019
What it is: An ancient ruins exploration platformer, La Mulana 2 is the sequel many fans have been wanting. You play as the daughter of the first protagonist, exploring what is thought to be the birthplace of all civilizations. Enriched with lore and archeology, explore and defeat enemies to gain riches and defeat monsters. The game is supposed to be extremely tough and unforgiving, serving death like an all you can eat buffet.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
Publisher: Dontnod Entertainment
Release: September 27th, 2018
What it is: The original Life is Strange was lauded for its incredible writing and storytelling. It touched on deeper subjects and played around with the supernatural weaving everything into an incredibly moving experience. Life is Strange 2 starts off with a similar bang we don’t want to spoil. The demo we played told the story of brothers, Sean and Daniel. Every decision Sean makes will have formative effects not only on his personality but on his younger brother Daniel. Players will have their little brother along with them for this journey watching every action they take. We can’t wait to see the way this relationship builds over the course of the game. The game has seen an upgrade even on the technical side, as the game looks fantastic.
–John Laster
Developer: Klei Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Klei Entertainment Inc.
Release: TBD
What it is: A 2D stealth action game that is a remastered version of an arcade game released on the Xbox 360. Side scroll through hand-painted environments with the choice to kill everyone in your path or complete the level without being seen. While having a cartoonish look, it doesn’t shy away from being graphic in violence. Each area has collectibles, score challenges, and objectives you can complete to increase those scores.
–Aaron McCurdy
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
Developer: The Bearded Ladies Consulting
Publisher: Funcom
Release: December 4th, 2018
What it is: A tactical shooter that has wacky talking animal characters and will remind you somewhat of Xcom. There is heavy emphasis on taking a stealthy approach. A twist on this genre is that you walk around the map like normal, not having to pick squares and worry about distance. You lay out the perfect plan of attack, then execute it. It then becomes more of a turn-based game, needing to use action points and choose your targets wisely. You can travel to The Ark, a platform type structure that serves as your main hub to trade and buy equipment and upgrades. The game is full of quirky dark humor, that is an escape to the usual seriousness implied by other tactical based warfare titles.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Artifex Mundi
Publisher: Artifex Mundi
Release: September 21st, 2018
What it is: A girl becomes ill, and her older brother is determined to help her keep positive by use of imagination. The game centers around family bonding and the absolute love that siblings can have for each other. Solve puzzles and point and click your way into five different worlds that are hand painted and imaginative. The brother is the rabbit, and his sister is a plant that actually looks sick as you play. If you’re sensitive to emotion, you may end up crying in this one.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Pathea LLC
Publisher: Team17 Digital Limited
Release: 2018
What it is: A post-apocalyptic game where there isn’t much civilization, My Time in Portia is a simulation RPG. Your main goal is to build a big workshop and gather materials and relics. While you can form friendships and romances, we can’t forget there are dangers lurking around while you explore. You must fight off enemies and explore dungeons to progress and make your dream workshop a reality.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Onion Soup Interactive
Publisher: PQube
Release: TBA
What it is: An anime style obstacle course racing game. It sounds as fun as it is! You set out on foot amongst competitors and have to dodge the treachery in your path. Get frustrated when you fall victim or laugh when your opponent goes flying into the wall. This racer is zany and takes the comedic approach with the use of odd characters and physics that can work for or against you. You won’t be able to stop and catch your breath, so keep running!
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Glumberland
Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Release: 2018
What it is: Termed as a mix between Stardew Valley and Pokemon, Ooblets is a life simulation game at heart. You can customize your room and appearance, as well as choose the cute characters that seem to follow you everywhere. Literally, there is a train of them. Instead of a typical battle system where the creatures fight, it was chosen instead to go with a more peaceful system of dance battling. With such an assortment of ideas, there’s sure to be something about the game you will enjoy. Seems like something you can relax to.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Windy Hill
Publisher: 2Dimensions
Release: October 31st, 2018
What it is: After an alien invasion, a boy is left to fend for himself and survive in the wilderness. Walk through almost pitch black areas with gorgeous backdrops. It will remind you of Limbo, a side-scrolling 2D atmospheric adventure. Packing a laser pistol, you’ll be a dangerous kid fighting the invasion on your own. While the game is extremely dark, it will be lit with spectacular looking special effects. You will need to overcome peril with the unknown.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Mobius Digital
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Release: TBA
What it is: The gameplay hook to Outer Wilds feels promising. The space exploration genre has become pretty crowded with games that have hundreds and hundreds of hours of gameplay. However, Outer Wilds looks to hook players with just 20-minute gameplay sequences during which they can attempt to explore their solar system. Instead of huge universes that are procedurally generated, Outer Wilds is a single handcrafted solar system that is about to go Supernova. As players explore, they will begin to hopefully find some answers. The system we explored was full of dangerous environmental hazards and left us with questions. If Outer Wilds can capture a tight space exploration experience in a shorter time window, it could very well be a huge hit. We can’t wait to see and hear more about this game.
–John Laster
Developer: Revival Productions, LLC
Publisher: Revival Productions, LLC
Release: TBA
What it is: The creators of Descent are back bringing zero-gravity gameplay to the Xbox One. Overload brings back the six-direction shooter gameplay as players can fly left right up down forward or backward at a whim. You’ll have to think in every direction and all three dimensions. The game features 15 different campaign levels as well as online multiplayer and a challenge mode. If you like replaying the classics, keep an eye on this one.
–John Laster
Developer: Pinokl Games, Kverta
Publisher: tinyBuild Games
Release: TBA
What it is: If you’ve played the first Party Hard, you know just what to expect. A stealth game in which you must assassinate people at parties. What a great location for some killing, since there will be loud music and intoxicated people having too much fun to realize the dangers lurking around them. It’s over the top, both perspective wise and quite literally by definition of exaggeration. There are plenty of pixelated murders and explosions to be seen here. It’s extremely violent, and young XBLAfans shouldn be warned!
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Blowfish Studios, Shadowplay Studios, Sweaty Chair
Publisher: Blowfish Studios
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: Don’t call Projection’s aesthetic Limbo-esque. It’s not. Believe it or not, the art style takes from different cultures designs for shadow puppets. It’s fitting. The entire game players around the concept of light. Players control an orb that allows them to change the lighting in the room at will. This allows for some rather unique platforming sequences as players create the very terrain they need to progress through the level. What we played of the game looks incredibly promising for puzzle platformer fans.
–John Laster
Remilore: Lost Girl in the Lands of Lore
Developer: Nicalis
Publisher: Nicalis
Release: Winter 2018
What it is: A young girl named Remi awakens a book called Lore who draws them into a magical world. Your main goal is to get home, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. The world is full of mecha-monsters and Remi, and her newfound book friend (if it can be trusted) must journey together. This game is a hack and slash with magic powers and 200 weapons. You can play alone or with a cooperative friend. The art style looks awesome and definitely feels like a dungeon crawler (except you’re in the sky on platforms).
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Spacewave Software
Publisher: Degica
Release: TBA
What it is: Ever want a pvp based shmup game? Rival Megagun is just that, a split-screen game in which each player controls a ship blasting through enemies. The difference is, how well you do on your side will affect your opponent. Gaining chains and kills will make it much harder for your nemesis. Rockets flying from the other side while they’re already dealing with their own enemies will give great satisfaction as you watch them struggle. It must have had inspiration from fighting games because even at the end of the match the game says “K.O.”! Who will be your bitter rival?
–Aaron McCurdy
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption
Developer: DARKSTAR
Publisher: Another Indie
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: Inspired by Dark Souls, you set out to defeat numerous bosses with a challenging but fair battle system. In order to fight each giant enemy, you must first sacrifice something (an example is strength and stamina decrease). Instead of growing stronger as you play, you are faced with the reversed effect of becoming weaker. If you’re especially good at a boss, you should choose them last when you’re the weakest. This allows you to play around with each sacrifice and boss to find your perfect route to destroy them all.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Drastic Games
Publisher: Drastic Games
Release: TBD
What it is: The most obvious next step for two Epic Games alumnus after working on Fortnite is to attempt a rhythm-based dungeon crawler, right? Drastic Games has decided to do just that with Soundfall. This twin-stick shooter uses procedurally generated levels and encourages players to attack enemies in time with the beat. The bright colors and almost neon aesthetic works great to provide visualization to the music. The gameplay felt tight and responsive. We played the game with three other players and blasted through the opening levels pretty easily, but it was a joy to play. It will be interesting to see where Drastic Games takes the later segments of the game.
–John Laster
Developer: Happy Corruption
Publisher: Walkabout Games
Release: Q1 2019
What it is: Normally, you can look directly at a game and know it was likely inspired by Dark Souls. You’ll see the obvious inspiration and dark, gothic, gritty gameplay. Other times, you are exploring a space station as a naked astronaut wielding a plunger attempting to save cows while collecting milk in a zany looking twin stick, when the developer leans over and goes this was inspired by Dark Souls. Space Cows drops away from overused aesthetics (the game was originally planned to be zombies) and instead keeps things playful. That isn’t to say the game isn’t just as robust, deep and difficult. Use the environment in your favor, escape swarms of enemies, slow down time to avoid the bullets raining down upon you, but most importantly save your cow! Space Cows feels like a game that wants to stand out in a crowded space and is mooving in the right direction to do so.
–John Laster
Developer: Blowfish Studios
Publisher: New Holland
Release: TBD
What it is: Literally, while I was demoing Storm Boy, another group of Austrailian developers walked by and were talking about how important this story is in Australia. I’ve never heard of Storm Boy, but I do know how to use google, and the tale is consistently referred to as a classic. It tells the story of a young boy who saves three chicks, who turn out to be pelicans. He isn’t allowed to keep them, but his favorite of the three birds continues to return. It’s a unique tale that I’m interested in learning more about. The small segments of the game I played where mostly mini-games, which leads to wonder if the adaptation can be as captivating as the original book itself.
–John Laster
Developer: Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games
Publisher: Dotemu
Release: TBA
What it is: A new addition to the already great Streets of Rage trilogy, fight alone or with a friend against tons of enemies. Thought to be the best beat ’em up franchise, continue the fight with the classic characters set to a thumping soundtrack. From what we played it was smooth, and it felt like going back in time to the days of Sega but with superior graphics. It may be new and improved, but it still has that classic feel a lot of people grew up playing.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Billy Goat Entertainment Ltd
Publisher: Billy Goat Entertainment Ltd
Release: Q1 2019
What it is: Some games play incredibly well at conventions; they can be picked up, instantly understood and bring quick bite-sized moments of joy both to the person playing and those watching. Super Market Shriek stole the show for me at the ID@Xbox Openhouse. Played best with two players (but fully playable solo), Super Market Shriek puts players into the shopping cart as a man and a goat. Holding one trigger will cause one of the characters to scream turning left. Holding the other trigger will cause the other character to shriek turning right. It’s simple but wild. Players will need to work together to traverse obstacle courses of death. For the truly insane, the game can be played with a microphone, literally screaming to control the characters. This game is absurd but in all the best ways.
–John Laster
Developer: Team Meat
Publisher: Team Meat
Release: Q4 2018
About: Super Meat Boy defined a new branch of the platformer genre. So many games will attempt the brutal platforming difficulty but aren’t able to match the pinpoint precision. So when Super Meat Boy Forever was announced as a runner, I was nervous. The level of control players had in the original Super Meat Boy helped it excel. Every brutal death stemmed from a mistake by the player. Could that work with a runner? The answer is a resounding yes. Originally meant as a test to see if Super Meat Boy could work on mobile, Super Meat Boy Forever evolved into a two button game: jump and dash. Level design is completely different now, as there are 7200 hand crafted level sequences that are then procedurally used to populate each level within the game. When we talked to Tommy Refenes about the game, he made it clear for there to be a sequel to Super Meat Boy it had to be good. Well, this one looks really good.
–John Laster
Developer: Digital Dominion
Publisher: Digital Dominion
Release: TBA
About: Inspired by platformers of the 80’s, you control various characters from the classics. You get all the best inspirations in one game, and can even craft your own levels or play others people have made! Each character is at heart Mega Man, Link, Ninja Gaiden, etc. Think Super Mario Maker but with a lot more heroes and gaming categories to choose from. The game is still very early in development but from what was seen on the demo, we finally play a level design system on the Xbox.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Pompaduo
Publisher: Pompaduo
Release: TBA
What it is: A simple yet fun top-down boxing game for up to four players, Superweights gets right to it in the ring without any excess content. Jump right in and start hammering away at your opponent, using normal and supercharged punches while trying to dodge your opponent. There is a 2v2 mode which adds an extra challenge of decision. Do you and your partner team up on one boxer or fight fair amongst each other? When we played the game, we could see just how competitive it was, wanting to rematch right!
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Decoy Games
Publisher: Decoy Games
Release: 2019
What it is: There are a ton of indie games with party style versus modes, but Swimsanity brings easy to pick up PVE gameplay as well. Playable local or online, Swimsanity is an action-packed shooter that’s packed full of crazy. The power-ups in the game are very diverse and include things as insane as becoming a giant shark that can quickly clear the screen of enemies (including players in versus mode). The gameplay has a clear retro vibe, but it’s own unique aesthetic and genuinely simple, fun gameplay.
–John Laster
Developer: Question
Publisher: Question
Release: 2019
What it is: A cooperative horror mystery, you play as teenagers in a neighborhood void of most electronics. Something suspicious is going on at night, and people “black out” and don’t know what they had done. Was it sleep walking? All in their heads? The adults are your enemies at night, but what is controlling them? You can’t just kill them! One of them could be your parents. The Blackout Club is a group of kids attempting to solve the mystery by sneaking around and discovering the secrets in an attempt to save the neighborhood from a sinister presence. There is a mechanic where you must close your eyes to reveal hidden things. The world can drastically change when you open them! Remember that scene in Bioshock when the plane crashes, and you swim to the lighthouse? It was breathtaking, and you couldn’t help but stop to admire the burning plane. One of the leads in the game worked on that very scene. We know we’re in good hands here!
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Paranoid Productions
Publisher: Paranoid Productions
Release: 2018
What it is: If you’ve ever watched me stream a stealth game on Twitch, you know full well I hate the genre; especially when being seen means instant death. It’s a mechanic that can be used with great dramatic effect and tension when used intentionally, but I rarely can handle a game that doesn’t allow me to go guns blazing when I’m spotted. Enter Church of Darkness, where players are looking to figure out what happened with their nephew and a cult he’s joined. The game uses a top-down action stealth form of gameplay that gives players the ability to treat the level as their own sandbox. Each playthrough involves permadeath and can change dramatically. The game uses the talented voice actors Ellen McLain (GLaDOS) and John Patrick Lowerie as cult leaders. It’s your job to discover if they are dangerous and if your nephew is safe. Can you discover what’s happening in the heart of the South American Jungle? The Church of Darkness looks to blend narrative and gameplay into a cohesive experience that needs to be explored.
–John Laster
Developer: Jackbox Games
Publisher: Jackbox Games
Release:
What it is: The team behind the Jackbox Party Pack has captured fun and joy in a box. Oftentimes annualized games become unwelcome, but Jackbox Games has managed to keep such a diverse lineup each edition. This year You Don’t Know Jack returns and is now playable for up to 8 players. Split the Room is about what if hypotheticals. Patently Stupid is a drawing game that forces players to pitch interventions. Mad Verse City is a mad-libs style rap game. Zeeple Dome is an action platformer of sorts and a pretty unique departure from the standard style. We played Patently Stupid, and when you have to pitch a way to catch unicorns or prevent unwelcome hotdogs, it’s hard not to laugh at the stupid solutions.
–John Laster
Developer: Serenity Forge
Publisher: Graffiti Games
Release: TBA
What it is: Jump and glide through elegant backdrops of colorful yet shadow riddled levels. It almost looks like you’re playing within water colored environments. This is a momentum based platformer that makes even casual gamers feel like speed runners. The movement feels and plays like an absolute dream. After only minutes of gameplay, I already had felt very comfortable with the momentum and gliding mechanics. Music has a high focus and actually changes based on your acceleration. The narrative is told without the use of text and shown through the natural progression of the story.
–Aaron McCurdy
The Missing JJ Macfield and the Island of Memories
Developer: White Owls
Publisher: Arc System Works
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: Platformer puzzle game in which you must hurt yourself to solve puzzles. You go in and out of what appears to be death to progress deeper. While usually avoiding being hurt, this game insists on it. Get electrocuted, mutilated, burned, ran over by trains, and smashed by a monkey with chimes. You must race towards danger to succeed, and if you die, you’re moving in the right direction. Not much is known about the story so far, but it appears you will be looking for a friend or relative who is missing.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: White Paper Games
Publisher: White Paper Games
Release: TBD
What it is: Set within the 1980’s in England, you play as a reporter who must investigate in real time to find the truth after an explosive event occurs. Time is against you, and you must use it wisely to find clues to watch the story unfold. Interview those who survived and sneak around areas that are restricted. The Occuptation is a first-person thriller with impressive graphics that take advantage of the Unreal 4 engine.
–Aaron McCurdy
Toejam and Earl: Back in the Groove
Developer: HumaNature Studios
Publisher: Adult Swim, HumaNature Studios
Release: Q4 2018
What it is: There have been a few sequels to Toejam and Earl, but none ever felt like the spiritual successor to the original. They kept trying new things, but fans wanted more of what started it all. Back in the Groove have focused entirely on giving this true sequel. The premise is simple; you must fix your spaceship by finding parts on a planet infested with enemies who can harm you. There is no killing here, just avoiding enemies. Powerups will help you jump, run faster, and basically give you the edge to escape. You still take elevators to the next areas too. While playing with a friend, you can each go into opposite directions, and the screen will split. Get close, and it will combine again. If you loved Toejam and Earl, the good news is that it’s back and feels fresh but unchanged.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Andrew Shouldice
Publisher: Finji
Release: TBD
What it is: Tunic stole the show at E3. This was the game I was constantly being asked about by friends. A tiny fox on an epic adventure full of exploration, discovery, and wonder. The art style is beyond captivating, but the game plays equally well. This is a game that needs to be on your radar.
–John Laster
Developer: Chucklefish
Publisher: Chucklefish
Release: Q3-Q4 2018
What it is: A turned based strategy game that looks like it was made in the 80’s for NES, Wargroove allows you to take control of over 12 commanders each with their own campaign. You can even play with up to four other players in skirmish mode.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: Blankets Wilson
Publisher: Whitehorn Digital
Release: TBA
What it is: Experience memories as Sunny, a girl who’s dressed as a bee. Explore 3D environments that you must rotate to complete puzzles. Collect honey combs spread through all four seasons, rotating to gain different perspectives. Sunny is older, but you play her past as she reminisces through her imagination.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: DotEmu
Publisher: DotEmu
Release: TBA
What it is: Windjammers is a cult classic of sorts. If you’re familiar with the fast-paced, arcade sports title, you are likely a fan of it or by the developers own admission, French. The game involves two players throwing high-speed discs at a goal. Think of a high octane frisbee version of air hockey with pro-wrestlers. Yeah, it’s actually really cool. The game is simple to play but fairly difficult to master fully. Each character has their own special abilities, and timing is paramount to making a strong shot. It will be interesting to see if the game takes off with any sort of competitive scene. It’s honestly addicting and oozes style.
–John Laster
Developer: Shy Kids Club
Publisher: Shy Kids Club
Release: Q4 2018
What it is: You control a ship made of two elements. One half is pink, and the other is blue. You can play solo, but the game was made for cooperative play. The developers are a married couple and decided to do a game together. Enemies are generally colored the same as your ships, and each color can only destroy enemies that match. You’ll have to switch places constantly, as only one can shoot at a time (the point of the ship). While we didn’t play it, the people who did seemed to be having fun and it’s, and the game is full of cute design.
–Aaron McCurdy
Developer: 1P2P
Publisher: The Arcade Crew
Release: TBA
What it is: Young Souls is a narrative RPG beat-em-up with roots in old school games, but a fully modernized take on the genre. The gameplay is fast paced, intense and honestly rather difficult. There are over 70 dungeons to explore. The game uses a hand-drawn animation style and plays well both solo and co-op. We enjoyed what we played, even if the boss kicked our butt.
Developer: Baroque Decay
Publisher: Another Indie
Release: TBA
What it is: After being invited to work at a big corporation, Brian Pasternak happily accepts thinking his future is finally taking a turn for the better. He shows up for his first day, only to realize instead of office work, he’ll be hiding and running from danger. Anime mixed with 16 Bit graphics combine elements of horror, psychological thriller, puzzler, and RPG. Something is not right, and Brian must reveal the secrets of the mystery and hunt a witch whose powers were responsible for the company’s success.
–Aaron McCurdy
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