…or any of the other 50 showcases/live streams/game shows that happened over the last 72hrs.
Let me just start by saying that there really are too many games. Looking at the list of games that were announced over the last 72hrs. reads like a ‘future reasons for filing for bankruptcy’ list. I also do not understand how many of my peers in the indie game coverage scene keep up with all of these announcements. Granted most operations aren’t as teeny tiny as indieRift, what with our three-dude squad and a handful team members that tag in and out in their free time, but DAMN, how could any one keep track and provide coverage to all of this stuff. My inbox EXPLODED. Do you know how intense that is when you mange like four inboxes? Now that that bit of venting is out of way, let us move on to why we are here. A lot of stuff was announced recently, new, never before seen stuff. Some of you may have seen this stuff, some of you may have not. In any case, here are my ten favorite things that were announced/revealed from all the recent summer showcase shenanigans.
All Systems Dance
I don’t know about you, but I absolutely LOVE it when a developer decides to try something completely different and introduces something remarkably fresh to the gaming landscape. Mighty Yell, known for The Big Con, comedic, 90’s era pick-pocket simulator, is bringing it’s signature sense of humor and delightful neon color palette to its newest title: All Systems Dance. There is an obvious glow-up here, with Mighty Yell fully embracing 3D models and crafting a more action-oriented experience when compared to its previous titles. All Systems Dance is described as ‘an expressive dance battle adventure’ that pits a plucky blue-haired heroine against the malevolent robo-forces of the Woosh Corporation. While these bots may appear like tough cookies, they have one key weakness: bustin’ moves. Yes, through the magic and majesty of dance, you will be able to best these bots. It’s silly, it’s quirky, and it’s unmistakably Mighty Yell. Bring it on.
Wishlist All Systems Dance: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2110000/All_Systems_Dance/
Cairn
The Game Bakers are COOKIN’. The makers of Furi and Haven just announced their next project – Cairn. Looking at the trailer and it’s giving Journey, it’s giving Death Stranding, and it’s giving Getting Over It. I know that is a LOT of very different type of games to throw out a once, but honestly, just take a look at what’s going on in that footage. You take on the role of a seasoned climber named Aava who is determined to ascend Mount Kami. It is a feet that has never been done before and for obvious reasons: the climb looks absolutely hellish. Cairn will feature realistic climbing simulation that will allows you to climb intuitively, anywhere. That means that you will have to find the best holds for your hands and feet, and adapt your posture in order to maintain balance. If you slip up, well, it is a long, long way down.
Wishlist Cairn: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1588550/Cairn/
Gunboat God
I’m not sure what it is, but looking at Gunboat God and all I can think of is: what if Patapon was a shooter instead of cozy rhythm game? Regardless of how my weird little noggin works, Gunboat God appears to a be a fast and fluid and FLASHY shoot ’em up that features a face-meltingly good soundtrack. You are the Gunboat God and as you blast waves of monster hordes in the face, you will be able to upgrade your Gunboat with whole mess of weapons, skills, and abilities. It looks like you are going to need every ounce of firepower you can get your godly hands on as the game features MASSIVE multi-stage bosses. I’m a sucker for quick-fire games like this that allow me to drop in, play a few intense rounds and then jump out when I’ve had my fill. Gunboat God is also the debut title of developer Janson RAD, so don’t be a meanie and toss them a wishlist.
Wishlist Gunboat God: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2511210/Gunboat_God/
Possesor(s)
Now I get why they are called Heart Machine. As if Hyper Light Breaker wasn’t enough, the creator of Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash is also developing Possesor(s) a fast-paced action sidescroller that has all the hallmarks of the next best indie game. You’ll play as Luca and her less-than-cooperative counterpart Rehm, as you navigate a quarantined mega-city torn apart by an “interdimensional catastrophe”. The gameplay emphasizes swift, fluid platforming with a variety of unique movement skills that enhance its dynamic combat. You’ll engage in intense ground and aerial battles, executing intricate combos against a myriad of formidable foes and bosses. As you progress, you’ll discover and upgrade an extensive arsenal of powerful weapons, enabling you to access previously unreachable areas and add strategic depth to your combat. Heart Machine is truly flexing its artistic muscles with Possessor(s), showcasing a remarkable evolution from their 8-bit roots in Hyper Light Drifter to the 3D beauty of Solar Ash, and now to stunning hand-drawn graphics. The visual leap is awe-inspiring, with intricate details and atmospheric environments that bring the game’s surreal, interdimensional horror to life. The hauntingly beautiful 3D landscapes create an immersive backdrop that looks to elevate the entire experience. It’s amazing to see how the studio has glowed-up over the years, delivering visuals that are both nostalgic and breathtakingly modern. Possessor(s) promises an unforgettable adventure and I’m counting down the days until I can uncover the secrets of this destroyed mega-city!
Wishlist Possessor(s): https://store.steampowered.com/app/2132890/Possessors/
Tears of Metal
Oh Paper Cult, makers of Bloodroots, why are you so good at making violent and visceral experiences? Seriously, you just get me. The Montreal-based developer recently broke its months-long silence to announce Tears of Metal – a medieval hack-and-slash co-op roguelike that looks a little bit Dynasty Warriors and a little bit Darkest Dungeon. As you carve your way through hordes of enemies and advance deeper into the blood-splattered trenches, you’ll uncover the secrets of the mysterious Dragon Meteor, a calamitous event that brought throngs of occupiers to your once peaceful island. The gameplay appears to be equal parts stab-athon and strategy featuring vast battles with hundreds of characters and companions on screen at once. With the option for 4-player online co-op, you and your friends can experience the maximum on-screen mayhem together, promising a bloody good time. As a rogueliker, I honestly cannot wait to squad up with a handful of friends and tear through scores of enemy troops and watch their corpses litter the battlefield over and over again.
Wishlist Tears of Metal: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1913120/Tears_of_Metal/
Tenjustu
It’s amazing just how many of these game developers I have interviewed and actually know on a personal level. Having said that, I am beyond excited for Tenjutsu, a martial arts roguelite from Sébastien Benard, the too-talented for his own good solo game developer behind Dead Cells (you may have heard of it) and Nuclear Blaze (now on sale for only 3.99 BTW!). Just look at it – it’s GORGEOUS! In Tenjutsu you take on the role of a renegade yakuza on a mission to dismantle the powerful crime families controlling Secret Garden City. In a landscape full of roguelites, Tenjutsu is setting itself apart with a unique gameplay twist: your enemies grow stronger the longer you take to prepare. This innovative mechanic adds a thrilling sense of urgency to every decision, ensuring Tenjutsu offers a fresh and intense experience with every pulse-pounding run. The prospect of strategic combat and choosing the order in which to take down these syndicates sounds like an absolute adrenaline rush. It promises to be a standout in the genre and I can hardly wait for its release!
Wishlist Tenjutsu: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1363940/Tenjutsu/
WILD Tactics
I’m going to WILD Tactics description speak for itself because it really says it all: WILD Tactics is a turn-based strategy game from the creators of Chicken Police. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Chicken Police, get familiar as soon as humanly possible. It is an absolute hoot of buddy-cop noir adventure that is as equal parts grit and slapstick comedy. WILD Tactics is HUGE genre departure for The Wild Gentleman, as the team latest title looks like an XCOM-like tactical strategy game with turn-based combat – a combination that sounds like aces in my book.
Wishlist WILD Tactics: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2384640/WILD_Tactics/
WOLFHOUND
What is this? A Metal Gear-inspired, sci-fi WWII metroidvania from the creators of Chasm?! Sign. Me. Up. In WOLFHOUND, you step into the boots of Capt. Chuck “Wolfhound” Rosetti, a wise-cracking, one-man army on a mission to infiltrate a mysterious Axis base in the Bermuda Triangle. As you explore a massive, hand-crafted island with ten interconnected areas, you will uncovers the Nazis’ twisted scientific pursuits while wreaking havoc on their forces with an arsenal of conventional firearms, such as handguns and shotguns, and cutting-edge technology, like flamethrowers and railguns. Your weapons can also be upgraded with modified gun parts and special types of ammunition. There’s even an upgradable jetpack that looks to make traversal insanely fun and fast-paced. The real standout element however, is Bit Kid’s dedication to create a bona fide NES game, limiting WOLFHOUND to an 8-bit color palette and 320×180 pixel resolution. The result is a stylistically authentic retro experience, complete with a chiptune soundtrack composed in Famitracker. What looks like a flawless mix of old-school charm and modern gameplay elements, WOLFHOUND looks to capture the essence of NES classics, making it an experience I cannot wait to dive into.
Wishlist WOLFHOUND: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1205660/WOLFHOUND/
