Six One Indie
HomepageSix One Indie's Reviews
From the moment I set eyes upon Valley Peaks during Next Fest, I knew I wanted to jump in and experience the game, regardless of the gameplay loop. I’m happy to say what is on offer here in the full release is more than the sum of its parts in unexpected and welcomed ways. I didn’t expect myself to completely have a paused moment halfway through and relate not just with the game and its characters but also the developers. Valley Peaks is a special game that you think is over quickly, but keeps on going, and in doing so relays a very personal and important message to us all: Keep going. I can’t recommend it enough, and hope you enjoy your time spent here as much as I did.
It’s difficult for roguelike deck builders to stand out in a genre with powerhouses like Slay the Spire and Dicey Dungeons. Dice & Fold is a really entertaining addition and one that I find myself continuously wanting to go back to. The Developers clearly listen to their players and are updating and fixing the game constantly and if things continue the way they’re going, with a few balance fixes, this title could stand proudly at the top of the genre.
Flock is an enjoyable, meditative adventure that is the perfect dose of chill vibes. The five hour experience flew by and left me in the clouds next to the other fun creatures from this world. The ambience is always something I look forward to in a vibrant game, and I can’t wait for others to get lost and then find their ways through this spectacle.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a cute, simplistic game that allows players to relax, unwind and hang out with some lovely frogs. While gameplay does get repetitive after a while, for those that are looking for something chill, it’s a good time for a few hours. You might not find yourself trying to collect every frog or bothering with some of the more confusing elements of the game, but overall it’s a lovely little title with loads of adorable hoppy lads.
In short, Cryptmaster presents a blend of dungeon-crawling adventure and linguistic puzzle-solving, inviting players to wield the power of words in a world shrouded in mystery and danger. While its narrative and gameplay mechanics may falter at times, its innovative approach to word-based gameplay ensures a captivating experience for players willing to embrace the role of a keyboard warrior or those willing to pull out a dictionary.
Little Kitty, Big City is a wonderful kitty-sized adventure. The four hour experience gave me plenty of comical written moments, satisfying puzzles to complete, and a protagonist that was so endearing that they left my heart completely full. The end of the game also ends on such a beautiful and wholesome note that I just sat in my chair, gleamed at my real life black cat, and gave him a big ‘ol hug. Double Dagger Studio has made an absolute banger of a game and you should certainly pounce right in. You’re in for a treat.
Overall, Crow Country is a well-catered survival horror title featuring an old-school look and feel without feeling dated. Crow Country being an abandoned amusement park, carries a lot of the ambiance featured, even though it feels one note at times, it's one heck of a note. The game’s narrative structure and plot feel a little loose regarding how players will encounter it, but they still work and feel unique, or at the very least, anything but shallow. Crow Country is a must for fans of survival horror and those who crave 90s nostalgia. The latest entry into the grunge horror genre offers a compelling aesthetic, enticing characters, and engaging puzzles. Despite the horrors that will stick with me for a lifetime, I can't recommend SFB Games’ nightmare enough.
Indika feels like a challenge to get through. With its main mechanic being its puzzles that break the game quite often, it might prove difficult for casual players to complete. But, if you’re looking for a game that you’ll want to tell your friends about as soon as the credits roll, this will be the perfect title for you. It’s unique, strange, funny, and unlike anything I’ve played before. If you can make it through, it’s worth the short, one time journey.
With their vibrant and approachable take on the genre, Aggro Crab has crafted an incredible soulslike that satisfies both genre veterans and welcomes newcomers with open claws.
Sucker for Love: Date to Die For isn’t exactly what the average player will expect when picking it up. It’s genuinely creepy at times which is great for horror fans, but doesn’t actually feature that much dating (or any dating to be honest) for something that claims to be a dating sim. Still, it’s fun, absolutely reminiscent of 90’s anime, and definitely has replay value for those who like collecting all the endings in visual novels. Now go kiss that goat mommy!
Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom excels at being a retro-inspired throwback while also being it’s absolute own, original creation. While it shares a lot in common with well loved games, both its gameplay and style are inherently its own. The varied worlds and characters coupled with the surprising mystery box of a score created an unbelievable fever dream of a game while still feeling like something that could have been made decades ago. While the brutal difficulty may deter many players, what Panik Arcade has achieved with Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom is no small feat.
Pacific Drive is definitely not for the casual player. Gameplay can be very unforgiving but the more you uncover, the easier it becomes. For the player that sticks with it, it will soon become impossible to put down. From the extensive amount of vehicle customization options to the massive and unique open world, Pacific Drive is an experience players won't want to miss out on.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is a great sequel that fans of the first will be super excited about. Its characters are hilarious and charming, making for a great time from start to finish. While the simplistic gameplay can get pretty repetitive at times, it’s a fantastic roguelite that doesn’t overstay its welcome and is brilliantly ridiculous.
Asya’s story is inspired by the diaries of real children affected by the war and that is why we, as people whose parents, grandparents and great grandparents have lived through it too, should continue to tell stories like this. No matter how painful they may be and no matter how long ago it was. And putting those stories into a format like Torn Away, one that forces the player to experience each and every excruciating or playful moment, is truly amazing. It gives us a close up look and reminds us of just how lucky we are to be here today. Play it - you won’t regret it.
Goodbye Volcano High is a fantastic narrative that provides themes and stories that are relatable to players of all ages and experiences. The team at KO_OP balances the wonderful teenage angst with meaningful storytelling, fantastic music, and animation that few can match. Goodbye Volcano High forced me to look within and see how I approached scenarios as a know-it-all 18 year old versus how I would respond some 10+ years later. This six hour adventure is required playing for those that appreciate a powerful coming of age story that is presented in a new and unique way.
Thronefall is an engaging tower defense game that rewards maximizing your strategy through precision and base-building mechanics.
Frank and Drake's artistic prowess shines to the extent that I was left wanting more. Its puzzles are very organic, for better or worse, yet it's the game's intertwined narrative that carries the experience.
Fall of Porcupine tells an authentic and honest narrative. It’s an experience that will simultaneously keep you laughing while ensuring the tissues are for a somber moment.
Smushi Come Home is an adorable, comical, and emotionally gripping game that is the perfect icing on the mushroom cake.
Return is a tight, engaging, and stunningly beautiful 2D Souls-like that will capture your attention immediately.