Indie Games Devel
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Twilight Monk is undoubtedly a solid game, especially considering it is the first major project from Aquatic Moon Games following their debut with IKEDA. Its artistic direction, diverse enemy roster, fluid animations, and a straightforward yet self-aware narrative stand out as clear strengths. The level design and map structure are meticulously crafted, showcasing how the studio has adeptly internalized the lessons of the great classics, achieving a well-balanced interplay between portals, save points, and the strategic placement of items and secrets. This all reflects a meticulous attention to world-building. Conversely, the gameplay feels somewhat unrefined, with promising concepts that are not fully realized and certain naïve design choices that can easily undermine an otherwise fundamentally simple game system. Although the combat mechanics are notably weaker—particularly when measured against the benchmark set by recent standout titles—this does not entirely diminish the overall experience, which remains enjoyable. Twilight Monk certainly serves as a good entry point for newcomers to the genre and offers a pleasant pastime for enthusiasts, provided they are willing to accept a modest difficulty level and some roughness in its execution.
There are video games that take you by surprise—titles that quietly tiptoe onto the scene without fanfare or flourish, yet, the moment they reveal themselves, they resonate with an unexpectedly powerful voice. Such words perfectly capture our experience with SEDAP!: a game that slipped in under the radar but swiftly unveiled its full potential—save for a handful of minor, never truly intrusive imperfections—by captivating, engaging, and gifting players an evening teeming with energy, chaos, and delight. It is a cooperative adventure best shared with your trusted partner-in-crime, amidst unruly ingredients, mouthwatering dishes, and a rich culinary culture waiting to be discovered. From the exquisite art direction to the finely tuned sound design,from the tight, fast-paced gameplay to a soundtrack that seamlessly blends into the game’s vibrant rhythm, SEDAP! stands as an essential addition to any fan of the genre. It’s an experience we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loved Overcooked and PlateUp! and is eager to rediscover that same cooperative spirit, now reimagined through a heartfelt and flavorful tribute to the vibrant culinary traditions of Southeast Asia.
Oxide Room 104 is a title that, despite its flaws, delivers an engaging horror experience for genre enthusiasts—those who can never get enough of devouring every entry in the category. While there is certainly room for improvement, the game is rich with promising ideas that establish a strong foundation for a bright future for the WildSphere team. Thus, as we await the sequel, Oxide Room 208, originally scheduled for June 2025, my verdict aligns with the critical consensus, awarding the game a well-deserved and satisfying passing grade.
MULLET MADJACK is an excellent shooter that skillfully and passionately captures the essence of classic OAV anime at their expressive peak. The game impresses with its visual power, supported by high-quality graphics and solid, engaging gameplay. However, it is important to note that the learning curve can initially be steep, posing a significant challenge for newcomers. Overall, it remains a thoroughly worthwhile experience that we highly recommend trying.
In Sound Mind is a well-crafted psychological horror experience. If you are a fan of psychological horror and seek a game that truly challenges the mind, In Sound Mind is undoubtedly worth your time. This is precisely what it excels at—provoking thoughtful reflection. Personally, after completing it during a significant period of my life, I felt the need to put down the controller and take a moment for myself to contemplate how profoundly and intricately this game managed to touch upon deep, complex chords to ultimately reveal a fundamental truth. Only those who, like Desmond’s patients, have found themselves lost in an abyss with no apparent escape can truly understand how essential a psychological journey is to grasp this: sometimes, the source of our torment lies within ourselves.
Scarred is an indie title that places its focus on narrative and atmosphere. The story is touching and deals with deep themes with sensitivity, but the gameplay experience is hampered by minimal mechanics, almost nonexistent environmental interaction, and technical shortcomings. Nevertheless, those who appreciate strongly guided narrative experiences with a psychological core may find Scarred to be an interesting, though imperfect, title. Scarred is a psychological horror adventure developed by KOEX Studio and published by The Iterative Collective. The game was released on April 16, 2025, for PC, with support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Unlike many titles that drift unnoticed through the vast sea of gaming, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU leaves a lasting impression, etching a deep mark on our hearts. In my view, the creators have deliberately highlighted how, for some, life can be harsh and fraught with challenges that not everyone can face. However, through this narrative, they also remind us that hope is the last to fade, and that moments of joy and personal growth can still be found even in the most dire of circumstances. The message Zau imparts embodies the essence of “growth”: life cannot be viewed through the lens of idealized perfection, for even the most beautiful rose is armed with thorns capable of inflicting pain. Accepting a cruel fate is never easy, but it is crucial to find the resilience to persevere, to absorb the lessons pain has to offer, and to move forward, evolving into a new version of ourselves. This evolution, though marked by the scars of the past, carries with it the promise of a brighter future.
Vessel of Hatred proves to be a highly successful expansion, seamlessly building upon Blizzard’s already exceptional work and taking it to new heights. With its rich and varied content, it not only enhances the original Diablo IV experience but also offers an accessible entry point for newcomers. The gripping narrative, impactful conclusion, and the return of mercenaries make this expansion an essential addition for any devoted fan of the franchise.
While the combat system in South of Midnight may not immediately stand out due to its lack of originality, and certain platforming sections could benefit from further refinement, the game more than makes up for it with its remarkable emotional depth and captivating artistic direction. Every detail—from the hand-drawn animation to the masterfully crafted sound design—is executed with such precision and care that it creates an atmosphere that is both immersive and unforgettable. The game’s ability to draw the player into its world, even with a few rough edges, speaks to its remarkable depth and emotional resonance. This is a project with a soul that will undoubtedly find a place in players’ hearts, lingering long after they have completed the journey.
When it comes to psychological horror, it is rare to find a title that can truly strike deep without resorting to giant monsters, predictable jumpscares, or an excessively pushed mythology. BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH, the new game releasing on Steam on April 25, 2025, developed by Serafini Productions and published in collaboration with Shochiku, is a different experience. Silent, unsettling, slow. And for this reason, absolutely disconcerting.
Koira isn’t just a game—it’s a deeply emotional experience that invites you to slow down, reflect, and feel. As the old saying goes, it’s not the destination that matters, but the journey itself—and Koira makes every step along the way worth taking. Yes, there are bumps—some bugs, a rough save system, and occasional design lapses—but Koira’s heart shines through. Studio TOLIMA’s debut is a beautiful first step, rich with promise and artistic voice. If this is just page one, the story ahead is bound to be something special.
Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror offers a horror experience with a well-crafted atmosphere and engaging puzzles. However, shortcomings in the combat system, storytelling, and certain technical aspects prevent the game from reaching its full potential. For fans of the genre, it might be worth exploring, but it’s best to approach it with moderate expectations.
The Lies We Tell Ourselves – Chapter One delivers a powerful and unsettling introduction to a psychological narrative that ventures deep into the human psyche. Through a symbolic, story-driven gameplay experience rich in atmosphere, the game invites players to explore Vincent’s fragmented mind, suspended between reality and nightmare, past and present. With refined writing, masterful art direction, and a haunting soundtrack, this opening chapter lays the foundation for an emotional and metaphysical journey that will linger with attentive and emotionally attuned players.
The game blends the monotony of repetitive work with an oppressive atmosphere and growing psychological terror. The player finds themselves in the role of a solitary worker inside a mysterious distribution center, with only the company of their loyal cat. The task is simple: retrieve and ship packages. But as the shift progresses, it becomes more evident that something dark is lurking between the shelves.
Mark of the Deep is an action game with a lot of potential that sometimes gets lost in its own mechanics. It is certainly a good game, challenging even if sometimes unbalanced towards an artificial difficulty. Some design choices will certainly make those who don’t like trial and error turn up their noses. The mechanics, however simple and intuitive, struggle to entertain until the end, but the sense of discovery and satisfaction in overcoming a challenge is good. A game with many positive points and some negative ones, such as the choice of map, which do not allow it to reach the rating I would like to give it. However Mark of the Deep can captivate with its minimal but functional aesthetic and sometimes rough but satisfying gameplay.
After a long wait and a significant scaling back of its original vision, it’s safe to say that Obsidian has delivered a solid, albeit restrained, experience with Avowed. The game successfully builds on the developer’s strengths, showcasing a strong combat system, impressive technical optimization, and a world filled with potential. However, despite these solid foundations, there is a sense that Avowed doesn’t fully capitalize on its own promise. It would be unfair to claim that Obsidian’s efforts completely miss the mark—quite the opposite. The game is undeniably well-crafted. Yet, with greater attention to finer details and a bolder approach, Avowed could have evolved into a far deeper and more memorable experience, fully realizing the considerable potential it undeniably possesses.
While Waiting is definitely a good game, crazy and terribly normal, fun and serious at the same time. The developers have certainly put heart, knowledge and passion into the creation of this product. Often, as in life, you can have similar experiences, but each face them with their own vision. While Waiting encourages the player to think outside the box and the levels can be played pleasantly one after the other. Unfortunately, when the game becomes purely playful, problems begin. The somewhat rough mechanics unfortunately compromise the brilliance and fun of some scenes. Net of this While Waiting has ideas and a development that is brilliant and romantic in its own way.
Eternal Strands stands out in the action-adventure genre thanks to its original take on magic and innovative use of Weaving. While the game does have some minor technical imperfections, such as a camera system that could benefit from further refinement and a slow-paced start, these flaws are easily overshadowed by the game’s strengths. The gameplay is engaging and strategically demanding, offering players a rewarding challenge. The world is captivating and immersive, brimming with mystery and wonder, inviting exploration at every turn. Additionally, the combat system encourages and rewards creativity, allowing for varied and dynamic encounters. For those who cherish adventures rich in exploration and magic, Eternal Strands is a title that should not be overlooked. Engaging and strategic gameplay A fascinating and immersive world A combat system that rewards creativity If you love adventures full of exploration and magic, Eternal Strands is a title you won’t want to miss
BrokenLore: LOW stands out as a psychological horror game. It plays with perception and the player’s mind. The game blends symbolism and surrealism. It features a slowly unfolding narrative. This makes it one of the most intriguing horror experiences of the year. With improved fluidity and consistency in interactions, it could become a benchmark. The game could become a cult classic. It will captivate genre enthusiasts.
Released on April 10, 2024, by Miju Games, Planet Crafter is a survival sandbox that puts players in the role of a lone explorer with an ambitious yet perilous task: to terraform a hostile planet and make it habitable.