Indie Games Devel
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Selfloss is an adventure with a strong exploratory and contemplative mood. To think that it was created by Goodwin Games, made up of just three people is truly remarkable. The game gives its best in proposing puzzles and secondary objectives, even if they are not immediate to solve. In fact, finding the key to the problem is never a given and the creatures that populate the game world will be fundamental. Fulfilling their requests literally means progressing in the game and reaching the goal. While the narrative is a strong point of the game, some moments are a bit weak. Selfloss unfortunately fails in the implementation of its mechanics, especially in the action phases. For the rest, Selfloss is a game made with love and care and which is not afraid to tackle “uncomfortable” issues. Anyone wanting to enjoy an adventure (about 8 hours) that focuses on exploration and story will be well rewarded.
You know, it’s often said that letting emotions guide you is a mistake, but this time, we feel compelled to share something more personal. For us, Copycat wasn’t merely a game—it was a fleeting yet meaningful life experience. We won’t tell you Copycat is without its flaws, to do so would be disingenuous, not only to what we’ve previously expressed but to ourselves as well. However, it’s precisely these imperfections that make it so beautifully emotional, gripping, and undeniably moving in its imperfect beauty. This is a deeply touching, reflective journey that anyone—no matter your age—should embark on, whether you’re a cat lover or not. It stands as a tribute to the unconditional bond between humans and animals, but it’s also a profound meditation on loneliness, loss, and the essence of family. Despite some understandable limitations, Copycat succeeds in delivering a universal message, one that leaves an indelible mark on the heart of its players.
Edge of Sanity is a title that stands out for its unique artistic style and gripping storyline, capable of keeping the player in constant suspense. The hand-drawn art, combined with the unsettling atmosphere and references to Cthulhu mythology, gives the game an original and captivating edge. While not complex in terms of gameplay, it demands attention and strategy, creating an experience that can be frustrating yet extremely realistic. Recommended for those who love survival horror games and appreciate attention to stylistic and narrative details.
Studio MDHR once again demonstrates its mastery with a DLC that, though completable by seasoned players in a relatively short time, provides a compelling reason to return to the enchanting world of Cuphead. The Delicious Last Course embodies the very essence of what a DLC should be: it introduces fresh elements that subtly enhance the already stellar game formula, edging Cuphead even closer to perfection. Particularly notable is the inclusion of Miss Chalice, who brings a breath of fresh air, significantly boosting replayability and encouraging players to strive for their highest achievements.
Ova Magica is a promising title that offers a relaxing and engaging gameplay experience. The breeding of blobs and the ability to customize one’s world are very positive aspects. The graphics, while cute, may appear a bit simplified compared to other titles in the genre. Despite this, Ova Magica has the potential to become a benchmark in the farm sim genre, especially if the developers continue to work on it and add new content. If you are a fan of life simulation games and appreciate a simpler, more colorful aesthetic, Ova Magica may be right for you. In a nutshell, Ova Magica is: A relaxing and engaging game, perfect for those seeking an escape from daily routine. A customizable experience, thanks to blob breeding and the ability to build your own farm. A promising title with great potential for growth.
Overlooking some clunky collisions, an overuse of enemy shooters and mages, and some clumsy platforming sections, I can say that I completed an excellent Soulslike. The longevity reaches more than acceptable levels. The story is intriguing enough to encourage progression, even if just to discover what other devilry Hexworks has hidden around the corner. Talking about a title like this is never easy. There’s always a risk of remaining in the shadow of the Souls tetralogy, which still casts both shadows and light on a large portion of its descendants. Taken on its own, Lords Of The Fallen is fun, engaging, intriguing, and above all, it works.
Riddle Tower is a puzzle game that, while not heavily focused on its story, offers an intriguing adventure that immerses players in a world full of intellectual challenges. With its wide range of puzzles, accessible gameplay for all ages, and regular updates that keep the content fresh, the game succeeds in engaging and entertaining both casual players and puzzle enthusiasts. Despite some limitations in graphics and sound, and the challenge it poses to non-native English speakers, Riddle Tower stands out as a rewarding and stimulating gaming experience.
Released on August 7th, 2024, and developed and published by Mega Cat Studios, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit (FNAF Into the Pit) has brought a breath of fresh air to the series, captivating both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, this title stands out from previous installments due to its completely revamped graphic style and more adventurous gameplay.
Creatures of Ava is a delightful yet imperfect surprise. While the game is undeniably enjoyable and features several commendable elements, it falls short of fully realizing the promising ideas envisioned by its developers. This feels like a missed opportunity, as the initial narrative appeal suggested the potential for a more impactful experience. With a bit more fine-tuning, the gameplay mechanics could have evolved into something truly exceptional.
Aarik and The Ruined Kingdom is certainly a good puzzle game with an attractive look that aims to embrace the philosophy of a “relaxing” game suitable for everyone. The fairy tale technique works well in this context and the narrative side is never neglected, indeed it is embellished with some particular events. Despite some technical flaws, Aarik and The Ruined Kingdom keeps what it promises, a relaxing story that stimulates the player’s lateral thinking and encourages him to go on. Too bad the longevity is really too short.
Shift 87, a first-person psychological horror game developed by Pixelsplit and published by Daedalic Entertainment, was released on July 23, 2024, for PC. The game places players in a disturbing industrial setting where they must identify and record anomalies.
Abathor is definitely a little gaming gem. A declaration of love from David and Javier Garay towards the arcade classics of the late 80s. The attention to detail makes the game impressive from a visual and sound point of view, embellishing the atmosphere of the title. Unfortunately Abathor has retained anachronistic elements and some naivety that can also be partly corrected. Although the difficulty and the perception of it is also subjective, some mechanics objectively only add artificial difficulty. All in all, Abathor is a good product that deserves to be played, which is mostly aimed at a specific niche. I invite you to at least try it even if you are not “old school” players because its aesthetics and old style gameplay might fascinate you.
I can say without a doubt that Cuphead leaves an indelible mark on gamers, particularly due to its distinctive style and combat system. Every game mechanic is meticulously crafted, giving players full freedom, although they must work hard to find the ideal equipment to reach the end credits. In my humble opinion, Cuphead is certainly one of the most successful indie games ever, but it does not achieve absolute excellence due to some excessively chaotic gameplay phases and a longevity that is sufficient but not exceptional.
Once Human is a title that won’t disappoint fans of the survival and open-world genres. With its exceptional graphics, rich and detailed gameplay mechanics, and a vast, immersive world, the game offers an engaging and ever-evolving experience. Whether you are a solo player or prefer group play, Once Human has something to offer everyone, representing a compelling and challenging adventure in a unique and fascinating post-apocalyptic setting.
Wéko The Mask Gatherer is a good action-adventure game that is easy to learn and equally simple to master, offering an intuitive and straightforward experience. It adeptly combines the intriguing concept of masks with core features that have made other action-adventures popular. However, despite its strengths, it falls short of the genre’s elite due to some inherent naivety, a byproduct of inexperience. The soundtrack, while well-suited to the game’s narrative and setting with its atmospheric tracks, lacks a distinctive flair and fails to make a memorable impact. Nevertheless, the game is enjoyable and pleasant, making it an ideal choice for those new to the action-adventure genre or anyone seeking a relaxing experience without too much complexity. However, don’t be too quick to dismiss it if you’re an older gamer. Wéko The Mask Gatherer has its own unique charm and may pleasantly surprise you with its engaging gameplay from start to finish.
Developed by Tiny Roar and published by Daedalic Entertainment, this indie title has won the hearts of PC gamers since June 19, 2024. In Into the Emberlands, players take on the role of an explorer called the “Light Bearer,” and embark on a unique adventure. Their noble and challenging task is to rescue the lost, rebuild the village, and keep the mysterious miasma threatening their hometown at bay.
Crawling on a precarious beam with a thirty-meter drop to the sea below, swimming in a flooded duct, climbing a damaged ladder battered by storm winds, making our way through a destroyed and completely dark compartment… The mental assault on the player is continuous, relentless, and unforgiving. Still Wakes The Deep grips us in an oppressive hold and refuses to let go until the end. The story’s rhythm is heart-pounding; we will have no peace or respite throughout the adventure.
In the beginning, the vast majority of doors will be locked. Often we’ll know where to go, but it will be cryptic to understand how to get there. We’ll collect items and keys of dubious use, trying to make sense of them through the diaries and documents we find around, sometimes very well hidden. The homage to the early Resident Evil chapters was greatly appreciated. Personally, the game managed to take me back in time, making me feel disoriented and confused again. Hats off.
SCHiM is a small gem, original, intelligent, and engaging, with evident care from the developers. The game stands out for its graphics and music, although replayability and variety may be limited. Despite these minor flaws, SCHiM offers a relaxing and captivating adventure, with moments requiring timing and precision worthy of a challenging platformer.
3D Realms missed a great opportunity with Phantom Fury. Serious gameplay and technical problems drastically lowered the quality of a title that had the potential to be a good shooter. Luckily the plot and the artistic level save the title from a complete and much more serious rejection. Although Phantom Fury is a courageous title, it shows the consequences of the incorrect balance between graphics, narrative, level design and gameplay.