Nintendo dropped a bombshell on us this month with a shock Indie World Showcase. Within the 26-minute video, I noticed all kinds of bulletins, with some long-delayed video games lastly receiving launch dates. And, as all the time with the Nintendo Direct format, there have been additionally a handful of shock drops within the indie scene.
The showcase featured greater than 20 new indie video games plus DLCs for already-existing titles. And the very best half? A few of these have dropped. Let’s have a look at a few of this April’s Indie Showcase highlights.
Mineko’s Night time Market
I’ve needed to play Mineko’s Night time Marketplace for years, so you may think about my glee when the builders lastly tossed us a launch date. After eight years of improvement, Meowza Video games’ Mineko’s Night time Market will launch on September 26, 2023, on the Nintendo Swap (it’s additionally introduced for PC).
Mineko’s Night time Market was first introduced in 2015. It turned heads because of its concentrate on Japanese mythology, stunning watercolor-style graphics, and hordes of cats. Did I point out there are going to be cats on this recreation?
As Mineko, you may craft objects, discover, discuss to townsfolk, and take part within the native evening market, the place you may promote the supplies and objects you discover. The components isn’t something new per se—if something, it’s giving me Fantasy Life vibes. However the artwork makes it stand out from the remainder of the flock. Moreover that, Mineko’s Night time Market guarantees many stage performances, enjoyable parades, and… cat races? Anywho, you may have a look at the trailer when you’re the least considering what you’re listening to.
My Time At Sandrock
The creators of My Time at Portia—Pathea Video games—showcased the Nintendo Swap model of their sequel, My Time at Sandrock. Right here you should restore a decrepit, post-apocalyptic desert group to its former glory by scavenging for sources and relics, battling monsters by melee fight, and assembling previous machines to rework a torn-down workshop right into a fine-tuned facility.
Pathea Video games shared that My Time at Sandrock attracts inspiration from the Gobi Desert. The sport is in Early Entry on Steam, however we lastly have a launch date for the Swap model. Should you’re itching to discover historic ruins, you’ll be glad to listen to that My Time at Sandrock will land on the Nintendo Swap within the Summer season of 2023.
Rift of the NecroDancer
A spin-off of Crypt of the NecroDancer, Rift is a rhythm recreation the place you should make the most of lane-based fight (just like what you see in Guitar Hero) to defeat highly effective monsters and managers. It’s primarily Guitar Hero however with monster battles. Every monster has a special motion sample it’s a must to be conscious of.
In Rift of the NecroDance, you should assist Cadence—the protagonist—navigate the trendy world whereas repairing the rifts which have torn her life (therefore the title). The sport is ready to function a brand new storyline and a number of characters. As of now, it’s considered one of 2023’s standout video games, and I can’t wait to play it in terms of the Swap later this yr.
Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous is likely one of the finest hack-and-slash platformers on the market, so I used to be ecstatic when The Sport Kitchen introduced its sequel. The newest trailer for Blasphemous 2 options the OG recreation’s pixel artwork, the return of The Penitent One, and lots of extra. A few of the notable highlights coming to the sequel embrace newly-added weapons, development programs, customized builds, and an expanded moveset in your character.
The unique Blasphemous was hailed for its beautiful animations and fight; it was an eerie Metroidvania that supplied loads of brutal action-platforming. Now, we will count on extra of that when it arrives this summer time.
Oxenfree II: Misplaced Alerts
Oxenfree II: Misplaced Alerts is the follow-up to the favored indie title—Oxenfree–by Netflix and Night time College Studio. The narrative journey recreation is ready 5 years after the primary recreation, the place it’ll star Riley as she returns to her hometown. There, she’s tasked with investigating the unusual electromagnetic waves that plague the realm.
Oxenfree II will function a brand new walkie-talkie system, permitting Riley to speak with different characters, however you may count on the identical marvel and mind-bending twists when it drops on July 12. Pre-orders are already obtainable right this moment by the Nintendo eShop. The sport was initially delayed in order that Night time College Studios might work on it additional, however fortunately, now we have now a schedule.
Crime O’Clock
Rise and shine; it’s Crime O’Clock! Unhealthy Seed and Simply For Video games introduced their investigation recreation on the most recent Indie Showcase, and it seems to be like a hoot to play. The crime-solving recreation stretches throughout a number of dimensions, that includes instances set in a number of eras, like a cybernetic future and the Misplaced Age.
The occasions in a single period can change what is going to occur in one other. The map will unlock extra mysteries in different eras as you clear up instances. It may be a little bit of a doozy for people who aren’t puzzle followers, however the beautiful hand-drawn visuals and dense mechanics make up for it. Should you’re interested in Crime O’Clock, you may try extra critiques when it releases on June 20, 2023.
2023 Has Been Nice for Indie Video games So Far
2023 has been a robust yr for indie video games to date. As we’re wrapping up the primary quarter of the yr, we see some high quality titles already, and you’ll count on many extra to affix the listing of ‘must-plays’ this yr. What are among the indie video games you’re trying ahead to enjoying? Tell us within the feedback!