As we leave 2021 and look toward 2022, we can only hope that next year is at least a little bit better. The world has seen a lot this past year, and it’s affected all of us. However, we are still united in our drive for creativity and expression. And as always, our favorite indie games offer those as well as another crucial benefit: entertainment! Thankfully, there’s loads of incredible content that developers have been cooking up for a January release. Here’s a look at our favorite indie games you can use to kick off the new year!
Upcoming Indie Games in January 2022
This Means Warp
Many of us aim to reach a level of management whenever it comes to our jobs, but we’re never sure what to expect. Overseeing a group of people let alone a whole department can be very stressful and intimidating, especially when we’re expected to do it on our own. This can be felt in certain management simulators — but it doesn’t have to be. That’s what’s happening in This Means Warp by Outlier. You’re teaming up with up to three other people to manage a spacecraft as it goes hurtling through a procedurally generated universe. You’re going to have to work together to keep things running smoothly and in one piece when dealing with some of the game’s hairier situations.
This Means Warp is slated for a January release for PC.
Super UFO Fighter
When you think about the fact that UFO stands for Unidentified Flying Object, that would broaden the scope for what would fit the classification. As long as it’s moving fast and appears blurry enough, it would be easy to mistake a flying disc for a craft from beyond the stars. The classic UFO looks like a large plate with a sphere in the middle. This is a simple, clean, and pleasant design that has been expanded upon by VV-LABO in Super UFO Fighter. The UFOs have arguably never been cuter and more colorful! This makes them perfect for a competitive party game where you and your friends need to battle it out by flying around and breaking things.
Super UFO Fighter releases for PC on January 12.
Blackwind
You can’t escape the popularity of giant robots. They are pop-culture icons that have a strong chance to stand the test of time with all the content backing them up. From Transformers to Pacific Rim, it’s no wonder why so many of us wonder what it would be like to pilot a giant mech. But, until that time comes, games are a pretty effective way to get a little taste of it. You’ve got options and one of the newer ones is Blackwind brought to us by Drakkar Dev. With some of the flair of Zone Of The Enders, you’re playing a teen who gets stuck in an experimental mech when BANG! Aliens happen. From a top-down perspective, you’ll be able to survey the battlefield as you decide on the best way to unleash your can of whoop-arsenal.
Blackwind releases for PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox on January 20.
Pupperazzi
How could anyone not love dogs? While there are reasons why someone might not, it may still baffle the average person. It’s because dogs are so pure, cute, playful, innocent, sweet, affectionate and all the other positive qualities you’d look for in a companion. Simply looking online will reveal that some of the most popular content revolves around videos and pictures of dogs. So, why not make a game out of it? Well, that’s what Sundae Month has done. In Pupperazzi, your goal is simple: Take pictures of dogs. Like in Dead Rising, you’ll aim to get the sweetest, silliest, and most wonderful photos so you and your canine stars can stand out.
Pupperazzi releases for PC and Xbox on January 20.
Startup Panic
We are living in an era where self-employment is becoming more appealing and more viable to people wanting to make names for themselves. However, if working a standard company job is stressful, imagine running the whole company by yourself. The frequency of startups popping up gives a false sense of ease when in fact it’s a struggle just to get your toe in the door. If only there was something that captured the challenge and pressure of such an endeavor. Thankfully, Algo Rocks have answered the call with Startup Panic. This game will give you the chance to start, run, manage and expand your very own startup company. You’ll need to stay on top of everything so you don’t go bankrupt while managing your success so you don’t draw any unwanted attention.
Startup Panic releases for PC and Android on January 20.
Reverie Knights Tactics
When it comes to battle, every decision you make counts. A slight move to the right or left can mean the difference between life or death. This is even more intense when there are multiple lives involved and they’re looking to you for direction. When playing strategy games, you’d ideally like to keep as many of your units alive as you lead them to victory. This is a key goal in Reverie Knights Tactics by 40 Giants Entertainment. It’s an RPG adventure that’s heavy on the tactical aspect and has a huge roster full of colorful characters. There’s a huge emphasis on careful thinking both in and out of combat where even the smallest choice can change how your story ends.
Reverie Knights Tactics releases for PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox on January 24.
Hidden Deep
Humans have an obsession with going deeper. We want so badly to go deeper into space and also to go deeper into our oceans and the very earth itself. It’s our natural curiosity that drives us to explore every nook and cranny… but we’re not always happy with what we find. There are plenty of horror stories revolving around unearthing something terrifying and Hidden Deep is going to be another one. Cogwheel Software presents a game where you’re both deep underground and underwater which is not a good start. It’s got lots of sci-fi inspiration with cool tech to play around with and threats to test them on.
Hidden Deep releases for PC, Switch, and Xbox on January 25.
