Every fortnight (apart from when I took a month off between volumes 8 and 9 and this edition because of an editor issue), I highlight some games from smaller studios and publishers I’ve encountered.
I have no criteria for what is “cool.” If something catches my eye, I either follow its development or download a demo, if available and see what happens.
GHOSTPIA SEASON ONE – NINTENDO SWITCH
This visual novel on Nintendo Switch caught my eye because the premise sounded genuinely interesting. In a town full of ghosts, one girl doesn’t remember her past, let alone what happened to the town.
FORWARD: ESCAPE THE FOLD – STEAM
From developer Two Tiny Dice, Forward: Escape the Fold is an itty bitty roguelike dungeon crawler with some card-based mechanics. It isn’t quite a full deck builder, but the action itself is card-based.
B.I.O.T.A – STEAM
This mega-retro 2D action platformer from developer small bros is a nostalgia quake of epic proportions and is the most fun I had this fortnight. You play a little bit of Metroid, a little bit of Mega Man as a member of the Gemini Squad.
You can choose to play through as different team members and return to your base at any time to heal or change characters. The action takes place in the mines themselves.
EVIL WIZARD – STEAM
In a meta adventure for the ages, you are the player and controlling the Evil Wizard. The local heroes have invaded his castle, and now it’s up to you to help him regain it.