Since the introduction of the Nintendo Switch back in 2017, the first six titles included Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, not forgetting Pokémon Sword and Shield. Nintendo has gone left of centre and is championing indie titles and developers, including some online games and the expected fantasy titles.
Nintendo Switch is great for indie titles because many of the games are suited to the handheld console or TV mode, so gamers choose Switch over PS5 or Xbox consoles. When you love a brand, the brand loves you back; it rewards fans by scooping up the hottest up and coming developers with the most forward-thinking ideas.
Ignore the lo-fi effects of these games and go with the concept; it doesn’t take much to get sucked in. Most of all, we love the fact they’re way more affordable than the big titles and let’s face the facts after the flop that was Cyberpunk 2077, the gaming world deserves some hot content.
In no particular order, and just because we love the graphics, let’s start with Hollow Knight.
Hollow Knight
Okay, hands up, Hollow Knight isn’t new, released in 2018 but expertly designed with great graphics. Full of fascinating gameplay, exploration combining elements of the Soulslike and Metroidvania genre.
The deal is you play as a bug skeleton to restore the kingdom of Hallownest by crossing the map, unlocking new zones and defeating any idiot who gets in your way. Power-ups are explosive, and this helps you rid the kingdom of infection (very 2020)
Notice the loadout system, which adds strategy and layers adoption by letting you mix and match the ‘charm’ power-ups you find along the way. Finding suitable charms at the right time is the key to this game. Multiple endings are depending on how well or poorly you do, so it never gets boring. There are over 100 hours of gameplay, making this a great value game.
Oxenfree and Oxenfree 2
With Oxenfree 2 about to be released, let’s look back at the original Oxenfree 2016. The first Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of kids who accidentally open a ghostly rift.
Alex brought his new stepbrother Jonas to an overnight island party, but things inevitably went wrong. Everything is just as creepy in the updated version, and Alex hasn’t got any older, but this time the scenarios change to match the story you’re playing.
Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals is the sequel that sets itself in Camena, the hometown of our new star Riley. Riley is an environmental researcher (yep! Not exactly original) and uncovers all sorts of shenanigans related to a mysterious radio signal. So far, no release date, so keep your ear to the ground; it’s on the way.
So what else is new, we hear you ask? Nintendo usually makes a big deal out of new releases; this year, the release was low key, positively underwhelming. Fortunately, that’s not true of the games. If you like old school plots and characters, you will love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
The game was released originally on the back of the famous TV show of the same name. Ninjas T came up from the sewers in 1987 and have been eating pizza ever since.
Shredder’s revenge is a side-scrolling smash and bash epic from way back. The game celebrates old times. The game is a collab between Dotemu and the publisher behind Wonder Boy and Streets of Rage 4. Now we’re talking; it’s quirky as you would expect and very indie in an old-fashioned way.
Sometimes gamers like a night off, and what better way to relax than a game of The Four Kings?
The Four Kings
The game is based in a casino that makes you feel like you’re in the building, stimulating the entire casino experience. Create an avatar giving them characteristics that reflect you and your individuality. Once you’re in the game, walk through the casino and feel the Vegas vibe.
Find a game you want to play, poker, slots, online pachinko or roulette and get cracking. The Four Kings allows you to chat with other players, have a drink together and even dance, just like the real thing. We say cheers to that!
Finally, Last Stop is the final choice; the game is based in London and is a single-player third-person themed adventure.
Last Stop
Set in modern-day London, the graphics are amazing. You play three different characters whose worlds were set up to collide during a supernatural crisis. The trick is to find out what connects these characters (it’s not Harry Potter). Where will the game take them? Are they good or not so much?
All will be revealed in July for this indie game. Some of the games listed have been released, while others like Oxenfree 2 doesn’t have a release date. No matter what your preference Nintendo has made being indie so much better than mainstream.
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