With the release of major triple-A titles of late, such as the recent Spider-Man game and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, it’s no exaggeration to say that gamers are feeling the pinch on their wallets. As a way to alleviate some of those monetary woes, some have decided to check out upcoming games and begin saving up for them now.
If you’re one of those people – and you’re really into indie games – then you’re in luck. From slapstick comedy to gut-wrenching storytelling, here are five indie games that you should keep an eye out for:
Loddlenaut
Get your clean freak on with the wonderful Loddlenaut. In it, you play an interstellar custodian tasked with cleaning up an alien open-world environment decimated by a megacorporation. As you go about cleaning the alien world, native creatures known as “loddles” will begin to appear that you can befriend and raise. As the area progressively gets cleaner, more loddles of various shapes and colours will emerge for you to take care of. Explore the open water and bring life back to the alien planet’s oceans.
The game will be coming to PCs this November.
Little Kitty, Big City
You finished the wonderful game of Stray, but you still need your cat game fix? Then publisher Double Dagger Studio has you covered. Little Kitty, Big City follows a similar premise to Stray, minus the dystopian future, where you control a cat who must find their way back home. This casual adventure game lets you explore the massive world at your leisure and meet a colourful cast of chatty animals along your way back home.
Little Kitty, Big City will be coming in 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Xbox One
Loco Motive
Nothing is more thrilling than a murder mystery. In Loco Motive, there has been a murder, and you are the prime suspect! This point-and-click puzzle game has you exploring every nook and cranny for every clue your pixelated eyes can see in order to clear your name. With colourful art design and slapstick comedy, this game will have you glued to your seat until you uncover the mystery. And with three potential protagonists for your playthrough, you’ll be in for a real treat.
Loco Motive will be coming to PC and the Nintendo Switch sometime in late 2023 to early 2024.
Neva
From the studio that gave us Gris, Neva is shaping up to be another tearjerker. In this game, you pilot a young woman named Alba, who is accompanied by a majestic wolf cub. After a traumatising event, the two embark on a journey through a world that is rapidly withering away. As the game progresses, we’ll witness their evolving relationship by overcoming hardships and obstacles. Their companionship will be put to the test to see if they will be able to strike out and make a new home – or will they perish in the process?
Neva will be coming to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, and Series S, but with no specified date of release.
Inkbound
One of the games that you can try out now, Inkbound has made headlines as of late in the gaming world for one simple thing that not even triple-A games can do: remove microtransactions. This turn-based, tactical action, roguelike game has you exploring the pages of books. Why? Because a malevolent force has been destroying every tale, legend, and history within the pages of these books. You can explore this ever-updating game alone or with friends. Though it’s still in early access, the game has received a glowing reception from gamers and critics alike.
