Nintendo Indie World Showcase dropped on August 18th, 9:30 PM IST, and featured about 20 minutes of new information on the latest and upcoming Indie games coming to the Switch. I must say, after finishing the video, I haven’t been this excited and impressed by the line-up of Indie games Nintendo has in store in like, forever.
The first clip we’re greeted with is a stunning action-sequence animated by Studio Grackle for the game Hades. It’s a rogue-like dungeon crawler based on Greek mythology, where the player must escape from the Underworld and defy the god of the dead. Developed by Supergiant Games, the studio behind Transistor and Bastion, the character designs and set-up are both especially intriguing. If you’ve picked up Hades for the PC, you’re in luck as the Nintendo Switch version supports cross-saves. Hades will be coming to Nintendo Switch this Autumn.
In stark contrast to the modern gameplay of the previously introduced title, Hypnospace Outlaw features a retro style, akin to the computer interfaces from the 90s. It’s set in an alternate universe in the year 1999, where the internet is known as Hypnospace. Assuming the role of an “Enforcer”, the player must crack down on virtual villains such as cyberbullies, hackers and the like. Developed by Tendershoot and published by No More Robots, Hypnospace Outlaw launches on August 27th and is currently available for pre-purchase.
What’s described by Thunder Lotus Games as a cozy management game about the ferryman, the game Spiritfarer has the player take the role of Stella, a ferrymaster to the deceased, known as a Spiritfarer, along with her cat, Daffodil. It includes wholesome activities such as farming, fishing, cooking, crafting and more, as you learn to say goodbye to your passengers as you transport them to the afterlife. Released on the same day as the presentation, Spiritfarer is now available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop.
The most colorful release of the day, Garden Story, developed by picogram and published by Rose City Games, features the cutest pixel-art style. As the newly appointed Guardian of the Grove, it’s the player’s job to unify a broken community as Concord, the youngest grape in The Grove. It’s up to Concord to fend for the island and earn the trust of the community. Garden Story is set to release in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.
The next game featured was Subnautica, an underwater first-person survival game by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. By exploring the oceans of Subnautica, the player can collect resources, craft underwater structures, and uncover the mystery of what happened to the world of Subnautica in your expeditions. The sequel Subnautica: Below Zero takes place in the icy waters of Planet 4546B. Both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero are set to release on the Nintendo Switch in early 2021.
A game featuring one of the more unique art styles out of the bunch, Takeshi and Hiroshi, developed by Oink Games, is a tale of two brothers. As a 14-year-old aiming to be a game developer, Takeshi entertains his younger brother, Hiroshi, with his unfinished game and crafts new challenges fit for his liking. Combining charming clay animations with RPG gameplay, Takeshi and Hiroshi is a heart-warming tale, now available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop.
A huge first for the Nintendo Switch, Raji: An Ancient Epic, developed by Nodding Heads Games, is the first game from an Indian developer to release on the console. Taking inspiration from Hindu and Balinese mythology, the players must take in the footsteps of Raji in this action-adventure game set in Ancient India. As the chosen one by the gods, Raji must save her brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura. The game looks gorgeously ambient, and can now be purchased as a timed console exclusive on the Nintendo eShop at a limited time discount.
Another timed console exclusive game is Bear and Breakfast, a laid back management adventure about running a bed and breakfast as a bear. Yes, you read that correctly. Build an inn fit to your liking, attract tourists, and uncover the mysteries of the forest. Developed by Gummy Cat and published by Armor Games Studio, Bear and Breakfast will be available for purchase in 2021.
A little exploration game about hiking up a mountain, A Short Hike features the charming pixelated environment of Hawk Peak Provincial Park alongside a vibrant soundtrack. Along the journey, players can interact with other hikers, discover hidden treasures, and explore the various trails or backcountry on your way to the summit. This peaceful open-world game developed by Adam Robinson-Yu and published by Whippoorwill Limited is now available for the Nintendo Switch.
From the creators of the strategy game Reigns comes Card Shark, a tale of cards and deception. In this game developed by Nerial and published by Devolver Digital, players can fleece and cheat their way to the top of 18th-century French society. Card Shark is set for its opening gambit on Nintendo Switch next year.
The third installment in the series, Torchlight III takes place centuries after the events of Torchlight II. An action RPG developed by Echtra Games and published by Perfect World, players can choose character classes and designs, and build their own hero. The world of Novastraia is under threat of invasion and it’s up to the player to defend against the Netherim. You can find glory, fame, and a new adventure in Torchlight III, scheduled for release this Autumn.
A mind-bending game that takes place in a universe with a different set of physical laws, Manifold Garden is a game created by artist William Chyr. In this first-person puzzle-game, players must solve puzzles using the mechanics of this universe and its twisting perspective. Through manipulating gravity, navigate your way through the world of Manifold Garden, now available on Nintendo Switch.
A 2D-puzzle game now available for purchase, Evergate has you play as Ki, a child-like soul journeying through the after-life. Through the use of the Soulflame, players can navigate through the world of Evergate with extreme flexibility and embargo through a journey, as the developers from Soul Lantern Games expressed, “with heartfelt emotion that we hope will touch players with its innocence and humanity.”
Following Evergate’s announcement were glimpses of a few other indie games:
Haven – Later this year
Going Under – September 24th
The Red Lantern – Autumn 2020
Unrailed – September 23rd
Struggling – August 27th
Inmost – August 21st
She Dreams Elsewhere – Early 2021
Grindstone – Autumn 2020
Gonner 2 – Autumn 2020
It came as a surprise to me when the final announcement showed a very familiar goose, as Untitled Goose Game already made its way to the Switch last year. That is until another goose appeared on the screen and the havoc was doubled. A free multiplayer update will be arriving to Untitled Goose Game on September 23rd, as well as the announcement of an eventual physical version of the game. If anything, this means double the fun and double the trouble.
What games are you most excited for from the Nintendo Indie World Showcase? Let us know!
