Nintendo held its November Indie World Showcase last night, and to be honest, it’s probably one of the best ones I’ve watched all year. Not because it was flashier or more entertaining than the others, but because I’m excited for almost every game that was announced.
If you’re looking to ride the Indie hype train with me, here’s everything that was shown during last night’s showcase, when it’s releasing (all dates are South African) and a snazzy trailer, each:
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution
Releasing in 2024
Over 20 years later, the unfinished Shantae game for the Game Boy Advanced has officially been made for the Nintendo Switch.
Core Keeper
Releasing in Winter 2024
Already released on other platforms, and a game that I’m currently digging myself (get it?), Core Keeper balances a life sim with a survival game that can be enjoyed by you and your friends all at the same time.
On Your Tail
Releasing 2024, and a timed console exclusive
A life sim with a twist, On Your Tail, places you on a vacation in the beautiful Borgo Marina; however, there’s something afoot, and it’s up to you to solve it.
Howl
Available right now, with a demo
Turn-based tactical gameplay, a beautiful storybook-like art style and a folk tale to boot. You can bet I’m interested in this one!
The Star Named EOS
Releasing Autumn 2024
A heartwarming tale that bridges the gap between reality and memory, using photography and scrapbooking as a medium.
Backpack Hero
Available right now
Inventory management fans rejoice: this is the game you’ve been waiting for your whole life. Utilise your expertise in inventory management to make your way through perilous dungeons and come back out alive with enough materials to rebuild your village.
Blade Chimera
Autumn 2024, and a timed console exclusive
If there’s one genre that just plays best on Nintendo consoles, it’s gotta be Metroidvania’s. Blade Chimera’s sci-fi future, where demons have taken over, gives players a demon-possessed sword to help defeat the evil that is taking over.
A Highland Song
Releasing 5th December 2023
This one had me hooked from the very first word. An adventure game that builds upon the story differently depending on which route you take to reach your final destination, A Highland Song looks like a beautiful journey through the Scottish Highlands.
Moonstone Island
Releasing Autumn 2024, and a timed console exclusive
Moonstone has all the catchwords that work on me bundled up into one cute-looking pixel art game. A creature-collecting, deck-building life-sim is most definitely up my alley.
Death Trick: Double Blind
Releasing 2024, demo available today
A mysterious disappearance of the circus’ leading act has got everyone in a tiff. Use your detective skills to put together clues and unlock the puzzle behind it all.
Outer Wilds: Archeologist Edition
Releasing 7th December 2023, and a physical version releasing in 2024
Probably one of the most interesting stories to be told in one of the most interesting ways, The Outer Wilds finally makes its way to the Nintendo Switch, bundled together with the Echoes of the Eye expansion. This is a must-play game.
As time is of the essence, the Indie World Showcase ended its stream with a quick-fire stream of everything else we can expect next year:
- Planet of Lana, releasing Autumn 2024
- Enjoy the Diner, available right now
- Heavenly Bodies, releasing February 2024
- The Gecko Gods, releasing Autumn 2024
- Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist, available right now
- Urban Myth Dissolution Center, releasing 2024
- Braid Anniversary Edition, releasing 30th April 2024
If you’d like to watch the whole 20-minute extravaganza, you can check it out below.