Nintendo recently hosted its Indie World showcase event, marking the first occurrence since April. The event unveiled a series of trailers for upcoming Switch titles crafted by small studios. While several intriguing indies were teased for the future, and some were even surprise-released on the same day, it’s essential to address one point upfront: there was no new trailer or availability information for Hollow Knight: Silksong, leaving fans in anticipation.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the release of Hollow Knight’s sequel, the event did bring significant metroidvania news. A new Shantae game has been announced, and its development has surpassed even that of Silksong. Titled “Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution,” this game embarked on its development journey over 20 years ago and was originally intended for the Game Boy Advance. The unique feature revolves around multiple layers that Shantae can navigate to uncover secrets. The anticipated release for this game is set for sometime next year.
Moving on, we have Moonstone Island, a title that has been dominating the Steam charts recently. This exceptional game falls within the “cozy” genre, offering a delightful blend of Pokémon and Stardew Valley elements. With a captivating mix of creature collection, turn-based battles, farming, romance, and abundant mystery, Moonstone Island creates a stellar gaming experience. The expansive world continues to reveal its secrets, and even after several months of playing, I’ve yet to explore it all. Excitingly, the Switch version is expected to launch in the coming spring.
Another major Steam success from earlier this year is set to arrive on the Switch in 2024. Core Keeper is an engaging roguelike with a mining theme that has provided me with countless hours of enjoyment over the past several months. The addictive gameplay loop involves base-building, numerous upgrades, and encounters with formidable bosses. Additionally, the game boasts a robust multiplayer component, adding another layer of excitement to the experience.
The stunning tactical RPG, Howl, pleasantly surprised players with a sudden release today. Immersed in a medieval setting, Howl challenges you to combat a plague that transforms people into wild creatures. Engage in turn-based battles as you embark on a quest to discover a cure. The game’s graphics and art style are truly impressive. For those curious, a demo is available, and the full release is priced at $15.
A Highland Song, another visually stunning title, is scheduled for release on December 5. This sidescrolling adventure appears to draw inspiration from games like Limbo and offers an adaptive narrative that evolves based on player choices. Notably, the game features a soundtrack exclusively composed of music from Scottish folk bands.
A Highland Song, another visually stunning title, is scheduled for release on December 5. This sidescrolling adventure appears to draw inspiration from games like Limbo and offers an adaptive narrative that evolves based on player choices. Notably, the game features a soundtrack exclusively composed of music from Scottish folk bands.
