In a gaming landscape often dominated by major releases, Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase once again highlights the diverse and innovative offerings from independent developers. With some games set to launch next year and others available for immediate download on the Nintendo eShop, there’s something for every type of gamer.
One standout title from the showcase is “Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution,” set for release in 2024. This resurrected Game Boy Advance gem takes players on a journey with the half-genie Shantae, navigating platform challenges, battling enemies with her hair, and morphing into different animals. The game bridges the narrative gap between the original Shantae and “Shantae: Risky’s Revenge.”
Core Keeper
scheduled for a summer 2024 release, invites players into a mining sandbox adventure where up to eight friends can explore endless caverns, battle monsters, unearth relics, and collect resources. The obtained resources enable players to construct towns, cultivate crops, craft armor, and more.
On Your Tail
Another intriguing addition is “On Your Tail,” a story-driven life sim following aspiring detective Diana in her pursuit of the perfect summer vacation in the seaside village of Borgo Marina.
Howl
The turn-based tactical folktale “Howl,” released on November 14, 2023, places players in control of a deaf heroine who strategically plans moves to outmaneuver wolf-like foes.
The Star Named EOS
“The Star Named EOS,” set for a spring 2024 release, offers a first-person storytelling puzzle adventure as protagonist Dei endeavors to uncover the truth behind his mother’s disappearance with the aid of a camera.
Backpack Hero
For fans of inventory management, “Backpack Hero,” released on November 14, 2023, provides a unique experience centered around arranging weapons, items, and armor in a backpack to defeat enemies.
Blade Chimera
“Blade Chimera,” a 2D action game scheduled for spring 2024, allows players to wield a demon sword to vanquish enemies, manipulate time, create platforms, and shield themselves.
A Highland Song
“A Highland Song,” slated for a December 5, 2023 release, promises a narrative platformer set in the Scottish Highlands with enchanting music by top Scottish folk bands.
Moonstone Island
“Moonstone Island,” arriving in spring 2024, boasts over 100 explorable islands filled with creatures to collect, NPCs to romance, and cards to use in combat encounters.
Death Trick: Double Blind
“Death Trick: Double Blind,” expected in 2024, presents a visual novel centered around the disappearance of a star magician at Morgan’s Traveling Circus, unraveling the mystery through the eyes of a private eye and a concerned friend.
Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition
“Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition,” arriving on December 7, 2023, brings the beloved space exploration game to Switch, complete with the Echoes of the Eye DLC.
Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist
“Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist,” available on November 14, 2023, caters to artists, allowing players to portray a struggling artist on the streets of Phénix, using the Switch’s touchscreen to draw and sell their art.
Braid: Anniversary Edition
The highly celebrated “Braid: Anniversary Edition” is set to return on April 30, 2024, with updated graphics, sound, and commentary from the developer.
Additional titles revealed at the Indie World Showcase include:
- Planet of Lana (Spring 2024): A cinematic puzzle-adventure with an epic sci-fi saga.
- Enjoy the Diner (November 14, 2023): A mysterious narrative adventure with point-and-click elements.
- Heavenly Bodies (February 2024): A challenging physics-based space puzzler set in a 1970s space station.
- The Gecko Gods (Spring 2024): A relaxed puzzle-platformer featuring a tiny gecko exploring mysterious islands and temples.
- Urban Myth Dissolution Center (2024): A captivating mystery game investigating curses, haunted houses, and urban myths.
This roundup encompasses the diverse offerings from the fall Indie World Showcase, leaving gamers eager for what the future holds in the indie gaming realm.
