As the year draws to a close, Nintendo has surprised its fans with another Indie World showcase. This event is a celebration of upcoming indie titles for the Switch, launching later this year and into 2024. It's an ideal time for gamers to discover new adventures, especially with the approaching holiday season. These smaller-scale games promise entertainment without overwhelming players like some of the more high-profile releases such as ‘Tears of the Kingdom' or ‘Super Mario Bros. Wonder'. The event promises affordability and various engaging experiences.
Edgy and inventive: New games to look out for
‘Blade Chimera', set to launch as a timed exclusive in Spring 2024, stands out with its edgy title and future-punk Castlevania vibes. It offers players a versatile ‘Lumina Blade' – a sword with transformative abilities, ideal for tackling various challenges.
‘The Star Named Eos' is another intriguing title, a first-person puzzle and exploration game. It's set to release in spring 2024, offering a visually stunning experience centred around memories and photographs.
‘Moonstone Island', showcased at GDC 2023, mixes the appeal of Pokémon with the relaxing elements of games like Stardew Valley. This deckbuilder game, coming as a timed exclusive to Switch in spring 2024, lets players delve into alchemy, creature-taming, and world-building.
Cosy and captivating: Expanding the Switch's game roster
‘On Your Tail', launching in 2024, is a charming, seaside mystery-solving game. Players will navigate a world of intriguing animal characters.
‘Planet of Lana', an atmospheric platformer previously available on Xbox and PC, is making its way to Switch and PlayStation in the coming year. Its release date is yet to be announced.
‘Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition', a favourite among space game enthusiasts, will be available on the Switch from December 7. This edition includes the base game and its expansion, ‘Echoes of the Eye'.
More to explore: A variety of gaming experiences
‘Braid, Anniversary Edition' is finally coming to Switch after its initial delay next year. The game's release date was recently confirmed after its presentation at Nintendo's Indie World event.
‘Death Trick: Double Blind', set to launch in 2024, offers a novel take on the mystery genre, combining a visual novel with investigative elements, all set in a circus backdrop.
‘A Highland Song', praised at GDC, is an exploration game that blends rhythm and folklore into a singular experience. It's set to release on December 5.
‘Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution', once cancelled, is now being revived for the Switch. This sequel to the original GameBoy Color game promises new features, including a 4-player battle mode.
‘Backpack Hero', a roguelike with a twist, focuses on the strategic arrangement of gear. It appeals to fans of the organisation and is launching today in the Switch eShop.
‘Howl', a turn-based folktale game set in a world plagued by sound-based havoc, is available on the Switch today.
‘Core Keeper', a co-op exploration game, promises diverse gameplay with mining, farming, and base building. It's set to launch next summer.
Indie World event: A focus on diversity and creativity
Following its big Direct presentation in September, Nintendo's latest showcase emphasises indie games. Roughly 20 minutes of new announcements and updates on indie titles coming to the Switch were shared, focusing on innovation and diversity in gaming. While expectations for new hardware or the Zelda movie were tempered, the showcase offered a glimpse into the rich world of indie gaming.
