This is a golden age of videogames. More than ever before, people from all backgrounds are making games using freely accessible tools that industry pioneers of the 80s and 90s could only dream of. The only problem now is information overload; with more games than anyone could ever process, what are you to do?
In this regular column, PCGamesN helps you cut through the noise, and tune your signal into some of the most intriguing experiments in the indie scene this week, one enticing image at a time. Check out the latest crop below, and check back next week for more.
Any or all of these games could be the next big thing. Here’s some of the best indie hits of recent years.
Highfleet
ByConstantine Koshutin, no due date
It’s been ages since Russian solo developer Constantine Kushutin debuted with Hammerfight, a game of helicopter-based melee combat. His upcoming Highfleet is another game about filling the sky with blazing debris, but in slightly more high-tech fashion, and already features some truly gorgeous explosions. The game has no official site, but check out plenty more gameplay clips on his Twitter feed here.
Flynn: Son Of Crimson
ByStudio Thunderhorse, estimated out March 2018
A slick looking little platform-action game, this. Metroid’y elements, chunky melee combat with some satisfying looking combos, and pin-sharp and deliciousy consistent pixel art. Right now, it’s mid-way through raising funds on Kickstarter, and looks very likely to hit at least its basic funding goal.
Racing Apex
ByLucky Mountain, no due date
Lucky Mountain are a team of experienced racing game developers going back to the arcade roots of the genre, flat shaded polygons, wide open tracks and catchy music. Anyone else get nostalgia pangs for Virtua Racing? While the above clip might look pretty vanilla, their official site features a bunch of other styles of racing, plus some machinegun-heavy car combat action. This title has been picked up for publishing by Curve Digital.
PepperGrinder
ByRiv Hester, no due date
Grappling hooks are awesome. Drills are awesome. Both combined resulting in an intoxicating blend of digging-and-swinging movement, chaining transitions from ground to sky and back again? Yes, I think I’ll be having some of that. Every new little clip of gameplay footage for this looks interesting, with the drill and hook being used in impressive creative fashion, while still looking intuitive to control.
My Friend Pedro: Blood, Bullets, Bananas
ByDeadtoast Entertainment, no due date
Why would have thought that the third dimension was just holding Max Payne back? One from the higher-profile end of the indie spectrum, but worth a look anyway. My Friend Pedro has been in development for a very long time, and looks every bit as impressive now as it did when the first gameplay concept videos rolled out. Stylish physics-driven gunplay at slickest. Devolver have already signed up to publish this one, too.
That’s it for this week. Got any favourites you want to share? Post them in the comments below, and if you’re a developer and want to see your game here? Tweet about it on #ScreenshoSaturday.