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[Toma]

So, my first genuine surprise of 2017 is Empty:

Its a free puzzle game revolving around a single well polished mechanic: Spinning the room to make objects disappear in the scene. You do that by aligning the object with a wall or another object of the same color, which deletes the object. This game starts out very easy, with a zen like feeling and style, making it very "pleasant". However, the game managed to up the ante and actually make the levels more challenging by introducing items different possible erasing solutions for each item and a way to color walls, which made some elements quite tricky. It wont stump you for all eternity, but its a unique idea that tickled my brain and just made me smile every time I figured out another piece of the puzzle, while marvelling at modern videogame room design.

Lovely and highly recommended to check out.

Highly recommended:
Empty

Recommended:
Astroneer

Not recommended:
Deios II // Deidia

Avoid:
.

 

[Wok]

Lovely and highly recommended to check out.

Yep, it was my good surprise at the end of December.

 

[Toma]

Continuing with my impressions extravanganza - Meawja:

Mechanically, its a pretty standard action platformer - jump, slash, shoot. I need to admit that I wasnt too fond of the controls at first, as they felt rather stiff, but the demo kept my attention throughout all 5 levels. Turns out the controls are intentionally modelled after old school genre limitations with the corresponding intricacies, you know where you need to plan your movement beforehand because your jump will be too high and you will have a meet and greet with the spikes above. The demo itself never gets too challenging, but its charming, has some adorable enemies (dragons snoring fire breath) and shows some promise. They have quite a lot to do still in terms of content though. The movement options are not all that varied, so they need to come up with many interesting ideas for more diverse and more challenging level design.

Worth keeping an eye on.

Highly recommended:
Empty

Recommended:
Astroneer
Meawja

Not recommended:
Deios II // Deidia

Avoid:
.

 

[spineduke]

Rise & Shine getting butchered on the review front. A lot of well deserved praise for its visuals, but the controls and encounter design seem really rough. It's also 1.5-2 hours long, so its a pretty expensive proposition for now.

 

[One Foul Note]

Rise & Shine getting butchered on the review front. A lot of well deserved praise for its visuals, but the controls and encounter design seem really rough. It's also 1.5-2 hours long, so its a pretty expensive proposition for now.

That's a shame. After the beta it was clear that there was a lot of effort put into that game. Although I must admit that after finishing it I felt like I had had my fill of the gameplay.

 

[WarRock]

Anyone played Killing Time at Lightspeed?

 

[ChosenPredator]

No, not HLD. I managed to remember now - Eastward

that game just reminded me there is a Mother 4 game (fanmade) still being worked on to release

 

[Sun Bather]

that game just reminded me there is a Mother 4 game (fanmade) still being worked on to release

Well they claim to still be working on it anyway.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Hearing reports on Twitter of firings at Kill Screen. Hope everything is okay but sucks for the staff if true.

 

[TheVoidDragon]

Are there any Dungeon-Keeper style games being made at the moment, i already know about stuff like Maia but is there anything other than the ones already in Early Access?

 

[KingKong]

Theres a build a greenlight bundle with a really interesting game, Nuvoid https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=798288999

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0JN-kLSR-c

there's a demo, I'm gonna check it out later

 

[Nomadic Sparks]

Hey has anyone heard what the developers of Deadbolt and Risk of Rain are doing now?

 

[Nabs]

Hey has anyone heard what the developers of Deadbolt and Risk of Rain are doing now?

https://twitter.com/the_hopoo/status/814665966500003840

 

[More_Badass]

Celestial Breach - 2017 (PC)

http://celestialbreach.com/

Celestial Breach is a Coop arcade flight game in a Sci-Fi setting, Focused on Cooperation versus NPC.

Before The Devil Knows You're Dead - PC

http://www.interactionman.com/

A 3D adventure game about a Victorian gentleman who has just died and must locate the gateway to heaven before The Devil finds out he's dead.

Odyssey - PC, Mac

http://theodysseygame.com/

An immersive puzzle-adventure game that integrates a gripping storyline with the history of astronomy and mechanics.

Dark Dithering - PC, Mac

http://www.darkdithering.com/

An adventure game based in Hell, you are Murray, an unlucky skeleton that need to find out how to remove his curse.
Misfortune is everywhere in hell.

Previously Mentioned

Ghost Song

Songbringer

Totem Teller

Aeon of Sands

Starlight

 

[Phoenix RISING]

I've played the Ghost Song demo, and I am patiently waiting for that guy to finish.

Take your time, whoever you are.

 

[More_Badass]

The latest Final Games interviews Derek Yu (aka creator of Spelunky). This show really gets all the best guests.
https://twitter.com/finalgamesshow/status/820966609632174080

 

[More_Badass]

Sundered, from the devs of Jotun, is on Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thunderlotus/sundered-a-horrifying-fight-for-survival-and-sanit

 

[spineduke]

The latest Final Games interviews Derek Yu (aka creator of Spelunky). This show really gets all the best guests.
https://twitter.com/finalgamesshow/status/820966609632174080

Thank you so much for this!

 

[More_Badass]

Beautiful Desolation teaser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX3im12d3k8

I think that KS is going to make a lot of money

 

[More_Badass]

A gorgeous quick peek at Tangiers. I'm glad to see it's still in development despite the very troubled road
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/20...ill-coming-still-looks-fantastic/#more-423777

 

[One Foul Note]

I am playing this steam indie game called Shrouded in Sanity on and off at the moment. It's kind of a weird Victorian gothic horror action open world rpg, very Bloodborne inspired. It isn't an amazing game, their are a few flaws with the general flow of gameplay. I can't really recommend it although it might be worth checking out if it sounds up your street, it is quite cheap. But the reason I bring it up is the devs seem to have a lot of heart (very aware with the strengths and weaknesses in the game) and they are working on a new game Usurper which is a metroidvania set in the same universe.

Can't say for certain of course, but Usurper might be worth checking out if the devs can hold true in improving on the standard set in SiS.

 

[Joachim]

It isn't actually that huge. You spend a majority of your time sorting out your settlement and trading and dealing with story events. Out of the two hours I spent with the game I got into less then eight fights and probably spent about 15-20 minutes overall in the combat menus. As for why it is still a little off, I can't say for certain although the team did alter the combat quite dramatically early December and I wonder if the buttons just haven't been fully optimised to deal with the new systems.

God, I haven't been here in a while. Happy New Year everyone. Yes, we changed combat a lot in December and the build you played after Christmas had the first improvements and fixes for it.

Can you qualify "clunky"? Ideally step-by-step so we can see what you think could be done better. We have a list of smaller things to change during the polish phase. If it should be something larger then we need to check how it would fit into the schedule.

We are releasing another update next week - which will add character progression and new combat features.

Thanks!
Joachim @ Sunburned Games

 

[Nabs]

Standby - $7.99 (PC, Mac)

This game is really good. Its currently 15% off and I highly expect it to land in my voting list next month. Its a quick reaction platformer with devious level design and some cool ideas to mix up the platforming structure (like shooting barriers while sliding, or using angles to catapult yourself around multiple corners).

If you like high speed action platformers, its definitely a great pick.

That gif reminds me of Dustforce x Speedrunners. brb wishlisting.

 

[Wok]

Engare, by the dev of Farsh, has a store page.

 

[Makonero]

The Pedestrian

What's it like inside the world of public restroom signs? Aside from the fact that the symbols are on the job 24/7, dutifully directing humans, is there more to their straight and narrow life? Can an icon of this nature have an adventure and discover solutions to obstacles outside of it's boxed-in environment? Enter the world of The Pedestrian and find out!

The Pedestrian is a 2.5D side-scrolling puzzle platformer that takes puzzle platforming literally. The player moves from sign to sign, rearranging and reconnecting signs in order to solve puzzles. These solved puzzles connect and occupy space in the 3D surroundings. This allows the player the ability to explore and maneuver smoothly through the terrain.

Demo here

Kickstarter here

Looks amazing. I backed it.

 

[mbpm1]

wow, that looks like an awesome lite game

 

[platypotamus]

Hopped back into Renowned Explorers again. I keep coming back to both this and Reus. Abbey Games does some good work

 

[More_Badass]

Fusion Point - Free alpha (PC)

https://fusionpointgame.wordpress.com/production-build/

A fast-paced 3D platformer with precise controls in a mystical science-fiction
environment.

Hive Jump - $19.99 (PC, Mac, Linux)

http://hivejump.com/

HIVE JUMP is a sci-fi action platformer for 1-4 players blending run ‘n gun gameplay with roguelike elements.

She Remembered Caterpillars - $11.99 (PC, Mac)

http://caterpillar.solutions/

A fungipunk fantasy about love, loss, and holding on, told in the format of a color-based puzzle game. A tale as the bond between parent and child, this lush and bewildering title will have players testing their wits against a variety of challenges, all beautiful and very strange.

Pit People - $14.99 (PC, Xbox One)

http://www.pitpeople.com/

In this fast-paced, turn-based, co-op adventure you'll quest and explore, find awesome loot, customize your fighters, and recruit strange species! Come master your destiny in this strategic game of positioning.

Rise & Shine - $14.99 (PC)

http://supermegateam.com/our-games/rise-shine/

Welcome to Gamearth, a once peaceful planet now threatened by the warmongering Space grunts of Nexgen. In the aftermath of their devastating first strike a child named Rise is forced to take on the sacred gun Shine - and with it the fate of his world.

 

[More_Badass]

Apocalipsis - 2017 (PC)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/505330/

Apocalipsis is a unique puzzle point-and-click adventure game with action and story-driven sequences. Its beautiful hand-drawn apocalyptic graphics were inspired by Dürer’s engravings and the aesthetic of Dance Macabre.

 

[Nabs]

Fusion Point looks hot. I'll try to keep that on the radar.

 

[More_Badass]

Paradox - Free (PC, Mac)

https://rxi.itch.io/paradox

A short sci-fi game

 

[More_Badass]

Echo Lake - $10.99 (PC)

http://www.echolakegame.com/

An ambient puzzle/exploration mode that requires mastery of stars and sea-life. Take on the role of 9-year-old Kit as you explore the lake in your rowing boat. Utilise a unique telescope as you discover constellations that merge space with nature. Catch fish and command sea-life to expand your abilities and uncover secrets scattered throughout the lake.

Vzerthos - $6.99 (PC)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/536450/

Vzerthos is a 2D isometric old-school techno-fantasy styled Top-Down Shooter. Player's arsenal includes skills of the Thunder God's heir and three types of guns - use them to slice and dice, burn and blow up your enemies!

Basingstoke - ????

http://www.puppygames.net/blog/?p=1585

A roguelike survival horror game. Escape Basingstoke

Eon Altar - $6.99 (PC, Mac)

http://eonaltar.com/

Your smartphone is your character! Eon Altar brings modern technology to the social experience of couch co-op gaming. Voice your character, choose which secrets to keep and what lies to tell. Gather your friends, order the pizza and descend to the depths of the Eon Altar!

Evangeline - Free (PC)

http://evangelinegame.com/

Evangeline is a short, first-person game set in an eerily familiar neighborhood where color is your only guide. As you explore your surroundings and discover the mystery that lies within you'll have to ask yourself just one question:
If you could make one last call to a loved one, what would you say?

Metaphora - PC

https://twitter.com/Metaphora_game

METAPHORA is the name of a small hollow planet filled with fascinating and crazy wildlife
You play as LUX, a small star that has fallen from the sky, seeking a route home where he belongs.
During his journey, LUX will discover why stars are disappearing from the night skies while you will be confronted by an enemy, a disease called the ”NEOVIRUS" that disrupts and corrupts the internal ecosystem of METAPHORA.

Elothia - PC

http://elothiarpg.tumblr.com/

Elothia is 2D open world dark fantasy RPG with multi-choice narrative storyline, unique handmade graphics and a whole new approach to the genre mechanics.

Silent Shore - ????

https://twitter.com/sorincovor

No details

Unnamed game - ????

https://twitter.com/RobotoMeisenman

No details

Previously Mentioned

Katana Zero

STEALER

Cyber Shadow

 

[Nabs]

That Katana Zero gif looks so good. I just found out it's being developed by aski (Tower of Heaven), with flashygoodness doing the soundtrack. I was already excited for it, but yeah...

 

[Moobabe]

So I finally booted up Oxenfree after getting it in some Humble Bundle a little while back.

Boy.. why did I sleep on this for so long?! It's sooooooo well done - so well written, so well acted and so intriguing!

It's also currently on sale on Steam guys!

 

[WarRock]

This looks pretty interesting.

 

[More_Badass]

0x0D - Free (PC)

http://www.gm48.net/game/?id=346

Catch bullets in mid-air and re-use them against your enemies... in slow-motion!

 

[Wok]

Hidden Folks - February 15th (iOS, Steam, Apple TV).

http://hiddenfolks.com/

A game like Where’s Waldo?, but black & white, animated, and interactive: find folks in tiny landscapes, lifting doors, pressing buttons, shaking trees, and popping balloons.

 

[Dascu]

Brave Odyssea - 2018? (PC)

http://www.braveodyssea.com/

Explore a gigantic ocean and fight big monsters.

Haven't seen this posted here before, but I found it on Twitter the other day and I think it looks phenomenal. Fantastic art direction and concept.

 

[One Foul Note]

Decided to finally pick up Oxenfree after seeing how on sale it was. Have to push through to the end of Orwell before starting though I think, doing two story games at the same time wouldn't really do justice to either.

 

[Wozman23]

0x0D - Free (PC)

There's a lot of potential in this. Really dig the retro/PixelJunk SideScroller art style. While it doesn't provide much of a challenge, it's an excellent proof of concept. Fleshed out, and with some balance, the bullet absorbing mechanic could really add a lot of strategy.

 

[More_Badass]

Cayne - Free (PC, Mac, Linux)

http://www.playcayne.com/

In this grim return to the STASIS universe, expectant protagonist, Hadley, wakes up in a facility. Where is she? Why is she there? And, why do they want her baby?
Help panicked and anxious Hadley find her feet and brave stomach-churning situations to break free, by solving puzzles in this FREE horror adventure game.

Warcube - $9.99 (PC)

http://www.haven-made.com/

Become the WARCUBE. Crush your enemies, siege castles, and bring glory to your six-sided self! These cubes were made for battle, not building.

Mainlining - $9.99 (PC)

http://store.steampowered.com/app/454950/

After MI7 has been hacked, your primary goal is to bring a cyber-criminal network to justice. Played entirely from within the environment of your computer's desktop, Mainlining is a thrilling point and click hacking adventure that features a gripping narrative which will have you hooked from the very first case.

A Normal Lost Phone - $2.99 (PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)

http://accidentalqueens.com/

A Normal Lost Phone is a game about exploring the intimacy of an unknown person whose phone was found by the player.

Ellipsis - $9.99 (PC, Mac, Linux)

http://playellipsis.com/

Ellipsis is an action-packed Avoid ’Em Up with minimalistic, yet powerful neon styled visuals. Guide your ship through a mysterious universe while deftly avoiding hordes of roaming enemies, spikes, lasers and more.

 

[Wok]

Cross-posting Panda's post.

Do you all remember Iconoclasts?

Well the developer published that announcement on Steam:

So maybe we will get news or a release date

 

[timetokill]

Man, I love Konjak's art

 

[spineduke]

Brave Odyssea - 2018? (PC)



Haven't seen this posted here before, but I found it on Twitter the other day and I think it looks phenomenal. Fantastic art direction and concept.

Oh this gets me all tinglish down there..... Something about clean artstyles that just clicks with me. Fell in love with Astroneer for similar reasons.

 

[Wok]

 

[PandaPedinte]

Judging from the old alpha I played, Gorogoa might be one of the best games this year.

 

[More_Badass]

Judging from the old alpha I played, Gorogoa might be one of the best games this year.

Same. It seemed almost magical in how everything fit together and transformed between frames.

 

[More_Badass]

Relay - 2017 (PC)

http://jonsgames.com/projects/relay/

In 1914, the world engaged in a war unlike any other. No one was prepared for what was about to happen.
Relay tells the story of a British morse code technician during WW1, engaging in some of the key battles and stories from the time. Your job is to keep headquarters up to date each day with news, important events and to look after your platoons resources. Without food, your men go hungry. Without ammo, they cant fight.

Tavern Keeper - PC

https://www.tavernkeeper.com/

In Tavern Keeper you manage a tavern, building, bartering, cooking and cleaning your way to success in a humorous fantasy world. Starting out with a shell of a tavern in the backwaters of the kingdom, you build rooms, place items, stock the larder and hire staff to satisfy the demands of the oddball locals and misfit heroes that stumble through your door.

Catacomb Chess - Free demo (PC)

https://melerski.itch.io/catacomb-chess

A chess-like game where you fight against dungeon monsters.

Agent - PC, Mac, Linux

https://twitter.com/HadcoreAgent

A hardcore noir detective FPS in a cyberpunk world with Commodore 64 style graphicS

The Moonstone Equation - 2017 (PC)

http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-moonstone-equation

The Moonstone Equation is a single player puzzle/platform game about science and curiosity presented in a modern pixel art style. It's set in and around a remote hilltop research facility built specifically to investigate some mysterious inscriptions carved into pieces of moon rock found buried within the hillside

39 Days To Mars - 2017 (PC)

http://www.itsanecdotal.com/

39 Days to Mars is a two player co-operative adventure game. You play as Sir Albert Wickes and The Right Honourable Clarence Baxter, two 19th century explorers who are piloting the HMS Fearful on its maiden voyage to Mars. Work together on the problems that arise to keep the two explorers alive and prevent their ship from falling apart around them.

Rogue Process - PC

http://www.rogueprocess.run/

Rogue Process is an action stealth game about typing to hack things in slow motion. You play a renegade hacker who makes her living smashing corporate security systems and stealing dark secrets hidden at the top of skyscrapers.

Planet-0E - ????

https://www.patreon.com/posts/first-peek-0e-7769620

A survival / mystery game set on a deadly planet

Previously Mentioned

Brave Odyssea

Riptale

Totem Teller

Backspace

Morphite

Flinthook

Omega Strike

 

[wouwie]

Just discovered a game called Linelight in The Drop (playstation blog). Seems like a neat puzzle game. Might have to take a closer look at it (haven't found any reviews yet).

 

[platypotamus]

Tavern Keeper looks a lot better than the Tavern Simulator I kickstarted turned out to be.