With the tremendous amount of indie titles launching each month, it’s very easy to miss out on something special that you don’t even know exists. With that in mind, here’s 15 titles, released in the last few months, that you might’ve missed.
Beard Blade
Developer: Glovebox Games
Genre: 2D Platformer
Platform: Steam
Playtime: 5-7 hours
Synopsis:
Run and jump through tropical, 16-bit locales as you fend off foes with the power of Branson’s shapeshifting beard.
Reviewer Quotes:
“An awesome 2D platformer inspired by plenty of classics. if you’re a fan of platformers or 2D, definitely check this one out.” – Rye on Steam
“So good! Good controls, great level design, and fantastic pixel art. So much charm in Branson’s animations. Definitely a worthwhile purchase if you’re a fan of classic platformers. Looking forward to getting every collectible in this one.” –
danieljamesfreer on Steam
Haven Park
Developer: Fabien Weibel
Genre: Adventure/puzzle
Platforms: Steam, Switch, GOG.com, Itch.io
Playtime: 4 hours
Synopsis: Keep your grandma’s park up and running and make it a place for campers to enjoy.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Absolutely lovely game in the vein of Short Hike.” – Blizniak on Steam
“… Haven Park is worth its weight in gold. If you haven’t given it a look yet, go for it!” – Phenixx Gaming
Hoa
Developer: Skrollcat Studio
Genre: 2D platformer
Platforms: Switch, GOG.com, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox (coming later)
Playtime: 3 hours
Synopsis:
A beautiful, puzzle-platforming game that features breathtaking hand-painted art, lovely music, and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
Reviewer Quotes/Ratings:
8/10- Nintendolife
7/10- IGN
“Hoa is a peaceful experience that makes sure not to overstay its welcome. The environments are gorgeous, the gameplay is neat, and the soundtrack is captivating.” – Donovan Erskine (Shacknews)
Luna’s Fishing Garden
Developers: Coldwild Games, illufinch
Genre: Adventure
Platforms: Switch, Steam, Epic Games, Android
Playtime: 3 hours
Synopsis: A short, cozy fishing and building game.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Luna’s Fishing Garden doesn’t have you striving for high scores or beating a difficult boss. Instead, it’s one to put on after a difficult, stressful week and put you quickly into a relaxed state. A feat actually quite challenging for a game.” – ladiesgamers
“A very simple and relaxing game with a cute art style and lovely music. Only takes 2-3 hours to play through so it’s perfect to fill a boring evening.” – Sonata Fimbul on Steam
Garden Paws
Developer: Bitten Toast Games
Genre: Farming Sim, Adventure, RPG
Platforms:
Switch (2021 release)
Steam (2018 release)
Playtime: 30+ hours
Synopsis:
An adventure game about expanding your home, helping the town reach its full potential, and taking care of the farm you’ve just inherited.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Garden Paws, created by Bitten Toast Games, has it all in this simulation/adventure! You can garden, farm, fish, mine, run a shop, tame wild animals, decorate yourself and your home, build new stores and homes for the town, and much more!
Joelle (MyPotatoGames)
“This game is what would happen if Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing had a baby that was infinitely more attractive than its parents.” – Doomkitten on Steam
Lords & Villeins
Developer: Honestly Games
Genre: City Builder, Sim
Platform: Steam (Early Access)
Playtime: 20+ hours
Synopsis:
Grow dynasties of medieval families and see them evolve and interact as you build their homes, in this lighthearted pixel art, city-building strategy simulation.
Reviewer Quotes/Ratings:
8.2/10 – whatifgaming
“Took me 3 hours and the lives of 3 villeins to bake a loaf of bread. It was then seized by the crown, and then sold to a miserly tailor for 100 gold. Most epic loaf of bread ever.” –
DnT on Steam
“A charming colony sim with a lot of potential, set at a great, early access price.” –
Scott on Steam
Knights & Guns
Developer: Baltoro Games
Genre: Action/Adventure, Arcade
Platform: Switch
Playtime: 5+ hours
Synopsis: A classic revenge story set in a medieval fantasy world, with a touch of deadly, modern firepower.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Knights & Guns is my personal sleeper hit of 2021.” – Alex Harding (Switchaboo)
“Knights & Guns is certainly a unique game. While simple in nature, it’s far from easy and will challenge even the most experienced of players.” – thegamerwithkids
Cats in Time
Developer: Pine Studio
Genre: Puzzle, Hidden Object
Platforms: Steam, iOS, Android
Playtime: 5 hours
Synopsis: A relaxing puzzle game in which you explore 3D dioramas, solve puzzles, and save cats lost in time.
Reviewer Quotes:
“This is easily one of the most compelling puzzle games I have ever played.” –
Deborah Wright (Google Play review)
“This cute, wholesome, engaging game had me smiling from ear to ear. It’s a must buy for cat lovers and puzzle solvers.”
Ely on Steam
Arietta of Spirits
Developer: Third Spirit Games
Genre: Action-Adventure, RPG
Platforms: Steam, Switch, Xbox, PS4
Playtime: 4-5 hours
Synopsis:
Follow Arietta on a journey to unveil the mysteries of the Spirit Realm in this story-driven, action-adventure game.
Reviewer Quotes/Ratings:
7.5/10 – Noisypixel
7/10 – Comicyears
“…This game is an absolute DIAMOND…and, well worth the asking price.” –
Zaxtor99 on Steam
Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery
Developer: Silver Lining Studio
Genre: Hidden Object, Point & Click
Platforms: iOS, Android, Steam
Playtime: 1 hour
Synopsis: Guide brush strokes and solve a variety of puzzles to help an aspiring artist complete her masterpiece.
Reviewer Quotes/Ratings:
5/5 – geektogeekmedia
7.5/10 – gamespace
“Beautiful, charming, and touching. A short but engaging experience.” – Rogue on Steam
Venaitura
Developer: Ephiam
Genre: RPG, Adventure
Platform: Steam
Playtime: 10+ hours
Synopsis: A retro-style RPG where you assemble a party of 4 heroes from 12 unique classes to take down the titular tower.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Like NES-style RPG’s? Well, this one is for you!” – UPRC on Steam
“Very fun NES style JRPG. Recommend for fans of classic, early Dragon Quest/Final Fantasy.” – Flames of Eternity on Steam
Journey On
Developer: Black Magic
Genre: JRPG
Platform: Steam
Playtime: 5-6 hours
Synopsis: Experience a world of life and death in this exploration focused, anime style, JRPG.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Journey On is a classic JRPG that isn’t afraid to embrace everything the genre has to offer, but also add its own touch on it. Going through the entire game was a pleasure, especially having choices that affected both the story and how you actually played the game. This is something I wish more games did.” – Bosmerja on Steam
“If you’re looking for a classic JRPG adventure with fun and challenging gameplay, this game is definitely worth trying.” Zieg on Steam
Crooks Like Us
Developer: Out of Tune Games
Genre: Party Game, Co-op
Platforms: Steam (Early Access), Itch.io, Switch (coming later)
Playtime: (Quick session – several hours)
Synopsis: A chaotic on-line party game that drops players into riotous robbery scenarios where the goal is to collect as many valuables as possible and get back to the escape van before time runs out.
Reviewer Quotes:
“This is a fun, chaotic game. Spent a little time playing by myself and I’m hooked.” Lord Ov Loot on Steam
“Fantastic party game, had plenty of laughs with friends on-line. This will be my new go-to party game!”
CrashDamaged on Steam
The Frosts: First Ones
Developer: Ivan Sukhanov
Genre: Visual Novel, Adventure
Platform: Steam
Playtime: 2-3 hours
Synopsis: A short narrative adventure about searching for a missing hunter and meeting with alien beings.
Reviewer Quotes/Ratings:
7.3/10 – GameRamble
‘It started as a meandering trip through a snowy wasteland, but turned into an unforgettable experience.”
CSH Picone on Steam
“The Frosts: First Ones is AWESOME. I loved the art style of the game. The story is nice and clear. The problem solving puzzles are well designed. Travelling throughout different terrain was calming while listening to the soundtrack playing in the background. 10 out of 10.” – Jobber on Steam
Amazing Fix
Developers: Nicolas Beaudette, Karl Duper-Richer
Genre: Hidden Object
Platform: Steam (Early Access)
Playtime: 10+ hours
Synopsis: A hidden object game about renovating and decluttering weird houses.
Reviewer Quotes:
“Keeps me busy for hours. Love the creativity.” – ckely on Steam
“This is addictive – a lovely blend of Hidden Object and strategy.” – Laurie on Steam
Sources: developer websites/steam pages