One thing Nintendo does really well is put a spotlight on indie developers, giving them a major platform to promote and publish their new games. This year with Indie World it was no different. I want to talk about some of the standouts I saw during this year’s Indie World Showcase.

Let’s start off with the one that stood out to me the most. This game is called The Longing, developed by Studio Seufz and published by Ashgames. In this game, you play as a Shade, the sole servant of an ancient king who has fallen asleep and is set to wake in 400 days. What makes this game unique is that it takes place over 400 real-world days. You heard right, you will only see the end of this game after owning it for 400 real-world days. What will you do to pass the time? Will you explore the underground kingdom that the king once dwelled in? Read classic literature such as Mody Dick or various works by Nietzsche? Or just leave the game alone for 400 days because it follows the Switch’s internal clock. The choice is yours. With a beautiful hand-drawn art style, this game is one that I picked up immediately as it was released the day of Indie World. I recommend you do the same.

The next game is a 2D platformer that turns the adventuring genre on its head. This game is called Skul: The Hero Slayer. Developed by SouthPAW Games and published by Neowiz, this action platformer doesn't put you in the shoes of the adventuring hero trying to save the kingdom, but as the skeleton minion trying to protect your boss. This game allows you to play 90 different playable characters all with different special abilities. The game introduces rogue-like elements so that every run feels different and unique, giving you a new challenge every time you pick it up. The game will be released in the summer of 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, so keep an eye out.

Now, I am a sucker for a good JRPG, and this next game looks like it is going to scratch that itch. Cris Tales developed by Dreams Uncorporated and published by Mobus Games is a story about the Time Empress trying to rewrite the future in her favor and it is your job to stop her. As you may have guessed, this game is all about time and time manipulation. Not very often do we get to see a game that plays with time mechanics, especially in a turn-based JRPG fashion. You will be able to manipulate time in battle, for example, sending your enemies back in time to make them younger and therefore easier to defeat. The developers seem to have a true love for the genre, and I am excited to see what they end up adding to it. Cris Tales will be released July 20, 2021 for the Nintendo Switch. 

I always get excited when Nintendo announces new indie titles. I like to support smaller studios as much as possible and this year is a good year for indie. These were just a few of the many titles that were announced, and I am excited to give all of these a try. As always, stay safe and keep gaming.