Nintendo held an Indie World showcase on April 17th, 2024 to showcase several of the smaller titles coming to their platform this year. While it was yet another chance for gamers excited for the long-awaited Hollow Knight sequel Silksong to be disappointed, for the rest of us, it was filled to the brim with cool-looking games to mark our calendars with. Best of all, most of these games are coming sooner rather than later.
Below you can find a list of every major announcement from the event!
Big Kitty, Little City
For fans of Stray, which has ironically yet to see a release on the Nintendo Switch for some reason, Big Kitty, Little City starts at the same thought. That is to say, what if you played a cat that was, you know, a cat? While more cartoony than Stray, this game see’s take on the role of a cat trying to find his way home in a modern city. Along the way you can do quests, wear adorable hats, and knock over all the potted plants you want. It isn’t a new announcement, but having been sold on this game for a while, I’m happy to know it will be released on May 9th, 2024.
Yars Rising
This game had me at ‘a new game from WayForward’ since River City Girls and Shantae are listed among my must-plays. You take on the role of Yars as she attempts to fight against a mega-conglomerate tech company. This is sure to be another Metroidvania I add to my growing list of these for this year, despite the character talking like a TikToker trying to go viral. We didn’t get an official release date on this one, but it is slated for 2024.
Refind Self: The Personality Test Game
Already having been released on Steam to pretty positive reviews, Refind Self: The Personality Test Game feels like a nostalgia trip in all the best possible ways. A retro sidescrolling adventure, you take on the role of a robot trying to piece together who they are. Every choice you make in your adventure feeds into the personality you will ultimately be given at the journey’s end. This offers a massive amount of replayability as you try different choices and see who they help you become. It will be available as a timed exclusive on the Nintendo Switch sometime in the Summer of 2024.
Sticky Business
Sticky Business is a simple game about running a sticker shop. You unlock more stickers as you progress, and get to combine them to create wacky and wonderful sticker mosaics. You will also be tasked with completing orders for customers, each wanting different designs to be delivered. The best part though, is the fact the game will be available later today as a timed console exclusive. It will also have DLC that is available today, with a bundle with both the game and DLC also available.
Antonblast
This retro-themed sidescroller, reminiscent of many of the games of the Genisis and SNES era of games should be able to scratch that nostalgia itch. You will play as two characters as they go on a rampage through multiple old-school environments looking for your prized spirit collection. The big gimmick, reaching the end of a level causes an explosion that you must race back to the beginning, a little like the last level of Braid. Antonblast will be released on November 12th, 2024 as a timed console exclusive. A demo of the game is available today.
Valley Peaks
Looking like a quirky good indie time, Valley Peaks is a platformer with a distinct art style. You play as a technician who must maintain the titular area by climbing the peaks using a variety of tools including your tongue. You will also be able to talk with the anthropomorphic frog locals, enjoy mini-games, and unlock stickers that can be used to get more gear for traversal. You can hop into Valley Peaks when it releases in 2024.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
One of the games first showcased on Annapurna’s stage, every time I see Lorelei And The Laser Eyes have less of an idea of what to make of it… Other than I want it. A woman goes into an old manor and from there, it seems like it might be an old-school horror game, but the following puzzles and absurdities make it feel unique. It will be released on May 16th, 2024, finally having a release date.
Europa
One of the games that has me most excited is Europa, which many outlets have described as being if Studio Ghibli directed Legend of Zelda. In it you play as a young boy alone in a vast beautiful world filled to the brim with adventure and gigantic monsters. Every puzzle and location seems to reward the player’s free spirit in all the best ways. Europa is set to release in 2024, with a demo for the game available on Nintendo Switch later today.
TMNT: Splintered Fates
The teenage mutant ninja turtles are getting Rogue-like, courtesy of Super Evil Mega Corp. In it players take the role of one of the turtles, each with unique base abilities, before jumping into a portal connecting several rooms where you will have to fight enemies such as the foot clan. Each time you get to the next room you gain power-ups that are lost once you lose in a run. Obviously, like most turtles games, you can play through these runs with up to four players. Team up and cut down the foot clan when this game launches in July 2024.
Cat Quest III
While never spending much time in the Cat Quest franchise myself, I have many friends who swear by it. This is why I am happy to see Cat Quest III is coming and will have a nautical pirate theme. You play as a Cat… On a Quest… Obviously… But as a pirate, you can expect ship battles, as well as dungeons to explore with plenty of booty to go around. Set sail for adventure when Cat Quest III releases on August 8th, 2024. A demo for the game is available today.
Stitch
Not to be confused with the blue alien, Stitch is much more accurate to its name. In it you stitch patterns onto a hoop. A pretty simple and tranquil game to unwind from your day, with some light puzzle-solving elements. There will also be more challenging modes in the game, as well as weekly challenges to take part in as well. Best of all Stitch is available to download today as a console exclusive on the Nintendo Switch.
Indie Showcase
Right before the final game was shown, a brief highlight of additional indie titles was shown. These included the Metroidvania Bzzzt, shadow hopping puzzle game SCiHiM, action platformer Animal Well, mystery game Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, and cute undersea souls like Another Crab’s Treasure. All these games are coming soon to the Nintendo Switch
Steamworld Heist II
At least one long-awaited sequel was showcased today in the form of Steamworld Heist II. In addition to the exploration and ricocheting bullet combat, this time you have a large world map to explore by submarine. You can upgrade your sub’s weapons for combat, and befriend other robots to join your crew. There is also a new job system, as well as a vast array of weapons to diversify gameplay. Ironically, this game will set sail the same day as another nautical adventure, on August 8th, 2024.
And that is everything that was showcased during this Nintendo Indie World! Don’t forget to comment what which game or games you are excited for below.
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