With the release of Oxenfree 2, Sea Of Stars and many more, 2023 has been an incredible year for the Indie games market. Hari Berrow previews some of the most exciting indie titles for the year ahead…
REPLACED
With a beautiful and uncanny art style, Replaced is easily one of the most atmospheric games that will come out in 2024. A retrofuturist sci-fi similar in aesthetic to Fallout 3, Metro 2033 and Blade Runner, the game follows the story of an AI trapped in a human body in a broken and decaying world, and boasts free-flow action combat in a 2.5D platforming space. Don’t let the pixel art style fool you, this game has not come to cut corners: the trailer’s use of lighting alone is enough to convince that Replaced will be stunning. Published by Coatsink, the game has no set release date but is definitely one to watch.
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PORTAL: REVOLUTION
It’s not often that mods make lists of this kind, but as it’s been 12 years since the last original Portal title, we can assume Valve have no plans to make one any time soon. In fact, one of the team revealed in a recent interview that the company simply don’t have the resources to produce it. Enter Second Face Software with a mod that boasts a new story, new characters and some innovative mechanics using the game’s pre-existing engine. Slated for release on Fri 5 Jan, if Portal is already in your Steam catalogue, put this on your wishlist.
SNUFKIN: MELODY OF MOOMINVALLEY
‘Cozy’ games have seen a huge rise in popularity since the 2020 lockdown, and don’t seem to be showing signs of slowing down soon. What could be more cozy than protecting the local ecosystem with Tove Jansson’s beloved literary characters, the Moomins? Planned for release in the first quarter of 2024, the classic art style, idyllic soundtrack and open-world play style make this game one that cozy lovers won’t want to miss.
words HARI BERROW
