The highlight of EGX 2021 was the Rezzed Zone and Leftfield Collection. A series of indie games from solo developers to bigger indie studios. From artistic experiences to arcade racing. We’re going to look at some of the standout indie games from EGX 2021.
Gravity Commando
Gravity Commando is a fast-paced gravity-swapping FPS, inspired by Doom, Portal and 80’s action films. Developed by game development student Alexis Martineau and on display as part of the NFTS Games selection. The thing I like about Gravity Commando is the interesting play on gravity. Something I’ve not really seen in a FPS game. As well as that the artistic style looks interesting. Not just because it looks like a 3D GLO but also because Alexis is working with a motion comic artist to bring the cut scenes to life in Gravity Commando. A very cool idea and a great looking game.
Stuffed
Stuffed is a quirky first-person shooter, that takes place in the dreams of a little girl. Where you play as a teddy bear and fight waves of nightmares as you defend your owner. Developed by indie team Waving Bear Sudio, Stuffed takes the concept of playing as a toy and brings it to the FPS wave fighting world.
I’ve always had a soft spot for games where you play from the perspective of toys ever since playing Toy Story 2 on the PS1. So Stuffed instantly grabbed my attention. The weapon designs in Stuffed are unique and interesting making them great fun to use. The enemy designs are as creepy as they are cute. But most importantly the game play feels smooth and polished. Something that is essential in a modern day FPS.
What I would love to see in the future of Stuffed development is a story mode campaign. I believe the subject matter would work perfectly with it. Stuffed is due to release on Steam into Early Access soon.
Model Builder
Model Builder was a very unique game and one I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. A game about building and customizing model vehicles. Basically a video game version of an Airfix kit. At first I wasn’t entirely sure what the appeal of Model Builder would be. But as I saw it being played I realised it’s the type of game you could sink hours into. Meticulously recreating every step of creating a model. From opening the box, to breaking off the little plastic bits, putting it all together and even painting it seemed so therapeutic.
The idea is quite brilliant and the team behind Model Builder have clearly put a lot of love into this game. From designing unique in game boxes with crazy amounts of detail, to making real world versions of their models. I believe Model Builder could be huge in the PC Gaming world. Something that will be amplified as the team pursue real licences and collaborations. Model Builder is available now on Steam as a demo and will be releasing soon.
Formula Retro Racing & Clash Of The Metal
Formula Retro Racing and Clash Of The Metal are two indie games developed by the solo indie developer house Repixel8 aka Andrew Jeffreys.
Built from the ground up by Andrew, Formula Retro Racing is a Ridge Racer/Virtual Racing inspired game. A game that instantly took my attention due to the lovely modern yet retro graphical style. Consisting of 8 circuits and a bunch on game modes, Formula Retro Racing is really well made racer. Providing a sense of speed and handling you expect in an arcade racer. Even more impressive is that Andrew built the game engine and physics from scratch. Furthermore Formula Retro Racing is currently available on Steam and Xbox and due to come to PS4 and Ps5 by the end of the year. Again all achieved through Andrew Jeffreys own leg work. A great example of how it is possible for a solo indie developer to get their games on consoles with no publisher.
Clash Of The Metal is a fighting game developed by Repixel8 which is also due out on Steam, Xbox, PS4 and PS5 in 2022. Clash Of The Metal is a classic fighting game with strong anime inspiration. With gorgeous looking graphics and mecha style models. The thing I like about Clash Of The Metal is that it goes for a combo system that is much more accessible to casual gamers. Meaning you don’t have to the be a fighting game pro to pull off the special moves.
The thing I loved to see most of all though was that, in amongst a sea of bigger indie teams, Andrew Jeffreys a solo developer had a huge presence in the Rezzed zone with two great games on display. But he still had time to have his young family by his side. A true highlight if the show.
The Sandbox
A really nice surprise to see at EGX 2021 was the presence of The Sandbox. For anyone that follows the channel and watches the Game Night Live streams you will have heard me talk about The Sandbox and how I’ve recently bought some Land.
For those that don’t know, The Sandbox is a virtual world where players can play, build, own, and monetize their virtual experiences. People can buy Land which they then own on the Ethereum block chain. They are then free to create gaming experiences on their Land or even sell or rent it out to other players. Creating a Metaverse where people can come and explore the varied world of The Sandbox. The Sandbox has already partnered up with huge names like Hells Kitchen, The Walking Dead, Atari and even Snoop Dogg giving the game a huge amount of potential.
What was great about seeing The Sandbox at EGX was that this is a sign the team are approaching The Sandbox genuinely as a gaming experience, rather than just a crypto project. The Sandbox is due to release some time next year on PC.
Tormented Souls
A game that was a nice surprise to me was Tormented Souls. Personally EGX was the first time I’d heard of Tormented Souls, even though it seems to be pretty well know. The Retro Rivals even picked up a copy of it recently on PS5 and have spoken highly about it.
The thing I loved about Tormented Souls was that it is a true love letter to the classic survival horror games. Taking inspiration form the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series, but adding in modern gameplay characteristics. Tormented Souls looks as polished as it looks terrifying and is a game I will be picking up for Halloween. Tormented Souls is available now for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S and X, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Mothmen 1966
Mothmen 1966 is a truly unique looking visual novel inspired by the pulp fiction genre and 80s home computer graphics set amongst the strange occurrences of the Leonid meteor shower of 1966. The thing that drew me to Mothmen 1966 was the truly unique and gorgeous looking visual style and interesting premise. Situated alongside some great visual novels like Coffee Talk, this looks like a game I’m really going to enjoy.
You can add Mothmen 1966 to your Steam Wishlist now.
The Game Of Me
The Game Of Me was truly unique and wonderful game unlike any I’ve experienced before. A game by Aley Baracat situated in the Leftfield collection. The Game Of Me is a perfect example of video games as art. An auto biographical narrative is displayed on the pages of a real world diary, with the text being projected onto each page. The Game Of Me is a technically impressive game but equally a deep and beautiful experience. Being able to read the deep and complex thoughts and emotions of Aley, while he is stood with you is such a powerful and vulnerable experience. And the experience truly moved me more that anything else at EGX. However with this being such a deep and personal piece for Aley it’s not a game that is commercially available. But one that can only be experienced in person. A fact that further cements this video as art.
Aley has aspirations to grow the concept from a diary to a full desk installation. Something I am excited to see develop.
As well as all of the amazing indie games I got to play at EGX were a load more I didn’t get my hands on but looked equally as impressive and fun.
Die After Sunset
Die After Sunset is a game that looks like a blend of Fortnite and roguelikes. A 3rd person action rogue-lite shooter with a unique mechanic featuring light and darkness. You Battle for Earth and travel through time as you defeat hordes of enemies and complete random quests to create the best build possible.
Die By The Blade
Die By The Blade was interesting in the fact that it was one of the few non playable games at EGX. Die by the blade is a fighting game that draws it’s inspiration from legendary games like Bushido Blade, Way of the Samurai and Dark Souls. It uses a one hit kill system with an emphasis on parry and counters. The really interesting thing about Die By The Blade is that it looks to implement the use of Katana peripherals to provide a more realistic gaming experience.
Die By The Blade is due to release on all major platforms and PC.
Haven Park
Haven Park is a game that very much reminded me of A Short Hike. That relaxed and whimsical feel good vibe. In Haven Park you play as Flint, who is doing his best to keep his grandma’s park up and running and make it a place for the campers to enjoy. In the game you are tasked with learning the camper’s wishes and build whatever their hearts desire to attract even more quirky characters and look forward to whimsical conversations and quests.
Haven Park is currently available on Steam.
KeyWe
At first I thought KeyWe was just a Goose Game rip off. I was totally wrong though… Now how do I describe KeyWe… hmmm let me just read the Steam page entry:
KeyWe is a cute, co-operative postal puzzler starring Jeff and Debra, two small kiwi birds working in a whimsical post office. They must jump, flap, peck and butt-slam their way across an interactive landscape of levers, bells and buttons to get those messages delivered on time!
Still doesn’t make sense? Then just check out the trailer.
KeyWe is already available on Steam.
Join the discord for exclusive beta access Chronik Spartan Discord.
For news and updates on Chronik Spartan games and future blog posts please subscribe.
You can support Chronik Spartan Games and get exclusive access to in depth behind the scenes news and other awesome rewards at Patreon.