Hello everyone, I’m pretty sure I said it last month and usually say it every month but I’m shocked at the output by indie developers every month. I’m still working on games from a couple of months ago as well as checking out some of the titles from last month. The team got their hands on the moody handcrafted platformer Saviorless, the anthropomorphic RPG Terra Memoria and the blasting-to-the-beat roguelite, Beat Slayer.
This month is incredibly stacked, however, as we’ve got just about every type of game you can think of. Idle simulators, walking simulators, driving simulators and even survival simulators, marking a simulation for every occasion – Agent Smith would be having a field day. Anyways, if simulating isn’t your jam we also have titles jam-packed with action or fermenting with horror that are right around the corner. So, without further ado, here are 22 indie games to be excited about during May 2024.
Rusty’s Retirement by Mister Morris Games – 26th April 2024
Haiku, The Robot developer, Mister Morris Games, is back with a whole new style of robotronics. Rusty’s Retirement is an idle-farming simulator that takes up a portion of your screen space, so you can face retirement whilst you’re probably still at work. The game allows you to plant crops and watch them grow, unlocking new ones in the process.
Deploy a task force of cute robots, assigning them various tasks in aid of helping your farm flourish, and watching your homestead come to life. With Twitch integration built in for Streamers and Viewers to grow a farm together, people can participate through Twitch chat with specific commands to assist in the blooming crops. Rusty’s Retirement is out now on PC.
Indika by Odd Meter – 2nd May 2024, later in May for consoles
Set in the XIX Century in an alternative Russia, the Indika follows a young nun who sets off on a journey of self-discovery, with help from none other than the devil himself. Religious visions clash with harsh realities as the young nun Indika’s companionship with the devil sets her on a mind-bending voyage outside of the monastery walls.
The story is described as a blend of comedy and tragedy, with inspiration from authors Dostoyevski and Bulhakov. Indika looks to challenge subjects of religion and authority as it treads ethical norms – hopefully for the right reason and not to be outright shocking. Indika will release on PC and later on for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Tempus Bound by Jasonsumm Games – 3rd May 2024
Tempus Bound was one of those finds on Twitter that instantly grabbed my attention. The brilliantly textured pixel art style and striking colour palette just jumped out at me as I watched this unexplainable creature explore dynamic and moody lands. Details are light on the Steam page, but you are essentially a hybrid creature seeking the world’s secrets by solving various puzzles, as well as meeting similarly hybrid peers.
There’s also a speedrun mode for those inclined to a challenge and a home to decorate with all the trinkets you find along the way. The story is described as short and dark, which sounds like a perfect way to spend a few hours as you soak in the enrapturing atmosphere. Tempus Bound will release on PC.
Heading Out by Serious Sim – 7th May 2024
Speaking of hyper-stylised journeys, Heading Out is about nothing but the journey, as the destination is unknown. The game is an immersive driving sim rougelite that takes great inspiration from cult classic road movies. You are an outlaw on the open road and every drive you go on will have a unique combination of races, chases, hazards and an eclectic cast of characters.
Every decision you make impacts your run; whether that’s the people you meet, the amount of fuel you use, how beat up your car is or how wanted you are by the law. The monochromatic comic book art style pops when there are flashes of colour, especially when the Americana soundtrack fills the speakers. Heading Out will release on PC.
Little Kitty, Big City by Double Dagger Studio – 9th May 2023
Announced for PC during Kinda Funny’s Showcase earlier this year, it’s a delight to see Little Kitty, Big City getting some console love too. Cat lovers rejoice, as there’s a new big cat in town and it’s you! You play as your created cat who got themself lost in the city on their way back home. On your journey, you’ll help fellow animal friends with various tasks and requests in a truly blissfully chaotic cat-like fashion. As well as core quests include napping in the sun, stealing a stranger’s food and knocking over objects. On top of that, there will be a slew of accessories to fit your cat to look as cute or as ferocious as you want. Little Kitty, Big City will release on Nintendo Switch and PC.
Crow Country by SFB Games – 9th May 2024
There have been multiple survival horrors on this list at this point. All of them have had inspirations from the PSX era, but Crow Country looks to be closest to actually playing a game from that time. With bulky almost PlayStation-era Final Fantasy-inspired visuals, pre-rendered backgrounds and classic survival horror item puzzles, Crow Country ticks all the boxes. The year is 1990. The closure of Crow Country theme park sparks the disappearance of Edward Crow.
For years there’s been silence on the matter until Mara Forest breaks into the heart of the park in order to find him. There’s a tangible sense of place with the game, as the deeply atmospheric and engaging puzzles create tension for old-school survival horror fans. For those not wanting a less spooky experience, the game at launch will have an ‘Exploration Mode’ so you can play the game challenge free. Crow Country will release PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S.
Brocula by Destroyer Doggo – 9th May 2024
Sometimes a vampire’s worst enemy isn’t the sunlight or garlic. Sometimes it’s the crushing capitalism that persists to weigh a heavy burden on your waking existence, and for vampires that could mean centuries. You play as the titular Brocula, a vampire awoken from a 500-year sleep in a world that’s unrecognisable. Stripped of any wealth, he must try to earn a sustainable living by taking on a myriad of part-time jobs.
From being a barista at a coffee shop to waiting tables at a restaurant, Brocula must save up enough scratch to rebuild his fallen fortress – all the whilst reclaiming it from the clutches of the town’s mayor. Outside of Brocula’s typical day jobs, you’re also tasked to rebuild your vampiric cult to its former glory and take on the ever-changing forest to defeat devastating creatures and plunder its treasures. Brocula will release on Xbox and PC.
Animal Well by Billy Basso – 9th May 2024
Visually and audibly intricate, this exceptionally designed 2D pixel art spelunking adventure has been a long time coming from Billy Basso at Shared Memory. Since the big announcement of Videogamedunkey’s BigMode publishing Animal Well, all eyes are on this double debut, and first impressions are great.
Animal Well is described as a surreal and dense adventure into an unknown labyrinth, filled with beautiful and unsettling creatures. With an extensive amount of puzzles to solve and items to collect that alter environments in meaningful ways, the game looks to have a lot more going on under the surface. Animal Well will release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Mullet MadJack by HAMMER95 – 15th May 2024
Mullet Mad Jack is what happens when you smash Redline and Speed together and stick a gun into the protagonist’s hand. The game is a fast-paced FPS set in 2090, where man and the internet have merged into a new being. You need dopamine every 10 seconds or else you’ll die. The remedy is to kill A.I. robots, resetting the clock until you make it to the end – before the end gets to you.
Mullet Mad Jack has taken undeniable inspiration from the game Post Void and if it plays anything like it then we’re all in for a treat. The game will feature a Story Mode as well as an Endless Mode to reach that high score. As well as over 50 power-ups to play with every floor you beat, making every run feel unique. Mullet Mad Jack will release on PC.
Baladins by Seed by Seed – 15th May 2024
Baladins is a co-op roleplaying adventure that sees you bringing joy to a fantasy world. You play as one of the titular Baladins as you go from town to town to entertain the masses. From busking, throwing parties and other fun activities, you’ll be spreading joy along your travels. Playing as one of the four unique classes, each character will have their own strengths as you roll the dice and take on a new journey every time, in solo or co-op.
However, at the end of your playthrough, you may encounter the mystical dragon that lurks across the land, so you best be prepared for anything! The art style is reminiscent of Paper Mario with its vibrant landscapes and cutesy character designs. Baladins will release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 & 4 PC.
An English Haunting by Postmodern Adventures – 15th May 2024
An English Haunting is a point-and-click adventure that sees you deciphering between the ghosts and the fairytales. Set in London in 1907, the city is captivated by spiritualism. Sceances and shows where spirits make contact are a hit with the locals, bringing about a legion of investigators to discover the secrets of the spirits.
You play as Patrick Moore as he has 72 hours to prove the existence of the Great Beyond or else his Metaphysic Investigations Department will be shut down indefinitely. With over 70 characters to interact with, some of which are real figures from the period and over 60 detailed pixel art backgrounds, An English Haunting looks to be a great peak at the unexplainable through the lens of history. The game will release on PC.
Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER by MidBoss – 16th May 2024
People have been clamouring for the story-rich point-and-click sequel to 2064: Read Only Memories and we’re very nearly there! Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER is the follow-up that takes you back to Neo-San Francisco in an all-new “psy-fi’ adventure. You take on the role of the newly-qualified ESPer, ES88 as you track down the mysterious Golden Butterfly.
Working with your psy-dekick to dive into people’s minds and repair their recollections, you’ll be able to collect clues and thoughts to piece together fragments to push out the Golden Butterfly. The game promises to be great for newcomers, but those familiar will notice some old faces. Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes by Simogo – 16th May 2024
The less you know about this game the better, is what I have been advised by good authority, so I will keep this entry brief. From the team that brought you Sayonara Wild Hearts, Simogo, is an all-new puzzle adventure that is guaranteed to need a pen and paper to help solve. A woman is summoned by a man to participate in a project in an old hotel in the middle of nowhere, Europe.
What starts off straightforward enough, devolves into a dizzying game of illusions whereby you have to decipher the enigma of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. The art style is fantastic, as is expected from Simogo at this point and I’m sure the soundtrack will be just as much of an earworm much like their previous game. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes will release on Nintendo Switch and PC.
Robobeat by Simon Fredholm – 16th May 2024
A Finger Guns favourite at last year’s EGX, Robobeat is the latest in the rhythm FPS genre. Games like these are often oozing with style and this solo-developed game by Simon Fredholm is no different. Robobeat delivers a futuristic sci-fi setting, as you play a bounty hunter en route to their latest target.
You’ll be pushed to master the art of sliding, bunny hopping, wall running and shooting to the rhythm of an electronic soundtrack whilst exploring procedurally generated levels. If the game’s music isn’t your style, you’ll also be able to add your own songs and edit them to the levels to match your perfect playstyle. Robobeat looks slick, action-packed and innovative for its genre and we can’t wait to check it out. The game has a release window of 2024 for PC.
Harvest Hunt by Villainous Games Studio – 22nd May 2024
Harvest Hunt is a folk horror roguelike that puts you in the role of the Warden of the secluded village of Luna Nova. Your task is to safeguard the villagers, gather resources and survive the night from the terrors that lurk in the shadows. You will have to guide yourself through the dizzying farmlands whilst building an arsenal known as Whispers, a tarot-inspired deck-based system that’ll bolster your abilities against the watchful eye of the Devourer. The chilling art style and foreboding atmosphere make for a cruel but fun experience. Harvest Hunt will release on PC.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami by Happy Broccoli – 23rd May 2024
Recently shown off at the Winter Day of the Devs, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami takes the Paper Mario style and throws it into an anthropomorphic noir setting. The trailer describes the game as having Return of the Obra Dinn style gameplay, meaning your investigation and perceptive skills are the key to solving the case.
Pick out visual clues from many of the characters you face and question them appropriately to peel back this onion of a salami. Complete with cosy vibes and duck-based detective puns, Duck Detective: The Secret Salami aims to be a short jaunt into the zoo of conspiracies but dense with possible avenues for the culprit. The game has a release window of 2024 for PC.
Hauntii by Moonloop Games – 23rd May 2024
Hauntii’s director Leo Dasso spoke to The Guardian about the game’s main theme, death, an extreme but important aspect to explore. As humans who often have to cope with this experience, Dasso spoke about how necessary it is to indulge the aspect with a positive outlook. Hauntii is an isometric adventure that sees you haunting the environment and inhabitants to solve puzzles and partake in combat scenarios. You play as the titular Hauntii who’s traversing the world of Eternity – a place that exists out of space and where all souls end up.
Every soul in Eternity is on a journey to a central tower to help them ascend – with the assistance of glowing creatures known as Eternians. Are they angels? That’s for you to discover as you learn more about the world. Completely hand-crafted with a gorgeous tonal art style, the game features twin-stick shooting, but slow and contemplative traversal for you to soak up the scenery. Uncover Constellations that aid you in finding out Hauntii’s past life. Hauntii will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Pine Hearts by Hyper Luminal Games – 23rd May 2024
You play as Tyke, who’s returning to Pine Hearts caravan park after the passing of his father. It’s been a long time since Tyke has been there, so his journey is filled with memories that you’ll find during your ascent up the mountain. The developers wanted their focus away from combat and instead made it completely about an item-based progression.
The environments are unwinding and intertwined, with a whole bunch of characters to talk to along your journey. It’s shaping up to be one of the most heartwarming and cosy games for this year and we’re looking forward to Pine Hearts. The game will release on Nintendo Switch and PC.
Until Then by Polychroma Games – 23rd May 2024
Until Then looks like a quintessential slice of life that any fan of A Space for the Unbound should check out. Set in the Philippines, you play as Mark after a fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction of encounters. People and memories are disappearing, proving unreliable to maintain in Mark’s day to day. You will have to uncover the mystery of all these inconsistencies, all the while living the life of a high schooler; with all the fun, and not so fun, moments that entail. Practice piano, meet homework deadlines and trawl through social media as every like and activity affects the future. Make and break relationships before the end of the world. Until Then will release on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Capes by Spitfire Interactive – 29th May 2024
Capes is a superhero turn-based strategy game where the superheroes are the outlaws. Supervillains won the ongoing fight twenty years ago and in the wake of that loss has birthed a dystopian city where superpowers are a crime. Moreover, nobody has been able to stop them, until now. You play as a superhero forming an alliance to fight back against the supervillains and return the city to its former glory. Recruit heroes with unique capabilities, establish relationships to learn their story and clobber enemies in tactical turn-based combat. Think of XCom meets The Boys and you have Capes. The game will release on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S and One, Nintendo Switch and PC.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory by High North Studios – 30th May 2024
SKALD: Against the Black Priory is an RPG that takes great inspiration from the games of yesteryear. High North Studios looks to combine modern design with authentic 8-bit charm to create a perfect balance of something that could have been released decades ago, without feeling like it. Lead your band of heroes into dungeons crawling with deadly creatures and eldritch horrors to make it to the Black Priory and beyond.
With choice-based dialogue and dice rolling to determine your fate, every adventure will be different as bad luck may spell grave danger. Fans of D&D who like to craft character’s stats, class and prepare for the journey ahead will surely get a kick out of SKALD: Against the Black Priory when it releases on PC.
What did I tell you? There’s no chance any of us are going to catch up on our backlog of indie games at this rate. Let us know what you’re excited to pick up out of this list. Every game’s date is subject to change and as always you can reach out to us at hello@fingerguns.net, or on our socials if you have indie games to showcase for June. Until next month!
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