#1 Emitime
Rhythm. Deckbuilder. Strategy. I saw the holy trinity of genres decorated on the board for Emitime and knew I had no choice but to play it. A rhythm action game where you combine attack inputs to the beat of the music, alongside firing off pre-selected special abilities via cards, this was a blast. The action takes place in a grid format, whereby you’ll need to time your movements and attacks to max out your damage and score. It similarly follows a roguelite structure, selecting between paths to the end of a run.
The developer I spoke to was explained a lot of influence from HiFi Rush, and it showed throughout. The music is great, the abilities are satisfying, and it’s got a lot of potential. There’s still a ways to go until it’ll be ready for a full release, not least due to a desire to add more characters, cards and content in general, but the early demo build was a pleasure to experience.
Emitime is being developed and published by Otterweave Games Studios, you can find it on Steam.
#2 Phantom Floor
PSX style graphics with cat-and-mouse horror is a better combination than cheese and wine. I spotted Phantom Floor almost immediately and couldn’t help but throw myself in. Only one person had successfully escaped the nightmare motel where the game takes place up until I’d played it. The premise is simple – there are three items you need to unblock a door to safety scattered around a grizzly and murderous series of rooms.
As you attempt to gather up the crowbar, keycard and key you desperately need, you’ll be constantly chased and harassed by a rather terrifying looking creature. It’ll stalk the halls, respond to your noises, regurgitate horrendous sentences and just generally be a menace. I made it out on my first run on normal (becoming just the second person of the day to do so). On hard, I survived barely a minute. Phantom Floor is a brilliant PSX style horror game and I recommend keeping an eye out for this gem.
Phantom Floor is being developed and published Hawaiian Shirt Games. You can find the game on Steam.
#3 Relooted
I wasn’t too sure on Relooted when it was first showcased. However, playing Relooted is an entirely different proposition. The eclectic mix of speedy free-running, tactical planning for heists and use of specialist abilities is superbly engaging and huge fun. I escaped the main mission I played with a literal hair’s breadth of time remaining and it was heart-pumping exhilaration. Block off security doors, dash over gaps and craft the perfect getaway plan.
The story is also more interesting than you might typically find in games like this. Reclaiming African artifacts from western museums that have locked them away from the public (with simultaneously no recourse should they be displaced…) is a great premise, with the writing and voice work elevating that premise well. I can safely say I’m sold on Relooted and I look forward to planning all manner of pitch-perfect (read: completely botched) heist plans.
Relooted is being developed and published by Nyamakop. You can find out more about it on Steam.
#4 The Saplum Cradle
I’ve definitely pigeonholed myself into the horror genre, haven’t I? Instead of PSX run-and-hide, it’s a choose your own adventure story that was born out of a nightmare the developer had when they were younger. Welcome to The Saplum Cradle. In this charmingly terrifying indie, you take control of a young girl using the memories of the dead to explore lost civilisations. As you might expect, exploring said memories will be fraught with tension and anticipation.
I only had chance to play the 10 minute demo and not the 30 minute one, sadly. However, the short slice of gameplay I experienced was full of intense atmosphere. The young child, Amber, has a demon guardian who cut a rather interesting and complicated figure, all wrapped up within an intriguing narrative. Naturally, there was a nicely set up jump scare to round off the demo. A wonderful surprise, The Saplum Cradle is one of those small indies that make going to events like this worth it.
The Saplum Cradle is being developed and published by Devroom-Vantasia. You can find out more from the game’s official website or on Itch.io.
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