Let’s ignore the deluge of AAA titles launching in February 2022 for a second. Here’s 16 indie games to get excited about for the following month.
February 2022 has the potential to be one of the best months in video game history. The stars have aligned and a number of exciting, highly anticipated games are all arriving with weeks of one another. No, I’m not referring to Dying Light 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Grid Legends and that other little game… what was it? Olden Ring or something? Anyway, to the point – I was referring to a whole bunch of long awaiting indie games all arriving during February 2022.
These indie games include a Baldur’s Gate inspired adventure, a politically charged road trip, the next evolution of a beloved skating series, a chilling phycological thriller, a promising looking martial arts fighting game and much, much more. As indie games go, this is one of the most promising and jam packed months I’ve had the pleasure of writing about since I started curating these monthly lists. I know this month is going to be busy, but I implore you – don’t let these indie games slip under your radar.
Without further ado, here’s 16 indie games to get excited about during February 2022.
Not Tonight 2 by Panic Barn – February 11th, 2022
A sequel to a Finger Guns favourite (the post-Brexit, door manning adventure Not Tonight), Not Tonight 2 is described by publishers No More Robots as “the most political game ever made“. Based on my experience with the beta, that doesn’t feel like an empty boast. In this game you play as a bouncer making their way across a broken America, trying to do what you can to free your friend from prison. While the game might feature outlandish characters and situations – Mount Rushmore taken over by medieval LARPers, for example – there’s a lot of smart, reflective commentary on the current state of America in here. At every stop on your journey, you’ll be taking in the culture and earning money by checking documents and maybe dishing out poutine (no, really) while manning the door of an establishment. Of all the indie games on this list, this is the one I’ve been most eagerly anticipating. It’s not every day that a game is so outwardly political rather than pretending that politics doesn’t exist. We’ll be setting off on this road trip on February 11th when Not Tonight 2 launches on PC via Steam.
Martha Is Dead by LKA – February 24th, 2022
To give Wired Productions and LMA some credit with their build up to the release of Martha Is Dead, they’ve made is seem like an incredible mystery. Every trailer I’ve seen of this phycological thriller has left me with more questions that I need answers too. I imagine I’ll be desperate to play this come Feb 24th when it launches on Steam and consoles. Set in Italy in 1944, the game takes place as the conflict between German and Allied forces rages on – but the matter at hand is much closer to home. In the game you play as Giulia, the daughter of a German solider. The body of the lead character’s twin-sister, Martha, has been found, drowned. You’ll be attempting to find out what happened in a series of events “shrouded by mysterious folklore and the extreme horror of war that draws ever closer“. LMA’s previous work ‘The Town of Light‘ was raw, uncomfortable and very good. Martha Is Dead certainly looks as though it’s following suit. February 24th can’t come quickly enough.
Inua – A Story in Ice and Time by The Pixel Hunt/iko/ARTE – Feb 10th, 2022
Of all the indie games that I played at EGX in 2021, Inua – A Story in Ice and Time is one of the ones that has really stuck with me. Spanning 3 different time periods, the game tells the tale of 3 characters that live 100 years apart from one another but have entwined destinies. Rather than playing as these characters, you instead play as omnipotent spirit-like force that can influence the environment and inspire thought or conversation. It’s a really cool concept that is made all the more interesting by having part of the game set during the ill-fated Franklin expedition from 1845. Inua – A Story in Ice and Time is launching on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android on February 10th.
OlliOlli World by Roll7 – Feb 8th, 2022
Roll7 are really f**king good at what they do, eh? In my estimation, they’ve never released a bad game. Laser League was excellent, Not A Hero was an absolute banger and both of the previous OlliOlli games were some of the most moreish gaming on the market. This is a trend that’s likely to continue with OlliOlli World, the evolution of their 2D skating series. That satisfaction from hitting those tricky lines looks to return, but failure won’t be as punishing this time around. The art style has switched up from pixel art to a hand drawn style and while I was fond of the previous aesthetic, this new look gives the game so much more depth. There’s a story this time too, as you skate your way through the “world of Radland, meeting colorful characters as you grind, trick, and air your way to discover the mystical skate gods on your quest for Gnarvana“. Sold. This is everything we could want from a new, expanded OlliOlli game. OlliOlli World is kickflipping onto PC via Steam, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox on February 9th, 2022.
Sifu by Sloclap – Feb 8th, 2022
One day, Finger Guns will be big enough so that I’ll be able to link you to our own preview of high profile upcoming indie games. Until that day, I’m in the same boat as you dead reader, as in I’m super hyped to see what Sifu feels like to play. On the surface, it looks bloody brilliant. The good news is the recent previews are all glowing. NME are “longing for more“. “My anticipation for Sifu was already high just based on its trailers, but after getting a taste I can’t wait for more”, said GameSpot. TSA said it “feels full of potential”. “I can’t wait to play this game” said…me… just now. Sifu is launching onto PS4, PS5 and PC via EGS on February 2021.
The Waylanders by Gato Salvaje Studio – Feb 2nd
After almost 6 months in early access, the 1.0 version of The Waylanders is finally launching onto Steam and GOG on February 2nd, 2021. Inspired by a whole bunch of favourites and steeped in Celtic mythology, this game is the product of some talented, veteran developers (from the likes of Bioware and Telltale). While much of The Waylanders looks like a modern day take on Baldurs Gate (which, in my estimation, is a good thing), it does have a unique aspect. That can be found in the combat which is real time but with a pause option so you can make sure you’re in control of what’s unfurling across a battlefield. Early access previews have been positive about this title and with the improvements coming for the launch version, The Waylanders certainly seems like a game worth spending time with on the 2nd of February.
Infernax by Berzerk Studio – Feb 14th
You can’t throw a stone into a field of indie games without hitting more than a few retro inspired platformers. On the surface, Infernax looks like just another one of them. It’s the inspirations that differ here though. Rather than attempting to replicate those classic games that sit atop the “Best of…” feature lists time and time again, this game takes aim at some cult specials. Namely, aspects of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. Having spent a little time with Infernax earlier this year, I can attest to it being gory and bloody good fun. Infernax is hacking its way onto PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch on February 14th, 2022.
Diplomacy is Not an Option by Door 207 – Feb 9th
While diplomacy is an important part of many strategy indie games, it’s not a part of Door 407’s next game. In fact, it’s not an option. *nudge* In this game, you play as a “long-suffering minor lord” whose land is being invaded by an angry horde. There’s no peace to be had as thousands of enemies descend on your position, so it’s time to defend yourself. With realistic physics, you have to deploy archers, warriors, ballista and catapults in the best place to fight back the attacking forces. All the while, you’ll have to deal with the situation within your city walls, dealing with food scarcity, diseases and balancing resources. Diplomacy is Not an Option sounds like a fascinating blend of mechanics that’s holding up on PC via Steam Early Access on February 9th, 2022.
Model Builder by Moonlit – Feb 8th
Fun fact: Model Builder was the game that convinced me that I finally needed to buy a proper gaming PC. I was blown away by the functionality in this game when I played it at EGX 2021. Building models has been a hobby I’ve had since I was a child but I’ve never really been very good at it, to be honest. In recent years, its has also been a pain to find time and space to do. In Model Builder, I found myself getting the immense satisfaction of putting together model kits without the hassle of cleaning up paint, layout out a newspaper and tidying it all up. I could see myself losing afternoons to this game and I wouldn’t even mind. In the final version of the game, there’s going to be a campaign mode inspired by one of the developer’s family. We’ll be able to unlock the “secrets of the past, take on commission and competitions as you become the master modelling craftsman“. Model Builder is launching on Steam on February 8th, 2022.
Know By Heart by Ice-Pick Lodge – Feb 10th
I think it’s fair to say that Know By Heart is a big departure from what Ice-Pick Lodge has done before. From the developers of Pathologic, this game is a sentimental adventure set in a Russian, post-Soviet provincial town. Featuring an emotional plot with non-linear elements and several endings, Know By Heart is the tale of a pair of childhood friends who reunite to take a trip down memory lane. “However, something beyond their control will ruin this reunion“. Personally, I’m very interested in finding out what the ‘something’ is. We don’t have too long to wait as Know By Heart launches on PC via Steam and consoles on February 10th, 2022.
Castle Morihisa by Smokingbear Studio – Feb 10th
I’m not usually a fan of card based, deck building roguelike indie games but I’m making an exception for Castle Morihisa because of how cool it looks. In this game you take control of a character – the Monk, Samurai, Onmyoji and Ninja – that has its own unique deck. With over 300 cards, you can tailor the cards to how you like to play and continue to evolve it as you play and battle. Underpinning these appears to be a deep story and a tonne of lore to dig into. This sound like your type of game? Well, Castle Morihisa launches on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch on the 10th of February, 2022.
KungFu Kickball by WhaleFood Games – Feb 10th
Looking to add some indie games to your games night? You should definitely give KungFu Kickball a look. A ball sports meets fighting game, you and other players team up to kick a ball into a gong to score points. Playable with five different martial arts masters with specialised fighting styles on six different stages, there appears to be some real depth here to keep the play fun for hours. What’s more, the game is cross-play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, as well as PC and Mac via Steam and the Mac App Store. No matter the platform, you’ll be in on the action with you friends when KungFu Kickball launches out of early access on February 10th.
KINGDOM of the DEAD by Dirigo Games – February 10th, 2022
It’s the nature of this industry that when you put together one of these indie game lists, a game is undoubtedly going to slip (or you end up working on out of date information in the first place). This happened last month for KINGDOM of the DEAD, a new shooter from a new publisher, HOOK. A dark, blooding pen and ink hand drawn style with little details that make for a big mood, this game is the product of “One-dev-army” Diringo Games. A retro inspired FPS, KINGDOM of the DEAD features 8 creepy levels to explore, each of them along the US East Coast. In those highly replayable levels, you’ll find more than 20 enemy types, giant bosses and 8 different weapons with which to fight them with. Make sure to check it out when it launches on Steam on February 10th, 2022.
Derpy Konga by Giant Door – February 10th
Derpy Conga looks arrestingly charming. Like, so cute and weird that I want it immediately, charming. In this physics-based puzzle-platformer, you play as not one, not two, but a whole bunch of wacky friends that need to work together. Holding hands, like they’re in a conga line, they’ll have to recruit new friends and use their unique abilities to overcome challenges and swing past obstacles. It’s a unique concept that, if done right, could be something quite special. Derpy Conga is launching on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch on February 10th.
Unbound: Worlds Apart by Alien Pixel Studios – Feb 9th
Okay, this last one is a bit of a cheat because Unbound Worlds Apart is actually already available on Switch and PC. The reason that this game is one this indie games list at all is because it is launching on PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series on February 9th via Digerati. Physical versions of the PlayStation editions will be available via Perp Games later too. I really enjoyed Unbound Worlds Apart when I played it last year. I found it to be a challenging and unique take on the Metroidvania genre and I’m looking forward to double dipping on the game with this game on PlayStation (I’m going to need that Platinum trophy).
The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna by Tonguc Bodur – February 2nd, 2022
As ‘walking simulators’ go, The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna looks like one of the more intriguing ones. In it you play as a university graduate who returns to his village only to find the place deserted. Piecing together the echoes of what happened while he was away, the lead character must unravel the mystery of what’s going on. Originally released in 2019 on Steam, EastAsiaSoft are helping bring this game to a whole host of new platforms on February 2nd. That includes PS4, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Our very own Kat has been very hyped about this release so hopefully we’ll have a review for you closer to release.
Of course, this list can’t be entirely comprehensive. There’s no doubt I’ve missed a few cool looking indie games releasing in February 2022. Either that or their release will be announced as soon as I hit the ‘publish’ button. Know of some indie games we should take a look at? Hit the comments section and let us know about them? Indie dev making a cool game? We encourage shameless self promotion here. Drop a link in the comments below.
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