Indie Video Game Round-Up #8 - SINS OF A SOLAR EMPIRE II, EVERDATE, 9 YEARS OF SHADOW, and More

Here’s a new roundup of news for indie video games from the last few weeks. I’m not going to get to every bit of news, so share with us what you’re looking forward to in the comments.

We’ll start with a turn-based tactical strategy game called Capes. This game comes from developer Splitfire Interactive and publisher Daedalic Entertainment. You’ll control a team of heroes trying to reclaim their city from the supervillains who won the fight 20 years prior. If you like superheroes and tactical RPGs, this looks like a great pick for you. The game will be available this year on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4/5, and Xbox consoles.

Capes is a turn-based superhero strategy game where players assemble a team of unique heroes while fighting to take back their city, now controlled by evil despots. Twenty years ago, the supervillains won. Since then, they’ve created a dystopian city where developing superpowers is a crime and no one has dared oppose them. Until now!

Meanwhile, the cooperative tower defense game Voodolls from developer SideRift and publisher Tate Multimedia has been given a release date of April 13. You’ll work with up to three other players (or by yourself) to escape hell and defend the Puppet Master. The game will be available on PC via Steam and is available to add to your wishlist now.

Designed to be played online with friends, Voodolls charges players with fighting for their freedom after their souls are trapped in hell. Offered the chance to escape by a mysterious Puppet Master who distills their essence into Voodolls, play takes the form of intense co-op tower defense battles across 12 planetoid stages featuring three difficulty modes and an endless mode, with the goal being to hold back wave after wave of enemies keen to keep you captive.

Working together to defend the Puppet Master and, in turn, keep your hopes of escape alive is the order of the day, with each doll coming blessed with unique abilities that, when combined, are the key to victory.

CCG fans can now enjoy Sleight of Hand: Dominion from Evil Bunneh. The game features PVE and PVP card battles with over 80 distinct cards to use in your decks. You can play it now on PC via Steam.

Sleight of Hand: Dominion contains over 80 distinct cards to use to defeat your opponents. The game features casual and relaxed gaming in PVE mode as well as thrilling PVP battles in online multiplayer.

The VR game Swords of Gargantua is making a comeback. The game is relaunching on the Meta Quest and Steam Stores on March 2 letting you once again wield a blade in the “hit multiplayer sword-combat simulator” from Thirdverse. The relaunch includes a new offline mode and more. If you already purchased Swords of Gargantua, you’ll automatically gain access to it again with the relaunch.

SWORDS of GARGANTUA initially launched in 2019 and has been a fan favorite with high ratings and reviews over the years. In this relaunch of the game, players will continue to be able to play online in co-op with up to 3 other players, and also now be able to play offline in single player mode to practice their sword-combat skills. Additionally, a new sword will be offered that brings tremendous strength, among the existing wide variety of weapons available, including one and two-handed swords, axes, maces, boomerangs, shields, and more.

NIS America has also announced that Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook will be launching in May. This is another tactical strategy game and here you’re fighting for ingredients to make the best food you can as you try to survive being lost in a dungeon. The art is pretty cute if I’m honest. Many fans will be able to enjoy the game on Nintendo Switch and PS4/5 starting May 23, but Europe has to wait until May 26 and Oceania until June 2.

For fans of physical video games, WayForward announced that Xtreme Sports is now available to preorder for Nintendo Switch and Game Boy Color from Limited Run Games. You’ll have to hurry though as the action-sports-RPG from Matt Bozon can only be pre-ordered until March 12. The Switch version will cost $34.99 and aims to maintain all the gameplay, graphics, and sound of the Game Boy Color title although it has save states, multiple display options, and a gallery mode. The Game Boy Color version is priced at $44.99 with a “sunrise orange” translucent cartridge. If you prefer digital games, Xtreme Sports will be available on the Switch eShop at a later date or you cna grab it on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console if you hurry and buy it before March 27.

Initially released in the year 2000, Xtreme Sports lets players slip into the athletic bods of energetic Guppi or her boyfriend Finn as they travel to Xtreme Island in an attempt to become the new Xtreme Sports Champion by conquering five awesome, adrenaline-pumping events: Skateboarding, Street Luge, Skyboarding, In-line Skating, and Surfing. Each one features obstacles to avoid, power-ups to utilize, and unique controls to master, and when players aren't earning medals and competing against opponents like the mischievous Bonehead Gang, they'll explore the tropical island for secrets and work to uncover a secret plot by the Xtreme Cola Company in this unique mix of sports, action, adventure, and role-playing.

For any RTS fans, you may want to check out Chaotic Era from Bobby Technology. The game is designed to be very atmospheric and minimalist with inspiration from classic science fiction. You can purchase the game in Early Access now on itch.io for Mac and PC.

We left it all behind. Old Earth and its doomed children. Titan, Io, the floating cities of Venus. Mars' cursed wastelands..."

In the late 28th century, as the Solar System collapses, Old Earth’s corporate warlords launch thousands of starships in search of a new home, but the reality of deep space is far more horrifying than anyone could have imagined...

Warhorse Studios and Prime Matter are happy to be celebrating the fifth anniversary of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This historical action RPG has received critical acclaim over the years and now two new language packs are available for the PC version of the game: Czech and Japanese. You can play the game now on PC (GOG|Steam), PS4, and Xbox One (affiliate link).

Without a home, family, or future you end up in the service of Lord Radzig Kobyla, who is forming a resistance against the invasion. Fate drags you into this bloody conflict and shoves you into a raging civil war, where you help fight for the future of Bohemia. Redeem your past and emerge a hero!

Ready to slay some zombies? Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios announced that Dead Island 2 will actually be released a whole week earlier than previously announced. You will now be able to murder zombies and work to escape Hell-A (LA’s new nickname) on April 21. The game will be available to play on PC (Epic), PS4/5, and Xbox consoles (affiliate link).

The groundbreaking Dead Island franchise first hit the scene in 2011 with one of the most viewed video game trailers of all time. The latest installment, which was announced with a gloriously gory trailer during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live event in 2022, takes players on a blood-soaked, pulp voyage to escape Los Angeles, now nicknamed HELL-A, as it descends into zombie-infested chaos with all the over-the-top action and dark humor that fans will be expecting.

The PSVita otome title Charade Maniacs is being released on the Nintendo Switch this summer. This will be the first time the game from Idea Factory has been localized into English for North American and European audiences.

Take on the role of Hiyori Sena, a high school sophomore who has been abducted by a masked figure. Trapped in the mysterious world of Arcadia with nine others, she is forced by her captor to act in dramas alongside the other abductees. To make matters worse, there's a traitor among the costars! Love blooms on and off stage in this dramatic search for truth and romance. Who can you trust?

One of my favorite webcomics is Let’s Play and it’s getting a video game! Leeanne M. Krecic has launched Mongie Studios and with Always Imagine will be launching Everdate via Kickstarter. This will be a dating sim with some CCG mixed in. I love Let’s Play and this looks like fun. You can get the game starting with a pledge of $19 for either mobile or PC and expect to enjoy the game next year. I cannot wait!

Fans of 2D Metroidvania games can look forward to playing 9 Years of Shadows from Halberd Studios and Freedom Games on PC (Epic|Steam) on March 27 with a Switch launch planned for Q3 2023. This is a game that I’ve been intrigued by and am excited for the launch. It will retail for $19.99.

Return hope and color to a cursed, grayscale world as Europa, a young warrior who refuses to continue to live life in the shadows. Alongside her mysterious healing teddy bear Apino, battle against primordial enemies and bosses to reach the source of Castle Talos’s curse. Convoke elemental powers from legendary gods like Poseidon, Gaia, and Helios to boost attacks, take advantage of enemy vulnerabilities, grant new traversal options, and dawn beautiful armor.

Traverse the handcrafted pixel-art castle, inspired by nostalgic 90s anime and filled with sinister secrets to uncover. Starting in the golden hallways of Talos’ Entrance, map out junction points between the dark Forgotten Pond, oriental Eucalyptus Garden, lonely Upper Quarters, among other zones. Discover hidden paintings evoking feelings of Hope, Despair, and Demise that transport Europa and Apino to hidden, other-worldly temples that will test their bond.

Revitalize the world with colorful attacks in tempo to a breathtaking soundtrack, meticulously scored in a soothing 432hz by celebrated composers Michiru Yamane (Castlevania series) and Norihiko Hibino (Metal Gear Solid series). Meet these songsmiths as in-game NPCs who aid in Europa’s journey and teach ability granting musical pieces. Embrace the visual and musical art that is the soul of 9 Years of Shadows and restore that same beauty.

More physical game news comes from Annapurna Interactive, Giant Squid Studios, iam8bit, and Skybound Games that announced a physical edition of The Pathless. Starting at $39.99 at iam8bit and global retailers, the physical version will launch on April 18 for Nintendo Switch and PS5. The iam8bit Exclusive Edition will have some extra goodies like six art cards and reversible cover sheet. There’s also an iam8bit version for PS5 starting at $52.99.

Sins of a Solar Empire II from Stardock and Ironclad Games has a new update that brings multiplayer to the game along with new ships, an updated UI for the Research Tree, improved textures, and more.

The introduction of multiplayer is a core stage in Sins of a Solar Empire II’s development and, as such, Stardock and Ironclad are eager to get feedback from players as they continuously improve upon it. This multiplayer experience is merely the tip of the iceberg, but eager Sins players can get a solid feel for what the new engine brings to the table.

If you need more cooperative platforming in your life, look forward to River Tails: Stronger Together. The game is set to hit Steam via Early Access soon and you can wishlist it now. The game is developed by Kid Onion Studio and published by Gravity Game Arise. You’ll play as a cat named Furple and a fish named Finn and the game looks adorable.

It all starts at the top of an enormous icy mountain when, one day, innocent kitten Furple ventures too far from home and encounters something very scary. In a moment of panic, he falls into a coursing river and quickly finds himself at the bottom of the mountain – far, far from home. This is where our feline friend first encounters his fishy pal, Finn. Grumpy Finn isn’t happy that this excitable purple kitten has just splashed into his life, but he soon realizes that they can help each other. Furple desperately needs to get home and Finn has just had his prized possession stolen from him. With their different skillsets, a cat and fish might be better off facing this adventure together.

Atari’s announced that Caverns of Mars: Recharged will launch on March 9. This is the latest title in the Atari Recharged series that sees classic games get revamped for modern consoles and modern audiences. You’ll be able to play on Atari VCS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Epic|Steam), PS4/5, and Xbox consoles (affiliate link).

In Caverns of Mars: Recharged, players progress through 30 unique missions set within three primary “depths” of Mars, descending deeper and deeper into enemy territory. Blast through oncoming hostile fire, bull through debris and obstructions, and dodge other obstacles all while keeping a close eye on fuel and ammo reserves. Featuring a unique local co-op mode, players can team up with one partner assigned to navigation while the other player shoots the drone!

You can play as Lo Wang once more as Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition has officially launched. The first-person slice-’em-up can be enjoyed on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S (affiliate link) and is even available via Xbox Game Pass (affiliate link). The Definitive Edition features enhanced visuals and performance, a new Hardcore Mode, New Game Plus, and Survival Mode.

The Definitive Edition of Shadow Warrior 3 is a reinvigorated, ultraviolent blend of fast-paced gunplay, razor-sharp melee combat, and spectacular free-running movement through a mythical Japanese realm. Test your skills against the all-new Survival Mode, New Game Plus, and Hardcore Mode, and WATCH OUT FOR THAT DRAGON!

The family friendly kart racer Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart has launched from Outright Games and Cyber Group Studios. This is the first kart racer for the Gigantosaurus franchise and who doesn’t dream of playing a kart racer where you’re a dinosaur? It sounds like a lot of fun for families. You can play now on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4/5, and Xbox consoles (affiliate link).

Gigantosaurus: Dino Kart puts players in the driver seat as they traverse through three different environments in the Savannah, Jungle, and Mount Oblivion Cups, picking up special skills to help you win the race, including "Giganto's Roar" - a sound that will slow down all opponents within a certain range. Players who dino-soar through the finish lines can take on "Jetpack" tracks that allow for unique and fun layouts to test their abilities.

Finally, For The King II from Curve Games and Iron Oak Games has received a new trailer. You may notice landboats, mercenaries and pets, and more in the video. The game is inspired by tabletop adventures and will launch for PC on Steam in 2023 and will feature 4-player co-op!

For The King II transports you deep into Fahrul during a period of crisis and peril. The once beloved Queen Rosomon has turned against her subjects, leaving you and a group of resistance fighters to strike back and fight for the freedom of the realm. The story will be accessible and exciting for new players, whilst also offering fans of the For The King a continuation of the original narrative arc. Allowing fans to kick off a single-player experience or play cooperatively online and in couch co-op with up to four players, For The King II offers brand-new combat mechanics and features, a host of new biomes to explore, a beautiful updated art style, new weapons and enemies to conquer - and much more….From the vast number of character and item combinations to the procedurally generated maps, quests, loot, and events – the world of Fahrul is ever-changing and will constantly keep players on their toes!

With a greater focus on strategic decision making and class, armor and weapon customization, players will need to pick their battles carefully, arming characters with the skills and gear needed to succeed in this famously accessible yet challenging combat system that rewards planning and foresight. Players can choose to fight side-by-side with friends or split up to claim loot for themselves to provide unique abilities, tactical advantages, and powerful synergies. The more you play, the more items you unlock to use in future adventures!