As I’m sure you’ve noticed by nowthanks to TheGamer’s extensive coverage, Gamescom 2023 was packed with games, from some of this year’s biggest upcoming releases likeSonic Superstars,Super Mario Bros. Wonder, andMortal Kombat 1, to titles on the horizon likeBlack Myth: Wukong. And by “on the horizon”, I mean the five-hour queue you had to stand in to play it.
Gamescom wasn’t just a big event for triple-A games, though, it was also a haven for indie titles. My colleagues have talked about some of those hidden gems in their own features, likeBye Sweet Carole,Reka, andUltros, just to name a few.
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I’ve already spoken about afew of the indie games that I got to play at Gamescom 2023, but there were so many great ones at the event that I wanted to give them a chance to shine. True to my own brand, a lot of the indies I got to check out were very silly, which was just what I needed after a day of running from hall to hall and surviving only on Red Bull and the good vibes these games gave me.
Pizza Possum
Speaking of being very on-brand for me, a game about a sneaky little rat creature that loves to eat as many snacks as possible while running away from his responsibilities. Uh, I mean guard dogs.Pizza Possumsees you playing as the titular thieving marsupial as you run around an island and snack on as much as possible without being caught by the various types of guard dogs that impede your progress. Things seemed simplistic and easy at first as I ran around the island munching food, but after getting caught by the surprisingly-alert dogs, I realised that utilising items like smoke bombs and masks that disguise you from the hounds is better than sprinting around screaming with food in your mouth.
The demo wasn’t too complex, but it was incredibly charming and made me howl with laughter (geddit?) every time a dog starting chasing me and I saw my little possum scream in fear as it scoffed another cake. Playing in co-op so that you have another player on hand to save you from trouble when you inevitably get caught is great too, and feels like the best way to experience Pizza Possum.
AK-xolotl
Moving on from food but not away from animals, another charming indie game at Gamescom wasAK-xolotl, which does what you’d expect and arms an adorable axolotl with an AK-47 and a thirst for vengeance.
I was already into AK-xolotl based on that ridiculous premise and punny title alone, but the stark resemblance to Enter The Gungeon was what really had me hooked. AK-xolotl has a lot of similarities, from its shooting and movement to its roguelike structure. And while it draws from one of the best in the genre, it manages to stand out with its bizarre premise.
After just a few runs of the first area, I was already getting into the shoot-and-roll groove I’d previously fallen in love with in Dodge Roll’s game. It’s a shame I didn’t get to experience some of AK-xolotl’s more unique elements, like raising an army of baby axolotls, but even without seeing those I can say that anyone who enjoyed Enter The Gungeon and other similar roguelikes is in for a familiar treat here. It’s also out now, so go give it a whirl if that sounds like your jam.
Born Of Bread
Anddd we’re back on whimsical games with a food theme, how about that? While the other games I’ve mentioned so far are ones that I was introduced to at Gamescom, I’ve actually been followingBorn of Breadsince it was announced late last year and was eager to give it a go.
I was right to be so excited, as my short time with Born of Bread had me grinning from ear to ear. If you’ve played Paper Mario before then you’ll know exactly what you’re in for here as it has very similar combat and exploration mechanics, and even has a very similar sense of humour, just with a lot of puns about food and bread.
Although Born of Bread might not be the most original idea and owes Nintendo a pint or two, it’s a great tribute to the Mario RPGs with a flavour and world of its own, and one I’m bready to see through when it releases later this year.
Abiotic Factor
We’re finally moving away from animals and food, but not quite away from whimsy. One of the most interesting indies I played at Gamescom wasAbiotic Factor, a co-op survival game set in a research facility that’s overrun with creatures and monsters. Rather than playing as sword-swinging badasses, you instead take control of big-brained scientists who must build contraptions and figure out how to survive.
I’ve admittedly never been a huge fan of survival games and tend to tune out a little when crafting is on the table, but Abiotic Factor’s unique premise, PS1-era graphics, and scientific coat of paint are enough to make it stand out in the crowded genre. With surprisingly deep building and inventing mechanics that go beyond just finding recipes and slapping items together, Abiotic Factor has the potential to be the breath of fresh air survival games need.
The Last Faith
Finally, the only indie game that I played at Gamescom that wasn’t whimsical and bright wasThe Last Faith, an indie that merges the classic 2D Metroidvania and Souls-like genres into one hardcore side-scroller.
Although The Last Faith might look like it leans more towardsCastlevaniawith its overall look and movement, the combat is much moreDark Soulsand relies on your knowledge of enemy patterns and knowing when to attack and when to roll away. It’s similar to Salt and Sanctuary, but with a bit more style and a greater balance between the two influences.
I can also confirm that there’s a whip weapon hidden in there somewhere that should instantly sell any hardcore Castlevania fans like myself.
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