Indies Thriving at Gamescom
Gamescom is over, and while many may reflect on the massive titles that dominated the show floor, I want to shine a light on the smaller games that may have been overlooked at the world’s biggest gaming convention. So, check out my list of hidden gems that deserve a place on your radar.
AGNI: Village of Calamity
Taking inspiration from legendary survival horror games such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill, the Indonesian-developed title puts you in a state of insecurity, making each step into the dark a thrill. Flipping from a fixed to an over-the-shoulder perspective, the game can hide scares, building tension throughout. With its refreshing representation of Asian culture, it’s great to see horror from a different angle and I’m excited to check this out when it launches.
RECUR
RECUR borrows from Braid to create a wonderful, cinematic puzzler. While its central mechanic is similar to Jonathan Blow’s directorial debut, it adds a delicious filmic twist with large time-warping set pieces. The puzzles already show plenty of ingenuity, while the cinematic presentation gives the adventure a distinct identity of its own. Brimming with creativity, I can’t wait to see how the talented team works with the mechanic to create a truly special adventure that launches later this year.
Raji: Kaliyuga
A sequel to the 2020 title, Raji: Kaliyuga is a seismic shift for the developer. Although the original was played from an isometric perspective, Kaliyuga moves to a more traditional camera angle while improving on many aspects of its predecessor. With two distinct leading characters, the game offers different approaches to combat while telling a personal tale rooted in Indian mythology. After checking out the game at Gamescom, it’s easy to say that this is going to be something special.
Lofsöng
Quiet, artistic and beautiful. Lofsöng is different and something that will truly resonate with many players. As a mysterious figure, you’ll venture across a brutalist landscape with your companion, interacting with the environment and solving puzzles. With its lack of dialogue, the game relies on its art direction and atmosphere to immerse you, and it does this immediately. There’s a sense of mystery surrounding every location, encouraging you to explore and uncover the meaning behind this strange world. It’s a game that quietly demands your attention, and I’m intrigued to see where this journey leads.
Stage Tour
Everyone remembers picking up a plastic guitar and rocking out in front of the TV on Guitar Hero. While it seemed like the franchise could continue for years, it quickly faded into the ether due to countless releases and peripherals. 11 years since the last release, Stage Tour steps into the spotlight to take the mantle left by Activision. Featuring 90+ officially licensed songs, this looks, feels and plays exactly like you remember, delivering an authentic rhythm-game experience that feels like a long-lost Guitar Hero sequel.
The number of titles at Gamescom was insane, but these hidden gems stood out amongst the crowd and should definitely be on your radar. Whether you’re looking for something different or simply want to keep an eye on the next big indie success, these are five games that deserve your attention.
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