Welcome to GTOGG’s April 2023 edition of Promising Indie Game Releases, where we highlight indie and non-mainstream titles that we believe deserve your attention – in other words, “look at all this potentially cool stuff you might’ve missed otherwise”. That would’ve been too long for a title, though.
In any case, let’s get right down to it.
Afterimage
A promising metroidvania being worked on by developer Aurogon Shanghai, Afterimage will invite players to the lush fantasy landscapes of Engardin, a world created by a supreme deity. Mixing action-RPG elements with traditional metroidvania progression, the game is set to feature a semi-open world with over 15 areas, each possessing its own unique mechanics and visual flair. I’m not going to lie: after playing its demo version myself, I can honestly say this is one of my most anticipated titles for this April.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened
Serving as a reimagining of the original Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened released all the way back in 2006, the game will see the titular detective genius investigate an immensely dangerous case with his trusted assistant, Watson, in order stop a diabolical cult that worships the cosmic god Cthulhu. Fusing Lovecraftian horror with plenty of puzzles and classic detective work, The Awakened will introduce players to the adventure that forges an unbreakable bond between Sherlock and Watson, turning them into the iconic crime-solving duo we know and love.
The Library of Babel
Inspired by the identically titled short story by Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges, The Library of Babel takes place in the far future – 20,000 years after mankind’s complete extinction, to be exact, in a world now run by robots who only know humans as their mythical, long-lost creators. However, when a library containing everything that’s ever been (and ever will be) written is discovered, the established order is disrupted, and Ludvik, a so-called Seeker, is called in to investigate a murder case that just might end up revealing some shocking secrets.
Hunt the Night
Hunt the Night is a retro-style action-adventure game set in a gothic, dark fantasy universe of untold horrors and a constant struggle between light and darkness. Players take on the role of Vesper, a so-called Stalker (no, not that kind of Stalker) and explore the haunting world of Medhram – a world where the ever-encroaching darkness, as well as the horrific monsters that rule it, threaten humanity with extinction. In the role of Vesper, you’ll have to set out on a dangerous journey to save what is left of the light – and mankind itself – before it’s too late. This, of course, includes facing plenty of challenging bosses, tackling puzzles and surviving the hordes of horror-beasts that roam the lands of Medhram. No pressure.
Stray Blade
Taking place in a lush fantasy world teeming with dangers, Stray Blade will put players in the role of an adventurer brought back to life after his untimely demise in the forgotten lands of Acrea, the Lost Valley – however, he is now bound to this land, unable to leave, and must venture forth in order to regain his lost freedom. So, what to expect? Majestic bosses to slay, a vibrant world to explore and a “hyper-responsive” combat system that’s designed around split-second decision-making, quick reactions and deadly counterattacks – provided you can master it.
Lightracer Spark
Putting players in the role of a higher being referred to as the Amender, Lightracer Spark revolves around trying to prevent an apocalyptic event by artificially “interfering” with certain civilizations – at times you’d recruit promising scientists to help their work, at others, you might wage war against a rival faction or even invest in promising tech to help the economy grow.
And that’s our list for now! Did you discover a new indie game to look forward to? Well, we hope you did. In any case, don’t forget to check back in about a month for our next episode, where we’ll be taking a look at the indie games of May 2023!
