Six One Indie

“Surmount is absolutely worth your time, even if you’re on a search for a fun Single-player game, but if you’re able to grab a partner in crime, it’s a blast from beginning to end.”

“Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To is one of the loveliest games you’ll play this year, I guarantee. It has a fantastic soundtrack, beautiful, inclusive characters, thoughtful dialogue and fun gameplay. It ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to say that you’ll likely find yourself going back to it long after the credits roll on its story mode.”

“Reviver has a lovely story and unique mechanics that make it well worth a one-time play through. If you’re a fan of puzzle games, there are plenty of puzzles to solve here, but if you’re looking for something simple and calming, it might not be quite as relaxing as you think. There are also some minor issues with the game’s language - some English translations are a little off - but that is a very small detail that can be ironed out with a patch or two.”

“Caravan SandWitch is a short exploration game, but one that does a lot in its five to six hour playtime. It quickly introduces the characters and the world so that you’re able to focus on the task at hand and you’re not stuck trying to interpret what’s going on. With brilliant, inclusive characters, a truly intriguing story and fun gameplay, it’s well worth diving into this adventure, especially because you can finish it in only just a couple of sittings.”

“Mouthwashing is everything that you want from a horror game, especially for those of us who get such a nostalgic kick from the game design. The story is impossible to walk away from and equally impossible to forget about. It is scary and unsettling without having to rely on cheap jump scares or overly gorey elements. It’s a must-play and then a must-replay, period.”

“Crypt Custodian is one of the very first metroidvania games I absolutely could not put down. I normally struggle to stay interested in games like it, but nearly everything about Kyle Thompson’s newest title is inviting, fun, and brilliantly addictive. Add to it a massive map to explore and characters to fall in love with and you’d be missing out on not giving it a try as soon as you can.”

“Été, while slow moving at the start, is a wonderfully relaxing, cozy game perfect for someone looking to take their time with a new game. As you begin to unlock more and more stamps and colors, creating paintings is a joy as is exploring Montréal and meeting its residents. Decorating your home however you like is fun and satisfying as you use your hard earned money to purchase new things. If the Impossible team has more projects in mind for the future, I’ll be the first in line to play them.”

“From the moment I set eyes upon Valley Peaks during Next Fest, I knew I wanted to jump in and experience the game, regardless of the gameplay loop. I’m happy to say what is on offer here in the full release is more than the sum of its parts in unexpected and welcomed ways. I didn’t expect myself to completely have a paused moment halfway through and relate not just with the game and its characters but also the developers. Valley Peaks is a special game that you think is over quickly, but keeps on going, and in doing so relays a very personal and important message to us all: Keep going. I can’t recommend it enough, and hope you enjoy your time spent here as much as I did.”

“Flock is an enjoyable, meditative adventure that is the perfect dose of chill vibes. The five hour experience flew by and left me in the clouds next to the other fun creatures from this world. The ambience is always something I look forward to in a vibrant game, and I can’t wait for others to get lost and then find their ways through this spectacle.”

“It’s difficult for roguelike deck builders to stand out in a genre with powerhouses like Slay the Spire and Dicey Dungeons. Dice & Fold is a really entertaining addition and one that I find myself continuously wanting to go back to. The Developers clearly listen to their players and are updating and fixing the game constantly and if things continue the way they’re going, with a few balance fixes, this title could stand proudly at the top of the genre.”

“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a cute, simplistic game that allows players to relax, unwind and hang out with some lovely frogs. While gameplay does get repetitive after a while, for those that are looking for something chill, it’s a good time for a few hours. You might not find yourself trying to collect every frog or bothering with some of the more confusing elements of the game, but overall it’s a lovely little title with loads of adorable hoppy lads.”

“In short, Cryptmaster presents a blend of dungeon-crawling adventure and linguistic puzzle-solving, inviting players to wield the power of words in a world shrouded in mystery and danger. While its narrative and gameplay mechanics may falter at times, its innovative approach to word-based gameplay ensures a captivating experience for players willing to embrace the role of a keyboard warrior or those willing to pull out a dictionary.”

“Sucker for Love: Date to Die For isn’t exactly what the average player will expect when picking it up. It’s genuinely creepy at times which is great for horror fans, but doesn’t actually feature that much dating (or any dating to be honest) for something that claims to be a dating sim. Still, it’s fun, absolutely reminiscent of 90’s anime, and definitely has replay value for those who like collecting all the endings in visual novels. Now go kiss that goat mommy!”

“Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom excels at being a retro-inspired throwback while also being it’s absolute own, original creation. While it shares a lot in common with well loved games, both its gameplay and style are inherently its own. The varied worlds and characters coupled with the surprising mystery box of a score created an unbelievable fever dream of a game while still feeling like something that could have been made decades ago. While the brutal difficulty may deter many players, what Panik Arcade has achieved with Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom is no small feat.”

“Asya’s story is inspired by the diaries of real children affected by the war and that is why we, as people whose parents, grandparents and great grandparents have lived through it too, should continue to tell stories like this. No matter how painful they may be and no matter how long ago it was. And putting those stories into a format like Torn Away, one that forces the player to experience each and every excruciating or playful moment, is truly amazing. It gives us a close up look and reminds us of just how lucky we are to be here today. Play it - you won’t regret it.”

“Thronefall is an engaging tower defense game that rewards maximizing your strategy through precision and base-building mechanics.”

“Frank and Drake's artistic prowess shines to the extent that I was left wanting more. Its puzzles are very organic, for better or worse, yet it's the game's intertwined narrative that carries the experience.”

“Smushi Come Home is an adorable, comical, and emotionally gripping game that is the perfect icing on the mushroom cake.”

“Fall of Porcupine tells an authentic and honest narrative. It’s an experience that will simultaneously keep you laughing while ensuring the tissues are for a somber moment.”

“Return is a tight, engaging, and stunningly beautiful 2D Souls-like that will capture your attention immediately.”