Nintendo showed off a new wave of indie titles coming to the Nintendo Switch in its latest Indie World Showcase, giving independent game developers a chance in the spotlight. Although there were a few surprises, much of the showcase was focused on announcements and release dates for upcoming indie games.
Since the Indie World Showcase was only 20 minutes long, Nintendo Switch fans might've missed parts of the show. With the last indie showcase happening back in April, there are plenty of new reveals for fans to get excited about. Here are all of the indie games for the Nintendo Switch that were revealed during the latest Indie World Showcase.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is an action-graffiti game from Team Reptile. Players will recruit a crew, paint graffiti, and grind rails in the futuristic metropolis. Featuring the music of Hideki Naganuma, Bomb Rush looks to be the perfect spiritual successor for Sega's Jet Set Radio games. It will be a timed console exclusive for the Nintendo Switch and will be released in 2022.
TOEM
TOEM is a delightful photo adventure game which has players use a camera to solve puzzles, help people, and explore the hand-drawn landscapes. Although little has been revealed about the game so far, it looks similar to the Hidden Folks games but with a lot more depth and emphasis on exploring. TOEM will launch Fall 2021 on the Nintendo Switch.
Loop Hero
Loop Hero is an addicting RPG that blends together a card game with reverse tower defense mechanics. Instead of controlling the hero in the adventure, players wield a deck of cards that control the environment and enemies. Stuck in an endless time loop, players will need to complete loops to unlock new things and hopefully find a way out. Loop Hero was already a big success on PC and will appear on the Nintendo Switch this holiday season.
FAR: Changing Tides
FAR: Changing Tides looks to be an atmospheric adventure where players control a ship as they search for a new home. Promising an unforgettable journey with an emotional story, the game is a follow-up to 2018's FAR: Lone Sails, and is set to release sometime next year for the Nintendo Switch.
Necrobarista: Final Pour
A visual novel set in a Melbourne coffee shop that serves both the living and dead, Necrobarista allows the dead one last night to mingle with the living. Exploring the process of letting go, the game was a heartwarming journey when it originally released last year. The Final Pour is a director's cut with new content, gameplay modes, and remastered visuals, and it is available now on the Nintendo Switch.
Garden Story
Fans have been anticipating Garden Story for a while now and it got a surprise drop today as a timed Nintendo Switch exclusive. Players control a tiny grape named Concord who is tasked with fighting back the Rot while rebuilding and revitalizing the town. Garden Story shouldn't be missed by any fans of Stardew Valley and Rune Factory.
Boyfriend Dungeon
Half dungeon crawler, half dating-sim, Boyfriend Dungeon has players fight through isometric dungeons with the help of a partner that can transform into a weapon. Outside of combat, dating one's partner and building the relationship will strengthen their powers. Available on the Nintendo Switch now, it should be interesting to see how the two genres combine.
Axiom Verge 2
The follow-up to the critically acclaimed metroidvania, Axiom Verge 2 received a surprise release and is available now on the Nintendo Switch. Expanding on the universe in the first game, the sequel promises new characters, abilities, and gameplay, and the surprise drop will come as a relief for fans given its prior delays.
Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon
The newest entry in the series, Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon is a falling-block puzzle spin-off of the original platformer. Furthermore, it also seems to incorporate dungeon-crawler elements alongside a unique combat system. First announced in February last year, the game finally received a release window for the Nintendo Switch this holiday season.
Islanders: Console Edition
Islanders is a procedurally generated city-builder where players create villages in a variety of different biomes. Minimalist in nature, Islanders is unique in that it doesn't heavily feature resource management and is much more relaxing. Originally released to positive reviews in 2019, it's available now on the Nintendo Switch.
Metal Slug Tactics
Metal Slug Tactics is one of the most anticipated games on the Nintendo Switch as it shifts the series into a turn-based, tactical style of gameplay instead of its traditional run-and-gun format. The Indie World Showcase revealed some new visuals for the isometric, pixel-art style of the game, and a release window for next year.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect was originally released in 2018 and was a reinvention of Tetris as music, backgrounds, and special effects all pulsed, moved, and danced in sync with players. Tetris Effect: Connected is an enhanced edition that features a co-op multiplayer mode and a competitive mode. It's set to release on October 8, 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.
Eastward
Eastward is an exciting new adventure game from Shanghai-based developer Pixpil and publisher Chucklefish. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players must journey through a society on the brink of collapse as they encounter puzzles and dungeons. With a colorful cast of characters, a retro soundtrack, and a massive world to explore, Eastward will be released on September 16 as a timed console exclusive.
Montage of Upcoming Indie Games
Similar to previous Indie World Showcases, Nintendo also revealed a number of upcoming indie titles with a montage at the end. Two new games will be released today: Slime Rancher: Plortable Edition and Curious Expedition 2. Additionally, a few other games were also revealed including Astroneer, Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator, Gang Beasts, and LumbearJack. Both Hundred Days: Winemaking Simulator and Gang Beasts will be launching this winter season. Astroneer is set to released in January 2022 while LumbearJack will be released on Nintendo Switch sometime in 2022.