The new generation of gaming is upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the current gen is dead. Even if the big AAA gaming giants aren’t as interested in the current gen as what’s ahead, there are still some good games coming out for your PS4 or your Xbox One. Some of these may even show up on the next series of consoles. With that, let’s look into this next crop of indies I think you all should look out for.
Fallen Knight
Developer: FairPlay Studios
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch
Release: Q1 2021, available on Steam
I don’t really care a whole lot for Megaman clones, as much as I like Megaman. It’s rare that they balance it as well as the original. The difficulty, the movement, the powers, and the overall “feel” never quite feels the same to me. So it’s surprising to me that this game looks good enough to make me wanna play it. It could be because I really really love Megaman Zero (my favorite of the Megaman franchises) and this gives me the feeling of that. From what I’ve seen, it’s less about running and gunning; and more about hacking, slashing, parrying, and using cool moves to your advantage. Plus, the character designs? I kinda like it. Either way, check it out for yourself and see if you’re a fan.
There Is No Light
Developer: Zelart
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch
Release: Q3 2021
I hesitated putting this one on here, but I can’t look at it and not recommend you at least look into it. Especially since there’s a demo available via Steam. What made me hesitate was that it’s a little far away and it’s a Kickstarter game. This could very well never come out, but I’m willing to believe it will. I hope it does. Just look at it! I’ve got a soft spot for the dark and macabre. So seeing all this gruesome imagery and these monsters? I was on board. It also calls itself a non-linear ARPG, which intrigues me as well. My only gameplay concern is that this game comes with a weapon break system..something you all should know I’m not a fan of. But, I’m willing to still give it a shot. The Kickstarter page has a lot of information as to what’ll be in the game and their plans, so give it a look if you’re interested.
Ghostrunner
Developer: One More Level, 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironworks
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch
Release: October 27, 2020
Do you like the cyberpunk aesthetic? Were you one of the 40 or so people (myself included) who though “wow, Mirror’s Edge is totally ahead of it’s time”? Do you like hacking and/or slashing? Then look no further than Ghostrunner. While Cyberpunk 2077 takes its sweet time releasing, this game certainly looks to give you a taste of what kind of world you can look forward to. From the synth music to the dreary world with neon accents, this game has the look down. As for the gameplay, it’s a first-person perspective as you lasso, parkour, and cut your way through the world. First person platforming has never been particularly amazing, I know. However, that cool lasso trick they have may be what makes it fun for once. At the very least, look at it. It looks amazing!
Pumpkin Jack
Developer: Nicolas Meyssonnier
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch
Release: October 23, 2020
I never thought I’d want to play a 3D platformer where I play as a pumpkin headed spirit with an shotgun, but here we are. Plus, it’s October aka Halloween. This game not only looks amazing, but it’s on brand for the month! You can’t ask for much more than that. It looks campy and zany and may even be a tad jank. However, that’s not a bad thing. In this sea of super serious games about super serious people, I’m glad something like this exists. It looks like it doesn’t take itself seriously in the slightest and just wants to be silly. I can get behind that and I hope after seeing this trailer, you can too.
Bushiden
Developer: Pixel Arc Studios
Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch
Release: 2021
As I write this, I am rewatching this trailer because I am stunned by how cool it looks, how I’ve not heard of it sooner, and how no one else is talking about this. It’s got a dash of Strider, some metroidvania, even a little Ninja Gaiden. But I mean, cyber ninja game that reminds you of the SNES? Can you really look at this and say you don’t want it? I…I need this game and it’s easily the game I’m most excited for on this list. I’m just so amazed it isn’t getting more hype. So I’m telling you all to look out for this game because I’m sure this’ll be something you need in your life. Bushiden is the truth and I can’t wait for it to come out.
And that’ll do it for this one. Do you have a game we should check out? Something we looked over? Let us know and seriously check these games out.