Over the past few weeks, there's been a great array of industry events including the Summer Of Gaming and E3 2021. The video game world has been buzzing with all the major pieces of news from the biggest companies, but the stellar work of indie developers and studios shouldn't be overlooked!
Many of the games that these indie studios are developing not only form the backbone of both consoles and PC title lineups, but these companies and individuals are also producing some of the most exciting work in the industry. There are a countless array of games that could have been included, but these are certainly some indie titles to watch out for from E3 2021.
Somerville (TBD, 2022)
Traveling through a desolate and stunningly rendered landscape, players will help a family survive the unimaginable fallout of a monumental catastrophe. Strong storytelling is at the heart of this sci-fi adventure developed by JUMPSHIP. This original IP looks to be truly memorable.
The third-person perspective launches players into the very middle of the ongoing apocalypse as they dodge debris, protect themselves from attacking forces, and try to survive in the face of chaos. The E3 2021 trailer brilliantly showed off the concept. The game will be available on Microsoft products including PC, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Aragami 2 (September 17, 2021)
E3 2021 certainly wasn't the first time that fans had heard about Aragami 2, the sequel to the ninja hit Aragami, developed by Lince Works and published by Merge Games and Maximum Games. While footage from the game dates as far back as 2020, fans were treated to extended gameplay footage over the E3 and Summer Of Gaming events.
The stealthy Master Of The Shadows is once again under the control of players, with the project boasting fantastic multiplayer options. The third-person adventure requires audiences to take advantage of Aragami's supernatural abilities to protect the vulnerable village. The game will be released on PC and Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Death's Door (July 20, 2021)
From Devolver Digital and Acid Nerve comes a Microsoft exclusive title that allows players to partake in a dark and thrilling fantasy adventure. The trailer promises an expertly designed setting for audiences to explore which packs just as much narrative intrigue as it does fun gameplay.
Taking on the role of a Crow, the premise details how players will have to track down a lost entity, with the job involving the reaping of dead souls. There's a lot of whimsy within such a morbid concept, and fans will get to experience it on PC, Steam, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Wizard With A Gun (TBD, 2022)
Galvanic Games and Devolver Digital have been working on a truly unique multiplayer game that very much plays into its title. Across the E3 weekend, the reveal trailer for Wizard With A Gun was revealed and it looks as wacky and nonsensical as one might expect.
Playing off of both fantasy and western genres, this survival game allows players to mess around with a sandbox of options as they use both their guns and magic in an all-out battle. This stunning experience will be available to players on Steam and PC and on Nintendo Switch consoles.
REPLACED (August TBD, 2022)
Developed by Sad Cat Studios and Coat Sink, REPLACED is a cinematic, retro side-scroller featuring a modern twist. Boasting incredible next-gen graphics, 8-bit has never looked so good. The early trailer for the title showcases the expert visual storytelling that's in store for fans.
Despite working best on Xbox Series X|S, the game will also be launching digitally on Xbox One, alongside its availability on Xbox Game Pass and PC. Its basic premise sees an A.I. trapped inside a human body, fighting their way through the 1980s, dystopian Phoenix-City.
Tunic (TBD, 2021)
It feels as if Tunic has been in development for some time. The cutesy adventure has trailers dating back to 2018, and recent gameplay footage suggests the title has evolved since. However, the Summer Of Gaming and E3 2021 gave audiences the best look at the title yet.
Players control a small fox that goes on an action-packed mission through a gorgeously animated world. Heavily inspired by the Zelda franchise, the game is being developed by Andrew Shouldice and is being published by Finji. It will be a Microsoft exclusive on Xbox One and presumably Xbox Games Pass, though it will also be available for purchasese on Steam.
Planet Of Lana (TBD, 2022)
The stunning Summer Of Games trailer for Planet Of Lana demonstrates the peaceful and ethereal nature of the title. Set off-world on a planet beyond the player's imagination, the audience will be taken on a journey through a mysterious land in a fantasy and sci-fi experience unlike any other.
Featuring incredible creatures and breathtaking landscapes, a lot of love has gone into creating this hand-painted title from Wishfully and Thunderful Publishing. With further details released across E3, the graphic, cinematic puzzle, looks set to make its debut on Steam, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Serial Cleaners (TBD, 2021)
While fans were treated to an announcement trailer at the Future Games Show, not a great deal was known about the sequel to the Draw Distance and Curve Digital hit, Serial Cleaner. Now, Serial Cleaners has its own spotlight with a brand new trailer and developer walkthrough from E3 2021.
Pitched as a single-player stealth-action crime story, the concept is based around 1990s thrillers which often feature a 'cleaner.' Their job is to quite literally clean up a crime scene so that the perpetrator can't be linked back to the crime. The game will launch on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as being featured on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.Com.
Lake (September 1, 2021)
Not every video game has to feature explosions, fast-paced sci-fi action, or bloody mysteries to solve. Lake takes a much quieter approach to storytelling. The E3 trailer features a businesswoman who packs up and moves to a small town, with players controlling this local newcomer.
The protagonist will start her new job as a post carrier, meeting lots of the community during her rounds and enjoying the beautiful vistas which Whitethorn Digital has impressively created. The game is advertised for PC and Steam, as well as the Epic Games Store and Xbox Series X|S.
Phantom Abyss (June 22, 2021)
Phantom Abyss is a truly unique concept that takes multiplayer play to a different level. The trailer showcases the type of gameplay audiences can come to expect from this Jumanji-esque title. Players will have to navigate a maze of tombs and tunnels in an exciting race against time.
These areas are full of traps and dangerous devices, and the maze is haunted by the phantoms of past players who have also attempted and failed to survive the journey. Developed by Team WIBY and published by Devolver Digital, the game will release on PC and Steam in the very near future.