Five recent indie games you might have missed this week

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In the world of indie gaming, there’s always something fresh and exciting being released. Staying updated can be challenging, particularly when unexpected releases like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered appear. Some indie games, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, possess the power to compete effectively with such a massive launch and attract a significant player base. However, not every game or studio has the ability to achieve that success. To help you catch up on some indie games you might have overlooked, here’s a brief overview of a few titles.

In this version, I’ve attempted to use more conversational language and a slightly less formal tone while keeping the original message intact.

A handful of great indie games that might have flown under your radar this week

Moving from critically acclaimed titles such as Bionic Bay, which even surpassed some major releases in terms of Metacritic scores, to recently launched games like Post Trauma, coincidentally released on the same day as Oblivion Remastered, there’s a vast array of indie games worth exploring at present. Here are some that might have escaped your attention.

StarVaders

In StarVaders, developed by Pengonauts, players will find themselves defending Earth from an alien onslaught using a tactical grid system and cards in their hand for movement and combat. The game features multiple playable characters, each with unique movements and attack patterns. As you advance, you can enhance your cards and expand your deck.

The primary cause of conflict in this scenario is time. Creatures from outer space, known as StarVaders, will appear at the topmost part of the playing field and gradually move towards the bottom. Some of these beings launch projectiles, while others simply need to reach the end of the screen to inflict damage. If the combined damage becomes too great, it signifies defeat for you. To ensure survival and save the world, you must make tactical decisions about movement and attacks in the correct sequence. StarVaders, a game that challenges your strategic thinking, is now available on PC through Steam.

Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3

Hailing from the creative minds at Strange Scaffold (I Am Your Beast, El Paso, Elsewhere), emerges a unique blend of genres: a “match-3 survival horror comedy RPG metroidvania…” titled Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3. Contrary to the Steam description’s hint, you don’t need to have played Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 1 & 2 to enjoy this one, as those games are purely fictional creations. Given the game’s eccentric concept, it’s not shocking that such an unlikely prequel doesn’t exist!

It might have come as a surprise that the studio behind the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game next month is also releasing a match-3 horror-comedy game titled Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3. To the delight of fans, this game has received an impressive 92% positive response on Steam from 152 reviews so far. Given its unique blend of genres and lack of similar titles, it’s tough to predict whether you’ll enjoy it or not. However, I recommend checking out the trailer and visiting the game’s Steam page where it is currently offering a 30% discount until May 6th.

Post Trauma

Red Soul Games’ first foray into survival horror gaming generated quite a buzz when it was announced that their indie title would be released simultaneously with the remastered version of Oblivion. Now, they are preparing to re-launch Post Trauma in June, but fans should note that this isn’t an update or expansion; rather, it’s simply a fresh release. I strongly suggest checking out their announcement video for more details.

Besides all the other aspects, Post Trauma harks back to the classic retro survival horror genre. It explicitly references its PlayStation 2 influences in its Steam description. The camera is stationary, enemies are potentially lethal and occasionally skippable, and there are demanding puzzles to solve. The ambiance of Post Trauma evokes a chilling underground nightmare filled with enigmatic monsters and something ominous lurking in the shadows. Post Trauma is currently accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through Steam, even though it was initially scheduled for a “re-release.

Skin Deep

In Skin Deep, you’ll find an engaging simulation game akin to Hitman, emphasizing stealth and ingenuity above all else. While Hitman has its share of wit and appeal, Skin Deep amplifies these elements significantly. As the lead character, your mission is to rescue a band of space-faring felines from marauding pirates. The narrative seems like an outrageous, sci-fi spin on Die Hard. Navigate air ducts, tread softly without shoes, and tactfully eliminate enemy pirates, ensuring you don’t provoke a gunfight that could end in your demise at their hands.

In the trailer for the game “Skin Deep“, you might observe that pirates have a technology which enables their heads to detach, hover, and then reattach. The main character possesses an “auto-defibrillator” device capable of reviving the dead. Although these science-fiction elements serving as video game mechanics such as respawning might be amusing, even laughable at times, there is a level of control over their operation. Should a head float away and attempt to regenerate, simply catch it beforehand and dispose of it in the toilet. This issue will then be resolved. Skin Deep is currently available for purchase on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Bionic Bay

You might recognize Bionic Bay as a game published by Kepler Interactive, the team behind the popular RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Furthermore, it’s garnered exceptional praise, earning an 87 on Metacritic and an impressive 88 on OpenCritic. There’s no denying that this is among the most critically acclaimed indie games of the year. However, with numerous other outstanding titles vying for attention at present, it’s understandable if you missed its release last week.

Bionic Bay is a challenging puzzle-platformer game set in a post-apocalyptic world. You, as the player, will need to master different abilities such as slowing down time, manipulating gravity, and swapping positions with objects to navigate a grim industrial wasteland. Dash and teleport through stunning 2D pixel-art environments while uncovering the mysteries of this desolate land. Bionic Bay is currently available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.

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2025-05-01 04:02