Indie Games Ignite Nintendo Switch with Epic Adventures and Playful Mayhem
Nintendo’s latest Indie World showcase has lit up the scene, revealing an exciting array of indie games set to roll out on the Nintendo Switch throughout 2024. The presentation spotlighted a stellar collection of titles from indie publishers and developers, promising a year brimming with unique gaming experiences.
Among the standout games, Little Kitty, Big City stole hearts with its playful premise. Slated for release in 2024, this enchanting title invites players to step into the paws of a mischievous kitten navigating its way back home. For a blend of mystery and adventure, the 3D action-platformer Europa is set to make its debut, offering players a chance to uncover the secrets of a crumbled utopia and the narrative of the last human standing. Meanwhile, fans of the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles can look forward to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. This roguelike brawler, hitting shelves this summer, challenges players to journey through time and save their mentor, Splinter, from peril.
Little Kitty, Big City from Double Dagger Studio: From a serene snooze to a charming escapade, step into the paws of a curious kitten on a delightful quest to find its way home. As you journey through Little Kitty, Big City, you’ll dive into a vibrant urban playground. Along your route, tackle engaging quests, assist fellow critters in tricky predicaments, and befriend talkative stray cats. Add a dash of flair to your adventures with over 40 stylish hats, stirring up playful chaos in this compact open-world setting bursting with surprises. Mark your calendars—Little Kitty, Big City is set to land on Nintendo Switch on May 9. Get ready to snag your copy, as pre-orders kick off later today in the Nintendo eShop.
Europa from Helder Pinto / Novadust Entertainment and Future Friends Games: On the lunar surface of Europa, an android named Zee embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of a vanished civilization. In this thrilling 3D action-platformer, harness the power of Zee’s Zephyr jetpack to soar, glide, and accelerate through stunning landscapes dotted with lakes, meadows, and mountains. Tackle puzzles and brave the perils lurking within the ruins to piece together the saga of the final human survivor. Gear up for Europa’s launch on Nintendo Switch later this year, and don’t miss out on a sneak peek— a free demo drops in the Nintendo eShop later today.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate from Super Evil Megacorp: In their inaugural roguelike escapade, the valiant Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are on a mission to thwart the Foot Clan and save their abducted master, Splinter. Traverse through portals that warp reality, with each level offering new surprises like randomized power-ups, evolving room layouts, and shifting boss traits. Use in-game currency to permanently enhance your Turtle prowess, investing in power-boosting artifacts that prep you for tougher challenges ahead. Navigate the iconic streets of New York City on your own or team up with up to three friends online in seamless drop-in/drop-out cooperative play. Get ready to experience Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, launching as a timed console exclusive on Nintendo Switch this July.
SteamWorld Heist II from Thunderful: Set sail for an unforgettable journey across the high seas in SteamWorld Heist II, the highly anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed SteamWorld Heist. The aquatic realm of SteamWorld faces a new peril as corrosive waters begin to deteriorate the metallic exteriors of its robotic inhabitants. As the captain of a diverse crew of Steambots, you’ll mastermind your way through intense turn-based battles, utilizing bullets that can ricochet with lethal accuracy. This sequel introduces a world map with real-time naval skirmishes against rival ships. Also debuting is a robust job system that allows for deep character customization. With over 150 weapons, utility items, and ship enhancements at your disposal, strategically assemble your crew to excel in various missions. Dive into the action when SteamWorld Heist II sets course for Nintendo Switch on August 8.
Cat Quest III from The Gentlebros and Kepler Interactive: Embark on a whimsical journey in Cat Quest III, the charming action-RPG where you take the helm as a daring feline privateer navigating the Purribean in pursuit of the mythical North Star treasure. But tread carefully—Pi-rats, commanded by the formidable Pi-rat-King, are on the prowl to capture you. Explore a breathtaking new world either solo or with a friend in local co-op, engaging in intense battles enhanced by a refined combat system that now includes weapon swapping and improved attack combos. For the first time in the series, take to the seas and command your very own ship. Set sail for adventure when Cat Quest III releases on Nintendo Switch on August 8. Pre-orders kick off later today in the Nintendo eShop, where you can also snag a free demo.
Yars Rising from WayForward Technologies and Atari: From WayForward, the renowned development studio behind Shantae and River City Girls, comes Yars Rising, a side-scrolling action-adventure exploration of one of Atari’s best-known classic titles – Yars’ Revenge. Take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy QoTech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through waves of robotic and alien enemies as you slowly unravel a complex secret shrouded in intrigue. The game also features a series of challenging retro minigames that pay homage to the original Yars’ Revenge. Yars Rising sneaks its way onto Nintendo Switch later this year.
Sticky Business from Spellgarden Games and Assemble Entertainment: Dive into the delightful world of Sticky Business, a cozy business simulation game where you operate your very own sticker shop. Craft and dispatch stickers to customers, choosing from over 400 creative design elements. Enhance your shop with upgrades like effect foils to unlock a plethora of new design possibilities. Delve into the lives of your customers as you cater to their specific needs. Additionally, the Plan With Me paid DLC introduces ten new customer stories centered around journaling, along with over 100 additional sticker elements. Launch your sticker empire today—Sticky Business and its DLC are debuting as timed console exclusives on Nintendo Switch. Look out for a bundle offer including the game and DLC available later today!
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes from Simogo and Annapurna Interactive: In the intricate puzzle game Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, crafted by the creators of Sayonara Wild Hearts, players step into the shoes of a woman drawn into a mysterious project at an ancient hotel in central Europe. Here, she finds herself entangled in a series of eerie and surreal illusions. This third-person adventure unfolds through more than 100 meticulously designed puzzles that evolve with shifting mechanics and perspectives, guiding players through a labyrinthine journey to unravel the mystery. Dive into a world where every detail is a puzzle piece—Lorelei and the Laser Eyes debuts as a console-first release on Nintendo Switch on May 16.
stitch. from Lykke Studios: In stitch., unleash your creativity through the art of embroidery by tackling puzzles known as Hoops, available in multiple difficulties and sizes. Choose the order in which you complete the Hoops—each one provides a soothing and tranquil experience, equipped with a helpful hint option and various accessibility features. Once a Hoop is completed, revisit it in Free Stitch mode to further refine your skills. For those seeking a tougher challenge, the limited-time Daily Shikaku puzzles test your prowess without hints. Additionally, the weekly Hoops draw inspiration from real-world events and are peppered with intriguing trivia. stitch. makes its debut as a console exclusive on Nintendo Switch later today.
ANTONBLAST from Summitsphere: The devil has swiped your treasured spirit collection, and you’re on a quest for payback in ANTONBLAST, an explosive action-platformer that marries intense destruction with stunning hand-drawn pixel art. Arm yourself with the Mighty Hammer as Dynamite Anton or the Massive Mace as Dynamite Annie, and wreak havoc across whimsical worlds while battling formidable foes. Destroy the environment to carve new paths and uncover hidden areas. Each level concludes with a detonator countdown, forcing you to race back to the start before everything blows up. Brace yourself for a wildly destructive adventure when ANTONBLAST drops as a timed console exclusive for Nintendo Switch on Nov. 12. Don’t miss the free demo, available later today in the Nintendo eShop.
Refind Self: The Personality Test Game from Lizardry and PLAYISM: In Refind Self: The Personality Test Game, an exploration-based adventure, you embody an android brought to life by a now-deceased doctor. This journey doesn’t confine you to right or wrong choices; instead, every decision you make peels back layers of your identity. Navigate through places etched in your memories, engage with other characters, and slowly unravel the destiny your creator set out for you. As your adventure culminates, your distinct personality type among 23 possibilities will be unveiled, offering fresh insights with every new playthrough based on different choices. You also have the option to share your results with other players and explore how your decisions align. Discover your true self when Refind Self: The Personality Test Game arrives as a timed console exclusive on Nintendo Switch this summer.
Valley Peaks from Tub Club and Those Awesome Guys: Valley Peaks invites you into a serene first-person rock-climbing adventure set against a backdrop of soft pastel mountain ranges, inhabited by charming frog villagers. As the latest technician to join the peaks, you have the freedom to explore vast landscapes and tackle daunting climbing challenges. Engage with the froggy residents between climbs, taking on light-hearted side quests such as completing stamp cards to unlock new gear. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed pace, enjoy various minigames while helping meet the needs of the valley’s denizens. Answer the call of the mountains when Valley Peaks ascends to Nintendo Switch this year.
In addition to the featured titles listed above, the presentation included a montage of even more indie games in the pipeline for Nintendo Switch, including:
ANIMAL WELL, an action-adventure game which challenges players to explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth and attempt to uncover its many secrets, releasing May 9th.
Another Crab’s Treasure, where you play as a hermit crab trying to reclaim your prized shell in an epic treasure hunt across a polluted ocean, launching on April 25th.
SCHiM, a 3D platformer that blends elements of light and shadow directly into its gameplay, launching July 18th.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, a narrative adventure in which players will need to use their powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks and quack the case, releasing exclusively on Nintendo Switch May 23rd.
BZZZT, a fast-paced platformer with a retro-future feel, releasing summer 2024.
