Mastodon

BostonFIG Fest 2021 – FICTiVETRUiSM’s Top Five Picks

BostonFIG 2019

This year’s all virtual BostonFIG Fest. which took place this January 16th, showcased a bunch of recently released and upcoming indie games. They also had some livestreams on their YouTube channel, where they interviewed developers of some of the games on display. It’s a nice little window into some of the games we can expect in 2021, not to mention a few that may have slipped under the radar during 2020.

Here’s a list of my favorites from the show:

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

by Snoozy Kazoo

This game has a familiar look but a unique premise. Commit tax evasion as a little turnip, while traversing dungeons, defeating enemies and even farming. There’s a nice level of odd charm to this game that has me intrigued to see more. I’ll keep an eye out for it as it’s set to release in 2021.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Steam

Scarlet Hollow

by Black Tabby Games

This is a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-inspired horror game set in the mysterious fictional town known as Scarlet Hollow. Something is not quite right with this town, and it’s up to the protagonist to uncover what is going on. Since the story can be shaped by player choice, it makes situations more tense. This, coupled with its unsettling atmosphere, does a great job of making it all very engaging.

I’m always drawn to small-town mysteries, and this game is shaping up to provide plenty of spooky intrigue. Chapter 1 is currently free and playable right now on Steam, with Chapter 2 releasing in May of 2021.

Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Steam

Time Bandit

by Joel Jordan

BostonFIG Time Bandits game, Beach gif

If there was one game I wanted to see on BostonFIG’s YouTube livestream, it was this one. I want to learn more about its featured real-time mechanics, which are used to solve its puzzles.

It also has an interesting vibe to it, immediately giving off a Sony PS1 feel reminiscent of 1998’s Metal Gear Solid. It’s an aesthetic I can get behind as someone who grew up on that polygonal style. I can’t wait to see how the development of this game progresses, as it’s set to release sometime in 2021.

Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Steam

Depths of Sanity

by Bomb Shelter Games

As someone who has a fear of deep-sea creatures, this is the game I would least have expected to catch my eye, but there’s something about its uneasy setting that makes me curious to explore it. Maybe it’s my love of horror games overriding my fear of sea monsters.

In any case, this underwater Metroidvania is shaping up real nice, and it’s one I want to check out. Depths of Sanity is currently out via Steam Early Access.

Platforms: Windows PC, Steam

Get a Grip Chip

by Redstart Interactive

This is a 2D platformer where you play as a robot who can’t jump. Instead, you must use a magnet on its head to latch onto specific grappling points to make your way across gaps and hazards. Utilizing good timing and momentum is a must if you want to survive. You also play as a cute robot on a quest to rescue other cute little robots.

It was released on October 16th, 2020, and you can play its fun demo right now on Steam.

Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Steam

Did you check out this year’s online BostonFIG Fest? Let us know what games caught your eye in the comments!