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IndieCade 2020 – FICTiVETRUiSM’s Picks

IndieCade 2020 – FICTiVETRUiSM’s Festival Favorites

IndieCade 2020 is over, and what a show it turned out to be! Everyone involved did a great job of giving around-the-clock daily Twitch streams of this year’s showcased games. The great thing about this virtual event was that it could be viewed by people worldwide.

Many fantastic games were shown, but the following stood out to me the most:

Brukel

by Bob De Schutter

A game that details the memories of a 92-year-old woman, Brukel details her life and the traumatic memories from her past. It’s like listening to an audio journal of many memories ranging from the mundane to intense.

It’s captivating to see how it frames history and the effects of a world war in regards to someone who was directly affected. Brukel came out in 2019, but I’m glad it was showcased at this year’s IndieCade.

Platforms: Windows PC, Steam

Lost Words: Beyond the Page

by Sketchbook Games, Fourth State

A narrative-driven 2D platformer that deals with the loss of a loved one, Lost Words: Beyond the Page is cleverly told via narration and words within the environment. It takes place physically within the girl’s diary and within the fantasy world that she’s creating. Both worlds are connected to each other, showing how the fantasy world is potentially being used as a way of coping with her loss.

It looks promising, and I will definitely be checking it out on Google Stadia. And for those who can wait, it’ll be out on Steam early next year.

Platforms: Google Stadia, Windows PC, Steam Early Access (2021)

Peglin

by Red Nexus Games

This was one of the few downloadable demos from this year’s IndieCade, and I must say it’s the one that I played the most. Picture Peggle mixed with some Rogue-like randomization thrown into the mix.

The more pegs you hit, the stronger your next attack will be. Defeat enemies and acquire upgrades to become strong enough to defeat the final boss. It’s a really fun and addicting game where you have to use your pachinko skills and hope for plenty of lucky bounces. I’m really looking forward to its full release. Peglin is still being worked on, and it hits Steam Early Access this November.

Platforms: Windows PC, Steam Early Access (November 20th, 2020)

Minute of Islands

by Studio Fizbin

A narrative, puzzle exploration game that deals with a deteriorating environment of a fantasy world. As the protagonist, you must repair machines and solve the mystery of why the machines are failing to keep the world safe.

I wonder how the narrative will tackle this theme, and if it will mirror modern real-world issues that we face. Everything is hand-drawn, which makes it look like a wonderfully detailed interactive children’s book. Can’t wait to see how it shapes up when it comes out in 2021.

Platforms: Windows PC, Mac, Steam Early Access (2021)

The Big Con

by Mighty Yell

The Big Con‘s trailer instantly caught my eye, as it oozed plenty of ’90s vibes. It has a fly, colorful, hand-drawn art style that captures ’90s culture wonderfully.

It’s a game that focuses on exploration and hustling to raise money – $97,368, to be exact – or else gangsters will shut down your mother’s video store. I’m really looking forward to seeing more, and The Big Con will be coming out first on Xbox consoles in 2021.

Platforms: Microsoft Xbox (2021), Windows PC, Steam (2021)

1000 Deaths

by Pariah Interactive

What a weird-looking experience this is hopefully going to turn out to be!

From what I can tell, this game looks like a trippy 3D platformer where you play as a television, teleporting to unfamiliar worlds with eccentric-looking aliens.

It’s all presented in this early 3D animation art style that I can get behind. Looking forward to seeing more!

Platforms: Windows PC (release date TBA)