The latest Day of the Devs showcase has wrapped up, but it gave a spotlight to a variety of exciting indie games. Curated by Double Fine and iam8bit, this digital event featured numerous in-progress titles worth watching. The showcase included world premieres, release date announcements, and fresh trailers for games we were already familiar with. We’ve narrowed it down to our 14 favorites—a baker's dozen plus one. These titles span a wide range of publishers, genres, budgets, and visual styles, but they all share one thing in common: they’re indie games, in the truest sense of the word.

Figure 1. Hyper Light Breaker

Release Date Reveal

Hyper Light Breaker

Can you believe it? The follow-up to the surprise hit Hyper Light Drifter is almost here, with Hyper Light Breaker launching in early access on Steam on January 14. Notice I said "follow-up" and not "sequel." Hyper Light Breaker ditches the retro 2D Zelda aesthetic for an all-new 3D engine, and the story itself serves more as a prequel. It’s also shifting away from being a single-player experience, focusing instead on co-op gameplay. One thing that remains unchanged? The action is still intense, with plenty of enemies to battle through. Despite some delays, it’s great to see we're just a month away from getting our hands on it. Figure 1 shows Hyper Light Breaker.

New games

As the title suggests, this is a musical game featuring peanut butter and jelly. The handcrafted art style is stunning, reminiscent of recent Yoshi games. The game tells the story of the creation of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, following a peanut and a strawberry as they embark on a journey to be ground, salted, sugared, and spread between two slices of bread. While we don’t know exactly how the gameplay will unfold, the trailer hints at some quick-time events. The music sounds fantastic, and the playful twist on Shakespearean dialogue adds a charming, child-like touch.

Neon Abyss 2

The hit run-and-gun roguelite Neon Abyss is getting a sequel, and it looks like a major upgrade. With a revamped weapons system, new melee and ranged options (including a dragon-shooting gun), and crazier item synergies, it’s shaping up to be even better. The sequel also keeps beloved random elements like slot machines and claw games, adds new minigames (including a match-three puzzler), and retains the original’s graphics. Neon Abyss 2 is set for early access in 2025, and it’s definitely going on my wishlist!

Recur

Recur is a quirky puzzle platformer where you control a postal worker who can manipulate time. Facing a pack of angry dogs (who really dislike postal workers)? Rewind time to lock them behind a gate. The game promises unique puzzles that creatively use this time-manipulation mechanic. With gorgeous cartoonish graphics, the world is both whimsical and perilous. Published by Astra Logical (known for Rebots and Star Stuff), there’s no release window yet, but it’s definitely one to watch.

Tankhead

Tankhead is a third-person action game where players control flying drones that can connect to robots and vehicles, creating unique vehicular combat scenarios. The title is literal, with drones often perched on top of tank heads, but the trailer reveals even more bizarre combinations, like a nightmare hybrid of a building and a horse. Customization is key, with a variety of chassis and weapon combos to explore. The best part? Tankhead is available now on the Epic Games Store.

Blippo+

Blippo+ from Panic, the publisher of Untitled Goose Game and creator of the Playdate console, is a fascinating FMV title that feels more like an interdimensional cable episode from Rick and Morty. The game immerses players in a made-up cable platform, offering a directory of bizarre TV shows and an array of oddities. Developed by YACHT and Telefantasy Studios, it shares a similar vibe to Telefantasy's archive, featuring quirky content like a drag performer. While it’s unclear what the actual gameplay entails, the trailer has definitely piqued our interest. Blippo+ will be available for PC via Steam soon.

Other stuff that looks dope

Faraway

Faraway is a simple yet highly addictive puzzle game where players explore the farthest reaches of space by drawing constellations and connecting stars. With just one button, it features procedurally generated maps, various game modes, and a high-score system with multipliers. The minimalistic graphics complement its straightforward gameplay. Developed under the Annapurna label, Faraway is shaping up to be a must-watch for puzzle fans, aiming to become the next iconic game in the genre. It’s set for release on PC in 2025.

Blue Prince

Blue Prince is an indie game that mixes puzzle and adventure elements. It follows the journey of a young protagonist, who embarks on a quest through a fantastical world filled with intricate puzzles and an engaging story. The game is set in a visually striking universe with an emphasis on exploration and problem-solving. As the player progresses, they must solve puzzles and navigate complex environments, all while uncovering the deeper lore of the world.

While details are sparse, the game promises to offer a unique experience, with its charming art style and immersive atmosphere, making it one to keep an eye on. No specific release date has been announced yet, but the title is expected to drop on platforms like PC and consoles.

Kingmakers

Kingmakers is a thrilling blend of action and strategy, where players take on the role of a time-traveling warrior armed with modern-day firepower. Set in a medieval world, the game lets you lead massive, real-time battles against hordes of enemies, armed with nothing but guns and your strategic mind. The added twist? Everything is destructible, allowing for chaotic, explosive gameplay. You can play solo or team up with up to three others in co-op mode. With its unique premise and exciting mechanics, Kingmakers is one to watch when it releases in early access next year.

Bionic Bay

This captivating title draws inspiration from games like Gravity Rush and Limbo, offering a side-scrolling platformer with stunning visuals. The protagonist possesses the power to control time, manipulate gravity, and teleport objects, creating opportunities for intricate platforming and clever puzzles. Set in an ancient biomechanical world, the game promises a unique experience that blends precision-based gameplay with a rich, atmospheric world. Published by Kepler Interactive, known for releasing Pacific Drive, this game is being described as “a platformer like no other.” It launches on March 13 for PS5 and PC via Steam, and is available for wishlisting now.

Sleight of Hand

Sleight of Hand is a third-person hybrid game that blends stealth action with deckbuilding, set in a magical, noir-inspired city. With its dark color palette and quirky cast of characters, the game puts players in the shoes of an occult detective pulled out of retirement for one final job. Think Metal Gear Solid, but instead of guns and gadgets, players use cards to dictate abilities and moves. Whether it's vanishing in a puff of smoke or setting enemies ablaze, the right card can turn the tide. Available for wishlist now, Sleight of Hand will launch on Xbox consoles and PC via Steam, and be available on Game Pass at release.

Feltopia

Feltopia is a visually stunning "hand-felted stop motion" game developed by twin siblings. Set apart from typical shmups, it features unique mechanics where players don't kill enemies but instead shoot positive vibes that transform monsters into friends. Dubbed a "cute-em-up" rather than a shoot-em-up, every sprite in the game has been meticulously needle-felted by hand, giving it a truly distinctive look. You can wishlist Feltopia on Steam now, though it won't be released until 2026—thanks to all the dedication it takes to create that fabric-based world.

Incolatus: Don't Stop, Girlypop!

Incolatus: Don't Stop, Girlypop! offers a truly unique experience, blending first-person shooter action with a heavy dose of early 2000s pop culture. The game is drenched in vibrant pink hues, featuring a retro-inspired soundtrack and communication via a classic Nokia flip phone. Inspired by the non-stop energy of movies like Crank, the game rewards players for staying in constant motion, granting bonus damage and healing for not slowing down. Adding to the nostalgic fun is a dress-up minigame, reminiscent of 90s and early 2000s CD-ROM titles. It's a vibrant, Y2K-inspired adventure that promises to be as chaotic as it is fun. You can wishlist it on Steam now, with a release coming soon.

LOK Digital

Unlok is a digital version of a puzzle book that presents a unique twist on traditional word search puzzles. Rather than offering guidance, players are dropped into the game with no instructions and must figure out the rules as they go by solving 90 puzzles. The game features a made-up language, meaning the words in each puzzle grid are not in English or any recognizable language. As players unlock (or "unlok") new words, they gain unique power-ups that help them black out the entire grid. It’s a fun and challenging puzzle experience, available now on PC, with a mobile release planned for next year—perfect for tablet gaming.

Source: engagget

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), Here Are The 14 Standout Titles from The Day of The Devs Game Awards Stream, AnaTechMaz, pp. 74