It's a great time to be a lover of indie games, as Nintendo's latest Indie World showcase was packed with absolute bangers.
19 games in total were shown off in the latest presentation, and the general consensus is pretty good; overall, a fantastic showing for Nintendo. But if you missed it, or you can't remember quite what happened, no worries — we're here to catch you up.
On this page: Nintendo Indie World Showcase August 2021 - The Whole Presentation
Nintendo Indie World Showcase August 2021 - The Whole Presentation
Here's the full show if you want to check it out — the presentation begins at around 25 minutes in, and lasts for 20 minutes. Now you're caught up, let's take a look at everything announced in this Summer Showcase...
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
From: Team Reptile
In this graffiti-action-adventure, grind, paint and combo your way up to become an All City King, one of the best graffiti artists in a sprawling metropolis. Expand your crew with additional playable characters and make use of the intuitive trick system to get around town. All of this is backed by beats from genre-breaking artists, including Hideki Naganuma. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk launches as a timed console exclusive on Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Read more: Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Is Bringing Its Jet Set Radio Vibes To Switch In 2022
Axiom Verge 2
From: Thomas Happ Games LLC
In this prequel to the original Axiom Verge, a new hero fights for her life, empowered by the same microscopic machines that gradually consume her humanity. With two interconnected worlds to explore and fight through, it’s time to discover the origins of the Axiom Verge universe.
Read more: Our Axiom Verge 2 Review
Eastward
From: PixPil, Chucklefish
Discover a beautifully detailed post-apocalyptic world in Eastward, an action-adventure RPG with puzzle-solving and dungeon elements. In a near-future society on the brink of collapse, a hardworking miner called John discovers a young girl named Sam in a secret underground facility.
This unlikely pair will embark on an emotional journey to discover the truth, traveling across a wonderfully weird world and exploring bustling towns, curious campsites and shady forests. Eastward launches for Nintendo Switch as a timed console exclusive on Sept. 16, with pre-orders beginning on Nintendo eShop later today.
Read more: Eastward Arrives Soon As A Timed Console Exclusive For Switch
TOEM
From: Something We Made
A laid-back, hand-drawn adventure game in which you set off on a delightful expedition and use your photographic eye to uncover the mysteries of the eponymous TOEM. Talking to quirky characters and solving their problems by snapping neat photos, you can make your way through a variety of different, relaxing regions inspired by the Scandinavian countryside. TOEM launches for Nintendo Switch this fall.
Read more: TOEM Brings Charming Hand-Drawn Photo Adventure To Switch This Fall
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
From: Vine, Yacht Club Games
With Puzzle Knight as your guide, fight foes, recover relics and battle bosses both new and familiar in this action-packed puzzle-adventure mashup. Group together enemies to unleash massive chain attacks, and grab keys, potions and treasure as you try to escape the mysterious Pocket Dungeon.
Over 10 heroes will be available, each with their own special power and play style. You can even take on a friend head-to-head in local multiplayer mode.* As an exclusive feature for Nintendo Switch, Shovel Knight series amiibo can be used to call on a familiar fairy friend. Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon launches for Nintendo Switch this winter.
Read more: Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon Update Reveals New Winter Release Window
Metal Slug Tactics
From: Leikir Studio, Dotemu
A fresh take on Metal Slug that moves the classic action franchise into a new dimension, Metal Slug Tactics retains fan-favorite elements such as the detailed pixel art and explosive action, but adds tactical combat mechanics and roguelike elements to the mix. Control familiar Metal Slug heroes such as Marco, Tarma, Fio and Eri in fast-paced, dynamic battles.
As a tactical game, positioning is key – placing your troops correctly on the battlefield can activate the Sync skill, where multiple heroes deal extra damage to the enemy. Get ready for an all-new Metal Slug experience when Metal Slug Tactics launches for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Read more: Metal Slug Tactics Is Blasting Onto Switch Next Year
Tetris Effect: Connected
From: Monstars Inc., Resonair, Stage Games, Enhance
This version of the acclaimed Tetris Effect features the single-player Journey mode, but also the competitive Zone Battle mode (available locally* or online**) and the cooperative Connected mode.
It also includes cross-platform multiplayer, so it’s easier to find people to play with – or against. Take the Tetris Effect experience with you on the go when Tetris Effect: Connected launches for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 8.
Read more: Tetris Effect: Connected Is Dropping Onto Nintendo Switch Soon
FAR: Changing Tides
From: Okomotive, Frontier Foundry
Set sail for a new journey in this atmospheric vehicle adventure set in the post-apocalyptic universe first introduced in FAR: Lone Sails. Captain your own seafaring vessel and explore a vast flooded landscape, tackle mighty storms and overcome conundrums while embarking on a voyage to find a new home.
It’s an emotional, meditative journey that doesn’t require prior knowledge of the FAR series. FAR: Changing Tides launches for Nintendo Switch in early 2022.
Read more: FAR: Changing Tides Now Sails Onto Switch Early Next Year
Loop Hero
From: Four Quarters, Devolver Digital
Instead of playing as the hero in this innovative card-based RPG, you must craft the world that the hero travels through. Using an expanding deck of mystical cards, place enemies, buildings and terrain along each unique expedition loop that the hero explores.
Powerful loot can be recovered and equipped for each class of hero, and the more loops you complete, the more your options expand, with new cards, hero classes and guardian bosses being unlocked along the way. Loop Hero launches for Nintendo Switch this winter.
Read more: Loop Hero Is A Timeloop Game, Looping Its Way To Switch Later This Year
Boyfriend Dungeon
From: Kitfox Games
In this heartfelt dungeon-crawling dating sim, use the in-game cash you earn from fighting monsters to woo your weapons on romantic outings. Multiple combat styles just mean more cuties to forge relationships with! Boyfriend Dungeon launches for Nintendo Switch … later today!
Read more: Dating Sim 'Boyfriend Dungeon' Gets Down And Dirty On Switch Later Today
Necrobarista: Final Pour
From: Route 59, Coconut Island Games
In a story about coffee and death, this anime-style visual novel follows a dynamic cast of characters as they navigate a fantasy Melbourne’s coffee culture, the questionable ethics of necromancy and the process of letting go. This expanded Director’s Cut of the original game features new story content and remastered visuals.
There’s even a new Studio mode where players can create their own dialogue and stories. Necrobarista: Final Pour will launch as a timed console exclusive for Nintendo Switch … later today!
Read more: Necrobarista: Final Pour, A "Story About Coffee And Death", Launches On Switch Today
ISLANDERS: Console Edition
From: Grizzly Games, Coatsink
This relaxing, procedurally generated strategy game sees you developing an island by placing buildings from your inventory. Score enough points and you’ll get more buildings with which to keep growing your island settlement. Then, when you can’t build any further, just start from scratch and do it all again on a different island.
With its minimalist approach, intuitive mechanics and almost infinite colorful islands to build on, ISLANDERS lets you create the city of your dreams over and over in no time at all. ISLANDERS: Console Edition launches for Nintendo Switch as a timed console exclusive … later today!
Read more: Surprise! Super Chill City Builder 'ISLANDERS Console Edition' Drops On Switch eShop
Garden Story
From: Picogram, Rose City Games
Concord, the youngest grape in The Grove, is now a Guardian, and it’s their job to help restore the island. That’s a lot to shoulder for a grape barely off the vine… and more than a few inhabitants are skeptical they have what it takes.
Fortunately, Concord has friends like Elderberry, Rana, and Fuji on their side! With their help, you can take on the dangerous Rot and find ways to encourage other residents to assist in the efforts.
Read more: Surprise! Super Chill City Builder 'ISLANDERS Console Edition' Drops On Switch eShop
Slime Rancher: Plortable Edition
From: Monomi Park
Slime Rancher is the tale of Beatrix LeBeau, a plucky, young rancher who sets out for a life a thousand light years away from Earth on the ‘Far, Far Range’ where she tries her hand at making a living wrangling slimes.
- Grow crops and raise chickadoos to feed your collection of hungry slimes.
- Complete daily requests from other ranchers to get bonus rewards.
- Earn money to upgrade your vacpack, build more corrals, or expand your ranch.
- Use Slime Science to find rare resources, craft decorations, and create gadgets that will help you on your adventures.
- Explore a sprawling world loaded with lots of secrets and hidden treasures.
Read more: Slime Rancher: Plortable Edition Brings Goopy Good Times To Switch, And It's Out Now
ASTRONEER
From: System Era Softworks
Explore and reshape distant worlds! Astroneer is set during the 25th century Intergalactic Age of Discovery, where Astroneers explore the frontiers of outer space, risking their lives in harsh environments to unearth rare discoveries and unlock the mysteries of the universe.
On this adventure, players can work together to build custom bases above or below ground, create vehicles to explore a vast solar system, and use terrain to create anything they can imagine. A player’s creativity and ingenuity are the key to seeking out and thriving while on exciting planetary adventures!
Read more: Space Base-Building Astroneer Is Finally Coming To Switch
Curious Expedition 2
From: Maschinen-Mensch, Thunderful
Curious Expedition 2 is like a Journey to the Centre of the Earth version of D&D, mixed with narrative roguelike elements, all wrapped up in a streamlined and accessible gameplay experience. Take on the role of an intrepid explorer, assemble your crew and head out into the unknown. On your expeditions you’ll come across all manner of cultures, flora, fauna, treasures and more, ranging from the worldly to the altogether more… curious!
Hundred Days — Winemaking Simulator
From: Broken Arm Games
Winemaking could be your best adventure. Make the best wine interacting with soil and nature and take your winery to the top. Your beautiful journey into the winemaking tradition starts now.
Read more: Make Your Own Wine The Proper Way In 'Hundred Days', Coming This Winter
Gang Beasts
From: Boneloaf, Coatsink
Gang Beasts is a silly multiplayer party game with surly gelatinous characters, brutal slapstick fight sequences, and absurd hazardous environments, set in the mean streets of Beef City.
Read more: Floppy Punch-'Em-Up 'Gang Beasts' Goes Gangbusters On Switch This Winter
LumbearJack
From: Armor Games, FinalBoss Games
Grab your axe and save the environment by chopping and recycling every man-made thing in your path and solving puzzles with your charming animal friends!
Jack is a humble bear with a simple dream: to return nature to its former glory with the help of his trusty axe and his animal friends. Slice and dice through machinery, slap some sense into wasteful humans, and work with wacky woodland critters to thwart the sinister plans of up-and-coming industrial giant Evil Works.
Read more: You Are A Bear And A Lumberjack In LumbearJack, Out Next Year
There you go — almost 20 pretty cool-looking games, many of which are out right now. Go, friends! Be free, and play games!
Make sure to let us know which games are already on your wishlist with a comment below.
Comments 43
YES TO SLIME RANCHER!!!! Astroneer, Islander, and Metal Slug also all seem decent, people are saying Axiom Verge 2 is pretty much perfection in pixel form, and I'm sure the other games are great, but these stood out to me.
It's a good Indie World when I have to make several trips to my Wishlist to keep track of it all.
It was above average for an “Indy Direct”, imho, the highlights were Axiom Verge 2, Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon, Bomb Rush Cyberpunk and Metal Slug Tactics. The rest I didn’t care for at all.
Probably one of the best Indie showcases in a long time.
Some descriptions do not match the games. Check garden story and curious expedition 2.
Great showcase. A lot of these games I’ll probably add to wishlist for discounts or wait for physical copies (huge backlog of games I want to play anyways). I’m already sold on Eastward, Axiom, Shovel Knight, Garden Story, and Metal Slug Tactics.
That was such a good Indie Direct. My bingo card was an absolute bust as usual. Tons I want. Honestly, if folk moan about no games, then I don't think anyone can help them.
Allot of games but also allot of nothing
Tetris only definite.
Astroneer, Islanders, and the Bear game are maybes.
Sports Story was expected but a no-show. boohoo for now.
Tetris coming and being cross platform is the nicest surprise. Metal Slug and Eastward are ones we already knew about but it was very nice finally getting a better idea of how they'll play.
I really like the look of Astroneer and Eastward, definitely looking into those games, this is one of the better indie directs we have had.
Axiom Verge 2 is a must.
FAR, Toem and Bomb Rush are also on my wishlist.
So many good games at this time of the year, wish they were spaced out more evenly so my wallet wasn't so deflated.
Best indie direct i’ve seen in a while, looking forward to Toem!
Rock solid presentation and alot of good stuff. Axiom verge 2 already loaded and ready to play later tonight.
Tetris Effect coming in Oct is no coincidence. Nintendo will use this game to sell their OLED Switch.
This game was probably destined to launch a long time ago but Nintendo told them to deferred it until the OLED Switch launched.
This was way better than I expected! Namely because of Tetris Effect, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk (please be better than Hover!) and Metal Slug. Almost didn't watch it live because my expectations were so low but glad I did now!
I really liked this Direct. I was hoping for an update or release date for Disco Elysium as there’s been no news of late on the Switch release
Toem, Shovel Knight, Tetris, Garden Story, Far, Metal Slug, Islanders and Lumbearjack.... A lot of exciting stuff for me this time!
The Bomb Rush and Shovel Knight games looked OK but there was nothing there that was too exciting.
Was hoping for a short term release date for at least one of Turtles, House of the Dead or Hollow Knight.
I'd say I'm far more excited to these indies than the AAA announced this year. Wish I could have money and time to enjoy them, I guess I want to try all games from this direct.
@BispoSnake I'm excited for both. October is looking like an amazing month with Tetris Effect, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, Metroid Dread and Mario Party Superstars!
❗After playing through 'Valkyria Chronicles 4', I'm currently going through VC1 and 'X-COM 2' and will be getting 'Advance Wars 1+2' so 'Metal Slug: Tactics' will be a (physical) must-buy.
Super excited for the Switch port of Tetris Effect!
Looking forward to Metal Slug Tactics as well.
Don't really care about the rest.
Still, it was the best Indie World Showcase in memory.
I wish they'd make Tetris Effect VR compatible.
Not too bad. Pretty good selection of indie titles. Still sad nothing about silksong, but oh well. 8 out of 10.
Awwww, I was hoping for an update on Baldo. Oh well.
Very interesting games all of them. It's awesome that Axiom Verge 2 finally launched
A lot of beautiful games, but I didn't particularly care for the gameplay of any of them, so I can't say I'll be putting any of them on my wishlist. Happy that so many others are excited, though!
Super looking forward to Garden Story and Eastward. Both of those games had demos that were apart of the first Summer Games fest on steam and I still have the demos installed to replay them since steam delisted the demos after the event. But now Garden story is out today and Eastward is only a little ways off, this was such a great Indie World!
Definitely getting Tetris Effect.
I also want Axiom Verge 2 but maybe I should finish the other 8 metroidvanias in my backlog before I buy more...
Not too many I'm interested in personally but it's good to see more indies on the way. Besides, I'll read any article Kate Gray posts. 😁
This was better for me than a proper Direct. Still processing which ones to buy in future (or maybe on Steam). Toem and Tetris Effect seemed like standouts.
It was ok, nothing apart from Axiom Verge for me which I downloaded and am so underwhelmed with, to the point I regret buying it after playing it all evening.
Shovel Knight game looks good but that’s not until next year!
No Shredders Revenge, Cuphead DLC, House Of The Dead or Sports Story and I’m thinking Silksong may be vapourware along with Bayonetta 3.
Great news if I wanted to garden. Lackluster at best.
Removed - flaming/arguing; user is banned
No Zool remaster?
I guess it's still PC only then.
@HamatoYoshi Crikey, enough with the 'Bayonetta 3 is vapourware' nonsense already..... It's still coming.
Good Direct, definitely more than a few things I'm interested in here.
@Iggy-Koopa is it still coming though….4 years since the announcement and not so much as a screenshot, ploy synopsis, even a single piece of artwork.
@HamatoYoshi Yes, it's still coming. Considering how forthcoming Nintendo were about MP4's restart, I doubt they would sit on the cancellation of Bayo 4 and not announce it. Kamiya himself had commented on the progression. There is absolutely no need for speculation about cancellation, even if it is taking a ridiculously long time.
NNNNOOOOooo I'm not ready for Axiom Verge 2 yet. Oh well, time to go purchase it, I guess. A lot of those other games look pretty great, too, so hopefully I won't have a billion games left to play by the time they get released.
@UglyCasanova Lol I know.
It's rare that I see 20 games announced and have ZERO interest in a single one of them. Hopefully I'll find something that interests me next time.
It's just a major drought for games on all consoles for me at the moment. I should probably just start working on my backlog of games.
Lot of great looking stuff in there!
But come on, Nintendo, stop money hatting developers for time exclusivity.
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