Engadget highlights diverse selection of new indie titles ranging from music simulations to horror farming sims
Titles such as Mixtape, Motorslice, and Wax Heads are reviewed alongside details on platforms and pricing for a wide array of genres
Engadget has published a weekly roundup of new and upcoming independent video games, offering a comprehensive look at the current landscape of the indie sector. The feature highlights a diverse array of titles, including Mixtape, Motorslice, Wax Heads, Dead as Disco, Sticker/Ball, Rova, Dark Scrolls, Drill Deep, Shil, Grave Seasons, and Offbeat. The article provides readers with specific release dates, platform availability, and pricing details for each title, alongside brief reviews or impressions of their gameplay mechanics and thematic elements.
Among the featured releases, Mixtape stands out as a music-themed coming-of-age adventure that has arrived to glowing reviews. The game tells the story of three friends on their last night together, featuring a soundtrack by artists such as Devo, Roxy Music, and The Cure. The developers have integrated a nostalgic marketing element allowing users to create digital mixtapes using YouTube tracks, with the game currently available on multiple consoles and PC for $20 or $18 with a launch discount.
In contrast to the warm nostalgia of Mixtape, Motorslice is characterised as a chainsaw-based platformer developed by Regular Studio. While the game features a low-poly aesthetic and unique parkour mechanics, the review notes that the controls are imprecise and the narrative execution did not meet expectations. The title is available on major platforms including Steam, GOG, and consoles, typically priced at $20 with a temporary launch discount available until May 19.
Wax Heads, a record store simulation from Patattie Games, joins the music-focused titles in this week's selection. The game allows players to chat with customers and recommend albums, featuring original music spanning various genres including pop, punk, and metal. It is available now on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with a standard price of $15 and a 15 percent discount running until May 19.
Other significant entries include the rhythm brawler Dead as Disco, which has seen strong engagement with over 1.2 million demo plays and positive initial reviews. The incremental roguelite Sticker/Ball offers a unique deckbuilding experience focused on firing balls at dice, while the space rover photography game Rova provides a charming cel-shaded exploration experience. Dark Scrolls, a dog-themed roguelite action platformer, is scheduled for release on May 28, bringing procedurally generated levels and co-op modes to the genre.
The roundup also covers the Lovecraftian mining idle clicker Drill Deep, set for a Steam release later this year, and the puzzle platformer Shil, which is planned for PC and VR release next year. Additionally, the horror farming simulation Grave Seasons is set to arrive on August 14, offering a supernatural twist on life simulation mechanics where players must manage a farm while dealing with a serial killer.
Finally, the feature highlights Offbeat, a music production tycoon available in early access later this year. The game allows players to compose songs using everyday objects and export the results as real WAV files. The article notes that a demo is approaching, aiming to provide an approachable entry point to music production for a wider audience.
