Asura the Striker
Space Harrier was a beloved game and we have seen spiritual sequels already such as one from Yu Suzuki himself in the form of Air Twister, but Asura the Striker looks to be different. This is a game that doesn’t just want to match the classics but surpass them and from what has been playable in the trial version that was available, the developers are hitting that goal. Bigger and Better and with visuals that are striking ( pun intended) Asura the Striker will be a must-play for fans of classic arcade games
This one now has no set release date
Blade Chimera
Team Ladybug proved themselves to be excellent at Metroidvanias with Touhou Luna Nights and their new upcoming Metroidvania Blade Chimera sees the studio taking what they learned and going further. Playing as a demon hunter who has lost his memories and is now exploring the world together with a sword that is a transformed Lumina demon, you will collect new skills and learn to transform the sword in different ways. The game also looks to take a different approach to narrative storytelling leaving open many possibilities with this one.
Delayed to 2025, but is coming out very early on, specifically in January.
Quest Master
The idea of a Zelda Maker game sounds like a good concept but has proven very hard to pull off with many indies falling short. Quest Master looks to change that, with a very detailed system, co-op, the ability to create your own action RPGs and more. So much variety was shown in the reveal trailer alone and what new info we have is enticing. This may be the game Zelda fans will crave.
Quest Master has released in Early Access and is almost out of Early Access and has proven to be a better Zelda Maker than one Nintendo could hope to make. This has not only fully lived up to all hype but has created new hype for what may come in the future for the game. Just a round of applause for everyone involved in this game please.
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore
This game may confuse people, because why create a spiritual sequel to the infamous CD I Zelda games? Well, because those games do have a fanbase and many feel the concept can be done right. Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore looks to not only take the basic concept of the infamous games and make something better out of them, but the developers have even gotten many of the voice actors from the CD I games to voice roles here. Perhaps something good will come from the CD I games’ existence after all.
Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore blew everyone away when it released with how good it was. A Metroidvania taking influence from infamous games, it more than proved something good was to come from the CD I games’ existence and created an experience that is both satisfying and hilarious. A good job was done by all.
Penny’s Big Breakaway
A new IP from the makers of Sonic Mania, Penny’s Big Breakaway is a brilliant-looking 3D platformer that looks to take inspiration from the best of the N64 and Sega Saturn era. Penny and her YoYo must go through an offbeat and kooky journey and everything shown so far tells us the developers are pushing their skills to the limit with new ideas and new creative levels. This will hopefully satisfy many fans of old-school platformers.
Absolutely incredible. Penny’s Big Breakway is just fun personified and a game that feels like it is from an older era, but with modern quality of life additions. If you love those old school platformers from the N64 and Saturn era, you need to check this one out. You will not regret it.
Warside
Advance Wars has seen a massive resurgence lately, both with games inspired by it like Tiny Metal and War Groove, as well as the recent remakes of the GBA games. The change in graphics may not be for everyone though, and there were some gameplay changes that didn’t go over well with some hardcore fans. Warside is answering those complaints with a classic pixel art look and aims to be the true successor to Advance Wars. With an innovative take on the format, this could be the game to show up Nintendo themselves.
(Disclaimer: This author backed Warside’s Kickstarter when the campaign was active)
This game has also been delayed to early 2025.
Pepper Grinder
Gimmick platforms are hit or miss but Pepper Grinder immediately stood out to me. A game where you constantly use a giant grinder to move through areas instantly reminded me of one of my favourite GBA games Drill Dozer, and while the concept is a bit different here, the game looks instantly inviting. Pepper Grinder looks to be both fast-paced and exciting in terms of exploration and level traversal and has a lot going for it so far.
Okay so this one is not actually like Drill Dozer all that much, but has a lot going for it. It definitely stood out when I played it, but sadly I have played so many other indie games this year that surpassed it in terms of fun and inventiveness that I cannot say this is a standout for the year. Still, it is a fun, albeit short experience that will keep you hooked while you play.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
A Spiritual Sequel to the classic Suikoden games from the original developers, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has a lot of pressure on it to do well. Fortunately, it seems the developers are up to the task because the game looks truly amazing and seems like it will recapture what we loved about Suikoden while pushing the mechanics forward with new ideas. Fans of classic JRPGs should definitely keep an eye on this.
I did not end up getting the chance to play this myself. That said, I have heard good things except for the Switch version. Sorry, I cannot say more.
Skald: Against the Black Priory
Retro-style RPGs are making a comeback with titles like Moonring and more, Skald: Against the Black Priory stands out. A retro-style party-based RPG set in a grim-dark fantasy world of tragic heroes, violent deaths and Lovecraftian horror, a lot is going on here and fans of old-school RPGs and modern RPGs alike will have much to enjoy here.
Skald: Against the Black Priory was an absolute gem this year and one of the best RPGs I have played all year. Looking to the past for ideas for the future, we have a game that shows why those old classics were so beloved, and with modern touches, brings them into the modern day. A masterpiece.
Toxic Crusaders
We are in a new golden age of beat-em-ups and following the success of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, other classic franchises are being eyed for modern beat-em-up adaptations. Toxic Crusaders is not just a revival of the cartoon based on the classic film from Troma, but also looks to have numerous references and shoutouts to other Troma properties. With a recent demo on Steam showing off the gameplay, Toxic Crusaders looks like it could be one of the best beat-em-ups this year.
This game was just announced to be delayed to Q2 2025.
And there we are. The delayed games will be looked at when they release.
