When it comes to support for independent game developers, the team at Xbox have been very visibly supportive for many years over the past few gaming generations. And that continues to be the case. We’ve seen some incredible titles in recent years that have released as part of the ID@Xbox program. I recently got to sit in on a Xbox Developer Session that was focused on showcasing some of the talent from the Southeast Asia region. The session highlighted the creative talent that is silently blooming in the region, and although it’s only a small slice of what’s out there, it’s clear that there are a lot of talented teams in the Asia region that people should put on their radar.
Developer: Mixed Realms
Genre: Action, Adventure, Roguelike, Hack & Slash
First up, we got a nice look at 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, an upcoming action-adventure roguelike with a bright and beautiful art style, designed to be played solo or in co-op with 2-4 players.
You play as one of the game’s animal spirit characters, each of which come with their own move set and playstyle and face of against demons and Guardians, all in the hope of becoming the 13th Zodiac.
I really like the game’s fast pace, art direction and use of Asian mythology and am really looking to see more as development continues towards release.
13Z: The Zodiac Trials has a play test currently running that you can request access to via the official Steam Page.
Developer: FairPlay Studios
Genre: Action, Adventure
Nightmare Circus is an upcoming action-adventure game where you play as a puppeteer who has found themselves trapped within a Nightmare Relam. You’re a part of a travelling circus and now you and the other members of your circus crew have found yourselves stuck in an unfamiliar world. You’ll need to save your crew, travel the mysterious environments, uncover the mysteries of the place and find a way back to the real world.
I enjoyed how fast and snappy the movement and combat looks in this one. The Puppet String mechanic combined with the game’s collision based combat and physics system allows for a weighty sense of impact that looks really fun to play around with. I also really like how well the game blends a creepy, eerie vibe with gameplay that appears fun and lighthearted.
Nightmare Circus Official Steam Page
Developer: ALIVE Inc
Genre: Action, Souls-Like, 2D
For those of you that love a real challenge, or that are fans of Lies of P or the works of FromSoftware, this one should be on your radar. Vapor World: Over the Mind
The game’s synopsis tells you a lot about the kind of experience you’re set to face.
Lost in darkness, a boy drawn into a twisted dream, no way out. Vapor World is a narrative-driven souls-like platformer focused on deflection combat set in atmospheric world of dream. Descend within shattered mind seeking lost memories. Face dark, beautiful world born of anguish and regret.
The game’s promise of challenging foes, combined with its exploration, stealth, combat and puzzle solving mechanics has it shaping up to be something that could be really interesting.
I really love the look of the game’s aesthetic and it’s completely hand drawn visuals. I’m keen to see how the souls-like genre translates to 2D and can’t wait to go toe to toe with the game’s challenging group of foes and bosses.
Vapor World: Over the Mind is coming soon to Steam Early Access.
Official Steam Page
Developer: Toge Productions
Genre: Strategy, Simulation, Turn-Based
Kriegsfront Tactics is a turn based, mech, tactics RPG game where you command your squad in tactical turn based combat against enemy units. The game is set in an alternate 1970s and its procedural nature allows for dynamic combat encounters and missions.
The game comes with a real focus on customisation and player choice. Allowing you to customise your mechs, recruit new characters and build out your squad in the way that suits your play style. It’s blend of strategy and war reminds me of games like Valkyrie Chronicles and Final Fantasy Tactics, and is something to keep an eye on if you’re a fan of strategy games with turn based combat.
Kriegsfront Tactics also has a demo that is playable right now via the game’s official Steam Page.
Developer: Separuh Interactive
Genre: Adventure, Horror, Puzzle
Of all the titles shown off at this Developer Session, Agni: Village of Calamity is the game that was most up my alley. I’m a really big fan of action-adventure games, especially those that are set in unique and interesting settings and really love those that manage to incorporate thriller and horror elements into their world and narrative. Agni: Village of Calamity seems to be ticking all of those boxes so far.
You play as Agni, an investigator from an Indonesian police force. After ignoring warnings and deciding to investigate a remote village, Agni finds herself in the middle of a living nightmare, in an ominous village with lurking horrors hiding within.
I’ll be keeping an eye on this one for sure. Its high fidelity visuals and gameplay that is quite reminiscent of the Resident Evil and Silent Hill games has made me very excited to see what the team at Separuh can put together.
Official Steam Page.
None of the games have a fixed release date, but to check out more, you can click through to the Steam page for each title above.
If you want to see more content like this and never miss one of our frequent gaming and anime giveaways come and Follow Ani-Game on Twitter.
