Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Rising interest in top-rated indies
BIG TICKET TITLES
AS we head towards Christmas, the cost of living seems to be marching ever upwards.
Prices of food and drink are rising, interest rates are up again, and I’m still delaying putting on the heating to try and keep my winter energy bill down.
With life seeming more expensive than ever these days, it’s increasingly difficult to justify expensive pastimes – and gaming can be pretty pricey.
There is salvation however – indie games – a more pocket friendly alternative to those big ticket AAA titles. Many Indie studios produce phenomenal games – which are often better than the ones from the big name producers.
November is packed full of hidden gems, and some long-anticipated titles are finally being released. Here are just five great games you should be trying.
Ghost Song (PEGI 16) PS4, PS5, XBOX ONE, XBOX X/S, Switch, PC. Price: £15.99
Ghost Song has been a long time in the making, but it truly has been worth the wait.
This stunning looking Metroidvania is set on a desolate moon, where a long dormant being is about to awaken.
The Deadsuit – an android-like creature – is armed to the teeth, which is handy as it is about to encounter some weird and wonderful creatures.
Venturing beneath the surface, you find winding caverns lit only by bioluminescent flora, and acquire new abilities to help you unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.
The Past Within (PEGI 12) PC, iOS. Price: £5.99
This multiplayer point-and-click adventure needs two gamers to solve its mysteries.
It’s the latest game from developer Rusty Lake – which is both the name of the studio, and of the eerie and surrealistic world in which its games take place.
To unravel the story of Albert Vanderboom, you will have to team up with a friend, someone who can stay in the past, as you go forward into the future.
Between you, you can piece together the solutions to puzzles that will finally uncover Vanderboom’s sinister plan.
Ship of Fools (PEGI 7) PS5, XBOX X/S, Switch, PC. Price: TBC
The worst storm ever is raging, so what kind of idiot would set sail? This ship of fools.
Branded a cross between Sea of Thieves and Overcooked, this seafaring roguelite follows the fortunes of the only fools brave enough to venture out into treacherous waters.
You can play this game alone, or in co-op to ramp up the chaotic madness as you try to stop the Aquapocalypse.
Packed with sea monsters, puzzles and an adorable ship’s company, this promises to be a lot of fun.
Soulstone Survivors (PEGI 12) PC. Price: TBC
The demo for Soulstone Survivors has seen it become one of the most anticipated games of the month.
This ‘bullet heaven’ roguelite sees you facing down the Lords of the Void and their endless hordes.
There are secret spells to unveil, mighty weapons to craft, and special moves to master if you are to collect the Lords’ Soulstones and realise your destiny – to become a god.
Interestingly, developer Game Smithing Ltd has a roguelite version of this title due out next year, so watch this space.
From Space (PEGI 12) PC, Switch. Price: £10.99 (but on offer until November 17 for £8.79)
Earth has been invaded, and adorable bubblegum pink aliens now roam our streets.
You play as a resistance fighter, fighting off the cute hordes to take back the planet for mankind.
There are six different characters to choose from, which each bring their own skills to the table.
Playable as a solo mission, or in co-op so you can share the fun, you’ll get to wield ridiculously overthe-top weapons and gadgets.
THESE GREAT GAMES AT KNOCKDOWN PRICES GIVE THE