Indie game recommendation thread

11th Five (of the second chancers)

Redeemer: Enhanced Edition:
An ok-ish top-down action title that fully delivers on the ultra-violence, but is let down by an unfocused latter third, and an extremely disappointing finale. Your metric system may vary, but it’s kinda worth a look on deep discount. 6/10



Reflex Unit 2:
Sometimes I feel like someone else takes chances on entirely weird, unknown titles like this, then adds them to my account when I’m not paying attention. But I was just probably drunk. This one is an awful isometric mech shooter with few redeeming qualities. 4/10



Rimelands:
This is a linear, stripped down mobile-esque rpg that puts rng first and foremost (literally, dice-based combat), and becomes both boring and frustrating because of it. Instantly forgettable, as in I cannot remember the story, characters, or whose pants I am currently wearing.
“Yeah, nah…”



Risk of Rain 2:
I loved the first Risk of Rain, and it remains in my “keepers” collection. However, I’m not feeling this sequel at all. The shift to 3rd person is fine, as are the visuals, but I don’t think an arena horde shooter is what I was looking for. A lot of the sense of mystery and minor exploration seems stripped out. Perhaps I will come back another time and try some different characters. “Ehhh…”



Rogue Aces:
I should kick myself in the balls with the foot of a stranger for so quickly dismissing this title the first time around. It’s a 2D multi-directional aerial dogfighting game, with tight gameplay and roguelike-lite-ish-esque elements. It’s a fun pick up and play little gem, and cheaper than myself on any drunken weekend evening. 8/10

12th Five (of the second chancers)

Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Talos:
I dunno, still not feeling this top-down action roguelite romp. It’s certainly visually inviting, and anything “rogue” is usually my pleasure index zone, but the combat here is just ok, the persistent upgrade systems a bit of a grind, and the degree of randomisation somewhat lacking. Furthermore, it seems to lack a distinctive character of its own, and there are notable glitches from time to time. I’ll give it a third look in the future, but not for a while, methinks. “Ehhh…”



Serial Cleaner:
This top-down stealth action title stole my withered little heart with its superb 70’s aesthetic, but then kind of broke it with gameplay that never really hits its stride, hamstrung by repetition and unfairness- namely the hyper-alert speed freak cops. Still, it’s often on heavy discount, and your obsolete system of measurement may vary, should the hook resonate with you. 6/10



Skeletal Avenger:
“Generic” is a term that gets thrown around quite a lot these days, particularly by my exes, but it applies perfectly to this title. This isometric roguelite dungeon crawler has good combat, but extraordinarily bland dungeon generation and a loot/gear system to match. However, it’s easy to slide into the grindy comfort zone here (thanks to that combat), until you snap awake hours later and question the worth of your entire frontal lobe. 6/10



Sky Rogue:
I’m always on the lookout for satisfying aerial/space combat rogue-ish games, and my upcoming list of “keepers” features one that is certainly worth your while. However, Sky Rogue misses the mark, with its limited array of randomised mission and objective types. Sure, it controls well and combat is enjoyable, but there is something missing here, and I think it’s a tangible hook outside of the upgrade grind. Also, I love retro graphical aesthetics, but nothing really “pops”, particularly when it comes to the environments. 6/10



Solstice Chronicles: MIA:
A clunky, funky, bland and junky sci-fi isometric shooter that will cause glitchy porridge to flow freely from your nostrils. I do not want to think about this game anymore, which is made ever so much easier by just how insanely unsatisfying and forgettable it is. Get out of my console, bad game! 4/10

Oh good, I hadn't realised that was out yet. The review is... interesting. Basically complaining that the sequel to Submerged is like Submerged.

It's basically a waterlogged walking sim and I'll love it. The reviewer was complaining that there weren't any platforming challenges.

Just started to get into Toem and a massive +1, took a while to really pick up on the game mechanics but it's a relaxing wonder around. One other bonus is that it isn't too taxing on the steam deck's battery!