November was chock full of indie-releases that caught the attention of many. However, not everyone was able to share the spotlight. Continue reading to discover any hidden indie gems you might have missed in November 2023!
Showcasing November 2023’s Indie Titles
It’s that special time of the month once again where we shine the spotlight upon indie games that you might have missed. Last month held several curious new titles amidst huge releases, and we made sure to cover them and give those hidden gems the attention they deserved.
Throughout November, numerous indie titles full of creativity and grandeur leaped out and captivated us at Game8. Some reached wide audiences and achieved critical success, while some weren’t so fortunate to garner enough attention. Here, we try to acknowledge all sides of the spectrum and give the innovation from indie developers no matter how far-fetched they could be.
We have gathered the best indie games we at Game8 reviewed that were reviewed in the month of November, for your scrolling and viewing pleasure. Feel free to also check out last month’s edition of Game8's Monthly Indie Spotlight in case you missed it!
Achilles: Legends Untold
Achilles: Legends Untold is a top-down action RPG reimagining of the Greek hero Achilles during the Trojan War. The game’s simplistic and easy combat is designed to make you feel as powerful as Achilles in legend, but knows when you challenge you with more difficult enemies when the time is right. Though the visual art direction falls a bit flat and the typical soundtrack only exists to serve their purpose, all its faults are overshadowed by its fleshed out combat mechanics that denote the exhilarating fights known of Achilles.
SUPER CRAZY RHYTHM CASTLE
SUPER CRAZY RHYTHM CASTLE is a unique party game where a team of up to four people can participate in various rhythm games with quirky and chaotic minigames interspersed. The game’s tracklist is lengthy, with a wide variety of genres that can encompass any music taste for the participating four. The narrative is charming and the formula is purposely messy but fun, but its price is somewhat steep, having to shell out $39.99 for ONE copy. If SUPER CRAZY RHYTHM CASTLE looks interesting, make sure to find three other friends to chip in for the cost to play locally.
The Invincible
The Invincible is a slow-burning walking simulator inspired by the classic novel of the same name, penned by esteemed science fiction author Stanisław Lem. It features a compelling mystery thriller narrative loosely based on the novel, and is presented with stunning retro sci-fi aesthetics that harken back to the sci-fi worlds born from the 1900s. Though it can be slow at times, the overall narrative and the nostalgic technological designs all make up for it, making The Invincible a great time for fans of the sci-fi genre.
Worldless
Worldless is very distinct, visually and gameplay wise, having a beautifully minimalist abstract art style, and a 2D platformer with engaging turn-based action combat. Its combat stands out the most, with a parry-heavy system where every single incoming attack can be parried if the player is skilled enough. With all of its abstract beauty, Worldless tells its story primarily through body language and environmental storytelling, which although serviceable, still gets outshined by its more compelling gameplay.
The Last Faith
The Last Faith is a successful marriage of Metroidvanias and Souls-likes put in 2D form, combining all aspects of what makes both genres excellent. The brilliant environmental storytelling encourages exploring the vast halls and corridors rife with enemies. The combat allows you to engage those enemies with easy-to-pick-up but hard-to-master mechanics. The environments are strewn with magnificent gothic pixel-perfect visuals, all enhanced by the grand soundtrack reverberating across the world. All of these superb qualities make up the excellence that is The Last Faith, which are sure to provide the premier Metroidvania Souls-like experience.
TEVI
TEVI is an insane bullet hell Metroidvania with tons of customizability, thrilling gameplay, and a wonderful cast of characters. As a 2D Metroidvania with bullet hell elements, you’ll never feel like you’re being stunted or held back by the game. Rather, any failures you might have are likely the faults of your own skills. That is to say the game is fair in its challenges and difficulties. The art design is diverse but alluring, with fully illustrated portraits and charming chibi sprites that please fans of both. The story, however, contrasts with the uplifting quirky energy seemingly TEVI holds, having a surprisingly grim narrative that has its fair share of twists and turns.
The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is a first-person puzzle game that is excellence epitomized. With a deeply enthralling plotline accompanied with perplexingly thought-provoking gameplay puzzles, it serves to simultaneously challenge critical thinking and puzzle solving, questioning your views on humanity until you go through an existential crisis. The cast is composed of wonderfully distinct characters that all have masterful voice acting which serves to enhance the experience with their chemistry. Last but not least, the art direction is monumental, stuffed with grand sights and scenes with megastructures, lush forests, endless skies, and majestic ruins. They all seamlessly coexist to baffle and amaze any player lucky enough to play The Talos Principle 2.
