March is already here and with spring several of the most interesting indie video games arrive. In this article we recommend the best of the month.
We live in a time in which it is convenient to stay at home to help stop the expansion of the coronavirus in Spain. A conjuncture in which all institutions appeal to individual responsibility and solidarity with the rest of the citizenry, especially one that integrates some of the risk groups most affected by the disease. At these moments, spending a few days in our home is a vitally important choice. Video games, like any other form of entertainment, can greatly contribute to making this period more bearable. And, in that sense, March comes well loaded with indies worthy of spending hours glued to the remote, mouse and / or keyboard.
After a February with independent jewels of the level of ScourgeBringer, Kunai and LUNA The Shadow Dust, his successor in the calendar brings us several proposals of openwork. Ingenious platform, detective puzzles and the return of Full Motion Video (FMV) are some of the promises that await you. The following selection of 5 independent works makes this clear: spring, indie alters.
Murder by Numbers (Mediatonic)
Murder by Numbers hybridizes puzzles and adventures putting us in the shoes of a detective from a television series who must clear her name after being accused of murdering her boss. Anticapitalist fantasies aside, in this indie we will explore a 90s version of Los Angeles along with a friendly robot in search of clues and testimonies that help us deny the accusations made against us.
The mix between detective adventure in which to cross-examine all the witnesses and contrast our inquiries with puzzles is not new. It is enough to go to any of Professor Layton's titles to verify it. However, Murder by Numbers has a cast of hilarious characters and very original design courtesy of Hato Moa, responsible for Hatoful Boyfriend. Nor can we ignore its soundtrack by Masakazu Sugimori, composer in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick and Viewtiful Joe. With such an artistic roster, everything indicates that the title developed by Mediatonic will become the new jewel of the video game mysteries. We can check it from March 6, when it was released on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Wunderling (Retroid – March 5 on PC and Nintendo Switch)
At Wunderling we do not embody any fondón plumber, cerulean hedgehog, shovel knight or wannabe Mexican wrestler. This platform puts us in the shoes of a white brand Goomba, a poor enemy with medium hair who, tired of being trampled by the protagonist — literally — and with his recently released jumping ability, decides to change things. Wunderling is nothing but the minion rebellion.
True to the teachings of the Koopa Troopa, the friendly protagonist is unable to change direction without depending on the environment. To overcome the levels, you will have to make an ingenious use of the stage, which is why a certain vocation for puzzles is added to the platform. The new Retroid is an original side-scroller both on premise and in mechanics and with a pixel-art result in which the customization options of the protagonist stand out. It's time to show the protagonist who is in charge here and avenge all the minions of Bowser, Eggman and company from March 5 on PC and Nintendo Switch.
The Complex (Wales Interactive)
FMV is a prime example of gimmick. Son of his time, the chance to see flesh and blood on our consoles was enough to sell cult monsters like Night Trap. In its day, the FMV seemed like a revolution capable of changing the industry, but it remained a mere illusion. The advent of 3D and the playable limitations of the FMV made companies abandon this trend to their own devices. However, the interest in creating interactive films has been revived in recent times, as certified by games such as Detroit: Become Human and the film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Indie has also contributed its granite in the new era of interactive films with exponents such as Her Story and the title that covers us, The Complex.
Mechanically, the game published by Wales Interactive is what it is: a film in which to condition development through our dialogue choices. Nothing that David Cage has not invented, go. Argumentally, yes, the premise of a London victim of a biological attack that we must solve is more than interesting in times of coronavirus. The Complex places us in the role of two scientists who, locked in a laboratory, must solve the epidemiological crisis with time and air limits. Its script is pure tension and here is one of its great virtues: it is the work of Lynn Renee Maxcy, screenwriter in the acclaimed series of The Handmaid's Tale (The Tale of the Maid). Very soon, on March 31 on PC and all consoles, we will see if it resists such a comparison.
Yes, Your Grace (Brave at Night)
It is more than likely that die-hard fans already know Yes, Your Grace. Brave at Night's play has played a major role in recent events like London's past EGX. In addition, its initial chapter could already be tested through a demo released in late 2019. All this does not prevent, however, that the final result of this kingdom management game has surprised both locals and strangers. First, because of the originality of a Slavic setting with very little squeeze in playfulness. And second, because of the huge number of options it includes.
Yes, Your Grace entrusts us with the management and care of an entire kingdom, in addition to our three young daughters. Monarch and father, leader of a country and head of the family, the protagonist must make the most of the resources available to care for his subjects and ensure the prosperity of the kingdom. Perhaps it is optimal to hire a warlock to free us from some evil – did someone say Geralt of Rivia? -, it may be best to establish alliances with a neighboring kingdom. And watch out for the conspirators. The only thing clear with Yes, Your Grace is that we will not be able to please everyone and we will have to juggle from March 6 on PC.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Moon Studios)
To nobody's surprise and by way of closure, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the most relevant indie of March. The success of the first installment of this metroidvania was overwhelming both in sales and in criticism and perhaps that is why there are many who find it difficult to label it as indie. However, the work of Moon Studios remains an absolute benchmark for independent development. And his second job is no exception.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the proposal of the first installment while remaining faithful to the foundations of good metroidvania. Exploration of intricate but well connected scenarios. Precise jumps and fast paced rhythm. Dozens of skills to unlock to change the way you scrutinize and relate to the stage. A recognizable gameplay, but loaded with additions such as the new autosave, improvements in movement and a rethink of the skill system. And all with a graphic section as much or more exquisite than that of the first iteration. An unmissable event for fans of the best indie platform since March 11 on PC and Xbox One.
April, indies thousand
March's selection of independent jewelry is complete and diverse enough to hold until April locked in our room. Platforming, management, puzzles and even a less demanding playable experience result in a cocktail of a thousand flavors. And, as scouts of the indie, we can guarantee that April will follow in the footsteps of this month and will offer us as many quality independent titles.
