Princess of Previews: Indie World Order Showcase

The Indie World Order Switch showcase for Nintendo Switch dropped recently. I was pretty excited by this! The showcase featured a few titles I’ve been really wanting on the Switch and some new games to look forward to. I highly recommend watching it yourself (it’s 20-something minutes long). There are also already plenty of summaries on the internet of the whole thing, so I’m just going to share my thoughts on some of my favorite games from the showcase.

Sea of Stars

This is a prequel to The Messenger, which I know nothing about! On the plus side, players don’t need to know anything about that game, which is fortunate. And well, I’m in love with this. This is one of those throwback RPGs from the PS1 days, albeit with some modern QoL features (so it advertises anyway). From the trailer, the graphics are beautiful and I love looking at them. I particularly like the ship, though I’m not sure why. 

Anyway, I know nothing of the story and I’m okay with this! I’m sold on experiencing the gorgeous graphics alone. I’m glad this is coming to the Switch, since I prefer RPGs as a handheld experience! 

Loco Motive

This was a newly announced game for the showcase. Loco Motive is a silly, Lucas Arts-inspired murder mystery. Given the title, I’m guessing it’ll be no surprise to anyone that this takes place aboard a train. This game has big shoes to fill, but I like what I see already. The pixel art is reminiscent of old Indie Games, yet it’s quite good! The only thing I’m a little worried about is if the humor will be hit or miss for me. 

Afterlove EP

A story about our main character making an EP and learning to love again after his partner dies! This looks so good. I just know I’m going to be crying constantly while playing this. Case in point, I cried while watching the trailer. It features multiple endings too, so I can get kicked in the heart over and over. The game features a unique art style that I really dig too. Apparently, the developer announced it, canceled it, then renounced this, and I’m SO glad this is going to see the light of day. 

Endling-Extinction is Forever

Talking about breaking hearts...here’s another to tug at the heartstrings. Endling-Extinction Forever features the last mother fox on earth and her cubs. The goal? Lead yourself and 3 cubs to the last safe haven of the Earth in a world ravished by humans. Who…apparently are still here and one of many threats. I just know this is going to be hard and a super sad playing experience, but something about this just appeals to me. I want to see the game devs vision for the Earth and get a good ending, no matter what it takes. Plus, as you play the game, you can teach the baby foxes to well, be foxes. Deviously cute, definitely depressing, I’m down.

Parkasarus

Parkasarus is a game I played in early access and really enjoyed. It’s a dinosaur park sim that’s more cute and silly than serious. You can put HATS on the dinosaurs. HATS. I have wanted a Switch version for this since Early Access and thought it would never happen. I am very happy to be very wrong, and cannot wait for spring 2022.

Chicory

Be a cute painting dog full of self-doubt, bringing color back into the world. The cool thing is, players can actually paint the color back into the world any way they want, similar to coloring in something on MS paint or photoshop. Players can simply do a quick scribble, or more, and bring the world to life. I backed the Kickstarter for this BUT never got around to playing it.  Now, I have no excuse. I’ve heard this is really good, making multiple top games of the year lists! This would have been perfect on a 3DS touchscreen, but I’m a little apprehensive of how the coloring translates to the Switch.

Omori

I know nothing about Omori except it starts out cute and gets really dark and want to keep it that way until I get to play it! I’ve wanted to play this on the Switch, though, for ages, and glad it will finally make the leap over.

Those are my highlights! What are yours? Did you like this Indie World Order Switch showcase? Dislike it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!