Popular indie publisher tinyBuild held their connect this week where updates were given to a collection of their future titles.
Ewan, Alex and Dan watched the showcase together, here’s a recap of everything announced and what we thought…
SAND – Gameplay Reveal
SAND developed by Hologryph and Towerhaus received its first gameplay reveal. Viewers could see crafting, explosions and robots. This PvPvE game will take players to a procedurally generated world where they can explore, loot and fight. Whilst no release date has been announced, players will be able to experience the BETA this Summer.
E: “The robots looked awesome and the combat fun – honestly what more could you want? Can’t wait to see more!”
D: “I did not get much from this trailer. The graphics seem ok for an indie but there is absolutely no personality within the game.”
A: “Sea of Thieves, but dryer. What’s not to love? The idea of blasting my enemies away while being screamed at in Russia always appeals to me.”
Drill Core – Game Announcement
Drill Core which has been developed by Hungry Couch was unveiled at the connect for the first time. The game will have players drilling to the hearts of planets and assembling the best team of drillers in the galaxy. The trailer showed some fast paced gameplayer complete with alien fights, upgrades and of course drilling.
E: “This game looked like so much fun, I love the idea of being able customise my drill and really make this team of drillers my own.”
D: “They executed the trailer of this perfectly. Its not a game I would personally pick up and play but this has made it very appealing.”
A:”Not my kind of game, but looks like it has a lot of personality. I think this could be a classic for some people.”
Level Zero Extraction – ‘Transmission’ Teaser Trailer
Viewers got a good look at DOGHOWL Games’ multiplayer extraction horror ‘Level Zero’. It showed the horrific sci-fi setting which players will be surviving in as well as the alien monsters they will be fighting against. The teaser was sinister and showed that bullets won’t be able to save players hoping to survive.
E: “This one impressed me, I haven’t seen a unique horror game like this in a while, I love the idea that players can be both the Alien and Survivors! Very intrigued!”
D: “This one looks spooky.”
A: “For an indie game to capture the essence of a renowned horror game like Alien: Isolation is rare, but that’s what I got here. Gave me the heebie jeebies. Perfect.”
VOIN – New Developer Diary
Players got a new glimpse at the dark fantasy hack and slash, VOIN which is being developed by the sole developer Nikita Sozidar. Nikita showcased gameplay and explained some of the different mechanics but it was predominantly focused on combat. He also showed several different locations the player can explore from frosty dungeons to beautiful forests. A demo for the game is out on steam now!
E: ‘This was the highlight of the showcase for me, I really loved the art style and dynamic gameplay, it’s even more impressive this was created by one person. Will definitely be checking out this one.’
A: “The combat looks crazy-fun. Can’t wait to pick this one up. The whole vibe looks great.”
D: “The guy who made this did not need to stream for the trailer and I did not listen to a word he said, graphics look cool though.”
The King is Watching – Announcement Trailer
Players were treated to the first trailer of The King is Watching where they saw what developer Hypnohead has been working on. This rogue-lite, kingdom builder game has you keep a constant gaze on your citizens to keep them working and building your kingdom. The aim is to build a prosperous place which can defend against any attack. A demo is out now but the full release is planned for later on this year.
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E: “This game looked interesting to me, I’m not huge on strategy games but it had a unique and intriguing concept whilst simultaneously looking great.”
D: “The concept seems like a good one, just don’t think it was executed brilliantly. looking at only a part of the game at a given time, seems annoying.”
A: “Didn’t grab me to be honest. I like the art style but the core gameplay feature seemed reductive.”
RAWMEN – Release Date Announcement
RAWMEN received its release date: July 23rd 2024. They mixed this announcement with a taste of the crazy combat and customization which developer’s Animal have cooked up. This arena shooter has a variety of game modes built for two to eight players. The game promises to be crazy fun and you can request to play in the playtest now.
E: “This just looked like so much fun. I loved the different food themed weapons on show, I can imagine this being amazing with a few of my friends.”
D: “The combat looks good and it appears to be a very playful game, many hours could be spent on this.
A: “Looks like fun. Not for me though. I’m not a fan of the style and I’ve seen a lot of games like this over the years.”
Not for Broadcast – DLC – The Timeloop
A DLC was announced for NotGames called ‘The Timeloop’ where the player will find themselves trapped inside a…you guessed it, timeloop. Everytime you replay the time loop, new clues are put together to help piece together the truth behind the situation. It promises more of the same comedic chaos that the first game did so well.
E: ‘As journalists ourselves it was funny to see the style of this game, I have yet to play the base game but this trailer convinced me to add the game to my library.’
D: “As a journalist myself, this game looks cheap and cheesy. The trailer gave absolutely nothing away. To be honest, it sent me away instead.”
A: “The trailer confused me. Made me laugh but more in a ‘I don’t know what’s happening’ than a ‘this seems like it might be really fun’ way.”
Train Valley World – Release Date Trailer
Joining RAWMEN, Train Valley World received a slighter later release date of the 8th August. The transport tycoon will have you building and managing efficient railroads around the globe. The game is both singleplayer and multiplayer, promising to bring a great experience exploring the early 1900s. It even has its own level creator.
E: “I really enjoyed this games art style and theme, I know people who will love this game and find loads of enjoyment building their train network.”
D: “I’d rather spend my money on an actual train-set. Looks like a bad mobile game.”
A: “Cities Skyline but with trains? Wait… didn’t it already have trains? This looks good, but not anything groundbreaking.”
Astor: Blade of Monolith – Launching 30th May
C2’s Game Studio’s action RPG was showcased showing the fast-paced action fans can expect from their RPG. The aim is for Astor to uncover the secrets behind the death of his creators. You will achieve this by utilizing runic weapons to help save the planet from impending doom.
E: “The combat in this game looked amazing and so much fun. I will definitely be picking this one up.”
A: “Looks a little unpolished but honestly, peak. Will defo keep an eye out for this one.”
Punch Club 2 – DLC – The Iron Fist
Punch Club 2 had players mentor their fighter and build them up to the rank of ultimate champion featuring different combat styles and manage his routine. They announced the DLC ‘The Iron Fist’ which promises a new storyline, league, skills and a whole new tech tree. You’ll even get to save humanity from AI and imminent doom!
E: “This had my favourite art style out of the entire showcase, I loved the retro yet modern feel. I’m a lover not a fighter yet I was still tempted by this DLC!”
D: “This one looks very good, particularly for an indie. Very colourful and very flamboyant, but it does look like the combat is just spam.”
A: “Now this looks like fun. I’m glad to see that they still weave good story into games like this.”
Duckside – Open BETA Trailer
‘Imagine DayZ or Rust but you’re a duck. A persistent world survival game with PVP, PVE, crafting, base building and hat wearing ducks, wielding weapons’. The steam page says it all. What else is there to add apart from the open beta starts on June 6th.
E: “I am so excited for this. 10/10. This is absolutely awesome.”
D: “This is my favourite so far. The concept is brilliant, silly, fun and awesome. Who doesn’t want to live the life of a duck killing loads of people? The flying seems smooooooooothhhh too”
A: “Shoot rocket at friend as duck. Yes please.”
I Am Future – Solar Update
Developers Mandragora have unveiled the newest update for their relaxing single player survival game set in a post-apocalyptic setting. What makes the apocalypse relaxing? It’s about building your own cosy little rooftop camp on top of a flooded city. The new update adds a few general quality of life updates and solar power to charge your batteries. Things every camp needs.
E: “I love the unique use of this setting! It’s such a great way to make the apocalypse feel different, I think if I was going to pick up a game like this, it’d be this one!”
D: “Looks like a bad The Sims.”
A: “Not up my street. Looks like it has a lot of depth that fans of this genre might enjoy though.”
Kingmakers – Wreak Havoc trailer
This game from Redemption Road has been amassing hype on the internet for its unique premise which is that you are a time traveller going back to the medieval era with guns, motorbikes and now Tanks. The new trailer shows how you can tear down castles and villages as well as armies with your advanced resources. This shooter is coming later in the year.
E: “I mean this premise is so incredibly cool and something I have been thinking about since I was young. I have no doubts that this will be an absolute blast.”
D: “The concept of this is brilliant. Its original but the novelty of it might wear out of 15 minutes.
A: “I’m so excited to play this. It seems as if it might be incredibly therapeutic. Potentially short-lived however as it doesn’t look like there’s a lot to it.”
