WASD Gaming Weekender Showcases Indie Gems
WASD, a gaming weekender located in the heart of East London, offers a refreshing alternative to your typical sweaty and corporate games convention. This indie-led oasis provides a laid-back atmosphere where developers can proudly showcase their passion projects and players can hang out and chat. While big titles like Tekken 8 and Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown are available for hands-on experiences, the true charm of WASD lies in discovering the weird and the wonderful.
Nivalis: Building a Sci-Fi Empire
Nivalis stands out as one of the more ambitious indie offerings at WASD. This blocky neon-drenched dystopia combines elements of Cyberpunk 2077 and Minecraft, creating a visually stunning world. As players receive the deed to a noodle bar in Nivalis’s bustling metropolis, they also uncover a dark secret—a serial killer is on the loose. This sci-fi restaurant simulation game offers fully voiced quest givers, customizable furniture placement, and the chance to shape the city’s entire nightlife. With a clever mix of life simulation and story-led adventure, Nivalis promises to be an appetizing proposition.
So to Speak: Learn Japanese Through Gaming
So to Speak is a Japanese language learning game that harnesses the motivation found in video games to help players become proficient in Japanese. Inspired by creator Erik Anderson’s own struggles with deciphering street signs in Japan, this pixel art puzzler offers a unique mix of visual clues and drag-and-drop head-scratchers. Rather than tediously repeating words, players engage in real puzzle-solving, making the learning experience more enjoyable and effective. So to Speak is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their language skills.
Hexarchy: A Bitesize Strategy Game
Strategy games like Civilization often consume hours of our time. However, for those seeking a shorter gaming experience, Hexarchy is the perfect solution. This snappy strategy game combines the best elements of Civilization with the fast-paced deckbuilding of Hearthstone. Each game can be completed in just one hour, making it an ideal choice for players with limited time. By using cards to advance your civilization, Hexarchy offers a streamlined strategy experience that avoids the intimidating time commitments of its counterparts.
Project Diagnosis: A Medical Mystery Adventure
Oxymoron Games presents Project Diagnosis, a game that combines healing patients with uncovering extraterrestrial mysteries. In this unique mashup of a heal-’em-up and a detective simulation, players administer treatment while coaxing patients into revealing their otherworldly encounters. The game features slick silhouette-esque art, odd mini-games, and solid writing that ties it all together. With its bizarre concept and engaging gameplay, Project Diagnosis offers a fresh twist on the point-and-click genre.
Ultros: An Entrancing Sci-Fi Adventure
Ultros stands out from the crowd with its edgy ’90s Image Comics meets ’70s psychedelia art style. Set in a captivating sci-fi world, this metroidvania game offers fast-paced and fluid combat. Players can slide under enemies, counter-attack, and chain combos, providing a thrilling and dynamic experience. With its vibrant animations, pulsating soundtrack from Hotline Miami composer El Huervo, and hypnotic environments, Ultros is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Change: A Homeless Survival Experience
Change, a roguelite game, delves into the challenging reality of homelessness. Drawing inspiration from the creator’s conversations with homeless individuals, this game presents players with the task of surviving on the unforgiving streets of a city. Begging for change and navigating through procedurally generated sidewalks, players must overcome various obstacles to find a job and secure housing. With its unpredictable nature and pixel art visuals, Change manages to evoke empathy and delivers an important message in an immersive and enjoyable way.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re still searching for more gems, here are a couple of honorable mentions:
- Esoteric Ebb: A medieval talk-’em-up filled with amusing dwarves, grumbling goblins, and quests that make villagers cringe.
- Gladieaters: Unleash your culinary creativity by battling kitchen-created monsters in this eccentric Cooking Mama X Pokémon mashup.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings