We’ve finally reached a bit of a lull in major game releases, before things start heating back up later this summer. That means that now is the perfect time to knock out some of your gaming backlog, or, perhaps even better, check out some new releases from around the indie gaming scene. It’s a jam-packed week this week, with lots of releases ranging from platformers to puzzlers to sim management titles for you to choose from.
Here are our picks for this week in indie games, May 9-15.
Base One - May 11 (PC)
From developer Pixfroze, Base One is a hardcore space station building game that sees you building out a network of space stations to allow the human race to colonize and survive on the other end of the galaxy. This won’t be a walk in the park, though, as extraterrestrial terrors are aiming to make things difficult for you and your colony. Base one is available now on PC via Steam, GOG.com, and even the Mac App Store.
Sockventure - May 11 (PC)
So you’ve beaten Returnal and you’re now looking for a new challenge, eh? Perhaps you should consider giving Sockventure a whirl. From developer Nighthouse Games, Sockventure is a 2D platformer that falls within the realm of the masocore genre. Precise controls are required as you navigate the hero through a deadly washing machine while collecting missing socks. Don’t be fooled by the gorgeous (and cute) hand-crafted levels. Sockventure is harder than it looks. Sockventure is available now on Steam and is currently 10%-off.
Retro Machina - May 12 (PC, PS4, XB1, Switch)
In Retro Machina – from developer Orbit Studio – you’ll take on the role of a cute, little robot in a retro-futuristic universe, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles with the game’s platforming mechanics. Retro Machina is available now for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, and is currently 10%-off on Steam.
The Last Shot - May 13 (PC)
The Last Shot – from developer Rumata Lab – is a puzzle platformer that takes place in a steampunk world strife with military conflict. When your hustle as an ammo dealer gets disrupted, you journey out into the conflict to save your friends, along with the rest of the city, as you solve puzzles and get behind the controls of massive steampunk machines. The Last Shot will be released on May 13 for PC via Steam.
Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator - May 13 (PC)
If military conflicts aren’t your thing and you prefer more tame adventures, why not take on the role of a winemaker in Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator, from developer Broken Arms Games? You’ll be responsible for maintaining a vineyard and making wine from start to finish, including customizing the look and labels of the wine bottles themselves. Hundred Days - Winemaking Simulator will be released on May 13 for PC via Steam.
SokoCat - Islands - May 14 (PC)
Coming as the most relaxing game of the week, SokoCat - Islands – from developer Mini Cube Studio – puts a relaxing spin on the classic sokoban genre. You’ll be tasked with moving one box at a time into its position, but you can only push boxes, not pull. SokoCat - Islands will be released on May 14 for PC via Steam.
Cyberpunkdreams - May 14 (PC)
I saved the best for last this week, since Cyberpunkdreams – from developer Late Night Games – is without a doubt a game that you need to play this weekend. In my glowing preview of the game, I noted that Cyberpunkdreams is one of the most immersive cyberpunk experiences that I’ve ever had in a video game. The text-based adventure may take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with the genre, but it’s well worth the time and energy into the game that has an incredible amount of content to offer. If you only check out one indie game this week, make it Cyberpunkdreams when it launches on Steam on May 14.
A few other indie games to check out includes a handful of titles that are in Early Access, or have already been released and are making their debut on other platforms:
- Before We Leave (Former Epic Games Store Exclusive) - Available on May 13 on Steam
- RWBY: Grimm Eclipse Definitive Edition (Port) - Available on May 13 on Nintendo Switch
- Death Crown (Port) - Available on May 13 on Nintendo Switch