Nintendo held a “Nindies” livestream today focused on Nintendo Switch indie games.
The 20-minute showcase announced new games as well as Nintendo Switch versions of already released games, many with new features. Hosted by Damon Baker, senior manager in Nintendo’s Partner Management division, the video showcased upcoming games from top indie studios. Some of the biggest announcements are discussed below.
Steamworld Dig 2
Image Form Games, 2017
Nintendo officially announced the sequel to the critically acclaimed Steamworld Dig as part of the show. Baker said the game is influenced by exploration-based platformers such as the Metroid series. The story features a steambot searching for a lost friend as they explore an old mining town and the mines underneath. The clip shown in the video features an Aztec/Mayan aesthetic which looks a lot like Spelunky. Gameplay is a cross between Minecraft and exploration platformers with the main character breaking blocks, battling enemies and finding upgrades.
Yooka-Laylee
Playtonic Games, 2017
While it wasn’t much of a secret, Nintendo officially confirmed that 3D platformer Yooka-Laylee will be coming to the Switch. Developed by a group of former Rare employees, it is inspired by games such as Banjo-Kazooie. The trailer features a brief glimpse at the game’s colorful levels. It also shows off some of the pair’s moves and multiplayer modes. Baker said the game will be released “soon” but didn’t offer any more details.
Runner 3
Choice Provisions, Fall 2017
The sequel to the excellent Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Starring Commander Video, the game maintains the rhythm-based platforming mechanics the series is known for. The levels have a lot more going on than in previous games. They twist and turn as Commander Video runs, jumps and slides through them. The game will also feature retro-inspired levels with various art styles.
Flipping Death
Zoink Games, 2017
Flipping Death is a puzzle game developed by the creators of Stick It to the Man. The game stars Penny, a ghost who must possess and control the living to solve puzzles. She does this by flipping sides, the 2D game has the ghost world on one side and the living on the other. Featuring the same striking art style and humor as Stick It to the Man, the game looks like an interesting take on the puzzle platformer.
WarGroove
Chucklefish, 2017
Nintendo’s final announcement was for turn-based strategy game WarGroove. The trailer shows the game drawing heavily from the Advance Wars series. The maps, menus, movement arrows and battle scenes look like they were lifted from Advance Wars. That isn’t a bad thing, as the Advance Wars games are excellent and offer a different take on strategy than the similar Fire Emblem series. The trailer shows the player commanding armies of units rather than just individual characters. The game promises 12 campaigns and a map editor along with local and online multiplayer.
While those five games were some of the biggest announcements, there are plenty of other Nintendo Switch indie games coming this year. Check out the video above for the full slate of Nintendo Switch indie games launching this year. You can also check out more trailers for these games on Nintendo’s YouTube channel.
