Top 7 Most Anticipated Indie Games of March 2018
Everything we have to look forward to in the coming month
March is here, bringing the spring and everything that entails, from blossoming flowers and fluffy little lambs to a bit of much-needed warmth and sunshine (we hope). But forget about all of that nonsense happening outside of your window for a minute, because March also has some cracking indie games in store for us. Here are the seven indie games we’re most looking forward to this month.
Light Fall
The indie scene has no shortage of quality platformers – looking at you, Celeste – and Light Fall looks likely to join those ranks. Set in Numbra – a land which has been plunged into an eternal night – Light Fall is a beautiful feast for the eyes with its blue, purple and pink hues offsetting dark, abstract geometry. I’m really digging the shadow core mechanic, which lets you spawn a cube at will to use as both a makeshift platform and barrier against the hazards of the world.
Light Fall by Bishop Games arrives on Steam and Nintendo Switch sometime in March.
UPDATE: We previewed Light Fall, take a look!
FURTHER UPDATE: Check out our Light Fall review.
Pit People
The Behemoth have a strong pedigree of bonkers, brilliant co-op hijinks – these are the guys who brought us Castle Crashers and Battleblock Theater. Pit People is unmistakeably cut from the same cloth with its vivid worlds and eccentrically-proportioned characters, but this time round, turn-based RPG strategy is the order of the day. I’m curious to see what The Behemoth will make of this brand-new territory, but if the above trailer is anything to go by it’ll be chaos.
Pit People comes out of Early Access on Steam on the 2nd of March. It’ll also be available on Xbox One.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Set in such a well known and loved fantasy universe and with high production values, it’s hard to believe that Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is actually an indie game. But with Fatshark both developing and self-publishing, that’s enough to fit the bill by our standards. The first Vermintide never quite reached the lofty heights of its brain-munching muse Left 4 Dead, but there were certainly fans of its meaty multiplayer melee.
This time it’s not just the ratty Skavens you have to deal with, but the diabolical Chaos Army and their devilishly pointy helmets. With 15 character careers across the five heroes and three friends by your side, it’s likely to be a bloody good time.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is out on Steam, PS4 and Xbox on the 8th of March.
UPDATE: You can read our Warhammer: Vermintide 2 review here.
Q.U.B.E. 2
I’ve never played the first Q.U.B.E., but if the looks of its sequel are anything to go by I’ve been missing out. Q.U.B.E. 2 tells the story of a stranded archaeologist, but this is less Tony Robinson’s Time Team and more of a mysterious alien planet exploration with a Portal-esque vibe. I’m pleased to see plenty of titular cubes in the above trailer which will no doubt make for some brain-bending puzzling, and its exotic science-fiction setting looks rather lovely.
Q.U.B.E. 2 by Toxic Games is out on Steam on the 13th of March.
CHUCHEL
I was introduced to Amanita Design’s characterful worlds by the very first Humble Bundles back in 2010 – Samorost 2 featuring in the debut bundle, and Machinarium in the second. Machinarium in particular made quite an impression, with its ramshackle robot protagonist and the motley crew of acquaintances he meets along his journey through the hand-drawn steampunk world.
CHUCHEL is Amanita’s latest, a tale of a loveably wretched little gremlin. It looks full to the brim with fun and whimsy. Watch the trailer above and try to make it through without beaming from ear to ear, I dare you.
CHUCHEL is out on Steam on March 7th.
UPDATE: It’s out, and we loved it! Read our CHUCHEL review.
Ash of Gods: Redemption
If light-hearted tomfoolery isn’t in your nature then perhaps the morosity of Ash of Gods will be more your cup of tea. After 700 years of peace, reapers have emerged to soak the lands of Terminum in blood. The trailer confirms that Ash of Gods isn’t afraid to spill a gallon of blood or twelve.
A turn-based RPG with roguelike and decision-making visual novel elements, there should be plenty to sink your teeth into when this Banner Saga-alike hits.
Ash of Gods: Redemption by AurumDust Studio releases on Steam sometime in March.
The Long Reach
In this point-and-click psychological thriller, people find their darkest nightmares being brought to life by a hellish research facility. Featuring an unsettling soundtrack and deliciously gruesome pixel art, The Long Reach looks to be a hair-raising trip for those who dare to brave it.
The Long Reach by Painted Black Games is available on Steam, PS4, Vita, Xbox One and Switch on the 14th of March.
UPDATE: Read our The Long Reach review.
Which of the above tickle your fancy? Any other upcoming indie games have you hyped? Let us know in the comments.