Encapsulating a coming of age journey wrapped within this nostalgic petty crime dramedy, developer Mighty Yell not only finds utter success in the narrative adventure space, but also as a delightful 90s fever dream. Call the cops, cause The Big Con stole my heart.

Find love that is out of this world in Tender: Creature Comforts, a narrative-driven game where you are swiping left and right for potential relationships within this new app that you downloaded.

Following the battle royal trend, Housemarque’s first step into the arcade afterlife was a concerning one. But a quick misstep would inevitably lead them into what has become quite the Cinderella story for an indie studio.

With its stylistically stunning yet dark commentary on our reality paired with a downright fun golfing game, Demagog Studios delivered a subtle, heavy, and well-crafted hole in one with Golf Club: Wasteland.

The 2010s saw Housemarque rise into becoming a household name delivering back-to-back exceptional arcade experiences, only to close out the decade proclaiming the death of that very genre.

One indie studio rose as the kings of arcade, setting them on a path that would eventually lead them into the first party AAA spotlight. In the first of this three part history, we dive into the humble beginnings of Finland’s own Housemarque.

Knights of San Francisco by Raindead is an incredible text-based adventure on mobile devices that explores a strange and dystopian world, with dabs of mysticism for good measure.

Twelve Minutes is something entirely unique in the gaming space. The cogs all turn in unison and compliment each other throughout delivering an intricate narrative bustling with superbly acted and written characters. But then there’s the ending…

With over 65 independent studios represented on the show floor, the New York City indie scene made a strong statement at Play NYC this year. But, there were five particular upcoming games that we fell head over heels for.

Fire Tonight chronicles a couple’s journey to reconnect with each other while the city arounds them burns up. Though Devin and Maya’s story is simple, unfortunately the gameplay and mechanics don’t rise above serviceable.

Button City is a charming narrative adventure game that focuses on a small community of vibrant characters to explore and meet. With a delightful story, dynamic aesthetic, and adequate mechanics, developer Subliminal has created a fun and heartwarming encounter.

Fallen Flag’s debut is a love-letter to FromSoftware’s beloved Souls franchise. Engaging combat and a fascinating RPG system pair for an intriguing genre blend, but do the complex systems in place get in the way of an enthralling boss rush adventure?

Trigger Witch is a fantastic mash-up of Hotline Miami meets classic Legend of Zelda gameplay. But unfortunately, the overarching themes and messaging regarding gun control left us uneasy, leaving us unable to recommend.

Last Stop’s compelling and digestible plot, not without its faults, lands on its feet and ultimately overshadows what it lacks in gameplay. The narrative will constantly have you pleading for more, telling yourself “just one more chapter.”

An astonishing all around presentation paired with simple yet layered combat mechanics help Greak: Memories of Azur firmly plant its flag as a potential sleeper hit not to be missed.

Flashes of similar colors can make Blastmode’s latest 80s inspired arcade run-and-gunner a bit less accessible at times, but you cannot deny that gameplay is king in the concise, chaotic, and fun as heck Mighty Goose.

Where the Heart Leads is a wonderful sleeper hit in the works. This often emotional story strikes a powerful chord that reverberates, and is a fantastic piece on an individual’s actions worth experiencing.

With multi-faceted combat and exploration elements, paired with a slew of options on tackling both, Rougebook is an addictive adventure worth exploring.

The Fermi Paradox has you strategically making choices and driving the narrative as a sentient, overseeing god amongst the universe deciding the fate of every civilization that emerges from it... which is just as bonkers as it sounds.

Aesthetically and sonically, Wave Break radiates a synth wave filled heart. But, brutal difficulty in its gameplay can easily lead that heart to break.