Summer is well and truly here and that means my Switch is getting more attention as there’s a lot of time being spent away from home and on planes. Here are the games that I’ve been enjoying as of late!
Celeste
While I’m far from a completionist, Celeste is a game that I can keep going back to and every time I do, I get that bit closer to 100% completion. However, play it in moderation if you want to keep your controllers in tact!
If you’ve never played it, it’s the greatest indie platformer since Super Meat Boy and I believe that it’s better than it. Additionally, with a heatwave melting Europe, frozen mountaintops are always a nice escape.
Celeste is available on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
Owlboy
I bought Owlboy a while ago since it was being talked about a lot in indie gaming circles because of how long it took to make and how amazing the visuals are. It’s true! The game did take 9 years to make and essentially invented “hi-bit” graphics. In fact, the term hi-bit may have actually been coined by the developers themselves.
However, Owlboy took a long time to grow on me. I’ve played it in short bursts and always felt like putting it down. It’s great to look at and everything, but the gameplay didn’t feel great. I think that’s because when I see pixel art and plenty of floating platforms, I immediately think of a platformer, and this game isn’t really one.
If you decide to give Owlboy a try, think of it more as an adventure with platforms than an out-and-out platformer. After all, there’s very little platforming to be had in a game with a flying protagonist!
You can pick up Owlboy for PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
GoNNER
I absolutely love GoNNER but I couldn’t tell you what it’s about. What I can tell you is that it’s a 2D roguelike shooter with some of the best minimalist visuals and audio I’ve ever seen.
The game can go from feeling like an art exhibitions to chaotic explosions and splatters everywhere in a blink of an eye and then you’ll be back at the start getting ready for another crack at it.
What’s going on? No idea!
Do I love it? Absolutely!
GoNNER is available on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
Horizon Chase Turbo
Horizon Chase Turbo is a retro arcade game inspired by Out Run, Lotus Turbo Challenge, Top Gear, and Rush and after playing it, I can tell you that my love for the genre is as strong now as it was nearly 30 years ago.
The game captures everything that was awesome about these types of games while also including modern amenities like leaderboards and ghosts. Even though the game uses 3D models rather than pixels, the art style works!
You can play Horizon Chase Turbo on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
What have you been playing recently? Let’s hear your suggestions!
Indie Bandits 