They’re essentially dating sims where, alongside collecting cards through RPG mechanics and earning money, you follow the anime’s original story and battle opponents across different worlds. It was a brilliant way to leverage everything players love while introducing them to the main characters and game rules.

Seven Great Games, But Where’s the Eighth?

After delivering seven mostly excellent games, Konami, for unknown reasons, shifted to producing lackluster titles. This decade, we got Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, Yu-Gi-Oh! Cross Duel (which shut down quickly), Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (bringing back some old games), and Yu-Gi-Oh! RUSH DUEL: Saikyo Battle Royale Let’s Go Go Rush for Nintendo Switch.

Despite the anime still running and introducing new ideas and worlds, we haven’t had a truly great Yu-Gi-Oh! game in nearly five years. It’s unclear why Konami stopped making quality games and focused solely on mobile titles. Beyond poor marketing and underdeveloped English versions, games weren’t always released for PC or consoles beyond Nintendo and PlayStation. Even then, priorities kept shifting, often catering exclusively to the Japanese market. It’s baffling how someone can hold a goldmine like this and fail to capitalize on it.

Maybe Yu-Gi-Oh! wasn’t as popular a decade ago, but today’s landscape is different. A quality release with a touch of nostalgia would sell well, given the franchise’s massive following. When will we see another Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Tag Force 3 or Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s: Tag Force 5? Why not bundle individual collections for sale? Why not port to all consoles and PC, or release remasters or remakes, which are common today? So many questions, yet no answers.

It’s Time for a Modern Yu-Gi-Oh! Game

The main draw of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force games lies in their “Tag Force” mechanic, where you duel as a team rather than solo. While solo battles were possible, the heart of the game was partnering with characters like Jaden Yuki or Yusei Fudo for joint battles. Even if not everyone follows the latest anime, this is a perfect chance for Konami to reintroduce these characters. The games emphasized deck synergy, smart strategy, and featured impressive graphics for their time.

What made Tag Force stand out was its ability to bring the Yu-Gi-Oh! world to life. Beyond mastering complex dueling strategies, you could live as a duelist—attending classes, following the story, competing in tournaments, and feeling the thrill of opening booster packs to perfect your deck. These games deepened your understanding of Yu-Gi-Oh! card rules.

Imagine exploring an open-world Duel Academy or New Domino City on Nintendo Switch 2 or PlayStation 5, with stunning visuals and fully voiced cutscenes. Picture online co-op tag battles and cross-generational tournaments — endless possibilities. With modern gaming embracing cozy RPGs, simulation elements, and card-based tactics, now is the ideal time to revive the Tag Force series in a fresh, modern form.

The post [OPINION] Dear Konami, it’s time to bring back the Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force series first appeared on IndieGames.

In MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, you embark on an adventure through the corrupt city of Mouseburg. The story kicks off with a classic noir trope: a distressed dame seeking help. What begins as a simple case quickly spirals into a complex web of murders, corruption, and unexpected enemies lurking in the city’s dark underbelly. The narrative heavily draws on old noir films, delivering a tale of intrigue and danger that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

What sets MOUSE apart is its bold visual style, reminiscent of the retro “rubber-hose” animation seen in Cuphead. The black-and-white, hand-drawn aesthetic evokes the charm of 1930s cartoons, paired with a jazz soundtrack that enhances the noir atmosphere. As a first-person shooter, MOUSE promises fast-paced action, with Jack Pepper wielding an arsenal from classic tommy guns to quirky weapons that melt enemies.

The post Troy Baker Stars as a Noir Mouse Detective in MOUSE: P.I. For Hire first appeared on IndieGames.

It’s confirmed that the showcase will feature titles from Hibernian Workshop, Focus Entertainment, NACON, Dear Villagers, Devolver Digital, Amplitude Studios, Nine Dots Studios, Ishtar Games, Playdigious Originals, The Game Bakers, Maximum Entertainment, and Sunnyside Games.

Attention will undoubtedly be drawn to Astral Ascent, an ambitious project from Hibernian Workshop that strongly resembles Final Fantasy XVI, as well as ENDLESS Legend 2 from Amplitude Studios, the turn-based survival game Dead in Antares, and Lost in Prayer from Nine Dots Studios, alongside new trailers for Hell is Us, MIO: Memories in Orbit, and Maseylia: Echoes of the Past.

Following the showcase, numerous games will be available on Steam as part of a special festival, where you can try out 20 demo versions and gain deeper insights through interviews and detailed previews.

The post AG French Direct is happening today, featuring 40 games by French developers first appeared on IndieGames.

Initially, Evil Dead: The Game showed promise, leveraging the iconic Evil Dead franchise and featuring fan-favorite characters like Ash Williams. It sold 500,000 copies in just five days without a Steam release, which came a year later in 2023. Despite this strong start, the game struggled to maintain a lasting foothold in the competitive horror multiplayer genre, overshadowed by Dead By Daylight. By September 2023, the developers announced they would cease creating new content, halting additions of characters, weapons, maps, and modes.

The recent delisting decision ends the game’s commercial run, though Saber and Boss Team emphasized that existing owners can still play, with servers remaining online to support the community. This move ensures that those who purchased the game can continue enjoying its 4v1 gameplay, where survivors battle a player-controlled demon in chaotic, gore-filled matches.

The post Evil Dead The Game to Be Delisted from Storefronts, Servers Remain Active first appeared on IndieGames.

• Premium Hardcover Artbook (168 pages): This book takes you behind the scenes of GRIS and Neva.
• Double Vinyl Soundtrack: The music of GRIS and Neva is unforgettable, and this edition includes a selection of tracks on two vinyl records.
• Steelbook Cases for Each Game: You’ll get two beautifully designed steelbooks, one for GRIS and one for Neva. These cases feature the games’ protagonists and are a stylish way to store your games.
• Art Print (40 x 50 cm): A large, high-quality art print is included, showcasing a piece of art from the games.
• Physical Games for Nintendo Switch or PS5: The bundle includes physical copies of both GRIS and Neva, so you can play them on your Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5.

GRIS released in 2018 and tells the story of a young girl dealing with loss through a world of color and sound. Neva is a newer release that follows Alba and her wolf cub as they explore a decaying world filled with danger and beauty.

The Collector’s Edition will release at European retailers on September 26th, with a North American release following on November 21st for 199.99€ / 199.99$. However, the timing may disappoint some fans, the announcement came just days after separate Deluxe editions launched, meaning some may have already bought those.

The post GRIS and Neva Are Getting a Physical Collector’s Edition first appeared on IndieGames.

The story takes players across dangerous planets, where Cobra must uncover a mystery that threatens the entire universe. With the help of his loyal android companion Lady Armaroid and his legendary Psychogun, Cobra embarks on a mission to rescue three mysterious sisters whose fate is tied to a treasure sought after by space pirates.

The game blends classic platforming mechanics with Cobra’s unique abilities and arsenal. Across trap-filled levels, players will wield not only the Psychogun but also iconic items like Cuban cigars and grappling hooks. True challenge awaits in boss battles against powerful foes, including Cobra’s arch-nemesis, Crystal Bowie.

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening features three difficulty levels and will support both single-player and two-player co-op modes. Additionally, the game includes content inspired by the first 12 episodes of the original anime, faithfully capturing its signature mix of action, humor, and space drama.

The game is set to launch on August 26 across all major platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC (Steam).

The post Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening Promises a Summer of Action in New Trailer first appeared on IndieGames.

The gameplay features fast and dynamic combat, requiring players to jump, dodge, and unleash devastating attacks to fend off enemies. Protecting your walking castle is crucial for survival, and each step through dangerous landscapes introduces new challenges. Battles are intense, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Additionally, Castlebound can be played solo or in co-op mode with another player.

The game offers multiple playable heroes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. As in typical roguelike games, each Castlebound run is unique, featuring procedurally generated challenges and opportunities to unlock new skills, heroes, and upgrades.

The post Castlebound Revealed, Game In Which You Defend Your Castle from Enemy Hordes Solo or in Co-op first appeared on IndieGames.

The story of Labyrinth of the Demon King unfolds in a cruel and hopeless world ruled by the Demon King, drawing inspiration from feudal Japan and Buddhist folklore. The game’s world is brought to life through a stunning low-poly retro-grim aesthetic, with dithering filters that evoke an authentic PS1-era experience. This artistic approach creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and deeply unsettling.

You must arm yourself not only with swords, naginatas, muskets, and bows but also with your wits. Combat is brutal and demanding, requiring a tactical approach, whether through skill or patience, to defeat various Yōkai and other terrifying creatures lurking within the labyrinth. Additionally, thorough exploration is essential, as limited resources must be carefully managed. Finding armor and magical talismans can turn the tide of battle, while discovering clues and solving puzzles is key to progressing deeper into the labyrinth.

The post Labyrinth of the Demon King, a Dark Dungeon Crawler, Invites You to Try Its Demo first appeared on IndieGames.

The demo offers a glimpse into Antro’s dystopian world and its protagonist, Nittch, as he navigates the city streets on a mission that will change his life forever. You will join the fight against the oppressive regime known as La Cúpula and attempt to liberate Antro and its people from tyranny. The regime has allegedly banned art and music, making resistance even more vital.

As you descend into the dark depths of this underground world, you will overcome obstacles using parkour, solve various puzzles, and escape relentless pursuers, all in sync with a dynamic soundtrack featuring hip-hop, drill, R&B, and electronic beats.

The post Antro Showcases New Gameplay Trailer and Announces Console Demo During Humble Games Showcase first appeared on IndieGames.

Alfonso Cubias, Chief Publishing Officer at First Break Labs, highlighted how their team was impressed by the support and enthusiasm ILA: A Frosty Glide received during its recent Kickstarter campaign:“It’s clear that Magic Rain Studios is working on something special, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to support their mission of enriching lives and bringing joy to players through game creation.”

The story follows Ila, a curious and kind-hearted witch embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Her small and gentle black cat, Coco, is the last connection she has to her mother. But one fateful night, Coco disappears, and Ila starts having dreams revealing clues about a mysterious island where her fragile and lost companion calls for an adventure. With her trusty skatebroom, Ila sets off on a journey to find Coco.

The game offers a smooth and relaxing gliding experience across snowy mountains and enchanted forests, using Ila’s broom to explore hidden locations and uncover secret treasures. Players can customize Ila’s appearance with stylish hats, cloaks, and different broom designs, while unlocking upgrades to enhance her flying abilities as they progress.

The post ILA: A Frosty Glide Gets a Publisher and is Coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox Later This Year first appeared on IndieGames.