Come on in, get yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea and pull up a chair.
Of course, Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase took place this past week. I liked it, with some good titles coming that have my attention. Like On Your Tail, The Star Named EOS and Backpack Hero. The graphics of most games that were shown stood out to me, as I’m not partial to the retro graphics that are often used. Here’s this week’s other gaming news.
Loddlenaut Donation
Yesterday, we published our review for Loddlenaut. Valerie really loved it, saying in conclusion:
Loddlenaut is a beautiful gem to add to your collection if you’re into exploration and foraging. With no gameplay clutter, you can get right to do what you want, and with a cozy post-game, you can keep going as long as you like.
It’s nice to know that developer Moon Lagoon and publisher Secret Mode have confirmed that every game sale of the cosy creature-raising and pollution-cleaning adventure will result in a donation to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Secret Mode’s official charity partner of the year!
Whisker Waters Goes Physical, Too
Fantasy fishing RPG Whisker Waters is still some time away with a release window of Spring 2024, but developer Underbite and publisher Merge Games have already announced the game will be released in physical form on the Switch and PlayStation 5. Want to pre-order? You can do so here.
In Whisker Waters, you are a young kitty setting out on an adventure. Unlike any other game, this game makes fishing the star of the show. Develop your angling skills as you go with plenty of fresh fish to catch and various unique fishing tools and techniques.
A New World and Updates for My Little Universe
We absolutely loved My Little Universe, which is available on mobile, PC via Steam and SteamDeck and the Switch. Paula gave it our highest rating, and wrote in her conclusion:
My Little Universe is a wholesome, relaxing game for those who want the thrill of exploring and collecting infinite resources.
So it’s great to see that developer Estoty and publisher SayGames keep on top of the game with the addition of a whole planet, an added fishing mini-game and ongoing content updates.
Apogee Adds Littlelands to its Publishing Roster
Littlelands, the adorable action adventure with social simulation elements, developed by the team of Rafael Martin and Kyle Creamer, signs with publisher Apogee Entertainment to plant fresh seeds on PC via Steam, with a demo arriving in mid-2024.
In the game, you will embark on a cosy quest through the wondrous Littlelands, a colourful, diorama-inspired landscape filled with peculiar characters and wondrous secrets.
What begins as a simple errand to fix a broken computer at Grandma’s house evolves into a mystery-solving escapade that is equally epic as it is delightful.
Create a custom character and play at any pace. Plunder dangerous dungeons guarded by greedy goblins, complete tasks to help neighbours in need, or bask in the sun while planting seeds and fishing.
Astlibra Revision on Switch
A game that had a surprise release on the Switch this week is Astlibra Revision. This action-packed RPG is already a success on Steam since it was released last year and is playable on the SteamDeck.
A familiar backdrop story introduces Astlibra Revision as the protagonist’s hometown is besieged by demons, setting the stage for an epic battle against the demon king.
However, Astlibra Revision consistently hints at a more intricate narrative beneath the surface. While the story may appear unremarkable, it gradually evolves into something unexpected and captivating. This subversion of traditional plot elements extends to the characters you encounter and recruit, endearing them to you as comrades.
Expect a review on the site!
Gold Rush Update for Station to Station
Station to Station has the Gold Rush Update. We gave this game Two Thumbs Up and Mina wrote in her conclusion:
If you love puzzles, pick up Station to Station. It’s one of the most beautiful examples of a passion project gone right I’ve seen this year. And this year has had a lot of fantastic games!
I must admit I can’t think up so many train puns, so here’s the news as we got it in our mailbox: “This rootin’, (horn) tootin’ update takes players on an adventure to the all-new region, Nugget Creek, with new levels, industries and features.
This broad content update introduces players to five new levels across the new region of Nugget Creek, inhabited by majestic bison and imposed with a new obstacle, impenetrable rocks. However, prospectors, don’t be alarmed. A new TNT card has been added, allowing players to blast their way through with a satisfying BOOM!
Also presented in this update are four new industries and buildings, the Stable, Corn Farm, Outpost and Gold Mine, ready for players to fill their cargo trains with bullion and make tracks over yonder!”
Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist on Switch
Flamebait Games has brought Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist to Switch! Paula tried to be creative as you can see in her review here….maybe you will do better to entice people to buy your paintings!
“The puppet town of Phénix needs art, and the French artist. Passpartout will be the one to pick up the paintbrush. Create masterpieces for the townsfolk of Phénix, take commissions, and rebuild Passpartout’s art career. Embark on this adventure to show Phénix your love of art…or at the very least, to help Passpartout afford a place with a roof.”
What’s extra nice is that Switch players will have access to new ways to play, including using the touch screen to paint, with stylus compatibility. They can also create artwork with the Joy-Con gyro feature or stick with the tried and true original stick controls.
Moonstone Island Finds a Home on Switch
During this week’s Nintendo Indie World Showcase, developer Studio Supersoft and publisher Raw Fury revealed that Moonstone Island, the magical creature-collecting life sim, will settle down on Nintendo Switch in spring 2024.
The game was first released on Steam, and Mina gave it our highest rating:
Moonstone Island is everything I wanted from a little farm simulation that’s also a Pokemon battler that’s also a deck-based system.
Embark from home to become a full-fledged alchemist in a colourful open world with over 100 islands in the sky to explore. The world is full of charming creatures inspired by Studio Ghibli’s classics like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky and more. Make friends, brew potions, tame wild Spirits, and test them in card-based battles while taking the adventure wherever you go with Nintendo Switch!
Fantasy Life i Delayed to 2024
Level 5 has communicated that Fantasy Life i on Nintendo Switch will be delayed. They said:
“In order to deliver the Nintendo Switch™ game “FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time,” which was scheduled to be released in 2023, in better quality to everyone, we have decided to change the release date to 2024.
We plan to announce the release date during the online event “LEVEL5 VISION 2023 II,” scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023.”
Sequel to Please Touch the Artwork
Solo developer Thomas Waterzooi is excited to announce Please, Touch The Artwork 2, the spiritual sequel to his cozy puzzler Please Touch the Artwork.
Yair loved the first one when he reviewed it, saying:
With intuitive and creative mechanics, beautiful jazzy atmospheric music and engaging narrative, this game offers you a delightful experience that few puzzlers do.
The game continues the tradition of immersing players in the captivating realm of a renowned modern artist. This time, embark on a journey through the iconic paintings of James Ensor.
You can interact with Ensor’s art in an engaging hidden object adventure reminiscent of the beloved ‘Where’s Waldo/Wally?’ concept. It allows players to uncover the deeper layers of his magnificent works.
Please, Touch The Artwork 2 will be available in early 2024 to anyone with a smartphone/tablet (Apple Appstore, Google Play) and on Windows/Mac (Steam).
That’s it for this week; thanks for reading!