Swallow the Moon: Indie Games You Can't Miss

Exploring the Avant-Garde of Indie Gaming

Welcome to another exploration into the vibrant realm of indie games. This week has been bustling with news, from announcements at The Game Awards to features at Day of the Devs and Wholesome Snack. If you think that's all, think again. You’re about to dive into even more gaming excitement, including some new releases you can get your hands on immediately.

One particular game has been on my watchlist since its announcement in 2022. In Sam Eng's avant-garde creation, Skate Story, you become a demon tasked with a surreal quest offered by the Devil: skate to the Moon and consume it. As you glide across the landscape as a being crafted from 'glass and pain,' mastering tricks along the way is vital for success—and your freedom.

Skate Story is an unusual skateboarding narrative more focused on storytelling than technical prowess. The visual beauty and the stirring soundtrack by Blood Cultures and John Fio ensure an unforgettable experience. Available now for $20 on Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, and PS5, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have the added bonus of accessing it without any additional cost.

New Indie Releases Making Waves

Unbeatable, a highly stylized rhythm adventure, tantalizes my fascination with narratives of courageous outlaws. Here, you guide Beat, a band leader in a world where music is forbidden. Engage with rhythm-based mini-challenges and face the authorities to restore harmony. Featuring an arcade mode with a unique progression system, Unbeatable is available on Steam and PS5 for $28. Don't miss the discount on Steam until December 23, and look out for the upcoming Xbox Series X/S release.

Among my watched titles is Adrift, an offering from solo creator S.K.9.8 and co-publisher Secret Sauce. This game immerses you in a thrilling race through scorching deserts to transport an unstable energy core without letting it go nuclear. The vaporwave style grabbed my attention, but navigating its top-down setup poses a challenge. Still, I remain committed to mastering its unique ethos. Snag it on Steam for $13, with a 25% discount until December 23.

In an unabashedly satirical twist, Peripheral Playbox brings us Drywall Eating Simulator—a walking sim that hilariously critiques daily life frustrations. Punch walls in ire and munch drywall to soothe your nerves. Expect biting humor throughout; one NPC candidly admits, 'I thought AI was trash until it proved me wrong.' On Steam for $10, catch a 10% discount until December 17.

A highlight of 2023, Planet of Lana, lands on iOS and Android for $9. This puzzle platformer follows Lana and Mui overcoming alien robots to save Lana's sister. Channeling Inside and Limbo, it pairs its striking visuals with a score from Takeshi Furukawa, known for The Last Guardian. Eagerly, I anticipate its sequel arriving next year from Wishfully and Thunderful.

Indie Hits and Upcoming Gems

Dubbed one of the indie triumphs of the year, A Game About Digging A Hole became a surprising hit, selling over 1.2 million copies since February. Created in spare moments, this addictive loop has players unearth treasures from their backyard, raise the stakes, and dive deeper. Now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 (as well as Game Pass), the $5 game continues its successful run.

Let's look forward: Better Than Us by Little Bat Games will launch on Steam in 2026. In a sci-fi narrative, you con the elite as a master manipulator at exclusive gatherings to reclaim their stolen wealth. Strategy prevails over violence; weave intricate lies and remember to keep your stories consistent to avoid exposure.

Preview Okomotive’s next venture, PinKeep, where roguelike deckbuilding meets pinball mechanics. Forge defenses, gather resources via pinball antics, and defeat threats strategically. A demo arrives in January on Steam, gearing up for the full release by late 2026.

Dylan Fitterer’s AudioMech wowed audiences at The Game Awards. This rhythm-action game synchronizes with your current playlist, shaping your arsenal and adversaries. A bass-heavy track, might elongate a sword, while distinct vocals empower new weaponry. Options abound—from damage-free gameplay to intense boss fights. Download the demo on Steam now.

Lastly, relax with a feel-good challenge in Lost and Found Co., a hidden gem from Bit Egg Inc. and Gamirror Games. Launching February 11 on Steam, this charming search adventure revives the nostalgia of childhood puzzle books. Assist Ducky, a human-duck hybrid, as they locate lost items for villagers. Explore customization through a demo showcasing how to personalize parts of the game world.