Three Remarkable Indie Titles You Shouldn't Miss on Your Steam Deck
Three Remarkable Indie Titles You Shouldn't Miss on Your Steam Deck
If you debuted a brand new Steamboat Deck OLED over the festive season or have been utilizing the initial version since its launch, you're likely on a quest for engaging games that are pocket-friendly. Bonus points if they seem like they were especially designed for Valve's mobile platform. Lucky for you, I have a few suggestions that hit those sweet spots perfectly.
These games bring back a blast from the past, paying homage to the classic games that inspired them, and their power-sipping nature ensures long battery life, perfect for marathon gaming sessions. At the moment, you can snag all three titles for less than $40 altogether.
Yet, be prepared to bid farewell to your productivity because these games are not easy to tear yourself away from!
1: MiniShoot's Escapades
Have you ever wondered what would occur if you combined a classic top-down adventure game like The Legend of Zelda with a bullet hell shooter? I haven't, but thankfully, the talented team at Soulgame Studio did! And the captivating result is MiniShoot's Escapades, a twin-stick shooter + adventure game + RPG-Lite mashup that is a hidden gem.
The game pays tribute to The Legend of Zelda in multiple ways. Explore a vibrant overworld, battle through challenging underground dungeons, discover hidden secrets, and pick up hidden heart containers to boost your overall health.
Aside from the Zelda-inspired adventures, there's also a masterfully executed twin-stick shooter, allowing for exciting combat encounters. Upgrading your character improves weapons functionality, bullet range, damage, and movement speed. New abilities also unlock, enabling more traversal possibilities in the game, including the much-loved Zelda feature of backtracking.
The boss battles are a riot, bathed in bullet hell chaos, and just the right level of challenge. Battle your way through thrilling dungeons that lead to the chaos-filled boss battles. It's not pushing the boundaries of either genre, but instead seamlessly blending them together brilliantly.
Recent updates have improved the UI on Steam Deck and eliminated FPS drops during boss battles. Those unsure if this unique genre fusion is for them can test the demo on Steam.
2: Linked Echoes
Still yearning for the classic JRPG charm and turn-based combat reminiscent of 16-bit games after finishing Sea of Stars? Look no further than Linked Echoes, which delivers all you love about classic JRPGs while improving upon them in inexplicable ways.
Are you a fan of challenging and rewarding turn-based combat? Do mechs, dragons, and airships resonate with you? Do you appreciate the visual aesthetics of games similar to Chrono Trigger and Trials of Mana? If so, Linked Echoes is bound to captivate you.
Developed by a dedicated solo developer over a period of 7 years, Linked Echoes beautifully revives the JRPG tropes you grew up enjoying. Iconic combat hooks, like the Overdrive System, ensure tactical variety and maintain your interest. Revolutionary team dynamics include "tag team" mechanics, allowing for swapping between a maximum of 8 combat characters to both avoid defeat and perform multiplayer combo attacks.
Surprisingly, some unorthodox but enjoyable twists like the upgrade system and the fact that party members restore their HP and MP after each battle exist in this game. Although it has its rough patches, Linked Echoes is overflowing with personality, enchanting characters, and unforgettable moments, like the not-to-be-missed turtle race. A free demo is available should you be on the fence about purchasing.
3: Parking Lot Rally Circuit
The Sega Saturn celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, leading many to wonder if Parking Lot Rally Circuit somehow slipped through the console's already well-established slate of legendary arcade racers, such as the legendary Sega Rally or Daytona USA. But let me assure you it didn't – the game was recently released and pays loving homage to the distinctive look, feel, and tunes of Saturn-era racing games.
But Parking Lot Rally Circuit is not included in this list just for its nostalgic reminiscence. It excels in offering a novel interpretation of the classic arcade racing game with an exquisite twist: compete in thrilling races through a variety of creatively designed parking garages filled with obstacles.
The core of the game revolves around challenging time trials that test your speed and ability to navigate through these complex courses with ease. Tight controls and fantastic physics, along with superb camera movement, add to the sheer enjoyment. A catchy and energetic ska-inspired soundtrack complements the experience – the music is incredibly infectious.
The game's developers have added delightful bonuses for those seeking an authentic retro aesthetic. Choose from distinctive graphics profiles, such as Original Hardware, Modern Emulator, and PC Port. Personalize the game even further with 4:3 aspect ratio, CRT scanlines, and CRT warp effects.
I'm smitten with this game. Playing it makes me grin ear to ear every time I hear the lively menu music. The thrill of completing challenges and the sheer joy of trying to shave seconds off time trials make for a rewarding and fun experience that seems tailor-made for portable gaming, like the Steam Deck. Don't wait any longer – get it now!
1: If you're on the lookout for indie games that offer a blend of genres, you might want to check out MiniShoot's Escapades. With its twin-stick shooter mechanics combined with RPG-Lite elements, it's a unique game that's sure to keep you engaged for hours.
2: For those who love classic JRPGs and turn-based combat, Linked Echoes is an indie game that should definitely be on your radar. With its dedication to reviving 16-bit aesthetics and introducing innovative mechanics, it's a must-play for JRPG fans.