September has already proven to be a good month for high quality Nindie downloads, and there are more to come. The 'Summer Jam' promotion has already delivered games like Axiom Verge and Jotun: Valhalla Edition, and we still have Noitu Love: Devolution, SEVERED (on Wii U, 3DS is coming later in Fall) and Azure Striker GUNVOLT 2 on the way. Outside of the promotion there are other gems due this month such as SteamWorld Heist on Wii U, FAST Racing NEO: NEO Future Pack DLC, Zarvot and DubWars.
A lot of those names are familiar, and have previews / reviews on this site or on the way soon. We thought we'd look beyond that to the line-up of games confirmed for October to December, namely those highlighted by Nintendo as titles to watch closely. Below you can learn a little about them and see some trailers, hopefully to help you decide which should be on your wishlist.
October
Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - 3DS
Actually, this one could arrive during September, but as it was given a vague 'Summer' window by Nintendo (a bit late for that, we think!) we're including it anyway. A 3D action platformer that had a spruced up 2015 release on PC through Steam, its 3DS version is going to feature stereoscopic 3D, c-stick camera controls on the New 3DS and additional outfits. Retro gamers should get a kick out of it, too, as this was originally a PSP game back in the day.
Ectoplaza - Wii U
Intriguingly, this one is - so far at least - a Wii U exclusive. It joins the fast-paced multiplayer category, with local support for 2-4 players. An emphasis is on flinging your character at speed into others, with the end result being a chaotic and colourful affair.
Key features (via press kit)
- Multi-Tiered Charge & Fling System
- Six Playable Characters & Special Abilities
- 5 Settings & Stage Hazards
- 15 Different Levels
- 3 Game Modes
Antipole DX - Wii U and 3DS
A gravity flipping action platformer that was originally on DSiWare, this is heading to the eShop on Wii U and 3DS in remastered form. Saturnine Games has confirmed that this remake will have additional levels, online leaderboards and even Miiverse stamps. There'll be off-TV GamePad play for Wii U and stereoscopic 3D on 3DS, and the visuals have clearly been cleaned up a fair amount. Definitely worth having on your radar.
Rocket Fist - Wii U
Another up-tempo local multiplayer arena game, in this case it's rather like futuristic Dodge Ball that's gone crazy. You have one shot to fire your fist at opponents, before trying to figure out a way to get your weapon back to fire again. Rather like Ectoplaza, this one is all about fast multiplayer action.
Key features (via press kit)
- Fast-paced twitch reaction arena battles.
- Single Player adventure with 6 sectors and 5 different bosses
- Easy to pick up and play.
- 1 to 4 players on the same screen.
- Both Free-for-all and Team-based modes.
- 4 different player AIs, from dumb to annoying.
- Several arenas with unique gameplay elements.
- Random powerups that can turn the tide of a fight.
- Unlockable costumes to customize the robots.
- 2 different game modes.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Wii U
Originally due later this month and covered a lot over the past year and more, WayForward recently delayed it by 'about six weeks'; Nintendo says October, though it could slip to November. We're still excited - even after all this time - about a new HD adventure with the mascot, as it's been a standout franchise on portable systems and could be terrific on a bigger screen.
Punch Club - 3DS
This title by Russian indie studio Lazy Bear Games has certainly grabbed attention on Steam, in addition to smart devices. With quirky humour and more pop culture references than any sane person can identify, it riffs on Rocky tropes and focuses on strategy and resource management. We're optimistic that tinyBuild will do a solid job porting this to Nintendo's handheld.
December
forma.8 - Wii U and New 3DS
This title by MixedBag has been in the works for quite some time, announced for Wii U back in 2014 before going back to the drawing board in order to overhaul the visuals. This one's all about atmospheric exploration, venturing through an alien planet with just a small ship and limited capabilities with which to protect yourself. A welcome upcoming addition on the New 3DS, too.
Hollow Knight - Wii U
When this one got funded on Kickstarter it was tempting to compare it to a certain other 2D action game starring a Knight, but that's certainly not fair now. It's evolved nicely, delivering a lovely art style and some promising action platforming gameplay. Team Cherry is bringing it to Wii U before any other home console - naturally it's also heading to PC - and is keen to highlight the features of the adventure that awaits us.
Key Features (via press kit)
- A beautiful, eerie world of insects and heroes.
- Traditional 2D animation brings creatures and characters to life.
- Challenging gameplay that can be difficult but always fair.
- Fluid and responsive action allows you to flow through combat like water.
- A collection of challenging "feats" the most skilled players can strive for.
- Find powerful new abilities and spells on your adventure to grow stronger and open new paths.
- Explore a vast, connected underground world.
- Scour the world for hidden secrets – powerful artefacts, piles of riches, and surprising encounters.
- Go Dream Diving! Venture into the minds of friends and enemies and discover the strange worlds that await within.
- Head to town to seek advice, purchase new items, and chat with quirky townsfolk.
- Hidden areas full of the toughest challenges and battles, for expert players.
Stardew Valley - Wii U
This has been critically acclaimed and also a major success on Steam for developer ConcernedApe. It's not hard to see why - a beautiful retro-style aesthetic with lovely music, it incorporates farm management, material gathering, relationship building and a broad range of tasks, activities and areas to explore. Its breadth seems to be matched by its charm, and we're also hopeful that the Wii U GamePad screen can be put to good use considering the PC-centric user interface that the game naturally favours.
The Steam Store page has a huge list of features, but the three minute video below does an excellent job of showing what this one is all about.
Q4
Runbow Pocket - New 3DS
The original Runbow on Wii U won over a lot of fans, and 13AM Games has kept busy in adding updates and DLC to the chaotic platformer. The Pocket version on New 3DS puts much more focus on the single-player experience, and is also coming to retail with all of the DLC and extras thrown in. Local multiplayer is still a feature, and this charming (and tricky) colour-based action platformer will have a chance to win over a new audience on the New 3DS. That's the goal, in any case, as the developer told us during E3.
Those are the games Nintendo focused on when announcing its Summer Jam promotion. Let us know which stand out to you, and those that are going on your wishlist.
Comments 64
Lookin forward to Runbow Pocket, would like it on a handled over home console for some reason.
Nice article. There's still a few titles left for the Wii U that I'll pick up. Stardew Valley for sure. Hollow Knight looks really nice but the main character irritates me a little, it's like he has no arms and it looks weird. And Shantae: Half-Genie Hero I'll most likely buy as well.
What's happened to Rive? Is that next year now?
Gurumin and forma.8 for me, as well as redeeming my backer codes for Shantae and Hollow Knight. Those are enough additions to my backlog, which includes getting back to XCX.
Stardew Valley! I've really been wanting to get this on Steam but haven't got around to it yet. Looks like a fun game.
Keepin' me eyes out for Gurumin 3D and Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
The majority are nothing but 2D platformers. Can Indies do something else?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Delayed, potentially switching to NX. It's in a bit of limbo, basically - https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/exclusive_rive_delayed_for_wii_u_and_could_switch_to_nx_two_tribes_tells_us_why
Any positive word on RIVE???
As it is many of these don;t interests me (Indies usually do!) but I like Forma 8 a lot... Stardew maybe too.
Umm, forgive a maybe obvious question; Is Hollow Knight a sequel or anything related to Shovel Knight?
@msvt Hollow Knight has nothing to do with Shovel Knight.
Thanks for the article. Anything about Exile's End? Has that one slipped to 2017?
Wow, Shantae is looking great. The previous gameplay seemed a little barren and slow, but that trailer looks incredible. Definitely planning on picking it up this holiday season.
Gurumin (does falcom really count as an indie?) and Runbow are definitely on the 'to get list' though below Gunvolt 2. We're supposed to still have two more shovel knight campaigns on the way too if not necessarily this year, right?
Lots of good games coming it would seem. Rocket Fist is a really fun game also.
What about Severed?
Edit: Nevermind, for some reason I didn't notice that it was mentioned in the article. Sorry.
Gurumin, Antipole DX and Hollow Knight have my attention. Looking forward to them!
HALF GENIE HERO FTW. Can't wait.
I'm still hoping StarDew valley comes to 3DS.
Wii U
*Shantae 1/2 Genie Hero (retail quality game all day)
*Hollow Knight (if Shovel Knight was MegaMan, this is Metroid)
*Severed (Vita exclusive indie of the year, and soon Wii U as well!)
*Stardew Valley (you already know, get your Zelda on!)
*Forma8 (cautiously optimistic)
3DS
*Gurumin (old PSP classic, can't wait to play in 3D!)
*Runbow Pocket (so so so fun, seriously, it's fun)
*Pirate Pop (the other 13AM Games published title on the way- why is this not listed???)
I got Severed for Vita recently, since it was only $8 or so. I was pleasently surprised, it is a very decent game, which touch controls done right, although it does get a bit repetitive towards the end.
Axiom Verge, I can also recommend, esp. for anyone into 2D Metroid, Castlevania games and so on. I think, similar to Severed, it is probably a better fit for a handheld.
Same goes for Steamworld Heist tbh. Very good game, just like Digg, but also well suited for a handheld.
Severed is also on mobile phones, which will probably make for a cheaper release as well, seeing as it is only $7 on iTunes.
Bit of a shame, that I long since played all of these games, and that they will be priced at a premium no doubt.
Shantae, Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley for me. Saw the new Shivel Knight chapter is coming Spring 2017 as well.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Though they aren't related, I do wonder what happened to the later expansions for Shovel Knight that were promised.
I can't wait to fist my friends!
@Discostew They just announced Specter Knights campaign is coming... in Spring 2017.
At this rate, I'd expect Battle Mode + King Knight in 2020 at the earliest.
So excited for Shantae!
I know the Wii U is on its way out but looking at this list it is clear that between these games and the ones I have yet to purchase I will have more than enough entertainment for the next year! The Wii U may be lacking third parties but the indie games that come to the system are right up my alley!
And maybe Hive Jump.
@Discostew Funny you should ask.
https://twitter.com/YachtClubGames/status/775470798190419968
"That’s right! We’ve properly named Shovel Knight’s newest campaign – Specter of Torment – and we’re expecting to complete development and release this spring! Specter Knight’s adventure is a HUGE game, so be sure to stay tuned for any updates. We can’t wait to tell you more about it, but in the meantime…have fun investigating every detail of the title logo and make sure to check out Specter Knight’s abilities!"
We wants the red heads...
Seriously though some of these look great, Shantae, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight. I'm mostly interested in the Wii U stuff, likely my last home based console, but might pick up a 3DS game or two, Gurumin.
Mostly though I want an announcement for a US based Nindies Nintendo Selects retail line.
Punch Club actually looks pretty fun. I put a lot of time into those Kairosoft games, and this one looks a lot like it. Hollow Knight looks interesting too, but that'll depend on pricing for me.
Day one for Shantae. It looks incredible!
80s OVERDRIVE for the 3DS (retro, 16-bit racing) still has a late autumn release date. I know it's an indie and not Nindie, but definitely been looking forward to that.
Eh... actually until today, we haven't get any BOXING games for both 3DS and Wii U (Boxing games so far just from Mario & Sonic 2016 Rio both 3DS and Wii U). Kinda missing something like Animal Boxing NDS, one of the cutest Chibi Boxing game ever. :3
Shantae is the only one that currently interests me, but I'll keep an open mind on the others for now.
@Malakai
Where there is a void, market forces will fill that vacuum. Do you want them to make fps' s to compete with AAA budget games? 2d is cheaper than 3D, and platformers are fairly rare outside of indie development.
Antipole DX looks a lot cooler than the original did. Guess that's one more on my radar. Graci~
Otherwise: Forma.8, Hollow Knight, and obviously Shantae are my big 3 after September. Maybe Stardew Valley if I don't settle for the Steam version instead. Basically half my most-anticipated eshop games list released all in a row. 'Course, I got quite a backlog to finish, so it was kind of overwhelming to begin with.
Shantae ftw
i'm more interested in shantae and runbow but i getting physical's to save space but why no hive jump
Hallow Knight looks amazing
So much good games, I'm happy that indie developpers believe in Nintendo consoles.
Shantae and Hollow Knight look gorgeous, can't wait to throw my money at these games. Will have to see about the others on a case by case, they're not really my cup of tea.
I may be one of the few looking forward to Punch Club. Looks like it could be a surprise hit and I don't even like boxing.
Stardew Valley is the sole reason that I haven't sold my Wii U. I'm interested in Shantae too, but I'll probably got this one on Vita.
Ectoplaza and Rocket Fist for sure. I love local multi-player affairs!
Dance Conspiracey Dub Wars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCE5-00z3u0
The sprite work on Antipole DX is really nice; slightly understated but I really like the look. Will definitely check it out on 3DS.
Some new footage of Rive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o5N1-0tFqU
I dont know when I'll buy them,but Half-genie Hero and Gurumin are definitely going in my e-shop wishlist.
Punch Club on 3DS and Stardew Valley on Wii U for me... 2 great indie games (with more potential than many AAA games IMO) for me !
Also, I'm waiting for the 2 updates/addons for Fast Racing Neo (free on 30/9) and Shovel Kniwght (free?)
And Finally, what about Corpse Party... Really looking for this game... Is a European release possible....
Interested in most of these but praying for Rive.
Hollow Knight seems like the winner here.
Punch Club on pictures looks much nicer than the actual gameplay is (very repetitive simulation - eat-sleep-train-repeat-eat-sleep-train-repeat - no actual beat em up or anything similar).. you can grab is for a 5er on mobiles.
Oh yeah, totally forgot to pick up Jotun! This is a great nindie line-up, will be picking up quite a few titles.
@roy130390 Yeah, I was focusing on those due October onwards, but it's cool And yes, I cheated slightly by mentioning Gurumin, which is probably this month.
Forma.8 reminds me of Abyss on DSiWare. Looks nice.
They all look good to great - especially Forma.8 (which was one of my favourites back when the E3 demo was released). But I can't hide the fact that I'm pretty disappointed with RIVE not being released on WiiU. I loved the demo so much.
Shantae, Stardew Valley and Antipole DX are my favourites. It's taking ages for Antipole DX to be released considering Antipole was already on DSi Ware.
Stardew Valley. 160h first run on PC cannot be wrong.
Antipole and forma.8 look fun.
Nothing for Monster Tales remake?
I'm more excited about the upcoming titles than I am for the Summer Jam. The summer jam was/is pretty dang good but the upcoming list is where it's at for me... So excited
Forma.8 I've been waiting for and I'm still waiting for a European release for The Pinball Arcade.
Punch Club looks amusing. Maybe yes.
Hollow Knight has had all my hype for nearly 2 years.
If I'm not mistaken, Rocket Fist will be the first original brazilian game to be released on a Nintendo console. Hopefully, the first of many more to come!!
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