Hello indie gaming friends!
Steam Next Fest October just finished and it was a lot. I got so overwhelmed with the sheer number of games that I had to close the store page. And then just didn't really go back.
It did highlight just how much AI games have exploded in recent months and that Steam really needs a filter for them.
While I was hiding from the Steam sales, I ended up starting a crochet project and listening to audio books instead.
I did still play some games though, such as Slay the Princess for Lu's Spooktober Play Along, and of course, TOEM 2.
Recently I've been playing... TOEM 2
I had to play TOEM 2! The first TOEM is one of my favourite games ever! I love the silly humour, the lovely characters and of course the journey.
TOEM 2 delivers on all this as well. They changed the art style, but the word feels instantly familiar. Granny is still there to meet you, too.
Another TOEM event is happening, so it's time to grab your backpack and your camera and start this new adventure.
TOEM 2 is played in much the same way as TOEM. Jump on a bus, help some people out, collect stamps and go to your next destination. There are a few new mechanics though, and more platforming than I expected.
TOEM 2 is just as charming as the first game, and it was nice to revisit the world again. It is new player friendly though, so if you haven't played the first one, you can jump into the second one. I would really recommend playing the first one though, it get that full TOEM experience.
I played TOEM 2 on Steam, but it's also available on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
I also got to play along with the Good Game Lobby game club. Each month we play a game and discuss it together. November's game is Caravan Sandwitch. Come join the Discord if that sounds like fun to you.
Thanks to Popagenda and SWM Games for providing a game key for TOEM 2.
Last months releases!
Change the world around you with the power of colour.
Collect colours for your palette and use them to solve platforming puzzles.
Colorbound is such a cute little platformer and I love how colour effects the world.
The demo is also still available to try.
|
|
Alfred is learning how to live again after the death of his wife, Audrey.
Take a journey with him as he relives important places to him and Audrey.
I love a game with an older character! It's so nice to see different stages of live explored in games, and I look forward to doing that with Alfred.
|
|
Wake up Weaver! Save the colony!
As the last Weaver, exploit time-altering anomalies and use what you learn to break the cycle.
Reviews state this is a combat light, exploration heavy metroidvania. If you read my Well Dweller review, you know this is all I ever wanted in a metroidvania!
|
Less than 10 - Belle Citique
Did you know that the majority of games released each week have less than 10 reviews? That is hundreds of games with reduced visibility on Steam! Let's change that with this featured game.
Belle Citique is a laid back city builder that gives you a lot of freedom but also a little direction. It is reminiscent of Townscaper where you drag building types around to build anything your heart desires. Belle Citique gives you more building type options though, as well as trees and gardens.
I'm not the best at sandbox games like this. I don't do well with too much freedom because it becomes a bit overwhelming, but Belle Citique helps with this a little. Villagers and animals will move in and they'll tell you what they want to see.
Most games I've seen like this allow you to build gorgeous dioramas, but they feel a bit void of life. A chimney might have smoke, but there are no people to be seen. I like that Belle Citique adds this bit of charm with people wandering around and providing some commentary about their lives and homes.
Belle Citique is available on Steam and has a demo available now.
Do you know a game with less than 10 reviews? Reply and tell me about it!
One last thing!
I regularly post on Bsky. Are you over there too? Be sure to follow me for even more indie gaming discussion, and check out my combat-free games starter park to find some awesome accounts to follow.
You've made it to the end of the newsletter! Have you found something excellent to play this month? Let me know what it was!
Until next time,
Sarah
