As we kick off August, we’ve decided to take to the air by leaping from platform to platform like any good platformer hero. In recent years, the independent scene has multiplied proposals in favor of a genre that no longer necessarily has the wind in its back. If you own an Xbox (One, Series X / S) and you like the leaps of the millimeter, we invite you to discover these few self-published titles.
Our definition of independent play
In this selection, you will only find games that are self-published by the development studios that designed them. Although Devolver, Team17 or even FDG Entertainment have specialized in publishing independent games, they are nonetheless publishers. That’s why you won’t find Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Air, The Messenger or even Monster Boy and the Cursed King.
Shovel Knight
With his hero equipped with a shovel and his retro look reminiscent of old NES games, Shovel Knight can give the impression of wanting to dig up our memories of yesteryear without much subtlety. It is not so. The title designed by Yacht Club Games gives off a real personality thanks to an effective character design, particularly neat animations, a frantic pace and a refined frame.. Shovel Knight is a true homage to retro games that manages to take the best of the golden age of action / platform games, without the flaws, all while adding its own twist. With its moving pieces of scenery, its disappearing blocks, its forced scrollings, its many secret passages and its varied bestiary, the software provides excellent variety.
Oddworld : New ‘n’ Tasty !
Developed by Oddworld Inhabitants (studio run by the facetious Lorne Lanning) and Just Add Water, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty! is a successful remake of Abe’s Odyssey, released in 1997 for PlayStation and PC. In the shoes of the bravest Mudokon in history, the player must flee from RuptureFarms, avoiding enemies such as the numerous traps that abound. Fortunately, he can count on his psychic powers to make his life easier. With pretty graphics, Oddworld never loses sight of its atmosphere by relying on a universe oscillating between industrialization and openly ecological message. The most invested players will be able to try to save all the Mudokons still present in the corridors of the factory. A quality adventure that could leave you speechless… the ultimate when the hero has his own sewn up!
A Hat in Time
Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Psychonauts … so many cult titles from which the Gears for Breakfast studio was inspired to develop A Hat in Time. In this colorful 3D platformer which is played in different eras of history, the player has to collect all the time hourglasses. The good-natured atmosphere and the friendly staging set the tone: A Hat in Time is designed for those nostalgic for the old-fashioned 3D platform game. With an originality, that of proposing a system of hats to manufacture granting additional capacities (running, throwing explosive potions, etc.). What to give a little boost during the exploration of the levels of the epic. A true declaration of love for the genre, the Gears for Breakfast app is sure to satisfy those nostalgic for the great era.
Celeste
It is difficult to find fault with Celeste, as he propels the genre of the platformer to its peak. Matt Thorson’s title excels in everything it offers: the handling is very good, the levels are well organized, the music is splendid, and the story told is surprisingly good.. Whether you’re a fan of the 2D platformer or want to experience the genre, Celeste ticks all the boxes. Admittedly, it does not really innovate and does not take many risks in its mechanics, but the ascent is worth living. Your fingers might suffer from the challenge, but it’s for a good cause.
Guacamelee!
Action / platform game inspired by traditional Mexican culture, Guacamelee! asks to put on the mask of Juan, a young Luchador who goes in search of his childhood friend kidnapped by Calaca and his henchmen. Offering nervous and quite intense fights, the software designed by Drinkbox Studios is inspired by the tenors of the platform. We therefore find the double jump, the leap against walls, pikes, puddles of acid or lava. Classic, of course, but well integrated into particularly worked levels. In addition, the developers had the good idea to integrate some rather welcome dose of humor.. Guacamelee! is a good 2D platformer, playable with two players locally, which has a sequel that is also pleasant to navigate.
Inside
It’s hard to describe Inside without spoiling surprises or revealing the point. We can just say that this is a game that alternates the phases of platforming and puzzles, which takes place in a very strange universe where the whole world seems to resent the young hero that the player is leading. The title of Playdead displays a dystopian world populated by strange creatures, large abandoned industrial spaces and sordid situations. Its sustained rhythm creates a series of situations that never repeat themselves. Superbly animated, elegantly staged, Inside is a model of its kind which relies more on its atmosphere than on its relatively simple game mechanics. A masterpiece that has not aged a bit.
Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy belongs to the Rogue-Like family, meaning that the levels generated have an element of randomness and that a hero’s death is permanent. Real 2D action / platform game that we could call Metroidvania, Rogue Legacy exhibits sadistic platform passages, with pikes to impale and multiple flaming projectiles to dodge. Unlike other games of the genre, the hero only has a simple jump in his panoply of movements to hope to get out of it. The title developed by Cellar Door Games manages to remain balanced throughout. Be careful, however, its type makes it necessarily repetitive despite the random generation of levels. The challenge is well worth the effort.
omno
Designed by Jonas Manke, Omno is a 3D platformer with an enchanting universe. Very inspired by Journey or The Pathless, Omno owes a lot to its adorable visuals. If at the beginning of the adventure the main protagonist can only run and jump, he acquires over the course of the progression something to dash in order to reach platforms too far away, but also something to float in the air and teleport. Improvements that make the initially too rigid gameplay more enjoyable. It remains classic, but 3D platformers are too rare to be shunned. Omno is available in Game Pass as of this writing.