Navigating the relentless deluge of blockbuster releases from triple-A powerhouses is a full-time job in itself. However, uncovering the hidden gems surfacing from small, independent teams is an even more daunting quest. To bridge that gap, we are committed to showcasing the creative projects that deserve your attention but might otherwise slip through the cracks.
Our inbox is a constant stream of pitches from passionate developers worldwide. While it is physically impossible to play every single title that crosses our desk, we strive to evaluate as many as we can. Below, we’ve curated five upcoming or recently released projects that show immense promise. From celestial delivery services to existential diners, here are five indie titles to keep on your radar.
Burntcrust
Imagine the cosmic exploration of Outer Wilds, but instead of uncovering ancient alien secrets, your primary objective is ensuring a pepperoni pizza arrives while it’s still steaming. That is the core hook of Burntcrust.
Developed by Nathan Prestidge, a solo creator out of Brisbane, this interstellar delivery simulator transforms the vacuum of space into a cozy, albeit high-stakes, road trip. While you’re always racing against the clock, the game places a heavy emphasis on the tactile experience of spaceflight—fiddling with ship dials, scanning radio frequencies, and meticulously plotting your trajectory. For those who crave the immersive “trucker” vibe of Elite Dangerous but with a quirky, grounded twist, this is one to watch.
Purgatory Pitstop
Though it’s still early in development, Purgatory Pitstop already boasts a remarkably distinct personality. This narrative-driven management sim from the UK-based Live Rail Games puts you behind the counter of the only diner located on the highway to the afterlife.
The game blends restaurant mechanics with heavy moral choices: do you exploit your ghostly clientele for maximum profit, or do you offer them the comfort they need to transition peacefully? With its sharp pixel art and a script that balances dark humor with existential weight, this project promises a unique gameplay loop where your culinary and conversational choices carry lasting consequences.
Astro Protocol
At first glance, the dense UI and complex maps of Astro Protocol might seem intimidating, but that’s exactly what 4X enthusiasts crave. However, Null Vector Studios has introduced a brilliant twist: they’ve condensed the typically grueling grand strategy experience into sessions that last only about an hour.
The game delivers the satisfaction of planetary terraforming and interstellar expansion without the massive time commitment. Every hex matters, combat is punishingly tactical, and randomized technology trees ensure that no two colonization efforts feel the same. It is a “hard” sci-fi experience designed for the strategist with a busy schedule. Best of all? It’s available to play right now.
Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares
The renaissance of the PS1-era 3D platformer is in full swing, but Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares aims to do more than just mirror the past. Developed by Polycast Labs, this adventure stars a clumsy jester exploring vibrant, Halloween-themed dreamscapes.
The focus here is purely on the joy of movement. Whether you’re gliding via jester hat, grinding rails, or wall-jumping through vertical playgrounds, the controls are designed to feel expressive and kinetic. Drawing inspiration from classics like MediEvil, the game avoids modern graphical clutter in favor of charming low-poly aesthetics and theatrical boss encounters that feel like true spectacles.
Shadow Project
There is a palpable sense of industrial decay dripping from every frame of Shadow Project. SK Studios is clearly targeting fans of the “Euro-jank” atmospheric shooter, following in the footsteps of legends like STALKER and Metro.
Set within a crumbling, alternate-history Soviet Union, the game emphasizes survival through resource scarcity and environmental storytelling. The developers are placing a specific focus on optimizing the game for older hardware, ensuring that the tension and grit are accessible to a wider range of players. If you’re looking for an oppressive, first-person horror experience, a demo is currently available for a test run.
Source: Polygon
