Indie Games Roundup: Hyperwired, Ball x Pit & Upcoming Releases | March 2024

The indie game scene continues to deliver a steady stream of intriguing titles, with a recent wave including a mobile version of the critically acclaimed Ball x Pit and a curious coincidence – two games both titled Piece by Piece released within the same week. Beyond these, several other projects showcased at events like the Future Games Show are poised to capture players’ attention.

Resource Management and Tethered Combat in Hyperwired

Hyperwired, a 2D roguelike shooter developed by SidralGames and published by SelectaPlay, introduces a unique gameplay mechanic centered around resource management. Players pilot a spaceship and must strategically connect a trailing cable to sockets to recharge weapons and systems. This tethered movement introduces a compelling trade-off: increased firepower comes at the cost of restricted mobility. The game boasts a wealth of upgrades and bullet modifiers, including a slow-motion system for tactical advantage. Hyperwired is slated for release on Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch this summer, according to information from Engadget and Reddit discussions. A Reddit thread confirms the Nintendo Switch release is planned for later in 2026.

Cooperative Environmental Restoration with a Charitable Twist: Clean Up Earth

Clean Up Earth offers a cooperative experience where players perform together to restore polluted environments. Developed by Magic Pockets, the game allows for both solo and multiplayer gameplay, with larger maps requiring teamwork to tackle substantial amounts of debris. Notably, Clean Up Earth incorporates a philanthropic element: in-game actions trigger micro-donations from the developers and partners to environmental organizations. The game is scheduled to launch on Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 2nd, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version planned for the future. A demo is currently available on Steam. Nintendo’s website confirms the game’s development and release plans.

Gambling and Deckbuilding in Mr. Magpie’s Harmless Card Game

Mr. Magpie’s Harmless Card Game, from Giant Light Studios, presents a unique blend of minesweeper-style gameplay and roguelike deckbuilding. Players find themselves in a precarious situation, forced to gamble and earn money to meet quotas. Success hinges on building powerful card synergies and avoiding dangerous “JERRY” cards that can lead to failure. A playtest is currently available on Steam for those eager to try it out. Although a firm release date hasn’t been announced, the game’s premise draws comparisons to titles like Inscryption and Buckshot Roulette.

A Dog’s Journey in Herdles

Herdles, described as “Spyro meets Breath of the Wild, with a dog,” offers an open-world platforming experience. Players control a magical version of creative director Christian Hübel’s dog, Snoopy, tasked with restoring balance to a fractured world by rescuing corrupted creatures called Herdles. The game emphasizes puzzle-solving, physics-based abilities, and exploration, with a focus on accessibility and customization. No specific release window has been given, but the Steam page is live.

Mobile Ball x Pit and the Appeal of Tactile Gameplay

The mobile port of Ball x Pit, from Kenny Sun and Devolver Digital, has arrived, bringing the addictive gameplay to iOS and Android devices. The game retains its core mechanics and charm, with touchscreen controls proving surprisingly effective, especially with the auto-fire option enabled. While a dedicated mobile controller, such as OhSnap’s MCON or Backbone Pro, enhances the experience, the game is perfectly playable without one. The mobile version costs $10 to unlock the full game after a free first level.

ITER-8: Mining, Tower Defense, and Alien Waves

ITER-8, developed by fluckyMachine and published by Fireshine Games, blends mining and tower defense elements. Players extract resources from a massive monolith while simultaneously defending their base from waves of alien enemies. The game features a dynamic cycle of resource gathering and base defense, with a focus on upgrading character, ship, shield, and weapon systems. While the tower defense aspect could benefit from refinement, the overall experience is described as relaxing and engaging. It’s currently available on Steam for $13, with a launch discount.

The Curious Case of Two Piece by Piece Games

A unique situation has arisen with the simultaneous release of two games both titled Piece by Piece. One, from Gamkat and No More Robots, is a cozy repair shop game focused on restoring heirlooms and antiques. The other, from Neon Polygons, is a puzzle platformer where players manipulate levels by moving puzzle pieces. In a playful gesture, the developers have even created a bundle offering both games at a discounted price.

Spellcraft and Puzzle Solving in Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times

Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times presents a challenging puzzle experience centered around discovering and combining spells. Players manipulate keywords to solve riddles in a world where every spell works on any object, resulting in over 102 million possible configurations. Developed by Alice Jarratt of SlugGlove over three years, the game features over 10,000 frames of animation and is available on Steam, with a demo too available.

Looking Ahead: Hoa 2, MotorSlice, and Kitman

Several promising titles are on the horizon. Hoa 2, a sequel to the beloved original, transitions to 3D while retaining the hand-painted art style and focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. MotorSlice offers fast-paced parkour action and boss battles in a gritty, post-apocalyptic world. Finally, Kitman provides a behind-the-scenes look at the often-overlooked role of a soccer team’s equipment manager, with cooperative gameplay and the ability to subtly influence team decisions. These upcoming releases demonstrate the continued creativity and diversity within the indie game landscape.

The release schedules for Hoa 2, MotorSlice, and Kitman remain somewhat fluid, but Steam pages are live for each, offering opportunities to wishlist and stay informed about their progress. The indie scene’s commitment to unique mechanics, compelling narratives, and innovative gameplay continues to provide a wealth of options for players seeking experiences beyond the mainstream.