#06 | Gamescom 2024

From mastering yoyo tricks in a crime-ridden city to solving mysteries in a mythical landscape, these indie gems promise hours of unique gameplay and unforgettable stories.

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Issue #06

For the best experience, enjoy this newsletter on a computer with a warm cup of coffee ☕️.

Gamescom has been the talk of the town, and while we didn't attend, we sifted through over 160 games to bring you this special edition of Indieformer.

Below are a bunch of gems that surprised us with their quirky charm and unique mechanics.

Let’s dive in.

Ruffy and the Riverside — TBA

Copy and Paste textures with the game-changing SWAP ability. Need a boat? Swap stone for wood, and you’ve got a raft ready to sail. Sneaking in somewhere? Swap the sun for the moon and let darkness be your ally.

Dive into an open world that blends nostalgic charm with a surprisingly fresh, modern vibe.

Cairn — 2025

Embark on the ascent of a lifetime as pro climber Aava, tackling the never-before-conquered Mount Kami. Carefully plan your route, manage resources, and face the unforgiving mountain in this survival-climbing experience.

Test yourself in Expedition mode, where endless replayability awaits as you conquer different mountains and compare your performance with other climbers.

Pipistrello — TBA

As a yoyo master, use your prized yoyo to battle enemies and navigate the city’s four districts, filled with over 1,000 screens of challenges and secrets. Combine old and new yoyo tricks to defeat crime lords and uncover hidden paths, transforming the cityscape with your unique moves.

With a light-hearted story and tons of yoyo skills, it’s ‘the world’s first true yoyovania!’

Curiosmos — TBA

Outer space has never been cuter! Craft a solar system from scratch in this whimsical cosmic sandbox.

Create planets by colliding stardust and asteroids, then zoom in to shape landscapes, weather, and even sprinkle in life. But be careful, keep an eye on a sneaky black hole that threatens your sun.

30 Birds — 2025

Explore the enchanting, hand-drawn city of The Lanterns, inspired by Persian art, as you solve puzzles, interrogate citizens, and face thrilling challenges.

Recruit 30 quirky birds to aid in your investigation, and groove to a ska-dub soundtrack with Middle Eastern flair.

Explore the world through the unique rotating lanterns. A refreshing mechanic!

ODDADA — 15 Aug 2024

Dive into a musical playground with endless creative freedom. Guide your tune-train through levels, crafting a track using whimsical, toy-like instruments. Layer melodies and harmonies until your song reaches its grand finale.

Each run offers something new with randomised levels and instruments, unlocking tools as you go to broaden your musical horizons.

Insect Worlds — Q4 2024

Step into the tiny yet vast world of insects, controlling different species as you explore European forests, deserts, and even human habitats. Ever wanted to speedrun as a beetle, or a bee? Now’s the time. Bonus is you can race against mates.

Enhance your insects with unique upgrades like honeydew or caffeinated leaves, and unlock Metamorphosis levels to level up.

Squirrel with a Gun — 30 Aug 2024

It already sounds like a gimmick, but trust us—you need to watch the trailer.

Cause chaos as the neighborhood’s most notorious rodent in this wild sandbox shooter and puzzle platformer. Embrace your inner troublemaker as you chase golden acorns, using tooth, claw, and gun to battle your way out of a secret underground facility and take down the Agents.

Robots at Midnight — TBA

Once a luxury hotspot, the planet Yob is now a crumbling ruin swarming with hostile robots. Engage in real-time combat, mastering skills and strategy against robotic foes. Explore Yob with dynamic movement, using your space-gauntlet, The MITT, to climb, dodge, and dominate.

A beautifully animated, rich world. These devs knocked it out of the park with design and vibe. Watch the trailer.

Fowl Damage — 14 Sept 2024

This atmospheric puzzle-platformer features one-button platforming with surprising depth. Master your jumps and falls to avoid getting scrambled (you’re an egg) as you escape factories, climb ancient trees, and slip through slimy caves.

A platformer where your default jump provides enough fall damage to destroy you. Now that makes getting through a level a bit more.. puzzling.

Algolemeth — 2024

Create AI (combat logic) and conquer dungeons in this RPG where you send AI-equipped golems into fully automated exploration.

Enhance your golems with parts found in the dungeon, boosting abilities and adding new action logic. Control exploration with AI, deciding when to open chests, explore further, or retreat. Your golems’ success depends on the AI you create.

Happy gaming!

The Indieformer Team

P.S. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and favourite discoveries with us via the comments, X (Twitter), Threads, or reach us at [email protected]

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