February marks a major month of releases for highly-anticipated video games. From Jump Force, Kingdom Hearts 3, and Metro: Exodus, gamers are sure to add more games to an ever-growing backlog. However, there are some high-quality lesser-known indie games that will hit the eShop throughout the month. From strategy to stealth games there is sure to be something to appeal towards everyone.
Wargroove
Easily the most anticipated indie to release this month, Wargroove is a turn-based strategy game greatly influenced by Nintendo’s Advance Wars series. Choose from one of 12 characters, select one of four factions to align with, and protect your kingdom’s queen from ensuing foes. The game supports up to four players locally and online and is capable of cross-platform play with PC and Xbox One. Not only does it include a lengthy campaign, but Wargroove also contains a Puzzle Mode and a design mode to create new maps to share with friends. Make sure to check out Chucklefish’s latest which is available now on the eShop for $19.99.
OlliOlli: Switch Stance
The hit OlliOlli series has finally made its debut on the Nintendo Switch this month. Packaged with both OlliOlli and OlliOlli2: Welcome to OlliWood, the addicting skateboarding games have plenty of content to keep gamers occupied for some time to come. With both games, there are 100 levels, over 500 challenges, online leaderboards, and three modes which all pose varying difficulties and different ways to approach gameplay. Chain together tricks such as pop shuvits, manuals, flips, and grinds to get past on-screen obstacles in this 2D skater. Gambitious’ OlliOlli: Switch Stance is available now on the Nintendo eShop for $14.99.
Ape Out
Do you enjoy jazz, monkey, rhythm-based combat? Well, you may want to check out Devolver Digital’s Ape Out. Gameplay here tasks players with trying to escape captivity as an ape. Humans will do everything they can to prevent this by using guns, traps, and obstacles, but players can use this to their advantage. Pick people up and throw them at each other, use their weapons against them, and destroy the objects that they place down. Its vibrant colors and dynamic soundtrack add together to bring developer, Gabe Cuzzillo’s vision to life. Ape Out is releasing on the Nintendo eShop for $14.99.
Q.U.B.E. 2
The sequel to Toxic Games’ first-person puzzler, Q.U.B.E., is receiving a Switch port this month. Many have compared this to Valve’s Portal series thanks to its diverse environments and varying puzzles. Q.U.B.E. 2 has 11 puzzle areas with over 80 individual puzzles, a unique storyline, and an original score by BAFTA nominated composer, David Housden. One neat feature this title has to offer is full colorblind support which uses symbols as an aid, rather than colors. Super Rare Games is also selling an extremely limited physical run of the game on their website that contains a 12-page color manual, three trading cards, and an exclusive sticker. Only 4,000 of these are available so act quickly if you’re interested and can be found here. Q.U.B.E. 2 is out now on the Nintendo eShop for $29.99.
Aragami: Shadow Edition
2016’s third-person action-adventure stealth game, Aragami, is receiving a definitive edition for the Nintendo Switch. This includes the base game in addition to the Nightfall expansion and all available DLC. Players assume the role of a vengeful spirit who is about to embark on a dark journey in search of the truth behind the Aragami. Aragami: Shadow Edition also supports two-player online and local co-op as well ass cross-platform play with Xbox One and PC. A standard physical copy and a collector’s edition is available through Signature Edition Games and can be purchased here. Merge Games’ Aragami: Shadow Edition is available now for $29.99.
It’s a great month for indies of all different types. These are sure to provide memorable experiences and quality gameplay despite their varying genres. Be sure to stay tuned to VGCultureHQ for next month’s March Nindie Spotlight!
For last month’s January Nindie Spotlight, click here.