Indie Games We Tried At Tokyo Game Dungeon
Tokyo Game Dungeon just concluded its 6th edition. Touted as an indie game showcase organized by indie game developers, this exhibition is intimate in size but large in its local impact. Most of the games on show are made by solo developers or small teams. Unlike other showcases, there is no screening process for exhibiting as Tokyo Game Dungeon aims to be as inclusive as possible. The goal of the event is to support the exhibitors through creating a space that indie game fans can try out games, purchase them and interact with the developers who made them. Here are a few of the games we saw and enjoyed on the show floor.
Shojing ショウジング by Kafka Games
Shojing is a portmanteau of the words ‘shoji’ (a traditional Japanese room divider) and ‘shocking’. Shoji in Japan are highly valued while also being extremely light and delicate. The game therefore humorously spins this aspect of Japanese culture around by creating a game based on destroying shoji. In Shojing, players control a cat that continuously breaks through shoji screens. The gameplay is just that, utilizing only the mouse and left click to maneuver through objects.
While simple in execution, it’s possible to obtain a high score through connecting combos and avoiding obstacles. We love the bright colors of the game which really gives it that family-friendly party game vibe. Best of all was the sound of the shoji screen being torn to shreds alongside the fun background music. It felt equal parts forbidden and satisfying.
Starry Night by Hamstachio
If you’re a fan of mysteries with an eerie feel to it, Starry Night might be the game for you. This is an exploration-based mystery adventure game with an emphasis on urban legends. The plot revolves around a group of elementary students who sneak into a strange mansion. What ensues are terrible trials and shocking discoveries that will have you both scared and curious about what comes next.
The contrast between the tragedies and the fleeting youth of the main characters really creates a somber and shocking atmosphere. While the game is still in its early phases and we only tried the demo, there’s a strong narrative to this that has us looking forward to the release of the full game. You can follow the developer, Hamstachio, for more updates.
Zako no Ahiru by Fukuoka Fighters
We’ve never seen a game quite like this. Zako No Ahiru is a high-difficulty 2D platform action game in which you’ve been trapped inside a game created by the neighborhood bully. In the game, your body is no longer yours, you’ve been transformed into a toy duck with your only method of movement being to squirt out water which propels you forward. To return to the real world and exact revenge on the bully, you must reach the summit in your little ducky body.
The concept of the game is incredibly silly but we love how the developers have taken inspiration from ‘ragebait’ games like Getting Over It while putting their own spin on it. Combined with its bright visuals and the comedic lines from the bully, this would likely make an excellent game for streamers to play and enjoy alongside their community.
Ninjam! By G-Blossom
Ninjam! has been a regular at indie game events in Tokyo recently and we love running into the team and getting to try this fun party game. Take up the sword of the ninja and defeat your opponents with all manner of projectiles, melee attacks and special ninja skills. The catch? It’s one-hit kill per round so every move counts. You can enjoy Ninjam! with up to four other players.
Having the stakes be this high is what makes for really interesting gameplay amongst different players. Are you the conservative type who chooses their moves carefully, or will you brandish your katana or shuriken with unabashed confidence and go in for the kill? Each round also ends fairly quickly, allowing you to experience multiple stages, each with their own quirks.
Night at the Meowseum by Alunite Inc
Take on the role of a young security guard named Misu, who is embarking on his first night on the job patrolling the Meowseum of the Cat Kingdom. However, the museum is full of burglars you must thwart lest they steal the precious artifacts. You’ll get to explore the museum, check out hilarious cat interpretations of famous historical pieces and battle the robbers via puzzles.
There’s a lot of variety in its gameplay alongside a very cute story about cats. The game is already free to play on Android and iOS devices. The paid version will allow you to experience the game without any ads.
