With the festive season just around the corner, the ID@Xbox team is buzzing with excitement to unveil this month’s picks for Indie Selects. Before diving into those, we genuinely want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who has supported indie games on Xbox over this past year. Indie Selects serves as a special spotlight for the delightfully strange and one-of-a-kind. Sometimes, the perfect game isn’t a blockbuster, but rather a gem that tells a heartwarming tale, takes a creative twist on a known concept, or is simply downright quirky. Thanks for checking out our recommendations and boosting the work of incredible game developers on our platform.
Switching gears, instead of our usual one-week collection for December’s Selects, we’ve expanded to a three-week showcase of 2024 Indie Select Highlights. Kicking off on December 11, we’ll feature and promote 18 of our standout titles from the last year every week. Mark your calendars and remember to visit the Indie Selects section in the Xbox Store by heading to the Games Home tab every Wednesday for a fresh batch of indie essentials.
Looking ahead, get ready for January 28, 2025, when we’ll mark the first anniversary of this program with a special 2024 Anniversary Collection. Our team will handpick six standout Indie Selects from the past year that we deem essential and showcase them in this celebrated collection. We’ve got more surprises, sales, and collections lined up for 2025, but let’s stay in the moment for now.
This month is jam-packed. There were countless titles stretching boundaries in unique design, enigmatic mechanics, captivating storytelling, and sheer fun. We all had our favorites we championed for. Some of us were clinging to Halloween vibes, seeking something to make the heart race. Many were drawn to the idea of riding a giant wolf into the next grand adventure. Others craved to delve deep into a mysterious world, confront tough choices, or simply unleash their creativity. Ultimately, our selections kept everyone here thrilled, and we’re certain you’ll find something unforgettable too. Here’s what we’ve got lined up for this month (in no particular order):
Neva is likely to push all the emotional buttons. Playing last weekend, I was mesmerized by its stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and overall moving presentation. This follow-up to the breathtaking Gris from Nomada Studio shows how the team has further refined their craft. Though the game lasts just about five hours, it leaves a lasting impression, tenderly exploring emotions not often touched upon in gaming. Easing combat can be tricky, but the “Story Mode” option removes health bars for a truly relaxed play.
Animal Well is a captivating and enigmatic 2D pixel art Metroidvania, full of abstract puzzles in atmospheric settings. As a squishy blob, you’ll navigate this dark world by unlocking paths through understanding new mechanics. The non-combat engaging gameplay is built around creative problem-solving and avoiding danger from unique creatures, making the environment itself the star.
Planet Coaster 2 is a delight for fans of theme park simulations. Enter a world of vibrant visuals and endless creativity, where you can craft your dream theme park using intuitive design tools. The game pulls you into the life of a park owner, challenging you to manage resources and guest satisfaction. Sharing creations with others adds a layer of community fun, showing off just how imaginative players can be.
Dive into Phasmophobia, a gripping horror game where your task is to identify ghost types using various detecting tools. With realistic graphics and sound, the atmosphere keeps you on edge, relying on skill and quick wit to gather evidence and avoid danger. It’s an experience best shared with friends, as the shared tension and moments of fright make for unforgettable gaming nights.
Fear the Spotlight transports players into a ’90s-inspired horror setting, blending puzzles with narrative intrigue. As Vivian, you’ll explore a dimly lit school, dodging a menacing foe while unraveling a gripping mystery. The game’s nostalgic atmosphere and creative puzzles offer a suspense-filled journey for horror fans and newcomers alike.
Enter the world of Slay the Princess—part visual novel, part choose-your-own-adventure—featuring a narrator with many secrets. Your actions shape the story, affecting the princess’s form and guiding you through a narrative filled with choices. With its exquisite black-and-white art, haunting soundtrack, and stellar voice acting, this dark and intriguing tale will keep you on your toes.
These picks are sure to offer something for everyone. Dive in and discover your new indie favorite!
