Myst, Riven Remakes Headline New Indie Game Releases

The indie game scene is buzzing this week with the release of highly anticipated remakes and the unexpected revival of a classic character. Among the notable launches are updated versions of the iconic puzzle adventure games Myst and Riven, now available for PlayStation 5 and PS VR2. Fans can also welcome back the often-maligned but undeniably persistent bobcat mascot, Bubsy, in his first 3D outing in 30 years with Bubsy 4D.

Cyan Worlds, the developer behind the original Myst, has brought its acclaimed remake to PlayStation consoles, following its debut on Meta Quest in 2020 and subsequent releases on PC and Xbox. The PS5 and PS VR2 versions boast enhanced visuals, including improved view distance, foliage, textures, post-processing, and shading, according to the PlayStation Blog. The remake of Riven, the sequel to Myst, also launched this week for PS5, PS VR2, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both titles are priced at $35, with limited-time discounts available for PlayStation Plus members.

The return of Bubsy, a character known for his quippy one-liners and often polarizing gameplay, marks a significant moment for retro gaming enthusiasts. Bubsy 4D, developed by Fabraz and published by Atari, sees the character embark on a mission to retrieve a Golden Fleece from technologically advanced sheep. The game introduces new mechanics, such as a ball-rolling ability for faster movement and competitive online leaderboards, aiming to attract both long-time fans and new players. Bubsy 4D is available across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with a launch discount offered on GOG.

Shifting Landscapes and New Dystopias

Beyond these high-profile releases, the indie landscape is also enriched by several other unique titles. Ferra, a first-person shooter from emerging studio EllipsisWorks, offers a high-octane experience in a stylized, futuristic Japan. Players will engage in parkour, utilize an upgradable arsenal, and even transform into a kitsune form. The game features a unique "Bite System" for health regeneration, drawing comparisons to titles like Doom Eternal and Ghostrunner.

Thick as Thieves, a game with an interesting development history, has also landed on Steam. Originally envisioned as a competitive multiplayer heist game set in a 1910s world of magic and technology, the developers at OtherSide Entertainment pivoted to focus on a more engaging solo and two-player co-op experience. The game now features two thieves, multiple maps, and a variety of gear, with a campaign designed to last around four hours. The team, which includes veterans from the Thief and System Shock series, has expressed openness to adding a PvPvE mode in the future.

Visually striking, Phonopolis from Amanita Design presents a puzzle adventure set in a charming 3D world constructed from hand-painted cardboard. The game utilizes a 12fps animation style reminiscent of stop-motion films. Players control Felix, a young resident immune to the orders of a dystopian city leader, who fights back by manipulating loudspeakers to solve environmental puzzles. Phonopolis is available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

For fans of action platformers, Dark Scrolls, developed by Doinksoft, has moved its release date to June 22. This roguelite title features procedurally generated levels and offers both solo play and a two-player co-op mode. Players can expect automatically side-scrolling levels interspersed with locked arena fights and boss battles. Its previous preview has been met with positive reception.

Additionally, the Warhammer universe sees an expansion with Warhammer Survivors, a title heavily inspired by Vampire Survivors. A demo is now available on Steam, with full releases planned for PC, consoles, and mobile devices this year. Developer Auroch Digital, also working on Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, is leveraging the engine behind Vampire Survivors, evident in its visual style and gameplay mechanics. The game incorporates familiar characters, weapons, and environments from the Warhammer lore.

Finally, Fail Fail Succeed, a puzzle platformer from solo developer Martin Zetterman, offers a unique premise. Players must repeatedly sacrifice their character to clear paths, with fallen characters transforming into blocks that aid progression. The game's charming pixel art is matched by its backstory, which draws from the developer's personal experiences with mental health, transforming "failure" into literal progress, with his dog Eira playing a supportive role.