As the festive season arrives, the team at ID@Xbox is buzzing with excitement to unveil this month’s Indie Selects. That said, before we dive in, a massive thank you goes out to everyone who’s shown love for indie games on Xbox over the past year. Indie Selects is our way of spotlighting the quirky and the unconventional, showing off games that may not be gigantic franchises but deliver polished, emotional stories or fresh twists on familiar ideas. Thanks for checking our picks and supporting these talented creators.
Instead of our usual one-week Indie Selects in December, we’re expanding to three weeks of Indie highlights for 2024. Starting December 11, we’ll unveil 18 standout titles from the past year every week. So, keep your eyes on the Indie Selects section in the Xbox Store each Wednesday to discover must-have indie gems.
Mark your calendars for January 28, 2025, as we celebrate a year of Indie Selects with a special 2024 Anniversary Collection. We’ll spotlight six top picks from the past twelve months that we think are must-haves and put them front and center for all to see. We’re planning even more surprises and exciting deals for 2025, so stay tuned. But for now, let’s soak in the present.
This month is packed with so much to choose from, showcasing innovation in design, intriguing mechanics, gripping storytelling, and sheer fun. We all had our favorites – some seeking a heart-racing scare, others wanting to bond with a majestic wolf on an adventure, and many craving immersive worlds to get lost in. We’ve put together a list to satisfy everyone’s tastes, featuring these memorable titles:
First up, Neva is sure to tug at your heartstrings. Last weekend, it captivated me with its stunning visuals, moving soundtrack, and emotional depth, which brought me to tears more than once. The follow-up to Gris from Nomada Studio, Neva delivers beautiful storytelling, blending simple yet satisfying platforming and combat. Spanning just 5 hours, it’s an introspective journey that offers plenty of emotional resonance. And if combat isn’t your forte, you can embrace the “Story Mode” for a stress-free experience.
Animal Well has a distinctive 2D pixel art style and Metroidvania vibe, luring you with elusive puzzles and vivid, lively environments. Playing as a squishy blob, you’ll navigate through this mysterious world, using new tools and mechanics to progress. The game’s lack of combat pushes you to solve puzzles cleverly, aided by the intriguing creatures in your path. With so much to uncover even post-credits, Animal Well is a treasure trove of secrets and surprises, rewarding those who explore every inch with vast satisfaction.
Planet Coaster 2 is a dream come true for theme park and strategy enthusiasts. Right from the get-go, it immerses you in a colorful world with incredible visuals. The game’s characters expertly guide you through the ins and outs of park management, offering endless possibilities for design and creativity. The intuitive coaster builder lets you craft imaginative rides, while the management aspect keeps you on your toes, balancing finances, staff, and visitor satisfaction. Sharing your creations with others and drawing inspiration from theirs adds a fun and collaborative dimension.
Dive into the thrilling realm of Phasmophobia, where you’re tasked with identifying ghosts haunting various locations using an array of ghost-hunting tools. The true charm lies in the experience – with haunting sounds and atmospheric cues elevating the fear factor. The absence of combat intensifies the rush, pushing you to act quickly and strategically. It’s particularly enjoyable with friends, where your voice chat fills with shrieks and laughter – and at times, ominous silence.
In Fear the Spotlight, travel back to the ’90s with a horror game brimming with puzzles and an enticing storyline. When an after-hours séance goes awry, Vivian must navigate the school’s dark corridors, pursued by a spotlight-headed monster. The game replaces jump scares with a steadily mounting tension, delivering a unique narrative experience as Vivian searches for her missing friend and uncovers the school’s haunting past.
Slay the Princess presents itself as a visual novel with a twist. Charged with the aim to slay the princess, your decisions shape how the narrative unfolds, with a voice cast that adds depth and intensity to the experience. The choice-driven plot weaves an artful tale, bolstered by pencil-crafted visuals and a gripping musical score. As you navigate the ends and beginnings of intertwined stories, remember that dying multiple times is part of the intrigue – so embrace it and persist.
