tldr videogame curation
melbourne, australia

Genre: Indie

Caravan SandWitch is a relaxing, narrative-driven exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic world. You drive a van through vibrant, cel-shaded landscapes, helping communities and uncovering mysteries. While charming and hopeful, it can feel repetitive with its simple tasks and minimal environmental storytelling. The music and overall atmosphere are highlights though.

Tiny Glade is a charming, stress-free diorama builder where creativity is not constrained by resources, farming, or survival. Its beautiful visuals and tactile building mechanics are impressively executed, making it feel cosy and satisfying. A great option for a relaxing Sunday.

KILL KNIGHT is a fast-paced, demanding, isometric shooter blending the brutality of DOOM with Crimsonland-like mechanics. Set in an eldritch hellscape dripping with vibes, its tight combat systems, rewarding progression, and striking visuals make it engaging, addictive and ultra cool.

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 retro-style games from famed indie devs Mossmouth and friends, crossing a wide variety of genres. While each game is simple in design, they offer surprising depth and at times challenge - but more than anything, demonstrate a wild imagination and passion for game design. The nostalgic visuals, creative concepts, and sheer variety make it a fun, unique and inspiring experience.

Arco blends tactical RPG gameplay with a striking, South American-inspired art style. Its narrative is moody and compelling. Combat is unique, strategic and engaging. Lots of secrets and meaningful choices. Really, really cool game.

Frostpunk 2 expands on the original’s brutal city-building survival beyond it’s citybuilding roots into grander strategy. The increased scale and deeper political mechanics make it more complex but just as engrossing. For me, a little overwhelming, and you definitely have to be in the mood, but it’s undeniably cool. Loooove the music, sound design, art, visual and UI design.

Satisfactory is now at version 1.0, leaving early access after five years. The major update includes new endgame content, achievements, a story (!), player customisation options, and a million other things. Coffee Stain Studios also confirmed a console version is in development, but no release date for that yet. Check out the 1.0 launch trailer.

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain feels like a love letter to Ghibli and Wind Waker, with its whimsical world, light-hearted atmosphere and gameplay. As a rookie witch, you’ll deliver packages to quirky townsfolk, zipping around on your broom through the charming art style. It’s not without flaws, but being short and sweet, they’re relatively easy to overlook. The simplicity won’t be for everyone, but if you’re up for a cosy Sunday, definitely give it a go.

Pretty wild that Balatro, an indie game from a solo developer, can put out a free update featuring card skins in collaboration with franchises; The Witcher 3, Dave the Diver, Vampire Survivors, and Among Us. Onya localthunk! Friends of Jimbo is available now.

Creatures of Ava definitely has a lot of heart. There’s a vision here and evidently a lot of passion, but for me falls short with its uninspired gameplay and lack of polish. Despite a promising concept of evolving creatures in a dynamic world, the execution mostly feels clunky and repetitive. It’s great to look at though, and if you’re in need of a cosy game, it’s worth checking out.