The year is flying by, and March came through with the heavy hitters – and inevitably that means you’re hit with decision paralysis.  Believe me, we’ve all been there.  There’s a lot of great games out there and it can be hard to hear the call to adventure amongst all the chatter.  Don’t you worry, the ID@Xbox team have handpicked six Indie Selects that will kickstart your next big adventure. 

Be warned: some of these daring escapades are more than meets the eye. You may uncover a demon world or two, find heroism in a little slimeball, or you might find that diving into personal grief and trauma could be its own harrowing, cathartic and surprisingly melodic adventure. Don’t ask questions, just take a leap of faith and raid some tombs with us, because March Selects are calling! Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Don’t Nod, the creators of the OG Life is Strange, return to the narrative adventure genre to deliver a tale of four young girls who experience an unforgettable summer filled with coming-of-age hijinks… and something more inexplicable. That mystery thread of “what happened?” kickstarts a current day reunion of friends piecing together their adolescence to resolve what exactly transpired during that fateful summer – an experience still affecting them now. This is the first chapter, with a second installment arriving in mid-April.

I loved the original Life is Strange series with its young adult angst, ennui, and sci-fi reality bending. It made those classic, outsized teenage “the world is ending!” dilemmas 100% literal in the case of protags Max and Chloe. Don’t Nod revisit that vibe but find a way to ratchet up the stakes and vagaries that surround the journey of Swann and her childhood friends by taking the “teens in trouble” trope and toeing the line in urgency between the feel-goodness of an all-girls’ Goonies and the not-so-feel-goodness of Showtime’s ‘Yellowjackets’. 

The nerdy, always camcorder-ing Swann navigates shyness and her pending move out of small-town America via narrative, choice-based relationship building in a way that punched a familiar knot of dread in my tummy, no matter whether it was the threats of bullies or otherworldly situations. But throughout, the script, VO, and attention to circa-1995 details do wonders in grounding the experience of pre-social media adolescence. I’m now very excited for the second chapter to drop, not least for the amazing, period-perfect soundtrack (a Don’t Nod specialty). One serious Cocteau Twins needle drop may just have ’80s and ’90s shoegaze kids digging deep into their 4AD record label era – a throwback I’m still luxuriating in.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

DON'T NOD

☆☆☆☆☆ 156

★★★★★

$39.99

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Rewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives. Experience the story in two thrilling parts! Tape 1, "Bloom", launches February 18 and Tape 2, "Rage", launches April 15. “Rage” will become available as a free downloadable update when it is released. A 27-YEAR PROMISE Navigate between dual timelines and shape both narratives – in 1995 and 2022 – with each offering a piece of the larger puzzle: the life-changing secrets they uncovered back then and why they’re reuniting now, after all these years. Together, in this place, they’re forced to try and remember clearly the fateful memories that have eluded them for the past 27 years. CAPTURE & CONNECT Connect with your newfound sisterhood through lifelike interactions and conversations that feel real: engage in immersive dialogue that changes based on where you look and what you say; where you can do things like interrupt and ignore. Grab your camcorder and explore, filming Velvet Cove and capturing the essence of its people, places, and lush nature. Film just for the fun of it or try to find the dark secrets tucked away. GIRLS TO THE FRONT Play as Swann and get to know your new friends, each with their own lives and battles. Come out of your shell and embrace rebellion over the summer as you form friendships with Nora, Autumn, and Kat. Through your actions and words, you’ll shape your relationships with each of them on your journey to self-discovery. Will your bond wither over the years or will it feel like you were barely separated at all? A NOSTALGIC DREAMSCAPE  In a picturesque corner of Michigan in 1995 lies the seemingly sleepy little town of Velvet Cove. Between dense woodlands and serene lakes, it’s a place where beauty meets the bizarre. Cloaked in a carefully crafted dreampop soundtrack that blends nostalgia and ethereal vibes, you’ll definitely find it all nice and relaxing… 

Sorry We’re Closed

A celestial mystery filled with demonic delights and heavenly bodies; Sorry We’re Closed is an absolute treat. You play as Michelle, a lonely shopkeeper working in an odd London neighborhood with a bizarre and colorful cast of characters. Her reality cracks after a harrowing visit from a sleep-paralysis demon who is infatuated with Michelle’s heartache.  And from there, all hell breaks loose (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist).

This retro-style survival horror is inspired by the halcyon days of the genre and utilizes its classic fixed camera angle. For the uninitiated, this can take some getting used to. While this design choice can initially seem limiting, it offers a more cinematic and thoughtfully paced experience, which is crucial for quality mystery storytelling. But it’s not all old-school, as the developers at À La Mode Games have added a twist in the form of first-person combat. You’ll need to switch into first-person mode on the fly, while using your demonic third eye to stun demons and exploit their weak hearts. This becomes a delicate balance – while you’re in first-person mode, Michelle is unable to move, adding a layer of tension and strategy to the combat that kept it feeling engaging.

Where things really start cooking are the incredible art style and stellar soundtrack. The combination of classic graphics and painterly character art make this a beautiful blend of old and new, while the soundtrack features catchy hip-hop and hauntingly chill beats, with a menu theme that I left on in the background for hours while I was working. Seriously, it’s on right now.

If you find yourself in the mood for some retro-horror and quality storytelling, Sorry We’re Closed is an absolute must play.

Sorry We're Closed

Akupara Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 45

★★★★★

$24.99

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Sorry We're Closed is an eccentric story-driven survival horror game about angels and demons that mixes fixed-camera exploration and arcade-style shooting. Michelle must use her Third Eye to see between worlds and uncover secrets. Follow the final days of Michelle as she battles to break the curse placed on her by a powerful archdemon looking for love. Help (or hinder!) the lives of curious residents in Michelle’s bustling London borough as she pursues freedom from her own untimely demise. Sorry We're Closed is a fusion of nostalgic survival horror with a new perspective on combat, combining atmospheric environments with fixed-camera angles and the thrill of arcade-style first person shooting. Collect items and manage resources to help Michelle survive. Optional tank controls are available for those who enjoy the classic survival horror experience. Michelle’s time is split between the perilous demon world and mingling with the locals on her residential street. Everyone’s battling their own inner demons and through Michelle you can help guide them. Multiple endings are available through RPG-style dialogue interactions with the extravagant cast.

Afterlove EP

Have you ever played a game that felt like it was speaking directly to your soul? Afterlove EP is one of those gems. It’s a unique blend of visual novel, narrative adventure, and rhythm game set in the bustling city of Jakarta, Indonesia. You step into the shoes of Rama, an indie band frontman who’s grieving the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta. From the moment you start, you’re drawn into his world of sorrow and hope.

The game kicks off a year after Cinta’s death, and Rama has pretty much isolated himself from his bandmates and life in general. Your mission? Help Rama navigate his grief, reconnect with his bandmates, and prepare for a comeback show that could change everything. Sounds intense, right?

Over the course of 28 in-game days, you guide Rama through various activities. Each day brings new opportunities to mend neglected relationships, form new ones, pick up your guitar, and get ready for that critical gig! The choices you make will shape Rama’s journey, leading to branching storylines and multiple endings. And who likes rhythm game elements? This guy! They add a real interactive layer to the narrative, letting you immerse yourself in the music and emotions that drive Rama’s story (fair warning: you may want to bring tissues).

The game’s art style is a splendid recreation of 21^st Century Jakarta, with vibrant hand-drawn visuals that bring the city to life. As you explore the streets, you’ll encounter bustling markets, serene parks, and lively cafes, each contributing to the immersive experience. The soundtrack, composed by Indonesian musicians, enhances the emotional impact of the game. The melodies resonate with Rama’s feelings, creating a powerful connection between you and the character.

Playing Afterlove EP was a profoundly personal experience. As I joined Rama through his emotional journey, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with loss and recovery. The game’s deep narrative and rhythm elements work together to create a captivating and emotionally resonant experience. If, like me, you enjoy games like Florence, which also combines narrative and rhythm elements, you’ll find Afterlove EP equally compelling. It’s a testament to the raw power of indie games to tell deeply personal and emotionally impactful stories. If you haven’t played it yet, now is the perfect time to dive into the melodic world of Afterlove EP and experience this emotional journey for yourself.

Afterlove EP

Fellow Traveller

☆☆☆☆☆ 5

★★★★★

$19.99

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Taking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After. Step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on with life after the death of their girlfriend, Cinta. Whilst his close friends and bandmates are all determined to help him move on, Rama has been stuck for more than a year. He’s neglecting his music, his mental health and his relationships. Making things harder, he’s hearing Cinta’s voice inside his head, unsure if she is a spirit or part of his imagination. Now he has just one month to get it together! Rama’s band has a critical gig in one month’s time. Either he gets serious about his music and delivers the new songs he has been promising or the band will move on without him. KEY FEATURES • An emotional new story from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After. • Set in a vibrant and authentic recreation of modern day Jakarta, Indonesia • A blend of narrative adventure, visual novel and rhythm game elements – explore, talk, jam out! • Multiple endings and story paths – over 28 days and nights, it will be your choices that determine the path Rama takes. • Featuring the distinctive art of renowned Indonesian indie-manga artist, Soyatu. • Featuring an original soundtrack from popular Indonesian band, L’alphalpha.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

If you’re a fan of action-adventure games, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection has got to be on your list. This collection brings together three classic titles from the iconic series, beautifully remastered for modern platforms by indie publisher and developer Aspyr. These games follow the adventures of Lara Croft, the fearless archaeologist, as she explores ancient tombs, solves intricate puzzles, and battles formidable foes. The genre is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, offering a rich and immersive experience.

I remember the first time I played Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (Tomb Raider IV). The sense of wonder and excitement as I guided Lara through the ancient ruins of Egypt was unparalleled. The remastered version has only enhanced that experience, with graphics that would have stunned me back then, and improved controls that make the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. It’s like revisiting an old friend, but with a fresh new look.

Tomb Raider Chronicles (Tomb Raider V) and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (Tomb Raider VI) continue Lara’s adventures, each with its unique storyline and challenges. Chronicles offers a series of flashback missions that delve into Lara’s past adventures, while The Angel of Darkness introduces a more mature narrative. Both games have been given a new lease on life with the remastered collection, making them accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

If you enjoy games like Assassin’s Creed, the new Indiana Jones, or Prince of Persia, you’ll find a lot to love here. The gameplay mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of these titles, but with Lara Croft’s unique flair that made her an iconic character in the first place.

I’ve spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of these games, and I can confidently say that they are worth every minute. The learning curve is there, but it’s part of what makes the experience so rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned Tomb Raider fan or new to the series, this collection offers a fantastic journey through time and adventure.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

Aspyr

☆☆☆☆☆ 55

★★★★★

$29.99

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Her legacy lives on! Play the next series of Tomb Raider adventures in this remastered collection of the Darkness Trilogy. Included Game Titles -Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation – Lara Croft discovers the lost tomb of the Egyptian God Set, unwittingly unleashing him and fulfilling an ancient prophecy—one that plunges mankind into darkness. -Tomb Raider: Chronicles – Following the events of The Last Revelation, Lara Croft is buried in an Egyptian tomb and is presumed dead. At her memorial, those closest to her reminisce about secrets from her past. -Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness – Accused of murder, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run, while uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving alchemical experiments and the search for ancient artifacts. Key Features See the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any time Travel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many more Experience Lara’s Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Croft’s past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearance

Ultros

Looking for a familiar genre with an unexpected twist? Then you need to check out Ultros. This game is a vibrant, psychedelic journey through a cosmic landscape known as The Sarcophagus. It’s a unique blend of Metroidvania and roguelite genres, offering a fresh and captivating experience.

During my first run through I was struck by the visuals, which were both immediately captivating and almost hallucinogenic. The art style was unlike anything I’d seen before. Navigating through The Sarcophagus felt like I was on a trippy space ride, uncovering secrets and battling bizarre creatures. Ultros isn’t just about its stunning visuals, though. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The world is easy to get lost in, but that’s part of the charm. The game’s big differentiator is a time-loop mechanic, which adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay, making each run feel fresh and challenging. The learning curve is there, but it’s what makes the game so rewarding.

If you enjoy Xbox games like Ori and the Blind Forest or Hollow Knight, you’ll find a lot to love in Ultros. The gameplay mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of these titles, but with a unique psychedelic flair. This game just grabs you and won’t let go, as I am still exploring every corner of this game, and believe me, it’s worth every minute. Whether you’re a seasoned Metroidvania fan or new to the genre, Ultros offers a fantastic and visually stunning adventure that just feels right.

Ultros

Kepler Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆ 13

★★★★★

$24.99

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You wake up stranded, after seemingly crashing your ship on The Sarcophagus — a giant, space-drifting, cosmic uterus holding an ancient demonic being known as ULTROS. Trapped in the eternal loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play. Are you the gruesome breaker of this cycle, or can you become a link from destruction to rebirth? A PSYCHEDELIC SCI-FI JOURNEY ULTROS is set in a multifaceted realm – a vast alien landscape teeming with life. Grounded in science fiction, ULTROS comes wrapped in both an eccentric art style from the visionary El Huervo, renowned for his work on Hotline Miami, and a mystical soundtrack composed and performed by Ratvader – Oscar Rydelius. ULTROS explores meta-themes of mental health, life, death, and karmic cycles through deep lore and environmental storytelling. A WORLD OF CONTRAST Experience brutal, intimate, close-quarter combat with cosmic lifeforms, driven by a sense of urgency – where precision is paramount and every cut of your blade counts. Yet this intense combat is juxtaposed with cultivating the greenery and tending to plant life in The Sarcophagus, providing precious moments of contemplation and peace. In turn, this grants deeper access to obscured paths. A MYSTERIOUS, LAYERED LOOP The rich world of ULTROS holds many secrets for those curious enough — and fearless enough — to seek them out. A unique loop-based mechanic will allow you to start over at key moments in the story, providing opportunities to unfold such secrets, unlock different areas of the world and new abilities on a branching skill tree. Experiment with and master your own specific fighting style as you explore the world of ULTROS. Each loop brings you closer to the truth…

Slime Heroes

Set in a world where slimes are the heroes, not the villains (for once), Slime Heroes is a delightful 3D action-adventure debut from indie studio Pancake Games. This whimsical game combines elements of RPG and puzzle-solving, seeing you take control of an adorable, customizable slime on a grand adventure to save the Slime Kingdom from impending doom.

I was hooked. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend, reminiscent of the classic games from a bygone era. The vibrant, colorful graphics and whimsical soundtrack immediately drew me in. The gameplay is a perfect blend of open-world exploration and deceptively formidable combat—think of it as a cute version of Dark Souls. There’s an abundance of challenges and fun to be found here. You must think on your feet to survive and make it to the checkpoints, all while enjoying the lighthearted, gooey antics of your slime kingdom, which has been overtaken by mysterious corruption.

One of the things I personally love about this game is the sense of progression. As you advance through the game, you’ll encounter a variety of enemies, and upon defeating them, you’ll unlock their unique skills and special powers. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as you’re constantly discovering new ways to tackle challenges. Plus, the game has a charming storyline that keeps you invested throughout your adventure.

If you’re a fan of games like Dark Souls or the Zelda series, you’ll feel right at home with Slime Heroes. The game strikes a perfect balance between being accessible to newcomers and offering depth for seasoned gamers. It’s easy to pick up, but mastering the various slime abilities and strategies will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this game has some gooey-ness for everyone.

Slime Heroes

Whitethorn Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 4

★★★★★

$29.99

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Journey with your fellow slimes to save the ancient guardians from a mysterious corruption taking over the land. Explore a whimsical world filled with secret passageways, challenging puzzle dungeons, and forgotten treasures. Consume special gems and dynamically combine them to create unique magical skills. Level up and fight back against the corrupted minions to restore the land. Dynamic Abilities -Collect an arsenal of skill gems consumed from defeated corrupted creatures. -Dynamically mix skill gems to craft unique skill sets at any time. -Discover all the different types of enemies to complete your gem collection. Co-Op -Jump into your friends' game at any time and drop right into the action. -The entire game can be played with a friend. -All loot is shared; no fighting over that one pretty gem. -Create different magical abilities that complement each other when playing with a friend. Expansive World -Discover secret passageways and challenging puzzle dungeons in a whimsical open world. -Find the six gods of the realm and defeat the corrupted version of each. Once freed they will aid you on your quest!