In 2014, Lunar Ray Games met its Kickstarter goal for Timespinner, a pixelated, 2D “Metroidvania” game that made over three times its original goal of $50,000. Now, five years later, with another four years of part-time development before that, the game is coming out under the publishing arm of Chucklefish. On September 25, 2018 Timespinner will make its way to both the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita as a $19.99 Cross-Buy title.
Timespinner is about a woman with time-bending abilities who is seeking revenge against the evil empire responsible for the death of her family. The core of the game is Time-Stop, which lets players stop time at the cost of some sand. When time is stopped, players can not only scramble for a better position in the middle of a fight, but also use enemies as platforms to get to previously unreachable areas on the map.
Timespinner is also filled with ability-driven equipment, orbs that grant melee, magic, and passive skills that, to me, resemble Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia for a point of reference.
Lunar Ray Games’ Bodie Lee also emphasized the game’s story in a PlayStation Blog post, as he noted that he has been developing the lore since he was young and offered the following key points that he believes sets Timespinner apart from its peers:
- Skippable cutscenes
- Collectable “Memories” which detail important events of a specific character.
- Collectable “Letters” which contain multiple viewpoints concerning a historical war.
- Collectable “Downloads” which act as encyclopedic knowledge of people, planets, and more.
- Optional character quests with unique rewards.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
Best PS4 Indie Games and Studios July 2018
-
Best PS4 Indie Games and Studios
Indie is a fairly nebulous term (The Witcher 3 is technically indie, after all), but we've gathered a great list of independent titles that you need to play on your PS4.
-
Supergiant Games
Supergiant Games has a very particular style of art, gameplay, and music, expertly blending every element of their games into amazing experiences.
-
Bastion
Ported to PS4 after the fact, this was Supergiant's first foray into their unique style, and that narration is incredible.
-
Transistor
Transistor's notable element is the music, though the art and gameplay all come together in true Supergiant fashion.
-
Pyre
An interesting departure from previous games, Pyre still retains the classic art, music, and intrigue of previous Supergiant titles.
-
Giant Sparrow
An indie studio that couldn't have made two more different games, yet somehow each feels so similar. They specialize in emotive narratives across interesting and uncanny worlds.
-
What Remains of Edith Finch
Tackling the subject of death in a beautiful way, Edith Finch is a fascinating journey that shouldn't be missed.
-
The Unfinished Swan
A world cast in white, and your only weapon is black paint splatters to view the world in front of you, this game evolves brilliantly as it proceeds.
-
Thatgamecompany
Known for their quiet and simple experiences that draw emotion from deep within the player's own moments with their games, this studio is a PlayStation staple.
-
FlOw
The tranquility of water turned into a game. Originally a PS3 release, there's a PS4 version you can play now.
-
Flower
Continuing the pattern of soft and soulful games that offer peace and tranquility, Flower is another must-play experience that can often be found for cheap on the PS Store.
-
Journey
Easily thagamecompany's most well-known game, originally released on PS3, a PS4 release of this incredible title was inevitable.
-
Housemarque
The studio behind games like Super Stardust HD (the first game with PlayStation trophies), Resogun, and others, they are known for arcade bullet-hell games, though the company is now shifting directions.
-
Nex Machina
Lots of great releases from Housemarque, but Nex Machina was one of their last bullet-hell arcade shooters before they reinvented their studio.
-
Playdead
Want to mess up your perception of life through deep and thought-provoking games? Playdead has your covered.
-
Limbo
Limbo is an entirely black and white game where you play as a silhouetted young boy in a world full of nightmarish terrors.
-
Inside
Inside is a dark and thought-provoking game with a crazy ending that shows that the developers played you the entire time.
-
A Hat in Time
Hearkening back to classic platformers, it evokes memories of Super Mario 64, but becomes a whole adventure all its own.
-
Apotheon
Apotheon is basically a side-scrolling metroidvania God of War with a visual style that looks like you are playing it on the side of an ancient Greek vase.
-
Axiom Verge
Did someone say metroidvania? The best kinds of games, Axiom Verge is an amazing modern amalgamation of classic ideas.
-
Broken Age
Yup, Double Fine is an independent studio, and people should check out all of their games, but Broken Age is a particularly great point-and-click adventure featuring the voice of Elijah Wood.
-
Firewatch
A dark sense of isolation, with only your radio companion to be your friend, this is a brilliant adventure unlike many other games.
-
Guacamelee
Metroidvania. There. I said it again. Guacamelee is a great take on the genre with visuals that pop, and a particular flavor all its own.
-
Hand of Fate 2
Heart of the cards! What do you get when you mix a tabletop RPG, text adventure, and a deck of cards? Hand of Fate 2 will test your destiny.
-
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Ninja Theory isn't indie anymore after Microsoft bought them up, but Hellblade is still technically an indie release by the studio. It's an independent game that gives triple-A experiences a run for their money.
-
Hotline Miami 2
It's hard to call this one indie, as it's published by Devolver Digital, but I like it a lot, so it made the list. Brutal and arcadey, and also full of deep story that makes you think, it will have you swearing at every tough run.
-
Never Alone
A beautiful Inuit adventure featuring a girl and a white fox, this is another unique and heartfelt indie game.
-
OlliOlli Series
Reinventing the skateboard genre, this addicting arcade side-scroller demands to be played and replayed.
-
Outlast Series
How terrifying can an indie horror game be? The most terrifying, as it turns out. This dark series from Red Barrels set a new benchmark for horror.
-
Oxenfree
Another unique adventure that delivers a deep and thought provoking message, indie games can usually tackle these sensitive kinds of subjects more intimately than bigger titles.
-
Rez Infinite
Rez Infinite can easily be described as an almost religious experience, and it's even better when experienced in VR.
-
RiME
Exploring the stages of grief, RiME is an amazing game that can easily evoke tears from anybody that plays it. Are you man enough to embrace the emotion?
-
Rocket League
Forgot this one was an indie, eh? Well, despite its success, it is definitely an independent title.
-
Rogue Legacy
A melting pot of roguelikes and metroidvania, Rogue Legacy is an addicting die-and-retry game that begs for just one more run.
-
Soma
Another round of indie horror, psychologically terrifying, it will leave you with nightmares long after you are done.
-
Stardew Valley
The popularity of the simulation and farm management style games led to Stardew Valley's explosive success, despite not having a major publisher backing it.
-
Superhot
It's a first-person shooter where time only moves when you do. Better still, there's a VR version too!
-
Tacoma
Existentialism and the human condition are explored on a deep level with this deep and thought-provoking indie space adventure.
-
The Little Acre
A tiny point and click adventure, with a style that screams classic Disney animation. The only downside is that it ends all too soon.
-
The Magic Circle
Want a strange commentary on game development? The Magic Circle is an insane glimpse into the industry.
-
The Sexy Brutale
Groundhog Day meets murder mystery, The Sexy Brutale will have you reliving the same day over and over again as you attempt to save lives and figure out the wider mystery.
-
The Swapper
Want an existential crisis? Play The Swapper. What does it mean to be? Who am I? Is my identity linked to my body? The Swapper asks these very questions while you solve puzzles using those mechanics.
-
The Talos Principle
Another existential game that questions the meaning of life while having the player solve puzzles, with a brilliant ending.
-
The Witness
In my opinion, The Witness is the best puzzle game ever. The experience unfolds in such a way that it evokes additional thought through every discovery you make.
-
Thimbleweed Park
Both a callback and a parody of classic adventure titles, this Ron Gilbert adventure is like something straight out of the '90s.
-
Thumper
A driving rhythm game that can also be played in VR.
-
Yoku's island Express
Pinball meets metroidvania in this amazing open-world pinball adventure.
