ID@Xbox’s annual preview event is live! This year, Xbox owners can check out over 22 indie titles for free straight from their consoles. Most of the participating games are still in progress, and will only be up for a limited time. The demos are available until Dec 12, so here’s a helpful list of everything to see at this winter festival.
Top 5
Inkulinati
I went hands-on this silly manuscript strategy game earlier this year, and had a blast. I’m excited to make different choices this time around and build up an entirely new ink-filled army. If you haven’t heard of this gem before, here’s what the devs have to say about it:
Inkulinati is an ink-based strategy game straight from medieval manuscripts, where a rabbit’s bum can be deadlier than a dog’s sword. Take your turn in Inkulinati duels filled with unexpected tactical depth (and humour!). Embark on an ever-changing journey, build your own bestiary, defeat medieval superstars and collect perks to unleash special powers. Become a master of the Living Ink, grab your quill and build your unique strategy time after time so that you can be named the greatest Inkulinati of all time!
Dead Pets Unleashed
This game made a big impression on me when it debuted at the Day of the Devs showcase. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to play it during the live event, which is why I’m exited to see it represented. Just a quick warning, the title’s themes are a lot heavier than the art style would have you believe.
Struggling punk band, Dead Pets, are still looking for their breakthrough after almost 10 years. Gordy has big plans for the group, but when you turn 30, life starts to get in the way. Dead Pets Unleashed is a narrative, slice of life and management-lite game; get ready to unleash your inner demon. Playing as Gordy, you’ll go to band practice, do what you can to keep the band together, manage Gordy’s irresponsible finances and wellbeing, as well find time to earn enough money to cover rent, bills, and pretty much everything.
Rhythm Sprout
I have missed too many opportunities to see what Rhythm Sprout brings to the genre this year. And every time, I see people praising it, making me feel even more left out. But not this time! I plan to see what all the fuss is about.
Follow Sprout – the Chosen Onion – on his lightweight and self-aware adventure between music levels. Make funny dialogue interactions, full of silly jokes and pop culture references. Help the adorable inhabitants of the Vegetable Kingdom and face a charming cast of Sweet Villains.
Trinity Fusion
A news drop within a news drop, Trinity Fusion is coming to Xbox platforms and as a demo in the ongoing festival. Considering the game’s sci-fi doppelgangers premise, the duplicate announcement is pretty on-theme.
Take control of your parallel selves on a mission to save the dying multiverse. Explore dark, sci-fi worlds and engage in fast-paced, smooth and precise combat. Each of your parallel selves has their own world with multiple biomes to explore, as well as their own sets of unique abilities and weapons. Travel through a universe of desolate wastes and caverns roamed by mutant creatures, escape the endless forges and labs of a world ruled by machines, and survive the dangerous sky cities of a post-human society.
Thirsty Suitors
Even though I’ve played a demo for Thirsty Suitors, I still can’t get a handle on what the moment-to-moment gameplay will be like. However, what I did play was stuffed with vibrant personality and over-the-top action, so I’m ready to dive back in.
From Outerloop Games, Thirsty Suitors is a stylish, story-driven adventure that unfolds through turn-based battles, skateboarding, and cooking. Help Jala confront her mistakes, make up with her exes, reconcile cultural differences, and become the person she was meant to be. Easy, right?
Every Demo At The Event
Aaero2
Afterglitch
Astronite
BattleCakes
Booom-Slang!
Boxville
Clash: Artifacts of Chaos
Dad’s Monster House
Exhausted Man
Gori: Cuddly Carnage
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
King of the Hat
Let’s Cook Together 2
Re:Call
The Wind Road
Tin Hearts
Virgo Versus The Zodiac
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