11 Wholesome Direct Indies To Put On Your Radar

On a Saturday filled with indie game showcases, Wholes Games’ hour-long presentation set itself apart by spotlighting the independent titles that ask players to stop and smell the roses. The show featured around 100 different games, from thoughtful to whimsical, inspiring to encouraging, and ambitious to soothing. We were challenged, but managed to reduce the number of games and compile a list with our top picks. Enjoy a hot cup of tea, and then get cozy with these highlights.

Lil Gator Video

Little Gator Game was developed by MegaWobble’s brilliantly named team of developers. It is Zelda inspired and has a lot of fun. This game was a hit with our 2022 most anticipated indies due to its engaging gameplay and friendly protagonist. It’s coming sometime this year to Switch and PC.

Ooblets

Many indie fans may already have jumped into the vibrant Pokémon-like Ooblets when it debuted in early access. The 1.0 launch of the game is near, with it hitting Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Switch, PC, and PC. Today’s direct showed off some of the new areas, characters, and dance moves players can look forward to this summer.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly

The Coffee Talk sequel will be available on PC and consoles in 2023. A new trailer has been released. The trailer showed some new story elements and hints at fresh beverages that can be made for returning players as well.

OFK is Our Name

The story-driven, music-driven indie begins with an announcement. As part of Steam Next Fest, a demo version for We Are OFK is available. So, if you still can’t wrap your head around what this game has to offer, don’t forget to jump into the hands-on experience next week.

Lonesome Village

Lonesome Village is a game that mixes familiar themes and concepts in new ways. With no combat, it’s an action/puzzle/life sim title with gameplay that swings between saving a town from a mysterious, multistory tower and mingling with each newly saved townsperson. Today’s trailer reveals it’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC in the fall.

Garden Path

According to its creators, this dreamy indie title is “a slice-of-life sim about the joy of gardening and the small pleasures that follow. Whether you’re fishing, growing, trading, or just hanging with new friends, a wonderful and wistful adventure awaits when wandering The Garden Path.” You’ll find the game on Switch and PC this year.

30 birds

Wholesome Games’ show had no shortage of stunning games, but 30 Birds’ colorful, hand-painted, 2D art style might have topped them all. Zig is seen sliding across intricate backgrounds draped over rotating cubes to find the birds. The game aims to come to PC and undisclosed consoles when it’s ready, so don’t expect it anytime soon.

There’s a little to the left

There’s something so satisfying about arranging everything just perfectly, and A Little To The Left is tapping into that. This puzzle game will be available on Switch, PC and iOS this year. Players can sort, stack and organize an ever-changing assortment of items. The premise is simple, and its moment-to-moment action is meditative – when you’re not being thwarted by a mischievous cat.

Schim

Schim made a splash at this year’s Day of the Devs showcase and brought a brand new trailer to the Wholesome Showcase. Its striking, minimalistic art is completely engaging and monochromatic. The puzzle-laden gameplay challenges you as a shadow to return to your figural counterpart. You must jump through shade pools like they are puddles.

Tracks of Thought

“What was supposed to be just a regular commute took a strange turn after a mysterious tunnel caused everyone to forget their final destination.” Launching next year on PC, you have to figure out what’s going on and where you are headed by talking with your fellow travelers through card-based encounters. 

Mail Time

Mail Time impressed during its last Steam Next Fest appearance, and it’s taken to the Wholesome Direct stage to give fans a peek and a totally new area filled with towering trees and wooden bridges. Its creator calls the mail-delivery experience a “cottagecore” game, which undeniably encapsulates the title’s vibes, and you’ll find it on Switch and PC when it launches.

Wholesome Games has all of the games available for viewing. Find out more information about the summer showcases by clicking here.