The E3 2021 indie showcase was a very short affair, lasting only 15 minutes. However, squeezed in that time frame, we were given plenty to think about and add to our Steam wishlists.
In all, 12 video games were showcased. Though a diverse list of games, there is somewhat of a uniting force between them all: old-school gaming. With the expectation of a VR PvP and a game where you fly a paper plane, the remaining indies titles carry clear influences. From Doom to Metroid, Batsugan to Mario, there was a real appreciation for the classics.
Read on to see everything featured in the E3 2021 indie showcase.
Read more from E3: Ubisoft Forward | Xbox + Bethesda Games Showcase | Square Enix Presents
Lifeslide
Lifeslide has you control a paper plane and attempted to navigate an ever-changing world. Gameplay involves gaining momentum and overcoming challenges via split-second decision. It’s a simple premise, but it looks very satisfying. Available on Steam from 6 August 2021.
Falling Frontier
A sci-fi RTS from publisher Hooded Horse, where the upper hand is gained through “intel and logistics”. There looks to be plenty of procedurally generated systems to explore, and space ships to upgrade. Coming to Steam in 2021.
Alliance of the Sacred Suns
The second offering from Hooded Horse is Alliance of the Sacred Suns, a 4X title with RPG elements. It’s time to reclaim glory for your fallen empire. Coming to Steam in 2021.
Terra Invitca
The third and final title from Hooded Horse is Terra Invitca, a Grand Strategy RTS that sees you leading one of seven factions to control Earth and solar systems. Coming to Steam in 2021.
Fallen Aces
A true highlight of the event was Fallen Aces, a crime noir FPS in the vein of the original Doom and Duke Nukem games. With its comic book art direction and old-school gameplay, this one is sure to be a hit. The current release date listed as “SOONtm”.
Larcenauts
Larcenauts is a VR-only class-based PvP FPS from Impulse Gear, Inc. Matches will be 6v6, and game modes include Refuel, Uplink and Deathmatch. Coming summer 2021 to Steam.
Toy Soldiers HD
Toy Soldiers HD is a remaster of the original 2010 game. It blends action and strategy gameplay. In it, you take command of a small WW1 toy army atop a replica tabletop battleground. It’s quirky and full of charm. Play solo or online with up to four players. Coming to consoles and PC in August 2021.
Moo Lander
This pun-named side-scrolling platformer has a strong sense of identity and a Metroidvania gameplay style. You control a spaceship on the hunt for an endless source of milk. Coming to Steam in spring 2022, or play the demo today.
B.ARK
B.ARK is a family-friendly shoot-em-up with a hardcore heart from Tictoc Games. It’s got a strong bullet-hell energy, complete with large OTT bosses. Coming 2021 to Steam.
Tunguska: The Visitation
Coming to us from Rotorist Workshop, Tunguska: The Visitation is a top-down survival shooter with an old-school heart. You play as a Ghoul Hunter looking for dark Soviet-era secrets. Available now on Steam.
Neko Ghost Jump
Neko Ghost Jump is a platformer with some pretty nifty tricks up its sleeves. The first being that the camera can switch between 2D and 3D. The second is that the little cat character can switch to a ghost form for new puzzle possibilities. Coming soon to Steam.
ExtraGalactica
ExtraGalactica is an indie with tonnes of sci-fi, pixelated style. You play as a college football captain who needs to save the world from an arcade game villain who comes to life. You can check it out for yourself, as it’s now available as an Early Access purchase on Steam.