// The April Lineup
Welcome to April, home of the holy weed day and – if you believe the tales – showers. Need a break from getting high and/or wet? Well, I’ve got some fun little games here you can check out.
It’s Indie Watch. It’s April. Let’s go.
// Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 2
What: We played and reviewed Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 1 and really enjoyed it. This is – as you might’ve guessed from the title – the second and final part to the story.
We can’t wait to see how things wrap up in this nostalgic mystery.
When: April 15, 2025
Who: Don’t Nod, known best for the work on the Life Is Strange series.
// Promise Mascot Agency
What: I’m going to hit you with the genre for this. I promise it’s not one you’ve ever heard before: open-world narrative adventure mascot management simulator.
If that doesn’t hook you, I don’t know what will.
When: 2025
Who: Kaizen Game Works, creator’s of the 2020 hit Paradise Killer.
Where: PC
// Koira
What: “Koira is a wholesome tale of friendship where you and your new puppy traverse a musical forest, solve ancient puzzles, befriend woodland creatures, and try to find your way home,” reads the official description.
This game looks cute with a side of danger. The style is beautiful as well.
This is Don’t Nod’s second appearance on the list. This time they’re in the publisher role.
When: April 1, 2025
Who: Studio Tolima and Don’t Nod. Don’t Nod is in the publishing seat this time. This is the debut game from Studio Tolima.
// Lushfoil Photography Sim
What: If you love a good Photo Mode, then this one’s for you. In Lushfoil Photography Sim you can take a breath and explore some serene landscapes.
This game looks absolutely incredible. Matt Newell has recreated these real-life locations in stunning detail. I cannot wait to hang out in them.
When: April 15, 2025
Who: Matt Newell. He is a 3D Environment Artist and avid photographer. It’s no surprise his first game merges those two things perfectly. We also share a first name, so shoutout to Matt for that one.
// Dive the Depths
What: Dive The Depths is an action-roguelike set beneath the ocean’s surface. As a humble diver, you must navigate the world filled with bizarre sea creatures, submerged ruins, and forgotten histories.
The pixel art style and crazy lighting effects make this one look super cool.
When: April 15, 2025
Who: Starpixel Studios. They are an indie studio with a handful of games under their belt across many genres. Multiple of their previous titles feature a pixel art style, so they’re well practised.
Where: PC
// Skin Deep
What: This looks like a goofy and over-the-top immersive sim, which is not the typical direction you get with that genre. I’m always wishing for more single-player FPS games, so I hope to make time to try this one out.
When: April 30, 2025
Who: Blendo Games. Blendo has a penchant for weird and whacky video games. As far as I can tell, this is their first one to get picked up by a publisher. With Annapurna helping them out, hopefully they will be able to realize this game exactly the way they want to.
Where: PC
// Blue Prince
What: This one’s defined as a puzzle strategy adventure game.
I’m not usually one for puzzle games, but the vibes and story here might be enough to pull me in. Blue Prince feels like it might have that special “X-factor” to end up one of the years top hits.
When: April 10, 2025
Who: Dougbomb. This is another debut game, but the folks at Dougbomb are far from inexperienced. After spending a lot of time working in visual effects and Hollywood, they decided to brand out and do their own thing. Turns out their own thing is Blue Prince!
