Every game announced during Nintendo's Nindies Showcase Spring 2019
From Cuphead to Blaster Master Zero 2
Wow, it feels like a little while since I've hopped on the newest Nindies Showcase journey with you, but here we are again. Nintendo's just celebrated the arrival of spring by showing off what indie games are set to release later this year.
I didn't have much of an idea of what to expect this time around as it seems like we're all holding our breaths for more information on Pokemon Sword and Shield, but I'll always have time in the day for cracking indie titles. Well, we weren't disappointed by the selection.
Running at just over 25 minutes long there's a lot to get through – you know how much Ninty can cover – and plenty of exciting reveals. What was your most anticipated game on this roster though? Let us know in those comments down below.
Without further ado, here's everything from last night's showcase in one neat package.
1
Cuphead
Yes, you read that right. The Nindies Showcase kicked off with one hell of a title as Cuphead gets confirmed for release. I don't know why it never occurred to me that it'd be coming to the Switch eventually, but now that it's on the way I feel… all sorts of emotions.
If you listen closely you can hear the sounds of Joy-Cons snapping in the near future. Ha! I jest, though be sure to wear your wrist straps while playing just in case. This boss-battling, classic cartoon-inspired, side-scrolling brawler will give you a run for your money, but in a good way. There's a reason it's won so many awards, trust us.
You'll be able to get your hands on it come April 18th, though you can pre-order it right now.
2
Overland
From the creator of Canabalt, Adam Saltsman, Overland is a take on the 'end of the world' narrative. Together with gorgeous visuals and a memorable soundtrack, this game stands out for a number of reasons.
It pieces together turn-based strategy with the familiar difficulties of survival, which drives home how important every decision is. Whether you're looking to fight off monsters, rescue survivors, save your dog, or whatever, at the end of the day you can't do everything and that's no doubt going to sting at some point.
Overland launches on Nintendo Switch in Fall 2019.
3
My Friend Pedro
It's been a little while since we last got a glimpse of My Friend Pedro and it's looking just as good as we remember. After getting some pointers from your ol' pal Pedro, a sentient banana, you need to blitz through level after level, shooting enemies and pulling off some delightfully graceful dance moves.
Perhaps it's the style of the mask or the general feel of the game, but I'm getting serious Deadpool vibes as the character swings, shoots, and pirouettes their way through the level. Even with the Showcase's small bite of gameplay, it looks like we're in for some satisfying ragdoll physics and epic, fast-paced action.
My Friend Pedro launches on Nintendo Switch June 2019.
4
Neo Cab
Neo Cab takes being an Uber driver to the next level as you deal with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. As the last human driver in an otherwise automated city, you need to keep up with your work life while also trying to find your best friend, Savy, who's on the run from the evil corporation, CAPRA.
Besides keeping your head down when CAPRA's around you'll meet a huge roster of characters, each of whom hold their own stories. You'll interact with them, drive them to where they need to go, and try to get decent ratings for the sake of your job, but that's only scratching the surface.
You can expect Neo Cab on Nintendo Switch sometime this summer.
5
The Red Lantern
Serving up fierce Firewatch vibes, Timberline Studios' debut title The Red Lantern follows the story of a musher training for the Iditarod race. Together with your determined pack of pups, you'll experience an emotive story and roguelike elements with hundreds of potential events on the cards.
Ignoring my own sensitivity for a tick, The Red Lantern looks absolutely stunning, at least visually, and seems to have quite a bit of promise. My only hope is that the story stays strong throughout play as you work through the Alaskan wilderness.
There's no specific date for The Red Lantern, but we should see it on Nintendo Switch in 2019.
6
Darkwood
I'm stoked to see Darkwood joining the list of horror game on the Switch. This top-down survival game might not frighten you in a conventional sense, but it'll creep you out at the very least. Traversing procedurally generated levels, no two play-throughs will be the same.
You need to fortify whatever base you're holding up in, craft traps, make weapons, scavenge for resources, and brave the eerie forest before the sun goes down. Once it's dark you'd better hope you've made it to shelter, though sometimes even that won't stop the disturbing inhabitants that haunt Darkwood from coming for you.
You can get the game on Nintendo Switch May 2019.
7
Katana Zero
Playing as class-act assassin, The Dragon, you work through each level using your skills, both human and fantastical, to clear out the bad guys and move on. With the ability to see the future and manipulate time, your enemies won't know what hit them.
While you can take everyone down in one shot, the same applies for you so you need to watch your footing and avoid getting too cocky. Don't worry too much though, if you die you're only thrown back to the beginning of the level so you can try, try again. That sounds like a pretty standard setup, but with a therapist and medication in play as well it looks like things might get a little trippy.
Katana Zero launches on the Switch April 18th.
8
RAD
From a super cool trailer packed with post-apocalyptic goodness, we learned that RAD is a top-down action game where you play the world's saviour, a flora-producing chap with the bizarre ability to take on different mutant powers and change his form.
Though there's not too much information on it at the moment, this neon-flecked cyberpunk-esque adventure has a lot of interesting stuff to pick out. Check out the trailer below to get a feel of the game and to get an earful of that bopping retro soundtrack.
RAD launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
9
Creature in the Well
This action/adventure game doesn't just contain pinball mechanics, it's inspired by them. After a huge beast traps local residents in a devastating sandstorm, it's up to you – a skilled engineer – to traverse the land and power up a giant weather machine to save the day.
You've got over 15 weapons to aid you, each one of which has its own uses in tackling tricky levels and taming wild energy orbs to use at your disposal. Honestly, it's one of the most interesting uses of pinball mechanics I've seen in a long time so definitely take a look at the trailer.
Creature in the Well launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.
10
Bloodroots
I certainly wouldn't want to be on the woodsman's bad side in this isometric action game, but then I didn't leave him for dead so there's little to worry about. His enemies, however, are about to go through a world of pain as the wolf head-wearing maniac uses his environment to take out all those who've wronged him.
If you're not worried about certain death, you can have a ton of fun figuring out all sorts of combos in your murder spree. From barrels, to ladders, and cut-down trees, the world is your weapon.
You can get Bloodroots on Nintendo Switch this summer.
11
Pine
This open-world, third-person action/adventure introduces all sorts of fantastical elements, including five factions of creatures, across six biomes. Whatever way you decide to play out your story will affect how your enemies react to you. I guess if you go about being a dick for no reason, not many people will like that.
Scavenge, barter, craft items, and sell them at the market to keep yourself stocked up and prepared for anything.
Pine heads to Nintendo Switch in August 2019.
12
Arcade cravings
You'll be pleased to know that more arcade games are on the way. Super Crate Box will satiate the cravings of all you arcade fiends as it offers up fast-paced action and adorable pixel graphics. Not only that, but it'll also have multiplayer capabilities exclusive to the Switch. SCB launches on the Switch this April.
That's not all, of course. Nuclear Throne is also available TODAY, offering up action roguelike goodness all about mutants who fight for the throne of a post-apocalyptic world. If you like playing solo that's cool, but you can also fight with a friend if you fancy it.
Vlambeer Arcade is the final one on the list which gives you a selection of bite-sized arcade games to dig into. More will be added to the roster in time, but for now you can get your hands dirty with Ultra Bugs. This'll be available on the Switch later in 2019.
13
Swimsanity!
If you've had cravings for a new 2D shooter, this multiplayer underwater shooter will do the trick. Fight hard to survive in an unforgiving aquatic world either solo with bots or with up to three other friends.
Just because everything's out to get you doesn't mean you have to band together, however. You can play through 150 challenges across eight game modes, including five versus game modes and five worlds to battle through in adventure mode.
You can get Swimsanity on Nintendo Switch this summer.
14
Blaster Master Zero 2
Jason is back and ready for even more action and adventure as he fights through a gorgeous, detailed world in Blaster Master Zero 2. Equipped with the GAIA System, the new G-Sofia can absorb energy and convert it into SP for its weapons, and that's just scratching the surface.
As for Jason, he can now counter attacks with a blast counter which, if timed right, can rack up some epic combos. Set in outer space, there's more to explore than ever before on the hunt for gear-improving items. Along the way you'll encounter a wide cast of characters, both friends and foe, and best of all – you can play it today.
Blaster Master Zero 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch.
15
Stranger Things The Game 3
After the overwhelming success of previous Stranger Things games, the isometric adventure is back and bringing its colourful cast of familiar faces with it. Play through the events of the Netflix show's third season and even invite a pal to play through it with you if you fancy it.
With more enemies, more secrets, and more puzzles to solve, I can't think of a better way to celebrate the season premiere, can you? Well, besides binge-watching the whole series in a couple of days.
Stranger Things The Game 3 will be available on the Switch come July 4th.
16
Cadence of Hyrule
Just when you thought the presentation was over, Ninty dropped this mash-up like a hot potato and I'm already living for it. Crypt of the Necrodancer and The Legend of Zelda join forces in a new game brought to life by Brace Yourself Games.
There's not a ton of information available just yet, but we do know that it'll be set in the fan-favourite land of Hyrule and you'll be able to play as both Zelda and Link. Fight wolves, lynels, bokoblins, and all sorts of enemies as you go.
Cadence of Hyrule will be available on the Switch in Spring 2019.
