November’s Indie Picks & Exciting News!

With the festive season gearing up, the ID@Xbox team couldn’t be more excited to roll out this month’s selection of Indie Selects. But before diving into that, we want to sincerely thank all of you for supporting indie games on Xbox throughout the past year. Indie Selects is our way of shining a light on games that are refreshingly unique and sometimes a little quirky. Sometimes, the perfect game for you isn’t a giant blockbuster, but rather a finely crafted indie that tells an impactful story, gives a fresh twist on familiar gameplay, or is just distinctly peculiar. Thanks for exploring our recommendations and backing the brilliant minds behind these games on our platform.

Moving on, instead of a one-week December Selects showcase, we’ve planned something more delightful – three weeks of 2024 Indie Select Highlights. Beginning December 11, each week we’ll introduce and highlight 18 of our preferred games that made their mark this year. Every Wednesday, don’t forget to swing by the Indie Selects section in the Xbox Store – down in the Games Home tab – for an irresistible selection of indie titles you just can’t miss.

Marking a full year of this initiative, January 28, 2025, will witness the unveiling of the 2024 Anniversary Collection. Our team will handpick the six standout Indie Selects from the previous year to feature in this prestigious collection. While we have many more surprises, sales, and collections in store for 2025, let’s savor the present for now.

This month’s lineup is packed to the brim. Choosing from such a compelling array of games that pushed boundaries in design, storytelling, and sheer fun was no small feat. We’ve argued fiercely over our favorites. Whether it was the thrill of a good scare, a desire to bond with a majestic wolf, or the joy of getting lost in a mesmerizing world, our wishlist was diverse. Thankfully, we’ve curated a list that’ll hopefully leave a lasting impression on you too. Here’s what awaits this month (in no particular order):

Neva is a game that’s simply packed with emotion. If you’re prepared for a moving experience, this is a game worth your time. Last weekend, I was completely engrossed by its stunning visuals, its haunting soundtrack, and found myself unexpectedly in tears. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of art that offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

Following in the footsteps of Nomada Studio’s Gris, Neva furthers their reputation for crafting emotionally resonant experiences. Gris was a visual masterpiece and Neva builds on that legacy by incorporating smooth, rewarding platforming and combat elements. With a five-hour playtime, it’s an introspective journey that touches your heart. If you’re worried about the combat being too challenging, fear not – it offers a “Story Mode” that lets you play without worrying about losing health.

Next up, Animal Well—a Metroidvania wrapped in an atmospheric 2D pixel art style with abstract puzzles woven into its intricate worlds. You play as a tiny blob navigating through a dark, damp environment, each step revealing its secrets. This game invites you to unlock paths with newfound tools, solve puzzles with the animal residents, and reveals more long after the credits roll.

Animal Well is one of those rare gems that lingers with you. Its magic lies in making you feel that the environment itself is the protagonist. As your bright little blob interacts with the world, these small, satisfying moments unfold continuously. It turns playing into a dialogue with the developers, encouraging exploration at every corner. If you’re the type that loves discovering every secret unaided, this is going to be both a challenge and a delight.

For fans of strategy and creativity, let’s talk about Planet Coaster 2. This game offers a rich playground for any theme park aficionado. With vivid visuals to draw you into your dream park, it provides tools to build endlessly creative roller coasters. The intuitive coaster builder is a standout, making it easy to craft rides limited only by imagination.

Sharing your creations with the community elevates the experience, providing endless inspiration as you mix and match ideas from others. Whether a veteran or a newcomer to theme park sims, Planet Coaster 2 offers a fulfilling blend of creativity and strategy, intertwined with an engaging community element.

Now entering the realm of the supernatural: Phasmophobia. This game drops you into ghost-infested locations to identify spirits with an array of ghost-hunting gadgets. The goal is to accurately deduce the type of ghost by piecing together supernatural evidence.

What sets Phasmophobia apart is its ability to immerse you with classic horror elements like sound and light, constantly keeping you alert. With no way to defend yourself, swift completion of objectives and evasion becomes key. It truly shines in multiplayer, where the camaraderie (and screams) contribute to the thrilling experience.

Fear the Spotlight takes its cue from ’90s horror games, offering a gripping narrative with puzzles and stealth gameplay. As Vivian, you’re thrust into a haunted high school at night, searching for your missing friend amidst spooky corridors.

The game’s unique monster—a man with a spotlight for a head—creates tension as you solve puzzles. It’s less about jump scares and more about building an uneasy atmosphere through a compelling story. Whether a veteran or just dipping your toes into horror games, it’s a rich narrative adventure worth exploring.

And finally, Slay the Princess—a mysterious visual novel where you’re tasked with confronting a princess in a narrative that constantly evolves based on your choices. The storytelling in this game is as dynamic as it is engrossing. You interact with a “narrator” who guides you in uncovering truths with every choice leading to new story branches.

Each decision not only affects the storyline but also how the princess manifests, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough. The absorbing artwork, score, and voice acting elevate the intrigue, making it a darkly charming adventure. Keep persisting, even if you die repeatedly, as the journey is rewarding.

So, dive into these incredible indie titles, each with its own unique flair and thrilling narratives. We hope these games bring you as much joy and memorable experiences as they’ve brought us. Enjoy gaming!