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ISSUE 2 Weeks 9-13 Published by RaginRamen

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome, Everyone! Here we are again with our second issue! A bit of a slower month in terms of releases, winding down from February. Now you may have noticed that there are 5 weeks instead of 4 weeks of content... Allow me to explain. My plan when starting this magazine is to do 12 issues a year, each with 4 weeks of content. However, with there being 52 weeks in a year, I’ve been left with some spares, so every third month will have an extra week to compensate. With the maths out of the way, let's get to what matters, the IndieGame gems that have been released this month. There have been several highly anticipated games that I have been keeping an eye on for the longest time. Titles such as ‘Yes, Your Grace’ (which features on our front cover), the curious and mysterious game ‘The Longing’ and the brutal post-apocalyptic MMO, ‘Last Oasis’. It has been incredibly fun playing these for the first time and I am not disappointed. =================================================================== You will find that most of this issue is formatted more like a catalogue of short reviews and recommendations, showcasing my top picks for each week.

Well, here at The DIG, I am incredibly ambitious and seek to expand on this in future issues. Given time and further planning (extra writers would be useful too), I want to start doing full detailed reviews and write up a section for Kickstarters to check out and support. Hopefully, this can be accomplished for the next issue, time will tell. I’ve always believed in setting goals, especially ambitious ones. One of my favourite quotes being “If you shoot for the stars, you’ll reach the moon”. I might not always meet my goals, but the moon is still a mighty accomplishment. That’s my introduction, April is on its way now, so I better get started on that, See you all on the Moon. Until then DIG in! Peace and Love Vasco (aka RaginRamen)

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CONTENTS WEEK 9 page 4-9

WEEK 10 page 10-15

WEEK 11 page 18-23

WEEK 12 page 24-29

WEEK 13 page 32-37

Curse of the Gods | Horizonâ€™s Gate | Deathbloom: Chapter 2 | The Longing | Yes, Your Grace

Last Haven | ASCIIDENT | Ostriv | Bounce Knight | Legend of Keepers

Biped | Assemble With Care | Last Oasis

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

NEW RELEASES WEEK 9 [25th FEB-2nd MARCH] BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION Genre: Adventure, Point’n’Click, Developer: The Brotherhood Publisher: The Brotherhood Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

BROKEN LINES Genre: TurnBased, Tactical, RPG Developer: Portaplay Publisher: Super.com Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

BUILDERS OF EGYPT: PROLOGUE Genre: CityBuilder, Strategy, Simulation Developer: StrategyLabs Publisher: PlayWay Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

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EDGAR - BOKBOK IN BOULZAC Genre: Adventure, Point’n’Click Developer: La Poule Noire Publisher: La Poule Noire Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

REVERSION - THE RETURN Genre: Adventure, Point’n’Click Developer: 3f Interactive Publisher: 3f Interactive Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

SIM AIRPORT Genre: Strategy, Tycoon, Simulation Developer: LV GameDev Publisher: LV GameDev Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU! All you have to do is point and click. The chicken told me so...

BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION Genre: Adventure, Point’n’Click, Developer: The Brotherhood Publisher: The Brotherhood Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

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“in a far-flung futuristic era ruled by highly advanced technologies which are both revered and reviled.”

lot of exploring and investigating, trying to find answers that you’ve been looking for for years and also for a way home.

A captivating game with exceptional detail in the environments. With the camera set in isometric, it is fixed in one place, but this really gives you the opportunity to breathe in the atmosphere and feel lost, in a good way.

Despite the desolate world and mutated creatures, there is a beauty to admire. This is complemented by a stunning soundtrack and soundscape.

Having been sent to the future, it’s helpful that every part of the environment is so inviting, as you will be doing a

The characters you meet along the way, are full of personality and individual goals. Adding to the story and making this a point n click game that is really worth playing.

EDGAR BOKBOK IN BOULZAC Genre: Adventure, Point’n’Click Developer: La Poule Noire Publisher: La Poule Noire Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

“Boulzac, where an 800 year old fire rages beneath the surface, and weird things are afoot.”

the humourous dialogue and unhinged characters. Your adventure will be full of nutty conspiracies, lightning-fast cats and ancient secrets.

Come for the sharp and colourful art style, stay for

You might finish the game within 2-5hrs, but it is well worth the journey.

REVERSION THE RETURN Genre: Adventure, Point’n’Click this sci-fi adventure through Buenos Aire with puzzles, mysterious devices and a resistance fighting back against the Tyranny of Sergio. Is this the end, or the The third and final chapter of beginning? “After meeting the mysterious man from the photograph, you know that the only way to save your city is to join the Resistance.”

Developer: 3f Interactive Publisher: 3f Interactive Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

BUILDING THE FUTURE Through ancient history, wars of the past and modern marvels

BUILDERS OF EGYPT: PROLOGUE

what is to come. The graphics are clean and gorgeous, the tutorial is easy to follow Do you remember that game and not overloaded with information and I had fun. from the past Pharaoh or Now although there is a lot Children of the Nile, maybe shown in the Prologue such even Caeser 3? They are as the building mechanics, titans of the city building Genre: CityBuilder, Strategy, genre growing the population and Simulation and examples of how to make production chains, there is Developer: StrategyLabs them the right way. So when still a lot to BE shown before a new city builder appears on we can all decide that it is the the market there are going to next big city builder to fall in Publisher: PlayWay be a considerable amount of love with. It only just touched Link: Twitter comparisons. on trade and the buildings Available on: Steam Firstly I’d like to start with available are very limited. the good, I have thoroughly I have high hopes and enjoyed this little taste into expectations, but it’s too early to call this indie game a titan. RaginRamen IndieGame Recommends

“Create history, be history!”

BROKEN LINES Genre: TurnBased, Tactical, RPG Developer: Portaplay Publisher: Super.com Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

“With no intel or leadership to support them, these soldiers must fight their way back home before the horrors of war break them.” Crashed behind enemy

lines, you will guide these soldiers through the fog of war and hopefully, safety. Primarily this is a tactical game where strategy is paramount, but what makes it stand out to me is the story and hard choices you have to make along the way.

SIM AIRPORT Genre: Strategy, Tycoon, Simulation Developer: LV GameDev “You control everything, from the cruise-altitude decisions to the smallest ground-level details.” A game for the meticulous of us. Strive for perfection in

this detailed simulation of an Airport. Starting with just one terminal, you then research, build, expand and play the fuel market till you reach cloud 9 status.

Publisher: LV GameDev Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

NEW RELEASES WEEK 10 [3rd-9th MARCH] CURSE OF THE DEAD GODS Genre: Action, Adventure, Roguelite Developer: PassTech Games Publisher: Focus Home Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

DEATHBLOOM: CHAPTER 2 Genre: Survival Horror, Puzzle Developer: Vincent Lade Publisher: Vincent Lade Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

HORIZONâ€™S GATE Genre: TurnBased Strategy, Adventure, RPG Developer: Rad Codex Publisher: Rad Codex Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

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THE LONGING Genre: Idle, Adventure, RPG Developer: Studio Seufz Publisher: AS Heidelberg Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

YES, YOUR GRACE Genre: RPG, Kingdom Management, Simulation Developer: Brave At Night Publisher: No More Robots Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

OBEY YOUR KING In this life or the next, loyalty is rewarded

YES, YOUR GRACE

“To say nothing of the war. A careful balance must be struck. Your throne awaits.”

Genre: RPG, Kingdom Management, Simulation

From all the games I’ve played this month, this has been the most absorbing for me.

Developer: Brave At Night Publisher: No More Robots Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

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Let’s talk story. Choice plays heavily and your decisions have lasting effects on characters, in particular your family. The story itself remains mostly linear but don’t let that detract you from playing multiple playthroughs as different endings are depending on your actions.

As this is a mostly narrative game, don’t expect much in terms of gameplay mechanics. Keep an eye on resources, don’t get people killed and enjoy role-playing as a benevolent or mad king. This is more a test of your management skills and your moral compass. Trust me when I tell you there are hard choices to make and some regrets. Lastly, I must not forget to heap praise on the soundtrack and the lovely motifs that accompany each character.

THE LONGING Genre: Idle, Adventure, RPG Developer: Studio Seufz Publisher: AS Heidelberg Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

“In utter loneliness deep below the surface, it’s your task to wait for the awakening of your king... for 400 days.” If I had been told that there is a game that takes 400 days to finish and most of it is walking around really slowly, I would not have been impressed. On paper, it sounds crazy (and not the good kind), but in practice, it is incredibly peaceful and strangely immersive. Now keeping in mind that I have come to this game late and am now playing under quarantine, it awakens several mixed, but

interesting feelings. I have plenty of time, to explore this underground city, collect flint for the fireplace and read the numerous books on the shelf. These are FULL books you can read from cover to cover. The little Shade has become increasingly relatable and has inspired me to slow down, take in the experience and the surroundings. To think a while and learn the mysteries at a pace. For some, the walking speed may be too slow and I won’t argue with that, this isn’t a game for everyone. Those that do stick with it will be pleasantly rewarded though.

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

TRUST NO ONE It’s a cruel world out there, full of curses and betrayel

CURSE OF THE DEAD GODS Genre: Action, Adventure, Roguelite

“Corruption builds in you with every step encourage or ignore it, but each powerful curse can be a double-edged sword.”

divine power. As the name of the game implies, there are plenty of curses and you decide how quickly the curses set in.

Through combat, weapons I love double-edged swords! and if you decide to purchase No not in terms of weaponry... rewards with gold or blood, Developer: PassTech Games Well maybe in those terms there are plenty of ways to gain more corruption. You too. What I mean is, there’s Publisher: Focus Home might think you are getting no good without bad. Consequences, monkey paws more powerful, but the games corruption mechanic will be and curses. Link: Official Site there to teach you a lesson. Available on: Steam Hack and slash through several dungeons in search of Still in Early Access, but well worth the purchase. treasure, eternal life and

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DEATHBLOOM: CHAPTER 2 Genre: Survival Horror, Puzzle Developer: Vincent Lade Publisher: Vincent Lade Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

“Filled with puzzles, traps, and hidden passageways that explore the secrets of its dark history and occupants.” The eerie conclusion to the Bachman Manor story. Taking inspiration from

classic survival horrors such as Resident Evil, explore secret rooms and put your brain to the test with puzzles. Be cautious and don’t get caught in the Deathblooms mist.

HORIZON’S GATE Genre: TurnBased Strategy, Adventure, RPG Developer: Rad Codex “As an explorer, trader, or privateer. Unravel the secrets behind Dominio’s betrayal or sail off in search of your own adventure.” After the initial prologue at

the beginning, once you have your own ship, the world is your oyster. You can go anywhere and be anyone you want to. Make your mark on the lands of Eral, carve out your own story.

Publisher: Rad Codex Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

OUT NOW ON PC, MAC and SWITCH

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READ MORE IN NEXT MONTH ISSUE

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

NEW RELEASES WEEK 11 [10th - 16th MARCH] BONE MARROW Genre: Puzzle, Strategy, Adventure Developer: HugePixel Publisher: HugePixel Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

BRIGHT BIRD Genre: Adventure, Platformer Developer: Shockwork Games Publisher: bilibili Link: None Available on: Steam

CLIMBROS Genre: Action, Adventure Developer: Toucan Studios Publisher: Art Games Studio Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

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DREADLANDS Genre: TurnBased Strategy Developer: Blackfox Studios Publisher: FatShark Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

NEON CITY RIDERS Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG Developer: Mecha Studios Publisher: Bromio Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

STELA Genre: Atmospheric, Platformer Developer: Skybox Labs Publisher: Skybox Labs Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

BEAUTIFUL WORLDS Views to take your breath away, filled with dangers

BRIGHT BIRD Genre: Adventure, Platformer Developer: Shockwork Games Publisher: bilibili Link: None Available on: Steam

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â€œBegin your exciting journey, find the bright bird to save the world!â€?

themselves to this atmosphere.

Each character has a story of As can be seen above, this is their own, whether it is finding an extremely beautiful game a lost thing or even with an art style to compliment sometimes a man who is also the eastern culture it takes its a sword. stories from. Meeting each one of these characters has been truly a highlight of the game. There is a true sense of mythology and fairy tale when travelling through this world, It is a magical experience, the not only in the quest to find music only adding more the Bright Bird, but the flavour with its melodic environment and characters rhythm. met along the way lend

BONE MARROW Genre: Puzzle, Strategy, Adventure Developer: HugePixel Publisher: HugePixel Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

“Journey to different places of the Middle Ages that should be cleared from evil creatures.”

known puzzle “2048”. As the sun rises, you now collect your loot and fight the creatures of evil.

This is a game of strategy, By night, put your sword and where preparation is key to shield in order, swiping them survive. back and forth as in the well-

CLIMBROS Genre: Action, Adventure Developer: Toucan Studios

“Climb, jump, swing. Invent your own climbing style: effective and attractive!”

challenging conditions. From snowy rocks to drifting asteroids, put your climbing skills to the test.

Great snappy controls with smooth movements will take you through a variety of

And while you’re out there, make new friends and watch out for those boss fights.

Publisher: Art Games Studio Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

HERES TO THE FUTURE! May it be filled with apocalyptic adventures and beauty!

STELA Genre: Atmospheric, Platformer Developer: Skybox Labs Publisher: Skybox Labs Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

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“Overcome daunting challenges, treacherous terrain, and gargantuan beasts while traversing a decaying land.”

pieces of a puzzle that you can put together to try and understand the mystery better.

As gameplay mechanics go, it A game of few words and vast is a pretty mediocre cinematic scenes. platformer, leaving more emphasis in solving puzzles and enjoying the visuals and It’s pretty obvious that we are music. traversing a post-apocalyptic land from all the dying trees and mutated monsters, what This is the true star of Stela, isn’t obvious (and gives it that its breathtaking soundtrack extra flavour) are the tiny isn’t just pleasing to listen to, details. it is a character in itself, breathing extra life into the The monoliths you pass by and how other creatures react world and captivating your emotions. around them. These are all

DREADLANDS Genre: TurnBased Strategy Developer: Blackfox Studios Publisher: FatShark Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

“An unforgiving environment where life and death revolves around the constant struggle for Glow, a resource as valuable as it's enigmatic.”

post-apocalypse. With trigger-happy locals, Pull out your weapons of choice and activate those cards.

Shoot twice, or break the The Misfits will run this world. hearts and minds of your Pick your crew for travelling enemies. the patchwork biomes of the

NEON CITY RIDERS Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG Developer: Mecha Studios “Free the decaying futurist Neon City that has been seized by a group of superpowered gangs!” In a neon city oozing with colour and personality, four

rival gangs are vying for power. Defeat the crime lords and unite the city under one rule!

Publisher: Bromio Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

Take on a variety of missions and spot the many easter egg references to games of old.

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

NEW RELEASES WEEK 12 [17th - 23rd MARCH] ASCIIDENT Genre: RogueLike, Platformer, RPG Developer: UAB Puzzle Lab Publisher: Black Maple Games Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

BOUNCE KNIGHT Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer Developer: Ceej Games Publisher: Ceej Games Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

LEGEND OF KEEPERS Genre: Dungeon Management, RogueLike Developer: Golbinz Studio Publisher: Golbinz Studio Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

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OSTRIV Genre: CityBuilding, Strategy Developer: Yevhen8 Publisher: Yevhen8 Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

THE LAST HAVEN Genre: Survival, Management, Simulation, Strategy Developer: Thunder Devs Publisher: Thunder Devs Link: None Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

WELCOME TO MANAGEMENT Their lives are in your hands. Do with it what you will.

LEGEND OF KEEPERS

“You have been hired as a dungeon master by the Dungeons Company. Your job is simple: protect their dungeons!”

of ‘employees’ and two pools of traps, scattered between are magic rooms and finally if all else fails, you step in yourself as the boss fight.

Genre: Dungeon Management, RogueLike

This tickles the dungeon master within me. Gathering a pool of minions to fight for me and laying traps in wait for those no-good goody twoshoe heroes.

What makes this exceptional is the strategy involved, eyeing up hero weaknesses and strengths, but also where they are likely to attack so you can best position your minions employees.

Developer: Golbinz Studio Publisher: Golbinz Studio Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

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As you can tell, I love this concept. Partnered with roguelike mechanics has created a style of game I never knew I needed. Each dungeon battle is done in phases. You have two pools

And just like roguelikes, there are rooms between dungeons that offer events and chances to boost stats. Oooh, it’s good to be bad.

OSTRIV Genre: CityBuilding, Strategy Developer: Yevhen8 Publisher: Yevhen8 Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

“Make player's creations to become alive and believable communities where real-life problems would arise.”

calmer and more enjoyable. Even with it being less stressful, it is not without its difficulty.

What may be simple to learn, will be forever to Many drawn comparisons to master, and that is a cityBanished, but I’ve found it builder I can get behind.

THE LAST HAVEN Genre: Survival, Management, Simulation, Strategy Developer: Thunder Devs “Do not let residents die, survive the nuclear winter. Hold on till Spring”

different by shifting more focus on managing the society and their needs. This means food, warmth, shelter and most importantly - safety.

We see many survival city builders out there but this one A lot of potential means this is is trying to do something one to keep an eye on.

Publisher: Thunder Devs Link: None Available on: Steam

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

LIFE ON A PLATFORM Adventure in space or brave the dungeons for your beloved dog.

ASCIIDENT Genre: RogueLike, Platformer, RPG Developer: UAB Puzzle Lab Publisher: Black Maple Games Link: Twitter Available on: Steam

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“Entire areas of the asteroid have already been abandoned. Life here moves at its own pace and by its own rules.”

create a huge sci-fi world to explore.

The base game is an openworld roguelike. For the moment there is only one location, the asteroid, but there are 6 more locations being developed in Early Access. The ambition is to

There is so much more to talk about that I can’t fit here, from the creative minigames and puzzles, to a mad-eyed cow in need of a mushroom fix. Just take my word for it and check out the game.

What stood out to me is also the mining and crafting mechanics. Quite common in an open-world game but not There is something charming so in a roguelike. and attractive about a game Creating that all-important that is well done in ASCII, a item to get to the next area certain admiration and has suddenly become so curiosity. satisfying

BOUNCE KNIGHT Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer Developer: Ceej Games Publisher: Ceej Games Link: Official Site Available on: Steam

spot on. When finding yourself in rooms full of spikes and booby traps around every corner, you have to use your ingenious wit and trampoline sword... Yes, that's right, a common solution to all your troubles is thrusting your sword into a wall and using it Life can’t always be a serious as a trampoline. adventure with consequences and morality And the Princess doesn’t That is just one of its many always need saving. charms, along with different character skins. Ever wanted to play a If I learnt anything from John chicken knight on a mission Wick, it is this. to rescue their dog? 1. Over the top is good. 2. Don’t mess with the dog. Finally, I mustn’t forget the variety of mini-games From the start, it feels like the available to play and the Dev has taken on this sage many secrets to discover. advice to create an This isn’t a very long game, experience truly worth but you will definitely enjoy it. playing. “As the beloved hero you must delve into the Pekomancer's fortress and rescue your beloved pet dog and maybe rescue the princess while your at it.”

Now go save that dog! On its own, the platforming is

Issue 2 [Weeks 9-13]

COMING APRIL 23 ON PC, MAC and SWITCH

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