The festive season is officially here, and the folks at ID@Xbox couldn’t be more excited to present this month’s Indie Selects. But before diving into what’s on offer, a massive thank-you goes out to everyone who’s shown love for indie games on Xbox throughout the year. Indie Selects is our way of spotlighting the truly bizarre and wonderful games that don’t have to be gigantic franchises to capture your heart. They can be heartfelt stories, innovative twists on old ideas, or just something delightfully quirky. So, thank you for embracing our recommendations and championing these incredible creators.
This time around, we’re switching things up a bit. Instead of a single-week celebration, we’ve lined up three weeks of Indie Select Highlights for 2024. Starting December 11, each week will showcase and promote 18 standout titles from the past year. Dive into the Indie Selects section of the Xbox Store every Wednesday (you’ll find it under the Games Home tab a few rows down) for your must-have indie treasures.
And mark your calendars! On January 28, 2025, we’ll celebrate our one-year mark with a special 2024 Anniversary Collection. We’ll spotlight six must-play Indie Selects from the past year to honor in this exclusive collection. We have more surprises, sales, and collections brewing for 2025, though let’s stay focused on the present for now.
November is bursting with choices. Our selection process was filled with debates over games that broke boundaries with their design, mystery, storytelling, and sheer fun. Some from our team were in the mood for the thrills only a giant wolf you can ride could provide, while others sought to immerse themselves in worlds filled with tough decisions or precious creative freedom. In the end, our list made everyone happy, and we believe it’ll leave a lasting impression on you, too. Check out what’s in store this month:
Neva is for those who aren’t afraid to feel deeply. Over the weekend, I dove into this game and was mesmerized by its stunning visuals and haunting music, not to mention the times it brought a tear to my eye. It’s a gorgeous and poignant experience that’s also immensely fun and engaging.
From Nomada Studio, Neva continues the legacy of their acclaimed game Gris with beautifully simple platforming and combat mechanics. Clocking in at around five hours, Neva leaves a powerful impact, encouraging deep reflection and emotional resonance rare in gaming. If combat isn’t your thing, its Story Mode lets you enjoy the journey stress-free with its no-death setting.
Another gem, Animal Well, is a beautifully mysterious 2D pixel art Metroidvania filled with mind-bending puzzles. You wander as a little blob through this eerie world, deciphering its secret language through abstract scenarios. It’s a world where creatures aid your progression through indirect interaction, whether by solving intricate puzzles or avoiding them entirely.
Animal Well embodies a living, breathing environment that you’ll get to know as intimately as any traditional character. Every inch of the game feels alive and essential, prompting you to question what each developer decision means, making discovery a core joy of the game.
For those with a taste for strategy and creativity, Planet Coaster 2 delivers an unparalleled theme-park simulation. Whether you’re a seasoned park manager or new to the genre, you’ll find yourself drawn into its vivid, customizable world. Building fantastical rides and managing park logistics are all part of the charm of this marvelous game.
Join a vibrant community where sharing your park creations, and exploring others’, adds a collaborative layer to the already rich strategy. Creating the ultimate theme park and sharing it with fellow players has never been more fulfilling.
Then, there’s Phasmophobia, which offers a chilling ghost-hunting experience. This game leans into the essence of horror, with sound and light setting the stage for paranormal investigations. Your goal is to identify ghosts by interpreting subtle supernatural signs, either solo or with friends, resulting in suspenseful fun punctuated by comic relief as teammates scream over voice chat.
The unique appeal lies in the thrill of uncovering clues while working under constant threat. Your skills are your primary defense as you gather evidence swiftly to avoid chilling consequences.
And for a retro ’90s horror vibe, Fear the Spotlight hits all the right notes with its focused storytelling and atmospheric tension. With no combat, it’s all about sneaking past threats and solving puzzles to piece together a mysterious backstory. It’s a wounded-love-letter to classic teen horror, offering a narrative journey augmented by tactile problem-solving and nail-biting suspense.
Completing the lineup is Slay the Princess, a unique visual novel that twists your expectations step by step. Your choices shape a bizarre and intriguing story that keeps evolving through your experience, enhanced by fantastic art, rich voice acting, and a dynamic musical score. Despite its charming outlook, don’t be fooled; it’s filled with plenty of dark surprises. Embrace your path and let the narrative unveil itself, even if it means meeting a few untimely ends along the way.
Each of these games offers its own thrill and meaning, promising unforgettable experiences. I can’t wait for you to dive in and discover what makes these indie selections so special. Enjoy!
