What if Tony Hawk was actually a bird? What kind of game choices would you make playing as a postwoman in the ‘80s? Could you use your emotions to help guide a quartet in a forest? The summer has been overwhelming for the most part for many of us — from mounting pandemic concerns, to even more polarizing political conversations, it’s easy to quickly find yourself doom-scrolling for hours into the night. Thankfully, video games like Skatebird and The Forest Quartet exist to help ease our minds out of the hubbub of the real world and into the vibes of a video game experience that really feels good.
The video games featured in this article all made major splashes in the indie game world and mainstream social media for their distinct narratives, unique main characters, and feel good vibes that transcend the medium. Some may have inadvertently cropped up on your phone or laptop screens and others may have never come your way if not for this conversation. Whether you’re new to games or are a hardcore video game freak, taking a chance on any of these titles when they release will certainly be a safe bet.
Skatebird is an upcoming skateboarding video game developed by American studio Glass Bottom Games. Scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows September 16, 2021, Skatebird features a dope soundtrack and unique skating controls similar to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, except that the player controls a small bird on a skateboard instead of a human.
Developed by Mads & Friends and published by Bedtime Digital Games, The Forest Quartet is a 3D narrative puzzler about a gone, but not forgotten, lead singer. In it, players control her spirit and travel through three acts unique to the members of her band for a final farewell concert. The narrative asks players to face their emotions, solve puzzles, and fight the corruption plaguing their souls, all the while enjoying the gorgeous sights and sounds of an indie puzzler set to release in 2022.
Sky: Children of the Light is an open world social indie adventure game developed and published by Thatgamecompany. Per Nintendo, the game comes from the award-winning creators behind Journey (2013 Game of The Year) and the highly-acclaimed Flower and is a ground-breaking social adventure that is set to warm your hearts. Players explore the enchanting world of Sky, a beautifully-animated kingdom waiting to be explored by you and your loved ones. In Sky, you arrive as the Children of the Light, spreading hope through the desolate kingdom to return fallen Stars to their constellations.
About Lake on Steam:
It’s September 1, 1986. You take on the role of forty-something Meredith Weiss, who returns from the big city to her quiet hometown. She exchanges her busy career at a software company to fill in for her dad, the local mail carrier. During her two-week stay in beautiful Providence Oaks, Oregon, she runs into a few familiar faces as well as plenty of new folk. As Meredith, you get to decide who to talk to, who to befriend and perhaps even start a romantic relationship with. Whatever happens, at the end of her stint she’ll have to make up her mind: return to her demanding job in the big city, or stay in the town she grew up in?
A Short Hike has an equally sweet description: a little exploration game about hiking up a mountain. Players take up a charming little expedition up the mountainside landscapes of hawk peak provincial park. Along the way, players meet other hikers, discover hidden treasures, and take in the world around them.
Last but not least isn’t an indie title but still welcomes some of the most endearing, exciting, and engaging gameplay, wholly deserving of any gamer’s time. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a role-playing video game developed by Capcom and Marvelous and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows. It takes place in the world of Monster Hunter but sets its narrative apart from the first game in the series. You play as the grandson of Red, a legendary Rider. The story begins with a fateful encounter with Ena, a Wyverian girl who has been entrusted with an egg with the potential to hatch into a legendary Rathalos which could wreak havoc if awakened to its destructive power.
