BitSummit, Japan's premier independent games development expo, has come to a close, leaving gamers buzzing with excitement over the showcased indie titles. Held annually in Kyoto, the event offers a platform for developers from Japan and around the world to showcase their creations. This year's edition featured an impressive lineup of over 90 indie games ready to captivate players.

Let's take a closer look at some of the intriguing titles that caught our attention during BitSummit:

SCHIM

Developed by Extra Nice, a Dutch studio, Schim presents a visually stylish game centered around a little frog-like creature called a Schim. In the game, players must embark on a journey to reunite a person with their lost Schim, which is essentially their soul. This quest unfolds in a unique way, as the Schim can only traverse through shadows, shaping their own story as they pass through other people's shadows.

ANIMAL WELL

Animal Well, published by Bigmode, a company founded by YouTube personality Jason 'Dunkey' Gastrow, promises a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre. In the game, players control a cute blob, solving platforming and exploration puzzles rather than engaging in combat. The captivating retro-inspired art style adds to the enjoyment of the game.

PEGLIN

Canadian studio Red Nexus Games presents Peglin, a delightful fusion of Peggle, Puzzle Quest, and rogue-lite elements. Players must navigate turn-based battles by firing a ball at Peggle-like fields of blocks, with more hits resulting in greater damage. The game's progression includes acquiring items and buffs to enhance abilities, making it thoroughly engaging.

SKY THE SCRAPER

Sky the Scraper centers around Sky, a window cleaner working on enormous tower blocks. The game's challenge lies in efficiently clearing dirt from windows using a harness while managing an energy gauge. Cleaning too much or encountering hazards can lead to disastrous consequences, keeping players on their toes. Upgrading abilities and purchasing new equipment are part of the game's light rogue-lite elements.

EXCYCLE

Excycle, developed by Bandai Namco's Gyaar Studio, offers an enjoyable unicycle racing experience. Players navigate through colorful fantasy stages using mouse controls, pedaling the bike, steering, jumping, and attacking enemies with clicks. The game's accessibility and fun factor make it a delightful addition to the collection.

TEMPOPO

Tempopo, the brainchild of Witch Beam, the studio behind the popular indie game Unpacking, presents a puzzle game reminiscent of Chu Chu Rocket. Players manipulate panels on a stage to control the movements and actions of characters moving continually. The game's focus on jazz music and the rhythmic gameplay offer a relaxing and satisfying experience.

BLUE WEDNESDAY

Blue Wednesday offers an interactive story following the life of Morris, a jazz pianist residing in Evans City. Players explore the world of Morris, interacting with various characters and playing mini-games to enhance the narrative. The game's jazz-inspired soundtrack adds to its charm, promising a captivating experience.

GIFT

Gift starts with a mysterious premise and promises emotional revelations as the story unfolds. Players assume the role of a character waking up on a sinking cruise ship, leading to a rescue mission to save fellow passengers. The absence of dialogue creates an intriguing atmosphere, making Gift a unique and promising adventure.

AKURRA

Akurra, a retro-inspired open-world puzzle game, captivated many attendees with its classic NES or Game Boy Color aesthetics. Players solve block-pushing puzzles and collect keys in a delightful 8-bit style reminiscent of Link's Awakening DX. The game strikes a balance between nostalgia and modern conveniences, offering a rewarding gameplay experience.

Thank you for joining us at BitSummit 2023! Keep gaming with EGW for more exciting updates and adventures in the world of entertainment and gaming. Stay connected for the latest news and reviews - the fun continues with us! Stay tuned and game on with EGW!