WASD is here again and I loved my first day. Though the event may not attract the exhibitors and the crowds of its counterparts, the atmosphere was fantastic, and the indie games will make you want to grab a controller and start playing. Additionally, there is a smattering of merchandise, a bar to keep you refreshed and a food area to fill you up. Moreover, the careers area will help those who wish to break into the industry. Accordingly, this cosy gaming day out offers enough to keep you entertained.
Though there were countless developers and publishers, a few stood out from the crowd. These stalls offered a unique experience that made me sit back and take notice. Furthermore, there were some world exclusive reveals and incredibly energetic and helpful crew members. As such, this article will highlight my favourite games from this year’s event.
Leading candidates at WASD.
PQube.
PQube always puts on a great show. Consequently, I wasn’t surprised when they welcomed myself and other gamers with open arms. However, unlike previous years, their stand only comprised one title! NanoApostle is a brutally tough experience that can currently be enjoyed as a demo on Steam. This dark sci-fi boss rush title will kick your ass repeatedly. Furthermore, its rogue-like elements are enough to drive you insane. In short, prepare to scream and rage-quit!
NanoApostle is a dark sci-fi boss rush action game featuring intense reaction-based combat and the unique “Destruction Point” system. Play as Anita, a child augmented with lethal nanomachines, as she battles against twisted cybernetic experiments to escape a top-secret facility.
ChaosCookieGames.
Squarelets is a cosy puzzle title that can be enjoyed on iOS. This simple experience won’t test your patience or your resolve. Instead, the blurred imagery allows your mind to connect the dots without seeing the final product. Though this sounds weird, it is oddly enjoyable and extremely addictive. Alongside this, it has unbelievably cute characters and the developers promise that more depth and game modes will be added to the base game. Consequently, if you want something to distract you during your commute to work, then this game will tick those boxes.
Squarelets is a cosy image puzzle to play when you want to relax and unwind. Immerse yourself in a world of vivid colours, charming graphics, and satisfying gameplay. Made with love 💜
Dragon Scale Studios.
Set Sail! is a co-op party game similar to Overcooked, Moving Out, and Tools Up. This pirate-themed title will make you laugh and scream. Moreover, you’ll shout at your friends as you fail an array of tasks. This highly polished experience is well-balanced, and I loved the stage design and the various tasks at hand. Alongside this, there are plans to expand gameplay options before it is released.
Set Sail! is a pirate-fueled top-down party game. Feel the sea breeze in couch co-op with up to 3 friends and learn the ropes: captaining a ship, hoarding treasure and fighting foes… whether it be monsters, British or each other in a splash of friendly fire!
Wired Productions.
Wired Productions aims to release a range of big titles this year. Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles is a simulation strategy title that is released across multiple platforms. Alongside this, there was information on Hotel Architect and Gori: Cuddly Carnage. Each of these titles is pencilled in for this year, so don’t miss out. However, what caught my attention was Arcade Paradise VR. This colourful immersive experience was entertaining and amusing. I loved the additional arcade machines and the realistic nature of the VR headset. Subsequently, if you love this gaming platform, you won’t want to miss this title.
Convert a derelict family-run laundromat in the rundown town of Grindstone into a thriving arcade business. Manually pick up gum, clean the toilet, do the laundry, throw out the rubbish, and manage profits by using your hard-earned coin to create an Arcade Paradise.
Junkfish Limited.
Can you make the most of the prohibition and create a thriving business in Bootleg Steamer? We all know that breaking the law is a big no, no. However, if you don’t get caught, have you even broken the law? Well, this nautical rogue-like resource management sim will push this ethos. Pick a ship, choose your captain, and create some crooked deals. After all, what’s life if there isn’t a little risk?
In this rogue-like game, you embark on your journey as a captain during the tumultuous American Prohibition. Overcome challenges like inclement weather, relentless Coast Guard pursuit, shrewd Mafia dealings, and your own financial pitfalls, all while ensuring your path to wealth remains….
Plenty more to see and do.
This is just a snippet of the great things you’ll see at this year’s WASD. If you love retro gaming, then Atari will float your boat. Additionally, Devolver Digital will blow you away with their Cult of the Lamb bar and photo shoot area. If this isn’t enough, WASD has some great multiplayer titles and an array of weird and wonderful indies. Finally, it wouldn’t be a gaming event without some up-and-coming developers. The university students make a splash with their eclectic blend of games. Though this isn’t the biggest event on the calendar, you won’t be disappointed by what you see.
(Full disclosure! WASD provided a press pass for the event!)
