October is a great month for Switch indie games, as I discovered last year. Smaller studios are often able to get a bit more attention between summer and holiday season releases. If, like me, you’re eagerly awaiting the Stardew Valley 1.6 update on consoles (out November 4), good news: There are plenty of exciting-looking indie games to hold you over as you wait.
Between spooky shooters and cozy detective games, the following list of games should speak to a variety of gaming tastes. I didn’t include some of October’s more obvious indies, like Europa and Neva, as they’re already receiving significant hype from other writers. Let me know in the comments below if you plan on picking any of these titles up!
For the Super Sleuths: Arsene Lupin – Once a Thief
We love detective video games here at The Punished Backlog, so I’m thrilled to share Arsene Lupin – Once A Thief. In case you’re unaware, Arsène Lupin is a fictional character by French author Maurice Leblanc. What’s interesting to note is that the publisher is Microids, responsible for the Syberia series, multiple Agatha Christie games, Beyond a Steel Sky, and more. Microids has such a diverse pedigree, and this game looks like it’ll be a stylish new adventure.
Within the story, you’ll play as both Lupin and Detective Ganimard to solve puzzles about life, love, and crime. Like the beloved Ace Attorney series, you’ll search for evidence and question suspects to find missing clues. As with the Lupin books, the game description for Once a Thief suggests you’ll start the game as a burglar and become a hero along the way. I’m stoked to see the twists and turns of the story as the characters develop throughout.
Release Date, Platforms, and MSRP: October 17 for $39.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
For Those Who Need To Shoot: Kill the Crows
Kill the Crows is a Western-style top-down arena shooter. Using a classic revolver and various techniques, players must take down enemies with one shot, or else they’ll go down with one shot. You’ll fight cultist enemies and dodge unique attacks while learning the story of the gunslinger Isabella.
After its 2023 release on Steam, 5minlab’s Kill the Crows received glowing reviews from players. It reminds me of one of my favorite Switch games, Brotato. I feel like Kill The Crows will be an incredible game to play in handheld mode while on the go. I love the dark, pixel art style with its blend of fantasy and Western themes. And at a price of less than $5, it definitely seems worth a try!
Release Date, Platforms, and MSRP: October 7 for $4.49 on Nintendo Switch. Available now on PC and Mac via Steam.
For Those Who Need a New Metroidvania: Mark of the Deep
Mark of the Deep is a pirate-themed adventure game—made by Brazil-based Mad Mimic Interactive—where you explore a cursed island on a journey to find your missing crew. While playing as the pirate Rookie, you’ll meet other pirates, monsters, and creatures on this mysterious island. As you fight your way through 80 enemies and 16 bosses, Rookie can upgrade and unlock additional skills, abilities, and weapons to unlock new areas to explore.
In addition to featuring Metroidvania and Souls-like staples, Mark of the Deep has multiple endings, promising endless hours of replayability. I’m particularly interested in checking this one out as the art style feels reminiscent of Hades, with its rich colors and clean graphics. At the time of this writing, there is a free demo for Mark of the Deep on Steam you can try if you’re considering playing.
Release Date, Platforms, and MSRP: October 8 for $24.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
For Those Who Want a Quirky Game: Monospaced Lovers
Monospaced Lovers is a new upcoming fantasy platformer with Metroidvania elements by Scarlet String Studios. You play as Clara, who wakes up to find a message saying her time left in the world of Haven Heights is running out. With a series of encrypted messages as clues, Clara and friends must work together and figure out what the hacker wants.
Monospaced Lovers includes quests, classic Zelda-like puzzles, and a storyline that reads like a visual novel. With a story that’s heart-breaking, anxiety-inducing, and laugh-out-loud funny, I’m intrigued to watch Clara’s journey unfold.
Besides the story, Monospaced Lovers features a variety of bullet-hell boss battles with unique platforming experiences. You’ll also have over 60 collectibles to find while exploring this Japanese-inspired town. Some things that stand out about Monospace Lovers are the beautiful hand-painted graphics and the chill beats. If you like challenges, vibes, and a good story, this may be the game for you.
Release Date, Platforms, and MSRP: $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
For Those Who Want a Cozy Game: Core Keeper
Okay, this one is a little bit of a cheat, because I’ve already been playing it on Game Pass! Core Keeper is a popular survival sandbox game that first released in early access in 2022 and officially launched in August of this year. The developers, Pugstorm, have been working hard on Core Keeper for years and have promised a roadmap of updates, too. It’s heavily inspired by Minecraft, Terrarria, and Stardew Valley.
I like the pixel art style, which reminds me of my favorite indie, Stardew Valley. It can be played single-player or cooperatively with up to eight people! This is a great game to play when you need something relaxing as you explore and mine your way through a procedurally generated underworld.
If you love the genre, you’ll certainly enjoy this game.
Release Date, Platforms, and MSRP: October 29 for $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
What’s Your Next Indie Game Purchase for Nintendo Switch?
Let me know in the comments!
