In My Shadow breaks free from the darkness in order to win The Digital Big Indie Pitch #7
Discover all the indie games pitched at our most recent digital Big Indie Pitch
The mobile games industry has long been known for all of the unique and different independent games that can be found around every corner within the various app stores. From the likes of Florence, to former Big Indie Pitch winners like What The Golf!?, we’ve seen many go from breakout hit to stardom. Nevertheless, with the potential next big thing hidden behind every corner, it can sometimes be somewhat hard to discover that next indie gem.
Well, this problem is exactly why we set up our regular international competition for indie developers, The Big Indie Pitch, around 8 years ago. From San Francisco to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, we currently run around 20 of these global events a year in order to showcase all the amazing new indie games in development. Of course, there are prizes and international recognition, but the reward is the chance to show all of you readers some of the latest games in development.
It’s 2021, and whilst we’re still keeping socially distant, that doesn’t mean that The Big Indie Pitch can’t continue to highlight all of the amazing indie talent found all over the globe. 2020 saw us place the spotlight on so many amazing games, all of which were covered right here on Pocket Gamer, so whilst we obviously can’t wait to get back on the road, we were understandably excited to continue highlighting the best indie games in development through our next digital Big Indie Pitch.
This mini-pitch, which we held due to the overwhelming demand for our previous pitches, saw 9 fascinating developers pitch their games to our established judges and journalists, and was once again extremely tough. In fact, not for the first time, we once again had a tie-break for the crown. Nevertheless, the judges did, in the end, settle on the top games from the pitch, with In My Shadow being crowned the winner.
Of course, In My Shadow, as you already know, was the winner, but we always award prizes for the top three. So read on to not only find out more about In My Shadow, but also our runners-up from The Digital Big Indie Pitch #7.
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1st Place - In My Shadow by Playbae
In this puzzle-platformer, players assume the role of Bella, a young woman who is now estranged from her family following a fallout and is struggling to come to terms with her past. As such, through your help, Bella must confront the memories of her past, which appear as shadows, and find a way to move forward with her life.
In order to achieve this, you will have to help Bella manipulate the shadows that appear on the walls in each of the rooms in her house, in order to process their meaning and impact. This gameplay, which seamlessly blends puzzle and platforming elements, not only helps to visualise the struggles Bella is facing, but also offers players a unique and clever experience. One that will require both smart thinking and varied dexterity.
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2nd Place - Nimble Dash by Compiled World
Nimble Dash is a multiplayer-focused 2D action platformer for iOS and Android in which players battle it out in order to call themselves the champion of a champion. Featuring a range of different modes, arenas to battle in, skills, and even single-player content, it's a game that hope's to keep players engaged for an extensive period of time.
Of course, on top of this content, it's worth pointing out just how gorgeous the presentation is, alongside how well created the game's extensive array of unique and personality-filled characters are. In fact, on top of just looking good, each character has 4 unique abilities - dash, attack, a unique secondary skill and a unique passive ability.
As with any good game built for mobile, players can look forward to short but exciting multiplayer matches that last from around 90 to 180 seconds. Of course though, as mentioned, there will be solo levels, and these can be played casually or on a master level so that players can hone their skills, and even grab some extra rewards. All in all, though, this is all about fast-paced fighting, action, and speed.
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3rd Place - Summoners Fate by D20Studios
With over a decade of player feedback underpinning the core experience, is a game that aims to offer players a highly accessible adventure game. One that combines turn-based tactical combat, deckbuilding and even free-roam exploration, whilst throwing in a healthy dose of heart and excitement.
Within the game, you as the player must decide the destiny of your Summoner by choosing not only which spells you will learn, and what teammates you recruit, but also where you go, what you do, and what type of hero you become. Additionally, players will find an expansive array of creative potential within the unique card combining mechanic that makes up the core of the gameplay. For example, want a squirrel army? Well, you can do that. Or maybe the ability to travel back in time, or manipulate gravity in order to defeat your enemy? Yes, that's an option too. You can even wreak havoc with an army of steampunk rats.
As such, with an open-world environment to explore, personality-filled characters to meet, real-time asynchronous and de-synchronous modes, and of course, endless battle options, Summoners Fate is a game that hopes to offer a little something for everyone.
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Unsteakables by Anteater Games
In Unsteakables you must use an array of wacky solutions in order to take down an approaching army of hungry meat-eating foes and help your lovable and cuddly friends avoid the dinner table. In order to achieve this, you’ll be able to equip the unlikely team of survivors with an arsenal of out of this world weaponry. Weaponry that should hopefully turn the tables in your favour and put your foes off their food for good.
From the ability to shoot Brussel sprouts and chilli powder, all the way to dodging UFOs, Unsteakables is a crazy mad-cap 2D bullet-hell shooter, one that hopes to inject a healthy dose of both challenge and fun into players who are looking for something a little different in their next game. So, if this sounds like something for you, then get ready to join Klaus in his trusty tractor as you take on crazy meat-eaters in haphazard flying machines, all whilst using an ever-evolving assortment of crazy upgradeable arsenal of weapons.
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Tiki Boom Boom by Ramble House Games
Developed by a solo developer, Tiki Boom Boom is a brand new take on the match-3 genre. One in which you must help the various different Tiki’s dance neatly around the board until the line-up together. In order to achieve this, you’ll take on the role of the dance master as you swipe in the correct direction to help the cheeky Tiki’s line-up together in a row of three.
In many ways, this title mixes the well-established Match-3 mechanic, with more traditional puzzler elements. In turn, laying down the foundations of what promises to be a fascinating game. One that looks set to offer the perfect amount of bite-sized fun for anyone looking for a new take on some of mobile gaming’s most established mechanics.
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Hair Bows by Diego Reis
In this platformer, players must utilise the power of their hair bow in order to traverse the environment, solve various puzzles, and take down enemies that stand in your way. It’s a unique mechanic, one that will see you manipulate not only the main character, but the environment itself in order to succeed.
On top of this, the game’s creator has also set the game within a bizarre and immerse world. One inspired by cartoons of the 1960s, such as the very first Mickey Mouse animations and Betty Boop, alongside the likes of Kiki’s Delivery Service and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
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Jumpers Zone by Mehregan Games
Jumpers Zone is a new take on the classic mobile genre of the endless runner. As you might expect, within the game the player will be able to jump, slide, and even utilise special power-ups as they look to keep powering on for as long as they can.
Of course, as you would expect, the further you go, the more coins and rewards you will earn. All of which can be used in order to buy not only booster skills that will help you go even further, but also new characters and skins to play as the next time you step up to the start line.
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Exploding Sheep by Dot Games
In Exploding Sheep players will step into the shoes of Uncle Moses, a shepherd caught in a minefield. As such, players must help Uncle Moses guide his flock safely across this troubled land all the way to safety.
Of course, though, you’re not alone, as Uncle Moses will also be able to rely on his loyal Dog “Wilson”. You can even sacrifice some sheep for the good of the flock, though this could be seen as something of a last resort. All in all, with gameplay that resembles the classic game of Minesweeper, but with some modern twists Exploding Sheep hopes to take places on a tactical adventure from peril to safety.
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XORBI by Sababa Media
XORBI is a location-based mobile AR multiplayer game. One that takes place within a sandbox environment and allows players to let their imagination’s run wild. From rampaging and rebuilding skyscrapers, leaving messages both hidden and visible, and even interacting with other explorers, XORBI offers players limitless ways to interact with their new environment. In fact, thanks to this, developer Sababa Media hopes to make XORBI the leading AR social destination for anyone with a curious and adventurous mind.
