As the festive season rolls in, the ID@Xbox team is buzzing with excitement to reveal this month’s selections for Indie Selects. But before diving in, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who’s backed indie games on Xbox throughout the year. Indie Selects is our cherished space to highlight the eccentric and unparalleled. For some, the perfect game doesn’t have to be a blockbuster; it might be a well-crafted, heartfelt narrative or a refreshing twist on an old concept. It might even defy categorization altogether. Thank you for exploring our recommendations and cheering for brilliant game developers on our platform.
Moving forward, instead of a one-week Indie picks collection for December, we’re expanding it to feature three weeks of 2024 Indie Select Highlights. Starting December 11, every Wednesday we’ll spotlight 18 standout titles that debuted this past year. Don’t miss out – head to the Indie Selects section in the Xbox Store under the Games Home tab for a trove of must-have indie games.
Looking ahead, on January 28, 2025, we’ll commemorate the first anniversary of this initiative with a special 2024 Anniversary Collection. We’ll curate six top Indie Selects from the past year, showcasing them in a spectacular collection for all to enjoy. We have plenty more surprises, sales, and collections coming in 2025, but let’s keep our focus on what’s immediate.
December is teeming with standout titles. We had an overwhelming number to choose from that challenged conventions through unique design, intricate mechanics, emotional storytelling, and just pure fun. Everyone had strong opinions on what to feature. Some of us were still clinging to spooky vibes from October, craving the thrill of a good scare. Others yearned to bond with a majestic wolf to ride into adventures. Some sought the thrill of getting lost in an enigmatic world with complex choices or simply in their own creativity. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a selection that appeases everyone here, and we’re confident you’ll find something worth remembering. Here’s what’s on offer this month (no particular order):
Are you in the mood to feel a little more? Neva is just the ticket. I played through it last weekend and found myself captivated by its stunning visuals and haunting music, often moved to tears. It’s a profoundly touching and enjoyable game from start to finish.
As a follow-up to the evocative Gris, Nomada Studio refines their artistry. Gris was a masterpiece; Neva enhances that base with simple yet satisfying platforming and combat. It won’t take you more than five hours to complete, but those hours are bound to leave a lasting impact. If the battles seem daunting, the “Story Mode” eases the difficulty, letting you savor the journey without fear of a game-over.
Visually compelling, Animal Well is a whimsical 2D virtual playground brimming with abstract puzzles in eerily lifelike settings. You control a squishy blob navigating a dark world, where understanding its strange language and mechanisms unlocks new paths. The creatures in the well play a crucial role in problem-solving, and since combat is absent, avoiding some creatures creatively is often the puzzle. Even after the game’s conclusion, many more secrets await discovery.
This game made a special mark on me. Initially, I couldn’t pin down why each gameplay minute gave me chills. Eventually, it dawned on me – your tiny blob isn’t the real star; the environment is! With gratifying interactions constantly unfolding, diving into the world’s deepest mysteries leaves you questioning the developers’ intentions. My goals evolved with each uncovered secret, making discovery itself the reward. If you relish unearthing every game secret without online hints, prepare to test your mettle and enjoy the journey.
Theme park enthusiasts who adore simulations and strategy will find Planet Coaster 2 immensely rewarding. I’m a sucker for both strategy and creativity, and this hit all the right notes for me. Enter a vibrant world of extraordinary graphics right from the start. Characters adeptly guide you through the game’s interface, tasks, and park management. There’s an abundance of options to mold your dream theme park – hours can just fly by! The intuitive coaster builder empowers you to manufacture rides as exhilarating as you can imagine, while the management aspects rein in your creativity, challenging you to balance staff, finances, and visitor satisfaction for smooth operations.
Sharing your creations with fellow players and downloading theirs adds another interactive layer of fun. It’s mind-blowing to witness others’ creativity! You can even incorporate their designs into your park. Whether you’re a veteran park manager or new to the genre, Planet Coaster 2 provides a perfect mix of community, strategy, and creativity!
Phasmophobia delivers a chilling horror experience where you confirm the ghost haunting your investigation sites using various ghost hunting gear. Each ghost type results in specific supernatural signs, which you identify to solve the case and win.
However, the real thrill is in gathering those clues. By skillfully utilizing classic horror tricks like sound and lighting, the game crafts an immersive haunted house atmosphere, always keeping you on edge. With no means of defense, the only strategy is speedy completion while sidestepping danger.
Playing with a group of friends amplifies the excitement. There’s something hilariously terrifying about hearing your buddies scream over voice chat about their impending doom, followed by a tense silence. Truly, it showcases the game’s best, most terrifying moments.
Capturing the essence of ’90s horror, Fear the Spotlight is a nostalgic adventure game with puzzle-solving and an immersive storyline. Vivian and Amy sneak into their school at night for a séance, resulting in Amy’s disappearance. Vivian must navigate through the school, avoid detection, and unravel the institution’s mysterious past.
Pursued by a one-of-a-kind enemy—a man with a spotlight for a head—there’s no combat, making stealth essential for survival. The game focuses on slow-building tension rather than constant jump scares, making for a gripping narrative experience.
In Slay the Princess, is it really a love story? Presented as a visual novel and interactive choose-your-own-adventure, the objective is to kill the princess—but discovering the reason is key. You’ll explore various options given by a “narrator,” leading to new narrative layers and shifts in how others perceive you.
Engage decisions that shape the princess’s form and result in new storylines unfolding in an endless cycle. The classic pencil art style captivates, bolstered by a stirring musical score and top-tier voice acting. It’s haunting, delightful, and deeply compelling. Oh, expect frequent deaths, but don’t let that deter you; it’s all part of the charm.
