Indie Game Reviews Roundup

By June Ramli

Sydney, July 21: I recently reviewed several standout indie games using the Alienware M Series laptop. Goons: Legends & Mayhem offers a vibrant, chaotic twist on ice hockey (Rating: 7/10). Fractals of Destiny blends turn-based and real-time combat in a compelling semi-open world RPG (Rating: 8.5/10). Broken Roads delivers a narrative-driven RPG set in post-apocalyptic Australia with a unique Moral Compass system (Rating: 8.5/10). Astor: Blade of the Monolith combines dynamic combat with stunning graphics inspired by classic action RPGs (Rating: 8.5/10). You can read more about these reviews below and the laptop used to review the games here.

Goons: Legends & Mayhem

Title: Goons: Legends & Mayhem
Genre: Sports, Action
Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation (coming soon), Nintendo Switch
Developer: Firestoke and RageCure Games
Release Date: April 11th, 2023

Review: “Goons: Legends & Mayhem” delivers a vibrant and chaotic twist on ice hockey, blending sports action with cartoony brawling. Supporting 1-6 players, the game offers various match options from 1 vs 1 to 3 vs 3, featuring both PvE and PvP modes, as well as a full story campaign. Players select from eight characters, each belonging to one of three classes: Sharpshooter, Enforcer, and Wingman. Each character boasts unique abilities, such as deploying explosive mines, freezing opponents, or teleporting, adding strategic depth to the gameplay.

Final Verdict: While the cartoonish art style and fast-paced action are engaging, the steep learning curve and complex controls can pose a challenge. The game emphasises teamwork, but its chaotic nature can sometimes lead to confusion, particularly in multiplayer matches. Despite these hurdles, “Goons: Legends & Mayhem” offers a unique and fun experience for those seeking an unconventional hockey game.

Rating: 7/10

Fractals of Destiny

Title: Fractals of Destiny
Genre: Semi-Open World RPG
Platforms: PC (Steam)
Developer: Krakatoa Studios
Publisher: Soft Source Publishing
Release Date: April 6th, 2024

Review: “Fractals of Destiny” leaves Early Access with its full release on April 6th. Developed by Krakatoa Studios and published by Soft Source Publishing, this RPG combines turn-based combat and real-time action in a semi-open world setting. The story follows Zerva, a heroine fighting to end a catastrophic war between two factions, offering players a rich narrative and character-driven quests.
Exploring the game’s world is a highlight, with diverse landscapes, cities, and hidden secrets waiting to be discovered. The combat system, which mixes strategic turn-based elements with real-time sequences, keeps battles engaging and varied. Players can develop Zerva’s skills and abilities, allowing for deep customisation and progression.
The crafting system is another strong point, enabling players to create weapons, armor, and potions. Side quests and sub-missions provide additional content, encouraging thorough exploration of the game world.
While the blend of combat styles may take some time to master, it ultimately enhances the gameplay experience. The game’s visuals and sound design are impressive, further drawing players into its universe.
One of the standout features of “Fractals of Destiny” is its engaging story. The narrative is compelling, with well-developed quests that keep players invested in Zerva’s journey. The innovative combat system, combining turn-based and real-time action, adds a unique twist that keeps battles fresh and exciting. The semi-open world is immersive, with varied environments and secrets that encourage exploration. Extensive character and skill customization options allow players to tailor their experience, while a robust crafting system offers the ability to create gear and items that enhance gameplay.
However, the game does come with a few drawbacks. The complex combat mechanics can present a steep learning curve, which may be challenging for some players initially. Additionally, the depth of the game’s various systems might be overwhelming, particularly for those new to RPGs.

Final Verdict: “Fractals of Destiny” successfully blends different RPG elements into an immersive experience. Its strong storyline, dynamic combat, and customization options make it a standout title, despite some initial complexity.

Rating: 8.5/10

Broken Roads

Title: Broken Roads
Genre: Narrative-Driven RPG
Platforms: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox (Nintendo Switch coming soon)
Developer: Drop Bear Bytes
Release Date: April 10th, 2024

Review: “Broken Roads,” from indie developer Drop Bear Bytes, is a captivating narrative-driven RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Australia.
Set in a meticulously recreated Australian wasteland, “Broken Roads” combines exploration, strategic turn-based combat, and significant philosophical choices.
The story centers around the unique Moral Compass system, which influences dialogue options and quest decisions based on four philosophical leanings: Humanist, Utilitarian, Machiavellian, and Nihilist.
The game’s authentic portrayal of Australia is a standout feature. Locations are recreated from real towns and landmarks in Western Australia, and the atmospheric soundtrack, composed by Tim Sunderland, uses instruments made from everyday objects, adding a unique tone to the game.
The classless character development system offers extensive customisation options, allowing players to build their characters around their chosen philosophy. The strategic turn-based combat is both challenging and rewarding, requiring careful planning and execution.
“Broken Roads” provides a distinctly Australian take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Its rich narrative, expansive world, and thought-provoking moral choices make it a must-play for RPG fans. The game director, Craig Ritchie, and his team have created a deep, expansive RPG filled with colorful characters, intriguing mysteries, and challenging moral dilemmas that set it apart from other games in the genre.

Final Verdict: “Broken Roads” delivers an engaging and immersive RPG experience with its authentic Australian setting, rich narrative, and innovative Moral Compass system. It encourages players to think deeply about their choices and their consequences, providing a satisfying and thought-provoking adventure.

Rating: 8.5/10

Astor: Blade of the Monolith

Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox S/X Series, Nintendo Switch
Developer: C2 Game Studio
Publisher: Versus Evil, tinyBuild
Release Date: May 30, 2024

Review: Astor: Blade of the Monolith is an indie action RPG from C2 Game Studio that combines dynamic combat with stunning graphics. Inspired by Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and Zelda, this game offers a thrilling experience across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
In Astor: Blade of the Monolith, you play as Astor, a young warrior on a mission to uncover the mysteries behind his creators’ untimely demise. Set on the mysterious planet of Gliese, the game features intense battles against 16 different enemies and 10 formidable bosses. The combat system allows for extensive customisation, with 4 unique weapons and a variety of dynamic skills and combos to master.
The game’s standout feature is its runic power system, which lets players summon powerful constructs to aid in combat. The story spans over 20 hours of gameplay, including main quests and side quests that encourage exploration of Gliese’s diverse landscapes. Additional challenges, such as combat trials and a New Game+ mode, provide extra depth and replayability.
Astor: Blade of the Monolith excels in its visual presentation, utilizing Unreal Engine 4 to create a visually stunning and immersive world. The game’s engaging storyline and customizable combat mechanics make it a compelling addition to the action RPG genre.

Final Verdict: Astor: Blade of the Monolith offers an engaging and visually impressive RPG experience. With its rich combat system and extensive gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of action RPGs.

Rating: 8.5/10