The gaming landscape in Australia has already been bustling with remarkable releases throughout 2023. These games have placed Aussie game developers firmly on the global map. With hopes for another successful year in 2024, let’s explore this vibrant world of pixelated wonders and discover the standout titles from last year in the land of Down Under.
Showcasing Top Australian Games
Among the standout titles is “Broken Roads,” a narrative-driven RPG developed by Drop Bear Bytes. Set in a post-apocalyptic Australian landscape, the game offers a blend of exploration, strategic turn-based combat, and philosophical choices. If detective adventures are more your style, “Call of the Golden Valley” by O’Saurus Studios, featuring a female protagonist, presents a captivating Australian adventure with a perfect mix of fact and fiction.
“Superheroes and Historical Sagas”
The gaming scene also saw the release of “Capes” by Spitfire Interactive, where players engage in turn-based strategy battles between superheroes and villains. Adding a historical dimension, “CONSCRIPT” by Catchweight Studio, set during the First World War, immerses players in a survival horror experience filled with puzzles and challenges.
A Diverse Gaming Palette
For those who favor lighter themes, “Copycat” by Spoonful Of Wonder tells the heartwarming tale of a shelter cat, in contrast to the darker and more mysterious adventure in “darkwebSTREAMER” by We Have Always Lived In The Forest. “Dead Static Drive” by Reuben offers a unique blend of horror and survival, while “Diets & Deities” from Larrikin Interactive uses humor to critique global gentrification.
It’s intriguing to see how diverse gaming experiences reflect broader trends in entertainment. This is particularly evident in the world of online gaming. Similar to video games, online pokies in Australia have embraced a wide range of themes, offering immersive experiences that mirror the variety found in video games. These online games, ranging from adventure, Native American wildlife and history to fantasy and sports, show how different industries can inspire each other.
Puzzles and Visual Novels
The gaming journey continues with “Dinkum” by James Bendon, inviting players to an Australian outback adventure, and “DROS” by emergeWorlds, a 3D puzzle platformer set in a dark fairy-tale world. “Dryft City Kyngs” by magicdweedoo presents a vibrant 2D punk-cartoon world set in near-future Melbourne.
Another puzzle, “Gubbins” by Studio Folly, adds a charming touch with its puzzle game combining wordplay and whimsical adventures.
And finally, in the realm of visual novels, “Every Hue of You” by Cactus Jam Games offers a unique narrative experience. Sci-fi RTS fans have “Falling Frontier” by Stutter Fox Studios to explore, while “Final Profit: A Shop RPG” by Brent Arnold presents a thought-provoking critique of capitalism. For those seeking high-energy gameplay, “FreakenStorm TD” by Doodad Games offers an electrifying tower defense game, and VR enthusiasts can delve into the spooky world of “GHOST CAM” by ARCH REBELS.
There’s obviously many more, but we’ll stop here.
Wrapping Up with Whimsical and Innovative Games
So, to sum it up, these titles represent just a fraction of the innovative and diverse games released by Australian developers in 2023. Each game offers a unique experience, showcasing the creativity and talent of the Australian gaming industry.
Whether you’re into strategy, RPGs, horror, or lighthearted adventures, there’s something for every gamer in this impressive lineup.