Every single week there’s a ludicrous amount of video game releases. Some may be big blockbusters, some may be quick and nasty shovelware, but others are the hidden indie gems that we just love to uncover. I’ve done my best to sift through all the releases to bring you the indie highlights of February 2021. Miss January’s feature? Click here to see 7 exciting indie games that released in January 2021!

The big releases that won’t be getting a full mention in this month’s feature include the spooky yet cutesy Little Nightmares 2, Nintendo’s latest WiiU to Switch port Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, another glimpse at the World of Darkness universe with Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood, Sony’s destruction derby themed multiplayer game Destruction AllStars, A new Bravely Default game, and the latest Musou game Persona 5 Strikers. But if you’re just here for the smaller releases, then look no further!

Blue Fire

Developer: ROBI Studios
Release Date (Aus): February 4, 2021
Platforms: Switch, PC via Steam
Genre: Action / Adventure

“Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the perished world of Penumbra to explore unique temples filled with increasingly difficult 3D platforming challenges, diverse enemies, quests, collectibles, and more. Slash daunting adversaries, leap through deadly traps and master the art of movement.”

An adorable little hero, a 3D world to explore, hack ‘n’ slash combat, and some sick wall-running to boot. Blue Fire looks like the amalgamation of so many awesome titles and we’re super keen to see how this one plays out. It’s hard to pass up a good-looking 3D platformer and Blue Fire seems to have all the components of a classic. The collectables, the expansive and mysterious world, and even an adorable mascot. This will be one to watch for sure.

Henry Mosse and the Wormhole Conspiracy

Developer: Bad Goat Studios
Release Date (Aus): February 5, 2021
Platforms: PC via Steam
Genre: Adventure

“*POW!* Join Henry and the Mosse family in a wholesome point-and-click adventure about cosmic evil, secret family legacies and growing up.”

A point and click adventure that’s instantly reminiscent of some of the biggest and best names in the genre. Henry Mosse is a coming of age story that looks to tell both a personal and an intergalactic tale at the same time. Add in some wacky characters and some traditional point and click humour and you have a formula for a really solid release. Not to mention this game is made in our home town of Melbourne. Represent!

Speed Limit

Developer: Gamechuck
Release Date (Aus): February 17, 2021
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC via Steam
Genre: Action

“Speed Limit is a non-stop genre-warping arcade experience that never slows down. No cuts, no lapses in the chaos, Speed Limit is an old-school action extravaganza boiled down to its core elements: Hard. Fast. Addictive.”

This retro title is going hard and fast, literally. The nonstop action and speed of this release is exhilarating just to watch, let alone play. Those pixel graphics and that animation quality is super impressive and the old-school stylings are very enticing. The way the game swaps between different classic arcade genres is also very cool to see. I have no idea if I’m a pro enough gamer to beat this title but I certainly intend to try!

Shattered – Tale of the Forgotten King

Developer: Redlock Studio
Release Date (Aus): February 17, 2021
Platforms: PC via Steam
Genre: Action RPG

“The old world is gone, lost with the disappearance of the King. Reforge reality in this dark action RPG through skill-based combat, innovative open-world platforming and the testimonies of survivors… some more trustworthy than others. Are you ready, Wanderer?”

Releasing out of Early Access this month is Shattered – Tale of the Forgotten King. This Action RPG is instantly striking. The art style has a dark beauty about it and the slick movement and combat already have me hooked. With towering, formidable foes and reactive swordplay, the title may draw inescapable comparisons to Dark Souls. But already we can see how this one sets itself apart, with a blending of full 3D battles and 2.5D platforming. It already seems well-received in Early Access, so we can only hope the full release is even more special.

30XX (Early Access)

Developer: Batterystaple Games
Release Date (Aus): February 17, 2021
Platforms: PC via Steam
Genre: Action Platformer

“Jump, shoot, and slash your way through 30XX, the roguelike action platformer you can play with a friend! Explore lush, ever-changing worlds that mix precise platforming with fevered combat. Destroy fearsome Guardians. Master unique Powers. Rediscover the thousand years we’ve lost.”

Usually I’d avoid including Early Access titles in a list such as this, choosing to instead highlight the game upon its full 1.0 release. But 30XX already has so much fanfare behind it and it’s hard not to get swept up in that excitement. I mean just look at that trailer. The retro inspiration is palpable, the colour and vibrancy is addicting, the rogue-lite mode is super enticing, and the promise of both local and online coop gameplay just pushes things to the next level. Quite genuinely I’m very excited for 30XX.

King of Seas

Developer: 3DClouds
Release Date (Aus): February 18, 2021
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC via Steam
Genre: Action RPG

“King of Seas is an Action Role playing game set in a procedural pirate world. An epic adventure awaits you in a fantastic world, dotted with fights, lost islands and treasures. A universe that will keep you anchored as you struggle to become the king of all pirates.”

There just aren’t enough video games featuring genuine piracy and naval combat. That’s simply a fact. Thankfully King of Seas is looking to remedy that when it releases later in the month. Promising a deep narrative, a dynamic world, and even ship customisation, King of Seas appears to be the next seafaring adventure ready to get you singing shanties on the high seas. It’s also one of the few games hitting every single major console. So no matter where you game, King of Seas can be on your radar!

THE SHORE

Developer: Ares Dragonis
Release Date (Aus): February 19, 2021
Platforms: PC via Steam
Genre: Survival Horror

“THE SHORE is a first person story driven game with an atmospheric environment and narrations, You will encounter mysterious creatures and unravel the secrets behind them. Strong elements of horror, struggle to survive an unknown world that will make you question your own sanity.”

Wearing its inspiration visibly on its sleeve, THE SHORE is a Lovecraftian tale full of eldritch horrors and Cthulhu-esque abominations that are ready to hunt you down and make your day grim. The monster designs in this title could make even the most desensitized horror fan a little squeamish as gigantic, tentacled beasts loom in the distance and eventually hunt you down. The world seems full of not just horror but mystery and puzzles too, making THE SHORE quite the tantalising release.

Curse of the Dead Gods

Developer: Passtech Games
Release Date (Aus): February 23, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC via Steam
Genre: Roguelike

“You seek untold riches, eternal life, divine powers – it leads to this accursed temple, a seemingly-infinite labyrinth of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and monsters.”

Another Early Access graduate is releasing this month with Curse of the Dead Gods. This Roguelike may draw comparisons to last year’s Hades, although that certainly isn’t a bad thing. With different weapons giving the player different attack patterns, you’ll venture down into a dimly lit dungeon where all number of enemies will be hiding in the shadows, ready to strike. The combat looks frenetic and satisfying and added depth comes from the game’s curse system and other mechanics too. We can’t wait to get this one in our hands.

Taxi Chaos

Developer: Team6 Game Studios
Release Date (Aus): February 23, 2021
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Genre: Driving / Simulation

“Get behind the wheel and get ready for a brand-new taxi experience! Drive around the city as the seasoned cab driver Vinny or the self-proclaimed ‘influencer’ Cleo, and pick up the craziest of customers!”

The spiritual successor to Crazy Taxi is here! Taxi Chaos looks like the exact game you’d want it to be. A stupid, ludicrous, and utterly bombastic taxi simulator presented in a colourful and cartoony world. The jump, leaps, and drifts showcased in the above trailer look super satisfying and gleeful. If this game can capture the spirit of Crazy Taxi then we welcome it with open arms!

Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos

Developer: Heliocentric Studios
Release Date (Aus): February 24, 2021
Platforms: Switch, PC via Steam
Genre: Adventure

“Rogue Heroes is a 1-4 player classic adventure game with modern rogue-lite elements. Team up with friends to combat procedural dungeons, explore an expansive overworld full of secrets and take down the Titans to save the once peaceful land of Tasos!”

This adorable Adventure game looks like an old-school Zelda fan’s dream. With Roguelike and RPG mechanics sprinkled in for good measure, players can expect to go out into the world and slash some foes while exploring an expansive overworld that’s promising tons of secrets. It’s also playable both locally and online with up to 4 players! Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos looks like a lot of genuine fun and we can’t wait to see more.

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So there you have it, 10 super exciting indie games releasing throughout February 2021. If there was a game you’re excited for that didn’t appear on this list, please let us know! We hope everybody is excited to check out these hidden gems and even more in the coming months!