The 8 Games I’m Excited About from Today’s Top Hat Studios Showcase
Labyrinth of the Demon King by Top Hat Studios and J. R. Hudepohl
I was always planning to watch this morning’s Top Hat Studios Showcase (it is a video game event, after all)--but I wasn’t going to write about it.
Then, just a few trailers in, I was overwhelmed by how good everything looked. These are the types of small and strange projects I strive to champion at Tactical Reload and I wasn’t about to miss an opportunity to introduce them to my readers.
However, I’m willing to bet my readers are sickos just like me and probably already have their wish lists packed to the brim with titles composed entirely of capital letters.
Either way, here are the eight I’m most excited for:
MOTORSLICE
Regular readers of the site already know how in love I am with MOTORSLICE. The action platformer combines parkour, a unique art direction, bloodthirsty construction equipment, and a cute girl with a chainsaw. This trailer gives a better look at the helicopter boss that’s been teased over the last few weeks (bosses in MOTORSLICE are going to be Shadow of the Colossus style spectacles).
If you’re interested in learning more about the method behind MOTORSLICE’s madness, I interviewed its creator last month (check the interviews tab, it’s right at the top).
BOMBSHELL BLITZ
As someone who is just beginning to learn 3D modelling, I aspire to create characters that are this simple, but at the same time, so charming and expressive. I wouldn’t consider myself a huge fan of twin-stick shooters (it’s worth noting this twin-stick shooter has an AC-130 sequence), but this already has me by the throat.
Everything shown today also had REALLY good music—and BOMBSHELL BLITZ was no exception.
Silly Polly Beast
Another one I’ve been following for a while.
Silly Polly Beast (not Silly x Polly Beast) is a top-down and side-scrolling shooter with a healthy dose of using a skateboard to bludgeon demons to death.
Just watch the trailer, it goes so hard.
It might be a side effect of watching dozens of trailers every day and following the industry so closely, but something about this reminds me of Swery and Suda’s new game, Hotel Barcelona (this statement is meant as a compliment–I love those guys).
Rogue Mansion
Rogue Mansion is a fresh take on classic survival horror (it’s a procedurally generated Roguelike–I’m assuming that’s where the “rogue” in the title comes from). Its inspirations should be obvious from that quick shot of the mansion’s foyer. While this comparison feels unfair, it would be cool if the Resident Evil randomizer community had a new, modern favorite.
Also, it might have photography (or at least using a camera flash as a defensive item)? You know I’m going to be there at launch.
Labyrinth of the Demon King
Labyrinth of the Demon King has been one of my most anticipated titles since its announcement. It’s a dark, grungy (emphasis on grungy), first-person survival game. Imagine if FromSoftware’s early titles were smothered with Japanese mythology and horror.
I played a demo for it last year and I can’t wait to check out the full release on May 13th (on console, no less!). If you’re also the kind of person who enjoys media that makes you want to take a shower, don’t miss this one.
J.R. Hudepohl, if you’re reading this, I’m still interested in interviewing you.
ZWAARD
This was my first time seeing ZWAARD and its graphical style made an immediate impression. How much of this game world is pixels and how much of it involves the clever use of 3D models? I’ve never seen anything that looks exactly like this and my curiosity is killing me. I need to learn more.
Oh, and the combat, both the guns and melee, looks like it has a satisfying weight to it.
Hero.EXE
I watched this showcase alone but I still got out of my chair and yelled “this looks so good” five seconds into this trailer.
Hero.EXE is an RPG that utilizes a combination of card and grid combat (think the Battle Network series). The art style is CLEAN.
Alisa: The Parting
Fixed cameras? Check.
Low-poly models? Check.
Running away from a boulder? Check.
Alisa: The Parting is another take on classic survival horror (keep making these, I don’t care–I’ll play one every day). I haven’t jumped into the Alisa base game, yet–but this glimpse has convinced me I need to make time for it before release. Can I play with tank controls?
If any of these projects caught your eye, remember to wishlist them on Steam. The event was relatively short (just under half an hour) and I’d recommend checking out the whole thing in case I didn’t cover something in detail that might grab you.
Thanks for reading. We still don’t have the list of games leaving PlayStation Plus next month. If they’re not posted by tomorrow morning, I’ll reach out to someone. Until then, I reported on a new Fire Emblem coming to Nintendo Switch Online last night and reviewed the lovely Botany Manor.
I hope your Tuesday has been kind to you, so far. We’ll talk soon.