GAMERS DECIDE - best indie rpg games

To the Moon - Beach Episode: 10 Things You Need To Know

MarineMyste — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 17:58:38 +0000

What if you have a chance to rewrite your life? Would you take it?

This is the basic premise of the stories made by the game company: Freebird Games. They have three main games, specifically “To the Moon”, “Finding Paradise”, and “Imposter Factory”. In these stories, Dr. Eva and Dr.Neil are the main protagonists. They can grant wishes of people who are about to meet their end with the help of their machine.

Freebird Games is about to release their latest installment entitled “To the Moon - Beach Episode”. The name implies that the experience would be light and fun for the audience as the characters would probably go on their vacation.

Despite this, fans already have their suspicions that this game would be more than a “beach episode”. User "KeeperofUntoldDreams" commented on their official YouTube channel.

"Given what this series is, I'm still prepared for feels."

Freebird Games isn’t fooling anyone with their titles anymore. Fans have learned, and are ready for the “feels”. With basic background out of the way, here are 10 things fans need to know why “To The Moon - Beach Episode” is worth buying.

1. Everyone is Here!

Fans would be thrilled to know that every single main character from each trilogy would be all in one game. Questions such as “how would they interact” would be answered in this latest installment. Eva, Neil, Roxanne, and Lin will be also joining the party. The other two doctors will finally have the chance to meet Eva and Neil’s patients throughout the years.

There are visuals from the game’s Steam page that show everyone having a great time. There is River and Johnny on the beach, Colin’s family enjoying a fancy lunch, and Quincy and Lynri enjoying their vacation in a pool. However, there is something fishy found within the game’s description:

“Join familiar faces from To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Impostor Factory in this narrative adventure filled with mini-games, mysteries and relaxation, as well as--

Wait, most of the characters here should already be dead.”

Well, I guess we can only know more once we play the game.

2. More Than One Ending?!

Every game under Freebird Games only has one ending since time in memorial. Their focus is to give an impactful narrative. Their stories feel like a well-written and compacted novel with a bittersweet ending every single time.

However times have changed. According to an interview with Kan Gao (the main writer for Freebird Games), he wishes foryou to find the “actual ending scene”. This implies that there is more than one ending, and that fans have to do a little digging to find it.

It is exciting to see how Freebird Games would handle a narrative with multiple finales Would each one be as bittersweet and tragic? What message are they trying to impart to the audience with each ending? These are just some of the questions you’ll have about the game’s new direction.

3. You can be Part of The Game!

“We’ve always wanted to give the community a memento of the series itself. But also a way for the community to be part of the game itself.”

“Everyone who contributes to this campaign will be able to leave their own name and message into upcoming To the Moon - Beach Episode”

This was Kan Gao’s message to the fans in the trailer of his recently launched Kickstarter campaign. “Bestest Memories” is a card game that launched on Kickstarter back in August 15. More information can be seen through the link here. You can purchase any reward tier, from 5$ to $285, to include your name and message on the beach episode permanently.

Kan Gao also mentioned in the trailer that you can share your unique code in order for your friends to see your message, and vice versa.

The team of Freebird Games care for their fans over the years. This latest installment is not just another project but also a collaboration between them and their audience.

4. One to Two Hours of Gameplay

Have you ever watched a movie that made you cry? Despite its two hours of run time, compared to an 18 hr game or a TV show, they’ll forever be immortalized in your mind as you reflect about them. That is how every stories in Freebird Games’ feels like. They are short yet meaningful. To the Moon has around four hours of game time, and the same goes for the rest of their main games.

According to a livestream posted in Kan Gao’s Youtube channel, he shares that “It’s longer than a minisode but shorter than a full game”. Included in those hours are the multiple endings that were teased in his interview. What’s not included, however, are the number of hours you would sink in once they replay the game. Freebird Games have high replayable value due to their narrative and impact to the audience.

5. A Growing Sandcastle Built by You and the Doctors

It's revealed in the Bestest Memories’ Kickstarter page that one of their milestones was building a sandcastle in the game. It would feature a cute moment between the four main doctors. On top of this, it is said that the sandcastle would grow and scale alongside the Kickstarter campaign. It would be a visual representation of the community’s collective love and effort towards the series. The more the campaign is funded, the bigger the sandcastle grows. It will start from something small only for it to grow beyond your imagination.

This feature would be similar to the messages left at the beach as the love of the fans will continue to live on in the game. Future generations would be able to see just how much of an impact the game left for thousands of people.

6. A New Animated CG

Freebird Games mainly release pixelated games. This can be seen in their trailers. The same cannot be said for this beach episode.

This isn’t the first time these games have animation, Freebird Games love to heighten the climax with music and computer graphics (CG). To the Moon and Finding Paradise each had one CG. Imposter Factory took it to another level by having one CG and one short animation.

The trailer is currently the longest animation the studio has done. The full version may be seen in the game itself, and fans are already deciphering it’s meaning. This is also why a lot of the fans feel as if this Beach Episode is a main game rather than a side story. The side stories didn’t have a singleCG nor an animation, only the main ones.

7. Available on Limited Platforms

Freebird Games is an indie studio with a limited budget. It is their goal to impart a lasting narrative rather than invest on high end graphics that would compete with other triple A games. As such, they prefer personal platforms like Android and Nintendo Switch.

It goes without saying that “To the Moon - Beach Episode” will be released on PC. It will be available on Steam, GoG, and the Humble Bundle store. There are no announcements for other ports. However with gradual release of their games on other devices, perhaps you can enjoy it on their androids and switches in the years to come.

8. To be Released at the End of 2023 (Beach Episode on Christmas?)

At the end of the game’s trailer, it was revealed that it’s release date is around the end of 2023 (December). The beach episode will also be released alongside their latest card game: Bestest Memories. This is confirmed by the released dates in their Kickstarter which states “Dec 2023”.

It’s comedical to think that a beach episode would be published during the time for Christmas. However, this is a great opportunity for the studio as Christmas seasons are usually the times people are willing to spend. The game can serve as a gift for themselves or their loved ones. It is also the month where people receive Christmas bonuses from their bosses, or cash from their relatives.

This is also a great chance for you to buy it at the cheapest price possible as Steam usually creates a Christmas sale for 99% of their games.

9. A Story About Eva

To the moon, and Finding Paradise focused on the patient’s stories, while Imposter Factory explored Dr. Neil’s backstory. Unfortunately Dr. Eva’s hasn’t gotten her spotlight just yet. Her story only had hints shown in the franchise but never truly explored. Perhaps this time things would be different.

The trailer heavily implies that major plot points will focus on Eva. Fans have been speculating about her story way back in 2015 when Sigmund Minisode was released. It raised a lot of questions. In the game, there was a scene when Eva was talking to someone when everything glitches and it shifts to her using a machine. Fans recognize it as the same machine Eva and Neil use for their patients to rewrite their memories.

There is a high chance that this game will finally have an explanation as to what exactly was happening to Eva and the machine.

10. Not the End, but a Long Rest

The most heartbreaking news was when Kan Gao revealed in an interview that this game will leave a “finale feel” to its audience. It will serve as some sort of conclusion to the entire series so far. Hopefully this game will answer every question, big or small, that were scattered in the previous installments.

Kan Gao is open to continuing the “To the Moon” franchise. However he has declared that this beach episode will serve as a stopping point for a while. The franchise deserves some rest, and the team will be open in creating new projects separated to the world of “To the Moon”.

If you are interested in story heavy or pixelated indie games, here are more articles you can read to discover more of them.

[Top 10] Best RPG-Maker Horror Games (Ranked Fun To Most Fun)

Top 20 Best Indie RPG Titles

Stardew Valley: Should You Buy It?

Main Image caption:

It's finally time for the doctors to get their well deserved vacation

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[Top 15] Best Indie RPGs

Alina Lazarte — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 23:25:41 +0000

15. Last Epoch - 2019 (PC)

Last Epoch is an action, hack-and-slash game set in the fantasy lands of Eterra. You have been sent to a ruined future. Your goal is to reforge this terrible future by uncovering the secrets of the past. Choose over 15 classes, masteries, and over 120 skills with their augment tree to learn. This gives you a lot of freedom to control your playstyle. Plus you can craft items and enjoy the randomized loot system. Explore this magnificent world while enjoying the main story. Play with your friends in the multiplayer mode. Or try every way and see how hardcore it can get.

Choose this game if you like...

Easy to learn but hard to master games.
Replaying games. Last Epoch will surely make you come back.
ARPGs.

Fun factor score: 90/100

If this capture doesn’t make you want to try it, I don’t know what else will. Everything is so carefully done. From the character to the smallest detail on the floor.

14. Town of Salem - 2014 (PC / Adobe Flash Player)

Town of Salem is a strategy browser-based game. A game to test the player's deduction skills to lie and detect when other players are lying. There are 7 to 15 players divided into Town, Mafia, Serial Killers, Arsonists, and Neutral alignments. Each one has a role to play. You don't know anybody's alignments. You'll have to figure it out. Can you guess who are the bad boys?

Choose this game if you like...

Detectives, investigation. Among Us game concept. Town of Salem has its unique design but the goal is the same as among us.
Multiplayer experience.
Party games like Mafia and Werewolf.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Salem town with the players waiting to start the game. You can see each character is unique, customization is a serious business in this town.

13. Shadows of Doubt - 2023 (PC)

Shadows of Doubt is a one-of-a-kind detective stealth game. A procedurally-generated sandbox located in a charming fully simulated noir city. This place is filled with crime and corruption. Your goal is to solve mysterious crimes using your detective skills. Investigate, gather evidence, and find and trade information. Anything you need to help clean the city. The citizens are independent, each citizen has an apartment, job, preferences, and friends. This world keeps moving on without you, making playing entertaining and surprising. Talk to every citizen out there and use everything you have to clean the city.

Choose this game if you like...

Mysterious atmospheres. While talking to the citizens you learn that no one can be trusted.
Pixelated artwork.
Living worlds. The city goes on no matter if you’re online or not.

Fun factor score: 100/100

A criminal about to be arrested. Notice how it’s dressed as a normal citizen. The game will not provide you with easy hints.

12. Graveyard Keeper - 2018 (PC / XBOX / PS4 / Android / Nintendo Switch)

This particular game is a cemetery sim. You are the Graveyard Keeper. All you have to do is build and manage your graveyard. The goal is to make it profitable. For this, you can entertain the villagers with witch-burning festivals, or scare them. Do whatever it takes to grow a prosperous cemetery business. Face ethical dilemmas and explore dungeons. Do not be afraid to make questionable decisions.

Choose this game if you like...

Dark comedy.
Sims. This title is a one-of-a-kind simulation.
Economy management.

Fun factor score: 100/100

This great foggy visual is proof that the game is much more than what it seems. You can find very charming locations in different weather.

11. Hades - 2018 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / Android / Nintendo Switch)

You are the Immortal Prince of the Underworld. You must challenge the God of the Dead while fighting hordes of enemies in this rogue-like dungeon game. Hack and slash your way out of this mythological Underworld, Hades. Survive the fast-paced action and discover a rich story that takes reference from Greek mythology. Meet Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and many more. In Hades, you can choose thousands of builds for your character. Discover them surrounded by beautiful hand-painted environments

Choose this game if you like...

Frenzy games.
Lore. there's an infinite amount of stories and dialogues.
Blood and darkness.
This game is perfect, trust me. If you like hack-and-slash games, this is the one.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Look at this epic battle between Theseus and The Minotaur in a detailed scenario. The artwork is astonishing.

10. Gamedec - 2021 (PC / PS5 / Nintendo Switch)

Gamedec is a cyberpunk point & click game. You are a gamedec. Someone who solves crimes using your wits and gathering information. This single-player game adapts continuously to your choices. Based on the novels written by Marcin Sergiusz Pryzbylek, Gamedec focuses on the narrative. The game has no battles, it's all about the virtual experiences you can have. A very distinguished game where you'll encounter extortion, kidnapping, murder, and more. Are you brave enough to face this horrid danger?

Choose this game if you like...

Great narratives.
Investigation and mystery.
Futuristic worlds.

Fun factor score: 95/100

Isn’t it hallucinating the level of detail and realism there is in this room? Quite similar to The Sims.

9. Valheim - 2021 (PC / XBOX)

Embark on a challenging adventure in a procedurally generated mystery world. Inspired by the Viking culture, in Valheim 1-10 players can engage in brutal exploration and survival. Fight unique enemies; Build mighty shelters; And rule as you strive to create an epic saga worthy of Odin's favor!

Choose this game if you like...

Vikings. The game is set in a natural world where you’ll live as a Viking.
Survivals.
Fantasy. In Valheim there are a lot of fantastic creatures and places to discover. Some are friendly, and some are better left unseen.

Fun factor score: 95/100

Take a look at this player who encounters a blue giant troll in the middle of the forest. Creatures like this are commonly seen in the world of Valheim.

8. Omori - 2020 (PC / PS4 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)

Explore this psychological horror game and meet its colorful characters. Live the story of Sunny, a hikikomori, and its alter-ego. Defeat your fears and discover your emotions. In Omori, you will dive into a deep story involving emotions like anxiety and trauma. The path you choose will determine your fate and maybe the fate of those who surround you.

Choose this game if you like...

Heavy psychological exploration.
Making choices. Your decisions matter and can unlock different endings.
Shocking stories that may leave you bitter.

Fun factor score: 100/100

A beautiful scene of the four characters talking to a gator guy. The color choice is spectacular.

7. Craftopia - 2020 (PC / XBOX)

A beautiful open-world survival action game. Craftopia mixes various mechanics and genres like hunting and collecting, craft, hack and slash, harvesting, building, and more. Create your character and join this utopic world where the possibilities are endless.

Choose this game if you like...

Cute little fantasy creatures in lovely environments.
Build and craft type of games.
Exploration and socializing. Although it can be played alone, the best experience is sharing the game with fellow players.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Three players gathered around a campfire. Such a relaxing moment in a gorgeous place.

6. Death Trash - 2021 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)

A post-apocalyptic open world with handcrafted levels. Explore this world full of cosmic horrors in the shoes of a punk buddy ready to fight whatever stands in his way. Death Trash has a dark story campaign and optional local cooperative gameplay. The game allows the freedom of choosing things like kill everyone or don't kill at all. Travel through this grotesque pixelated world filled with interesting characters and locations. Experience the intriguing lore and a beautiful hand-painted environment.

Choose this game if you like...

Classic RPG games.
Intense lore with immersive campaigns. Lovecraftian
Lovecraftian related. This game has many references to Lovecraft. Lovely.

Fun factor score: 100/100

A very dark capture of a ruined city. Devastation is presented in a pixelated strange artwork.

5. The Slormancer - 2021 (PC)

Enter an epic 2D world of adventure in The Slormancer. A dungeon crawling game where you’ll face off armies under the command of a malevolent sorcerer from ages past. This absurd yet captivating RPG features gleaming treasures to uncover; Numerous collectibles to obtain; Endless hours to play a fast-paced combat game; And meticulously crafted pixelated artwork. Take part in this procedurally generated adventure world and explore seven different upgradable environments. Explore a place where there’s always something different to do.

Choose this game if you like…

Mastering abilities with passives and ancestral skill trees.
Superb soundtracks. If you like great atmospheres with cool music you’ll probably love The Slormancer.
Absurd, irrational games. In this world, nothing makes a lot of sense.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Look at this dark dungeon and the general design. Everything is smoothly placed.

4. Haven - 2020 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / Nintendo Switch)

Haven is an RPG romance adventure. A story of two lovers who leave everything they know behind to elope on a deserted planet. A love, defiance, and liberty story. Traverse through the enigmatic terrain. Navigate a disunited universe, and fight the obstacles that threaten to divide them. You can control both characters at the same time, Yu and Kay. Or you can play with your special one. Explore the planet, gather resources, and enjoy life as a couple.

Choose this game if you like...

Romance. That is what the game is about. Pure romance.
Simple games with an intense authentic relationship story. The dialogues between Yu and Kay are the biggest attraction.
Great atmospheric soundtracks.

Fun factor score: 60/100

Kay to the left and Yu to the right in an epic battle. As you can see both have the same skills which is why you can control both by yourself.

3. Book of Travels - 2021 (PC)

Prepare yourself to venture into this world of fables and enigma. Tailor your character and plunge yourself into the magical realm of Braided Shore. Determine your objectives. Explore by yourself or meet fellow travelers on your journey in this peaceful TMORPG. Book of Travels allows you to roleplay without restraints. The character customization focuses on personality instead of stats and classes. You can even set personal goals. The level of freedom to write your journey in your playstyle is huge. In your travels, you’ll encounter random events that will make your story different from the last game. Join this little but exciting online community where dozens of stories intertwine.

Choose this game if you like...

Online experiences. Although you can play by yourself, the magic of the game resides in the unique experiences granted by the community.
Book of Travels is for those who like to wander around and travel without a mission to lead their way. You have complete freedom to choose your path.
Hand-made artwork. This game has a unique design and if you’re an art lover, it will make you love every single corner.

Fun factor score: 95/100

The level of artistic abilities put into this work is mind-blowing. The characters have such a unique design.

2. Solasta: Crown of the Magister - 2020 (PC / XBOX)

Take control of four heroes that complement one another in this turn-based tactical RPG. You’ll have to roll a dice to decide who goes first. Discover the world of Solasta in all its magnificence. Enter dangerous dungeons and fight while enjoying a dynamic environment. Plan attacks and seize opportunities as they arise. Position your comrades strategically as you engage in combat that spans throughout the battlefield in Solasta. Your decisions matter, but your destiny is left to the roll of the dice. You can also craft your dungeons using the in-game Dungeon Maker.

Choose this game if you like...

Tactical games.
Deep storytelling. As with most RPGs Solasta has an extensive story to offer.
D&D. This game has the same mechanics with the dice as in D&D.

Fun factor score: 90/100

One of the many dungeons you can enter in the world of Solasta. This one makes me feel dizzy. It’s terribly high!

1. Project Zomboid - 2013 (PC)

Project Zomboid is a thrilling sandbox game that focuses on survival in a world overrun by zombies. You must gather resources. Build Shelters. Craft Weapons. And fight the undead to stay alive. Play by yourself or with friends in coop multiplayer mode. The game features a challenging RPG-style skill set. There’s a vast map to explore and the option to customize your surroundings. The challenge is that a single bite from a zombie will mean the end of your journey. Do everything you can to delay the day of your passing.

Choose this game if you like...

Deep and realistic gameplay mechanics.
Ambitious games. The number of features in Project Zomboid it’s a challenge. There are so many things you can do that it can be endless.
Hardcore games. Project Zomboid requires time, patience, deep thinking, and skill.

Fun factor score: 100/100

A police officer walking outside at night. A dangerous decision but at least he’s armed, with some luck he’ll survive.

Also be sure to check out:

The 10 Best Indie Games Loved By Millions Worldwide

Top 15 Best Indie Games on Steam (To Play in 2019 & 2020)

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