LVL UP EXPO aims to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds to encourage creativity, passion, and a competitive spirit on an engaging platform. This year, they achieved this by featuring more than 25 indie developers on the first floor.
LVL UP EXPO is a three-day annual event that brings together people from all backgrounds to celebrate creativity, passion, and competition on a global platform. The first LVL UP EXPO was held in 2013. The convention has moved to the Las Vegas Convention Center in the city’s heart. The expo features competitive gaming, inspiring artistry, and community-building activities throughout the three days (and nights).
The Game List
We roamed through the Indie Game Developer corner at LVL UP EXPO and were truly amazed by what we got to experience. Therefore, we’re here to share the loot so players can show their support and Wishlist some gems on Steam.
1. Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom
Buy for $16.99 on Steam | Developer: Panik Arcade
Let’s take a drive down nostalgia lane, gamers! Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom is a love letter to the beloved N64 era of “collectathons”. This chaotic platformer does not have a Jump button and requires you to string together your moves to reach new heights. Embrace the humor, pleasant art style, and bouncy mechanics while maneuvering through a smooth and fun story.
2. Victory Heat Rally
$19.99 on Steam | Developer: Skydevilpalm
For fans of Mario Kart, this one is for you. Victory Heat Rally is a “turbocharged neo super scaler arcade racing experience” circling the racetrack since October 2024. Additionally, reviews are excited over the soundtrack, art style, and thrill while immersed in the game.
3. Nanomon
Demo on Steam | Developer: Oscar Brittain
A charming and soothing creature collector featuring 2D graphics of adorable virtual pets that players can care for and keep company in the corner of their computer screens. This game is a cozy alternative for any Tamagotchi enthusiasts. Your virtual pets evolve, become your selected champions for battles against friends, and enjoy playing mini-games whenever you can spare.
4. Rose and Locket
Demo on Steam | Developer: Whistling Wizard
Follow Rose, a former outlaw, as they venture through the spirit realm known as the Underwest in search of their daughter’s spirit. Rose and Locket is an action-platformer adventure with a Western, supernatural theme, highlighting the 2D action across beautiful landscapes.
5. Prophecy
Demo on Steam | Developer: Gloomdreary Games
Prophecy is a heartfelt homage to Mothman fans! This narrative-driven first-person game delves into the intriguing history and mysteries that have fascinated many. With an atmosphere reminiscent of Slenderman and Phasmophobia, it offers engaging puzzles and a casual horror atmosphere for an entertaining experience. Just be careful not to encounter the Mothman as you explore Dewspring Farm.
6. The Bunny Graveyard
$6.99 on Steam | Developer: Pichon Games
The Bunny Graveyard is a horror, action-adventure pixel game where some cuddly creatures are looking for another helping hand for their garden. Released in September 2023 with “Overwhelmingly positive” reviews, this game promises a mysterious story, friends to make along the way, minigames, action-filled fights, and choice-driven interactions.
7. Pulsar Crash
Demo on Steam | Developer: Little Doctor Games
Pulsar Crash brings competitive twin-stick shooter gameplay back to the forefront. Between various ships, weapons, and stages, players will have multiple options to immerse themselves in the space-western atmosphere. If players enjoy fighting games and the heat of competitive showdowns, Pulsar Crash is worthy of their Wishlist.
8. The Wild at Heart
$24.99 on Steam | Developer: Moonlight Kids
The Wild at Heart is for players who enjoy story-rich gameplay and puzzles in a nostalgic, quirky storybook fantasy setting! Two young runaways are unraveling mysteries while they lead unique creatures to restore paths, battle beasts, and solve puzzles. Furthermore, with “overwhelmingly positive” reviews and nods from ScreenRant, this game is worth checking out!
9. Long Gone Days
$24.99 on Steam | Developer: This I Dreamt
Developed by This I Dreamt, this game is for players who enjoy story-rich and political Japanese role-playing games where choices matter. The world is at war in this modern-day setting, and finding hope through the ongoing chaos is crucial. Fans praise this game for being emotional, having smooth gameplay mechanics, and having an ominous soundtrack.
10. Through the Thorns and Curses
Demo on Steam | Developer: cupuah
Imagine combining a roguelike deck builder with a tabletop RPG! Through the Torns and Curses brings together the excitement of rogue-like gameplay with the strategic depth of deck-building, such as choosing cards wisely to amp up your deck. Players will venture out, face off in battles, and gather treasures along the way.
Ultimately, that wraps up the list of games we checked out that currently have playable content. However, in addition to that, other honorable mentions of various games include Combo Devils and Delivery Issues. More details on these titles will be announced soon on their Steam page.
