LA Comic Con gave us the chance to explore some incredible indie games at the Media Indie Exchange (MIX) showcase. The MIX is known for curating some of the most exciting and innovative indie titles, I experienced some of those games at PAX West earlier this year. From heartfelt stories to adrenaline-pumping gameplay, the games I experienced really stood out. Here’s a closer look at the games that caught my attention.

1. Ink Inside

Developer: Blackfield Entertainment LLC
Publisher: Entalto Publishing
Platforms: PC, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation 5

What Is Ink Inside?

Ink Inside is a co-op, beat-em-up RPG that feels like stepping into a Saturday morning cartoon. The game follows Stick, an unfinished doodle trapped inside a box of old notebooks. As the story unfolds, a leaking ceiling transforms these once-friendly doodles into soggy monsters, and Stick must battle through them to save his friends.

The combat combines dodgeball mechanics with traditional beat-em-up action. Players can use Dodgeball “Cores” to hurl projectiles and chain combos, keeping the action fast-paced and fun. The game’s aesthetic, voice acting, and story are all inspired by classic animated shows, with each character boasting unique abilities and personalities.

Why Ink Inside Stands Out

One of the first things that grabbed my attention was the emotional depth of Ink Inside’s story. The game manages to combine light-hearted cartoon charm with real emotional stakes. The poignant live-action cutscenes explore themes of memory and friendship, making the gameplay feel even more meaningful.

The team behind the game includes developers who worked on Steven Universe: Unleash the Light, so it’s no surprise that Ink Inside nails the whimsical yet heartfelt tone. The voice cast, featuring Brian David Gilbert and Deneen Melody, also captures the spirit of Saturday morning cartoons, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for fans of classic animated shows.

Accessibility was another area where this game excelled. Richard Mansfield, the Director of team at Blackfield Entertainment, explained to me that it is crucial they make Ink Inside enjoyable for everyone.

2. Rogue Flight

Developer: Truant Pixel, LLC
Publisher: Perp Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Steam

What Is Rogue Flight?

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Star Fox 64 collided with an 80s space anime, the answer is Rogue Flight. This stylish space shooter lets you pilot a variety of spacecraft across the Sol system, engaging in fast-paced aerial combat. The game’s art style, with its retro analogue-video aesthetics, is a homage to classic anime like Gundam and Robotech.

Players can choose between standard arcade mode or a more challenging roguelite mode, with branching narrative paths that result in multiple endings.

Why Rogue Flight Deserves Your Attention

What sets Rogue Flight apart is its beautiful blend of arcade-style gameplay and anime-inspired world-building. The fluid aerial combat, combined with stunning visuals and dynamic camera angles, keeps you on the edge of your seat. The game’s localization also shines, with full Japanese voice-over provided by renowned voice actors from beloved anime series like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Sailor Moon.

Moreover, Rogue Flight isn’t just about fast-paced action. The branching narrative offers replayability, as each playthrough can reveal new story elements and different outcomes. For fans of both classic arcade shooters and anime, this game feels like the perfect fusion.

3. Hyper Light Breaker

Developer: Heart Machine
Publisher: Arc Games
Platforms: PC

What Is Hyper Light Breaker?

Hyper Light Breaker is the latest addition to the Hyper Light universe, following up on the critically acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter. This time, players are thrown into a 3D roguelike adventure set in the Overgrowth, a vibrant and mysterious new land. Players can either go solo or team up with friends to explore the game’s vast biomes, fight off brutal monsters, and unravel the mysteries surrounding the Abyss King.

The game is a roguelike at its core, so each playthrough offers a new challenge. You’ll need to create unique builds, unlock new abilities, and adapt your strategy to survive the game’s dangerous world.

Why Hyper Light Breaker Captivated Me

As someone who loved Hyper Light Drifter, I was excited to see how the game would translate into a 3D world, and it didn’t disappoint. The art style retains the signature neon-soaked aesthetic of the original but feels even more immersive in three dimensions.

After talking to Danielle Wallace, one of the environmental artists on the game, I gained a deeper appreciation for the world-building and level design. Every biome feels like a carefully crafted ecosystem, full of lore and secrets waiting to be discovered.

After playing the demo at LA Comic Con ,what really hooked me, though, was the game’s roguelike mechanics. Each time you play, the world changes, keeping things fresh and challenging. If you’re a fan of games like Risk of Rain, you’ll love the mix of exploration and fast-paced combat in Hyper Light Breaker.

4. Swap Meat

Developer: One More Game
Publisher: One More Game
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC

What Is Swap Meat?

Swap Meat is a co-op third-person shooter where players raid strange planets filled with bizarre alien enemies to steal their meat—yes, their meat. The unique mechanic here is that you can swap parts of your character with the enemies you defeat, gaining new abilities and augmentations in the process. The more meat you gather, the more powerful you become.

You can swap your legs, torso, and head to create wild combinations, making every mission feel like a fresh, chaotic adventure. And you won’t be doing it alone—Swap Meat is designed to be played cooperatively, with you and your friends taking on some of the angriest aliens in the universe.

Why Swap Meat Is Worth Watching

First off, the game is just plain fun. The ability to swap body parts on the fly makes for some hilarious and strategic gameplay. One minute you could be sprinting with alien legs, and the next you might be wielding an enemy’s arm cannon. Each mission feels like a new challenge as you decide how to combine your parts to overcome the unique enemies on each planet. I had a great time with the demo available at LA Comic Con.

What really impressed me, though, was the pedigree behind Swap Meat’s development team. After talking with some of the team like Doug Williams and Chris Heintz, I learned that the team comes from some heavyweight studios like Riot Games, Undead Labs, and Blizzard Entertainment. With this level of expertise, it’s no surprise that the gameplay feels polished and creative.

Indie Games Shining Bright at The MIX

The indie games showcased at LA Comic Con’s MIX event highlight the creativity and passion of smaller studios. From the emotional cartoonish world of Ink Inside to the space-age anime thrills of Rogue Flights, each game brought something unique to the table. Hyper Light Breaker promises a new roguelike adventure in a beloved universe, while Swap Meat offers chaotic co-op fun with a quirky meat-swapping mechanic.

These indie gems prove that creativity in the gaming industry is alive and well, and they each offer something different for fans of various genres. Whether you’re into story-driven experiences, roguelike adventures, or cooperative mayhem, these games are worth keeping on your radar.

For all these and more be sure to check out The MIX steam page to see the full list of other games available.

Which games are you most excited to try from LA Comic Con 2024? Did any of these games stand out to you? Let us know your thoughts!

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