Each year E3 is home to many of the video game industry’s biggest titles, but that’s not all that is on display. Some of the most interesting games and concepts are tucked away on the show floor at booths like Indiecade or showcases like The MIX. DualShockers saw many commendable indie games over the course of E3 2019, and have complied a list of some of our favorites so they don’t go under your radar.
Tomas Franzese:
NeoCab -PC/Nintendo Switch (2019)
As a cyberpunk game where you play one of the last remaining rideshare drivers, I was fairly sure going in thatNeoCabwould be fairly existential and philosophical when dealing with topics like surveillance and technological determinism,. I definitely ended up being right about that, but I was surprised at how believable and well written all the dialogue was. Story based games live or die based on the quality of their writing, and the opening rides ofNeoCabdidn’t disappoint. If the initial pitch of being a cyberpunk rideshare piques your interest, I would definitely check outNeoCabwhen it release for PC and Nintendo Switch later this year.
Lemnis Gate -PC/PS4/Xbox One (Coming Soon)
I am not the best at first person shooters but I love strategy games, which is whyLemnis Gate piqued my interest. This shooter plays on a time loop of 25 seconds, and in that time players have to do their best to complete an objective like claiming a capture point. Of course, this is a competitive game so whomever you are playing against can counter your actions; that being said, you’re able to also counter theirs. While the turn-based shooter concept may be a bit hard to grasp without playing,Lemnis Gateis poised to be a refreshing take on a genre that often lacks originality and will be one of the few competitive shooters on my radar going forward.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill-PC/Mac/Linux/PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch (2019)
Lonely Mountains: DownhillfromThunderfulfeatures a simple but addicting gameplay loop I can see myself spending hours with. Simply put, players have to make it to the bottom various mountain courses on a bike; that being said, the various level layouts, simple controls, and well-hidden shortcuts ensure that things aren’t as simple as they look inLonely Mountains: Downhill.With the final game even featuring character and bike customization as well as hidden collectibles and leaderboards for levels, I could seeLonely Mountains: Downhillbecome the next addicting game to fill short five minute bursts of gaming freedom later this year.
Decay of Logos -PC/PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch (2019)
Call me a bad writer for this comparison, butDecay of Logosreally is the indie love child ofDark SoulsandThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.The game obviously takes cues fromDark Soulsin its bonfire and flask varients as well as its combat. What helps the game stand out from other Soulslikes is its striking art style. It exudes the same cel shaded charm as something likeBreath of the Wild,which is really impressive for an indie game from a smaller team. As the game even managed to look great in Nintendo Switch’s handheld mode, I could see myself getting lost in the beautiful world wheneverRising Star GamesreleasesDecay of Logosreleases for Nintendo Switch.
Embr -PC (Early Access - Q4 2019, Full Release - Q3 2020)
WhileEmbrtackles futurism likeNeoCab, it does so in a much more satirical way. Players control a volunteer firefighter who was commandeered via a rideshare like app also titled Embr. As this less-than-qualified individual, players must attempt to save everyone in a burning house with the limited tools provided like a ladder, trampoline, and water hose. Even though I’m not always a fan of these low poly physics-based satirical games, something aboutEmbr’ssetting and core gameplay loop clicked with me so I will likely be checking the game out once it hits Early Access.
Grant Huff:
Eldest Souls -(2019)
Eldest Soulsis a small indie development studio’s take on well,Dark Souls. While yes, I am sure you have heard that before, don’t look at this game as just another take on From Software’s popular game formula. From my 15 minute play session, I can tell thatEldest Soulsis going to keep that brutal difficultly level of theSoulsgames while also innovating the gameplay and artstyle into a top down pixel art adventure. While I am ashamed to admit it that I wasn’t able to get passed the first boss, (they told me most other demo sessions didn’t either) I know that I did not want to put down the controller so that I could try again. Be on the lookout for this game if you want to get your Soulslike fix in.
Roki- (2019)
If you are a fan of thoughtful adventure games,Rokilooks like it will be right up your alley. I was a big fan of the artstyle, animations, and overall theme I felt during my quick demo of the game. It felt lonesome while also keeping that sense of adventure we want in adventure games. It also featured your typical gameplay mechanics you would find in the genre like scavenging for clues or tools and using those items to solve puzzles that you might come across. If you are a big adventure game fan and a love hand drawn artstyles, keep your eye onRoki.
Carrion- PC (2020)
When I first sawCarrionin Devolver Digital’s wacky 2019 E3 press conference, it caught my eye because of their slogan of “reverse horror.” After my demo with the game, I totally get it. You play as a a creepy tentacle monster running through a Metroidvania style laboratory grabbing and devouring scientists and other soldiers or robots along the way. On top of that, you move just like you would imagine a giant monster like that would, very quickly and fluidly, using your tentacles to grab onto every wall or surface. It was definitely unlike any game I had played before. If you are looking for a game to take you on a power trip,Carrionwill be right up your alley.
Tanner Pierce:
Star Wars Pinball -Nintendo Switch (July 29, 2025)
While Zen Studios develops a lot of games, one thing its more famous for is its pinball games. This year, the developer is gearing up for a full-fledged retail release ofStar Wars Pinballon Nintendo Switch and it’s a ton of fun if you’re a fan of the series. You’re not getting anything too crazy different here and that’s a good thing. The game seems like it is filled with content that’ll keep you occupied for hours, so if you like the pinball games of the past, this should be your jam.
CastleStorm II -PC/PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch (2019)
WhileCastleStorm IIis from Zen Studios as well, this title is a completely different ball game compared toStar Wars Pinballas it is a turn-based strategy/tower destruction game. During each turn, players will have to face different enemies and complete separate challenges. Strategy games historically aren’t exactly my cup of tea; however, I’ve had a bit of a change of heart about the genre recently, andCastleStorm IImight be a good jumping off point for me as it looked like a ton of fun.
