Alex Orona and Super GG Radio’s Best Betas from the first half of 2022
What’s good, internet, I’m Alex Orona, co-host of the NPR of Illinois Podcast Super GG Radio. Our focus on the show is beta tests, early access, and pre-release demos of indie games and I’m here to share our top games we have encountered so far this year that you should keep an eye out for in the coming months.
30 Birds
30 Birds is an action-adventure game that has you playing as Zig trying to find 30 mystical birds in a psychedelic papercraft world. Seeing screenshots doesn't do this game's presentation justice. The entire game is built like a giant paper diorama. This is best seen when going around corners, the entire diorama will shift exposing whole new sections and parts of the world like seeing another side of a cube. It’s a fascinating design that creates a sense of awe and wonder that’s worth experiencing for yourself.
For fans of - Monkey Island
When does it come out - TBD
Metal: Hellsinger
This new addition to the first-person shooter genre is a combo-based system that rewards DOOM 2016 aggressive combat with the addition of rhythm game elements and a death metal score. We have a whole metal soundtrack uniquely crafted with well-known famous rock and metal artists that sounds exactly like what I imagine the Doomslayer listens to get to sleep. At baseline, you get some sick guitar riffs, but the higher the combo, drums, synths and finally vocals are added in to really punctuate the demonic slaughter. Also, did I forget to mention that killing on the beat is also encouraged to boost up the combo? These key features give enough added spin to make you want to jump back into this fantastic genre-bending game after each level.
For fans of - Doom (2016) and Wolfenstein
When does it come out - September 15th 2022
Never Awake
Never Awake is a bullet-hell space shooter that has you mowing your way through hordes of grotesque nightmarish creatures to some catchy electronic beats. What makes Never Awake so intriguing is that you don’t necessarily finish a level as much as you need to hit your goal of killing enough or certain monsters. This lets you take your time to play at your own pace, as levels loop infinitely until you hit your goal to finish the level. By finishing levels, you are attempting to wake yourself up from the demons infecting your nightmares while you are in a coma. It’s quite a premise for sure.
For fans of - Resogun
When does it come out - 2022
Nine Sols
Finally, I can sing the praises of what’s been a highly anticipated game for me for a long time. I present to you Nine Sols. A new action-adventure game that provides familiar hack and slash tactics with tough-as-nails enemies in a hand-painted world. What sets Nine Sols apart is its blend of future tech style mixed with tribal aesthetic but feels as good to play as its predecessors. It is worth noting the pedigree of the developers, Red Candle Games, as they are the small team behind the powerful and disturbing games Detention and Devotion. Also, be warned, it’s actually quite gory.
For fans of - Hollow Knight and Blasphemous
When does it come out - Q2 of 2023
WrestleQuest
Miss the days of turn-based JRPGs but also a fan of wrestling? Look no further than WrestleQuest. Turn-based combat? Check! Equippable gear? Check! Quests? Best believe that’s a check brother! Not only does it give a 16-bit retro vibe but is hilarious too!
For fans of - Golf Story and the first Final Fantasy
When does it come out - Coming Soon
Backpack Hero
Here's a fun premise for you. Inventory tetris has been a mechanic for a while but now it factors into the gameplay. Explore tons of procedurally generated dungeons and find items to equip and use in turn-based combat, but be careful, you can only carry what you can Tetris into your bag.
For fans of - Resident Evil’s inventory system and Darkest Dungeon
When does it come out - TBD
Curse Crackers: For Whom The Belle Toils
Talk about bringing the throwback, Curse Crackers: For Whom the Belle Toils is bringing it back to the Gameboy Color days with its retro-styled platformer. Every bit of this game feels lovingly crafted to bring back to a simpler time while still evolving so of its own ideas in a charming and clever way. If this doesn’t bring you back to your grade school days, I don’t know what will.
For fans of - Sonic The Hedgehog and Bonk
When does it come out - TBD
