ID@Xbox highlights six new indie games released in March that you don't want to miss

Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program recently highlighted its selected indie titles for March 2025.

Six diverse game titles displayed here, each one crafted by different creative groups, such as DONTNOD (renowned for creating Life is Strange, Remember Me, and Banished: Ghosts of New Eden) and Aspyr.

The central idea behind ID@Xbox’s March 2025 Indie Spotlight focuses on themes of adventure and emotional release, with an emphasis on games such as Afterlove EP and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage.

Here are the six indie selects for March 2025:

Slime Heroes

When you find yourself yearning for intense conflicts against colossal creatures, but a Dark Souls game isn’t the right fit for Spring’s atmosphere, what can you do when you’re in search of an adventure and a vibrant game? The answer is to greet Pancake Games’ Slime Heroes!

In the game Slime Heroes, you have the option to play alongside a local friend. You’ll both snuggle up on the couch and transform into charming, personalized blobs of slime. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting, open-world journey to protect the Slime Kingdom, filled with colorful landscapes and lively characters.

This game offers numerous Role-Playing Game (RPG) mechanics and brain-teasing puzzles to engage you, while the fighting experience is accessible yet has an edge that ensures you’ll encounter the toughness of a Dark Souls battle.

Afterlove EP

Indie games serve as an exceptional platform for expressing profound narratives about our shared experiences, such as life, love, and human nature. This is especially evident in Pikselnesia’s Afterlove EP, which is a touching blend of visual novel, narrative adventure, and rhythm game that delves into the complexities of life after losing someone dear.

Nestled right in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Afterlove EP is centered around a character named Rama, who’s been secluded for almost a year following the demise of his beloved girlfriend, Cinta. Yet, Cinta’s voice persists within Rama, making his mourning process more intricate.

Over the course of 28 days, players will guide Rama in composing fresh music, reestablishing bonds with his band members, and delivering an unforgettable performance. Throughout this journey, they’ll assist him in mending old relationships or forging new ones within the city. The decisions made during gameplay significantly influence the narrative’s progression and determine the final outcome.

Ultros

Certain trips are more demanding than others. If you’re seeking a tough puzzle to engage with, Kepler Interactive’s Ultros could very well be the battle you’ve been searching for. This game boasts an intense and enthralling visual style, which some might liken to hallucinogenic art. Ultimately, Ultros offers a challenging combination of metroidvania and roguelite gaming mechanics.

Some trips are tougher than others. If you’re searching for a difficult puzzle to solve, Kepler Interactive’s Ultros might just be the fight you want. It has an intense and fascinating visual style that some people compare to hallucinogenic art. Essentially, Ultros offers a challenging mix of metroidvania and roguelite gameplay.

In this unique sci-fi adventure, players will be trapped in a recurring black hole and tasked with investigating a mysterious artifact called The Sarcophagus. Their goal is to locate an ancient evil entity named Ultros hidden within the vibrant alien environment.

According to the ID@Xbox team’s spotlight on Ultros, they likened it to games like Ori and the Blind Forest, Hollow Knight, and more, but emphasized that it possesses a distinctive style all its own, boasting stunning visuals. The gameplay is engaging, combining elements of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in a challenging manner.

Sorry We’re Closed

As a tech enthusiast who yearns for a blast from the past, there are times when I crave a game that takes me back to my roots – and if those roots are deeply entwined in the eerie, nostalgic world of old-school horror adventures, then “Sorry We’re Closed” might just be the ticket. This throwback survival horror adventure is reminiscent of the golden age of boomer shooters, even incorporating fixed camera angles to ramp up the challenge level.

To ramp up the difficulty level, “a la mode games” has incorporated a first-person fighting system where the player becomes momentarily immobilized as they employ their character’s third demonic eye to paralyze their demonic adversaries instead.

As a game analyst, I invite you to immerse yourself in the engaging world of “Sorry We’re Closed,” where resource gathering and management are essential for the demon-slaying heroine, Michelle. Experience the thrill of traditional survival horror elements, such as the choice between tank controls or more modern movement systems, along with exclusive combat sequences that heighten the suspense. The intriguing narrative adds depth to your journey, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

Stories about growing up and the struggles of adolescence are common in narratives, and none excel in this genre more than DONTNOD Studios, especially after their work on Life is Strange. Their newest venture into the realm of narrative adventure focuses on four girls experiencing a memorable summer filled with mystery, intrigue, and abundant angst.

In a nostalgic trip to the ’90s, Lost Records presents an ongoing narrative divided into segments titled “tapes”. The first tape, named “Bloom”, debuted in February, while we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Tape 2, titled “Rage”, scheduled for mid-April.

In a tranquil 1995 Michigan town, the narrative of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is steeped in nostalgia, echoing experiences that many millennials can identify with. However, amidst the picturesque landscapes of thick forests and peaceful lakes, there are unexpected plot twists reminiscent of DON’TNOD storytelling. Don’t be deceived by the idyllic setting of Velvet Cove; it hides deep secrets among its inhabitants Swann, Nora, Kat, and Autumn.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

For March, there’s a lingering hint of nostalgia to be explored, so ID@Xbox is emphasizing Tomb Raider IV, V, and VI Remastered as its sixth game selection this month. This iconic action-adventure game has been revamped with Aspyr handling the development and distribution of the second set in the classic series.

In this compilation, the Darkness Trilogy of Tomb Raider has been meticulously upgraded. You can effortlessly toggle between the game’s original polygonal designs or its revamped visuals at any moment. Once again, Lara Croft, the undisputed queen of exploration, embarks on a journey across the world, stopping in iconic cities such as Cairo, Rome, and Paris.

Experience the thrill of surviving entombment in an ancient Egyptian tomb, clear your name amidst a deadly accusation as you elude capture, and delve into shadowy plots brimming with intrigue – all while enjoying a polished and updated rendition tailored for today’s gaming platforms.

2025-04-01 03:10

ID@Xbox highlights six new indie games released in March that you don’t want to miss