15 Unknown Games To Try From The Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality

Independent game store, itch.io, is currently running a package deal, called the Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality. This list of hundreds of games and various items is in benefit for several charities, following the ongoing protests surrounding Black Lives Matter and police brutality. A purchase starts at $5, but offers a pay-what-you-want model, with all proceeds being donated to legal defense and bail funds.

With 1322 creators and 1658 items in the collection, at the time of writing, it can be extremely difficult to see the forest through the trees. Countless calls on social media have highlighted the most recognizable games in the bundle, such as Pyre, Celeste or Night In The Woods. While it's effortless to try some darlings, we thought we'd point out a few interesting games that live below the radar, at least a bit more. With over 5 million in sales, right now, there are likely enough people who would like to get some help with the current choice paralysis. Some catchy names like D.M.T. or Be Gay Do Crimes might draw attention, but it's difficult otherwise to get a quick read on the charitable assortment. Additionally, tons of items in the bundle are asset packs or soundtracks, which might bury other releases, for those who only want to find a neat game.

As a note, these recommendations come from someone who avoids visual novels like the plague, which the collection holds in spades. So, we highly recommend trying to find additional recommendations elsewhere, considering how diverse this selection is. That isn't to say that this following list of 15 recommendations won't have any narrative heavy games. It doesn't hurt to expand your tastes with multiple perspectives, regardless. 

 

Here are 15 games in the Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality that you should try. Your download page should allow you to search for these examples by name.

 

Odd Realm

Perfect for the sort of person who enjoys escapism by making their own fantastical colony, Odd Realm offers all the known tropes in a colorful, pixelated package. Build a settlement, tend to settlers and defend yourself from the elements and outside forces alike. There's also some rewarding dungeon crawling included for the bravest of adventurers.

For fans of: Rimworld, Terraria

 

The Novelist

In this game, players are an invisible element within a family dynamic that is impacted by the stress and struggles of writing. Like being a fly on a wall, The Novelist tells a grounded tale of managing work and social life, with the conflicts that creates for this household.

For fans of: Gone Home, To The Moon

 

Verdant Skies

More tending and simulation are possible in this game, which skews further into the relationship dynamic of that genre. Verdant Skies also emphasizes community above all, with sensibilities towards gender and skin tone. There's even some gene splicing involve, though it's equally possible to spend time with pottery.

For fans of: Stardew Valley, Don't Starve

 

Ganbare! Super Strikers

Football games are fun again. While the genre is dominated by games that play it straight, there are developers currently trying to cater to people who want something different from the biggest sport in the world. This project plays out much more like an anime series, complete with special moves, upgrades and other role-playing game (RPG) elements.

For fans of: Inazuma Eleven, Super Sidekicks

 

Football Drama

While this is another football game, the twist is completely different. In fact, the sport might just be a framework for the decision-making around it. A card system is added for variety, but the real goal is trying to maneuver a world of stress and upsets, to make it out the other end intact.

For fans of: Papers, Please; 80 Days

 

Long Gone Days

Some of the most distinctive pixel art in ages, Long Gone Days is an RPG about war, conflict and invisible barriers. While there is a combat element, the game explores what happens when soldiers are deployed in territories that don't speak their language and the hardships they face.

For fans of: Metal Gear Solid, Valkyria Chronicles

 

Tamashii

A platformer for people who enjoy the creepy, crawly aesthetics, Tamashii is all about occult depictions and weird settings. Warped voices and visuals haunt players, as they progress through this stark, black and white environment, heavy with religious themes, like a found footage tape in a horror movie.

For fans of: Pony Island, Neverending Nightmares

 

Underhero

For those who want a platformer with some creepy vibes, but in a much more colorful and optimistic way, Underhero provides a nice alternative. The timed combat mechanism and optional battles also diverts from traditional side-scrolling adventures. Said to be inspired by the whimsical Paper Mario series.

For fans of: Crypt of the Necrodancer, Undertale

 

Astrologaster

A beautifully rendered game, reminiscent of the Renaissance era, which plays out like the subsequent theatrical comedies of the time. A choice-based narrative unravels as a stage play, with tons of humor and personality infused in the tale, driven by the stars themselves.

For fans of: Reigns, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

 

Crest

A good old-fashioned god game, except the people have a bit more free will than usual. The God aspect comes from crafting and choosing certain commandments, which are then interpreted. As time moves on and these axioms become more complex, the populace may choose to execute the intended orders a lot different than expected.

For fans of: From Dust, Finding Teddy II

 

All-Stars Dungeons and Diamonds

More traditional, good clean fun in the form of an arcade game, featuring the classic head-to head model. Two players race through a maze, collecting diamonds and special items along the way. The best person wins the race; it's that simple. One of the many games to feature Shovel Knight.

For fans of: Pac-Man, Puzzle Fighter

 

Fate Tectonics

Another indirect god game, but in a reverse setting. Players manage and build the lands, to appease the above deities. Failure to obey results in immediate divine wrath that destroys and possibly dooms the playing field. Fate Tectonics is a tough game to manage, but captivating to play, like a souped up game of cards.

For fans of: Skyward Collapse, Afterlife 

 

Lieve Oma

Lieve Oma is Dutch for "dear grandma." This title isn't as much of a game as it is a short, straightforward experience about a young person and their grandma. It only lasts about twenty minutes, so if you're going to try anything from these choices, this one comes highly recommended. Call your grandparents; you will miss them when they're gone.

For fans of: Night in the Woods, crying at your desk 

 

Probability 0

A descending platform game for someone who likes a challenge. Even the developer admits that the game might be too hard. The goal is simply to do the best possible run, with different skills at your command. Each attempt is unique and goes on as long as you can hack it. The game also has a nice, chunky art style.

For fans of: Downwell, Noita

 

Bold Blade

A downsized RPG, Bold Blade is about a warrior whose sword grows ever larger. As the hero rids the lands of enemies, they'll get to enhance their weapon in a few different ways. This game is just uncomplicated, immediate entertainment about swinging a big sword around the screen; easy to get into and playable in quick sessions.

For fans of: Witch and Hero, Golden Axe

 

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed
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