On Saturday 27th June, I headed to the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse to check out some games at the annual Queensland Games Festival! Like last year (which I also covered here) there were lots of locally made video games, board games, card games, workshops and talks with developers and game students, all celebrating the unique creativity emerging in the sunshine state!

Thankfully this year, I was in tiptop health so I could easily move around and enjoy the space. So without further ado, here are the games I got to play!

Zolana: Girl Galactic | Alanamation

Zolana: Girl Galactic is an out of this world dress up game where main character Zolana has to save planet earth from having its fashion taken away by competing in a dress up challenge!

Look, I already knew I was going to love this game based on aesthetics alone, especially as someone who was in her late teens during Y2K! I loved the art style, the bright colours and story and thought it was a wonderful homage to the last good era (IMO!) Even from playing the brief demo (which is out now on Steam!) I could feel myself getting addicted, so it’s firmly on my wishlist awaiting full release.

Lone Pine | Bang Bang Bang Interactive

I saw this one last year, but couldn’t get near it to have a play as it was very popular! This time, I got there early enough to beat the crowds and enjoy this 2D adventure game where you play as “Izzie” who has come to Lone Pine to photograph the cryptids rumoured to be lurking there! Such a cool concept for a game, and this was surprisingly chill as you move through the world, collecting items that might help you on your journey, and solving puzzles that turn into clues that lead Izzie to what she’s looking for. I definitely want to play more of this! The full demo is now available on Steam!

Steward of Nu Juno | Lucki Lamps

I played this one with my partner in multiplayer mode where together, we explored the mysterious land of Nu Juno, met some of the characters and discovered the research station we would manage. The world is beautifully designed and the gameplay was reminiscent of other cosy games which was comforting. It’s in early development but it looks and feels great so far! The developer talked us through much of the game’s mechanics and plans for it which was exciting to hear. Definitely one to look out for and can be added to your wishlist on Steam.

Doubtbound | Moontail Games

I absolutely loved the art style in this turn-based fantasy RPG about suspicion and decision making. It had a 2D paper feel when moving the characters around the world and I enjoyed how the surroundings went in and out of focus depending on how closely zoomed in you were. The cards during the battles were really fun even though I did die a couple of times! I wanted to keep playing and explore more of the world. It’s in very early development and not yet available to wishlist, but they do have a Substack if you want to keep updated on development.

Dungeon Pizza | Growing Games

If you read last year’s article, you’ll know I had a great time checking out this game about making pizzas deep inside a dungeon! I’ve since signed up to do further play testing (which you can also do here!) I’m really enjoying seeing this game develop in real time. During the festival’s demo, I noticed some of the changes that had been made and new characters introduced which is so exciting to see! Can’t wait for this one’s release! Add it to your wishlist on Steam.

Intriguing Games I Didn’t Get To Play

Toil & Trubble | Disparity Games

This life sim about a witch and her mysterious piglet sidekick looks like a magical time that includes collecting herbs, crafting potions, and keeping the people of their town happy and healthy. It’s available to wishlist on Steam.

Money Laundering Racoon | OtterSea Studio

This management game about raccoons starting a money laundering business (which involves laundering actual money) looks interesting and fun! You can even upgrade your laundromat so the raccoons can launder the money more efficiently! Lol! Definitely one to add to the wishlist!

Slumbering Woods | Chunky Quail

I added this one to my wishlist a while ago and while I didn’t get a chance to play it at the festival, the demo is now available on Steam. In Slumbering Woods you move through the colourful, fungal world solving puzzles, planting seeds, crafting and making new forest friends!

Moonbrella | Jett Williams

Moonbrella is a 2D metroidvania where you explore the world around you using your trusty umbrella! As you explore, you unlock upgrades for your umbrella to help navigate the path all the way up to the moon itself! The demo is now available to try out on Steam.

Keyboard Warriors | Stretchy Cat

If you’re a fast typer, this is the game for you! Keyboard Warriors is a beautifully designed roguelite that utilises the humble keyboard as a weapon of destruction! Upgrade your powerful mech with new weapons and abilities to suit your typing style as the world around you expands with every word typed. My partner and I chatted to Abi at the festival who kindly gave us the lowdown on the game and gifted us with the much coveted stickers to add to our collection. Keyboard Warriors can be added to wishlists on Steam now.

Games I Saw Last Year That Are Out Now

Momento | Fat Alien Cat & Nomo Studio

I gave this lovely room decorating game a go last year and loved the art style and unique concept where the choices you make carry into the future! It’s now fully available to purchase on Steam.

Cast n Chill | Wombat Brawler

Cast n Chill was demo’ed at last year’s festival and released to overwhelmingly positive reviews a few days later! The developer’s next game Wild n Chill was at this year’s and attracted huge crowds from what I could see. In the new one, you forage, hunt and craft a cabin in the woods. It’s available to wishlist now on Steam.

Steam are holding a curated sale event for Queensland Games Festival where you can check out the games that were showcased this year, as well as previous years!

There was a really interesting mix of indie games showcased this year! Let me know if any pique your interest or if you added any to your wishlist!

Note: This post was edited a few hours after posting to include Keyboard Warriors which I feel like a big idiot about forgetting to include! Please go and check them out!

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