WASD Event 2023 - Top 11 Games you should Play

Hello ladies and gentlemen, Removablesanity here. I have just got back from an great gaming event In London called WASD and would like to share with you some of my highlights.

First up what is WASD?

Well WASD is the spiritual successor of EGX Rezzed situated at Tobacco dock in London, which showcased off indie games to the public and potential investors. However EGX decided that after a number of years this would be no longer a separate event and combined it with its main EGX which happens later in the year.

Quite a few people was disappointed and the creators of WASD swooped in to ensure indie games would have a separate event early in the year, just under a different name, hence WASD was born. This year, instead of being at Tobacco dock, the event was held at Truman Brewary. This a mere 9 minute walk away from London Liverpool st and if your outside of the uk, this is ideal as it’s the main entranceway for anyone from the north of London entering the capital.

Once we got there and received our passes we were then allowed to sample the sweet sweet nectar that is the games. There was tons of games to enjoy and even larger amount of game enthusiasts, press and publishers to connect and engage with. So without further a do, here is a small selection from this amazing event which I hope you to, will one day visit.

System Shock

This is a fully fledged remake of the ground breaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN. This is being tackled by the master of remakes/remasters, Nightdive Studios.

After playing this for a good solid twenty minutes I can say from the outset they have nailed the controls, feeling and atmosphere of this iconic game. With my favourite part hacking the mainframe and going around cyberspace. Pre-purchase System Shock on Steam (steampowered.com)

Bleak Sword DX

Bleak Sword DX is a dark fantasy action game challenging warriors to fight their way through compact, cursed diorama battlefields. Through twelve tense and deeply atmospheric chapters, you must lift the curse of the legendary Bleak Sword by striking down all manner of horrifying creatures across an oppressive world wielding fierce weaponry and powerful magic.

Simplistic in its design and art style It maybe, but its addictive combat and parry system pulls you in from the beginning and was one that you could easily loose yourself within for hours trying to get to another level. Bleak Sword DX on Steam (steampowered.com)

Paper Trail

Paper Trail is a top-down puzzle adventure about leaving home, set in a foldable, paper world. You play as Paige, a budding academic, leaving home for the first time to pursue her studies. On the journey, you learn to fold the world, merging two sides to solve puzzles, explore new areas and uncover long-lost secrets.

There is a reason this game has won so many awards, its design, art style and addictive gameplay using origami to progress, was not only fun and challenging, but also relaxing to the senses. Without a doubt a true power house game that showcases off the abilities that Indie developers posses in abid to think outside of the box. A recommendation from me, and you should to try play the demo, as you wont regret it. Paper Trail on Steam (steampowered.com)

Quit Today

"Quit Today" is a side-scrolling action game set in your office. On a typical day, when you step into the company, all your colleagues attack you, because they think you want to resign! To figure out what happened, you have to fight your way through your company with your briefcase, to uncover what darkness has taken over.

This smoothness of the gameplay and unique visuals drew me in, with the addictive combat keeping me till the end. The combat was smooth, responsive and at only being 30% complete when I played, the publishers tells me, was beyond what I expected. A game that all side scrolling fighter fans should keep on their radar. QUIT TODAY on Steam (steampowered.com)

Full Void

Full Void is a 2D Cinematic Puzzle Platformer set in a dystopian future. A young teenager, scared and alone, must use all their skills to defeat a rogue AI that keeps mankind oppressed. Fight your way through puzzles and obstacles to uncover the story that surrounds this broken, run down society, where only children are still free.

With influences of Prince of Persia, Another World (Out of This World) and Flashback in my mind, this game promises to be the best of all those that inspired it. Its dark nature, engaging dynamic music and superb death cutscenes, will be a hit to all who play this. Speaking with Miles the games pixel artist, the unique voxel elements to create such a game, proves that innovation is key for Indie Developers. Full Void on Steam (steampowered.com)

Ninja Or Die

Ninja or Die is a single player challenge with a rare offering: hardcore action and simple controls. By combining extreme speed with a unique control scheme, use the minimalist controls to blaze through frenetic 2D stages that lead you deeper and deeper into a Ninja-eat-Ninja world of bloodshed and deception.

The game lovely pixel art style and unique control system of moving by only jumping to a specific point, may seem odd, but is very satisfying. By doing so, you eviscerate the enemy by dashing through them, and can hold to attack with greater power. This would be ideal for those with motor skill issues and due to its rogue like nature will keep players coming back for more. Ninja or Die on Steam (steampowered.com)

Park Beyond

In Park Beyond, you can create the park of your dreams without being held back by gravity. The accessible controls and a story-driven campaign mode will help you learn the ropes of park management and build increasingly crazy rides and modular coasters.

This new them park creator game from Bandia Namco definitely showcases of the smoothness and flexibility in being able to create anything, anywhere with the click of a button. With a small number of button presses I was soon able to create the rollercoaster of my dreams using its intuitive track selection system. The game boasts a fun single player campaign and also creators lounge to enjoy others wild inventions. Pre-purchase Park Beyond on Steam (steampowered.com)

Terra Nil

Terra Nil is an intricate environmental strategy game about transforming a barren wasteland into a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Bring life back to a lifeless world by purifying soil, cleaning oceans, planting trees, and reintroducing wildlife, then leave without a trace.

What seems from the outset to be simple strategy game about transforming the barren landscape using specialised equipment, will soon dispel that when you realise its more of a puzzle game than anything else. You could easily loose hours playing in a bid to bring nature back to the area in question and combine that with its stunning visuals, I think the developers are onto a winner here. Terra Nil on Steam (steampowered.com)

England on Fire

England on Fire is inspired by the book of the same name and is a visual horror novel that boast five endings and can be completed in half an hour.

Those who like visual novel games and even ‘’choose your own path’’ games would be would be well suited here. The games aesthetics and sounds sell the unworldly vibe and using a choice system allows for a variety of different outcomes. I found this not only intriguing but a good enough to warrant a recommendation on this list. That should tell you something, do check it out. ENGLAND ON FIRE by Stanwixbuster (itch.io)

Dead Island 2

Dead Island 2 is a unique formula of horror, dark humor and over the top zombie-slaying, spanning an epic pulp adventure. If you have played the first, you will be familiar with what you are getting yourself into. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer!

What I can say about the game, is that it’s a fun and a enjoyable experience from the time I got to play with it. Sound is really engrossing with horrendous noises keeping you on your toes, so much so, I had Plaion’s Marketing manager walk past me and almost made me jump out of my chair. This will be on my watch list for sure and one I think should be on yours.. Pre-order - Dead Island 2

Girl Genuis – Adventures in Castle Heterodyne

A fabulous Action Adventure game based on the wonderful graphic novel series (found here: Girl Genius Online Comics). You take control of Agatha who has to contend with a corrupt sentient AI controlling her historical castle, and will use all means to stop her from reclaiming what is hers. Be prepared for spiky death traps and pits of doom at every corner, not including those that are trapped inside.

This fun unique game sparked my interest from the begging but due to its popularity I was unable to play it till near the end of the event. When I did it, it lived up to what I had seen and provided a great 3rd platforming experience. My favourite was the Dingbot character, a small minion you can send out to hard to reach places. He will help you moved forwards pass some traps that you are generally unable to get past. Smooth and visually appealing this title is coming to PC in a limited physical format the developers tell me and in this digital age, that is something that should be encourage more often. Girl Genius: Adventures In Castle Heterodyne on Steam (steampowered.com)

Unfortunately there are too many amazing games at this event to go through, but some notable mentions are Gunbrella -a gritty metropolis in this noir-punk action-adventure (Gunbrella on Steam (steampowered.com). Sentry - an action-defence first person shooter where you defend your spaceship against a relentless alien threat. (SENTRY on Steam (steampowered.com). And Roads 96 Mile 0 – The prequel to Road 96, where you can play Zoe and Kaito where it all started (Road 96: Mile 0 🛹 on Steam (steampowered.com).

Also a big thanks to Cheeky Burger  Our Menu - Cheeky Burger Company who kept me well fed through out the event and if there is a store near you one I would recommend trying.

Overall the event was fantastic though it was missing some notable big hitters like Tiny Build, Raw Fury and Thunderfall, hopefully like you, these will appear at the next one.