Sands of Aura: An Inspiring Journey by Indie Devs

Indie games are often a labor of love, fueled by passion, creativity, and a desire to create something unique. Sands of Aura, an open-world action RPG developed by Chashu Entertainment, stands as a nice example of what indie developers can achieve with determination and vision. With its compelling story, immersive gameplay style, and replay value, this game showcases the results and inspiration that other indie creators can appreciate.

Chashu Entertainment, a small team of just twelve developers, demonstrates what’s possible with passion and dedication. Their ability to deliver a polished, lore-rich, and visually cool game is a testament to the power of indie creativity. Despite the challenges faced by small studios, Sands of Aura proves that an impactful game can be built with a clear vision and thoughtful execution.

Story: Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Ishulary Priest

One of the most striking aspects of Sands of Aura is its rich and somber narrative. Set in the dying world of Talamhel, now buried beneath an endless sea of sand, the story draws players into a realm devastated by a cataclysm. The idea of a shattered hourglass of time transforming the land into a barren wasteland is both poetic and haunting, a theme that resonates with players seeking a deeper, emotional connection to the game world.

For indie developers, the takeaway is clear: a powerful story can elevate a game, no matter the budget. By weaving elements of mythology, dark fantasy, and post-apocalyptic themes, Sands of Aura creates a unique world that feels alive despite its desolation. Indie developers can draw inspiration from this by embracing bold, imaginative storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on players.

Vozryx, Scarlet Caretaker

Gameplay Style: Merging Challenge and Freedom

Sands of Aura shines in its gameplay design, blending the intensity of souls-like combat with the freedom of open-world exploration. Players must carefully time attacks, parries, and dodges to survive relentless enemies, all while navigating vast sandseas and uncovering hidden secrets. This mix of challenging mechanics and open-ended exploration keeps players engaged, creating a rewarding experience.

For indie developers, the lesson is in balance. Striking the right mix of difficulty and freedom can create a deeply satisfying gameplay loop. Developers can also look to Sands of Aura for its innovative use of the environment, where sandseas replace traditional oceans, adding a fresh layer of world-building to the gameplay experience.

Maveth, The Night Plague

Replay Value: Encouraging Multiple Playthroughs

Replayability is another strong suit of Sands of Aura. The game encourages players to explore every corner of its world, discover hidden lore, and master its combat systems. Each session can feel unique, with choices and strategies shaping the journey. This depth of content ensures that players remain invested long after their first playthrough. There will be things that you're able to go back to in the initial area to discover as well. To get the pickaxe, you will have to do a quest for Danaya, the Forgestroke and return the forge hammer to her. Indie developers are usually the new kids on the block, but they can teach vets a thing or two if they're willing to learn. If there's nothing to learn, perhaps it could be a reminder of the joy that passion projects can bring.

Take your time to power up and prepare for the difficult enemies and bosses.

 If Sands of Aura looks like an adventure you'd love to dive into,
grab it free for a limited time and game on!

游戏开始！

Support us below!

Reality Break: A New Dimension in Space ARPG

First and foremost, we want to give a huge shout out to Craig and the rest of the team at The Indie Bros for providing us with a game code for Reality Break. Also, shout out to Element Games for crossing the finish line to release this ARPG. Now, let's dive into the universe of Reality Break!

Rewrite the Universe in Reality Break

Prepare to embark on a mind-bending adventure with Reality Break, where your choices shape the fabric of the universe. This fast-paced ARPG Loot Collection Roguelite lets you break reality, rewrite your fate, and wield extraordinary powers to stop sinister forces from altering existence itself. The game delivers an electrifying experience as you discover the origin of your new abilities, bending and breaking the very rules of spacetime.

Reality Break isn't just about defeating enemies; it's about mastering the manipulation of reality to gain the upper hand. You will encounter a diverse array of challenges that test your strategic thinking and adaptability. Each playthrough offers a unique experience, ensuring that no two journeys are the same.

Mark Your Calendars

Reality Break is set to release on February 10 on Steam. Whether you're a seasoned ARPG player or new to the genre, this game promises to deliver a captivating and immersive experience that will keep you coming back for more. Don't miss your chance to explore the vast possibilities and uncover the secrets of the universe in Reality Break. Here's a small dose by way of the first 30!

Coming to Steam & GOG!

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to dive into a world where reality is yours to shape!

 + Sophi 

Support us below!

Stellar Anime Figurines!

Gunfire Reborn: The Indie Game That Continues to Captivate!

Gunfire Reborn’s longevity (in my opinion) can be attributed to its continued support and the developers dedication to its player base. I remember when there were only two playable characters... and they added on over time! Despite some people feeling that the cute, furry anime characters in this multiplayer FPS with RPG and rogue-lite elements give it a child-like feel, that's precisely part of its charm. I even had a hater throw shade my way for playing the game during the review window, but it got a hard shrug because... the game is fun when you and your team set out on your adventure. Gunfire Reborn stands out in the genre with a more anime visual style that sets it apart from more realistic titles.

If parents are wary of games like "Call of Duty" or "Battlefield" due to their realism, "Gunfire Reborn" offers an excellent alternative. It's rated T for Teen, and while I’m not certain about the age range of its player base, it's clear that Duoyi Games has found their tribe, allowing their indie dev team to keep the doors open with a game that lacks blood, gore, and more.

The official launch of "Gunfire Reborn" was on November 17, 2021. Now in its fourth season, the game boasts at least ten playable characters to choose from. If you haven't played it yet or want to introduce your teen to a different title, this game is available for $15 on PC until the end of January 2025. The system requirements are low, so you likely won’t need any hardware upgrades (but if you do... you really needed that upgrade). It’s also available on PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Google Play, and Android APK with millions of copies sold. Since they crossed the 2.5 million copy mark in 2023... I assume its over 3 million copies sold by now, and I mention that because the player base is stronger than when I initially jumped in. If you're a veteran or haven't played in awhile, check out the new characters, weapons, and tweaks to the gameplay mechanics. Compare the gameplay above to the new additions seen in the gameplay you see here:

Stay tuned for more, and as always... game on!

Support us below!