Games are an excellent, though sometimes unexpected, medium for feeling connected. Obviously, there are online multiplayer games that by definition connect us, but that word, connection, has completely differing, nuanced meanings to us all. Whether you think of the connections we have to our culture, to nature, to warm memories, or even just enjoying quality time with friends and family, we seek connectivity to enrich our lives. Even though they were as different as you could possibly imagine, looking at the six indie games our ID@Xbox team handpicked for this month, it was clear that if there was a theme that tied them together, it was connection.

And as with every month, our team is connecting you with some of our favorite new indie titles. Whether you’re in the mood for nostalgic game design and characters, narratives about growing up during a pivotal moment in history, an immersive journey joined together by two contrasting perspectives, or the literal sense of connecting your phone to your Xbox to fire up a game with your friends, each title we’re presenting to you this month offers a unique way for you to experience a connection in one way or another. Here’s what we’ve got for you this month (in no particular order):

Despelote

Set in Quito in 2001, as Ecuador nears qualification for its first men’s World Cup while still reeling from an economic crisis, this first-person narrative tells a deeply personal, pseudo-autobiographical story about soccer, community, and growing up through the eyes of the two developers, Julián Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena. It powerfully illustrates how soccer (or football, however you want to call it) often serves as a release valve—a thread of hope woven through challenging times.

The ball-kicking mechanics are the game’s beating heart, and it’s very well connected to the intuitive and light controls. The game is played from a first-person perspective, unfolding over a handful of days, each connected to Ecuador’s World Cup qualifying matches. You’ll see echoes of those key moments scattered throughout the world—on radios, in street chatter and televisions. The gameplay gently blends small narrative quests with the ever-present distraction of a ball, or anything else that you’re able to kick, bounce off walls or tap between people’s legs, which can lead to consequences and some very fine writing.

Maybe I’m so drawn to Despelote because soccer was a big part of my life growing up in Brazil. I still remember rushing out of school to play on the street with friends until my mom called me in for dinner. I’ve also seen firsthand how sport becomes a lifeline during political instability, economic hardship, and social inequality. To me, Despelote beautifully highlights those two things. And even if you’ve never felt that kind of bond with the sport, don’t worry, this can still be a game for you – and it might help you understand what it means to those of us who have. – Jairo Lopes

despelote

Panic

☆☆☆☆☆ 7

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Despelote is a soccer game about people. Get immersed in the streets and parks of Quito through the eyes and ears of eight year old Julián. Dribble, pass and shoot your soccer ball around town, and see what happens when you kick it someone's way. Feel the city change as Ecuador comes closer than ever to qualifying for the World Cup.

Sunderfolk

In-person game nights with friends are a ton of fun, but can be a bit intimidating for some if the games begin to lean into more layered, strategic gameplay. Enter Sunderfolk, a couch co-op, turn-based tactical RPG with a surprising twist through the inclusion of some innovative phone controls. On the surface, the gameplay is reminiscent of popular tabletop games like ‘Gloomhaven’, with incredibly dense mechanics, goals, events, modifiers, and so on. These are great games, but that level of intense, knowledge-based gameplay can seem nearly unapproachable for novice players like me. This is where Sunderfolk stands apart by streamlining a lot of those elements.

You load up the game, everyone downloads the mobile app via the onscreen QR code, and you each pick from six familiar, pre-built classes represented by an awesomely designed anthropomorphic animal. I mean, who doesn’t want to play a giant bearserker? No character sheets to customize, everyone’s just ready to go from the off, and thrown right into the campaign. Each class fills a specific role that can either aid your group while maneuvering on the hex-grid board, damaging and pushing enemies around, or giving buffs/debuffs.

There are weapons, items, and skills that can be equipped to affect stats, and some deckbuilding elements, but you won’t have a wall of text to memorize. But just because the set-up is simple doesn’t mean Sunderfolk comes without complexity. As you level up, you gain new abilities but have to choose which ones to bring to each mission. Missions themselves can have a number of objectives that go beyond “go kill this thing” – sometimes you will need to escort NPCs to safety or solve a puzzle. There are also some competitive aspects in the game, as gold and treasure are not shared. So, while you are prioritizing getting an enemy down, someone else might be spending their turn heading to the shiny treasure chest you wanted.

There are so many elements that I was pleasantly surprised to have seen done so well. The main and most apparent highlight is the fact that jumping into a campaign with a phone was just as easy as setting up a Jackbox Party game. However, my two favorite things were not what I expected. The first is naming things in game. Occasionally, you will have the opportunity to name things like the Town’s Market, Shrines, enemy classes, food at the tavern, and more. Safe to say, things got unhinged rather quickly. On top of that, I have to mention the VO actor, Anjali Bhimani, playing the role of the GM (Game Master – The one who builds and runs the campaigns). This was a welcome, charming addition that elevates a by-the-book, typical adventure story into something so memorable. I am sure playing the game solo would be a fun experience, but it’s been such a thrill playing with a group, that I have to recommend this as an experience to share with friends. – Raymond Estrada

Sunderfolk

Dreamhaven

☆☆☆☆☆ 27

★★★★★

$49.99

Get it now

Sunderfolk requires a free smartphone or tablet app to play. More details below. Rediscover Game Night with the magic of Sunderfolk, a shared turn-based tactical RPG adventure where your mobile device becomes the controller*. Built with a couch co-op experience in mind, up to four players adventure through the magical and dangerous Sunderlands. *The free mobile app is required to play the game. Each player picks one of six classes (Arcanist, Bard, Berserker, Pyromancer, Ranger, or Rogue). Together, players venture out into the Sunderlands and engage in turn-based tactical combat. During combat, there is no set player turn order, so your strategy can adapt at a moment's notice to react to evolving battlefield conditions. With new enemies appearing at every turn, it's up to your party to co-operatively find the best path to success. Between missions, players return to Arden and help improve their home village. Unlock and upgrade different local vendors, build relationships with other Sunderfolk to earn rewards, and outfit characters with new Skills, Weapons, Trinkets, and more. As heroes of Arden, protect the town and its Brightshard from the corruption of shadowstone and defeat threats from the surrounding Sunderlands. Couch Co-Op First The best adventures are meant to be shared. Up to four players can play together in this new tactical RPG adventure where your mobile device becomes the controller. Step into a New World Scan a QR code on the display, download the free Sunderfolk phone app* (on both iOS and Android), and transform your phone or tablet into a controller, hand of cards, rule book, inventory, and more. All friends and family can learn to play quickly, since all they need will be in-hand. Six Unique Heroes Traditional RPG classes have been reimagined in Sunderfolk. Take up the mantle of an Arcanist, Bard, Berserker, Pyromancer, Ranger or Rogue – each with their own playstyle. Tailor your character’s strengths with Skill Cards. Power up with Trinkets and Weapons to craft your character’s build quest-to-quest. Tactical Combat Inspired by the Tabletop Each player takes their turn one at a time by choosing one of their Skill Cards to determine their character's actions. Enemies lurk around every corner, each with their own abilities and strategies, and they will challenge your party to change its approach from one encounter to the next. Rebuild the Village of Arden The village of Arden grew around the remnant of a magical substance known as brightstone, but unknown forces from lands outside have started to threaten this community's very existence. Between quests, return to Arden village to upgrade vendors, acquire new items and equipment, and befriend townsfolk for additional rewards. Four Players, One Game Share the experience of Sunderfolk with friends at no extra cost. Our rather unique mobile device as a controller mechanic lets one gamer share the adventure with three friends at no additional cost. A host can even stream a session and have friends join remotely.

Post Trauma

Developed by Red Soul Games, Post Trauma is a survival horror game that takes a deep dive into the human psyche. You play as Roman, a retired train conductor who wakes up in a strange, unsettling world that feels like a nightmare brought to life. As you explore, solve puzzles, and piece together Roman’s past, the game slowly but surely pulls you into a chilling and poignant story that really sticks with you.

Right from the beginning, the atmosphere had me hooked. The visuals are hauntingly beautiful, with each environment feeling deliberately crafted to make you feel uneasy in the best way. The sound design was also an exceptional touch. From eerie ambient noises to those sudden musical stings that send a chill down your spine, everything works together to keep you on edge. By the end of my playthrough, I was surprised by how attached I’d become to the story. Though it’s easy to focus on jump scares or creepy creatures (and there are plenty of each to go around), it’s really about Roman’s journey—his trauma, his memories, and the weight he carries. The puzzles add to that sense of immersion too. They’re challenging but not overly frustrating and solving them feels genuinely satisfying.

For Silent Hill or early Resident Evil veterans, Post Trauma will feel familiar in all the right ways in terms of gameplay and atmosphere, while still bringing its own fresh voice and style with its narrative. Post Trauma was a surprisingly emotional, gripping experience that stood with me long after the credits rolled. Grab your controller, kill the lights, and see where Roman’s story takes you. Just… maybe don’t play it alone. – Steven Allen

Post Trauma

Raw Fury

☆☆☆☆☆ 23

★★★★★

$14.99

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Post Trauma is a modern interpretation of genre-defining survival horror classics. As you venture deeper into the unknown, you’ll strive to solve the mysteries of your unfamiliar surroundings, hoping to discover hidden truths while trying to stay alive. Players will explore a terrifying, twisted reality that constantly unsettles as its story shifts and unravels. Fight or Flight? In Post Trauma, players control Roman (Togo Igawa), a tormented train conductor who awakes to find himself in a surreal dimension following a terrible panic attack. Faced with horrifying architecture and nightmarish abominations, Roman can choose to defend himself with an array of weapons or try to find the path of least resistance. A new world of horror that pays homage to the greats Inspired by key staples of the Survival Horror genre, Post Trauma blends fixed camera angles with stunning visuals through Unreal Engine 5 to create a truly unsettling, yet familiar horror experience. But just when you think you have the answers, this hellscape changes the questions as you enter the unknown to face your greatest fears. Can you find a way home? To survive this cruel world, you must piece together an ongoing mystery across several, seemingly unrelated settings. Deducing your environments to find unlikely hints and discovering precious tools in unexpected places will help you make continued progress. As you find clues and solve puzzles, you’ll gradually learn more about where you are and how you can escape, using a delicate mix of patience and cunning to stay alive. And maybe a pad and paper too. Built and enriched by world-class talent Featuring a fully voice acted cast (Togo Igawa, Autumn Ivy, Hyoie O’Grady) and a captivating, ambient audioscape, elevated by a hypnotic score from Nicolas Gasparini (Myuu), Post Trauma has been crafted to be a homage to beloved franchises and a new merging of playstyles. The intent is to create a truly special, unforgettable horror experience fuelled by pure passion and incredible talent.

Lushfoil Photography Sim

Lushfoil Photography Sim is a serene first-person exploration and photography game by Matt Newell. Using Unreal Engine 5, it features real-world environments where you can explore and capture stunning photos with an in-game DSLR camera. In a world that seldom slows down, this offers a rare sanctuary: peace.

Playing this game felt like a virtual retreat. No missions, no pressure. Just me, a camera, and some of the most breathtaking virtual landscapes I’ve ever seen. From the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps to the tranquil serenity of a Japanese temple, each environment felt alive and profoundly meditative. It wasn’t merely about snapping photos; it was about learning to see. Adjusting aperture, experimenting with focus, and chasing the perfect light—the camera mechanics were so realistic, I often forgot I was in a game.

What truly resonated with me was the stillness. I would pause to listen to the wind or watch the clouds drift by. I discovered hidden paths, found delightful surprises, and curated a gallery that felt like a personal travelogue. Despite its name, Lushfoil Photography Sim isn’t just a simulator—it’s a gentle reminder to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty in the quiet moments. – Jessica Ronnell

Lushfoil Photography Sim

Annapurna Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆ 25

★★★★★

$14.99

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Experience detailed, true-to-life recreations of beautiful and diverse locations around the world. Trek through and explore environments to capture stunning vistas and landscapes with your fully-featured in-game camera. Each environment is filled with objectives to reward players that have a good eye for angles and perspectives, and hidden secrets for those who are patient and observant. The rich atmosphere of Lushfoil Photography Sim is enhanced by an ambient, ethereal soundtrack featuring licensed music from artists around the world. Capture the Perfect Shot The in-game camera includes an abundance of settings that you'd expect from a real-world professional DSLR camera. The camera simulates settings such as Auto/Manual Focus, Flash, Exposure, Contrast, White Balance, Aperture, Burst Shot and other effects for full creative control over your photography. The game further provides tools that allow for manipulation of the environmental conditions for your photos, such as manual adjustment of light angles, fog, snow, wind, and rain. Off the Beaten Path Dive deeper into the game’s many locations to find unlockable cameras and experience the world from unique perspectives. Find a first-person drone that allows you to soar above the landscape and capture the world from above, or find a hidden rowboat that allows you to traverse still waters in pursuit of the perfect shot. Very Efficiently Optimised Each environment has been created in Unreal Engine 5 and is built from the ground up to be both efficiently optimized and showcase the game’s locations in stunning visual fidelity. There are extensive custom settings that will help the game run on a wide range of PCs, while taking full advantage of high-end graphics cards. About Me My name is Matt, I'm from Perth in West Australia and I've been working on this project solo for about 4 years (as of April 2023). As an avid hiker and photographer I hope you're able to appreciate the atmosphere and details I have tried to encapsulate in these environments. I sincerely hope you have a great experience :')

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina)

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is a narrative-driven walking sim set in the 17th century, deep into the wilderness of what is now Canada. This first-person episodic game is an emotional, atmospheric journey told through two distinct perspectives.

You begin the story as Jeanne, a young French woman, along with her loyal dog Capitaine, the only survivors of a shipwreck. The choices you make shape her story – not just the events, but how she perceives the world around her. Lean into faith, and she grows more devout and dogmatic. Focus on survival and pragmatism, and her worldview shifts. The game makes you feel the weight of every decision.

But soon you’ll play as Maikan, a hunter from the Innu people with a different view of the land. His story revolves around the survival of his people, their traditions, and the looming threat of cultural erasure brought by colonizers.

One of my favorite things from Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is the subtle ways it presents different perspectives. For example, Jeanne sees the environment in a more monochromatic, fearful way, while Maikan sees the environment as more colorful and welcoming. This dual perspective is powerful and creates a deep bond with the characters. What I loved most is how the game doesn’t beat you over the head with its themes but trusts you to notice the nuances.

The world is rich with exploration and environmental storytelling. You unravel a mystical mystery through enveloping visuals, and haunting sound design that draws you deeper into the setting. The art style is gorgeous and complements the pace of the gameplay. It reminded me of Firewatch in how it slowly builds atmosphere and connection, not just through dialogue but with the environment and supportive characters being as important to the story as the main protagonists.

If you’re looking for an immersive experience that challenges your perspectives in a beautifully and authentic crafted story and with a mystical mystery to unravel, Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is worth the journey. – Oscar Polanco

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina)

Unreliable Narrators

☆☆☆☆☆ 5

★★★★★

$24.99

Get it now

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is a first-person single player, narrative-driven experience that presents contrasting perspectives on French and Indigenous first encounters. Be prepared to face the dangers of Canadian wilderness and to make choices that could affect your characters. Explore 17th century Canadian wilderness in this 3D linear game and experience the intertwining journeys of Jeanne, a French King’s Daughter stranded far from the French colonies and Maikan, a young Innu hunter trying to uncover what is disturbing his native forest, land of his ancestors. As you play through Two Falls, you'll uncover the distinct realities and cultures of Jeanne and Maikan, each with their unique perspective on life. With two distinct artistic and musical directions, you'll interpret the events from their points of view and discover that a single event can have vastly different meanings for each character. While the story of Two Falls follows a linear path, your choices and actions within the game will have an impact on how Jeanne and Maikan evolve throughout their journey. As they come to terms with the upheaval of their familiar world, you'll feel their struggles and triumphs in a deeply immersive experience.

Bendy and the Ink Machine (Xbox Series X|S)

Ever wondered what it’d be like if your favorite childhood cartoons took a dark turn? Bendy and the Ink Machine does exactly that – and trust me, it’s as creepy as it is captivating. Initially released back in 2018, Joey Drew Studios has recently released an enhanced version for Xbox Series X|S boosting both graphics and performance. It’s a perfect opportunity for those that missed it the first time around.

This first-person puzzle horror game drops you into an old, abandoned animation studio where something has clearly gone very, very wrong. You play as Henry, a former animator returning to uncover the secrets behind a mysterious ink machine – and the nightmarish cartoon characters it’s brought to life. From the start, Bendy pulls you in with its sepia-toned visuals, vintage cartoon style,  and eerie soundtrack. It feels like stepping into a twisted version of a 1930s cartoon reel. As I explored the dimly lit hallways and solved puzzles, I felt a mix of nostalgia and unease – like reliving a memory that had somehow gone rotten.

The gameplay blends horror, puzzles, and exploration in a way that keeps you constantly on your toes. While you are mostly limited to running and hiding from ink monsters, at some point you’ll be able to fend them off with a pipe or axe, though honestly it sometimes felt like you were better off dodging attacks and running like hell. It reminded me a lot of Five Nights at Freddy’s or Little Nightmares, with that same heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, fight-or-flight feeling that I got playing those games. But what I loved most was how the story slowly unravels, keeping you guessing until the end. Whether you enjoy horror games or are simply looking for something unique and memorable, Bendy will be there… possibly even right behind you. – Steven Allen

Bendy and the Ink Machine (Xbox Series X|S)

Joey Drew Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 21

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

Bendy and the Ink Machine® is a first-person puzzle action horror game that begins in the far days past of animation and ends in a very dark future. Play as Henry as he revisits the demons of his past by exploring the abandoned animator's workshop of Joey Drew Studios. With twists and turns around every corner, Bendy and the Ink Machine® is sure to thrill you… and decimate your childhood. You'll never look at cartoons the same way again.