Game Con Canada has established itself as a premier event for indie games, providing a vital platform for smaller studios and creators to showcase their work to a large audience at the Edmonton Expo Centre. With a multitude of titles vying for attention, we had the opportunity to explore a diverse array of concepts, artistic visions, and gameplay mechanics, all designed to captivate players.
While we can only recognize the very best, this year’s Game Con Canada presented exceptional entries across various categories, making the selection process particularly challenging. Featuring creators from across the country and local Alberta talent, the event brought together some truly remarkable games. Here are our top picks that distinguished themselves from the competition.
Best Art Style: Project Visceral
Project Visceral stands out with its striking, stark black-and-white aesthetic, offering a unique visual experience on the show floor. The development team at The Foundation aims to evoke a nostalgic era of gaming, prioritizing engaging gameplay and action. Although details about the narrative and specific mechanics remain scarce, the presented visuals were compelling, bloody, and distinctive. The fluidity and speed of the gameplay, combined with the contrast between the black-and-white line art and vibrant splashes of color for special abilities, have generated considerable anticipation for the full release. The minimalist user interface and visual design have already captured our attention, and the team now faces the task of delivering on the promise shown in the demo.
Most Innovative: Shuffles ‘n Scuffles
Shuffles ‘n Scuffles reinvents the deck-building genre with a charming cardboard aesthetic and a refreshing sense of fun. Sour Circuit Studios has distilled the essence of card battling, removing common barriers to entry to create an accessible roguelike experience. The game allows players to strategically invest in cards over multiple turns, bypassing the need for complex resource management systems like mana. Each character possesses unique stats and attributes, enabling players to build decks tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. What truly sets Shuffles ‘n Scuffles apart is its card editing feature, allowing players to craft bespoke creations for the battlefield. While more powerful cards come with higher casting costs, this adds a layer of strategic depth and enjoyment.
Best Gameplay: The Path of Kana
The Path of Kana masterfully captures the feel and style of classic NES and SNES RPGs, drawing clear inspiration from titles like The Legend of Zelda. Developed by the small team at RetroDragon Entertainment, this pixel-art RPG blends familiarity with a fresh perspective, offering a sense of wonder, excitement, and whimsy. The gameplay is intuitive and enjoyable, with familiar mechanics like breaking pots for power-ups and engaging in straightforward combat. The overall presentation effectively transports players back to the golden age of 16-bit gaming, creating a nostalgic and satisfying experience. Despite being in the early stages of development, The Path of Kana has already sparked excitement for a more extensive playthrough.
Best Studio: BuriedCandy—The Calling
BuriedCandy’s The Calling taps into a niche often overlooked by larger studios. Initially a personal project for learning Unreal Engine, the game gained significant traction through live-streamed development, fostering a strong community following. The concept of an anime-inspired shooter has attracted numerous streamers and VTubers, with the community and fan excitement driving the project forward. This organic marketing, fueled by a collaborative spirit and the incorporation of fan ideas, exemplifies a unique development model. With over 100 creators already involved and more eager to participate, The Calling is shaping up to be an exceptionally unique and community-driven experience, promising exciting future developments.
Best Game: INFERIUS
Lucid Rain Studios’ INFERIUS masterfully merges two distinct genres: card battling and Amnesia: The Dark Descent-style horror. Each iteration has shown remarkable polish, consistently delivering a creepy and exceptional experience. The game presents an ominous atmosphere, an unsettling art style, and a design that compels players to delve deeper into its world. The level of polish achieved by this small Canadian team is impressive, positioning INFERIUS as a must-play horror title for fans of the genre. The unsettling experience of exploring its world, battling for souls through cards, and uncovering the unfolding narrative within its horrific setting is deeply engaging. While still under development, the current offering is twisted, dark, and profoundly enjoyable.