Unveiling the Magic of Local Game Devs at Tokyo Alley

The world of video game development is a constant source of innovation and creativity, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in interactive entertainment. Last month I attended Tokyo Alley 11: Marine at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is an anime convention with activities, gaming, cosplay, and one of Perth’s largest artist alleys. It was here where I discovered three remarkable video game development teams that captivated attendees with their cutting-edge games. The Indie Gaming Area was presented by Lets Make Games, who are a not-for-profit organisation that works to support the games development community in Western Australia.

The gaming area consisted of a handful of development teams, and I had the privilege of talking to some of them and experiencing their games firsthand. From the spine-chilling thrills of Ghost Cam by Arch Rebels to the mind-bending puzzles of Tether by Level 126Games, and finally the quirky charm of Project: 2 Dudes and a Suit by FistFace Studios. I got to go hands-on with their thrilling VR experiences and discuss with each team as they showcased their innovative and visually stunning games.

Ghost Cam

I spoke to Amy from Arch Rebels who was showcasing their heart-pounding virtual reality (VR) game, a single player ghost sim on PC and VR which is available to wishlist on Steam. Arch Rebels astounded attendees with their innovative blend of ghost catching and VR. Their virtual reality adventure game transported players into a visually stunning world, where they could interact with ghosts and environments in a truly immersive way.

This spine-chilling experience allowed players to step into the shoes of a fearless ghost hunter, armed with a torch and camera to uncover paranormal mysteries. Attendees were enthralled by the game’s graphics, immersive audio, and nerve-wracking encounters with otherworldly entities. Ghost Cam delivered an adrenaline-fueled VR experience that left me craving more supernatural adventures.

Tether

Next, I headed over to Level 126Games and their couch co-op game Tether. I love the concept of Tether where you work together and battle robots all whilst being tethered to each other or betray your co-op partner for the win. Whilst playing, we discussed the mechanics and characters. It’s a very unique idea having a game where two players are constantly ‘attached’tethered’ to each other. The game draws inspiration from such games as It Takes Two and the robots were well designed, as were the arenas. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

Project: 2 Dudes and a Suit

FistFace Studios showcased their delightful creation, temporarily titled Project: 2 Dudes and a Suit, which injected a dose of lighthearted fun into the indie games arena. Attendees were greeted with vibrant visuals, quirky characters, and humorous dialogue. The game is an action-adventure beat ’em up. The dynamic gameplay, witty writing, and charismatic art style of Project: 2 Dudes and a Suit left gamers with smiles on their faces and a longing to dive further into its whimsical world. I loved the use of the environment as weapons and especially how the player can just dismantle robots standing in their way.

The expo provided a platform for video game development teams to showcase their groundbreaking creations, offering a taste of the exciting future of gaming. From the bone-chilling thrills of Ghost Cam to the quirkiness of Tether and the lighthearted charm of Project: 2 Dudes and a Suit, these games exemplified the creativity and innovation that drive the gaming industry forward. Attendees left the expo filled with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the release of these titles that promised to transport them to new realms of entertainment. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the innovations shown with these games serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities and immersive experiences that await gamers worldwide.

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