The moustachioed man has returned once again to grace the asphalt with his crew of dinosaurs and princesses, so I feel it’s only natural that this week we dedicate some time towards the brave explorers of a severely under-rated genre – the multiplayer driving combat ‘em up.

Mario Kart is all about high speed multiplayer carnage, be it local or online. Everything is to play for, and the games provide a great ‘proving ground’ for friends and foes alike to compete for that first place position. You can expect great local and online multiplayer gameplay with plenty of power-ups and whacky courses in these unsung titles.

Krautscape – PC

What it is – Krautscape takes the manic action of a multiplayer driving game and gives it wings. Each track is procedurally generated, meaning no two races will be the same. What’s more, players can simply take a leap of faith off of the track and soar across huge distances in an effort to steal first place.

Why you might like it – There’s a great opportunity for some fantastic victory stealing to happen in Krautscape. The ability to soar across the game world means that even when you’re leagues ahead of the competition, you can never be too sure if someone isn’t about to sneak in ahead of you. Because of the way the track is generated, there are times where even the person in first place doesn’t know where they are going as the track is only generated when someone passed through each checkpoint gate.

You can buy Krautscape on Steam Early Access, and follow development on the official site.

Bears Can’t Drift – OUYA

What it is – Bears Can’t Drift is appropriately named for what lies within. You play as a bear strapped to a go-kart, seemingly hellbent on defeating all of the other bears to the finish line of a race through the woods. Featuring 2-4 player local split-screen multiplayer, Bears Can’t Drift offers some enjoyable competitive party racing on the OUYA.

Why you might like it – You mean other than that there are bears racing each other in go-karts? Okay, how about using giant bazookas to fire fish at each other? The track is littered with pick-ups and speed boosts, giving you that Mario Kart vibe from start to finish. It’s worth noting that the current iteration of the game only supports either solo play – for those who just hate everyone around them – or local split-screen multiplayer with the possibility of AI in future versions.

You can download Bears Can’t Drift for the OUYA here, and keep tabs on development via the developer’s Twitter account here.

Silas – PC

What it is – Silas combines the manic fervor of kart racing with a hearty dose of FPS shooting and destructive power-ups. The game supports both online and LAN multiplayer, and also includes a sizable amount of single player content.

Why you might like it – If you’re in the market for a game that requires precision at the drop of a hat, Silas is definitely up your alley. Most of your arsenal has to be manually aimed, and when you’re traveling at breakneck speed that isn’t always as easy as you’d think. Combine that with flying cars and level specific hazards that can wipe you out without a moment’s notice and the end result is a great entry to the ‘multiplayer kart racing whilst shooting your friends’ genre.

You can pick up Silas on Desura here.

Skydrift – PC, XBLA, PSN

What it is – Skydrift is what happens when you combine airborne dog fighting with the desire to be in first place. Soar across canyons, glaciers, and volcanoes as you shoot down your friends and strive to be the top gun.

Why you might like it – Okay so it isn’t a kart racer, but I’d argue that it shares more with Mario Kart than you’d think. There are a dozen manic pick-up weapons, speed boosting rings, whacky levels to race across and a number of different planes to choose from. If you were a fan of Diddy Kong Racing, this will probably appeal to you more, but I’d urge you not to dismiss it just because your vehicle doesn’t have any wheels.

You can pick up Skydrift on Steam, Xbox Live Arcade (Xbox 360), and Playstation Network (PS3)

Distance – PC

What it is – Distance is a self-proclaimed “experimental survival racing” game, which will see you dodging hazards and rival players as your progress through the vibrant neon cityscape laid out before you. Utilize a futuristic car to navigate across the dangerous terrain with the ability to boost your speed, jump across gaps, rotate your vehicle at will, and glide across chasms as you race towards the finish line.

Why you might like it – Probably the most removed from the original Mario Kart concept, Distance takes a more serious stance on the racing genre. The graphics alone are enough to make you want to drool, with cascading bright neon lights strewn across the world like it was taken straight out of a Tron film. That doesn’t mean this is a no-nonsense racer though, as there’s enough whacky antics for you to crash into, including buzz-saws that can split your car into pieces. If you’re after something less cartoon-like but with the same level of frantic mayhem, Distance is one for you.

Distance is currently in beta and you can pre-purchase the game on the official site here.

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

Aliens getting all up in your grill? As every XCOM fan knows, the best solution to that would be a tactical deployment of well trained soldiers ready to die for the sake of the mission, whether they like it or not. Building up your team, fighting against insurmountable odds, and turn based combat are the hallmarks of a great XCOM game, and if you’re in the market for some more tactical goodness, look no further than the picks below.

Games You Can Play Now

Xenonauts – PC

What is it – Xenonauts is the self proclaimed ‘spiritual successor’ to the classic XCOM games of yesteryear. The year is 1979, and nasty alien folk have decided it’s high time to invade earth. Being pre-disposed towards wanting to continue breathing, the citizens of planet earth decide to form a coalition to fight back.

Why you might like it – Xenonauts boasts all the trappings of its inspiration. The combat stays true to its roots with turn based gameplay, along with its fully destructible environments and a dynamic mission creation system that varies each battlefield deployment. There’s also plenty of research and tactical team building to go alongside your xenomorphic slaying too, with combat equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and even alien tech to unlock and upgrade.

You can follow development and purchase early access to Xenonauts here.

Invisible Inc. – PC

What is it – Invisible Inc. Is a shot at the turn-based tactical genre by the folks that brought you Don’t Starve and Mark of the Ninja. In this espionage focused title, players will assume control of a nest of spies (This is actually the correct term; I looked it up and everything). Get in, steal the valuable assets, and get out without leaving so much as a speck of evidence that you were ever there.

Why you might like it – Okay so it might have 100% less aliens in it, but the gameplay should still offer some appeal. You will have to use your units as one collective force, utilising their special abilities in unison if you want to make it out alive with your pilfered goods. While it is worth noting that the game is still in an early stage of development, there’s a huge amount of scope for the title, and if you enjoy the strategic elements of the combat scenes in XCOM, there should be something here for you.

You can keep track of development and purchase early access here.

Isomer – PC

What is it – Isomer is the illicit love child of an affair between turn based strategy games and open world sandbox titles. This time around you play as the invading alien menace, on a quest to exterminate all of the meatbags inhabiting your new home. Construct and maintain a central base of operations, and send out your drones on raiding parties to help keep the human scum at bay.

Why you might like it – You’d be forgiven in saying that Isomer is somewhat far removed from the traditional XCOM formula. The game plays out in real time, the world is open and free to explore, and the addition of base building adds a whole new element to think about when playing. However, what the game does offer is a similar mantra. You must stop the enemy by hindering their strength, whilst you gather yours. Those looking to see the ‘spirit’ of XCOM from the other side of the fence should definitely check this one out.

You can track development of the game via the official site, or its Greenlight page.

Star Command – iOS, Android

What is it – This charming little mobile title asks you to take control of your own spaceship, sailing across the stars as you right wrongs and teach alien folk that when it comes to being a captain, there is no equal. Upgrade your ship, fight off boarding parties of savage ant men, and generally just have a good time in space.

Why you might like it – Think Faster Than Light meets XCOM and you’re close to hitting the nail on the head with this one. It’s a solid tactical game that merges micromanagement and squad based combat together well. There’s plenty of technological advancement and progression open for your squad members, accompanied by an interesting story and sometimes funny dialogue. Plus, it’s a mobile game, so if you’re in need for some XCOM goodness on the move, you should definitely give this one a once over.

You can purchase the game from the official site.

Games To Watch Out For

Halfway

What is it – You emerge from a stasis pod, only to find that your ship has become infested with a swarm of nasty aliens and your former crew have long since become lunch. It’s time to gather the last of the survivors and blast your way through the hordes as you attempt to uncover just what has happened to your ship.

Why you might like it – Halfway is what happens when you take the tactical turn-based combat found in XCOM, and douse it in a lavish helping of gloomy lighting and atmospheric Alien-esque atmosphere. The focus here lies on the combat, allowing for a deeper sense of tactical options to help you mow down the Xenomorph menace. Only by exploring the ship can you hope to improve the skills and equipment of your squad and live to find out what happened to the former crew.

You can follow development here.

Confederate Express

What is it – The world has gone to crap. Zombies, savage bandits, and malfunctioning robots stand between you and your goal. What is your goal? Well, you’re a delivery driver and, come rain or shine, gosh darn it you’re just not going to stop in getting that package to where it needs to be.

Why you might like it – This is probably the most far removed from what I would consider an XCOM-like, and whilst you may be preparing to throw something heavy at me, just hear me out first. The game is all about weighing up the cost of risk versus the benefit of what you might gain. Those willing to front the risk of failure will gain more money for completing a successful delivery, and in turn they will have more to spend on better equipment and crew members. If that isn’t enough to even pique some slight curiosity, then please by all means, commence the barrage.

Development updates for the game are pretty rare, but for those wanting to track it anyway, your best bet would be to follow their IndieDB page. You can also try out a short tech demo here.

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.

Dark Souls, the game that most people ‘fear’. It’s become a huge success over the past few years, and the experience of playing it can mean a bunch of different things to different players. Some love to explore the desolate atmosphere of its setting, plundering the unknown world to explore what secrets lay down the beaten path. Others prefer the challenge of fighting hulking monstrosities, overcoming the insurmountable odds in an effort to prove that there is no obstacle too large or deadly that cannot be bested.

Whatever your passion, a love of the series can only be sated for so long; the game will eventually come to an end and you may be left wanting more. But worry not adventurer, for all hope is not lost. I have traversed the murky woods, plundered the haunted castles, and emerged with a bountiful haul of indie games that resemble some of the best aspects of the Dark Souls series. If you still need your masochistic fix, here’s a handy list of games that might scratch your Dark Souls itch, along with a bunch of titles currently in development to watch out for.

Games You Can Play Now

Volgarr The Viking – PC

What is it – Volgarr the Viking has you don the glorious mane of a Nordic warrior as he rampages through a mystical land of deadly enemies, traps, and satisfyingly sizable boss monsters. This 2D side-scroller will have you spilling blood over 30+ levels, with a keen focus on simple controls that are quick to learn but difficult to master.

Why you would like it – Aside from the repeated dying that you’ll no doubt endure from Volgarr’s high difficulty threshold, both games share a solid control scheme. Dodge rolls, careful timing, and knowledge of your enemy go a long way to surviving the trials ahead, and once you get into the groove of foe-slaying a sense of familiar satisfaction will remind you of the litres of tears you’ve cried traversing the kingdom of Drangleic.

Available on Steam or through the Humble Widget for $11.99/£9.99

Titan Souls – PC

What is it – Titan Souls is the final product of a three man Ludum Dare endeavour. In keeping with the theme – You only get one – the game tasks you with slaying four epic boss monsters with only one arrow. Once you fire off your arrow you are forced to remain motionless and vulnerable as you recall it back from its flight, and if you take any form of damage from the big bad boss folk then its game over.

Why you would like it – It’s freaking called “Titan Souls”. The game is heavily inspired by the series, and by opting for a more minimalist approach to the combat, those of you in need of a quick fix are sure to find worth in playing it. If that’s not enough to entice you, each boss can only be slain by finding and exploiting its one weak spot. Trial and error will have you returning multiple times as you try to discover just how each boss is slain.

The Ludum Dare game is free to play here.

La Mulana – PC/Wii

What is it – In short, the side scrolling open world Indiana Jones game you never knew you wanted. La Mulana gives you a whip and sends you on your merry way into the dangerous tombs below as you search for untold treasure. Easily described as a Metroidvania, the game boasts a massively open map, complete with angry boss monsters and powerful relics to pilfer.

Why you might like it – La Mulana encompasses one of the more unique qualities of the Souls series. It drops you into the world with a quick pep talk, then slams the door shut and lets you figure everything else out by yourself. It’s a journey of discovery at your own pace, with every path open to you from the start, enabling that sense of exploration we’ve come to find endearing of Dark Souls games.

La Mulana can be downloaded from Steam for $14.99/£11.99

Games To Watch Out For

Malebolgia

What is it – Malebolgia is a trip through the dark corridors of the Devil’s fortress. You will take the reins of a fallen general as he searches the darkness for the beast himself, though how and why you came to be in this situation is largely unknown.

Why you might like it – The game screams doom from the very start. Everything is lathered in a healthy dose of darkness, and when you throw in the narrative of traversing the afterlife into the mix, it’s easy to draw comparisons to the Dark Souls series. To add to the proceedings, the beast isn’t going to be found at the top of the fortress. Instead he will actively hunt you down as you explore the world, and it’s up to you to make sure you remain undetected until you’re ready to take him down.

You can follow the development team on Greenlight and Twitter.

Caravan

What is it – Caravan is a game about being stranded in the desert. Water has become invaluable, and you’ll have to brave the dangers of the harsh land if you want to continue living. As far as deserts go this one is pretty desolate, aside from the hulking monsters that also inhabit it, of course.

Why you might like it – Caravan is boasting a similar connective concept to that of Dark Souls. The idea is that dying in the world can actually have an impact on another player’s experience. When you die, your location is sent to a synchronised server, and a gravestone is left behind containing your last precious drops of water. If another player happens upon your fateful grave, there’s a good chance your ill fate might just save their life.

You can keep tabs on the development here.

Oblitus

What is it – Oblitus has you take control of a peculiar creature named Parvus. Wielding only a spear and the ability to perform well timed dodge rolls, your task is to discover what you are as you travel across a land full of giant angry boss type folks.

Why you might like it – A key development point for Oblitus has been about rewarding patience and strategy over aggressive spamming of the attack button. Those who enjoy the tense timing and combat aspects of the Dark Souls series will find something to enjoy here. The big boss monsters and creepy aesthetic will probably help capturing that sense of desolation we seem to yearn for too.

Keep up to date with the development on the official site or via Twitter.

© 2014, The Indie Mine. All rights reserved.