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.<\/p>\n And as with every month, our team is connecting you with some of our favorite new indie titles. Whether you\u2019re 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\u2019re presenting to you this month offers a unique way for you to experience a connection in one way or another. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ve got for you this month (in no particular order):<\/p>\n Set in Quito in 2001, as Ecuador nears qualification for its first men\u2019s 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, Juli\u00e1n Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena. It powerfully illustrates how soccer (or football, however you want to call it) often serves as a release valve\u2014a thread of hope woven through challenging times.<\/p>\n The ball-kicking mechanics are the game\u2019s beating heart, and it\u2019s 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\u2019s World Cup qualifying matches. You\u2019ll see echoes of those key moments scattered throughout the world\u2014on 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\u2019re able to kick, bounce off walls or tap between people\u2019s legs, which can lead to consequences and some very fine writing.<\/p>\n Maybe I\u2019m so drawn to Despelote<\/em> 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\u2019ve also seen firsthand how sport becomes a lifeline during political instability, economic hardship, and social inequality. To me, Despelote<\/em> beautifully highlights those two things. And even if you\u2019ve never felt that kind of bond with the sport, don\u2019t worry, this can still be a game for you \u2013 and it might help you understand what it means to those of us who have. \u2013 Jairo Lopes<\/em><\/p>\n Panic<\/p>\n
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<\/em>, a couch co-op, turn-based tactical RPG with a surprising twist through the inclusion of some innovative phone controls<\/a>. On the surface, the gameplay is reminiscent of popular tabletop games like \u2018Gloomhaven\u2019, 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<\/em> stands apart by streamlining a lot of those elements.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t want to play a giant bearserker? No character sheets to customize, everyone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n There are weapons, items, and skills that can be equipped to affect stats, and some deckbuilding elements, but you won\u2019t have a wall of text to memorize. But just because the set-up is simple doesn\u2019t mean Sunderfolk <\/em>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 \u201cgo kill this thing\u201d \u2013 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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 \u2013 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\u2019s been such a thrill playing with a group, that I have to recommend this as an experience to share with friends. \u2013 Raymond Estrada<\/em><\/p>\n Dreamhaven<\/p>\n
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. 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. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n As heroes of Arden, protect the town and its Brightshard from the corruption of shadowstone and defeat threats from the surrounding Sunderlands. <\/p>\n Couch Co-Op First Step into a New World Six Unique Heroes Tactical Combat Inspired by the Tabletop Rebuild the Village of Arden Four Players, One Game Developed by Red Soul Games, Post Trauma<\/em> 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\u2019s past, the game slowly but surely pulls you into a chilling and poignant story that really sticks with you.<\/p>\n 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\u2019d become to the story. Though it\u2019s easy to focus on jump scares or creepy creatures (and there are plenty of each to go around), it\u2019s really about Roman\u2019s journey\u2014his trauma, his memories, and the weight he carries. The puzzles add to that sense of immersion too. They\u2019re challenging but not overly frustrating and solving them feels genuinely satisfying.<\/p>\n For Silent Hill or early Resident Evil veterans, Post Trauma<\/em> 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<\/em> 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\u2019s story takes you. Just\u2026 maybe don\u2019t play it alone. \u2013 Steven Allen<\/em><\/p>\n Raw Fury<\/p>\n
Players will explore a terrifying, twisted reality that constantly unsettles as its story shifts and unravels. <\/p>\n Fight or Flight?<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n A new world of horror that pays homage to the greats <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Can you find a way home?<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n As you find clues and solve puzzles, you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n Built and enriched by world-class talent<\/p>\n Featuring a fully voice acted cast (Togo Igawa, Autumn Ivy, Hyoie O\u2019Grady) 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.\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Lushfoil Photography Sim<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019ve 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\u2019t merely about snapping photos; it was about learning to see. Adjusting aperture, experimenting with focus, and chasing the perfect light\u2014the camera mechanics were so realistic, I often forgot I was in a game.<\/p>\n 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<\/em> isn\u2019t just<\/em> a simulator\u2014it\u2019s a gentle reminder to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty in the quiet moments. \u2013 Jessica Ronnell<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Indie](\"https:\/\/xboxwire.thesourcemediaassets.com\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/May2025_Selects_Horizontal-3037cdae9393d979a42c.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Despelote](\"https:\/\/xboxwire.thesourcemediaassets.com\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Despelote-dee65352ed5f041243bc.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t$14.99<\/span>
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\n\t\tDespelote is a soccer game about people. Get immersed in the streets and parks of Quito through the eyes and ears of eight year old Juli\u00e1n. 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.\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Sunderfolk](\"https:\/\/xboxwire.thesourcemediaassets.com\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Sunderfolk-c74c5d0c1ed7c50ae37d.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t$49.99<\/span>
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\t\tSunderfolk requires a free smartphone or tablet app to play. More details below.<\/p>\n
\n*The free mobile app is required to play the game.<\/p>\n
\nThe 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. <\/p>\n
\nScan 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. <\/p>\n
\nTraditional RPG classes have been reimagined in Sunderfolk. Take up the mantle of an Arcanist, Bard, Berserker, Pyromancer, Ranger or Rogue \u2013 each with their own playstyle. Tailor your character\u2019s strengths with Skill Cards. Power up with Trinkets and Weapons to craft your character\u2019s build quest-to-quest. <\/p>\n
\nEach 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.<\/p>\n
\nThe 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. <\/p>\n
\nShare 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.\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Post](\"https:\/\/xboxwire.thesourcemediaassets.com\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Post-Trauma-ebbe8550a8a55dd0b812.jpg\")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nPost Trauma<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t$14.99<\/span>
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\t\tPost Trauma is a modern interpretation of genre-defining survival horror classics. As you venture deeper into the unknown, you\u2019ll strive to solve the mysteries of your unfamiliar surroundings, hoping to discover hidden truths while trying to stay alive.<\/p>\n![\"Lushfoil](\"https:\/\/xboxwire.thesourcemediaassets.com\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Lushfoil-775810daa8de67ec6afb.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n![\"Bendy](\"https:\/\/xboxwire.thesourcemediaassets.com\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Bendy-ba71b537984160769d3c.jpg\")
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