Gamescom’s Indie Area once again put the spotlight on independent developers, studios and publishers. Retro-inspired visuals, reimagined classics and fresh ideas filled the halls in Cologne. Retrolike.net asked reporter Dennis “Fleaman” to scout the show floor, try the games and talk to developers and fellow players.
From dozens of titles, three stood out. Here are Fleaman’s personal picks from Gamescom 2025.
Yooka-Re-playlee
The 2017 Kickstarter-backed platformer Yooka-Laylee gets a full remake with sharper visuals and design tweaks. Developed by former Rare talents behind Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country, the new version keeps the familiar collectathon core but refreshes the experience.
The remake adds new puzzles, an official in-game currency tied to Hivory Towers, and a redesigned world map with a challenge tracker. These changes address earlier frustrations by making exploration more accessible. Controls and camera handling are also reworked.
The one thing untouched is the original soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope and David Wise, which still holds up perfectly. Fans of the original and 3D platformers in general will find plenty to do here.
R-Type Delta: HD Boosted
First launched in 1998 on PlayStation, R-Type Delta returns with an HD overhaul. The remake pays respect to the blocky polygonal style of the original while updating textures and effects.
Gameplay remains faithful with only light adjustments to balance and design. For shoot ’em up fans, its appearance in the Indie Area felt refreshing since the genre rarely gets spotlight at big shows.
The name Delta has layered meaning: the fourth entry in the series, three playable ships forming a triangle, and the move to polygon graphics. Now, almost three decades later, it gets a second life for modern platforms.
Forge of the Fae
Pixel art RPG Forge of the Fae channels the look and feel of classic Nintendo-era adventures. Shown on a Switch cabinet at Gamescom, the first release is expected on Steam.
Players follow Fiora, an inventor searching for answers to a wave of disappearances. The story draws from Celtic folklore and evolves based on player choices. Party members join along the way, with branching outcomes tied to decisions.
Combat features a “Crystal System” that deepens strategy while keeping the pace familiar to fans of old-school JRPGs. For retro RPG enthusiasts, this one is worth a spot on the wishlist.
Visit Gamescom while you can
These are just three examples from a busy indie showcase. If you want to see them yourself, or discover countless others, Gamescom 2025 in Cologne runs until Sunday, 24 August.
