This year’s theme is “Hand-Me-Downs” where Jeff, Xander, and friends exchange previously loved games, collectibles, and retro surprises that deserve a second life. From forgotten gems to deeply personal picks, this episode is all about sharing why certain games still matter long after release.
While this holiday special isn’t focused on new indie releases, it perfectly captures what makes indie gaming special: community, passion, discovery, and the preservation of gaming history. Expect laughs, surprises, nostalgia, and plenty of stories tied to the indie scene and retro culture.
Whether you’re here for cozy holiday vibes, thoughtful game discussions, or to see what wild gifts came out of this year’s swap, this special episode is a celebration of gaming connections and shared experiences.
Happy Holidays from The Indie-Credible Podcast!
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Episode 59 of The Indie-Credible Podcast drops one of our biggest weeks yet — packed with new indie releases, wild community picks, and a surprise early look at Metroid Prime 4 gameplay impressions from Jeff!
Kyle Trials opens with “Game or Toy?” and Friday Game Night delivers plenty of unexpected chaos before we jump right into the main event: the Newest Indie Games Played.
Jeff talks Metroid Prime 4, exploring how Nintendo’s return to Prime format feels so far. Xander dives into Fantasio, a stylish indie adventure that blends hand-drawn charm with surreal environments.
Randomizer / Community Game:
Best Buds vs Bad Guys — is it really as rough as people claim?
Next Week: Carpathian Night
New & Noteworthy Indie Releases:
Touhou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III
NetherWorld
HOTEL BARCELONA (Suda51 adjacent, but too interesting to skip)
Beatblock
Heavy Burger
POPUCOM (co-op 3D platformer!)
Bedfellows FRENZY (Rampage-inspired chaos)
Budget Section – Indie Games Under $2:
Starry Nights: Helix, Sacred Stones, Demon Go!, DOTORI, Woodle Tree Games, Finding Teddy
Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
Lunar Mystery 2103 (Game Boy – Kickstarter)
Necro Nancy (NES – Kickstarter)
Metal Mack (Genesis – Kickstarter)
Homebrew Legacy Spotlight:
A discussion on the long-running tradition of 8-Bit Xmas Carts — collectibles, rarity, and which ones still hit hardest today.
Whether you're here for new indie releases, deep dives into fan favorites, retro homebrew updates, or modern classics like Metroid Prime 4, Episode 59 is a perfect snapshot of why the indie scene continues to thrive.
new indie releases, indie gaming podcast, indie scene, community recommendations, Metroid Prime 4, Touhou Makuka Sai, Danmaku Festival, bullet hell indie games, NetherWorld game, POPUCOM, indie 3D platformer, homebrew NES, homebrew Genesis, retro games, budget indie games, Carpathian Night
Episode 58 of The Indie-Credible Podcast blasts into a packed week of new indie releases, retro tech deep dives, and a wave of community recommendations that fuel the entire indie gaming scene!
Jeff kicks off with Wizorb, a polished hybrid of brick-breaker mechanics and RPG elements recommended by Johnny Millennium. He also checks out the bite-sized Microvania, proving that tiny Metroidvanias still deliver huge fun.
Xander fires up 3DSen, transforming Super Mario Bros. 3 into a full 3D experience, and puts time into Wings of Bluestar, a refined indie SHMUP gifted from a friend — and now a must-try in the scene.
Kyle’s Trials goes full sci-fi with Aliens! while Jeff explores using a NAS for indie gaming, RetroBat’s plug-and-play magic, and retro-friendly solutions for modern setups.
🎮 Randomizer / Community Game:
Abobo’s Big Adventure
Next: Best Buds vs Bad Guys
🔥 New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Sworn, Harmony in the Wild, Star Racer (F-Zero vibes!), Particle Hearts, Blippo+, PROJEKT GODHAND, Parse-O-Rhythm
💸 Budget Indie Picks:
Blade Jumper, Fly to Hope
🕹️ Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
2026 NES Homebrew Calendar, Isle of Reveries (GB-style), Meadow GB, A Magical Tale: Revoke DX, Tough Guy Fighting Spirits (Genesis), plus Homebrew Legacy: Legend of Link
Whether you're exploring new indie releases, testing retro-powered hardware solutions, or diving into homebrew gems, Episode 58 is a perfect snapshot of what makes the indie gaming community thrive.
new indie releases, indie gaming podcast, indie scene, community recommendations, Wizorb, Wings of Bluestar, 3DSen, Metroidvania, retro games, homebrew NES, indie SHMUP, Microvania, brick breaker RPG, Star Racer indie, budget indie games, retro tech NAS
Episode 57 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives into a huge lineup of new indie releases, SNES-style nostalgia, and collector-core homebrew goodness across the entire indie gaming scene!
Jeff and Xander open with a wild discovery: Deltarune on SNES!? The fan project Bound to the Dark World sparks discussion on retro demakes, 16-bit limitations, and why the community still loves reimagining modern indie classics as SNES titles.
Then Jeff spotlights Elementallis, a Zelda-inspired ARPG packed with elemental dungeons, handcrafted overworld design, and classic action-adventure exploration. He also digs into Claire à la Mode, while Xander goes deep on BALL × PIT and the fast-paced platformer Windswept.
Kyle’s Trials features a boxed copy of Mega Force for the Atari 2600, and Jeff unveils the Hagen’s Alley Black Friday Sale with limited books, rare copies of Punch-Out!!, the Genesis book debut, and the last SNES Limited Edition Dust Sleeves.
Randomizer / Community Game:
Mecha Nova (unreleased!)
New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Deadly Days: Roadtrip, CONERU – DIMENSION GIRL –, Adventures of Pip, Quantum Beast, Horace, Beat Souls, Fall For You, Hover REV Hispeed Burst
💸 Budget Section:
The “Secret SteamDB Menu” — basically every free game imaginable!
🕹️ Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
3DSen support, Mischief Castle, Trials of Kharzoid, Guns and Dust, Wheelman, Raven Star
Whether you’re searching for new indie releases, tuning in for retro homebrew discoveries, or following the latest community recommendations, this episode packs the perfect mix of nostalgia, discovery, and modern indie energy.
new indie releases, indie gaming podcast, indie scene, community recommendations, Elementallis, Deltarune SNES, SNES demake, Adventures of Pip, Horace platformer, Windswept game, retro games, homebrew NES, 3DSen, budget indie games, indie developer spotlight
Episode 56 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives into new indie releases and the latest hardware buzz shaking up the indie gaming scene!
Jeff and Xander start off with the long-awaited Steam Machine revival — comparing modern Steam Deck-style PC hardware, controllers, and even VR compatibility. From controller tests to streaming setups, this week’s tech talk dives deep into how indie players can build the ultimate gaming setup for 2025 and beyond.
Then it’s time for the games. Jeff highlights Adventure of Samsara, a beautiful Metroidvania-style journey filled with rich lore, puzzles, and spiritual undertones that fans of Hollow Knight and Ori will love. The crew also tackles GIGASWORD, where massive weapon mechanics meet clever puzzle design, proving once again that innovation drives today’s indie scene.
New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
BALL × PIT (pachinko adventure!), Liuyin’s World, Voyagers of Nera, Lord Ambermaze, and Brews & Bastards
Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
Super Sunny World, Changeable Guardian ESTIQUE, Mischief Castle (3DSen support!), and Game Genie Jam!
From the Steam Machine revival to retro homebrew legends, this episode celebrates every corner of the indie gaming community — from new creators to nostalgic collectors.
new indie releases, indie gaming podcast, indie scene, Adventure of Samsara, Steam Machine, Steam Deck, PC handhelds, Metroidvania indie, homebrew games, retro games, community recommendations, budget indie games, NES homebrew, indie developer spotlight
Episode 55 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives deep into the vibrant world of indie gaming, bringing fresh new indie releases, throwbacks in the indie scene, and hidden gems in the homebrew & budget game space!
Jeff jumps into Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores, a delightful “Mushroomvania” Metroidvania brimming with charm and exploration. Meanwhile, Xander highlights Majogami, a dynamic 2D action-platformer making waves for its paper-craft visuals and precise swordplay.
We also cover:
Kyle’s Trials: NES Treats and retro surprises
The Indie-Credible Game Night segment — Did it actually happen this week?
Switch 2 physical indie game Majogami and the 8BitDo phone controller test rabbit-hole
Randomizer Community Game pick: Dungeons of Hinterberg (PS5 physical announced)
New & Noteworthy indie titles: Gunforged, Mai: Child of Ages, Ratatan, DeadWire, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, Platypus Reclayed
Budget indie finds under $2: Wreckdigger, Sky Seeker, Xolotl, 4 the Elements
Aftermarket & Homebrew highlights for old hardware: Mavericks Baghdad Extraction, Desert of the Undead, Banana Bash, The Legend of Poo Panties the Cat, Homebrew Legacy Title Blade Buster
With insight into indie dev culture, retro revival, and collector-focused physical releases, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the evolving indie gaming landscape. Tune in, join the community recommendations, and explore the game titles shaping the scene.
new indie releases, indie gaming podcast, indie scene, community recommendations, Lone Fungus Melody of Spores, Majogami, Metroidvania, retro games, homebrew games, budget indie games, indie developer spotlight, NES homebrew, Switch 2 indie, aftermarket gaming
Episode 54 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives into a haunted blend of indie thrills and retro homebrew magic!
Jeff investigates the spooky new NES homebrew Haunted: Halloween ’87, while Xander explores the time-bending indie action of Chrono Gear: Warden of Time, making both titles front and centre of this week’s discussion. We also get meta-with Kyle’s Trials focused on a rare Metallica VHS box set and Jeff’s LASIK experience plus the discovery of emulation on an iPhone!
🎮 New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Katanaut
Chrono Gear: Warden of Time Steam Store+2itch.io+2
Little Witch in the Woods
Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream
Piñata Go Boom
Funk Unplugged
The Dark Queen of Mortholme
💸 Budget Section (Indie Games under $2):
Powernaut II, Vomitoreum, The Tower on the Borderland, Blood of the Werewolf, Gridvania
🕹️ Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
Anna: The Magic of Words (NES)
Dizzy Sheep Disaster EX (e-Reader)
Homebrew Legacy: Full Quiet (Retrotainment Games)
If you’re passionate about indie game discoveries, Metroidvania-style depth, NES homebrew culture, and retro console revival, this episode has everything you need.
Tune in, explore the game-scene underground, and join the conversation.
indie gaming podcast, Haunted Halloween 87, Chrono Gear Warden of Time, NES homebrew, retro games, indie game reviews, Metroidvania indie, budget indie games, homebrew console games, retro console revival, indie developer spotlight
Episode 53 of The Indie-Credible Podcast delivers a showcase of hand-crafted artistry and pure retro-inspired energy!
Jeff dives into the stunning world of Bye Sweet Carole. This cinematic platformer feels like stepping into a lost Don Bluth or Disney classic, while also tackling the high-octane, co-op Metroidvania action of Pampas & Selene, one of the most talked-about indie releases this year.
Meanwhile, Xander explores the week’s New & Noteworthy lineup featuring Star Fire: Eternal Cycle, Atomanta, Tokyo Underground Killer, Touhou: Fearless Frogslayer, and more. The crew also teases the Randomizer Community Game pick Artifact Adventure Gaiden DX, a hybrid JRPG that blends Tales and Ys-style combat with open-world freedom.
The Budget Section: Quick indie steals under $2 October Panic & Quack Jump (on Switch 2!)
Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
The Cult of Blood (GBC)
Shadow Island (GB)
Flying Arrows 2 (GB)
Skate Kat (NES Homebrew Legacy Title – featured on GameCenter CX!)
Plus: a brand-new Game Boy trailer by Sergio → https://youtu.be/u61WpziEzcA
From cinematic storytelling to pixel-perfect homebrew, this episode celebrates the very best in indie gaming, Metroidvania design, and retro console revivals.
indie gaming podcast, Bye Sweet Carole, Pampas and Selene, Metroidvania, retro games, homebrew games, NES homebrew, Game Boy homebrew, JRPG, indie game reviews, Don Bluth art style, budget indie games, Kickstarter games, 2D platformers, indie developer spotlight
Episode 52 blasts into orbit with another packed week of indie game discoveries, homebrew highlights, and retro gaming goodness!
Jeff and Xander unbox the brand-new Game Boy homebrew Cosmo Knight Zion and finally crack the code on the mysterious Discord game tease that had everyone guessing.
In this week’s New & Noteworthy, the crew previews must-see indie gems including Shadow of the Orient, Seafrog, Hirogami, Quetzal’s Call, JETRUNNER, Adventure of Samsara (Metroidvania fans, this one’s for you!), and Nikoderiko: The Magical World – Director’s Edition.
Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
END (NES via Kickstarter)
CopperStorm (SNES, Neo Geo, Mega Drive)
The Nyanja! (PC Engine by Saru)
Echoes of the Unread (NES – NESDEV Compo)
Homebrew Legacy Title: Habit! – a cult favorite with two rare physical editions!
Whether you’re into modern indie releases, retro console homebrews, or Kickstarter game projects, this episode delivers a power-packed mix of insight, nostalgia, and discovery.
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Season Two of The Indie-Credible Podcast blasts off with a celebration of creativity across the indie and retro-gaming scene!
Jeff and Xander dive deep into the world of indie games, homebrew projects, and aftermarket releases for classic consoles, spotlighting passionate creators keeping the spirit of gaming alive. From Jeff’s fully-funded Kickstarter for The Complete Sega CD & 32X Collector’s Book to the story behind a Metal Sonic art piece that set the community abuzz, this episode packs insight, humor, and nostalgia into one epic launch.
You’ll also hear the duo discuss their new Parsec livestream setup, taking The Indie-Credible Podcast’s interactivity to the next level with live gameplay, developer chats, and behind-the-scenes banter.
🎮 Featured Indie & Homebrew Spotlights:
Winsley’s Guardian (N64 Homebrew) – A brand-new adventure for the Nintendo 64! Now on Kickstarter 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tresibra/winsleys-guardian-a-life-fulfilled-new-n64-game
Mega Kaiju Boom Ball (NES) – A chaotic new NES title from Orebody Inc., live on Kickstarter 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jd3/mega-kaiju-boom-ball-a-new-nes-game-by-orebody-inc
📗 Support Jeff’s latest project (late backers is still going!):
The Complete Sega CD & 32X Collector’s Book on Kickstarter
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We’ve officially hit the big 5-0, and we’re finishing out Season 1 by celebrating with another jam-packed episode full of indie game goodness. Xander and Jeff dive into the newest indie releases, share their latest play sessions, and spotlight some surprise gems from this week’s sales.
Halloween is near, and Kyle’s Trials brings some blast-from-the-past horror icons into the mix. This week’s Randomizer pick is Bibots, a roguelike packed with grindy charm, robot mayhem, and plenty of challenge.
The Steam Autumn Sale is here, and we’re checking out New & Noteworthy titles like Creatures of War, Shoomer Booter, and the mysterious Lost Soul Aside; is it indie or AAA? Let’s discuss.
Plus, don’t miss our Budget Section featuring fantastic indie games for just two bucks a pop.
Join us as we celebrate 50 episodes of championing the indie scene. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your favorite indie discovery this week.
Welcome back to another episode of The Indie-Credible Podcast!
Jeff kicks things off by showcasing the newest display for Kyle’s Trails. Then, Xander and Jeff dive into last week’s Randomizer pick: Against Great Darkness, a shmup with a surprising Arkanoid-style twist.
Xander also shares some laughs from a recent Wobbly Life game night, and we highlight this week’s New and Noteworthy titles, including:
The Girl From Arkanya – a Zelda-inspired adventure
Crescent Tower – channeling those classic Final Fantasy NES vibes
…and more hidden indie gems!
Finally, we tumble down a Budget Titles rabbit hole with the quirky and creative catalog from Sokopop Games.
The indie scene never takes a break, and neither do we!
Jeff and Xander are back with another jam-packed episode. We kick things off with more Silksong discussion, plus Xander drops some huge news: he finally got a Switch 2!
In Newest Indie Games Played, the Randomizer pulls us into the retro-inspired Celeste 64. From there, we explore a stacked New and Noteworthy lineup featuring SteamDolls: Order of Chaos, Öoo, and plenty more fresh indies worth your attention.
And of course, it wouldn’t be the Indie-Credible Podcast without the Budget Section! This week’s under-$2 picks include quirky gems like Bobo Robot and Wren’s Resurgence, proving you don’t need to break the bank to find a great indie.
Check out Jeff’s latest projects:
Browse his books: Hagen’s Alley
www.hagensalley.com
Back his live Kickstarter: The Complete Sega CD & 32X Collector’s Book
This week, we kick things off with some vintage Star Wars fun in Kyle’s Trials, followed by more chatter about the much-anticipated Silksong. Jeff dives into the NES homebrew Malasambra, while Xander takes on Shinobi Art of Vengeance.
In New and Noteworthy, we spotlight a packed lineup of fresh indie discoveries like Project X: Light Years, Sword of the Sea, Touhou Kinjoukyou ～ Fossilized Wonders… and more!
Then we close out with our Budget Section, featuring some incredible indies under $2, including Kawaii Deathu Desu, Rift Keeper, Kaodi… and more!
Plus, Jeff has an exciting new book project now, Live! Check out his Kickstarter for the Complete Sega CD and 32X Collector’s Book... Every Game!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesubcon3/complete-sega-cd-and-32x-collectors-book-every-game
Silksong has finally arrived—and on the same day, Adventures of Samsara, a brand-new Metroidvania, launched too. We also take a look at Kazeta OS and whether it’s a good option for indie collectors who want to save space.
This week’s Randomizer is Footgun Underground, a roguelike with a soccer twist that might remind you of Kid Kleets on the SNES.
In New and Noteworthy, we spotlight fresh indie releases like Wagotabi: A Japanese Journey, No Way Home, and more! Plus, the Budget Section is packed with indie games under $2.
Support the Kickstarter now live: Complete Sega CD & 32X Collector’s Book – Every Game!
Covers every North American, key Japanese, European, and aftermarket release in one volume.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesubcon3/complete-sega-cd-and-32x-collectors-book-every-game
Welcome to Episode 45 of The Indie-Credible Podcast! This week, it’s more than meets the eye with another round of Kyle’s Trials. Jeff wraps up his run of Minishoot Adventures, while he and Xander take on the randomizer pick Space Grunts: a roguelite, turn-based shooter set in a sci-fi world.
Both hosts go absolutely gaga for Garbanzo Quest, and the New & Noteworthy lineup features fresh titles like Toree Saturn, Gundroid, and more hidden gems. The Budget Section also delivers a few surprise indie steals you won’t want to miss.
On the industry side, the crew dives into Unity’s new AI tool integrations and rumors surrounding a new Steam console, codenamed “Fremont.”
Another jam-packed episode full of indie insights, and wild discoveries!
This week, Jeff shares more of Kyle’s Trials, while both Jeff and Xander dive into the Randomizer pick of the week: Helvetii, a slick hack-and-slash adventure. Jeff also highlights some cool NES homebrews with Force Bot, and we roll into a jam-packed New and Noteworthy lineup that Xander’s already dipped his toes into.
Featured games include:
Yosei Wars
Panta Rhei – Guardian of Time
Tall Trails
Maiden Cops
Contract Rush DX
Starshifter
TEXNOPLAZM
And of course, we’ve got some amazing budget-friendly indie titles you won’t want to miss!
Tune in for indie discoveries, retro gems, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Welcome back to another episode of The Indie-Credible Podcast! In Episode 43, Jeff dives into some vintage toy finds from Kyle’s Collection and then takes on the return of The Randomizer with Minishoot Adventure, a Zelda-inspired twin-stick shooter packed with bullet-hell chaos, accessibility options, and multi-phase boss battles. Xander celebrates a huge victory by finally conquering Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. At the same time, we also spotlight the quirky new release JamJam n Jelly and take a closer look at the fascinating Exa Arcadia, a modern arcade platform reminiscent of the NeoGeo for today’s indie developers. We dive into some of the most exciting "New and Noteworthy", starting with quick previews of standout titles like Primal Planet, Dreamspring, GhoulScrapers, The Shaman’s Ark, Mashina, and Spy Drops. For those hunting for a bargain, we highlight indie gems under $2 that are worth checking out, including Blood Within, Druid, Winslow, Azaran, and MarqueeCandle. An indie experience you definitely won’t want to miss.
This week on The Indie-Credible Podcast, Jeff and Xander talk about Limited Run Games’ ever-growing release list—and how some great titles get lost in the shuffle. One standout? Scott Pilgrim EX, a brand-new game that sends us down a Tribute Games rabbit hole.
In “Newest Indie Games Played,” the guys blast-process their way into Earthion, a brand-new shmup that feels right at home in the Genesis/Mega Drive era, and Jeff keeps fueling his Ninja Gaiden Ragebound addiction.
The “New & Noteworthy” spotlight includes:
Mina the Follower, The Wandering Corinne, Chronicles of Teddy: Harmony of Exidus, METAGAL, RPGolf, Cecconoid, Sombra, and FUMES.
Budget-conscious gamers will love this week’s under-$2 picks: Stamp Boy, Skjoldur Story, Kitten Lost Her Box, Rolled: A Pinball Nightmare, and Painted Legend: Knights of Ink & Paper.
From retro-inspired shooters to hidden digital bargains, Episode 42 proves the indie scene never stops delivering.
Jeff returns from the Classic Game Fest with stories to share—and he’s bringing some retro heat with him! This week, the crew dives into Blade Buster, a slick NES homebrew shmup that keeps the pixel bullets flying. Jeff also checks out the press-demo for Sovietborgs, an ambitious top-down action game coming to Genesis, Dreamcast, and Neo Geo. Think Gauntlet meets The Chaos Engine, with visuals straight out of Donkey Kong Country and a soundtrack that slaps like Red Alert.
Meanwhile, Xander cools down with the TANUKI: Pon’s Summer Demo and blasts through enemies in the chaotic Gun King.
We also spotlight this week’s New & Noteworthy indie finds:
Fretless – The Wrath Of Riffson, Advent NEON, Memori, Awita: Journey Of Hope, Undivine, and Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe.
And if you're ballin’ on a budget, we’ve got two under-$2 indie gems in Thorn Demon Hunter and Wild West Crops.