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The Best Video Games Made In The Philippines

Gaming

By Timothy Teoh September 20, 2024

The Philippines is famous for its vast woodlands, stunning shorelines, charming landscapes, and cultural and historical landmarks, given that the nation comprises approximately 7,000 isles. But did you know that the country is also making waves in the video game industry? It offers a variety of games ranging from slice-of-life games to fighting games inspired by local mythology and chilling survival horror.

In this article that’s part of a weekly series, we will showcase some of the most outstanding video games produced in the country that players should definitely consider playing or adding to their wish list:

Until Then

Country: Philippines
Developer: Polychroma Games
Platforms: PS5, PC
Release Date: 25 June 2024

This game is quite reminiscent of Mojiken’s A Space For The Unbound. Until Then is a side-scrolling, cinematic adventure game that narrates a peculiar and captivating story of curious high school students coexisting in a fragmented reality. The game allows players to explore and navigate through everyday settings based on real-life places in the Philippines. As high-schooler Mark Borja, you will traverse a lush, exquisite pixel art environment. Through Mark’s life, you’ll experience the typical trials of a teenager such as school, piano practice, and friendships, all while sensing that something is amiss. A life-altering event is on the horizon, poised to change Mark’s life forever.

The game’s graphics ingeniously blend 3D backgrounds with 2D-pixel art, featuring intricately detailed close-ups in certain scenes. The environments are remarkably diverse and detailed, and the music perfectly complements the story.

Although there are some issues with the minigames and the overall pacing, the story in Until Then definitely makes it an experience worth having. To find out more about Until Then, check out our review.

BAYANI – Fighting Game

Country: Philippines
Developer: Ranida Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 12 June 2019

The Filipino FGC community needs to experience the awesomeness of this fighting game called BAYANI – Fighting Game. It draws heavy inspiration from the Philippines’ rich history, culture, and mythology. The final game will feature 8 unique characters, each with their own playstyles and mechanics, all inspired by historical figures from the country’s past. This promises a diverse and exciting playing experience for all fans.

BAYANI strikes a perfect balance between being easy to pick up and challenging to master. With a lower execution barrier, players can focus on the strategic and high-level aspects of the genre. The game boasts a fast-paced combat system featuring air dashes, fast movement speed, reversals, reset mechanics, and a wide array of offensive and defensive options.

The best part is that players can use whatever controller they prefer – keyboard, gamepad, arcade stick – and the game’s simplified 6-button control scheme ensures flexibility and comfort.

One of the coolest aspects of BAYANI is that all the stages are based on real locations in the Philippines, connecting with the game’s characters and their real-life inspirations. If you’re looking to step away from the usual fighting game titles, give BAYANI a shot – it’s a refreshing and unique experience!

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The Best Video Games Made In Indonesia

Gaming

By Timothy Teoh September 18, 2024

Southeast Asia has emerged as a vibrant hub for the video game industry, producing a diverse array of engaging and culturally rich experiences. From breathtaking adventures inspired by mythology to groundbreaking multiplayer games, the region boasts a wealth of titles that are truly worth discovering. To champion these awesome games, indie or otherwise, Kakuchopurei has published a feature spotlighting a country and its best locally-made games .

In this month-or-so of curating the best Southeast Asia has to offer, we will begin with the Southeast country that has been making headway in the games industry with its volume and quality: Indonesia. The game development scene over in Indonesia has been on the rise since 2020, so it’s no surprise that we have a boatload of non-F2P paid-for titles up for grabs that happen to be made in the nation known for its heavenly bakso dishes, luscious coffee, enchanting vacation/tourist spots like Bali, and insane city traffic that puts Malaysia’s and Vietnam’s to shame.

The Best Indonesian-Made Games Out Right Now

Coffee Talk Series

Developer: Toge Productions
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date(s): 30 January 2020, 20 April 2023

The Coffee Talk series by Toge Productions is highly regarded in the indie gaming space. It’s a visual novel that puts a unique spin on fairytales, offering rich narratives and engaging gameplay. In the game, you take on the role of a barista in a cozy coffee shop, where you listen to the stories of an array of fantastic customers and craft the perfect beverages for them. Set to chill lo-fi beats, the game offers a heartwarming experience as you connect with the characters through meaningful conversations and drinks.

The latest instalment, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, maintains the excellence of the first game, but it feels more like an expansion than a standalone sequel. As is the case with many visual novels, we recommend playing the first game to fully appreciate the second one. If you’re in the mood for a cozy game with a captivating storyline, we highly recommend checking out the Coffee Talk series. To find out more, check out our Coffee Talk Episode 2 review.

A Space for the Unbound

Developer: Mojiken
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 19 January 2023

We highly recommend checking out Mojiken’s A Space for the Unbound, a wonderful slice-of-life adventure game featuring stunning pixel art. Set in rural Indonesia in the 90s, the game beautifully portrays the story of overcoming anxiety, depression, and the relationship between a boy and a girl with supernatural powers. While the game has a relaxing vibe, it becomes dramatic as you progress through the story.

A Space for the Unbound provides a unique portrayal of the country’s culture. Even if you’re not familiar with the region, the game offers a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of that era, complete with tuckshops and roadside stalls. It features various puzzles, fetch quests, and quick-time events that are challenging but ultimately solvable with attentiveness and a bit of problem-solving skills. This 10-hour game promises an unforgettable experience.

If you’re interested in diving into the adventure of Raya and Atma in A Space for the Unbound, take a look at our detailed written review for more insights.