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Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto

Brian Ashcraft Avatar
Brian Ashcraft
Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto

[Image: BitSummit]

This past weekend, BitSummit got underway in Kyoto. Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger, and this year’s appeared to be the biggest yet!

The show has come so far from the first year — which was held in a tiny auditorium and with participants setting up on card tables.

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Now big name game developers like Goichi Suda of No More Heroes fame are regulars.

Once again, Sony was on hand with its indie games, as was Nintendo. But what drew my attention was some of the titles I happened upon on the show floor.

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

My favourite was People Panic. Players hold a UFO attached to a fishing poll, and the goal is to abduct as many pedestrians milling about on the streets.

I told the guy passing out fishing polls, “This would be excellent as an arcade game.” I told him that twice, I believe.

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

The other game I really liked was Rival Star Hero. It isn’t a Japanese developed game, but a Canadian one. It is, however, influenced by Japanese shmups — but with a cool two player versus spin. I thought it was terrific.

Another interesting title was Merkava Avalanche. You control bikes covered in battle arm and wielding swords as you chase after and beat down foes. It seemed like an interesting concept and different from other indie titles on display. It’s headed to Steam later this year.

I checked out Q-Games’ first mobile title Eden Obscura, which was a slick, beautiful version of PixelJunk Eden for smart devices.

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

The game uses the first and back cameras for the backgrounds, but does so in a tasteful and artistic way.

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Basically, it didn’t totally freak me out to see my face in the background. Though, it probably should have regardless!

There was a bunch of other cool stuff on hand, and BitSummit has really come into its own. Compared to the Tokyo Game Show, which is exhausting and stressful, BitSummit is a joy.

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

Japan’s Biggest Indie Game Event Hits Kyoto
(Image: Kotaku)

[Image: Kotaku]

This familiar face once again put in an appearance!

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