Episode 66 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives into new indie releases, retro-inspired action, and community recommendations shaping today’s indie gaming scene. 

This episode’s spotlight lands on Operius DX, a Tempest-inspired arcade shooter that blends classic vector-style intensity with modern indie polish. Jeff and Xander discuss why it stands out among this week’s new indie releases and how it fits into the resurgence of score-chasing arcade design.

Kyle’s Trials kicks off with a look at a Ninja Gaiden homebrew project, sparking conversation around fan-driven development and reinterpretations of classic franchises. The crew also reacts to the wild Arcade Boy kit, a $500 DIY arcade build that perfectly captures the modern retro rabbit hole.

Community Game:
Next up — F: Fist Slash of Ultimate Fury

Jeff revisits Eternal Champions on the Sega Genesis, while Xander spins up Devil’s Crush on the TurboGrafx-16, keeping the retro momentum alive.

 New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
The Tale of Relm, Spindle, Mohrta, Fruitimo!, Operius DX, and Excessive Speed.

 Budget Indie Picks (Under $2):
We Only Come Out at Night, Streets of Fury.

 Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
Via Triumphalis (GB), Learning Center: The Paper Trail Panic (GBC), Squatch Quest (NES).

 Homebrew Legacy Spotlight:
AdventureQuest 8-Bit: Dungeons & DoomKnights: a standout NESMaker title that proves some homebrew classics just needed time to shine.

Jeff's latest book is also live on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesubcon3/losing-sight-finding-vision-an-atari-insiders-story

From arcade-inspired shooters to fan-built retro projects, Episode 66 delivers a strong mix of new indie releases, retro passion, and community-driven discovery.

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In this special episode of The Indie-Credible Podcast, we celebrate the Best of the NESmaker Byte-Off, spotlighting the most memorable NES homebrew games, standout winners, and community recommendations from the NESMaker Byte-Off competitions spanning 2019 through 2025. 

Jeff and Xander revisit each Byte-Off year to break down Audience Choice winners, Wombat selections, and Best Game award recipients, highlighting how the indie gaming scene continues to push classic hardware far beyond its original limits. From puzzle-driven experiments to action platformers and genre-bending surprises, this episode captures the creativity that defines modern indie gaming on retro systems.

 Byte-Off I (2019):
Audience Choice: Project Kunoichi
The Wombat: Momoc
Best Games: Turtle Rescue & Time Survivor
Jeff reflects on Happy Scrappy and the Haunted Mansion, discovering it’s far bigger than remembered.

 Byte-Off II (2020):
Audience Choice: Rescue Time
The Wombat: Rick Starfield
Best Game: Chaos Between Realms
Jeff highlights CutterCross (New 8-Bit Hero winner), Tower of Turmoil, and Xander talks Chrono Knight.

 Byte-Off III (2022):
Audience Choice: Le Manoir des Zombies
The Wombat: Oratorio
Best Game: Tryptic — a wildly ambitious multi-game experience built from the ground up.

 Byte-Off IV (2024):
Audience Choice: Midnight Zone
The Wombat: Land Ahoy!
The Emissary: Substation 7
Best Game: Pizza Portals — Jeff and Xander’s favorite game of the year, blending clever platforming with humor and heart.

 Byte-Off V (2025):
Audience Choice & Wombat: Hold the Light
The Emissary: Twig 2
Best Game: Backwards Quest — a brilliant reverse-progression action game and a top contender for Xander as the best Byte-Off title ever.

Jeff also shares notes on Echoes of Elysium: Descent (Aethos), tying the Byte-Off legacy directly into today’s new indie releases and physical homebrew projects.

Whether you’re new to NES homebrew or a longtime Byte-Off fan, this episode is your definitive guide to the games that shaped one of the most important competitions in the indie gaming scene.

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Episode 64 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives deep into new indie releases, spotlighting both cutting-edge modern titles and standout NES homebrew projects shaping today’s indie gaming scene. 

This week’s centerpiece is Aethos, a brand-new NES homebrew game by TheRetroBro. Jeff and Xander go in-depth on its design, gameplay, and why it stands out among modern indie releases built for classic hardware. If you care about homebrew done right, this is a must-listen discussion.

Jeff also spends significant time with Gestalt: Steam & Cinder, breaking down why it delivers such a strong action-forward experience, from combat feel to presentation. Along the way, the crew touches on community recommendations, retro setups, and what makes certain indie games rise above the noise.

Kyle’s Trials features a classic Kyle-designed shirt and a custom Atari Jaguar, followed by news on an upcoming Atari book from Hagen’s Alley Books. Xander also gets Batocera running on a CRT, continuing the retro hardware deep dive.

 Community Game:
Aethos (NES Homebrew)
Next Up: Best of the Byte-Off!

 New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Lethal Honor – Order of the Apocalypse, Monochrome Heights, ART IS RIFLE, Absolum, Bye Sweet Carole, and Plus Ultra: Legado.

From new indie releases to NES homebrew excellence and community-driven discovery, Episode 64 captures the full spectrum of what makes indie gaming exciting right now.

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Episode 63 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives into new indie releases, hands-on impressions, and community recommendations shaping today’s indie gaming scene. 

Jeff and Xander break down the community-chosen chaos of Expendabros, asking whether the over-the-top action still holds up, while Jeff also spends time with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, exploring how its large-scale combat and Zelda-inspired world design land with longtime fans.

Kyle’s Trials brings a wave of Kyle-inspired items, including Star Wars nostalgia and Jake “The Snake” Roberts energy, while Xander dives back into Ghost of Yotei, and yes, there’s a rant about the climbing mechanics.

 Randomizer / Community Game:
Expendabros

Next: Aethos (NES) by TheRetroBro

 New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Genokids, Disaster Arms – Impact Project B.A.H.N., Vextorial, RaidersSphere4th (Ace Combat-inspired!), Blood of Mehran, COROPATA, Shrine’s Legacy, and FIGHT KNIGHT (community recommendation).

 Budget Indie Finds (Under $2):
Get Tilted!, Soundfall, Trulon, Narcalid, and The Tarnishing of Juxtia.

 Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:

• Banana Bash (NES)

• Children of Magia (Game Boy Color)

• Kouyate (Commodore 64)

 Homebrew Legacy Spotlight:
Super Bat Puncher

From NES homebrew to modern action brawlers, Episode 63 delivers a packed look at new indie releases, retro-inspired projects, and the community recommendations driving discovery across the indie gaming world.

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Episode 62 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives headfirst into new indie releases, community favorites, and retro-inspired action shaping today’s indie gaming scene! 

Jeff and Xander break down the community-picked hit Dave the Diver, exploring why it continues to dominate conversations across indie gaming, streaming, and word-of-mouth community recommendations. Jeff also spends time with Ninja Gaiden Shadow DX, revisiting classic ninja action through a modern indie lens while tinkering with the MiSTer Multisystem 2.

Xander jumps deep into Ghost of Yotei, while Kyle’s Trials delivers “Tons of Stuff!” in another unpredictable retro segment.

 Randomizer / Community Game:
Dave the Diver
Next: Expendabros

New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Mycorelic (co-op action/puzzle), Titan Isles (co-op FPS), Try to Drive, Scarleth (Zelda-like action RPG), Castle of Heart: Retold, Slugterra All-Stars, and Chronoquartz.

Budget Section & Crazy Sale Picks:
INFEROS NUMINE, Rogue Legacy ($1.49), Chip’s Challenge 2 ($1.24), Ed ($1.49), and Robokid ($1.74).

Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:
Aethos (NES) — a new homebrew title spotlighted by the community at AethosGame.com.

From modern indie breakouts to retro-powered homebrew, Episode 62 is packed with new indie releases, discovery, and insight from across the indie gaming community.

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Episode 61 of The Indie-Credible Podcast dives into new indie releases, retro hardware excitement, and the latest community recommendations shaping the indie gaming scene! 

Kyle's trials kicks things off with Retro Madness in this week’s Trials, while Jeff shares hands-on impressions of the Analogue Duo, exploring how modern FPGA hardware continues to reshape how we experience classic and indie games alike. We also highlight some cool indie collectibles and releases from the wider scene, including Switchmas picks worth keeping an eye on.

 Randomizer / Community Game:
Carpathian Night — a community-picked title that sparks discussion around atmosphere, challenge, and indie horror design.

 New & Noteworthy Indie Games:
Hyper Team Recon, Angry Penguin, Flat Kingdom: Paper’s Cut Edition, Onikira – Demon Killer, Mamorukun Recurse!, UNYIELDER, and Crystal Breaker.

Budget Section (Under $2 Indie Finds):
Guardian of Lore (free community recommendation), Bjorn ($0.79), Tales of the Tiny Planet ($0.99), Crypt Stalker ($1.49), and SPINGUN ($0.59).

 Aftermarket & Homebrew Highlights:

• Mega Castlevania IV (homebrew showcase)

• Metal Mack

• General Chaos: Major Snafu (sequel!)

 Homebrew Legacy Spotlight:
Knight on the Moon (Physical Release)

From cutting-edge FPGA hardware to hidden indie gems and retro homebrew passion projects, Episode 61 captures everything that makes indie gaming, new indie releases, and community recommendations thrive.

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Episode 60 of The Indie-Credible Podcast celebrates the Best Games of 2025, breaking down the titles that defined the year across the indie gaming scene, major releases, and community favorites. 

Jeff and Xander each reveal their Top 5 Games of 2025, highlighting what made these standout experiences rise above the rest — from artistic mastery to unforgettable gameplay innovation. Leading the discussion are two of the most anticipated and talked-about games of the year: Hollow Knight: Silksong and Metroid Prime 4, both of which delivered on years of expectation and reshaped conversations across indie gaming and beyond.

Other top picks include Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Super Catboy, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores, showcasing a wide spectrum of styles — from precision action and platforming to deep Metroidvania exploration.

 Honorable Mentions:
The crew also spotlights standout releases that just missed the Top 5, including Terminator 2D: No Fate, a late-year surprise that perfectly captures classic arcade energy with modern indie craftsmanship.

This episode isn’t just a countdown — it’s a celebration of new indie releases, thoughtful community recommendations, and the games that made 2025 one of the strongest years yet for the indie scene. Whether you’re catching up on must-play titles or revisiting your own favorites, Episode 60 is your definitive year-end guide.

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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.

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Check us out on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/swshalrFpCw?si=O2F7fV2qi5vBrhhq

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.

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