The Game Boy Color wasn’t exactly the best platform for horror unless you count, like, Resident Evil Gaiden and Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare. However, the landscape is changing with the emergence of indie games, and now’s a good time to explore some intriguing indie Game Boy Color horror titles, particularly the Metamorphosis Collection. You can even get a physical cartridge if you’re into that sort of thing (I am).
Exploring the Metamorphosis Collection
The Metamorphosis Collection features three unique games: Opossum Country, Decline, and Specimen 134, all crafted by Ben Jelter. Notably, two of these titles, Opossum Country and Decline, are already available for play on itch.io at no cost. They were created during game jams, showcasing the creativity and talent of their developers. In contrast, Specimen 134 is a brand-new addition to the collection and is reportedly longer than the other two. If you're curious, there’s a demo available to give you a taste of the gameplay!
Game Highlights
I’ve had the pleasure of trying Decline and Opossum Country. Both games are creepy short-form adventures that keep you on your toes. Decline follows the story of a police detective who is nearing retirement and finds himself solving a supernatural mystery, drawing players into a world of suspense. On the other hand, Opossum Country tells the tale of a gig food delivery person navigating a mysterious trailer park filled with evasive residents—definitely a unique twist on the horror genre!
The Revolution of Game Development with GB Studio
Much of the recent development for the Game Boy Color has been fueled by GB Studio, a user-friendly development suite that simplifies the process of creating games for the platform. It's pretty cool to see how accessible game development has become! I’ve dabbled a bit in it, and it’s intuitive and simple to use, allowing many talented developers to bring interestingly designed games to life that may not have been marketable during the handheld’s original lifespan. This resurgence is breathing new life into the Game Boy Color community.
Pricing and Availability
For those interested in the Metamorphosis Collection, there’s a digital version priced at $13.99. However, the real excitement lies in the physical cartridge, which includes a box, instructions, and a sticker sheet for $59.99. What’s more, if you place an order before Halloween, you’ll receive a translucent blood-red cartridge instead of the usual smoky black! Either way, it’s a neat collector's item, and I’m seriously considering making a purchase myself.
Get Your Hands on the Collection
Preorders for the Metamorphosis Collection are open now, with physical editions set to ship later in November. For fans of indie horror games and collectors, this is a fantastic opportunity to dive into some unique titles while adding to your Game Boy Color library. This collection not only showcases the creativity of indie developers but also highlights a growing trend in reviving retro gaming for a new generation!
Key Takeaways
- The Metamorphosis Collection features three indie horror games, bringing a fresh take to the Game Boy Color.
- Games like Decline and Opossum Country are available for free on itch.io, showcasing the thriving indie scene.
- GB Studio revolutionizes game development, making it accessible and inviting for new creators.
- Collectors can preorder a physical version of the Metamorphosis Collection, complete with exclusive designs for Halloween.
This indie horror collection is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern creativity, inviting gamers to explore the eerie depths of what the Game Boy Color can still offer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the retro scene, there’s something in this collection that’s sure to captivate your imagination!
