Explore an “invisible space” via sound, fight with hand movements—indies at TGS2026’s “SELECTED INDIE 80” Part 2 [Feature]

The “Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS2026)” was held at Makuhari Messe for four days starting on September 17. Among the indie game sections, which draw huge crowds every year, “SELECTED INDIE 80” is a special feature that spotlights the challenges and creativity of developers from around the world.

In this article, we’ll highlight five unique titles that our writer personally experienced at the venue!

“ANRI”

Developed by the Japanese team “Team Gehanashi,” this title is an innovative, experiential action game played using your own hands inside a dedicated enclosure. When you sit in front of the black, box-shaped enclosure—which has a black monitor installed inside—you’re handed a small, rectangular “device.”

By holding the device in the palm of your hand and holding it up to the monitor, you can gather light; then, by making a fist, you can release that gathered light. The device itself has no functions—it controls the light by tracking the movements of your palm.

The game features a system that makes the most of hand-based actions: not only can you defeat enemies with the light you emit, but you can also perform counters by clenching your fist just before an enemy attacks, or destroy enemy barriers by keeping your hand open. Avoid fierce attacks from enemies while accurately directing your light to defeat the final boss.

It’s a real shame that the game isn’t scheduled for release and can only be played at event venues, as it’s a truly delightful experience that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped right into the game world, with a wonderful sense of unity between the light and your hand movements.

“Go Slimey Go!”

Created by four Argentine developers, this game is a classic precision platformer starring a tiny slime.

Aiming for the house where your slime friend awaits, you’ll race through all 25 stages—filled with various puzzles and soldiers standing in your way—while collecting coins and hidden treasures.

The basic controls are simple, such as moving and jumping. By bouncing off objects and roaming characters, you can gain even more distance, creating a sense of speed beyond what you might expect. Whether this unique bouncing behavior feels exhilarating or frustrating depends on the stage’s mechanics and the player’s skill.Since it demands a high degree of precision, the game shares some similarities with *Celeste*.

Since you can get back into the game immediately after a failure, I enjoyed the fast-paced action that makes you want to keep trying again and again. The cute pixel art is another highlight of this title. Keep an eye out for this slime—you’re free to either push the limits of speed or enjoy it casually.

*Mama*

Created by the Swedish development team “Pat-o-Logic Studio,” this is a warm yet poignant hand-drawn art experience that tells the story of a daughter coming to terms with her mother’s dementia.

The goal of this game is to stay by the side of a loved one as they change, quietly holding their hand. The simple puzzles, which are intertwined with the story, prompt you to reflect on the harsh realities of life.

Facing a mother who struggles to accept her dementia, the game gently explores the essence of understanding another person through scene-by-scene choices and depictions of casual daily life. Unusually for such a story-driven title, the game also features scenes that utilize a webcam and microphone.

While playing, I experienced a unique sense of immersion—the feeling that I was involved not merely as an observer, but as a participant in the story. It’s a deeply moving work that left a lasting impression on many players, who were quietly drawn into the experience at the venue.

“Invisible Room”

Developed by the Chinese team “Invisible Rabbit,” this is an audio mystery puzzle game where you explore an invisible space relying solely on sound. Development began with the question, “Can a game that doesn’t rely on a screen actually work?” and the title was selected for Sense of Wonder Night 2026 (SOWN).

The protagonist, a member of an organization called the “Ghost Story Countermeasures Bureau,” suddenly loses sight in both eyes while on a mission. Visual elements are completely eliminated; the screen displays only the trail of the path the protagonist has taken. Without relying on visual information, the player must listen through headphones to distinguish clues—such as voices from communication devices and ambient sounds—to uncover the truth behind the incident.

I was surprised that all the in-game audio was in Japanese, but this title also features a unique system where players solve puzzles by combining physical printed materials held in their hands. It’s a work that shines with an idea unique to indie games: a puzzle-solving experience where the game and reality intersect as players sharpen their hearing.

*Aleta*

Brought to you by the Taiwanese development team “Aleta,” this game is an open-world puzzle-solving adventure where you freely explore a vast world. You take on the role of a researcher for the “World Library” and set foot on the land of Aleta, dotted with ancient ruins.

To report the locations of energy towers left behind by ancient people and recover them, the investigators set out on expeditions to various regions. What stands out is the game’s unique method of movement: you can glide through the air using rope-like strands that connect to the sky above, or dive underwater.

This game is heavily influenced by *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* and *ICO*. Although there is no combat, I enjoyed the high degree of freedom to roam the vast landscape at will, as well as the puzzle elements that involve solving mysteries using clues scattered throughout the environment.

The process of uncovering secrets hidden within the environment while interacting with beautiful nature and mysterious creatures was filled with a poetic atmosphere, much like flipping through a collection of poems. It’s highly recommended for gamers who want to immerse themselves deeply in the game’s world.

The “SELECTED INDIE 80” booth at TGS 2026 was packed with titles featuring surprising ideas and profound themes. From approaches that expand the player’s experience itself to heart-stirring stories, be sure to experience the infinite possibilities of indie games for yourself!