PETALING JAYA, Nov 9 — You may have tried your hands at hit games like Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, Valorant, or Fortnite, all of which are celebrated worldwide for their immersive experiences and massive communities.
But did you know that Malaysia has its own incredibly locally-produced games?
Malay Mail shines the spotlight on some awesome Malaysian creations — proving that local games can be just as thrilling and innovative.
While some of these games feature simple, minimalist designs, all of them offer a rich and enjoyable experience.
So why not venture into the world of Malaysian-made video games?
Here are a few standout titles that you won’t want to miss.
Velocibox — developed by Shawn Beck
For those who crave a high-speed challenge, Velocibox offers an adrenaline-pumping experience.
This game puts you in control of a cube that must dodge an ever-changing array of obstacles at breakneck speeds.
Its minimalist graphics focus all attention on the intense, reflex-driven gameplay.
Featuring over 70 deviously crafted patterns, it remains a favourite among hardcore gamers seeking a serious test of their skills.
Simulacra — developed by Kaigan Games
If you’re a fan of horror, Simulacra will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This found-footage horror game unfolds entirely on a mobile phone interface, where players investigate the mysterious disappearance of Anna by exploring the phone’s contents, messages, videos, and other clues.
As you delve deeper, eerie glitches and jumpscares intensify the chilling atmosphere.
With multiple narrative branches and different endings, Simulacra stands out as a gripping experience in the horror genre.
Its success has spawned sequels, including Simulacra 2 and Simulacra 3, each building on the original's immersive storytelling and eerie atmosphere.
A Dance of Fire and Ice — developed by 7th Beat Games
Imagine controlling two planets orbiting in perfect sync with your favourite tunes.
That’s the premise of A Dance of Fire and Ice, a rhythm-based game where you use just one button to guide these planets along a track, perfectly in time with the music.
As you press the button on every beat, you’ll navigate increasingly complex patterns, relying more on your ears than your sight.
With its minimalist design and precise controls, this game offers a distinctive and demanding experience for rhythm enthusiasts.
Since its debut in 2019, it has captured locally as well as in China and Korea.
No Straight Roads — developed by Metronomik
In No Straight Roads, rock music meets action-adventure in a battle against an electronic music empire.
Players take on the roles of Mayday and Zuke, members of an indie rock band, fighting to liberate their city from a digital dictatorship.
The game’s unique blend of rhythm-based combat and a quirky art style, paired with a narrative that celebrates creativity and rebellion, creates an engaging and memorable experience.
The game’s success led to the release of an updated version, No Straight Roads: Encore Edition,
GigaBash — developed by Passion Republic Games
Step into the arena with GigaBash, a thrilling brawler game where players control kaiju (giant monsters) in destructible environments.
This vibrant, action-packed game offers both local and online multiplayer modes, letting players unleash powerful attacks, special moves, and use Giga-energy to transform into even stronger, larger monsters.
With a variety of game modes, GigaBash caters to different play styles, featuring free-for-all battles, team combat, single-player campaigns, and party mini-games.
Its intense, kaiju-inspired combat is sure to captivate fans of monster battles.
If you're a fan of the Godzilla and Ultraman franchises, you'll be pleased to know that this game features guest characters from their respective series, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Are you wondering how you could get your hands on all these beloved games? No worries, they're all available on various platforms such as Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.
So, what are you waiting for?
Game on!
Recommended reading:
- From gamer to creator: How a Malaysian founded an award-winning game design company behind ‘Postknight’ (VIDEO)
- Got your sights on making video games as a living but not sure where to start? Here's what you can do
- Growth, challenges and future prospects, a look at the rise of Malaysian game development