Singapore has been in the spotlight lately with the release of Skull and Bones this year. The open-world pirate game from Ubisoft Singapore has been making waves, for both good and bad reasons. But did you know that Singapore has long made its mark known in the gaming industry? Showcased by these exceptional games that have entertained players from all over.

In this article that’s part of a weekly series, we’ll highlight some of the top video games created in the country that players should consider playing or adding to their wishlist:

Cat Quest Series

Country: Singapore
Developer: The Gentlebros
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 8 August 2017, 24 September 2019, 8 August 2024

The beloved Cat Quest series is almost a decade old, and it’s no wonder fans can’t get enough of this action-packed RPG featuring our favourite feline heroes. Beautiful visuals, fast-paced combat, and a dash of humour make each game a hit. The open world is packed with side quests and secrets, making it a joy for players of all ages, whether you’re up for a quick game or a lengthy adventure. The first game was likened to a Zelda-like experience, and in the second, you play as both a cat and dog as you explore solo or with a friend. Embark on magical catventures, facing curious monsters along the way.

Now, Cat Quest 3: Pirates of the Purribean puts players in the boots of a swashbuckling “purrivateer,” ready to set off on an open-world adventure across the game’s titular archipelago. Your quest? To find the long-lost Northern Star treasure. You’ll battle the fearsome Pirate King and his pirate hordes while exploring diverse dungeons and biomes as the story unfolds.

Each Cat Quest entry offers a fun narrative and gameplay, ensuring you’ll be entertained for hours on end. For more on Cat Quest 3, be sure to read our hands-on preview!

Cuisineer

Country: Singapore
Developer: BattleBrew Productions
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 10 November 2023

One of the most anticipated indie titles of 2023, Cuisineer perfectly blends the excitement of roguelike gameplay with the challenges of managing a restaurant. Take on the role of Pom, an adventurer turned restaurateur who braves dungeons to gather ingredients for the restaurant’s dishes. With over 100 recipes from around the world, including Kaya Jam, Ice Kacang, Popiah, Roti Prata, Japanese ramen, and tempura, there’s so much to explore. Get ready for a unique mix of action and culinary delights – Cuisineer is a game worth getting excited about! To find out more about Cuisineer, check out our review.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons

Country: Singapore
Developer: Secret Base
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 27 July 2023

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is widely considered one of the finest follow-up entries in the Double Dragon Gaiden Series. While maintaining its roots, the game introduces a captivating roguelike twist, making it a thrilling experience for players. This instalment takes place before the events of the first game and serves as a spin-off of the Double Dragon franchise.

Unlike its predecessors, Rise of the Dragons allows up to two players to select two characters each, forming a powerful tag team. The game features a total of 12 unlockable characters, with four initially unlocked – series protagonists Billy and Jimmy Lee, their friend and love interest Marian, and the new character, Uncle Matin.

Set in a post-apocalyptic New York City controlled by four formidable gangs in 199X, the plot revolves around the mayor enlisting Billy and Jimmy to sequentially defeat these gangs. With both 2-player online and local co-op modes, the action intensifies as you and your friend venture through the city’s mean streets, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience.

In our review, we awarded the game a stellar 90/100 score, stating, “Leave it to 6 years of introspection and hard work from a small team who love beat-em-ups and the franchise’s legacy to create the best Double Dragon entry since WayForward’s starry entry.” Whether you have a soft spot for 2D beat ’em ups or retro action games, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is an absolute must-play!

Gloom and Doom

Country: Singapore
Developer: Neo Tegoel Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 18 January 2021

Made by an independent game developer from Singapore, Gloom Doom introduces a world where unlikely heroes from pop culture history find themselves in a struggle that could either save or doom the world. This visual novel adopts the style of 90s superhero comics, featuring bold black outlines and heavily inked shadows.

The two main characters have compelling backstories, offering players a choice of 7 different endings. With a playtime of around 7 hours, the story is both humorous and memorable, reminiscent of 90s slacker movies. Fans of pop culture will appreciate the references to 90s movies, music, games, TV shows, and comics. The delightful banter between the main characters, representing the clash of old and new generations, is sure to captivate you.

If you love supernatural tales, comics, and pop culture, Gloom Doom is a visual novel you won’t want to miss. It’s a real treat for enthusiasts of the genre, and it’s definitely worth experiencing.

Masquerada: Songs and Shadows

Country: Singapore
Developer: Witching Hour Studios
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 30 September 2016

The appeal of RPGs lies in their immersive lore and rich narrative, and Masquerada: Songs and Shadows delivers just that. The game introduces players to a world brimming with factions, locations, characters, and concepts, all accompanied by voice acting. The extensive codex further enriches the experience with a wealth of background information, showcasing the developers’ dedication to crafting a Renaissance-inspired city of magic.

Drawing inspiration from renowned titles such as Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Dragon Age, the real-time combat system in Masquerada: Songs and Shadows allows players to momentarily stop time to issue commands to their party members. The roles of each of the three active characters in battles are determined by the player’s choices, while the game’s remarkable visuals and sound design further elevate the experience.

However, the game falls short in providing players with the freedom to grind for experience points, engage in random battles, or pursue side quests, making it less appealing to those who enjoy these aspects. Despite this limitation, Masquerada: Songs and Shadows stands out as a real-time with pause strategy RPG, offering unique perspectives that enrich the genre.