Step into the world of Taiwanese game development, where innovation and creativity collide to produce some of the most captivating and boundary-pushing video games in the industry. From visually stunning masterpieces to emotionally gripping narratives, Taiwan has become a powerhouse of game development, showcasing its talent on the global stage.

In this article that’s part of a weekly series, we will showcase some of the most outstanding video games produced in the country that players should definitely consider playing or adding to their wishlist:

Detention

Developer: RedCandleGames
Platforms: App Store, Google Play, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 12 January 2017

An atmospheric horror game heavily influenced by Taiwanese/East Asian culture (Taoism and Buddhism references) based on the 1960s Taiwan under martial law. Players assume the roles of Wei Chung Ting and Fang Ray Shin, two high school students who are seemingly unfamiliar with each other. However, they are both determined to escape their school after awakening to discover it completely deserted. The situation takes a sinister turn as they notice evil spirits haunt the place. To escape, they must unravel the mystery of the campus, which is filled with ominous objects and puzzles.

A dread-filled atmosphere without resorting to cheap jump scares or excessive gore. Instead, it employs elements of reality to invoke fear. By delving into the visual representations of the human mind and observing its haunting memories, players will experience a truly frightful journey.

Devotion

Developer: Red Candle Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 19 February 2019

Taiwanese developer Red Candle Games did a great job of evoking the best in adventure-styled horror games while expounding a cautionary tale of sorts within its 3 hours of playtime. Set in the 1980s, you play a struggling screenwriter Du Feng Yu as you try your best to heal your sick daughter Mei Shin and maintain your marriage with your wife, ex-singer and movie star Li Fang. The game takes place throughout the years in various apartment spaces, all being affected by the choices Du Feng makes as he attempts to better his situation.

Players will be immersed in a first-person atmospheric horror adventure, like the best horror films that marry real-life tragedies with supernatural elements. With puzzles in tow and a lot of its storytelling told through the environment, you can experience the best of indie game horror with Devotion throughout the night.

Dusk Diver Series

Developer: Wanin International
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 23 October 2019, 24 February 2020

Looking for an action-packed musou-style RPG? Look no further than the Dusk Diver series by Taiwanese developer Wanin International! The first game was highly praised for its intricate combat mechanics and stunning visuals, drawing comparisons to popular titles such as Persona, Yakuza, and Dynasty Warriors. Building upon the success of its predecessor, Dusk Diver 2 offers even more content, new characters, and much-needed quality-of-life improvements.

Set in the vibrant district of Ximending in Taipei, Dusk Diver 2 follows the journey of Yang Yumo, who is still grappling with her newfound dragon vein power a year after the events of the first game. Alongside the crew at Tumaz Mart, Yumo faces the challenge of dealing with lingering dimensional fissures from Youshanding, the otherworldly version of Ximending inhabited by chaos beasts.

Little Witch Nobeta

Developer: Pupuya Games
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 29 September 2022

Little Witch Nobeta is a fantastic entry point into the soulslike genre, especially for those who are new to it. The game features interesting magic combat and offers a deeply satisfying shooter experience, complemented by the presence of charming witch waifus.

Embark on a journey with Nobeta, a young witch who has lost all her memories and is on a quest to uncover her true identity. Her adventure leads her to a mysterious castle, where she encounters a black cat that becomes her guide towards the Throne, promising answers to her questions. As players navigate the castle, they must utilize Nobeta’s magical staff to cast spells and take on formidable foes.

Little Witch Nobeta introduces four distinct types of unlockable and upgradeable attacks, providing flexibility in combat strategy. The game’s magic system allows for seamless switching between spell types, enhancing the dynamism of battles. Blending the excitement of a shooter with the challenging nature of a soulslike, Little Witch Nobeta masterfully incorporates an anime-inspired aesthetic, resulting in a uniquely engaging experience.

Thymesia

Developer: OverBorder Studio
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 18 August 2022

Thymesia offers an intense action-RPG experience with rapid combat and a sophisticated plague weapon system. In this game, you take on the role of Corvus, a character striving to piece together his lost memories. As you traverse through your shattered recollections of a kingdom devastated by an alchemical plague, you will hack, claw, and pierce your way through hordes of monsters. With a vibe akin to Bloodborne and a protagonist resembling a Yarnham Hunter, Thymesia offers a challenge worthy of experiencing.

Each level in Thymesia is a lengthy recollection of a past event, as Corvus retraces his steps through three different locations in the kingdom, eliminating the creatures that lurk there. Yet, the lingering doubt about the reliability of these memories adds an intriguing layer as you revisit these areas. Although the game offers an intriguing narrative to unveil, its standout feature is the adrenaline-pumping, offense-focused gameplay that tasks you with obliterating smaller foes and confronting formidable, imaginative bosses.

With its tight, responsive controls and dynamic character animations, Thymesia ensures that both offensive and defensive tactics are immensely satisfying. You’ll swiftly master the art of timing parries and executing adept dodges to outmaneuver a variety of adversaries. Thymesia remains faithful to the essence of its inspirations while introducing its own unique elements, resulting in a compact, clever, and fulfilling soulslike experience.

OPUS Series

Developer: SIGONO
Platforms: App Store, Google Play, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 21 April 2016

SIGONO, the game developer, has been pushing the boundaries of the OPUS video game series, taking players from outer space adventures to otherworldly realms. After 8 years, the franchise has garnered a dedicated fanbase, with titles like OPUS: The Day We Found Earth. With four titles under its belt, including The Day We Found Earth, Rocket of Whispers, Echo of Starsong, and the upcoming Prism Peak, the series continues to captivate gamers.

For those looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure, OPUS: Echo of Starsong comes highly recommended. Set in the Thousand Peaks planetary system, this heartfelt narrative adventure puts players in the shoes of Jun Lee, an elderly adventurer returning to an unnamed asteroid to fulfill an old promise. As Jun activates an ancient gate, he reminisces about Eda, the woman to whom he made the promise, and the remarkable adventures they shared decades ago. Get ready for an emotional journey through time and space!

Nine Sols

Developer: Red Candle Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 29 May 2024

Red Candle Games, the studio behind the popular horror games Detention and Devotion, has unveiled Nine Sols, its most ambitious title to date. Combining mesmerizing action platforming with an immersive narrative, the game is set to expand the developer’s legacy of exceptional storytelling.

In Nine Sols, players are whisked away to New Kunlun, a realm hailed as the final sanctuary of the Solarian realm, left undisturbed and tranquil for eons. Concealed by ancient rituals and revered as a paradise, this land holds enigmatic truths concealed from its inhabitants. However, the peace is disrupted when Yi, a forgotten herald from antiquity, is reanimated by the innocence of a human child.

Join Yi on a quest for retribution as you confront the nine Sols, the domains of this forsaken empire. Battle formidable foes with combat mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro, delivering a refined and exhilarating experience.

Steeped in a “Taopunk” world, Nine Sols combines cyberpunk aesthetics with the philosophical essence of Taoism and the captivating tapestry of Far Eastern mythology. Immerse yourself in the lore of an ancient extraterrestrial civilization and unravel the intertwined fate of humanity and this enigmatic race. This game represents a significant leap for the indie studio, melding challenging gameplay with a narrative that beckons exploration and revelation.