Malaysia may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of game development, but it has quietly become a hub for creating some of the best games in the industry. From immersive storylines to innovative gameplay, Malaysian game developers have been making their mark on the global stage.

To celebrate Malaysia 67th Independence Day, we’ll explore some of the best games to come out of Malaysia and the talented studios behind them. Get ready to discover a new world of gaming excellence right here in Southeast Asia!

GigaBash

Developer: Passion Republic Games
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 4 August 2022

Are you a fan of epic battles between monsters and superheroes? If so, you’ll love GigaBash, the action-packed multiplayer brawler game from Passion Republic Games! In GigaBash, you can take control of kaijus and giant superheroes as they duke it out in fully destructible cities and exotic locations across the globe. The multiplayer mode allows up to 4 players to compete against each other, either locally or online with friends on any platform.

What sets GigaBash apart is its exciting Story Mode, which offers 4 unique storylines delving into the origin of the Titans. With 10 playable characters included in the base game and additional crossover characters from legendary IPs such as Ultraman and Camearra available as DLCs, there’s no shortage of variety and excitement.

For those seeking an added challenge, the Onslaught Mode is a must-try. Team up with a friend to take on endless waves of enemies and earn epic character skins as you progress. With its wealth of content, GigaBash promises hours of non-stop entertainment for players.

Experience the excitement of GigaBash for yourself – dive into our in-depth review to learn more about this thrilling game.

Once Again

Developer: RB Wolf Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 3 October 2022

Are you someone who has ever wished for the chance to turn back time and have the opportunity to properly say your final goodbye? Imagine a heartwarming visual novel that guides you through such a scenario. “Once Again” follows the story of a teenage boy who, once a year on his birthday, travels through time to spend one day with his deceased mother. This emotionally charged narrative centers around themes of loss, grief, and the longing for the past.

The game places a strong emphasis on storytelling rather than gameplay. While the visuals are simple, they are crafted with great care and attention to detail. Gameplay is straightforward; you simply click on an item once a minute and continue reading the text. The standout element of the game, however, is its carefully selected soundtrack, which perfectly complements the atmosphere and draws you further into the narrative. If you’re a fan of visual novels and enjoy stories that tug at your heartstrings, Once Again is a wonderful addition to your game library.

Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM

Developer: Cellar Vault Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 2 September 2020

Paper Ghost Story: 7PM attracts with its unique art style that blends papercraft visuals with an unsettling ambiance. The game brilliantly incorporates Malaysian and Singaporean cultural elements, enriching the overall experience. The narrative unfolds the shared journey of three children during the ghost month and the arrival of an enigmatic new neighbor, leading to a chilling sequence of events.

One downside is that the game is quite short and can be completed in just 30 minutes to an hour. Don’t fret! A new installment in the Paper Ghost Story series titled “Third Eye Open” is on the horizon, set to launch on 5 September 2024 for PC via Steam.  You can check out the demo of the upcoming game!

SIMULACRA Trilogy

Developer: Kaigan Games
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PC
Release Date: 26 October 2017, 31 January 2020, 26 October 2022

The Simulacra series, developed by Kaigan Games, employs a found phone format to weave captivating horror narratives. Blending elements of mystery and terror, the games offer an immersive experience. The third installment of the series casts players as an intern at a local newspaper, thrust into the task of unraveling the truth behind a series of unsettling disappearances in the town of Stonecreek. Armed with only a peculiar phone as a clue, players must collaborate with a determined journalist to piece together the puzzle before it’s too late. To dive deeper, check out our review of Simulacra 3.

Rather than relying heavily on jump scares, the horror in Simulacra is more about building suspense and a pervasive sense of unease. While the game does feature effective jump scares, its real strength lies in its narrative, which is sure to attract players with its unexpected twists. For those considering diving into the series, Simulacra 3 and the Trilogy Bundle are definitely worth checking out.

Katana Rama

Developer: Ghost Machine Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 15 September 2023

Step into the fast-paced world of Katana Rama, a visually stunning game reminiscent of the DreamCast era. Developed by the indie studio Ghost Machine Games, Katana Rama offers a thrilling, mobility-based experience where players take on the role of a hacker program attempting to escape a digital security system. The game’s one-hit kill mechanic presents a satisfying challenge, requiring players to demonstrate skillful navigation and precise strikes. With its unique point system, striking visual design, and exceptional boss theme, Katana Rama delivers a truly memorable gaming experience.

In short, Katana Rama is a must-play for fans of mech and hack-and-slash games, leaving players eager for more. For an in-depth look at Katana Rama, be sure to check out our detailed written review.

The Magister

Developer: Nerdook Productions
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 3 September 2021

If you have a soft spot for deck-building and Clue/Cluedo-style games, then The Magister is an absolute must-have for your gaming collection. Developed by a talented solo developer from Malaysia, this gem of a game infuses the thrill of procedurally generated RPG with the logic games reminiscent of Phoenix Wright.

Picture yourself as a wandering judge in a fantasy steampunk empire, tasked with solving the murder of a fellow judge. Every playthrough feels fresh yet familiar, akin to a game of Clue. While the city layout and lineup of suspects remain constant, the minute details of the murder and the motivations of the suspects are ever-changing.

The game presents two distinct combat systems: the first is a more traditional, grid-based tactical approach, while the second involves “tactical diplomacy” (a form of verbal combat). Both systems offer unique and enthralling experiences, providing players with different avenues to explore.

It’s all about the cards in The Magister. Combat commences with a substantial deck that gradually diminishes as the battle unfolds, while tactical diplomacy starts with a meagre deck that grows in size with each turn. The Magister ingeniously weaves these card-based mechanics into both forms of combat, ensuring an immersive and engaging experience for players.

No Straight Roads

Developer: Metronomik
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release Date: 21 October 2021

Wan Hazmer, former lead game designer of Final Fantasy XV, and Daim Dziauddin, former concept artist of Street Fighter V, teamed up to establish Metronomik, the studio behind their debut game, No Straight Roads (NSR), released in 2020. The action music game follows the story of two protagonists, Mayday and Zuke, as they battle an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) empire using rock music to free Vinyl City from their control. No Straight Roads incorporates Malaysian elements such as wayang kulit and dikir barat tunes, showcasing them to the world.

Similar to the popular game Hi-Fi Rush from Tango Gameworks, NSR requires players to synchronize their actions with the game’s music and rhythm. While Hi-Fi Rush boasts more polished mechanics and controls, Metronomik’s innovative approach and fresh take on the action/rhythm game hybrid set it apart. Despite the stark difference in the experience of the studio founders, their expertise and creativity shine through in No Straight Roads.

If you’re looking to play NSR soon, the No Straight Roads: Encore Edition is highly recommended. This enhanced version includes the base game, the festive-focused ‘Christmas Edition’ update, additional tracks, a new opening cinematic, quality of life improvements, and an extensive collection of fan art throughout Vinyl City.

No Straight Roads is widely regarded as one of the best games to emerge from Malaysia. Metronomik continues to push boundaries with their upcoming “audio-centric” game, Ondeh Ondeh, promising a unique and fantastical experience that differs from NSR. Exciting times lie ahead for fans of the studio’s work!

Rhythm Doctor

Developer: 7th Beat Games
Platforms: PC
Release Date: 26 February 2021

7th Beat Games has recently achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the prestigious Excellence in Audio Award at the 2024 Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards. Their game, Rhythm Doctor, outshone renowned titles like COCOON by Geometric Interactive, Tchia by Awaceb, and Venba by Visai Games, setting a new standard for the Malaysian gaming industry.

Rhythm Doctor is an innovative one-button rhythm game that puts players in the shoes of a doctor tasked with treating various patient ailments by tapping the spacebar in sync with the beat. The game lives up to its name, requiring players to hit the spacebar every seventh beat of the level’s song. Upon successfully completing a song, players unlock the next patient and gain access to a more challenging “night shift” mode for the song. Boasting vibrant pixel art, the game is a visual delight.

Whether you’re a fan of rhythm games or have yet to experience one, now is the perfect time to install Rhythm Doctor and tap to the beat!

Which of these Malaysian games will you be looking forward to playing? Let us know by commenting on our social platforms on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.