The App Store historically served as a popular platform for independent game developers, allowing smaller studios to access vast audiences thanks to the widespread use of iPhones and relatively straightforward development processes. However, that era of innovation has seen changes over time. Current offerings include the new Simogo Legacy Collection, which aims to revisit this past.
Simogo, known more recently for titles like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and Sayonara Wild Hearts, was previously a significant player in mobile gaming. The Simogo Legacy Collection compiles seven games and a companion app created between 2010 and 2015, showcasing the studio’s creative range during this formative period.
The collection features diverse genres, from the stylish arcade game Kosmo Spin to the automatic platformer Bumpy Road. As the collection progresses, it includes increasingly ambitious titles such as Beat Sneak Bandit, a rhythm game, and Year Walk, which delves into folklore-themed exploration. A companion app for Year Walk is also included, providing insights into the game’s creatures.
The collection further expands into unique concepts with titles like Device 6, blending gameplay and narrative, and The Sailor’s Dream, which takes a mixed-media approach. The title SPL-T offers a more traditional puzzle experience reminiscent of Tetris.
Despite their differences, each game showcases a strong aesthetic and focused design, reflecting a consistent commitment to quality in visuals, gameplay, and sound. The collection recreates a mobile experience on the Switch 2, simulating a smartphone interface, with extra features including prototypes and a music player featuring notable tracks.
By compiling these games, the Simogo Legacy Collection serves as an act of preservation, ensuring titles like Year Walk and Device 6 remain accessible even as the App Store evolves. The collection is now available on Steam and the Nintendo Switch.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/839050/simogo-legacy-collection-review-switch-steam