Indie Pass goes underground with Subway Invasion, pitting you against hordes of evil aliens
Indie Pass goes underground with Subway Invasion, pitting you against hordes of evil aliens
There's something inherently claustrophobic about being on the subway. It's all a bit drab, and there's hardly enough space to admire the tilework, especially when it's overrun with alien invaders who are actively trying to kill you. Subway Invasion, this week's featured Indie Pass addition, is all about surviving this unlikely, yet somewhat plausible scenario (if you've got a tin foil hat on).
Indie Pass may be in its infancy, but the subscription service is already pushing hard to bring more of the best indie games to its rapidly-growing catalog. From card-based city-builders like Kaya's Prophecy to anime-inspired RPGs like LunarLux, you're spoiled for choice, no matter what your gaming preferences may be. With one click, you're building up settlements at the behest of a disgruntled god, with another, you're traveling across the Moon in search of a way to prevent a world-ending comet from crashing into Earth. It's a good time for all, unless, like the dinosaurs, you have an aversion to being hit by celestial objects.
QH Studios' Subway Invasion taps into a different kind of fear. Here, you're a lone New York City subway station security guard who finds themselves up against an extraterrestrial threat - more Doom, guy than Doomguy. With tight angles and a limited amount of rarely-replenishable ammo to contend with, alongside your new out-of-state (and planet) friends, expect more than your fair share of tension.
The good news is that QH Studios isn't throwing you down the creek without a paddle. Earning points from dispatching enemies yields points, and as well all know: points means prizes. In this case, you'll be able to spend your hard-earned credits on various weapon attachments. They won't improve your aim, but they'll at least help you navigate your way around the station. Additionally, you'll progressively unlock more powerful sub-weapons like grenades, and you can even fortify areas to limit the angles at which your assailants can get at you. There is a real tactical layer here, so make use of your brain before the aliens scoop it out for experimentation purposes.
Of course, Subway Invasion doesn't suddenly become a breeze once you've suped-up your arsenal. With each new wave you'll encounter faster and stronger aliens, and even some that have mastered human weaponry. Eventually, you'll succumb to the threat, but there's always time for just one more run.

If shooters aren't your thing, that's okay. As noted, Indie Pass boasts plenty of choice. Only last week, cozy Stardew Valley-style game Abbess Garden joined the lineup, placing you in charge of tending to a 17th-century French garden that has fallen into a sorry state. With over 70 games (and counting) available right now, unearthing your next indie binge has never been easier thanks to Indie Pass. Who knows? You might even find yourself trying something that's traditionally out of your comfort zone, which is made frictionless by the fact you won't have to pay a dollar extra for your bravery.
So, with that in mind, head over to the Indie Pass website and peruse its collection, and take advantage of the seven-day free trial (link here) if you find a selection of gaming goodness that speaks to you.