Evercade started the Game of the Month program last month in April, where every month, they release a new indie game Evercade VS owners can install and play for free until the month ends. The next month, a new firmware update becomes available that includes the next game.
In total, 10 games will be released under the Game of the Month program, which will officially wrap up in December.
One thing to note is Game of the Month is exclusive to the Evercade VS, meaning Evercade Handheld owners have to sit this one out. However, the complete collection of all games published under Game of the Month will be available in December and published as a physical cartridge called Indie Heroes Collection 2.
New Evercade VS Firmware update
Now one of the interesting ways Evercade introduces new Games of the Month is through firmware updates, which the latest update brings us to version 2.1.1.
This update also included the following fixes:
- Fixed an issue with misplacing saves for 32-bit and Lynx titles.
- Fixed an issue with game input drops when restarting Beast Wrestler and Exile from the in-game menu on Renovation Collection 1.
- Fixed an issue where save/loads would not function on Gotris and Speedball following in-game menu restart.
- Fixed an issue where Raid on Tri-City would launch twice when selected.
To install the update, make sure your Evercade VS is connected to a Wi-Fi network through the Network menu in Settings, then update your system’s firmware via the System menu.
Tapeworm Disco Puzzle
The first game released in April was Tapeworm Disco Puzzle – a quirky grid-based puzzle game designed by Alastair Low from Lowtek Games, who previously released Flea! That was included in the Evercade Indie Heroes Collection 1 cartridge. Oh, there’s also a Dreamcast port published by Wave Game Studios, so be sure to check that out!
Tapeworm Disco Puzzle was programmed by Valdir Salgueiro, and it features music from Tuï. You play as a worm named DJ Tapeworm, who owns a local nightclub inside a cassette tape, and it’s your job to make sure all your flea buddies enjoy themselves.
In the game, players use the D-pad to move DJ Tapeworm a step on the grid. However, he can only extend himself a certain length that’s indicated by the numerical gauge at the top of the screen. If you overextend yourself, you can press the B button to “retract” a step and proceed from there. Some stages will require you to time your moves to avoid enemies and other obstacles that stand in your way.
Nessy the Robot
This month’s release is Nessy the Robot – an 8-bit style platformer developed by DTG Games. The game stars Nessy – an NES controller-themed robot who lives in the peaceful land of Pixel Park.
One day, while having a picnic with his friend Peoka, they notice a mysterious UFO that appeared over the city. The UFO releases hordes of slimes and robot zombies called Zombots, who are hellbent on destroying Pixel Park.
It’s Nessy’s job to find, defeat the slimes responsible and save Pixel Park. You must avoid or defeat enemies with your projectile, while navigating platforms, collecting gems and defeating end bosses.
Along the way, you’ll be guided by your friend Dusti the Bee, as you make your way through about half a dozen stages that have some fun variety for an 8-bit style game like this.
You can play through Nessy the Robot in about 20-30 minutes, and while it’s certainly not the most difficult 8-bit style platformer we’ve played, we had fun with the game and enjoyed its charming characters. Once you complete the game, you’ll unlock the Negative Zone that removes scrolling, checkpoints and adds new palettes.
So if you’re an Evercade VS owner, be sure to install the latest update and play Nessy the Robot. You’ll have access to the game throughout the month of April until it’s replaced by next month’s release.
