Might and Delight exemplify handcrafted Indie games

Swedish game studio Might and Delight really knows how to make games that stand out visually. Its attractive-looking paper art style on theShelterseries is, in my mind, unmistakable. I can recognize the studio’s work at a glance; it’s just that distinct.

Its latest title isThe Blue Flamingo, a bite-sized shmup which released today onSteam. While it looks nothing like the games that came before it,The Blue Flamingostands out all the same. The game world and its inhabitants were created entirely with handcrafted miniatures. Fresh off from working intensely onShelter 2, the company stated that it wanted to “try a completely different graphic pipeline, not using digital 3D at all.”

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Here’s an excerpt taken from the title’swebsiteabout the distinctive visual style: “A 32 feet long handcrafted model was made specially for the game, along with countless props and assets that were filmed and photographed. The green screened material was made into sprites and combined with the background to mesh the visual image together.

“All the effects, rocket flares and explosions were created using firecrackers and other pyrotechnics. Strings with magnets pulling cars, small lighted miniature trains and shiny animated cloth are all details in the process behindThe Blue Flamingoworld.”

John and Molly sitting on the park bench

While admittedly not the biggest shmup guy, I’m snagging this one. It’s just too cute to pass up.

Close up shot of Marissa Marcel starring in Ambrosio

Kukrushka sitting in a meadow

Lightkeeper pointing his firearm overlapped against the lighthouse background

Overseer looking over the balcony in opening cutscene of Funeralopolis

Edited image of Super Imposter looking through window in No I’m not a Human demo cutscene with thin man and FEMA inside the house

Indie game collage of Blue Prince, KARMA, and The Midnight Walk

Close up shot of Jackie in the Box

Silhouette of a man getting shot as Mick Carter stands behind cover