Like a mouse wheel that functions properly and correctly, a click flips the calendar and a new Thursday has arrived. This week brings three highly acclaimed indie games: Anodyne 2: Return to Dust, A Short Hike, and Mutazione.

Anodyne 2 is a retro-style game that blends 3D platforming with 2D "Zelda"-like gameplay and tells the story of Nova, a Nano Cleaner on the island of New Theland. Nova shrinks herself in a Nano Vacuum to get inside their bodies. Nova must use the Nano Vacuum to shrink herself into their bodies and save the islanders from Dust. Her fate is clear, but "strange characters and painful experiences will test her loyalty.

This may not be the clearest description ever, so watch the trailer.

Next up is A Short Hike, a short hike around a very interesting island. Take your time, follow the path, discover secrets and hidden treasures, chat with other hikers, and just generally enjoy the day. I have heard very good reviews about this game.

Trailer:

Last but not least is "Mutazione". To care for his ailing grandfather, he goes to a strange and secretive community, makes friends, goes to barbecues, goes boating, creates a music garden, and "embarks on a final spiritual journey to save everyone from the strange darkness at the center of it all."

Make that three trailers:

All three have been nominated for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at this year's Independent Game Festival Awards, which is a pretty strong recommendation. The winners have yet to be announced: the IGF Awards Show will take place on March 18, with a live streaming show at 5pm PT/8pm ET. The games are free and open to the public until March 19.