Stepping into the cockpit of EVERSPACE 2, I was immediately reminded why space shooters have such a devoted following. There’s something exhilarating about the freedom to soar through handcrafted star systems, engage in frantic dogfights, and discover hidden treasures among the stars. EVERSPACE 2, developed by ROCKFISH Games, doesn’t just deliver on these expectations it exceeds them, offering a rich blend of fast paced action, RPG depth, and open world exploration. And with the release of its final expansion, Wrath of the Ancients, the universe feels more alive and dangerous than ever.
Stepping into the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, I was instantly hit with a wave of nostalgia and excitement. There’s something special about seeing the Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo brought to life in a game that both honors their comic book roots and pushes the franchise into new, roguelike territory. From the very first run, it’s clear that Splintered Fate is not just another beat-’em-up, it’s a bold experiment that delivers both chaotic fun and a surprising amount of depth.
From the very first moments of Copycat, I found myself drawn into a world that is both vibrant and quietly somber a contradiction that perfectly mirrors the emotional complexity at the heart of this indie narrative adventure. The game doesn’t shy away from sensitive subjects like family trauma, abandonment, and the pain of letting go. Instead, it invites players to sit with these feelings, to experience them through the eyes of a creature whose world is often overlooked: a shelter cat named Dawn.
Playing as Dawn, I was immediately struck by how the game’s perspective almost always from the vantage point of a cat shapes every interaction. Whether prowling along alleyways, perched on a windowsill, or curled up in a patch of sunlight, the world feels intimate and constrained, as if seen through feline eyes. Occasionally, the camera shifts to first-person, making the experience even more immersive. Yet, I also noticed that my freedom was often restricted to the specific boundaries of each story chapter. This design choice, while sometimes limiting, kept me focused on the unfolding narrative and the emotional beats that define Dawn’s journey.
From the moment I launched Heroes of Mount Dragon, I was swept into the mystical realm of Üna a world teetering on the edge of chaos, where ancient dragon power pulses beneath every hand drawn hill and vibrant forest. Developed by RuniQ, a studio founded by veterans from Beenox and Ubisoft, the game immediately boasts a pedigree that’s hard to ignore. The opening cinematic, with its bold narration and lush visuals, sets the stage for a classic fantasy adventure: the Celestial Dragon has vanished, and only the Dragon Souls our playable heroes can restore balance. What struck me first was the game’s art direction. Heroes of Mount Dragon is a visual treat, blending 2D hand drawn charm with 3D depth. The environments burst with color and detail, reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. The character designs, too, feel like they’ve leapt straight from a tabletop campaign, each hero exuding personality and a touch of humor that gives the world a welcoming, playful vibe.
There’s something magical about the idea of building a world from the ground up, watching a simple camp blossom into a thriving medieval city. City Tales – Medieval Era invites players to step into the shoes of a benevolent ruler, guiding their people through the trials and triumphs of kingdom-building. As someone who enjoys both the creativity of city builders and the storytelling potential of games like this, I was eager to see how City Tales would distinguish itself in a crowded genre.
Deadzone: Rogue thrusts you into the heart of a derelict space station, the ISS-X, with no memory of your past and only your wits to survive. As you awaken amid the wreckage, a relentless horde of biomechanical monstrosities closes in, setting the stage for a desperate struggle for survival. The game’s premise is instantly captivating: you must fight, loot, and adapt, using whatever weapons and augments you can find to carve a path through waves of enemies and towering bosses. The stakes are high, the tension palpable, and the promise of discovery lingers in every abandoned corridor.
There’s something undeniably charming about arcade style racing games. For many of us, they evoke memories of crowded arcades, the scent of popcorn, and the thrill of trying to beat our friends’ high scores. Rally Arcade Classics, developed by NETK2GAMES, attempts to capture that spirit and bring it to modern platforms like PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch (with an Xbox version on the horizon). As someone who grew up playing MotorStorm on PlayStation 3 and has a soft spot for racing games that prioritize fun over realism, I was eager to see if this indie title could scratch that itch in today’s gaming landscape.
Status One is a tactical top down shooter that blends the careful planning of Door Kickers, the action packed moments of Police Stories, and the thematic tension of Ready or Not. From the moment you enter the game, you’re not just a player you’re both a leader and an operator in the field. The game invites you to build your own counter-terrorist task force from the ground up, training your squad, equipping them with the latest gear, and leading them into battle against various crime factions across your country. The sense of responsibility is immediate. As someone who enjoys both strategy and action, I found myself constantly switching between hands on combat and giving orders from above. The game’s simple yet powerful command system allows you to plan every engagement with precision, using grenades, specialized gadgets, and your own tactical thinking. Customizing your loadout is a joy, with a wide range of weapons, armor, and gadgets available for purchase. Every mission feels like a fresh challenge, and the progression of your squad is deeply rewarding.
Metal Thunder is an Early Access title that thrusts players into the cockpit or more accurately, the gunner’s seat of a heavily armed AC-130 gunship. Developed by Tolga Coşkun under Dumbbell Games, this project is ambitious for a solo developer and brings a fresh, gritty take on the modern warfare genre. The game blends the thrill of aerial fire support with roguelike progression, offering a unique mix of action, strategy, and replayability. From the moment you launch Metal Thunder, you’re immersed in a world of relentless combat and high stakes decision making. The game’s setting is raw and authentic, with realistic battlefield visuals, radio chatter, and the use of night vision and thermal optics. Every sortie feels like a life or death mission, and the pressure to protect your base from waves of insurgents keeps you on the edge of your seat. As someone who enjoys both tactical shooters and roguelike experiences, I found Metal Thunder’s fusion of these elements to be both refreshing and exciting.
Mostroscopy is not your typical fighting game. It draws deeply from the vivid, wild imagery of 1950s Mexican horror and Luchador cinema, creating a world where masked wrestlers and classic monsters collide. The result is a game that’s both visually striking and packed with personality. The eclectic roster featuring everything from vampires to werewolves, mummies, ghosts, and, of course, Luchadores is a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by the same old archetypes.
The game’s presentation is a love letter to its inspirations. The color palette is bold and vibrant, with character designs that are both campy and cool. Each fighter stands out, not just in appearance but also in their animations and fighting styles. The attention to detail in their design is impressive, you can tell the developers poured a lot of love into making each character feel unique.
