It's the week of Doom: The Dark Ages, so understandably so. It's a smaller week as indie developers get out of the way. But we still have some interesting pixel art games, all action titles, a huge simulator, and much more.
Beginning with the Wicked Wishes update for Shovel Knight Dig, being the final update to the spin-off of the indie classic, and we'll get PlayStation and Xbox versions as well. You will be able to access Hoofman's Guild Hall, a secret hideout where elite adventurers gather to undertake challenging quests having their own ranking to progress up with new relics, buffs, and rewards along with new bosses and enemies where this has certainly been an interesting experiment. And I wonder if we will see more spin-offs like this.
Publisher Hooded Horse exclusively specializes in deep strategy titles and have really gotten this marketing thing down pat since their games are consistently in the top of the most wishlisted and bestselling charts which makes blacksmith master of interest where you step into the role of a medieval blacksmith managing every aspect of your forge from mining ores and gems to crafting and selling finished products. hire and train staff to optimize your operations, which is on top of upgrading and expanding your shop. And as your reputation grows, you unlock new crafting recipes, allowing you to produce a wider range of items.
This also has a dynamic market system where you can fulfill orders from various clients across the kingdom and will be for fans of the genre. This video is brought to you by Ship Inc. , a cozy job simulator where you play as a packaging employee at a cargo shipment company.
You need to pack items in accordance to the order, selecting the items, choosing the appropriate package size, and preparing these for delivery, taping it up, and sticking on the label before placing it onto the conveyor with successfully completed orders, generating money, which you can use to purchase a variety of upgrades to make you even better at your job. looking very cozy due to the art. So, if interested, try the free demo on Steam and wishlist the game.
The developer of Calibbra and The Souls of Limbo reached out and reminded me that I covered this game back in 2022 and is an adventure game which makes us 2D characters with a 3D environment. You play as Kibbra, a deceased snake who awakens in limbo, but a vibrant Latin American inspired version of the afterlife here, where the residents of Limbo are trapped in a time loop, repeating the same day due to unresolved regrets. Your mission is to help these souls find peace by solving puzzles, gathering clues, and uncovering the mysteries that bind them.
It has a dayight cycle that influences character behaviors and events, requiring you to interact with various inhabitants, each with unique stories and schedules. Utilize your wits, stealth, and detective skills to navigate this richly detailed world filled with humor, intrigue, and heartfelt moments. A notebook system assists in tracking important information, ensuring that you can piece together the narrative threats with it, of course, having a visual resemblance to Paper Mario, but it's a straightforward adventure game without combat.
But I do really like the visual style. An impressive looking first-person title is Cubic Odyssey, a Vauxilbased openw world adventure where you crash land on a distant planet and must rebuild, explore, and survive across a galaxy teeming with life and mystery. Your journey begins with salvaging resources to craft tools, vehicles, and starships, enabling you to traverse the vast expanse of space and uncover ancient secrets.
The universe is dynamic, featuring dayight cycles, bustling NPC cities, pirate outposts, and perilous ruins waiting to be discovered. A looming threat known as the red darkness spreads across planets, mutating wildlife, and consuming ecosystems, so you need to find a way to combat its influence through strategic planning and cooperation. Engage in diverse quests, trade with NPCs, and battle rogue pirates as you shape your Odyssey.
It is very Minecraftlike, emphasizing creativity, allowing you to build everything from your own base to mega structures and supports co-op with other players to tackle colossal threats. This developer, Atypical Games, is best known for their work on mobile flight simulator titles. So, it's a very ambitious swing, which is different from their previous offerings.
So, I'll be interested to see how this does. Love indie games? Sign up to my newsletter to get a weekly dose of what's hot along with some news and of course weekly game giveaways.
So if interested, link is in the description below. Important news, NUBS Arena will be free to claim and keep for the first 24 hours after it launch on 15th May 2025. So wish list the game and set an alarm or something if you don't want to miss out.
This is a fast-paced top-down multiplayer brawler with rog light elements where you control a quirky creature known as a nub. Engaging in chaotic battles across trapped filled arenas. Quick reflexes and use of absurd weapons like fish, squeaky pigs, and cans of beans will be critical to your success.
where each match is made up of five frantic rounds with players selecting passive abilities after each round to enhance their combat prowess, adding to the game's unpredictability and looks like a similar system to rounds. The arenas are dynamic, featuring hazards such as spikes and lava, where if you are eliminated, you do get a second chance as you are turned into a floating star where surviving long enough in this form allows you to be revived. Developer Rangutang is made up of exonimo games people who are best known for awesome mods.
But it seems like they were unable to make a big enough hit to sustain the team which led to the studio being shut down. But these developers bought back the nubs arena IP and have skin in the game. So for their sake I hope this does well for them.
Other games begins with Barrage, a digital adaptation of a tabletop board game, resulting in a turn-based strategy title where you manage engineers to build dams, harness water power, and compete for energy dominance. Each turn, you assign engineers to actions like acquiring machinery, constructing infrastructure, and producing energy. Action spaces are limited and shared, so timing is crucial to outmaneuver your opponents.
You can choose from different corporations to play as, each being unique and have different rewards where every CEO has a special passive power which can be unlocked as well. These are paired with executive orders which heavily impact rules resulting in different play styles and viable strategies. Objectives, energy contracts and technologies are randomized in every playthrough which adds replayability.
So you need to adapt your strategy to the given situation with this having an 8. 1 rating on board gamegeeek and is the 37th best board game overall. So assuming that the digital edition is bunkfree and works will be a good addition.
Yes. Yes. Bro Venture, the Wild Co-op is yet another vampire survivor style action rog light, but of course with a co-op focus where you and up to three friends can team up to battle hordes of enemies, gather resources, and build a thriving camp.
In addition to bullet heaven combat, there is a base building element, offering a dynamic and strategic experience. As you progress, you unlock new characters, each with unique abilities, and can construct facilities like libraries and armories to enhance your capabilities, where I do love town or camp building in games, which makes this of note. The art style also looks interesting, but can get overwhelming when there are too many enemies and attack effects on screen, but I suppose that is the point.
And funnily enough, there's no mention of story or plot on the Steam page other than transform your camp into a century of liberation, but fans of the genre will know exactly what to expect. Cats at Dice comes to us from Singaporean developer Yong Jong. So, here's a special shout out for this rog light dice builder title that is of course very Batrolike in nature.
However, instead of poker cards, you are rolling dice and using lucky cats to overcome an everinccreasing target score each round. Each cat possesses unique passive abilities and generates a specific dye at the start of the round. And you can also equip various items to your cats, enhancing or altering their abilities and the effects of their dice.
It will have over 90 cats and 150 items providing a wide array of possible combinations and replayability with there also having a boon bane system requiring you to weigh the pros and cons of each option and has been compared to a boss fight. There are also mentions of bonuses in the form of unique dice combinations to boost your score as well as tickets which permanently aid your run being a fresh enough twist on the idea. A very interesting looking title is Chambers, a self-styled firstperson comedic RPG shooter set in the weird wild west with a revolver punk theme.
This combines classic FPS mechanics with unconventional elements like catching bullets midair and using them against your enemies along with first person rolling which might just make you throw up, kicking enemies, a hook shot pet which I'm guessing means that you can throw your hat, cannibalism so things get dark, and the ability to drink booze and puke. So yes, a very weird entry for sure. It will have open sandbox like levels, which I'm guessing means self-contained mini open areas where you will have options when it comes to tackling enemies instead of being essentially linear corridors.
There are also trading and cooking systems as well as an equipment system where clothing and gear are upgradable which are the RPG elements. Of course, we have to talk about the art style, which is a throwback and honestly looks like it might blow up in that cruelty squad kind of way. So, we'll see with developer Mr Pink having made Golden Light as well, which is another insane looking title kind of like this, which is pretty popular and is the hidden gem of the week.
A funl looking action rope light is Gunbot Diplomacy. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where you control a customizable gunbot and use it to fend off relentless waves of enemies. There are over 20 base weapons with 25 plus types of augments and boosters along with a unique hexagonal upgrade grid which allows players to mix and match resulting in a weapon created for your preferred play style.
There are also more than 80 build defining modules along with 10 base gun bots to choose from, each with unique characteristics, including the gallant lens bot and the freezer, which is an armed refrigerator, meaning that each run offers a distinct experience emphasizing replayability. The post-apocalypse setting translates to enemy variety as well from uzified office workers and crap cactus hybrids and looks like a good entry in this space. A fantastic looking entry is House of Legacy in part since the handpainted visuals look wonderful resembling classic Chinese paintings.
But even more than the look, this is a sandbox strategy game which immerses you in ancient China's political and familial dynamic. You play as a clan leader seeking refuge after rebel forces breach the city walls, aiming to rebuild your family's legacy from the ground up. It has an extensive base building system with over 200 modular pieces, allowing you to design estates, farms, and cities.
Each playthrough generates approximately 30 unique noble families, fostering dynamic relationships, alliances, and rivalries between them, creating an intricate web which you need to navigate if you want to succeed. You can guide your descendants through the imperial exams, govern territories, and engage in military campaigns. Choices include supporting the ruling dynasty, leading military forces against it, or employing diplomacy to quell rebellions, looking very ambitious and deeply strategic.
Into the Restless Ruins is a rook-like deck builder that draws upon Scottish folklore where you take on the role of a wonderer seeking the harvest maiden who promises to fulfill your deepest desire in exchange for Gilmore, a mystical essence harvested from cursed spirits. Each night you use cards representing rooms and corridors to build the dungeon that you will explore. Strategically placing elements like campfires, libraries, and portals to aid your journey, but with the main twist being that it has an auto battle system where your character automatically attacks enemies, allowing you to focus on creating the dungeon layout.
As you progress, you earn favors from the maiden to acquire new cards or to trade relics with NPCs to upgrade your deck. With the closest comparison that I can think of being a Guild of Engineering, where I'm surprised to see that it took this long for someone to make a game like that. And perhaps most interestingly of all, this has a Scottish Gaelic audio option, which is very unique if switched on.
This week also sees the Switch ports of Monstroscopy following a PS4 launch last week and Xbox and Steam versions before that being a retro inpired fighting game with an interesting look. This blends 1950s Mexican horror cinema and lucha liy aesthetics having both monstrous characters as well as masked luchadors as playable characters. It has various gameplay modes including arcade versus challenge and training along with a simplified yet complex command system where you only have normal attack, special attack, and guard.
But these can be used to create powerful combos and is visually distinct. A title that has nailed the exact visual style that they are going for is Neon Hearts City, a retro point-and-click adventure game that thrusts you into a grungy cyberpunk city of the future. As private investigator Elijah Crow, you are on the trail of a missing girl named Audrey.
But this isn't just a simple missing person's case. The city hides a conspiracy involving zealots, androids longing to become human, and a mysterious tower that could unravel civilization itself. Your investigation takes you through neon lit back streets, a colossal airship prison, and into the depths of a society on the brink with throwback pixel art reminiscent of titles from the '90s along with classic point-and-click puzzles and a rich narrative steeped in noir and cyberpunk themes.
A completely free rog light platformer of note is Rogue Worlds, where you navigate everchanging levels using a variety of creative abilities to overcome challenges. The game emphasizes improvisation, allowing you to blast, dash, grapple, fight, and charm your way through diverse biomes, each presenting unique dangers and opportunities. As you progress, you unlock starting gear, character perks, pets, and more, enhancing your capabilities.
The game also features a permanent progression system, ensuring that each run contributes to your overall advancement. If you thought that this looked familiar, that is because this comes to us from developer Cognitive Forge, whose other game Aura of Worlds pretty much looks the same visually with the same creativity focused gameplay where Rogue Worlds is supposed to be a free introduction to that other game with progress in this carrying over. So, it's an interesting business model, and I'm curious as to whether or not this will work.
If you're into horror games, The Dead Seat should be of interest in which your character pulls out a handheld game in the back seat during a long drive home as your parents begin fighting your handheld game is your only source of entertainment. But the game begins to mirror real life. Items collected in the game appears in the back seat, which you then have to use to defend yourself against a deadly monstrosity that's trying to make its way into the back seat with you and is a short, lowpriced title that looks intriguing.
This one's for indie game developers. The free indie game marketing resources are ready, so sign up via the link in the description below to get it in your mailbox. On paper, The Precinct is one of the most wishlisted games on Steam, being in the top 50 in terms of rankings and has previewed extremely well with its demo and is a sandbox simulation action game set in the crimeridden streets of a vernal city in 1983.
You assume the role of rookie officer Nick Codell Jr. , tasked with restoring order and uncovering the truth behind your father's mysterious death while in service. The game offers a dynamic openw world experience blending police simulation with action-packed gameplay.
You'll patrol the city on foot in squad cars and even helicopters responding to a variety of procedurally generated crimes ranging from minor infractions to major heists. To add to the immersion, there's a dayight cycle and dynamic weather altering character behavior. Engage in high-speed pursuits as you attempt to stop street racing or to bust up drug deals.
And you don't have to go it alone with an in-depth support system for you to call for backup. Your police allies can set up roadblocks, spike strips, and more with destructible environments adding to the chaos. as you confront Aerno's criminal underworld.
The game's narrative and setting pays tribute to classic cup movies and essentially feels like the inverse of GTA. And needless to say, Cops and Robbers in video game form still has a huge audience. A spooky looking title which might not be for everyone is Labyrinth of the Demon King, depending on your tolerance for the intentionally limited 4x3 resolution as well as throwback graphics style.
This is a firstp person dungeon crawler set in a mythical version of feudal Japan where you, a lone infantry man, seek vengeance against the demon king who killed your lord. The world is inspired by Japanese folklore but with a very grim slant to the look reminiscent of early PlayStation titles while still having distinct enough features like the demon masks and other creatures and yo-kai. Combat is deliberate and challenging, requiring careful management of stamina and strategic use of weapons like katanas, naginatas, and musketss looking to be king's field like in nature, but going even more in the horror direction.
As you navigate the labyrinth, in addition to combat, you have to solve puzzles and make choices about whom to trust. All of which can influence your fate, looking pretty unique and has potential. All the other way on the other end of the vibes spectrum is Animal Spa.
A cozy bottom of screen idol management title with an absolutely adorable look. You manage a bath house frequented by various animal guests having to construct various baths with different temperatures and rest areas to help your customers relax. It's very tycoon game like in nature where you can customize your bath house with nostalgic tile interiors or even to create open air baths and add features like double machines and herbal bags to enhance the experience.
You also need to manage staff, hiring and training employees to maintain the bath house with an array of animal visitors, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters, each with unique preferences, which is where the variety and challenge comes in. The sharpeyed among you might have caught a glimpse of a certain platypus character since yes, this does indeed come to us from the developer of OU and the secret forest, retaining their signature adorable character designs and might be huge. At least three of you made it a point to remind me about the upcoming 1.
0 release of the Slawmaner, whether it be through YouTube comments or even dropping me an email. So, thanks for the reminder. And here it is for the benefit of the rest of you.
This is a pixel arts action RPG that has Diablo vibes with the classic dark fantasy setting which blends fast-paced combat with deep customization. There are three unique classes essentially warrior, archer, and mage. Each offering distinct play styles and abilities with plenty of build variety and customization within these classes as well.
It's a loot treadmill kind of game where you are delving into the dungeon to battle hordes of enemies, then collecting and upgrading a vast array of weapons and gear, allowing you to tailor your character to your preferred combat style. As you progress, you'll unlock powerful skills with a mini version of Path of Exiles skill tree in this game. This has been in early access since April 2021.
So, it has been a very long time coming, gaining a respectable 4,200 Steam reviews since then, which I'm estimating is at least 200,000 copies sold with the 1. 0 release, of course, adding a final epic boss fight, a new endgame mode called the Nether World with plenty of content, an increased level cap to 100, and much more. Where the developers says that the 1.
0 final release is not the end of their journey with plans to add and expand the game. So, if you have not bought this, it will be 25% off this week, which is its largest discount ever. After a little bit of a delay, we have the release of one of the sleekst looking action book lights in Yasha Legends of the Demon Blade.
Sets in a fantasy version of Ido period Japan. There are three distinct heroes in the human ninja, an oni and a tiger archer. Each with unique combat styles and storylines with all the bells and whistles expected of a rogue light and an absolutely killer visual presentation.
So maybe it might join this list of the best action rogue lights.
