Train Valley Origins is a delightful return to the fundamentals that made the series a cult favourite. Its historical theme, accessible gameplay, and satisfying loop of building and managing train networks make it a great entry point for newcomers and a pleasant journey for long-time fans. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a stressful day or sharpen your strategic thinking, this game strikes a near-perfect balance of comfort and challenge.
Rail Route is another great example of turning a complex, real-world profession into a surprisingly enjoyable video game. It might take a bit of time to get into, especially for players new to the genre, but once it clicks, it really clicks. I found myself playing for on and off stretches, caught up in the flow of managing rail traffic and optimising my growing network. While I gravitated more toward the relaxed and creative modes, there’s plenty here for players who enjoy pressure and puzzles. And if you’re the type of player who loves systems that evolve over time, you’ll find Rail Route a rewarding experience that may just make you question your actual career path.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die doesn’t try to revolutionise the roguelite genre, but it doesn’t need to. Its combination of stylish presentation, solid combat, and clever mechanics makes it a worthy addition to the genre. If you’re feeling burnt out on roguelikes, it might not reignite your passion, but for fans of the format or the world of Lost in Random, it’s an easy recommendation.
If you’re searching for a game that offers a blend of quiet reflection, mythological storytelling, and light puzzle-solving, Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree is an excellent choice. It may not appeal to thrill-seekers, but for anyone in need of a calm, purposeful adventure, it’s an ocean gem with a lot of heart.
The GEX Trilogy is a solid trip down memory lane. These games may not be genre-defining classics, but they’re better than many remember, especially with the modern improvements layered on top. The 2D original benefits greatly from quality-of-life features, while the two 3D titles still hold up with their quirky design and varied level themes. If you loved GEX back in the day, GEX Trilogy is the best way to re-experience it. And if you missed him entirely, this collection offers a polished, accessible way to see what all the wisecracking was about
Rise of Industry 2 didn’t quite land with me personally, but I can see it striking a chord with fans of complex management sims. If you enjoy games that reward patience, long-term planning, and fine-tuning every aspect of a system, there’s a lot here to enjoy. It’s not built for quick sessions or casual play, at least not at first, but it’s an impressive, detailed game with a unique style and ambition. For gamers with the time and interest to truly dig in, Rise of Industry 2 might just be your next great challenge.
Nice Day for Fishing blends RPG mechanics with fishing in a way that feels both natural and refreshing. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet offers a surprisingly deep and rewarding experience. Whether you’re following the main story, upgrading your gear, or just hanging out by the water to see what you can catch, there’s a lot to love here. This is a game that understands the joy of quiet progression and mixes it with creative twists on genre expectations. If you’re looking for a unique RPG with heart, humor, and hooks (literally), this one’s worth casting a line for.
Spirit of the North 2 is a warm, peaceful game ideal for those who want to explore, solve puzzles, and soak in beautiful visuals, all without a single sword swing. It’s not flawless: bugs, optimisation issues, and an occasionally frustrating platforming system hold it back from greatness. But if you love animals, especially foxes, and enjoy games that value tranquillity over tension, this is a lovely journey well worth your time. The moments where you’re dashing across an open field with your raven friend under a golden sky are nothing short of magical.
Doors & Loot has its share of rough edges, most notably its underwhelming controller support and limited combat feedback, but when played with a mouse and keyboard, it becomes a much more enjoyable experience. The core loop of exploring, looting, and upgrading offers enough satisfaction to keep you coming back for another run, especially in short bursts. It’s not going to blow anyone away, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, a simple dungeon crawler with a solid progression loop is enough. With a bit more polish, Doors & Loot could be something great. As it stands, it’s a charming and worthwhile indie that’s definitely worth trying, just steer clear of the controller and play it the way it clearly wants to be played. A free demo is available on Steam.
Cubic Odyssey surprised me. It’s one of those games that sneaks up on you; the more you play, the more it draws you in. Between the solid sci-fi theme, satisfying progression, and blend of structure and freedom, it delivers an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. If you’ve never been into crafting games, this might be your gateway. If you’re already a fan of the genre, there’s more than enough depth and novelty to keep you engaged. And with co-op in place and ongoing updates likely, it’s only going to get better from here. Whether you’re after a solo adventure or a shared sandbox with friends, Cubic Odyssey is a stellar time sink in the best way possible. A free demo is also available on Steam
Trident’s Tale is filled with strong ideas and pirate charm, but it’s not ready for prime time, at least not on Nintendo Switch. The technical issues are too glaring to ignore, from the blurry textures to the frame drops and janky animations. If a few substantial patches come down the line, or if the game sees a better-optimised release on other platforms or a potential Switch 2, this could become the fun, breezy adventure it clearly wants to be. Until then, consider holding off or checking it out elsewhere if possible. There’s a good game under the surface, but right now it’s buried under too many waves of performance problems.
Aureole: Wings of Hope is a fast, fun, and surprisingly clever spin on the platforming genre. It blends tight physics-based gameplay with an oddball premise and lovable characters. Sure, the difficulty can spike, and a few story scenes could be snappier, but when a game makes launching a halo through lava caverns feel like pure joy, you know it’s doing something right. If you’re after something original, energetic, and just a little offbeat, give Aureole: Wings of Hope a shot. It’s sent from above, and it plays like a dream.
Into the Restless Ruins is a standout title in the modern roguelike scene. It’s clever blend of card-based dungeon building and survivor-style action creates a rhythm that’s as addictive as it is original. The Scottish folklore backdrop adds a unique flavour, and the mechanics evolve in meaningful ways as you progress. Minor quibbles about familiar pixel visuals are easy to overlook when the gameplay loop is this fresh. Whether you’re here for the deckbuilding, the dungeon crawling, or just the thrill of a new kind of roguelike, this is one wish you’ll want to chase. A free demo is available on Steam, so there’s no excuse not to give it a shot.
Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade doesn’t break new ground, but it’s a satisfying hack-and-slash experience with enough charm and variety to make it worth your time. The combat is fun, the characters are cool, and the world has a stylish edge, even if the story doesn’t dig too deep and the roguelite upgrades feel a bit bland. If you’re new to the genre, you’ll likely have a blast. If you’re a roguelite veteran, you might feel a sense of déjà vu. Still, if you’ve got room for one more run-based action game in your life, this one’s worth picking up for a weekend of demon-slaying fun and beyond.
Wings of Endless doesn’t try to change the genre; it just delivers everything you’d want from a 2D action-adventure RPG and does it well. With its dynamic combat, lovable cast, satisfying progression, and polished presentation, this is a game that quietly soars far above expectations. At its budget-friendly price and with a free demo available on Steam, there’s no reason not to give this one a shot. For anyone craving a retro-inspired adventure that respects your time and rewards your curiosity, this is a must-play
Dunk Dunk isn’t just a good time, it’s an instant good time. There are no long-winded cutscenes, no deep progression systems, and absolutely no filler. It knows what it is: a party-ready, platforming basketball brawl that’s here for short bursts of pure mayhem. It may not convert the hardcore sports simulation crowd, but for fans of platformers, couch co-op, and lighthearted competition, this is a no-brainer. Throw in a free demo, and Dunk Dunk is a slam dunk for arcade sports fans everywhere.
Bearnard is a charming, challenging, and creative game that defies expectations. It’s not for players seeking a fast, button-mashing fix. But for those who love turn-based strategy, puzzle-solving, and unique mechanics, this game is a hidden gem worth discovering. Stick with it through the steep early learning curve, and you’ll uncover one of the most original indie adventures in recent memory. A free demo for Bearnard is available on Steam.
Nico Saves the State stands out as a refreshingly original idea wrapped in a deceptively simple package. The puzzle-platforming, when it clicks, is extremely satisfying, thanks to the smart use of its save-based abilities. It’s not an easy game, controls take getting used to, and the one-hit-death mechanic will test your patience, but the core idea is strong and well executed. If you’re a fan of quirky puzzle games or want something that makes you think as much as it makes you jump, Nico Saves the State is worth checking out. Just be ready to save… and load… and repeat.
Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate delivers a tight, stylish beat ‘em up that blends arcade action with the depth of a fighting game. Whether you’re in it for the couch co-op mayhem, the deep skill system, or just the chance to wreck bad guys with a giant anime sword, there’s something here for everyone. It’s an easy game to pick up for a quick session and rewarding enough to come back to repeatedly. Whether alone or with friends, this one punches way above its chibi weight class.
Horse Runner DX is a simple yet satisfying arcade experience. It’s the ideal kind of game for short, stress-free sessions, offering an easygoing challenge without demanding too much mental energy. With its addictive “just one more run” appeal, it’s an ideal pick for casual gamers and horse lovers alike. Whether or not you’re a fan of horses, there’s a fun time to be had here. Fancy trying first? A free demo is also available on Steam.