Ugly is an incredible game with its simplicity in mechanics and the indirect way Team Ugly shows you the story. While most puzzle games and platformers will usually focus on combat and tools needed to finish a level, Ugly focuses on keeping it simple as well as creating an experience that is not only polished but highly enjoyable. It is the perfect game for anyone searching for dark yet mysterious stories and puzzles.
DOOMBLADE is a fast-paced quirky Metroidvania game that nails any and all expectations set for it and, at the same time, blows them away. From an amazing soundtrack to incredible lore and easy-to-use controls, DOOMBLADE is definitely a hit worth playing, even if you do have to battle the same boss multiple times due to dying every time.
Killer Frequency is another success that Team17 can add to their list of titles, from a storyline filled with twists and amazing voice acting to keep you locked into the story. There is always something to do within KFAM’S studio, whether you hunt down killer records to add to your collection or just spend a few minutes trying to make that perfect shot.
Best Served Cold masterfully blends tense detective work with inventive bartending mechanics, delivering a stylish, immersive noir experience. While the lack of voice acting is noticeable, its rich atmosphere, compelling characters, and smart gameplay make it a standout indie gem.
If you're a fan of history or just like challenging puzzle games, you'll love The Darkest Files. The game's unique interrogation and evidence-collecting techniques, along with its emphasis on historical accuracy and authenticity, provide an immersive experience.
V Rising is a great open-world survival that brings in a highly gothic vampire element. Unlock new forms and fight your way to the top of the food chain by killing boss after boss. Take it even further with the Secrets of Gloomrot expansion and explore new technological wonders that are available alongside thirteen new bosses. Whether you just stay near your base to build or venture out into the wilds to hunt down vampire hunters and other bosses is entirely up to you.
American Arcadia is a fantastically story-rich puzzle game that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you want to play it again, even after finishing it. The art style, character design, mechanics, and plot of the story come together to create something incredibly unique that most puzzle game players will enjoy, even with some of the puzzles being a little unforgiving.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is a fantastic sequel to the first game and a great rougelite with short gameplay that both new players to the genre and veterans would enjoy. The gameplay is polished, and the controls are easy to learn, allowing players to get into the rhythm of shaking down other veggies for their hard-earned cash as Turnip Boy easily.
Overall, Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days offers a fun and engaging twist on the survival genre. With its strategic gameplay, immersive sound design, and stunning visuals, it delivers a thrilling and intense experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Railway Empire 2 is a fun strategy simulator, even if it is a little difficult for someone just starting the genre to get into the game. While the tutorial is highly detailed, it is still lacking in a few explanations that would help a novice player out. It is a game that keeps you coming back with five different campaign levels as well as many different scenarios to explore.
Melobot – A Last Song has a lot going for it. The music and art mesh together beautifully in a quirky little game about restoring a once-beautiful world to its former glory. The game is great for those looking for something cozy to round off their rhythm game collection. With Elements about taking care of the environment, it’ll be great for kids as well.
Overall, Cabernet is a fantastic narrative game that allows you just to sit back and enjoy the story, especially on a rainy day. While there are a lot of mechanics to learn, along with a time crunch, and it can seem overwhelming at times.
INDIKA is a beautifully crafted story-driven adventure that is definitely not a game for everyone. While it is a short game to play through, there are times when the darker themes are highly prevalent and overwhelming and times when the game seems a little too quiet.
Hollowbody is a survival horror game that takes players back to the nostalgic era of classic PS2 horror games. Inspired by titles like Silent Hill 2, the game offers psychological horror, challenging puzzles, and intense combat, all accompanied by atmospheric audiovisual cues. It captures the essence of survival horror while introducing modern conveniences that’ll have veteran players coming back for more.
House Flipper 2 offers an enjoyable and immersive experience for players who enjoy home renovation and design. With its improved visuals, enhanced tools, and new Sandbox mode, players can unleash their creativity and construct their dream house from the ground up. The addition of a full-fledged narrative in the Story mode adds depth to the game, while the optional stipulations from clients provide flexibility for players. House Flipper 2 is a great game for those looking to unwind and have some fun while flipping houses.
Distant Bloom is a fantastic cozy management game for those who just want to sit back and relax while going through a heartwarming story. The game plays a big part in the environmental theme without making it stressful or frustrating.
REVEIL is a fantastic horror game that doesn’t fall short in terms of thrills or stories. It’s a great first-person horror game for those who have enjoyed games like Silent Hills and Amnesia, especially with its great graphics and sound engineering.
Minds Beneath Us offers a gripping cyberpunk story with engaging characters and addictive gameplay, and while the emphasis on reading and decision-making may not be for everyone, the game’s unique approach and detailed graphics make it worth considering for fans of visual novels and cyberpunk themes.
Vampire Therapist is a unique visual novel developed by Little Bat Games, featuring an eye-catching art style and diverse character designs. The game focuses on mental health, incorporating vampire characters who fit different tropes and introducing CBT concepts showing that even vampires need a little therapy and TLC sometimes. It also includes engaging mini-games and maintains an enjoyable storytelling experience through voiced character interactions and a humorous storyline.
Witchfire is a challenging but fun Rouglike shooter with a bit of a soulslike atmosphere that, while unforgiving, is highly rewarding once you buckle down into your role as a Preyer. While it’s a great game for those who are used to soulslike, it can become increasingly frustrating to those who don’t have the patience to deal with an unforgiving battlefield and an unfortunate downward spiral when you level up too fast.