Developer Cygnus Cross has announced an Early Access release window of (Northern) summer 2026 for ARPG and town/farm sim Emberville. For the gameplay, think Diablo-lite meets Stardew Valley. The game goes beyond traditional “farm and fight” games with a simple (yet deep) combat system, an inherited skill levelling system, and challenging boss fights. Today’s new gameplay trailer showcases what players…
Sunshine Shuffle is a fun and even clever idea that falls to bits in execution. There’s some genuine genius in there but it becomes such a struggle to play through far too quickly for its own good. Related reading: For a solid game of poker (and 50 other classic games…
Read MoreWhen you mash together Tamagotchi-style gameplay with RPG elements, you get Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago. The goal is to raise elves to become heroes who save the land. It’s pretty cute, and should be rather relaxing too. The retro graphics and colouring make me super happy, there’s something familiar…
Read MoreToodee and Topdee (it’s a weird name but I kind of like it) combines 2D platformer and top-down puzzler into one unique game. In fact, the game started with the idea to merge those two different genres as a game jam prototype. They got great feedback, and Toodee and Topdee…
Read MoreAt first glance, it’s difficult to understand Ghostpia’s appeal. You place static screenshots, out of context, next to the breathtaking art of Otomate’s visual novels, the vivid energy of something like Danganronpa, or even independent efforts like Sweetest Monster or Corpse Factory, and it’s really hard to see why PQube…
Read MoreDeconstructeam is a developer I admire on principle alone. This is a team of people that are committed to building narrative experiences, and using gameplay mechanics as part of the fabric of storytelling. This is, I believe, how games should be, and Essays on Empathy and The Red Strings Club…
Read MoreI almost always enjoy Nintendo’s Indie World Showcases. I mean, the general Directs are pretty great (the last one smashed it out of the park, mostly because of Super Mario World: Six Golden Coins) but there’s just something about the Indie World Showcase that generally feels a bit cozier. I…
Read MoreFollow a young girl transported into a troubled kingdom in Ravenlok. The game is visually stunning, featuring a voxel aesthetic in the cinematic 3D pixel fairy tale. Ravenlok is set to release next month for PC and Xbox, so the wait for it won’t be too much longer.…
Read MoreCherrymochi hasn’t been around all that long – this Japanese-based developer only has one published game so far. But what a game it is! Tokyo Dark is essential stuff – it’s gripping, smart, provocative and evocative. It’s a masterpiece that seems destined to have a small cult following, but those…
Read MoreI love games where decisions can change your fate, and Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out promises that experience. It takes place ten generations after the events of the original game, and again has players making difficult choices and engaging in turn-based combat to ensure the survival of their clan.…
Read MoreGoodbye World is a game about two friends trying to create the world’s most successful indie game. Players experience their highs and lows through the complexities of development. It’s like the infamous Game Dev Story but with more of an actual story, ironically. Up until now, Goodbye World has only…
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