Defend Your Outpost from Critters in a Post-Apocalyptic World Coming to Steam Soon

Outpost Simulator is the work of studio Mental Dreams, a solo developer from Türkiye who has been working on the project for the past few months. Ultimate Publishing is the publisher.

One Outpost, a Handful of Survivors, a Wasteland Full of Threats

Outpost Simulator is a first-person game that combines base building, customer simulation, management, and survival elements. The world has fallen, and players start with a small abandoned outpost, with the goal of turning it into a thriving settlement.

Survivors arrive at the base looking for food, shelter, and safety, and every need met earns money. Players set up service areas, keep them stocked, and give people a reason to stay. Earnings go toward new buildings, better services, and stronger defenses.

Building and upgrading the outpost is central to the gameplay. Players expand from a bare shelter into a full settlement with tents, gardens, water tanks, power, a pub, a radio station, and more, and every structure can be upgraded. Players can also hire workers to automate production and management tasks, including guardians, farming drones, and auto-turrets.

Outpost Simulator also has no shortage of combat. When raiders attack, players defend everything they have built using mines, explosive traps, auto-turrets, assault and sniper rifles, and a gravity gun. That last tool works for both hauling supplies and tearing through enemies.

The game additionally features exploration in a survival van. Players drive across the open post-apocalyptic world to scavenge supplies, unlock new items, and take on missions ranging from rescuing stranded survivors to collecting fuel and securing areas. Seasons shift from winter to spring, prices rise and fall with conditions, and tougher enemies wait deeper in the map.

What's in the Demo

The free demo introduces the game's core mechanics and progression systems while leaving significant content for the full release. It includes a tutorial covering the core gameplay, defending the base against enemy raids, using the survival van, and spending earned money on upgrades for both the player and the base. The demo also introduces the game's overall story and showcases its visual style.

Certain elements are reserved for the full version, including expanded map exploration, the seasonal system, customizable gameplay modes, a greater variety of enemy types and raids, an expanded market, additional buildings such as the pub, radio station, wind turbine, and water tank, further weapons and upgrades, and the full set of side missions.

Key Features

• Serve the survivors and earn money
• Build and upgrade your outpost
• Defend the base against raids
• Explore the wasteland in a survival van
• Hire workers to automate your settlement

The free demo of Outpost Simulator launches on Steam on August 21, 2026. The full version will be released in H1 2027.

Article by: Susan N.

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Grab Fifteen Percent off Ground Zero Hero on Steam Until September 3rd!

LOS ANGELES, August 20, 2026 | Developer Rowand Edmondson and publisher Acclaim, Inc. today released Ground Zero Hero, a chaotic roguelike horde survival game with wild mutations and an eye-catching art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, on Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. 

Early adopters of this irradiated adventure will receive a 10% launch discount on consoles until August 27, while those who purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam will save 15% through September 3rd, 2026.

In addition to oozing onto modern consoles and PC, Ground Zero Hero can be streamed today on Antstream Arcade and is available to purchase on the Polycade lineup of modular at-home and commercial arcade cabinets.

"I've spent three years doing everything from code to art to music, trying to make the best cheeseburger I possibly could,” said Ground Zero Hero creator Rowan Edmondson. “This isn't about winning a Michelin star; it's about cramming as much dopamine into some silly fun as I possibly could. If you like a little weird with your weird, then this is for you."

“Ground Zero Hero is weird, loud, radioactive, and absolutely refuses to behave,” said Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships, Acclaim. “It’s the kind of game that reminds you why games are supposed to be fun in the first place. That’s Acclaim territory.” 

Featuring a vibrant hand-drawn art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, Ground Zero Hero invites players to channel their inner freak and explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland as they face off against massive hordes of marauding mutants. Pummel piñatas, crunch candy, and absorb the irradiated guts of monsters to unlock new mutations and become the ultimate mutant.

To celebrate Ground Zero Hero bursting out of the confines of the leaky 50-gallon drum that’s contained it since its announcement last year, Acclaim has released an all-new launch trailer. Watch as the game’s post-apocalyptic protagonist Radboy scours the wasteland in search of succulent candy, harvests the glowing guts of his enemies to enhance his repertoire of radioactive abilities, and confronts more marauding mutants than you can shake a Geiger counter at. 

Players eager to get their freaky little tentacles on Ground Zero Hero before dipping their toes in the wasteland by trying the demo on Steam today. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can also get their freak on with a limited one-hour trial of the game.

Key Features:

• UNLOCK an ever-growing list of powerful mutations and permanent upgrades
• DISCOVER devastating combinations to craft your ultimate mutant
• EXPLORE multiple wastelands, each with its own unique interactive elements
• BATTLE to a dynamic soundtrack that changes with gameplay
• SURVIVE the apocalypse by destroying piñatas for that sweet, sweet candy
• GIVE BIRTH to a man in a chicken suit

Store Links:

• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2570580/Ground_Zero_Hero/
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on XBOX Play Anywhere: https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/ground-zero-hero/9nqcb8mgt9qd
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on PlayStation 5: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10019613
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Switch 2 NOA: http://nintendo.com/us/store/products/ground-zero-hero-switch-2
• Play Ground Zero Hero on Antstream: https://www.antstream.com/acclaim/ground-zero-hero 
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Switch 2 NOE: https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Ground-Zero-Hero-3152617.html

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim's modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.

Article by: Susan N.

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Lohkare Games Oy Releases 'The Last Drop' in Steam's Early Access

Helsinki, Finland – August 18, 2026 | Some game ideas begin with a market opportunity. Others simply refuse to go away. For Henri, Founder and CEO of Lohkare Games Oy, Last Drop belongs firmly in the second category.

Henri first attempted to create the game back in 2009. The project was eventually put aside, but the idea never disappeared. More than a decade later, development restarted in 2020. Today, after years of work, Last Drop is officially available in Steam Early Access.

Set in 1994 Finland, Last Drop is a gritty open-world action adventure combining old-school 1v1 brawling, cinematic storytelling and everyday life in a world heavily inspired by real Finnish locations, memories and events. And some of its strangest moments aren’t as fictional as you might think.

Players step into the boots of Seppo “Zeze” Sahtivaara, an aspiring writer trying to make his way through the fictional Finnish town of Nykylä and its surrounding areas.

Life isn’t especially glamorous. Money runs short, work needs to be found, pubs are tempting, cars are battered, friendships matter and disagreements can quickly turn physical.

Combat is deliberately old-school. There are no guns. Instead, fights are built around a skill-based 1v1 system inspired by classic fighting games, where timing, movement, character stats and skill determine the outcome. Zeze can even learn new fighting moves by watching over-the-top VHS action movies scattered throughout the world.

Outside the fights, life continues.

Players can buy and drive retro cars, ride bikes, take odd jobs, manage money and inventory, visit local pubs, heat up the lakeside sauna and keep an eye on Zeze’s Drunkenness level while exploring towns, forests, lakes and country roads.

The world follows its own rhythm, with changing weather, a full day and night cycle, and shops that open and close according to the in-game clock. But underneath the fighting, drinking, driving and dark humour is something much more personal.

Last Drop is built around the team’s memories of growing up in Finland during the 1980s and 1990s. Characters, conversations, locations and situations throughout the game are inspired in different ways by real stories and experiences. And according to Henri, reality was sometimes even stranger than the game.

“This game has been a dream of mine for many years. I first tried to make it back in 2009, but the project was buried for more than ten years before we restarted development in 2020. The idea never really left me.”

“We grew up in Finland in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and we wanted to bring back that time, the places, the atmosphere and the stories we remember, but build a strong action-driven story around it. When you’re playing, there will probably be moments where you think, ‘There’s no way this actually happened.’ The funny thing is that many of the real stories were even stranger.”

“Reaching Early Access is a huge milestone for us, but it’s also just the beginning. We want players to experience this world, tell us what they think and help us shape where Last Drop goes from here.” — Henri, Founder & CEO, Lohkare Games Oy

Music is another deeply personal part of the project. The main song, “Kesä” by Moottorikitara, was composed by one of Lohkare Games’ founders, with music and audio playing an important role in creating Last Drop’s distinctly Finnish atmosphere.

The Early Access release includes the first part of Zeze’s story, with Lohkare Games planning to expand the game with additional story content, features and improvements throughout development.

Play Last Drop now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3275750/Last_Drop/

Key Features

• A World Inspired by Real Life

• Explore an authentic recreation of rural Finland, city of Nykylä and towns in the mid-1990s.

• Old-School 1v1 Combat

• Master a deep fighting-game-inspired combat system where, stats, timing, movement and skill matter more than brute force. Learn new moves by watching VHS action movies.

• Open-World Life

• Drive retro cars, ride bikes, take on odd jobs, earn money, visit pubs, heat up the sauna and experience everyday life beyond the main story.

• Build Your Own Zeze

• Develop Health, Strength, Agility and Stamina while managing your wallet, inventory and Drunkenness level throughout the adventure.

• A Living Finnish Towns

• Go around the world and experience many small towns, a lot of forests and lakes. Try to sell moonshine to NPC characters and you have to learn who is a friend, because enemies might beat you.

• A Cinematic Story

• Discover a Tarantino-style story told through movie-inspired cutscenes and memorable characters in a uniquely Finnish setting.

Last Drop launches in Early Access on Steam on August 18, 2026 with first part of the story. More will come later.

About Lohkare Games Oy

Lohkare Games Oy is an independent Finnish game studio founded by Henri (CEO & Founder), Hannes (Programming) and Timo (Audio & Story).

This is a true passion project, started by Henri, who just knew this has to be done, no matter the struggle and mental stress involved.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in animation, filmmaking, storytelling and commercial production for companies including Royal Caribbean, Toyota, Valmet and KONE, the team combines cinematic storytelling with authentic Finnish culture in its debut title.

Last Drop is the studio’s first game, a Tarantino-style story set in a Kaurismäki-inspired vision of 1990s Finland, where reality is often stranger than fiction.

Article by: Susan N.

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Midnight Moments - PC Steam Review

Midnight Moments by developer and publisher Happy Volcano—PC (Steam) review written by Susan N., with copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Sword & Shield Playable in Early Access on PC! Console to Come Later

Sword & Shield Simulator is now available on PC in Early Access as of August 11. This game lets players take on the role of a medieval blacksmith who not only forges weapons and armor but also scours battlefields for resources. Sword & Shield Simulator is also set to come to PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S later.

The simulator is being developed by Polish studio Wildlands Interactive, which is also a co-publisher of the game alongside Ultimate Games S.A.

Gather Loot on the Battlefields and Forge Weapons!

Sword & Shield Simulator is a relaxing medieval blacksmithing simulator with exploration and adventure elements. Players take on the role of a blacksmith who collects scrap on battlefields and then uses the salvaged resources to forge swords, shields, and other kinds of weapons and armor in their smithy.

The title offers advanced blacksmithing mechanics using key tools, including an anvil, furnace, grindstone, chisel, and flux. Notably, in this simulator, a sword, for example, is forged modularly from individual parts (blade, hilt, guard, and so on), while shields are assembled piece by piece.

Players will find the resources needed to craft weapons and armor mainly on battlefields. Gameplay also includes mechanics tied to things like felling trees, hunting, and mining. The developers have prepared mini-games for this too, covering lockpicking, crossbow shooting, and cart repair, among others.

Managing the smithy and trading items play an important role here. In Sword & Shield Simulator, progression is built on an experience and skill system. The game world spans several large regions in total, with additional locations, and there's no shortage of residents' stories, intrigue, and secrets of the kingdom.

Sword & Shield Simulator in Early Access

The game will be developed in Early Access for up to around six months. At launch, Sword & Shield Simulator offers 3 regions (Danburg, Bloodlands, and Grainmill), along with more than 140 story missions and many additional tasks.

In the coming months, the game will also gain the larger Talstein region with additional missions, new blacksmithing and resource elements, and expanded options for the materials system, mines, and hunting. The developers will also take the player community's feedback into account as they develop the game in Early Access.

Sword & Shield Simulator – Key Features:

• Become a medieval blacksmith
• Forge new swords and armor
• Gather loot on the battlefields
• Complete story missions and side quests
• Expand and upgrade your smithy

Sword & Shield Simulator launched on PC (Steam Early Access) on August 11, 2026. The simulator is also set to come to PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S later.

Article by: Susan N.

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Dive into an Ever-Scaling Dark Fantasy Campaign in Orc Incremental Sept 8th!

August 13, 2026. Los Angeles | Independent developer Nice Ride and publisher Playsaurus are glad to announce that Orc Incremental, their incremental auto-battler with RPG elements where players build a growing orc warband into an unstoppable dark army, launches this September 8 on Steam at a price of 7.99 USD | EUR with 15% off during the first 2 weeks. In Orc Incremental, players build a growing orc warband, optimize formations, draw units and totems, cast spells, and repeatedly rebirth to unlock permanent power and push deeper into an ever-scaling dark fantasy campaign.

"We want to thank everyone who took the time to play our demo and share their thoughts with us. The amount of thoughtful, detailed feedback we received has been incredible.

The biggest challenge for us has been figuring out exactly what we want this game to be. We want to build something that rewards players who take the game seriously, but we still want the game to have those unpredictable moments where you stumble across something simply broken. We hope we've come close to finding the right balance." - Velasco (Art and Programming)

Get ready to command a growing army of dark fantasy units in an experience built around constant scaling and strategic refinement. New units and totems are acquired through card drafting, and each choice pushes the run in a different direction. Armies fight automatically, but success depends on the skills to build their composition, set formations, and use spells at key moments.

When progress slows, players can perform a Dark Rebirth, resetting the current run in exchange for permanent bonuses and additional unlocks. This core loop creates a strong sense of momentum, experimentation, and long-term mastery. 

IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS IN 1.0 VERSION

• New Allied Units: Unlock the Assassin (a stealth unit specializing in critical damage), Troll (a durable tank that reflects damage), Warg Raider (an area-damage fighter that pulls vulnerable units out of safety), and Juggernaut (an explosive siege unit).
• Reworked Chieftains: Chieftains now fight as battlefield units, featuring nine distinct bloodlines with signature abilities activated with right click, and a Martyrdom passive bonus that activates if the chieftain is sacrificed.
• Expanded Blight Tree: The blight tree has been reworked into a more traditional branching tree with 250 upgrade nodes.
• New Enemy Units: Face Cryomancers, Paladins, and Griffons, each introducing a new challenge to your battle composition.
• New Legendary Bosses: Three new legendary bosses with unique attacks.
• Expanded Card and Totem Builds: Five new totems that open up new unit synergies and army-building options. 
• Quality-of-Life, Trial, and Balance Improvements: The full release also includes a broad range of improvements to Trials, game balance, progression, usability, and overall polish.

FEATURES

• Build and scale an orc army from a single grunt into a full warband
• Draft units and totems with different rarities, roles, and synergies
• Set formations and optimize army composition to break through progression walls
• Support battles with active spells such as Blizzard and Fireball
• Use Dark Rebirth to reset runs for permanent progression bonuses
• Unlock new units, challenges, and chieftain choices that change each run
• Benefit from offline progress and return to accumulated resources
• Face milestone bosses that test build quality and tactical planning

About Nice Ride

Nice Ride is a collective of three game developers from different European countries working remotely, they are focused on creating single player games with 2D art, and Orc Incremental is their Debut Title. They don’t like generative AI, all their art is hand-made. Learn more about them on their site: https://www.niceride.gg

About Playsaurus

Playsaurus is a California-based developer-publisher widely recognized as one of the most prominent names in the incremental/idle-games space. Best known for Clicker Heroes, the studio has since brought fan favorites Cookie Clicker (PC and Console versions), Tingus Goose for PC, Mr.Mine, and Sixty Four to millions of players, continually expanding the genre's audience with premium, community-driven releases. 

Article by: Susan N.

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Tormentum II - PC Review

Tormentum II by developer and publisher OhNoo Studio—PC (Steam) review written by Valerie, with a copy provided by the publisher. 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes  

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Nothing says 'horror' more than what's inside your mind some days, and Tormentum II definitely delivers on horror inside the mind of a computer programmer (I assume), by the name of David, trying to get a simulation to run and ends up inside it himself!

The images in this point and click puzzle game were inspired by a pair of the many artists I had been following for quite a while now. I was so excited to see these creations inspired by H.R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński that I just had to experience this game myself. Kudos to Piotr Ruszkowski and Łukasz Rutkowski and their wonderful works of art, gameplay, puzzles, music, oh just everything is so awesome!

Tormentum II opens with David (played by you) asleep on the bed. As you run your mouse over the room you discover points of interest and possible clues to what you do next. Where you point your cursor is where David moves to and each point that he can move to is labelled with text and an animated icon. I hear that in the first Tormentum: Dark Sorrow this type of 'direction' wasn't in that first game. Next, my curiosity draws me to all the pictures on the wall. I am loving that this game is all hand-drawn and the detail is just stunning!  

David is trying to get his simulation to run and has been offered a mysterious coprocessor. Once he installs it he wakes in a prison with the very beings capable of human-level thought that he had created for the simulation. Many things are similar to what he remembers creating and also many new things show up as he goes around talking to anyone he meets. When he meets a being you notice that there's a puzzle to solve. Clues are given by the beings you are talking to. Oh! One beautiful feature of this game is David carrying a notepad where you literally have access to clues that are for either the puzzle you are on or another one further ahead! I loved this as it saves me writing down, yes exactly that, physically writing down notes. I know I'm not the only one doing this. 

The music is so on point in this game that in some of the rooms I have actual shivers up my spine from it playing. There are definitely Lovecraftian vibes all through this game. That same feeling from the music I have felt before in the Sherlock Holmes games from Frogwares. 

Another feature of this game is the map. The detail on this and every image that makes up this game is visually stunning. I am so blown away by that. I'm so glad that they took those 8 years to make this game. Well, with only 2 of them making this game, I can understand the long wait for it. Definitely well worth it! 

I am now on my third playthrough of this game because on my first playthrough, when I got to a puzzle that I had all the pieces for, my choice killed off a being I had made a promise to. Wow, did that hit me in the gut for sure, which loomed over me throughout the first time through.

I am so glad for the different endings because of my choices. That gives this game a lot of replayability. The puzzles are easy to solve and the story carries you along. I remember the voice and the huge chest in David's dream which definitely has a kick all its own. For all these reasons this game rates a ten out of ten! Thank you Ohnoo Studio! You guys rock! Now I am off to play the first Tormentum just because I'm hooked! Looking forward to your next game, and all of you who have this on your wishlist? Go get it! Some point and click games usually just pass time for me, but this one has me coming back to replay the points I had saved.

 

Score: 10 / 10 

 

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Brand New Trailer for Pixel Washer Launches Ahead of Release Later This Year!

LOS ANGELES - August 2026 | Acclaim, Inc. and Valadria today released a new gameplay trailer for Pixel Washer, the cozy, retro-inspired power-washing sim, giving players their best look yet at the game's grimy locales, its stacked arsenal of mighty power washers, and the various vehicles players can unlock to get from job to job.

The trailer takes players on a tour of Pixel Washer's crud-caked world, from grungy game rooms and mud-caked museums to crusty city streets and filthy food trucks, each rendered in the game's charming pixel art style.

In addition to highlighting the various locales you’ll cleanse of crud, the trailer also offers a glimpse of the power washers featured in the game. with a distinct spray pattern to help the plucky porcine protagonist Pigxel overcome the mother of all messes.

Rounding out the reveal is a look at the vehicles players can buy with their hard-earned cash to haul their gear across town. These rides run the gamut from rugged work vans and tantalizing taco trucks to more exotic sets of wheels, including the ultimate road hog, the Pig Mobile!

“There’s something beautifully backwards about sending a pig in to clean up everyone else’s mess,” said Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships at Acclaim. “Pigxel doesn’t just get dirty. He makes dirty his business. Pixel Washer takes that oddly satisfying feeling of blasting years of questionable grime off something & turns it into a colorful little obsession.  We cannot wait for everyone to get their hooves dirty when Pixel Washer sprays its way onto the Switch, Switch 2, and Steam this fall.”

Developed by California-based indie developer Valadria, Pixel Washer puts players behind the stylish goggles of Pigxel, a pig tasked with turning filthy environments into shining pixel art masterpieces. Armed with a trusty power washer, players blast dirty sprites back to a pixel-perfect shine across a wide variety of sullied settings, all set to a chill soundtrack.

Key Features

• Wash and Restore - Use your power washer to blast away grime and bring beautiful pixel art levels back to their full glory.
• Explore a Grimy World - Travel through six-plus sullied locales, each with its own look, mess, and pixel-perfect payoff.
• Build Your Arsenal - Choose from a growing lineup of power washers, each with a unique spray pattern for a different kind of grime.
• Ride in Style - Earn money on the job and spend it on new vehicles to help you get from gig to gig.
• Cozy Vibes - Relax to a chill soundtrack and satisfying sound design that makes cleaning feel like a reward, not a chore.

Pixel Washer is coming soon to PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch 1, and Nintendo Switch 2.

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim’s modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.

About Valadria:

Valadria is the creative output of Matt Hackett, a game developer in California. It's all about developing games in one hand, and helping developers make games in the other. Our first offering is How to Make a Video Game All By Yourself, an Amazon #1 best selling game dev book. Next up: Pixel Washer, a cozy game about washing dirty pixels. Sign up for Valadria's game dev newsletter to join Matt on this long and exciting journey.

Article by: Susan N.

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Hand-Painted Cozy Adventure Seina: A Tale of Spirits Demo Available on Steam

August 11, 2026 | Solo developer Argyro Brotsi today released a free demo for Seina: a Tale of Spirits, the hand-painted cozy adventure inspired by her honeymoon trip to Japan. The demo is available now on Steam.

The demo offers the first hands-on look at Mika's journey to find her missing cat across a watercolour spirit world. It invites players to step into a slice of the spirit realm, meet a handful of its gentle inhabitants and get a feel for the calm, low-pressure pace that defines the full game. Seina: a Tale of Spirits is heading toward a full release on PC and consoles.

Seina: a Tale of Spirits is built around the simple pleasures of cozy exploration. There is no combat and no fail states, only a soft, hand-painted watercolour world to wander through at your own pace. Players solve light environmental puzzles, follow hidden paths through misty forests and ancient shrines, and help the curious spirit animals they meet along the way. Each area is rendered as if lifted from a storybook, with vibrant colour, gentle music and small details rewarding players who take the time to look.

You play as Mika, a young girl whose beloved cat, Seina, has mysteriously disappeared. Her search leads her into a forgotten, overgrown world where moss-covered shrines and quiet spirits hold memories of another time. Inspired by solo developer Argyro Brotsi's travels through Japan's traditional villages, the game's watercolour landscapes and gentle creature design carry a warm, Ghibli-inspired charm. Beneath the cozy surface is a quietly emotional story about connection, kindness and the strange ways a journey to find something can lead you to discover something else entirely.

"Seina started in a small Japanese village, not at a desk," said Argyro Brotsi, solo developer and founder of Pofupofu Studios. "I fell in love with the quiet of those places, the way the light fell through the trees, the way nothing was in a hurry, and I wanted to give people somewhere to step into that feeling. The whole game is my love letter to that trip."

KEY FEATURES

• A cozy fantasy adventure with no combat and no fail states
• A hand-painted watercolour world inspired by Japan's traditional villages
• Search for your lost cat across misty forests, ancient shrines and peaceful lakes
• Meet gentle spirit animals and help them with small quests
• Light environmental puzzles and quiet exploration
• Heartfelt, family-friendly storytelling

AVAILABILITY

Seina: a Tale of Spirits launches its free demo on Steam, ahead of a full release coming to PC and consoles. Players can wishlist the game now on Steam to be notified when the demo goes live and follow Pofupofu Studios on Instagram, X and YouTube for the latest updates from the spirit world.

ABOUT POFUPOFU STUDIOS

Pofupofu Studios is the solo studio of Argyro Brotsi, a Greek game developer creating cozy, heartfelt games rooted in real places and personal experience. After a trip through Japan's traditional villages, Brotsi set out to translate that feeling of quiet wonder into a game, handling the art, story and design entirely on her own. Seina: A Tale of Spirits is the studio's debut release.

Article by: Susan N.

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The Digital Edition of The Red Cathedral Available to Play for Free on Steam August 25th - Sept 6th!

August 10, 2026. Barcelona (Spain) | Independent developer and publisher Devir happy to announce that the digital edition of the awarded boardgame The Red Cathedral will be Available to play for free on Steam during 12 days, starting August 25 and until September 6. The game will be launched this fall on PC and mobile devices (Android and iOS) with cross-play compatibility for 1-4 players. The physical version of The Red Cathedral has sold more than 100.000 copies. In it, players have to manage their resources well to build the cathedral better than anyone else and thus win the Tsar's favor.

Highly acclaimed for its tight design and clever resource management, the game has received several awards and recognitions:

• Nominee, 2021 Tric Trac d'Or: Recognized in the premier French board game awards.
• Finalist, 2021 Board Game Quest Awards - Best Strategy Game: Recognized for excellence in strategy.
• Ranked Excellence: The game maintains a high rating (approx. 8.4-8.6 on Ludopedia) and is recognized for its unique rondel mechanism.

Players compete to build different parts of the cathedral that they will previously claim, then search for and manage materials that will be used to build and decorate. They must take into account the influence of the clergy and the different guilds of the city to stand out from the rest and win the favor of the Tsar. Upon completion of the cathedral, the player who has gained the most prestige will be the winner.

Build alone, with friends, or with strangers!

Choose your favorite way to play, either solo or against other players. The Red Cathedral: Digital Edition offers cross-platform multiplayer, where you can invite friends – locally or online – or challenge random players. If you prefer to play alone: face the AI ​​on various difficulty levels.

MAIN FEATURES 

• An original game from the minds of Shei & Isra!
• Great strategic depth!
• Adapted and expanded art from the board game!
• Three levels of AI to play solo!
• Includes a detailed, step-by-step tutorial!
• Easy to learn, hard to master!
• Nearly unlimited replayability!
• Local and online multiplayer!
• Cross-platform competition!
• A board game with the convenience of a digital platform!

About Devir

Devir is a Brazilian publishing group founded in 1987 that specialises in leisure and entertainment products: fantasy literature, comics and games of all kinds, such as role-playing games, board games, collectible card games, card games, miniature games, etc. The group has its operational headquarters in Barcelona and subsidiaries in eight different countries: Brazil, Portugal, Spain, the United States, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Argentina.

Article by: Susan N.

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OVER REQUIEMZ - Nintendo Switch Review

OVER REQUIEMZ by developer Idea Factory and publisher Aksys Games—Ninetendo Switch review written by Natasha with a copy provided by the publisher. 

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes 

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Enjoying a relaxing day on my reading couch, playing my visual novel in my bedroom, when suddenly a giant rift rips open a hole through reality. A soft voice beckons you near.

“I've sensed a strong spirit riddled with curiosity and couldn't stop myself from tempting you into another world!” 

Spoke the rift as I slowly lowered my Switch and gasped, in awe, at the fact that this scenario was really happening. I corrected myself before this unknown phenomenon could question my lack of pants and matted hair. As I realigned my glasses I boldly replied:

“What's in it for me?”

“A land of mystery filled with dangerous criminals that must atone for their sins. With YOU as their guide!”

“Are they hot?”

“Scorching!”

“Emotionally scarred?”

“Forever traumatized!”

“Unhinged?”

“Viewer discretion is advised!”

I aggressively zip up my sweater, grab my carrying case, a stick of deodorant and some pants.

“I'm in...”

~

Welcome to the Land of Oz

In a typical day for our protagonist, Yuhiru, she didn't imagine she would be pulled into another world. As a rift ripped opened in front of her, Yuhiru's curiosity won out and she stepped into a strange Kingdom of magic and ruin. In OVER REQUIEMZ Yuhiru is thrown into the castle of Oz and is immediately accused of trying to assassinate the King and shoved into the dungeon. Not only is she treated like a criminal, but apparently her black hair and eyes are the sign of a devil child. Many wish for her to be hanged, however there are those who are given a second option of possible freedom. Journey to a “Ruin” and take care of the strange monster that threatens the residents of this world and you will be given a pardon. With no other choice but to choose survival, Yuhiru and her band of merry, Wizard of Oz inspired, men set out to seek and destroy. Will she be able to gain the trust of the other criminals that journey with her or will she be consumed by a delicious darkness that seems to stick close to them all.

With a Click of your Heel, The Line-up is Revealed

The land of Oz is unique. Not quite the same as our ruby slipper heroine who goes on an adventure down the yellow brick road, defeats the wicked witch, and returns home after making memorable friends. Similar, but different. You are NOT Dorothy, no Toto, and no jeweled shoes. However, you do travel with very good looking men and each of them represent a piece of Oz' story in some way.

Kaize Ozma (VA: Azakami Youhei) {Radiant Tale, 9 R.I.P.)

• Prince of Oz

• Will talk dirty to you, but can't talk to girls?

• Hide and Seek

Kaize is the second prince of Oz and is the representative of the Great and Powerful Oz himself. Accused of killing the King he joins everyone to be pardoned of his crime. He comes off shy, but back him into a corner and watch him turn into someone demanding and suggestive. Born with black hair and eyes, he too was shunned as a child by everyone except his older brother. How can one lead his country if everyone thinks he's a devil.

Claude Grain (VA: Furukawa Makoto) {Lover Pretend, Cupid Parasite, Birushana}

• Botanist

• Child at heart

• Man Eater (or is it Woman)

Claude is a travelling researcher and is the representation of the Scarecrow. He was thrown in jail for murdering his entire village and believes himself a danger to those around him. Even though he has a perma-scowl he's actually quite approachable once you get to know him. His giant scythe will cut down enemies with ease, and surely your heart. Hopefully you can cut through the vines that are wrapped around his soul.

Molly Woodland (VA: Ishikawa Kaito) {Piofiore, Bustafellows, Dairoku}

• Good with his Fingers

• No Rain, Please

• No Strings Attached

Molly is an undertaker for his hometown and is the representation of the Tin Man. He was imprisoned for attacking and killing a travelling merchant. Coming off frivolous at times, he will take every opportunity to flirt you up. I guess even a criminal still needs to impress. Strange since this is the same attitude he has when working with corpses. Hopefully he's not too hollow inside. Maybe he just needs the right person to re-kindle his cold heart.

Noil Bestia (VA: Suzuki Ryouta) {Jack Jeanne, Tengoku Struggle, Mistonia}

• Royal Loyal

• No Personal Space

• Orphan Life

Noil is a knight to the kingdom and is the representation of the Lion. He massacred his entire platoon, which sentenced him to life behind bars. He's got a mean demeanor but takes his duties seriously. As an orphan he's always had to count on himself and no one else. Perhaps he just needs the right gal to set him straight and to help heal his mind from his dark past. Then, and maybe then, you'll be able to see the real lion from within.

Dorothy (VA: Horie Shun) {Olympia Soiree, Uchronia}

• Interdimensional Man of Mystery

• PINK! Why so much Pink?

• Double Sided Coin

Dorothy is the Mage of the West and the representation of, well... the name speaks volumes. Unlike the others, he is the guide and keeps a watchful eye on the group of criminals he's been assigned to. He's especially excited about you and how you came to this world. To him you are like a brilliant piece of glass; delicate and beautiful. He wishes nothing more than to protect you in a very intimate way. Don't let his devilish smile ensnare you, or you might end up being whisked away.

Love is like a Yan-DERE

OveRequiemZ seems to do something unlike most Otome games. It pushes the boundaries, but also gives you the choice whether to go down the regular romantic path or the dark and twisted one. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Allow me to explain what I mean in depth.

You start off in the “Prologue”, this will throw your main female protagonist into the story and discover very quickly the type of scenario you're in and set you on your way to discover and develop your relationship with your 5 companions. After that brief intro, you'll be given the opportunity to choose your LI. Yes! All 5 bachelors are available to select from the get go. No waiting to play through other routes to unlock later ones. Nope! You can choose the man of your dreams to start.

Once you've selected your lover, each one plays through pretty much the same as the others. That being the run through the first 5 chapters to get to know one another. You will eventually get to a point in chapter 5 where you will have to choose between the good endings or the dark ones. Notice how it's plural? That means each route has 2 possible endings, equaling a total of 4 endings to unlock per LI. You'll know fairly quickly if you're in the good or dark, as each one will be labelled “Fact” (for the good) or “Dark”.

There isn't much of a love meter that keeps track of your affection level, but I found that when you've chosen the correct answer, you'll be rewarded with a bonus line track in the main menu of the game under the “Special” category.

The final thing I'd like to point out was the pacing. It's excellent! I found I didn't linger in any chapter for too long. They're sweet and to the point and progress the story along at a nice pace. I never felt like the story dragged.

Ototo, we're not in Kansas Anymore

I found the story behind this world of Oz to be unique. It became legend that Oz was nothing more than a desert oasis with a small Kingdom. One day unknown structural ruins appeared and brought with them luscious greenery and deadly monsters. The first King of Oz ordered that all structures were to be heavily guarded to protect his citizens, but also to keep the ruins intact as they were providing the land with rich soil. So the once desert kingdom blossomed into the full landscape of forests, mountains and rivers.

It Takes Courage, Brain and Heart to find your New Home

To conclude, OVER REQUIEMZ was such a shocking surprise. The fact that the game gives you the choice to choose between a romantic and/or dark route is something we Otome fans are rarely blessed with. If dark and twisted themes of romance isn't your poison, then you can stick to your original “Safe”, routes. The world is tempting and so are the characters and their background stories. I never found myself bored, only intrigued to find out how both routes end. I give this game my approval of 9.5 out of 10. The perfect visual novel for my dark romance girlies and gents, tip-toeing the line between good or bad!

~

As I battle my way through dimensional dungeons overrun by mutated monsters, something pulls my attention away. A new rift opening up in front of me, pulling me back to my world.

“No! I'm not ready to go back. There's so much more to do. Please! Just a little longer.”

I quickly whipped my hand behind me, grasping for any one of my companions' attention as my body was slowly returning to my world. Only my hand remained before I felt a strong grip tug me back in, but the rift was stronger, adamant on returning me to where I belong. With one last ditch effort, I thought of the only other way to end this. I pulled inward, rocking back into my world with whoever was in tow. A massive weight tumbled on top of me, clouding my thoughts and pinning me down. Once I regained my center of self, I opened my eyes to find my metropolis lifestyle had returned, but with a bonus. It seems everyone joined in on trying to help. I turned to peer up at five guys, dazed and confused.

“Looks like this journey isn't over yet!”

I cooed as I wiggled my eyebrows. 

Score: 9.5 / 10

 

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Medical Inspired Monster Taming RPG Demo Releasing August 25th!

Panacea Interactive is inviting players to step into the world of Medimon, its medical science-inspired monster-taming RPG, with the announcement that the game’s public demo will launch on August 25th, 2026. Before then, the studio is opening a limited playtesting opportunity, giving players early access to provide feedback that will help polish the experience ahead of the demo’s release.

Blending strategic creature collecting with real-world medicine, Medimon transforms medical science into an engaging RPG adventure where every creature represents a different medical concept. Players capture, battle, and evolve Medimon while exploring the living world of Medicorum, making Medimon one of the smartest creature-collectors on the market.

The August 25th demo included the game’s Prologue and Level 1, offering players approximately 30 to 60 minutes of gameplay, or longer for those who enjoy exploring every corner and completing everything available. The Prologue introduces the story, core mechanics, and serves as a guided tutorial before players venture into their first major area.

Within Level 1, players will encounter and collect Medimon from eight unique Medifamilies:

• Bone
• Muscle
• Fat
• Skin
• Mouth
• Liver
• Brain
• B-Cell

To prepare for public release, Panacea Interactive is seeking dedicated playtesters willing to share feedback on the Prologue and Level 1. Selected participants won’t just play the upcoming demo, they’ll receive access to the game through Level 4, allowing the development team to gather broader gameplay impressions, balance feedback, bug reports, and suggestions before the public demo goes live.

Players interested in joining the playtest are encouraged to apply soon via KeySeeder or by replying to this email, as participation will be limited.

The Medimon demo will be available on Steam beginning August 25, 2026. You can also join the Official Medimon Discord server to participate in conversations about the demo and playtesting.

About Medimon

Medimon is a medical science-themed monster-taming RPG where players capture, battle, and evolve creatures inspired by medical systems and health concepts. Combining strategic turn-based gameplay with an imaginative world set inside the human body, Medimon delivers an approachable creature-collecting adventure that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and tactical thinking.

Article by: Susan N.

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The Sinking City 2 - PS5 Review

The Sinking City 2 by developer and publisher Frogwares—Sony PlayStation 5 review written by Pierre-Yves with a copy provided by the publisher. #Frogwares, #thesinkingcity2

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes.  

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