Less Fun Games
The list of upcoming games begins with less fun titles, such as Time Shift Warrior. This top down hack and slash game has a unique time manipulation mechanic, allowing players to rewind time and fight alongside clones of their past self. Interestingly, the game is being published by Quantic Dream and other Detroit people, now under the Netease banner.
Ettie
The Day of the Devs stream after the main Summer Gaming Fest showcase included games like Ettie. This first person narrative puzzle exploration game allows players to take on the role of a painter, using their brush and colors on the everyday canvas of life. Players can also create custom artwork for commissions, and the game looks beautiful.
Hells Heat
The number of skateboarding games is increasing with the release of Hells Heat. This game mixes real grinds and kickflips with combat and a roguelite structure. Though it is not visually appealing, it is unique and shows what is possible with Indie Games.
Volvo
Volvo went all out with their fake mascot, putting him in some of their games. The reception to their main showcase was a little lackluster, as the highly anticipated Gabriella and Pepper Grinder were conspicuously absent. However, some of the games in their pre-show were more interesting, such as Sludge Live 2.
Excursion
Excursion is an upcoming open world game with a signature art style releasing at the end of the month. Players will explore the city searching for their friend while vandalizing the ugly architecture along the way.
The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 is the follow up to the surprisingly excellent first person puzzle game from developer Crew Team, also known as The Serious Sam people. Players should keep an eye on this intellectual puzzle game.
Hunty
Hunty is a unique entry that uses an intentionally limited number of colors at any one time. Players will explore eternity as a ghost, possessing both animals and the environment itself. There are also action and shoot them up elements.
Cocoon
Cocoon is a top down puzzle adventure game where players take on the role of a humanoid. Person orbs are central to the game and are used to solve puzzles. There is also mention of combat against Mighty Guardians, though this may not be the focus of the game.
Limbo and Inside Lead Gameplay Designer’s New Title
The lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside, who has since left Play Dead, has given us an idea of what to expect from his new title. Devolver Digital’s pre-show revealed Kamazoo, a self-described altruistic, cooperative platformer, where 10 randomly matched players play as one of 50 different characters. The goal is to work together to help each other out and gain good karma. It’s an interesting experiment, but the player population could be a concern.
Your Grace Sequel
A surprising entry was Your Grace, the sequel to the 2020 game where you play as a king and have to keep your people happy while managing resources. The pixel art style has changed slightly, adding depth and more 3D looking assets. The player must make critical decisions as winter approaches.
Foxy Chronicles
The developer of Mitizioni has a new game titled Foxy Chronicles. It has a similar art style and is also a narrative focused title. This time, the story is centered around a stolen ship and a kidnapped Captain with a nautical theme. If their first game is anything to go by, the writing and characters will be the main draw.
Fuel Finder
Fuel Finder is a first person puzzle game that plays with perspective. Players will use a camera to take pictures and use them to solve puzzles and advance further. Excitingly, Fuel Finder has a release date of July, so be sure to look out for it!
The Cosmic Wheel: Sisterhood
The Cosmic Wheel: Sisterhood is a pixel art narrative title where you play as a witch condemned to exile on an asteroid. You must craft your own Tarot deck and use it to influence Cosmic Witch Society in order to regain your freedom. The pixel art is beautiful and comes to us from Deconstruct Team, the creators of the excellent narrative game The Red Strings Club.
Party Animals
Party Animals is surprisingly the most anticipated game on Steam according to Steam followers, more than even Silk Song and Starfield. It looks like Gang Beasts and is a wobbly physics multiplayer game, and it has a release date of September 20th. It looks like it will be a chaotic multiplayer experience.
Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 was first announced in 2019 and has since gone radio silent. This expansion sequel to the massive free-to-play is set to show the science of life.
Action RPG Continues to Look Awesome
Amid all the hype of Diablo 4, Action RPG continues to look awesome and is timed just right. From the developer of Ape Out and Getting Over It comes Baby Steps, a physics-based walking simulation that looks like Quark in 3D. As a controller man, precariously taking one step after the next and trying not to fall, 2D quote was bad enough, and this just ramps things up to the next level, looking absolute torture and seems to be geared towards streamers.
Hyper Light Breaker
We also got another look at Hyper Light Breaker, the follow up to Hyper Light Drifter. Rather than a pixel art top down action adventure game, this is a 3D action role-playing game which some may be unhappy with, but it still looks kind of cool so give them the benefit of the doubt.
Summer Hill
Another game with a pedigree is Summer Hill. Coming to us from the developer of the El Tools Adventure Series games, which did supremely well on mobile, this is instead a serene and beautiful looking story-driven adventure game. You play as a shepherd, exploring the pastoral landscape to reunite your flock, uncovering long forgotten secrets in the process. It simply looks wonderful.
Which Fire
This news with regards to Which Fire, a beautifully grim first-person shooter and a dark fantasy world, getting an early access release date in September. Although it will be an Epic Games store exclusive for now.
Thief Hum Gets Release Date
Thief Hum, the farm simulation RPG, has finally been given a release date. It was first shown at the Nintendo Direct event, and has since been confirmed for release on Steam. The game will cost $60, which may seem high, but this is from Phoenix Labs – the developers of the Monster Hunter-like Dauntless, who have four studios around the world.
Human Fall Flat Sequel
Another title of interest is the Human Fall Flat sequel. The trailer for Pokemon Gun, AKA Palwow, has been released, showing off the game’s insane action and monster taming. Players can use electric type pedals to electrocute other creatures living in the water, and there’s even a glimpse of a sweatshop where pals are being forced to manufacture weapons. Palwow is set for an early access release window of January 2024.
Korean Pinocchio Bloodborne
Korean Pinocchio Bloodborne: Lice of Pea is one of the more hyped souls-like titles, but it has received some backlash for being too similar to Bloodborne. The game features transforming weapons, and looks to be something very different in the space.
Introducing Beastie Ball
Do you love monster taming RPGs? If so, you’ll be interested to hear about Beastie Ball, the latest game from the developers of Wonder Song and Chicory. Until 26th June, there is a demo available for you to try out.
A Volleyball-Playing Team of Monsters
In Beastie Ball, you coach a team of monsters who love to play volleyball with each other. There is a variety of cute and whimsical creatures, as well as a relationship system between them. The developers highlight that catching monsters is not the focus of the game, but rather getting to know and spending time with the ones that you care about.
A Different Kind of Monster Taming Game
Beastie Ball is a different kind of monster taming game. Instead of catching and collecting monsters, you get to know them and build relationships with them. It’s a unique and enjoyable experience that you won’t find in any other game.
