The wait for the most unexpected genre mashup of the year is over! Developed by Sloth Gloss Games, Steel Century Groove has officially moonwalked its way onto Steam.
Thousands of years ago, humanity built colossal war machines to stop the apocalypse. Today? Those same machines are used for the ultimate high-stakes prize: dance-battle championships.
Key Features
Deep Rhythm Combat: Unlike traditional rhythm games that force a specific button for every note, Steel Century Groove lets you choose from your mech’s unique kit of battle abilities.
Custom Soundtracks: While the game features a bumping original soundtrack, you can import your own MP3s. The system analyses your tracks to generate custom rhythm patterns for any genre.
RPG Progression:Assemble a squad of “Tenzerks” (giant mechs), level them up, and equip various mods to change their playstyle.
Vibrant World: Explore a “post-post-apocalyptic” world featuring locations like the underwater ruins of San Francisco and neon-lit casino districts.
The “Midnight” Prologue
If you want to try before you buy, the developer previously released Steel Century Groove: Midnight, a free standalone mini-adventure that serves as a prologue. It’s a great way to get a feel for the “snaking” note-ribbon mechanics and the game’s quirky, witty writing.
Find out more here – https://www.steelcenturygroove.com/
If you’ve ever had a dream where you’re running but your legs feel like lead, Nightmare: The Lunatic might feel a little too familiar. Developed by the Korean indie studio Maetdol Games, this 2D action roguelite has quietly built a “Very Positive” reputation on Steam for its slick combat and punishing, yet rewarding, gameplay loops.
With a recent expansion to the Nintendo Switch and physical editions for PlayStation 5 slated for Summer 2026, it’s a perfect time to dive into why this indie title is standing out in a crowded genre.
The Story: A Dream You Can’t Wake From
The premise is classic roguelite: You awaken with no memory, trapped in an endless, shifting nightmare. Every death sends you back to the beginning, but you aren’t alone. You are guided by the Dream Merchant, a helpful—if slightly suspicious—merchant who has also been swallowed by the dream. Together, you must descend through surreal biomes like distorted forests and deserts to find the source of the nightmare and break the cycle.
Key Gameplay Mechanics
While many compare it to hits like Dead Cells or Skul: The Hero Slayer, Nightmare: The Lunatic carves out its own identity with a few standout mechanics:
The Three-Weapon System: Unlike most games that limit you to one or two weapons, you carry three at all times. You can swap between them instantly with the flick of a stick. This isn’t just for variety; swapping triggers unique “Switch Skills”—one weapon might deal a burst of damage when brought in, while another might hover as an automated assistant.
Accessible Parrying: For those of us who usually struggle with “frame-perfect” timing, this game is a breath of fresh air. Enemies provide clear visual telegraphs (a bright exclamation mark) for parry windows, making high-level defensive play feel achievable for everyone.
Totems & Meta-Progression: As you explore, you collect “Totems” that provide passive buffs and build-defining synergies. Between runs, you use collected currency to buy permanent upgrades and “contracts” to strengthen your base stats.
Why It’s Worth Playing
Feature
Why It Works
Pacing
Rooms are short and rewards are frequent, keeping the “just one more run” feeling alive.
Visuals
High-quality pixel art with smooth animations that make the “dream-logic” environments feel alive.
Boss Design
Bosses are massive, screen-filling threats that require you to master the weapon-swapping and parry mechanics.
The Verdict
Nightmare: The Lunatic doesn’t reinvent the roguelite wheel, but it polishes it to a high shine. It’s an “easy to learn, hard to master” experience that rewards experimentation. While some players find the difficulty gap between regular rooms and bosses a bit steep, the satisfying “clink” of a successful parry and the flow of the triple-weapon combat make it a journey worth taking.
Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/hnPRH
Set in an alternate, sky-high 1930s Manhattan, Aether & Iron is an upcoming narrative-driven RPG that blends gritty noir storytelling with tactical, turn-based vehicular combat. Developed by Seismic Squirrel, the game has garnered significant attention for its “decopunk” aesthetic and its pedigree of writers from franchises like Mass Effect and Far Cry.
The Setting: A Vertical Metropolis
In this timeline, the discovery of a mysterious substance called aether has birthed anti-gravitational technology. New York City has literally detached from the earth, evolving into a vertical metropolis where the wealthy reside in the sun-drenched skyscrapers above, while the “Lowers” struggle in the shadows of the floating foundations.
Players take on the role of Gia Randazzo, a hard-boiled smuggler operating in the city’s seedy underbelly. After a simple job goes sideways, Gia finds herself at the centre of a conspiracy that threatens the fragile social order of the floating city.
Gameplay Mechanics
Aether & Iron draws heavy inspiration from modern CRPGs like Disco Elysium and Baldur’s Gate 3, emphasizing player choice and skill-based checks.
Turn-Based Vehicular Combat: Unlike many RPGs that focus on individual character movement, a core pillar of this game is tactical car-on-car combat. Players navigate grid-based maps, using speed, positioning, and environmental hazards—like ramming enemies into oncoming traffic—to win.
The Hustle, Smarts, and Brass System: Character progression is tied to three core attributes that govern both dialogue and combat. Every social interaction is a potential risk, often determined by a roll of the dice.
Customisation & Smuggling: Your vehicle is more than just a weapon; it is your livelihood. Players can upgrade their “aether-powered” rides with flamethrowers and smoke dispensers, while also managing hidden compartments to transport contraband past city factions.
Consequence & “Heat”: The game features a “Heat” system that tracks your notoriety. High Heat makes social interactions more difficult, and combat encounters more frequent as law enforcement and rival gangs take notice of your actions.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The game features a striking hand-drawn art style inspired by 1930s Detective Comics and the Art Deco period. The atmosphere is bolstered by full voice acting and a branching narrative that offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay with roughly 16 different endings, depending on which factions you support and the alliances you forge.
Availability
Aether & Iron is currently slated for release in Spring 2026 on PC (Steam). If you’re eager to get a taste of the “Lowers,” a free demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to experience the opening hours of Gia’s journey.
Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/WP4KW
Have you guys seen Dragon Khan by EVO Game Studio yet? I just tried the new demo on Steam, and the combat is insane! You play as Botu, a half-dragon martial artist, and the way you can chain together wing glides, tail sweeps, and elemental magic feels so fluid.
It’s like Devil May Cry met a dragon world. Definitely worth a download if you want to fly around and wreck some enemies.
I’m currently exploring the forest ruins, and the lore behind the different dragon races is surprisingly deep for an indie RPG. If you’re a fan of high fantasy and fast-paced combat, you need to wishlist this one!
Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/f2JBq
The Drift is failing, the stars are dimming, but the adventure is just beginning.
We’re diving deep into Starfinder: Afterlight, where the stakes are higher than ever, and the galaxy is on the brink of a new era. Forget everything you know about the status quo—it’s time to find out what happens when the lights go out in the Pact Worlds.
Who’s joining the crew? Whether you’re a seasoned Solarian or a first-time Mechanic, the Afterlight awaits.
Find out more here – https://www.epictellers.com/starfinder-afterlight
The world of Solasta is expanding, and with Solasta: Crown of the Magister II now in Early Access, fans of tactical turn-based RPGs have a lot to be excited about. As a spiritual successor that builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, Solasta II promises deeper mechanics, a more expansive world, and even more challenging encounters. Let’s dive into what makes this Early Access release worth checking out.
What’s New and Improved?
Right off the bat, players will notice a significant evolution in both presentation and gameplay. The developers have clearly listened to community feedback, and it shows in several key areas:
Enhanced Graphics and Environments
While Solasta: Crown of the Magister was praised for its tactical depth, some found its visual presentation a little rough around the edges. Solasta II makes noticeable strides here. Environments feel richer, character models are more detailed, and the spell effects are even more dazzling. Exploring ancient ruins or traversing the wilds of the Badlands feels more immersive than ever.
The gaming world is abuzz, and for good reason. A new challenger has entered the arena, promising a unique blend of fast-paced combat, stunning visuals, and a truly intriguing premise. We’re talking about Phantom Blade Zero, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, prepare to be captivated.
From the moment the first trailer dropped, Phantom Blade Zero has been turning heads. It’s a game that instantly evokes a sense of style and aggression, marrying the punishing difficulty of a Soulslike with the breathtaking acrobatics and martial artistry of Wuxia cinema. This isn’t just another action RPG; it’s a meticulously crafted experience that seems poised to carve its own niche in the gaming landscape.
A World Steeped in “Kungfupunk”
Phantom Blade Zero introduces us to a world defined by what its creators call “Kungfupunk.” Imagine ancient martial arts traditions colliding with a dark, almost gothic, steam-powered aesthetic. This isn’t your typical fantastical realm; it’s a gritty, rain-slicked world where power is sought, and secrets are buried deep. The visual design alone is a character in itself, promising a journey through desolate landscapes, intricate temples, and shadowy industrial complexes.
What sets this aesthetic apart is its commitment to detail. Every character design, every environmental element, every weapon seems to tell a story. It’s a world that feels lived-in, dangerous, and incredibly inviting for those who enjoy uncovering lore through visual cues.
The Art of Combat: Precision and Fluidity
At the heart of Phantom Blade Zero lies its combat system, and from what we’ve seen, it’s nothing short of exhilarating. This is not a button-mashing affair. Think Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice meets Devil May Cry, with a dash of classic Wuxia films thrown in for good measure.
Players will step into the shoes of Soul, an elite assassin framed for the murder of the Patriarch. With only 66 days left to live due to a devastating curse, Soul must clear his name and unravel a vast conspiracy. This urgency fuels the gameplay, demanding mastery and precision.
Combat appears to be a ballet of parries, dodges, and lightning-fast attacks. Enemy encounters are designed to be challenging, requiring players to learn patterns, exploit weaknesses, and execute flawless combinations. The animations are incredibly fluid, making every sword swing, every acrobatic leap, feel impactful and visceral. It’s a combat system that promises high stakes and immense satisfaction with every hard-won victory.
Ever played a game where the only rule is that there are no rules? Sounds chaotic, right? Well, that’s the beautiful, messy, and utterly exhilarating essence of “No Law,” a game that promises pure anarchy and delivers unforgettable moments. Forget intricate mechanics, complex storylines, or even a clear objective – No Law is a blank canvas for emergent gameplay, where the players themselves dictate the narrative.
What is “No Law”?
At its core, “No Law” isn’t a game in the traditional sense, but rather a framework for improvisation and player-driven creativity. Think of it as a social experiment disguised as a game. It typically involves a group of people, a designated “space” (which could be anything from a living room to an entire park), and a simple premise: anything goes. There are no pre-defined roles, no victory conditions, and no rulebook to consult. The magic happens in the interactions, the decisions, and the sheer audacity of the players.
The Beauty of Chaos
The initial moments of a “No Law” game can be a fascinating study in human behaviour. Some players might immediately seize the opportunity to create order, attempting to establish their own rules or take leadership. Others might embrace the chaos, testing boundaries and engaging in playful mischief. This dynamic interplay is where the true fun begins.
One of the most compelling aspects of “No Law” is its ability to generate unique and often hilarious scenarios. Imagine a game where:
Someone declares themselves king and tries to levy taxes on other players, who then respond by forming a rebellion.
A group decides to build a makeshift fort out of pillows and blankets, leading to an epic pillow fight siege.
Two players spontaneously decide they are rival detectives, each investigating a “crime” that no one else is aware of.
The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by the collective imagination of the group.
Why Play “No Law”?
Unleash Creativity: Without the constraints of rules, players are free to think outside the box and invent their own challenges, goals, and interactions. It’s a fantastic way to foster improvisational skills and creative problem-solving.
Social Experimentation: “No Law” offers a unique lens into group dynamics. You’ll see how different personalities react to the absence of structure, how leaders emerge (or don’t), and how communities form (or fall apart) in real-time.
Pure Fun and Laughter: Let’s be honest, sometimes the most fun comes from the unexpected. The sheer absurdity and unpredictability of “No Law” guarantee plenty of laughter and memorable anecdotes.
No Two Games Are Alike: Because the game is entirely player-driven, every single session of “No Law” will be completely different. This replayability is a huge draw, as you never know what new madness will unfold.
How to Get Started
Getting a “No Law” game going is incredibly simple:
Gather Your Players: The more, the merrier, but even a small group can have a blast.
Define Your Space: This could be a single room, a backyard, or even a virtual space online.
State the Core Premise: “There are no rules, do whatever you want.”
Let Go: The most important step is for everyone to embrace the idea of genuine freedom and see where it takes them.
You might find it helpful to have a few simple props on hand – things like blankets, toys, or even just pens and paper – as these can often spark ideas and act as catalysts for emergent play.
Beyond the Chaos
While “No Law” thrives on anarchy, it often leads to fascinating patterns of emergent order. Players, even without explicit rules, tend to create their own social contracts, alliances, and even impromptu mini-games within the larger “no-rule” framework. It’s a testament to the human desire for structure, even when explicitly told there is none.
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing break from overly structured games, or if you simply want to experience the thrill of true creative freedom, gather some friends and dive into the beautiful chaos of “No Law.” You might just discover your new favourite way to play.
What’s the wildest thing that’s ever happened in your “No Law” game? Share your stories in the comments below!
Dredge Dungeons of Hinterberg Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Metal Slug Tactics Revenge of the Savage Planet Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed Warhammer: Vermintide 2 DOOM: The Dark Ages Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Firefighting Simulator: The Squad Police Simulator: Patrol Officers
To find out more about the Xbox Game Pass, go to the official Xbox website here https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/xbox-game-pass
Coming soon the the Tribe Nine game is the Deadly Demo which will be available at the Steam Next Fest from tomorrow. In this demo, players will be getting to see what is going on in Neo Tokyo and to solve some of the mysteries that are happening in this extreme action RPG where groups of players are pushed to the limits of their gameplay and beyond, which is how it should be in any game. The Tribe Nine game Deadly Demo will be at the Steam Next Fest from tomorrow the 14th of October so no excuses, what is stopping you?
To find out more about the Tribe Nine Deadly Demo at the Steam Next Fest here on the game page on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/2376580/TRIBE_NINE/ or head on over to the official game website here https://tribenine.tokyo/en/
The next season of the popular game Torchlight: Infinite is incoming, well in a couple of weeks, but that is close enough. In this game, there will be the chance for players to get to grips with this game by making the combat more exciting and with more resources for players to use. This is more than a game it is one of those that really does become a way of life and why not? The next season of Torchlight: Infinite will be available towards the end of this month.
To find out more about the Torchlight: Infinite game check out the official game website here https://torchlight.xd.com or head on over to the games page on Steam here https://store.steampowered.com/app/1974050/Torchlight_Infinite/
Whisper Games has announced that its latest game Paraside: Duality Unbound will be launching for PC and console players, in early 2025, this game offers players the chance to see what surviving on the Earth following an apocalypse is really like. Survival is just one part of this RPG, there are many dangers to what out for and there are also alliances to be forged. Command your team as they go on tactical missions, but beware not everything is what it might seem in Paraside: Duality Unbound!
Find out more about the Paraside: Duality Unbound on its Steam page here; https://store.steampowered.com/app/2881620/Paraside_Duality_Unbound/
