Developed by Oldways Studios, this title is a high-octane blend of classic side-scrolling shoot ’em ups and modern roguelite progression. If you’ve ever wondered what R-Type would feel like if it had a baby with Enter the Gungeon—and then that baby grew up to owe a lot of money to a space syndicate—this is it.
The Breakdown
The Vibe: Gritty space-opera with retro pixel art and a “snarky drone” sidekick. Think Firefly meets bullet hell.
The Hook: You play as Captain Cole Hunter, an outlaw pilot who is deeply in debt. Every run is a chance to chip away at that balance—or default in a blaze of glory.
Gameplay Loop: 5–10 minute combat runs. You scavenge enemy cores mid-combat to evolve your ship’s arsenal, creating “broken” power combos.
Risk vs. Reward: A dynamic “Heat Map” tracks your debt. The longer you wait to pay, the more elite Syndicate enforcers will hunt you down.
Why You Should Play the Demo
The demo offers a taste of the Implant System, where you can unlock branching perks and synergies. It’s built for “one-more-run” sessions, featuring tight controls that the developers strongly recommend playing with a controller.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your “magnetic pickups.” Scrapping for cores is essential for survival, but diving into a bullet swarm to grab one is how most pilots meet their end.
Platform: PC (Windows/macOS) Full Release: Early Access coming later in Q1 2026.
Find out more here – https://colehunterpayback.com
The frontier just got a lot more crowded—and significantly more cursed. Indie developer Moth Atlas and publisher Midwest Games have released a major update for their highly anticipated 2D action-RPG, Tombwater, revealing the full slate of starting archetypes players will use to survive its eldritch-infested landscape.
Set in a decaying silver-mining town gripped by a supernatural plague of madness, Tombwater blends the punishing, methodical combat of the Souls series with the top-down exploration of classic Zelda titles, all wrapped in a “Weird West” aesthetic.
Meet the Desperados: The Seven Archetypes
The latest trailer showcases seven distinct classes, ranging from traditional frontier brawlers to occult-obsessed scholars. Each class features unique starting stats and equipment designed to support different playstyles:
The Gunslinger: The quintessential Western hero, boasting high precision and the fastest fire-rate revolver in the game.
The Soldier: A durable front-liner armed with a Dragoon Sabre, built for players who prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat.
The Occultist: A master of hexes who begins with high Lucidity. They carry a Rune Knife that actively reduces the player’s “Madness” meter upon hitting enemies.
The Tinkerer: For the strategists, this class focuses on alchemy, traps, and explosive consumables.
The Spellblade: A hybrid warrior that balances melee strikes with utility spells, including a grim ability called “Grave Fingers.”
The Drifter: A “jack-of-all-trades” featuring a unique Quickstep Slash dash mechanic that rewards high-mobility play.
The Nameless: The ultimate challenge for genre veterans. Starting with a Rusty Sabre and minimal stats, this is the “Wretch” equivalent for those seeking a brutal experience.
Bloodborne Meets the High Desert
Developed by Max Mraz (the creator behind the acclaimed Bloodborne demake Yarntown), Tombwater promises a sprawling, interconnected map filled with over 20 horrifying boss encounters. Players are tasked with finding the missing Sheriff Elliott Flintwood while managing a Madness meter—a mechanic that reflects the mental toll of facing Lovecraftian horrors in the scrublands.
“We wanted each starting class to meaningfully change the way you fight through Tombwater,” said lead developer Max Mraz. “The classes offer the chance to mix things up on a replay… except for the Nameless. That’s just asking for a tough run.”
Release Information
Following a successful appearance at the Best Indie Games Showcase, Tombwater is currently slated for a Q1 2026 full release on PC via Steam. For those eager to test their mettle early, a playable demo is available now on the Steam store, featuring a slice of the game’s punishing combat and atmospheric world-building.
Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/bUNdM
Hey, Metroidvania fans and Soulslike enthusiasts! Get ready to spread your wings because there’s a title on the horizon that’s fusing punishing combat with open-air exploration in a way we rarely see. I’m talking about The Light of the Darkness: ORIGINS, a 2D action-RPG from QUARTOMUNDO that looks set to challenge and captivate.
A Soulslike Metroidvania with a Twist
At its core, ORIGINS is a blend of genres that serious gamers love: the strategic, unforgiving combat of a Soulslike and the intricate, rewarding exploration of a Metroidvania. But what really makes it stand out?
1. Physics-Based Flight: A Core Mechanic
Forget restrictive double jumps or gliding with a cooldown. In ORIGINS, the ability to fly is a physics-based, core mechanic. You’ll be able to dive, hover, and strike enemies from the air, completely transforming the flow of combat and the possibilities for exploration. Imagine the verticality of a Metroidvania combined with the freedom of flight—this is a game that is truly designed to be played in three dimensions.
2. A Seamless, Interconnected World
One of the most exciting technical features is the promise of a seamless, interconnected world with no loading screens. The entire realm is a continuous space, allowing you to fluidly zoom in to focus on combat or zoom out to plan your next move on the grand, interconnected map. This kind of immersion is a rarity in 2D games and promises a truly unbroken journey through the Lands of Oblivion.
3. Essence Absorption and Elemental Combos
Progression isn’t just about finding a new sword; it’s about what you take from your foes. As the hybrid protagonist, Sephius, you defeat enemies and absorb their Essence, which serves as both your resource for stamina and magical power.
Absorb Natures: Each enemy carries a unique “Nature” which unlocks elemental spells.
Forge New Spells: You can combine different Natures to craft powerful and unique spell combinations.
Tactical Risk: Be warned: casting the wrong spell can actually benefit your enemy, introducing a fascinating layer of elemental affinity and risk/reward to the strategic, stamina-based combat.
The Tale of Sephius: Hybrid and Outcast
The world of ORIGINS is steeped in a dark, atmospheric lore. The world is split between the realms of Light and Darkness. You play as Sephius, the only known hybrid of both, who is rejected by both warring factions. Awakened with no memory, your journey is one of self-discovery, battling enemies on the ground and in the air as you seek to uncover the truth behind your creation.
The developers cite inspirations from Castlevania for the progression and exploration, and Legacy of Kain for the story and dialogue, suggesting a deep, haunting narrative that unfolds through memory fragments and careful exploration, rather than heavy exposition dumps.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Take Flight?
The Light of the Darkness: ORIGINS is shaping up to be a stunning fusion of challenging combat, deep lore, and groundbreaking exploration mechanics. If you’re looking for a punishing, yet rewarding 2D ARPG that lets you literally soar above the competition, this is one to keep on your radar.
It’s currently in development, and I recommend checking out the developer’s Steam page or social channels for the latest updates and to add it to your wishlist!
What are you most excited about: the physics-based flight or the Essence-absorption system? Let me know in the comments below!
The Light of the Darkness: ORIGINS – http://tlotd.com/
Ever wondered what epic battles are unfolding right beneath your feet? Get ready to find out! From the creators of Eastern Exorcist, Buddy Bug is buzzing onto the scene, offering a unique blend of cooperative action, roguelite depth, and a world where a bottle cap is a fortress and a lighter is a fearsome weapon.
A Microscopic World, A Colossal Adventure
Buddy Bug plunges you into a vivid, microscopic insect world hidden away in the corners of a bustling city. You step into the tiny shoes (or carapace) of Buddy, a scarab beetle from the slums of Buggle Town, fighting against the oppression of the dreaded Black Force Gang.
This is a world that feels both familiar and brand new. Every day human debris—delivery boxes, thumbtacks, syringes—is repurposed by insect ingenuity into a vibrant yet dangerous landscape. It’s a compelling setting that immediately hooks you into the bugs’ struggle for survival.
Co-op Roguelite Chaos
At its core, Buddy Bug is a 2D co-op action roguelite built for both solo adventurers and team-ups.
Gather Your Friends: The game supports both single-player and local co-op (with online co-op in development). Team up with a friend and combine your insect characters’ unique skills for maximum chaos and strategic synergy.
Physics-Based Combat: Forget conventional swords and guns. Your arsenal is a brilliant collection of re-engineered human objects. Imagine using a water-spewing syringe as a spear or wielding a Lighter for charged, fiery bursts!
Elemental Reactions: Combat goes deep with a system of elemental reactions. Combine grease with a fire-based weapon to ignite your foes, or use electromagnetic power to conduct electricity through water stains. Experimentation is the key to creating game-breaking builds!
Every run offers new randomised elements, pushing you to creatively combine different weapons and over ten distinct gadgets. It’s a true roguelite experience where the fun lies in adapting your strategy on the fly.
The Devil is in the Detail (and the Dev Logs!)
What’s truly exciting is the level of dedication from developer Wildfire Game. They’ve been meticulously refining the game based on player feedback, detailing reworks for weapons and focusing on mechanics like terrain interaction—where, for example, water in a ‘Freezer Stage’ can freeze into movable ice blocks to block enemies. The developers are clearly committed to creating a polished, engaging experience.
Don’t Miss the Demo!
If this microscopic mayhem sounds like your next obsession, you’re in luck! The first public demo for Buddy Bug is launching very soon on Steam!
This is your chance to get a playful glimpse of the “Cardboard Citadel” and the physics-driven combat before the full release. Dive in, experiment with the different weapons and specialisation systems, and let your inner inventor run wild.
Get ready to shrink down, buddy up, and fight for your territory!
Hey Brawlers! Are you ready to dive deep into the world of fierce warriors and epic battles? Today, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the most elegant yet absolutely devastating legends in Brawlhalla: Lady Vera! Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to master a new character or a newcomer trying to find your main, Lady Vera offers a unique blend of grace, power, and strategic depth.
Who is Lady Vera?
Lady Vera isn’t just a legend; she’s a force of nature. Wielding the majestic Greatsword and the swift Spear, she commands the battlefield with a dance of destruction. Her lore paints her as a noble warrior with a tragic past, seeking justice and glory through combat. And trust us, she delivers!
Why Play Lady Vera?
Versatile Weapon Kit:
Greatsword: This weapon is all about power and reach. Lady Vera’s Greatsword moves are fluid, allowing for impressive combos and devastating heavy hits that can send opponents flying off the stage. It’s fantastic for spacing and controlling the middle of the map.
Spear: The Spear offers incredible speed and excellent aerial control. Lady Vera’s Spear attacks are perfect for racking up damage quickly, juggling opponents, and executing precise edge guards.
Balanced Stats: Lady Vera boasts well-rounded stats, making her adaptable to various playstyles. She has good damage output, decent defence, and respectable speed, allowing her to hold her own in any situation.
Stylish Signatures: Her signature attacks are not only powerful but also incredibly visually appealing.
Greatsword Signatures: Expect sweeping arcs of energy and powerful thrusts that cover significant ground. Her Down-Sig on the Greatsword, for example, is a fantastic anti-air option that catches opponents off guard.
Spear Signatures: Her Spear signatures are quick and precise, often involving multiple hits or powerful lunges that can punish opponents trying to recover.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Lady Vera
Mix Up Your Attacks: Don’t become predictable! Lady Vera excels when you fluidly transition between her Greatsword and Spear. Use the Greatsword to create openings and deal heavy damage, then switch to the Spear for quick follow-ups and edge guarding.
Utilise Greatsword Stacks: Practice chaining Greatsword light attacks into heavy attacks or signatures. The Greatsword’s unique “stack” mechanic (where some light attacks can be followed by a heavy attack for extra power) is crucial for maximising her damage.
Edge Guard with Spear: The Spear is one of the best weapons for edge guarding in Brawlhalla. Lady Vera’s aerial Spear attacks and recovery options make it easy to deny opponents their return to the stage.
Learn Her Combos: Every legend has its bread-and-butter combos. Spend time in training mode perfecting Lady Vera’s Greatsword and Spear combos. Knowing these inside and out will significantly elevate your gameplay.
Mind Your Positioning: Both of Lady Vera’s weapons thrive on good positioning. With the Greatsword, maintain a medium distance, poking and punishing. With the Spear, you can be a bit more aggressive, but always be ready to disengage if things get too heated.
Facing Lady Vera?
If you’re up against a Lady Vera, here’s what to look out for:
Respect the Greatsword’s Range: Don’t carelessly approach a Greatsword user. They can out-range many other weapons.
Watch for Spear Edge Guards: Be cautious when recovering against a Lady Vera with her Spear. She will be looking for those opportunities.
Punish Whiffs: Both weapons, especially the Greatsword, can have some recovery frames after a missed attack. Learn to recognise these moments and punish them!
Lady Vera is a legend that rewards practice and strategic thinking. With her diverse weapon set and powerful signatures, she’s a blast to play and a true force to be reckoned with in the arena. So, what are you waiting for? Jump into Brawlhalla, pick Lady Vera, and start unleashing your inner warrior!
Are you a Lady Vera main? Share your favourite combos and strategies in the comments below!
You’ve probably heard the buzz around THRASHER, the critically acclaimed VR game that’s been captivating players with its psychedelic visuals and pulse-pounding soundtrack. A spiritual successor to the cult classic Thumper, THRASHER has been a huge hit on Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, and now, it’s making the leap to a 2D format for PC.
But for those who haven’t yet plunged into its cosmic depths, what exactly is THRASHER? And what can players expect from the new 2D version?
A Cosmic, Audiovisual Experience
THRASHER isn’t your average game; it’s an experience. Created by Brian Gibson, the artist and composer behind Thumper (and bassist for the band Lightning Bolt), the game is an “audiovisual odyssey” that blends a hypnotic, bass-heavy soundtrack with stunning, abstract visuals. The gameplay is a fast-paced, rhythmic rush where you control a space eel, swooping and thrashing through mesmerising alien landscapes.
The goal is to survive, evolve, and defeat gigantic, nightmarish bosses. As you progress, your tiny eel grows into a “megabeast,” and the levels become more intense and challenging. The game’s unique “circle-based combo system” rewards you for precision and chaining together moves, leading to a truly transcendent, flow-inducing state where the music, visuals, and gameplay all become one.
From VR Immersion to 2D Precision
While THRASHER was designed for the immersive nature of virtual reality, the upcoming 2D version promises to bring that same frenetic energy to traditional PC screens. This isn’t just a simple port; the developers at Puddle have optimised the game for a flat-screen experience. The 2D version will feature gamepad and mouse controls, with a focus on delivering the same sense of speed and precision that made the VR version so beloved. It’s also been specifically optimised for the Steam Deck, making it a perfect game for on-the-go psychedelic sessions.
For fans of Thumper, this new 2D version of THRASHER is a welcome return to a familiar, yet entirely new, kind of rhythm-action gameplay. The developers have even added a new “Play+” mode for those who want to push their skills to the absolute limit.
A Name with a Legacy
It’s worth noting that the name “THRASHER” might sound familiar to some for a very different reason. In 1999, Rockstar Games and Z-Axis released a PlayStation game called Thrasher: Skate and Destroy, a gritty, technically challenging skateboarding sim that was a stark contrast to the arcade-like fun of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. While both games share a name and a focus on “thrashing,” they are completely unrelated. The new THRASHER is all about the cosmic journey, not the concrete jungle.
Coming Soon
A demo for the 2D version of THRASHER is already available on Steam, giving players a chance to experience the first three levels and test their skills on the leaderboards. The full game, which will include both the new 2D and the original PCVR versions, is set for release soon.
Whether you’re a veteran of Thumper, a fan of rhythm games, or just looking for a truly unique and mind-bending experience, THRASHER is a game that should be on your radar. Get ready to ride the space eel and thrash your way through a cosmic odyssey unlike any other.
Anyone looking for something different next year might want to give Dodo Duckie a go. This game blends both 2D and 3D together brilliantly and it features the trials and tribulations of a duck. What’s not to like there? But there is more, this harmless duck awakes to find that aliens are abducting the other animals around the farm and so it is up to Dodo the duck to save them. Dodo Duckie will be launching in the early part of next year.
To find out more about Dodo Duckie, go to the developer’s website here https://bornmonkie.com or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/MCfRz
The great thing about Brawlhalla is that it is free to play, and it is a really cool 2D platform fighter game. Now there is the Brawlhalla: Heatwave 2025 Event, which is going to be something brilliant to look forward to. It is time to take the fight to the enemy in order to get through all of these tough levels and onto victory.
To find out more about the Brawlhalla: Heatwave 2025 Event, go to the official game website here https://www.brawlhalla.com/play
You can never get enough of dragons and in the Heroes of Mount Dragon game, there are plenty of them to come up against. In this 2D hand-drawn game, there is action, battles, combos, tactics and of course, dragons. What more could you want from a great side-scrolling brawler that is going to keep you playing and fighting? The Heroes of Mount Dragon is available now!
To find out more about the Heroes of Mount Dragon, go to the official game website here https://www.studioruniq.com/games or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/IJSqd
A city in the desert is under siege the people have been betrayed by their queen and The Siege and the Sandfox game begins. This is game that brings in parkour, platform and fast past gaming together. Players will need to be fast and smart in order to get through the levels of the castle. The Siege and the Sandfox will be launching on the 20th of May on Steam for PC.
To find out more about The Siege and the Sandfox game, go to the official game website here https://siegeandsandfox.com/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/bYBkd
In the Dead of Darkness game players take on the role of a private investigator who is in search of answers as to why his daughter died on the mysterious Velvet Island. However the island is home to strange and dangerous creatures, so now it is a matter of survival all carried out in a classic 2D pixel art game design.
To find out more about the Dead of Darkness game go to the official game website here https://www.deadofdarkness.com/
Here is a game that sort of sits in two eras, firstly its a game with a retro feel to it and secondly it is a game that is totally new, therefore you will be getting the thrills of classic gaming, but with the knowledge that this game has been created using the latest technology and so unlike those old game this new game will be fast and smooth, just like a good game should be, are you ready for SpaceSlog?
Find out more about the SpaceSlog game here on Steam; https://s.team/a/2133570
