CODE VEIN

CODE VEIN

Code Vein is an anime-flavored action role-playing game where players step into the shoes of a vampire like Revenant with the gift to save the world. The similarities to Dark Souls are immediately apparent, but Code Vein has enough of its own unique quirks that prevent it from feeling like a straight-up copy. The story is interesting, as are the various companions you meet along the way, but levels that are boring in both layout and design detract from the experience. The game still has plenty to offer for those willing to put in the time, but there are better souls-like titles on the market.

Gameplay: Code Vein sticks closely to the soul-like formula of fighting enemies, collecting materials to level up, and defeating bosses to unlock new areas.

Graphics: The character designs are great, although the game is heavy on fan service, and some levels look very drab.

Sound: The soundtrack features a couple of memorable tunes, and the quality of the voice acting is generally good

Elden Ring

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a souls-like title that takes all the best elements of the genre and wraps it up in a massive open-world setting. Playing as a Tarnished, players venture into the Lands Between on a heroic journey to become an Elden Lord. Unlike many open-world titles, Elden Ring is a joy to explore and features plenty of hidden dungeons, catacombs, and caves to keep players busy. Simply completing the main storyline will take hours, and the addition of different endings, tons of secrets, and lots of optional bosses extend the playtime even further. It’s more accessible than other FromSoftware titles but still offers a challenging experience that should not be missed.

Graphics: The world of Elden Ring is visually distinct and filled with memorable bosses and scenic locations packed with detail.

Gameplay: Elden Ring has so many options for weapons and spells that very few players will end up with the exact same experiences.

Sound: The game’s soundtrack, sound effects, and voice acting are all superb

Atomic Heart

Atomic Heart

Atomic Heart is a single-player first-person shooter that tasks players with saving a retrofuturistic Soviet utopia from a robot uprising. The look and style of the game immediately draw comparisons to classics such as Bioshock, but Atomic Heart has some interesting ideas of its own too. The combat, which is filled with giant adversaries, powerful guns, and interesting polymer abilities makes for visceral encounters, but things like quick time events and tedious fetch quests mar the experience. Players hoping to sneak through the game will also quickly end up frustrated. Nevertheless, despite some issues, Atomic Heart is worth the experience, and fans of the genre will enjoy what it has to offer.

Gameplay: After a slow start the action picks up considerably and the game is filled with lots of action as well as some exploration and puzzle-solving.

Graphics: The Unreal Engine 4 is put to good use in Atomic Heart to deliver stunning outdoor vistas as well as massive boss battles and detailed indoor environments.

Sound: The voice acting can be a bit questionable at times, but the sound effects and soundtrack are really good

Atomic Heart First Look Video

Atomic Heart First Look Video

Atomic Heart by Mundfish, Focus Entertainment, and 4Divinity is a single-player first-person shooter that takes place in an alternate history version of the 1950s. Chaos ensues in its retrofuturistic utopia after mutant creatures, terrifying machines, and superpowered robots all suddenly turn on their creators. Players are thrown into this world and must use the combat abilities of their experimental glove, along with other cutting-edge weaponry, to survive and find out what is really going on. Check out the video below for a quick look at the start of the game

Elderand First Look Video

Elderand First Look Video

Elderand by Mantra and Sinergia Games is a gruesome action platformer with RPG elements set in a detailed hand-drawn pixel art world. The game features satisfying Metroidvania-style exploration, but as players travel to the many corners of this dangerous land, they will have to fight more than 60 different enemy types and a dozen bosses. In addition, the loot gathered from exploration or killing enemies can be used to upgrade weapons via crafting. Check out the video below for a quick look at what the game has to offer

Undertale

Undertale

Undertale looks like a traditional retro RPG, but beneath the surface lurks a captivating and emotional title that isn’t afraid to subvert expectations. Playing as a young child trapped in a world of monsters, players are free to try and befriend everyone or do what any good RPG hero would do and slay them all. With its unique combat system and quirky cast of characters, Undertale is one of the most memorable and interesting takes on a well-worn genre and should definitely not be missed.

Gameplay: Undertale plays a lot like a traditional RPG but isn’t afraid to subvert expectations at every turn.

Graphics: The visuals are distinctly retro in style but pack plenty of charm.

Sound: Undertale features a wonderful soundtrack with plenty of memorable tunes

Shadow of the Guild First Look Video

Shadow of the Guild First Look Video

Shadow of the Guild by Guild Studio and Bonus Stage Publishing is a side-scrolling beat ’em up with an epic story where players take control of a powerful assassin named Yarán. Players must explore five scripted levels with their own visual identity, enemies, and beautiful cinematics while discovering side quests, special items, and secret passages. However, powerful enemies await Yarán and must be dispatched in dynamic fights where players can mix their skills in epic combos. Check out the video below for a quick look at the game’s opening moments

Ghost Song First Look Video

Ghost Song First Look Video

Ghost Song by Old Moon is an atmospheric 2D adventure set on the desolate moon of Lorian, where a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Although it is armed and combat-ready, its memory is clear of purpose, so it strikes out beneath the surface in search of answers. Players get to explore winding caverns lit only by bioluminescent flora, battle strange and powerful creatures, and acquire new abilities as they unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets. Check out the video below for a quick look at what awaits in this beautifully illustrated Metroidvania-inspired 2D world

Shadows Over Loathing First Look Video

Shadows Over Loathing First Look Video

Shadows Over Loathing by Asymmetric is a slapstick-figure comedy adventure RPG full of mobsters, monsters, and mysteries. Players must travel to Ocean City after receiving a request for aid from their Uncle Murray, who owns an antique shop. However, this sets into motion an adventure in a sprawling open world chock full of danger, quests, puzzles, and stick figures. Shadows Over Loathing is the follow-up to the award-winning West of Loathing, so players can expect the same type of jokes, gags, and goofs, along with many more locations, items, friends, foes, and familiars. Check out the video below for a quick look at the start of the adventure

Rift Loopers First Look Video

Rift Loopers First Look Video

Rift Loopers by Monster Tooth Studios is a twin-stick shooter survival game with rogue-like elements. Players must fight through worlds lost to a mysterious alien insectoid race while collecting reality crystals. These crystals are the resource needed for dimensional travel and can be used to unlock additional weapons, characters, and enhancements for future loops. Rift Loopers is releasing on Steam Early Access on 22 September, featuring a single map, six characters, 15 weapons, and eight active and ten passive abilities. The full version will include additional characters, weapons, abilities, maps, and game modes. Check out the action in the video below