Author: Pickled Sea Cat

Verne: The Shape of Fantasy

“A pixel art narrative experience based on the life and works of Jules Verne, which merges exploration, puzzles and interactive dialogues with the imagery of one of the most famous science fiction and adventure writer.

“Jules Verne has been trapped in a parallel world, built from the writer’s own imagination and filled with adventures, dangers and lots of fantasy. Aboard the mythical Nautilus and back to back with captain Nemo and his faithful crew, you will face a merciless enemy who wants to wipe out imagination and creativity from Hemera… and from Verne himself.”

Visit the Website

Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: 2021

Iron Harvest

“A real-time strategy game (RTS) set in the alternate reality of 1920+, just after the end of the Great War. The Game lets you control giant dieselpunk mechs, combining epic singleplayer and coop campaigns as well as skirmishes with intense action on the battlefield for multiplayer fans…

“Tradition clashes with scientific and technological progress, while Europe is still recovering from the brutal battles of the World War. Cities are being rebuilt and in the countryside, the era of the Iron Harvest has begun. Farmers are uncovering the remains of the majestic walking machines that had fought on the battlefields of the Great War.”

This came out today but seems like it’s still in a bit of beta. Some of the features listed on the Steam page are missing like co-op and some sections of the multiplayer. It seems like the single player campaign is quite good but definitely check the reviews carefully to make sure this is the game for you. 🙏

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows (PS4, Xbox One to come)
Release: September 1, 2020

Neon Abyss

“A frantic, roguelike action-platformer where you run ‘n’ gun your way into the Abyss.  Featuring unlimited item synergies and a unique dungeon evolution system, each run diversifies the experience and every choice alters the ruleset.

“If you need some company on your journey into the depths of the abyss, or just some additional firepower or assistance, eggs can be found which will turn into a random pet that has a special ability and will evolve the longer you survive.”

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Release: July 14, 2020

Eastern Exorcist

“A stunning 2D side-scrolling action RPG set in a fictitious eastern world with the infestation of vicious demon monsters.  Play as a skilled exorcist against chaotic evil to fight your way through the brutal world, and experience unforeseen entanglements of complex beings.”

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows (PS4 to come)
Release: August 14, 2020

via NOMAD

The Last Campfire

“Become lost within a storybook world, travelling through beautiful environments, meeting strange and unusual characters in a heartfelt story.  You play as Ember.  You are trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home.  At its heart, it is the story of rekindling hope in an otherwise hopeless world.”

This looks hauntingly beautiful and it was quite a surprise to discover that it’s releasing today. 🥰 I really hope it turns out as good as it seems as a touching puzzle game is right up my alley. There is also an explore mode where you can just wander around the world talking to the characters at your own pace.

The music in the trailer is from LAMB and it is called As Satellites Go By.

Visit the Website

Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple Arcade
Release: August 27, 2020

Sheepo

“A quirky metroidvania platformer featuring a shape-shifting sheep-thing, who must traverse an uncharted planet in order to collect samples of each living species for an intergalactic species database.

“Explore a strange planet, collect the creatures you find, and then shape-shift into them to expand your world. Build your own path, chat with the locals, and discover the planets sprawling secrets.”

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows
Release: August 26, 2020

Dwerve

“A tower defense dungeon crawler RPG. It tells the story of a young dwarven tinkerer that adventures into dwarven ruins to unearth the lost technologies of the ancient warsmiths – turrets and traps, the only weapons that can protect the dwarves from Witch Queen Vandra the Wicked and her army of bloodthirsty trolls and monstrous creatures.”

Back on Kickstarter

Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: 2021

Webbed

“The story of a happy little spider on an adventure to save her boyfriend from a big dumb bowerbird. Explore the dangerous wilderness with nothing but your webs and your wits. Practise the art of web swinging to speed your way through the world!

“Leave your own unique mark by spinning webs through the interconnected world. Stick webs to almost anything and use them to create your own paths. Make friends with bugs, and dance with them. Some bugs could use a little help from a friend and might even join your rescue effort in return!”

You can play around with the web slinging in an old prototype if you like. 😊

Wishlist on Steam

Platforms: Windows
Release: 2021

Duru

“A 2D Puzzle Adventure about mole rats and depression. It shows how we all can help people affected by this illness.

“Set in a west-african inspired mole rat colony you play Tuli, one of the gatherers of the colony. One day everything becomes harder as Bel, an AI companion and the personification of Tuli’s growing depression, joins the party.

“While running, jumping and painting your way through the tunnels surrounding the colony you have to find a way to deal with Bel and its manipulative behaviour. Your constant companion moves objects around you painted, eats them and holds you back in which ever way possible. Learn to use Bels behaviour in a way that lets you progress.”

Back on Kickstarter

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2020

Rainy Season

“A narrative game that allows players to listen to the rain and live a mundane day as a child. The game is playable to finish in 40 minutes.

“It was raining that day。The family was ready to visit the amusement park, but plans are cancelled due to weather. This is a short story about an ordinary family spending a day at home during rain. “

Buy on Steam

Platforms: Windows
Release: August 20, 2020