“Aa story-rich action-adventure game about childhood escapism. Take command of a magical swarm of curious creatures to battle precarious wildlife and supernatural foes, construct and craft new pathways, and discover the secrets of a forgotten world.
“A unique and sequestered world rich with centuries full of lore. Woods, caves, coastline, ancient shrines… The Deep Woods is full of puzzles to be solved and secrets waiting to be uncovered.”
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One
Release: May 20, 2021
“Survive A futuristic Tokyo style Detroit in this 3D runner that tells the story of Wally who has uncovered the evidence that can change his city forever. Explore a game world with a dope-tastic soundtrack featuring the authentic sounds of Detroit Artist.”
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Release: May 19, 2021
“A sidescrolling action game about Liao Tianding, the legendary Taiwanese Folk Hero. Explore the dazzling streets of Colonial Japanese Taiwan in the early 20th century, as you rob the rich, feed the poor, and expose the darkness lurking in the heart of Taipei.”
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release: October 2021
“A retro-futuristic psychiatry simulation in which you diagnose the citizens of a dystopian metropolis. Locate a host of other-worldly characters and use arcade-style treatment devices to help them. Manage your time and resources to keep The Structure in balance. Remember, you take full responsibility for your patients.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: May 20, 2021
“Sometimes life is hectic. Sometimes we just need to take a breather and relax in a happy little world filled with bunnies. This is the core vision of Bunhouse – a game you can play solo or with your friends to relax and be happy. There is nothing to kill, no one to be better than, just some plants that need watering and a greenhouse full of possibility.”
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch
Release: 2021
“Explore and fight in a retro-futuristic world. Swim deep into a oneiric, poetic and unique experience across dimensional planes.
“You are Narita Boy, a legendary digital hero in an epic quest through simultaneous dimensions. The digital kingdom is under attack and you are called as their last hope of survival. Explore a vast world to find the techno sword, the only effective weapon against the threat.”
I beat this recently and while it had its problems I really enjoyed it for the most part. Great art and animations with an awesome feeling of nostalgia and an absolutely amazing soundtrack.
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Release: March 30, 2021
“Embark on an atmospheric paper plane flight adventure through life and master a unique flight mechanic as you travel through an ever-changing landscape towards your destination.
“Lifeslide is a vibrant world crafted with love but don’t be fooled by the serene looks. Your journey can be as exhilarating as it can be relaxing. Each stage presents a new challenge – it takes smart choices and split-second decisions to reach further. Learning to fly well is key.
“No narration, no texts. The story is implicitly told through the environment. Dive deep to find the meaning or simply enjoy an atmospheric experience – this is your journey and you decide what to make of it.”
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
Release: 2021 (currently out on Apple Arcade)
“A handcrafted puzzle adventure game made entirely out of paper. Along with atmospheric music made by Floex, it creates a mysterious and unique paper world, shrouded in shadow and light.
“Papetura tells a story about lonely paper creature Pape, trapped in a flowery prison. One day Pape escapes and finds little Tura, a magical being that he’ll take care of. Together they will have to face dark and flaming monsters which will try to burn down their beloved paper world.”
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Release: May 7, 2021
“A lighthearted adventure game with an emphasis on non-linearity and playing at your own pace…explore and fight your way through a vast and whimsical world with nothing but a magical shield at your side. Discover, unlock, and conquer dungeons in any order using power stones you collect along your travels before confronting a final source of evil.”
Platforms: Windows
Release: April 30 21
“Hell is Others invites you to leave the safety of your safe house and step into Century City, a dystopian society whose economy is literally fuelled by blood. Venture into the streets to loot, explore, hunt and survive. Horrors stalk the streets; and the most hideous enemies could be other players.”
Platforms: Windows
Release: 2021