“Mana Boom,” a 2D physics action party game currently under development by solo developer PepaStar, has made a strong impression on genre fans through its recently released free Steam demo version.

The demo got off to a smooth start, receiving a ‘Positive’ rating on the Steam store page after all 16 user reviews registered so far were ‘Recommended’. The developers plan to release the official version worldwide in January 2027 following build stabilization work.

‘Mana Boom’ is a pixel art-based physics game featuring cute little witches who engage in brawls and competition using magic ropes and powerful explosion magic. The core fun element is the unique action mechanic where users can directly break or create terrain within an unpredictable space where magic and the laws of physics intertwine.

Party action that changes the terrain with magic ropes and explosions

‘Mana Boom’ provides an arena for brawls where up to 8 witches participate in the battlefield and compete for victory using various tactics.

In addition to the standard method of facing opponents head-on, you can create traps by blowing up the ground beneath rivals or forge shortcuts through the battlefield by drilling through walls. The game’s appeal also lies in creating dynamic variables, such as generating temporary magical platforms in the air to avoid falling to your death during critical moments or using a magical rope to pull the frontrunner just before the finish line to stage a comeback.

All terrain on the battlefield boasts a high degree of freedom, allowing users to directly shape and change its form in real-time, rather than simply limiting it to destruction. In addition, a system has been introduced that allows magic to be enhanced with each round.

You can design your own custom spells by organically combining effects such as splitting bullets, bouncing them in all directions, and piercing through terrain. The elemental magic, divided into fire, water, ice, and lightning, operates based on sophisticated laws of physics, such as spreading across the battlefield, flowing, freezing the surroundings, or causing chain reactions in all directions.

The game consists of a total of seven diverse game modes, including Deathmatch, Race, and Capture the Flag, and even features a tournament system where multiple modes are played in a relay format. It supports battles for up to eight players, as well as single-player mode against AI witches.

The developers announced that the upcoming official version will include a large number of new modes and expanded features not included in the demo version.

Cute witch characters and a spectacular explosion of pixel-level physics calculations

In terms of visuals, based on colorful and emotional pixel art, it dynamically portrays the unexpected charm of little witches traversing a fierce battlefield where explosions and destruction ceaselessly occur from all directions.

The game’s setting is none other than a “magic academy where rivalry goes too far.” This hints at a unique and delightful worldview. One user who tried the demo praised it, saying, “It is an original game where you cause chaos by controlling the world’s cutest witch on a field where precise pixel-level physics calculations are applied in real-time.”

Solo developer takes on first game challenge, updates 12 times in 12 days

Developer PepaStar is a solo developer who single-handedly built this ‘Mana Boom’. He garnered attention by collecting user feedback in real-time immediately after releasing the free demo version and distributing a whopping 12 hardcore updates in just 12 days, from October 21 to November 1.

In particular, a tutorial system was newly introduced to actively reflect feedback that “the controls are somewhat difficult in the beginning,” and over 100 issues were quickly fixed and improved, including the introduction of a barrier system that narrows the battlefield over time to resolve the issue where some players run into the sky and delay battles in Deathmatch mode.

Pepasta, who unveiled their debut work, confessed, “Since it was the first game released to the world, I lost sleep worrying that no one would play it,” and expressed their sincere gratitude, saying, “I was incredibly happy beyond words because every single comment left by users encouraged me by saying it was fun.”

Meanwhile, according to the official AI Disclosure on the Steam store page, it has been confirmed that ‘Mana Boom’ utilized generative AI tools as an aid for most of the code writing and some global localization text work during the development process.

However, they drew a line by stating that AI was not used at all in the audio-visual areas, such as music and sound effects, as well as in the pixel artwork, character design, and animations, which are the core appeal of the game, and that generative AI technology operating in real-time during gameplay was also not included.

Just 5% of 7,000 Demos… ‘Mana Boom’s’ Box Office Potential Proven by Data

The developer independently collected and aggregated public data on 7,006 demos participating in Steam Next Fest as of October 30. The results showed that over 60% of the demos had no user ratings, and the median number of ratings remained at zero.

Only 357 demos, or approximately 5% of the total, maintained a 100% positive rating with 10 or more reviews. Among these, ‘Mana Boom’ achieved exceptional results, with all 16 user reviews recording recommendations as of November 1. However, these statistics are based on data compiled internally by the developer and have not undergone separate external verification.

Users who enjoyed the demo left enthusiastic responses regarding the fun of the party game, saying things like, “Every gameplay process is on the level of a meme and clip maker, and bursts of laughter are guaranteed,” and “Let’s get tangled up with friends and enjoy full-scale friendship destruction.”

Reviews were even posted on the developer’s official Discord stating that four users played immersively for about five hours without a break. Particularly in the coin-stealing mode, sophisticated psychological warfare and strategies are emerging, such as the first-place player hiding coins on the field and pretending to be in second place, only to pick them up again right before the end to stage a dramatic comeback.

The developer acknowledged that there are still many areas for systemic improvement and stated that they will continue to refine the game to enhance its quality before the official release.

The free demo version of ‘Mana Boom’ will be distributed via Steam for a limited time until November 20, and after the demo ends, there are plans to conduct an additional limited-time playtest where you can experience the new magic enhancement system in advance.

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Solo-developed party game ‘Mana Boom’ makes a strong impression with Steam demo… Recommended by all users - 인디게임닷컴.

Purrfect Together stars Gugu and Mimi, two adorable cats in love. Players take on the roles of the two cats, working through small but precious everyday adventures together and experiencing a warm story about looking after each other.

The game is built around two-player co-op, with each player controlling one cat and coordinating closely with their partner.

Full of the charm you’d expect from a real-life married couple, Purrfect Together is targeting a 2027 release, with a demo planned for later this year.

From Suitcases to Amusement Parks: Cat Adventures for Couples and Friends

At its heart, Purrfect Together is about two cats interacting closely to overcome everyday obstacles together.

Each player picks either Gugu or Mimi and spends a special day with their partner. Cooperative moments are everywhere: both cats jump on top of an overstuffed suitcase at once to squash it shut with their weight, or one pushes the other around in a shopping cart.

Some tasks simply can’t be done alone, like Mimi climbing onto Gugu’s head to reach a honey jar on a high shelf.

The developers say the game is designed to be easy and comfortable for couples and best friends, and even for players picking up a gamepad for the first time.

Solo players aren’t left out, either. A Solo Mode lets the computer control the second cat automatically.

According to the Steam page, the game includes dozens of varied adventures.

Everyday Care and Connection, With No Game Over

At the center of the game is the warmth and emotional connection between the two cats.

When Gugu catches a cold, for example, Mimi brings tissues and a hot water bottle, and the two cook soup together to help him recover.

On a trip to a sunny beach, they help each other apply sunscreen to hard-to-reach backs, and on stormy nights, one stays close to comfort a partner frightened by thunder.

Everyday life also spills over into playful mischief. At the grocery store, one cat races the other down the aisles in a shopping cart; at the town festival, they make friendly bets over a rubber duck game.

A quiet, peaceful afternoon can even erupt into a full-blown pillow fight. The developers emphasize that there is no game over screen at all.

Small mistakes never ruin the whole day, so players can always relax and soak in the game’s warmth at their own pace.

A Dedicated Hug Button, a Shared Album, and Customization

Purrfect Together deepens immersion through the cats’ expressive emotions and a visual memory system.

The game features a dedicated hug button for embracing your partner cat. Players can hug whenever they like: when saying hello, after finishing a tricky task, or when making up after a little squabble.

Hugs change with the situation, from a tight squeeze to a gentle head pat. The cats’ faces are just as expressive, with blushing cheeks, sulky pouts, and sleepy yawns.

Each completed adventure adds a photo to the cats’ shared album. Back at their cozy home, players can decorate their space with souvenirs collected along the way, like seashells, festival prizes, and photos of sandcastles they built.

Players can also dress Gugu and Mimi in new outfits through customization options.

The Studio and How to Play

Purrfect Together is developed by Purrfect Studio, an independent studio led by real-life married couple Paweł and Ewa in Warsaw.

The game supports one to two players with flexible play options. Local co-op supports a variety of input setups, including sharing one keyboard, a keyboard plus an Xbox controller, or two controllers.

Online co-op is also supported, through friend invites or automatic matchmaking. And without a partner, players can continue in solo play alongside an AI-controlled cat.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: couples and best friends looking for a gentle co-op game to play together; fans of Unravel Two, It Takes Two, or Snipperclips who want something far cozier; first-time and non-gamer partners; cat lovers; Korean players, thanks to planned Korean support.

Less ideal for: players looking for challenge, combat, or competitive play.

What to Watch For

The demo, planned for later in 2026, will show how well the co-op puzzles, hug button, and no-fail design come together, and how capable the AI partner is in Solo Mode. A firmer 2027 release date and pricing are still to come.

The Takeaway

Purrfect Together: Two Cozy Cats is about as wholesome as co-op gets: two cats in love, a button that exists purely for hugging, soup for a sick partner, sunscreen on the beach, and no game over screen anywhere. Made by a married couple for couples, friends, and first-time players alike, with local, online, and solo options plus Korean support, it’s one to wishlist now.

Wishlist now on Steam. Demo later in 2026; full release in 2027.

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Purrfect Together: Two Cozy Cats Opens Steam Page: Warsaw Married Couple’s Co-op Game About Two Cats in Love, With a Dedicated Hug Button - 인디게임닷컴.

PROCEDURE ZERO centers on tense stealth in a dark, realistic prison. Players take on the role of a protagonist wrongly imprisoned after uncovering corruption in a powerful organization, and must plan an escape.

Brute force takes a back seat to thorough intelligence gathering, quiet deals, and precise study of guard patrol routes. Players get the satisfaction of slipping past tight security and taking control of the prison one sector at a time.

Ahead of launch, a free demo on Steam lets players experience the opening stretch and core mechanics through the game’s first two missions.

The Auditor Who Became “ZERO”

PROCEDURE ZERO goes beyond a simple prison break, built around an immersive story about uncovering a vast conspiracy hidden deep inside the prison.

The protagonist was an honest auditor who, during a routine audit, found top-secret documents that were never meant to see daylight, and made a copy. Just days later, with no explanation, he was locked in a dark prison. His prison record lists no name and no specific charge, just one word: ZERO.

The prison he’s trapped in hides something grotesque. Every time the lights in the cell block go out and come back on, a bunk is left mysteriously empty. None of the missing inmates ever return.

Fear of being next hangs over everyone. To uncover the truth behind the disappearances and make a life-or-death escape, the protagonist must quietly dig through the prison from the inside.

Cigarettes as Currency, Control Without Killing

At its core, PROCEDURE ZERO is about environmental interaction and deep first-person stealth.

Players start by studying guards’ patrol routes and timing. They can distract guards by switching on a radio to make noise or setting a crate on fire, then sneak up behind whoever comes to investigate, knock them out with a baton, and lock them in an empty room — classic stealth action.

The protagonist never uses guns or other lethal weapons, sticking to a strict no-kill principle. That said, not everything can be solved peacefully.

Some missions require physical force, and trespassing on other inmates’ turf will draw hostile attacks. Players can also start fights themselves to push through a situation.

The prison’s unique economy stands out too. Cigarettes and coins serve as currency. Players can use them to buy valuable information, win other inmates’ favor, and even recruit allies for the escape.

Keeping your word on deals earns strong allies, and each completed mission gradually marks newly controlled sectors on the map. Documents found throughout the prison serve as crucial clues to what’s really going on.

The developer says players who enjoy the self-directed decision-making and environmental play of stealth classics like Thief and Dishonored should find the experience both familiar and appealing. The Steam page currently lists tags including stealth, story-rich, conspiracy, investigation, dialogue-driven, resource management, and dark comedy.

Light Versus Dark, and Disclosed AI Use

The free demo includes a standout mission where players must cross a sector during a blackout, ramping up the tension.

In pitch darkness, players need a flashlight to see, but the moment its beam crosses a guard’s line of sight, they’re spotted. The very light you need to survive becomes the thing that exposes you.

Localization is extensive for a solo project. Character voices are available in six languages — English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Russian — and text is offered in 23 languages, including Korean interface and subtitles.

The developer has also openly disclosed on Steam that AI tools were used in production, specifically for character voices, sound effects, the opening scene, and the Polish translation.

However, the developer states that every AI-generated element was carefully selected and edited by hand to raise quality, and that no new AI content is generated in real time while players are playing.

“A Prison Where Information Is the Most Valuable Thing”

DELANIVO GAMES is a one-person Polish indie studio run by Łukasz Twardowski. He handled every part of PROCEDURE ZERO himself, from narrative and game design to programming and publishing.

Explaining his vision, Twardowski said he wanted to create a distinctive prison environment where information is the most valuable item and weapon.

He described the game as one where players can enjoy mastering guard patrols and timing, trading their resources strategically, fighting when they have to, and gradually taking control of the prison sector by sector.

He added that he’s eager to hear feedback from players around the world who try the free demo on Steam.

International Coverage and the Demo

PROCEDURE ZERO has already drawn international attention before launch. The free demo was featured by major outlets including Japan’s 4Gamer and Taiwan’s Bahamut GNN, and the game took part in Steam Next Fest from October 19 to 26.

The free demo, released on September 14, runs about 25 minutes and covers the first two missions. Players arrive in C Block as a ghost prisoner with no record, find a hidden key, and lure a guard away from his post with radio noise to begin their infiltration.

From there, players must slip into A Block without being seen by the guard checking out the noise. Then, in the darkness of a blackout, they must use cigarettes as currency to learn the number of an isolation cell, before the demo ends on a dramatic knock at the door from an unknown figure.

Final pricing hasn’t been announced. The developer has fully permitted live streaming and monetization of gameplay footage for content creators, with no prior permission required.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: fans of Thief, Dishonored, and immersive-sim stealth; players who prefer non-lethal, puzzle-like infiltration; anyone drawn to prison-break stories and conspiracy mysteries; players who enjoy trading and alliance-building systems; Korean players, thanks to Korean text support; streamers, given the open monetization policy.

Cautious fit for: players who prefer to avoid games made with generative AI assets, given the disclosed AI voices and sound effects; players looking for combat-heavy action.

What to Watch For

Pricing is the main open question ahead of November 12. With launch, it’ll become clear how the sector-by-sector takeover, the cigarette economy, and the disappearing-inmate mystery hold up over a full game, and how players respond to the disclosed AI use.

The Takeaway

PROCEDURE ZERO is a remarkably ambitious solo project: a no-kill prison stealth game where cigarettes buy information, a flashlight can betray you, and inmates vanish every time the lights go out. With six voiced languages, 23 text languages including Korean, a well-received Next Fest showing, and a clear debt to Thief and Dishonored, Łukasz Twardowski’s debut is one for stealth fans to watch.

Free demo available now on Steam. Full release: November 12, 2026.

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PROCEDURE ZERO Breaks Out on Steam November 12: Polish Solo Developer’s No-Kill Prison Stealth Game, Where Information Is Currency - 인디게임닷컴.

Iron Curtain Call brings the 1930s “rubber hose” cartoon style popularized by games like Cuphead to the first-person shooter. Its bouncy, noodle-limbed animation and vintage black-and-white cartoon effects, seen from a first-person view, offer something fresh in the FPS genre.

The full game, with 12 chapters, launches on Steam on March 11, 2027.

A Clockwork Robot Army Run by an AI, and a Satirical World

Iron Curtain Call is set in an alternate 1965, three years into World War III.

With every human soldier wiped out, the battlefields are now filled with clockwork robot armies. In command of these robots is the Supreme Chancellor, a customer-service AI that has been handed control of an entire nation.

Players are Corporal Punishment, the last surviving human soldier on their side. The silent protagonist is, unusually, delivered to the front lines by mail, with superior officer Colonel Panic offering support over the radio.

The game’s core is darkly comic satire, wittily twisting bureaucracy, the contradictions of modern society, and the horrors of war. The developer says elements recalling real wartime brutality, rigid government committees, and unhelpful customer service departments are all deliberately designed to get a wry laugh.

Knuckle Sandwiches and Can Openers: Resource Management With a Grin

Combat tightly ties fighting to resource management. Players restore health with Knuckle Sandwich punches that smash gleaming robots, and refill ammo with the Can Opener, which pries small robots open like tin cans. Torching enemies with the shoulder-mounted flamethrower Hot Take grants extra armor.

Pink enemy projectiles can be parried back, and filling a gauge through combat unlocks the powerful special move Encore. Movement options are equally playful, with double jumps, air dashes, a grappling line shaped like a broadcast boom mic, an umbrella for gliding, and Moon Boots for slamming down from above.

Advanced moves like the grappling line, parrying, and Encore will be introduced starting from Chapter 3 of the full game. The free demo focuses on the three basic tools — punches, the Can Opener, and Hot Take — offering a condensed taste of Iron Curtain Call’s combat.

Filibusters and Vetoes: Weapons and Enemies Named for Politics and Office Life

Weapon and gear names lean heavily on satirical political, bureaucratic, and office jargon.

Players wield 11 weapons, including the Diplomat pump-action shotgun, the Typewriter submachine gun, the Care Package rocket launcher, the Telegram, which fires chain lightning, the Filibuster rotary machine gun, and the hard-hitting Veto revolver.

The Snow Globe, an ice grenade that freezes enemies in place, rounds out the support gear.

The clockwork robots filling the battlefield come with names and personalities that evoke grim office life. The Tin Grunt salutes first and thinks later; the Tick Tock is a ticking bomb that runs in asking for a warm hug; and the Paper Pusher hides behind stacks of paperwork to absorb incoming fire.

Fully Voiced, With a 15–20 Minute “Free Trial of World War III”

The full game, launching March 11, 2027, features 12 chapters, 12 bosses, and three difficulty levels. Battlegrounds include a burning town, a giant robot factory, a news broadcast tower, an election carnival, a frozen closed city, a World’s Fair, a zeppelin summit, and even a lunar embassy and a department store.

The developer says all of the game’s roughly 3,000 lines of dialogue are fully voiced.

The free demo on Steam offers the first mission, “Welcome to Rubbleton.”

Running about 15–20 minutes, it takes players through a crashed transport plane, a bizarre toothed train called the “6:15 Express,” and across rooftops and the Hotel Majestic before facing the first boss, Major Disaster, whose 17 chest medals were all, absurdly, awarded by himself.

Clear the first mission and the Supreme Chancellor appears to announce that your free trial of World War III has ended. The developer is leaning into the gag, promoting the demo with the slogan that World War III now comes with a free trial.

Visually, the game embraces rough, classic cartoon ink lines and vintage newsreel-style effects.

Destroyed robots burst into bolts, springs, and scrap rather than anything gory, so there’s no graphic blood at all. A swing noir soundtrack completes the bouncy yet mysterious mood of 1930s American cartoons.

Built in Godot, With AI Use Disclosed

Whale Development Studios develops and publishes Iron Curtain Call itself as an independent studio.

The game is built on the open-source Godot 4.7 engine and supports Windows and Apple silicon macOS.

Character voices are English only. The interface and subtitles support languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Hindi, and Turkish, but Korean is not supported.

In line with Steam’s current policy, the studio has also disclosed its use of AI-generated content.

The developer says it used AI tools during pre-production across several areas, including character voices, some background music, 2D art and illustrations, cinematic videos, Steam store page copy, and a small amount of translation. It adds that the game does not generate content with AI in real time during play and does not connect to external AI services.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: Cuphead fans curious about rubber-hose style in first person; players who enjoy satirical, darkly comic shooters; boomer-shooter and arena-FPS fans who like resource loops tied to aggression; players who want a gore-free shooter; Mac players with Apple silicon.

Cautious fit for: players who prefer to avoid games made with generative AI assets; Korean-language players, given no Korean support.

What to Watch For

The demo only covers the basic toolset, so the real test will be how parrying, the grappling line, and Encore expand combat from Chapter 3 onward. Pricing, reception as Steam reviews arrive, and how players respond to the disclosed AI use are also worth watching ahead of March 11, 2027.

The Takeaway

Iron Curtain Call has one of the sharpest comic premises of the year: a customer-service AI waging World War III with clockwork robots, a soldier named Corporal Punishment delivered by mail, and weapons called the Filibuster and the Veto. Its rubber-hose look gives the FPS a genuinely new face, while the studio’s broad AI disclosure will shape how some players receive it. Your free trial of World War III is available now.

Free demo available now on Steam. Full release: March 11, 2027.

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Iron Curtain Call Free Demo Out Now: Whale Development Studios’ 1930s Rubber-Hose FPS Offers a “Free Trial of World War III” - 인디게임닷컴.

Ahead of launch, Snaprock Games has opened its first public playtest on Steam, and has committed to supporting 14 languages, including Korean, in the full release.

Slay the Slime fuses the familiar, immersive world of classic JRPGs with the signature growth loop of the incremental (idle/clicker) genre, where numbers climb exponentially.

Players begin as a lowly novice adventurer setting foot in a vast fantasy world, then mow down endless waves of monsters and expand a range of progression systems on the way to becoming a hero.

From Novice Adventurer to Legendary Hero

The heart of Slay the Slime is the thrill of exponentially growing numbers. Players clear out thousands of slimes filling dungeons and fields, amassing astronomical wealth in the billions of gold as their adventure continues without end.

Snaprock Games says it set out to break from the cookie-cutter incremental formula of tapping mindlessly or simply watching numbers rise, introducing carefully tuned balancing and packing in a variety of side content to keep progression from going stale.

Nine Classes and Relic Crafting for Diverse Builds

Slay the Slime offers a wide range of characters so players can enjoy entirely different combat styles.

There are nine playable classes, from classic fantasy Warriors and Mages to Necromancers who command powerful summons.

Each class has its own skill tree and distinct gameplay mechanics, so every run invites a fresh strategy.

A customization system amplifies the genre’s joy of theorycrafting. Using the relic crafting system, players can combine countless pieces of gear and effects to experiment with their own synergy builds.

The slimes themselves aren’t just palette swaps, either; there are dozens of types to face along the way.

A Prototype That Proved the Concept

Slay the Slime has already made a notable splash in the global indie scene ahead of launch.

According to the developer, an early prototype released earlier this year drew more than 10,000 players within just two weeks, without any major marketing push, as word of its satisfying loop and compelling progression spread quickly.

During the prototype’s release, it also landed on itch.io’s New & Popular list, which highlights the most talked-about new games on the platform.

A Brazilian Studio Led by Ed Rocha, Built Around Player Feedback

Snaprock Games is an independent Brazilian studio led by passionate solo developer Ed Rocha.

To deliver genre depth and player-focused design, the studio is actively using the ongoing Steam playtest to closely track real player reactions and feedback.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: incremental and idle game fans who want more depth than tapping; JRPG fans who enjoy watching a hero grow from zero to legend; theorycrafters who love class skill trees and build synergies; players who find “number goes up” deeply satisfying; Korean players, thanks to planned Korean support.

Less ideal for: players looking for hands-on action combat or a story-heavy JRPG.

What to Watch For

The public playtest will show whether the balancing and side content truly keep the loop engaging over long sessions. Watch for pricing and a firmer release date as early 2027 approaches.

The Takeaway

Slay the Slime pairs two very different pleasures — the warmth of a classic JRPG adventure and the dopamine of exponential growth — and backs them with nine classes, relic crafting, and dozens of slimes. With a prototype that drew 10,000 players in two weeks and an itch.io New & Popular spot already behind it, Ed Rocha’s project is one for incremental fans to try now in its public playtest.

Public playtest now on Steam. Full release: early 2027.

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Slay the Slime Opens First Public Steam Playtest: Brazil’s Snaprock Games Blends JRPG Adventure With Incremental Number-Go-Up, Early 2027 - 인디게임닷컴.

Tenjutsu is developed by Deepnight Games, the independent studio founded by Sébastien Bénard, best known as the lead game designer of the global hit Dead Cells, which has action fans worldwide paying close attention.

The release window and platforms were revealed during a Nintendo Direct showcase, officially confirming the game for Nintendo Switch 2.

A new gameplay trailer released alongside the announcement showcases Deepnight Games’ dense pixel art and fast, hard-hitting combat.

Two Years of Silence, Then a Date

Tenjutsu was first revealed at Devolver Digital’s own Devolver Direct showcase in 2024. Its distinctive visuals and action drew attention, but its release timing and platforms remained a complete mystery.

With almost no news for about two years, fans were left wondering, until this announcement confirmed both Switch 2 and PC and a 2027 window.

A Devolver Digital spokesperson summed up the publisher’s confidence in a single line: “This is the real deal.”

An Ex-Yakuza’s Fight in the Neon City of Kuroboro

Tenjutsu is set in Kuroboro, a dazzling but dark city packed with neon signs. The protagonist is Ten, a former yakuza who, after a long prison sentence, returns home hoping to put her past behind her and start a new life.

But the three powerful crime syndicates that now control the city’s underworld see her return as a threat to their power and start sending ruthless assassins to eliminate her for good.

Forced to take up arms again, Ten must fight all three organizations while learning and mastering martial arts techniques and deadly weapons. Strategic choices matter most along the way.

Each time Ten takes down a syndicate, the remaining ones regroup and grow stronger. That means whichever syndicate survives to the end becomes the most dangerous enemy of all, so players have to think carefully about which one to target, and when.

Melee, Ranged, and Special Weapons in One-vs-Many Brawls

Combat centers on fast, relentless martial arts action against crowds of enemies. Players combine hard-hitting melee weapons, ranged weapons, and game-changing special weapons on the fly to handle overwhelming assaults.

Skills picked up along the way can be mastered and combined, letting players develop their own fighting style.

As befits a roguelike, Kuroboro’s layout and placements change every run. Using the Joker system, players can rewrite the city’s rules in their favor for combat and exploration.

For example, Jokers can place vending machines around the map, change what shops sell and at what price, or restore health in a pinch, creating strategic opportunities.

Tattooed teeth, special spoils taken from defeated enemies, are the game’s key permanent progression currency. Unlike many roguelike resources, they’re kept even when Ten dies and a new run begins.

Players can collect them to expand the functions of their hideout and the city, permanently alter the game’s rules in their favor, or unlock powerful high-tier weapons to improve their odds on the next attempt.

Secrets Over a Bowl at Granny Hoken’s Ramen Shop

The story unfolds around Ten’s home and Granny Hoken’s ramen shop on the ground floor of her apartment building.

After each run, players can visit and talk with the shop’s many customers over a warm bowl of ramen. Through these conversations, they gradually learn the dark history hidden behind Kuroboro’s neon and the state of the underworld.

But even the ramen shop isn’t completely safe. Enemies after Ten can suddenly raid it mid-conversation.

As progress and runs accumulate, the bigger mystery surrounding Kuroboro unravels, along with the struggles and lives of ordinary people trying to get by in a brutal crime city.

Born From a 48-Hour Game Jam

Deepnight Games is the independent studio Sébastien Bénard founded after leaving Dead Cells developer Motion Twin in 2020, to fully pursue his own design philosophy.

According to international outlets, Tenjutsu is based on a prototype of the same name that Bénard created in 2022 for a game jam where developers had just 48 hours to build a game.

That small project, praised at the time for its bright ideas and intense action, has since been refined and expanded at length into a full release.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: Dead Cells fans eager to see what its lead designer does next; players who love fast, crowd-fighting action roguelikes; anyone drawn to neon-noir and yakuza revenge stories; players who like meta-progression that genuinely reshapes the game; Switch 2 owners looking for standout indies.

Less ideal for: players who prefer slow, methodical combat or games without permadeath loops.

What to Watch For

With a 2027 window confirmed, watch for an exact date, pricing, and language support, as well as whether a demo arrives ahead of launch. How well the syndicate-order strategy and Joker system add depth to the Dead Cells-style combat will be the big test.

The Takeaway

Tenjutsu went quiet for two years, but it’s back with a 2027 date and Devolver’s bold “real deal” backing. A former yakuza, three syndicates that grow stronger as you topple each one, Jokers that rewrite the city’s rules, permanent progression paid in tattooed teeth, and story told over ramen: Sébastien Bénard’s 48-hour jam idea has grown into one of the most intriguing action roguelikes on the horizon.

Coming in 2027 to Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

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Tenjutsu Set for 2027 on Switch 2 and PC: Dead Cells Designer Sébastien Bénard’s Neon Yakuza Revenge Roguelike Resurfaces - 인디게임닷컴.

Witchbrook is Chucklefish’s fourth in-house title, co-developed with German indie studio Robotality, which has proven its craft on the Wargroove series.

[Related Article] From entering magic school to romance… Charcoalfish’s new series ‘Witchbrook’ draws attention

Set in the beautiful seaside town of Mossport, Witchbrook is brought to life in Chucklefish’s signature detailed, warm pixel art.

Players become students at a school of magic, enjoying the pleasures of school life as they learn spells and grow, alongside a deep life sim of mingling with charming townsfolk, farming, fishing, and more.

Alongside the date, a new gameplay trailer debuted during the Nintendo Indie World showcase. It shows off improved visuals, everyday play built around magic, and a lively town, raising anticipation among indie fans worldwide.

From Spell Practice to Tarot: A Day at Magic University

The new trailer details daily life for a student at Witchbrook University.

It shows players attending classes, practicing spells, and preparing for exams, as well as cleverly putting what they’ve learned to use in everyday situations.

It also features a visit to a mysterious library, brewing herbal salves and potions, and reading tarot to tell fortunes, along with newly revealed magical creatures.

Chucklefish also released new screenshots and key art capturing the game’s overall mood.

PS5 Confirmed, Day-One Game Pass

The announcement also brought good news on platforms. A PS5 version is now officially confirmed, broadening options for console players.

Witchbrook is now coming to PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

For Xbox players, the game will join Xbox Game Pass on day one.

The global price is set at $24.99. Chucklefish says local pricing and preorder details for each country and region, including Korea, will be announced closer to launch.

From Magic Classes to Town Life

Players enroll as apprentice witches at Witchbrook University in Mossport.

At school, players take a range of classes including alchemy, astrology, tarot, and mystic rituals, completing assignments and building their magical knowledge step by step.

Passing tough exams to learn new, more powerful spells, and working toward graduation, form the backbone of school life.

After class, the town opens up for players to spend their free time however they like.

Players can build deep friendships or romances with a colorful cast of townsfolk, and grow their own magic business, using what they’ve learned to solve residents’ problems.

There are also school clubs, distinctive seasonal festivals, and peaceful hobbies like birdwatching, bug catching, and fishing.

Housing and styling systems let players express themselves, decorating a cozy cottage and garden in the woods and mixing outfits, hairstyles, and accessories to create a one-of-a-kind witch.

All of this, from school life to town activities, can be enjoyed solo or in online co-op with up to four players.

Stardew Valley’s Publisher Teams Up With Germany’s Robotality

Chucklefish is a London-based independent developer and publisher active since 2011.

Its in-house games include Starbound and the Wargroove series, and it has published Risk of Rain, Stardew Valley, Eastward, INMOST, Wildfrost, and Loco Motive.

Robotality, based in Hameln, Germany, was founded in 2013 by brothers Simon and Stefan Bachmann and Nia Schmidtheini. The studio developed Halfway and Pathway, and most recently released Wargroove 2 with Chucklefish. The two companies are working together again on Witchbrook.

A Date at Last After a Long Wait

Witchbrook has kept fans waiting a long time.

It was originally announced for a winter release during a Nintendo Direct in March 2025, but that October the team said it needed more time to polish the game and delayed it to 2026.

With this announcement, the final release date is now locked in for January 28, 2027.

International outlets have long described Witchbrook as an ideal blend of Stardew Valley’s warm farming-life charm and a mystical, Hogwarts-style magic school.

It has consistently ranked high on Steam’s wishlist charts, though current wishlist figures haven’t been made public.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: Stardew Valley fans looking for their next cozy life sim; anyone who’s ever wanted to live out a magic-school fantasy; players who love romance, hobbies, and seasonal festivals; friend groups who want four-player online co-op; Game Pass subscribers.

Less ideal for: players looking for combat-heavy action or a challenging RPG.

What to Watch For

Regional pricing (including Korea), preorder details, and language support are the main remaining questions. After two delays, fans will also be watching to see that January 28 holds.

The Takeaway

Witchbrook has been one of the most anticipated cozy games for years, and it finally has a date: January 28, 2027. Magic classes, tarot readings, potion brewing, a magic business, romance, and four-player co-op, all in Chucklefish’s gorgeous pixel art, now arriving on every major platform including PS5 and day one on Game Pass. Term starts soon.

Release: January 28, 2027. Wishlist now on Steam.

Information regarding ‘Witchbrook’

Witchbrook Gets a January 28, 2027 Release Date: Chucklefish and Robotality’s Magical Life Sim Adds PS5 and Day-One Game Pass - 인디게임닷컴.

Marked For Mayhem is a competitive action dungeon runner in which four players team up to take on a dungeon.

Players must cooperate closely to complete missions, but under a distinctive rule, only one of them can escape the dungeon and claim victory in the end. That turns even flawless teamwork into a tense game of sabotage, betrayal, mind games, and action.

The keyword the developers stress most is “the good kind of chaos”: unpredictable, entertaining situations designed to make every match feel fresh.

[Related Article] Veteran Developers’ 4-Player Action Breaking the Boundaries Between Cooperation and Competition, ‘Marked for Moihem’ Unveiled

Not Just Co-op: “The Mission Is Shared, the Glory Is Yours”

Players become Operators, exploring an unknown world where multiple dimensions collide and fighting off waves of enemies. At its core, the loop involves clearing combat rounds and completing challenges to collect medals, with the ultimate goal of climbing to the top of the leaderboard.

Surviving the dungeon’s dangers and completing missions requires cooperation, but in the end, the glory goes to a single winner.

In the vlog, the developers draw a clear line against the impression that this is a simple PvE co-op game. Working together to push through stages matters, but tense PvP and competition between players are an equally central pillar.

Players can use sabotage items called Disruptors to pin down not only powerful enemies but also fellow Operators running alongside them, and legitimately steal a rival’s points.

PvP isn’t the only path up the leaderboard, though. Bladework Games has also scattered other content throughout, including movement challenges that test execution and charming minigames.

That means players should be able to earn points by competing on pure skill in whatever areas suit their strengths, not just combat.

New Builds Every Run and Global Matchmaking

Deep customization and freedom are another major draw. Players choose from weapons with distinct personalities, then combine various Abilities with Modifiers that grant unique traits to build a loadout tuned to the situation.

Because items and abilities found in the dungeon are randomized each time, players must adapt their strategy on the fly and experiment with new synergies, making each run play out differently.

Beyond solo challenges, the game supports strong multiplayer community features. Players can compete on the leaderboard with friends locally or online, and take on players around the world through a dedicated matchmaking system.

An Independent Studio Built by Blizzard and ArenaNet Veterans

Bladework Games aims to create its own original genre rather than simply follow established formulas.

The team’s résumé stands out. Its veterans have worked on major global titles including Blizzard Entertainment’s Heroes of the Storm and World of Warcraft, and ArenaNet’s flagship Guild Wars 2.

Building on that experience, the studio says it won’t shy away from bold new ideas. The team aims to deliver a dense multiplayer experience that’s accessible to anyone, while offering something different every dungeon run so players keep coming back.

First Playtest November 6–8

Marked For Mayhem has caught the attention of international outlets, which highlighted its fresh structure of layering fierce score competition between teammates on top of co-op dungeon action.

Roguelike outlet Rogueliker praised the visuals in particular, saying the bold character designs and vivid colors give it a trendy, polished look somewhere between Fortnite and Overwatch.

Players will soon get their first chance to try it. The first public playtest runs for three days, November 6–8.

To take part, wishlist the game on Steam or the Epic Games Store and join the official Discord. The studio will share additional test dates and development news through its official social channels.

Launch as a Beginning

The developers describe launch not as the end of development but as the start of the real journey. After release, they plan to work closely with the community and keep expanding the online multiplayer experience.

To that end, they intend to regularly add new biomes, weapons, enemies, and Disruptors as part of a long-term live service.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: groups of friends who enjoy co-op games with a competitive, backstabbing edge; fans of party-style chaos in the vein of Lethal Company or Fall Guys with more action depth; roguelite players who like build-crafting from randomized pickups; players who follow the work of ex-Blizzard and ArenaNet developers.

Cautious fit for: players who want pure, friendly co-op without PvP sabotage.

What to Watch For

The November 6–8 playtest will be the first real test of whether cooperation and betrayal stay in balance, and whether non-combat paths like movement challenges and minigames are competitive with PvP for leaderboard points. Watch for a confirmed release window and language support.

The Takeaway

Marked For Mayhem builds its hook into the rules: everyone needs everyone to survive, but only one walks out. With Disruptors for sabotage, randomized builds, multiple routes to victory, and a team that helped make Heroes of the Storm and Guild Wars 2, Bladework Games is betting on “the good kind of chaos.” The first playtest will show whether friendships survive it.

First public playtest: November 6–8, 2026. Wishlist on Steam or Epic and join the Discord to take part.

Information regarding ‘Marked For Mayhem’

Marked For Mayhem Releases First Dev Vlog: Ex-Blizzard and ArenaNet Veterans’ Four-Player Dungeon Runner Where Only One Escapes, First Playtest November 6–8 - 인디게임닷컴.

The defining feature of Never Wither is that players collect fantastical creatures and then possess them directly to use their abilities. Players take on the role of a Gardener, wielding the power of purification, and explore an open world with friends, gathering creature companions, building bases, and taking on enemies.

[Related Article] ‘Never Wither’, an Open-World Survival Game Where You Directly Possess Creatures

What’s in the Demo

The demo is set in the first region, Verdant Valley, featuring 19 creatures and 4 bosses across roughly 3–5 hours of content. Unlike earlier tests, this demo introduces P2P multiplayer and PvP combat for the first time.

The full version will add dedicated servers, territory battles, and more, with further features planned through future updates.

Creatures That Fight, Farm, and Become Buildings

Creature companions aren’t just for combat; they also help run your base. Players can combine creature abilities to raise companions and assign them to gather resources, farm, build, and craft. Some creatures can even transform into unique buildings.

Players can set out solo or invite friends to survive and build together. On official servers, players can form clans and take part in territory battles, while private servers let players set their own rules.

Never Wither is coming to PC via Steam. A release date has not yet been announced.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: Palworld-style creature-collection survival fans looking for a twist; players who like co-op base-building with friends; clan-minded players excited about territory warfare; anyone drawn to the idea of possessing monsters rather than just commanding them.

Cautious fit for: players who want a strictly solo, PvE-only experience, as PvP and clan warfare are central to the full game’s server structure.

What to Watch For

With 100,000 wishlists and a Very Positive demo, the next milestones are a release date and how the move from P2P multiplayer to dedicated servers and territory battles is handled.

The Takeaway

Never Wither stakes out a clear identity in a crowded creature-survival field: you don’t just collect monsters, you step inside them — and they’ll farm your fields or turn into your buildings when you step back out. A Very Positive demo with first-time P2P and PvP support and six-figure wishlists suggest Geo Seed Games has found an audience.

Free demo available now on Steam.

Information regarding ‘ Never Wither’

Never Wither Passes 100,000 Steam Wishlists: Singapore’s Creature-Possession Survival Crafter Debuts P2P Multiplayer and PvP in Its Free Demo - 인디게임닷컴.

The 30-minute film covers the game’s journey from its original concept and early planning all the way to its Early Access launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store on August 25, capturing the difficult road and the team’s struggles along the way.

1666: Amsterdam is currently playable on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

From a Long-Held Idea to Early Access

The documentary goes deep into the early ideas creative director Patrice Désilets first developed during his AAA years, and the origins of the project.

It then follows how, after founding Panache Digital Games and shipping Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, he brought the long-stalled 1666: Amsterdam back onto a full development track.

The film also captures remote work through COVID-19 lockdowns, intense development sprints, and the push to finally unveil the long-secret game to the public.

In interviews, the team speaks candidly about the excitement of leading a major project, the very human anxiety before launch, and their roadmap and ambitions for the full release.

A Supernatural Hunt in 17th-Century Amsterdam

1666: Amsterdam is set in the Amsterdam of 1666, where witches and supernatural beings are real. The mysterious Originals, who have lived for centuries, have seized and abused enormous power over time itself, and players join a sweeping struggle to take that corrupted power back.

The protagonist, Noa Brooklyn, is a Collector, born with special abilities and raised by her mentor Zaindaris.

Gameplay is defined by a sharp day-night contrast. By day, players freely explore a hand-drawn Amsterdam, finding and marking Originals cleverly hidden among ordinary citizens.

When night falls, players dig into the city’s dark underside and, under the moonlight of the witches’ gathering known as the Esbat, finally face the Originals in their true forms in fierce combat.

Noa the Witch and Aaron the Cat

Noa wields powerful hereditary magic and ancient spells passed down through her family. Aaron, by contrast, has been mysteriously pulled from the year 1999 and sees the world through the eyes of a cat.

Players can switch between the two in real time, experiencing both Noa’s spell-driven combat and Aaron’s stealthy, four-legged wall-climbing traversal.

The free prologue lets players experience Noa’s awakening and initiation as a Collector, up to the point where they choose a key companion for the long journey ahead.

According to the prologue’s official description, the full story will span three eras: 1666, the end-of-millennium year of 1999, and the present day.

Early Access Shaped by Player Feedback

Panache Digital Games plans to raise the game’s quality through steady content additions and player feedback during Early Access. The studio previously opened an official Discord to gather input from players.

According to some international outlets, Early Access is expected to last around a year, with major updates rolling out regularly before full release. German outlet Gameswelt reports the price as €29.99.

Panache Digital Games is a Montreal-based indie studio founded in 2014 by Patrice Désilets and co-founder Jean-François Boivin.

More than 60 veteran developers are now working on the game, with player-driven narrative and organic emergent gameplay as core values. Désilets himself built his reputation at Ubisoft as creative director on Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed II, and on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

Who This Is For

Strong fit for: fans of Désilets’ Assassin’s Creed and Prince of Persia work; players drawn to historical settings with supernatural twists; anyone who enjoys social-stealth “find the hidden target in the crowd” gameplay; viewers who like candid development documentaries.

Cautious fit for: players who prefer complete experiences, since Early Access is expected to run around a year.

What to Watch For

With Early Access projected at roughly a year, watch for the update cadence and how the three-era story — 1666, 1999, and the present — unfolds across content drops.

The Takeaway

1666: Amsterdam has been one of the industry’s long-running “what ifs,” and The Road to Early Access shows just how much it took to get here: years of stops and starts, a pandemic, and a team of 60-plus veterans. With a witch, a time-displaced cat, a hand-drawn 17th-century Amsterdam, and a free prologue to try, Patrice Désilets’ passion project is finally in players’ hands.

Available now in Early Access on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Information regarding ‘ 1666: Amsterdam’director

Assassin’s Creed Director Patrice Désilets’ 1666: Amsterdam Gets a Development Documentary: The Road to Early Access - 인디게임닷컴.