Xenopurge: Command from the Safety of Space

Remember the first time you watched Aliens and thought “I’d love to command that squad of colonial marines”? Xenopurge from Traptics and Firesquid delivers exactly that experience. You play as an operations officer safely aboard a command ship, watching sensor readouts and issuing orders to your autonomous squad who are very much not safe down on the ground.

What sets this apart from other tactical games is the operations officer perspective. Instead of micromanaging every move like in XCOM 2, your soldiers operate independently unless you specifically order them otherwise. The demo offers seven missions plus a boss battle, featuring VIP rescue, Search & Destroy, Intel Hunt, and Asset Recovery operations. The developer even recommends using a mechanical keyboard for that “authentic retro-futurist feel” – the louder the better.

Having spent way too many hours getting squads wiped out in various tactical games, the idea of intelligent, autonomous troops that can adapt on their own is genuinely appealing. Plus, the fully voice-acted experience should make those “man down” moments hit even harder.

Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2983410/Xenopurge

Dark Quest 4: Digital Board Game Magic

Dark Quest 4 from Brain Seal perfectly captures that feeling of gathering around a table with friends, dice in hand, ready for adventure. Inspired by Hero Quest and Dungeon Saga, this turn-based RPG features animated figurines and tabletop aesthetics that genuinely look like your favorite board game springing to life.

The 30-minute demo gives you a solid taste of the core loop: manage your party at the hero camp, gear up at two different shops, then tackle three unique missions. The fully voiced dungeon master (playing an evil sorcerer) adds personality that elevates this beyond just another grid-based tactical game.

What really excites me is the level editor and Steam Workshop integration. We’ve seen how transformative user-generated content can be with games like Civilization VI – the prospect of endless community-created quests could give Dark Quest 4 serious longevity. Plus, multiplayer support for up to 3 players has me thinking about game nights with friends.

Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2453840/Dark_Quest_4/

Into The Grid: Cyberpunk Deckbuilding

Into The Grid from Flatline Studios just received a massive demo update with new enemy models, scenarios, and a 3D isometric map. This cyberpunk roguelike deckbuilder blends card battling with dungeon crawling in what feels like a proper hacking simulation.

What caught my attention is the dual resource system that introduces “Commands” – skills you can activate using resources that almost every card generates. Having spent countless hours getting frustrated with bad draws in other deckbuilders, this feels like a genuine innovation. Instead of hoping for the right cards, you always have backup options.

The game takes place in 2112, with five planned characters belonging to different hacker factions. The focus on personal stories and deep lore sets this apart from other deckbuilders where progression often feels purely mechanical. The Early Access version launches in August with a second playable character.

Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2576200/Into_The_Grid

Pirates Outlaws 2: Heritage: Swashbuckling Deckbuilding

Pirates Outlaws 2: Heritage from Fabled Game is a swashbuckling roguelike deckbuilder and sequel to Pirate Outlaws. The upcoming demo offers a solid taste of what’s new. You’ll sail the Pirates Bay region playing as Hero Gabi across her 3 classes, with access to 150+ cards, 50+ relics, and 3 animal companions to recruit.

The standout feature is the new card evolution tree – collect three identical cards to level them up and choose how they evolve, adding strategic depth to deck building. The enhanced turn-based combat introduces a “countdown” system where each card affects timing toward enemy actions, which should add tactical consideration beyond just card selection.

What sets this apart from other deckbuilders is the companion system. You can recruit animal companions who add their unique cards to your starter deck, creating new strategic combinations with different heroes and classes. The demo includes 24 unlockable cosmetics and the promise of freely exploring the map between battles, with taverns and markets to visit.

Coming to Steam, iOS, and Android in 2025, this looks like it could scratch that same itch as games like Slay the Spire while offering its own pirate-themed twist on the formula.

Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3025160/Pirates_Outlaws_2_Heritage

Dark Fairy Tale: Dreamland Survivors: One-Handed Roguelike Chaos

Dark Fairy Tale: Dreamland Survivors is getting a major update for Steam Next Fest, featuring level rebalancing, talent reworks, new playable characters, and UI improvements. This top-down, auto-shooting roguelike can be played entirely one-handed, casting you as Pinocchio fallen into a twisted dreamworld.

The core progression revolves around Dream Eggs – you can store them in your backpack to activate special abilities or devour them for permanent stat upgrades. This flexibility sets it apart from traditional roguelikes with limited upgrade paths. With three core weapon types that can be freely arranged and combined, plus 18 distinct talent effects, the build variety looks impressive.

The game features 25 layers of Shallow Dreams, standalone boss battles in The Deep Dream, and an Endless Mode for ultimate challenges. The innovative Tarot Trial system introduces 22 unique challenge modes, each with exclusive enemies and mechanics. Successfully completing these unlocks new playable characters, with 22 total characters planned.

The full game launches June 20th with a 10% discount, making this demo a solid preview of what’s coming.

Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3288300/Dark_Fairy_Tale_Dreamland_Survivors/

My plan? Download all five this weekend and see which one keeps me up past midnight. That’s usually the best indicator of a demo worth following to full release.

Words of Vengeance looks like the original Boltgun, but in this game, you get to smite enemies of the Emperor by typing! Gamers around my age would recognize that this gameplay is reminiscent of the old SEGA title, Typing of the Dead. Words of Vengeance is quite short (about 12 minutes), not surprising given that it is a free game, but there’s a hook in which you’ll want to see whether your typing speed has improved after several runs where you can set the level of difficult.

I played the game earlier this evening and had a blast but I must say that I was using a Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition TKL which is very twitchy and isn’t my main typing keyboard. That honor rests on the Royal Kludge H81 on my office desk. My other keyboard, the Logitech G610 is on long-term loan to my brother. Check out the video below!

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is available to be wishlist on Steam over here, while you can grab Words of Vengeance for free on Steam over here.

In any case, there’s no harm in stocking up on certain items such as microSD Express cards that will be required to run games from in the event the 256 GB internal storage of the Switch 2 has been maxed out. The high-speed storage reminds me of the custom external storage devices used by the Xbox Series S/X. Also, if you have been giving the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack a miss, it’s something that you might want to reconsider considering that subscribers will get access to NS2 upgrade packs for both the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at no additional cost.

Subscribers will also have access to Nintendo GameCube titles on the NS2 via Nintendo Classics. Don’t forget that you’ll need the base NSO subscription in order to continue accessing the NS2’s GameChat after the end of the open-access period of that service.

• Lexar PLAY PRO microSD Express Card (256 GB) – Play-Asia
• PNY microSD Express (128 GB) – Amazon
• Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership Card – 3-months (Amazon), 3-months (Play-Asia), 12-months (Play-Asia)

Play-Asia’s Nintendo Switch 2 page has games such as Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy and Mario Kart World up for pre-order, and accessories to boot. Personally I’m thinking of getting one of those slim cases, having had my fill of bulky hard cases (case in point, the Steam Deck’s and the CKRD case for the original Nintendo Switch).

Despite being a Gundam fan, I never really had the time or patience for Gunpla. These are Gundam model kits that you need to assemble (with the help of cutters and glue) and paint. In the case of another favourite mecha franchise Macross, I collect ready-built, high-end figurines from the DX Chogokin line. The equivalent for Gundam would be the Metal Build-series, for which my sole action figure is the Freedom Gundam standing proudly on my office desk.

The idea of kit-bashing (combining several Gunpla model kits) to see what you can come up it has always been a curiosity of mine despite not having time for Gunpla. The 2024 release of Gundam Breaker 4 was a chance to scratch that itch. It also so happens to be the first game that I’ve completed for 2025, unlocking slightly more than half of the achievements on offer.

Come for the Fights, Stay for the Kit Bashing

The game’s premise is simple, participate in team-based fights with A.I controlled allies in single-player mode. Gain parts, upgrade said parts, assemble the mech of your dreams (it can be a Gundam, a Zaku or something else…), rinse and repeat. The plot is a bit non-sensical where you are trying to save the game from a rogue player, but don’t let that cloud you from the real objective: build an awesome mech!

The amount of customization you can get is crazy, from selecting parts, manipulating size, choosing paint and even adding add-ons. My own Gundam combines parts from the Woundwort, Barbatos Lupus Rex, S Gundam and Strike Freedom’s backpack. In short, if you love Gundam kit-bashing, this is one game for you.

After you finish the single-story mode there are other game modes including Survival that will earn you more points and parts to further upgrade your build. There are also multi-player matches and clans to participate in if you are ever so inclined; I’ve not tried multi-player as it’s not really my cup of tea to play with other players.

My primary go-to device for Gundam Breaker 4 would be my Steam Deck. The game does drain the battery rather quickly and the fan goes up quickly as the console gets all heated up with all the mech-breaking going on in the game. I must say that the experience on the Steam Deck is really awesome and Gundam Breaker 4’s “verified” status on the Deck is well deserved. Aside from the PC, Gundam Breaker 4 is also available on the PS5 and the Nintendo Switch. We rate Gundam Breaker 4 at a 4/5!

Basically the land of Bak Kut Teh, the city of Klang is also home to Port Klang, one the most busiest ports in the world. In the city centre, I managed to identify several different landmarks.

The Klang Bridge is one of the major traffic arteries in Klang, bridging the north and south parts of Klang. The Kota Bridge has the distinction of being the first bridge being built across the Klang river, and it was built by the British in 1907. Shaw Centrepoint is a local mall that I used to frequent as a teenager; I believe it is currently undergoing a renewal programme in anticipation of the new Light Rail Transit station that will begin operations in 2025.

A little further south and you can identify landmarks from the old, historical part of Klang Town. This includes Little India which is where the Klang railway station and museums are located. Padang Sultan Suleiman is a popular public sports complex with a running track, and nearby is the Istana Alam Shah, the official residence of the Sultan of Selangor.

Check out the rest of my flight, which completes a loop from Port Klang to Pasar Besar Klang, a major wet market with a distinctive shape when viewed from the air.

The game looks really nice when the weather settings are set for daytime with no rain. I don’t really like flying at night as it kinda sucks. How’s your experience so far with the game? Chime in on the comments :).

Featuring a beautifully crafted mix of strategic campaigns and fast-paced tactical battles, the game is further energized by a compelling original score by composer Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy 12). Players will be engrossed with the 15+ hour story campaign, 100+ skirmish maps, intense real-time battles, expansive multiplayer options, three core factions, 36 unique heroes, 118 units, and more!

Songs of Silence is going on a discount in conjunction with Steam’s Turn-Based Carnival, be sure to check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2195410/Songs_of_Silence/

Tale of Bubble Ghost Remake

Another game that is having a big week is Tale of Bubble Ghost Remake, and as its title seems to suggest, it is a remake of a retro title! The game, by developer VIDIBOND has its first ever playable demo released this week for the Nintendo Switch and the PC via steam. This whimsical adventure promised to breathe new life into the beloved classic, offering players a new visually captivating experience of a little ghost and its bubble.

Bubble Ghost Remake will be launching for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store and Nintendo Switch in early 2025.

The demo will introduce players to the world of Bubble Ghost Remake and offer the chance to experience some of the fun and exciting platform gameplay action through the haunted mansion. The team at VIDIBOND has been working to stay faithful to the game’s original concept while embarking on a nostalgic yet refreshing modern journey with fantastic visual, audio and gameplay treats along the way. Check out the demo over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2412240/Bubble_Ghost_Remake/

No Stone Unturned

Last but not least, is a game that is determined to get to the bottom of the case of why did the chicken cross the road. Players get to help Detective Cox in his search for the answers in No Stone Unturned, a detective tale with the whimsy of Hot Fuzz in an Adventure Time-looking world, and you can get a glimpse of what the game has to offer as the demo is now available on Steam.

Perfect for fans of the recently released Rise of the Golden Idol, the first 20 minutes of this comedy adventure see Detective Cox whip out his magnifying (and x-ray) glass and examine the start of the poultry puzzle. Players can even pre-order their own discounted copy of Detective Cox’s debut dive into deductive drama on Kickstarter here for £10 less! Head over to Steam to wishlist No Stone Unturned: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2453640/No_Stone_Unturned/

The final boss battle against the demon wolf known as the “Herald for Mephisto” simply meant that there will be another battle with Mephisto (now merged with Akarat’s corpse) in the cards. Missing are also the angel-turned-mortal Tyrael and the surly Horadrim, Lorath Nahr. These are basically fodder for another expansion. Deeds of a Champion quests form a kind of epilogue, and these serve to introduce players to new gameplay elements such as Undercity runs.

So with the story mode done, I’m testing myself (and my build) with Undercity runs, Nightmare Dungeons, Whispers, the Pit, Infernal Hordes and whatever else Diablo IV post story mode. Since I don’t really like playing with other players, I’ve not tried out the co-op end game in the form of Dark Citadel. With an interesting story line, revamped gameplay systems and borrowing heavily from Southeast Asian and South American influences, I rate the expansion a 5/5.

And with my attention no longer on D4, there are some games that I would really want to continue checking out.

MechWarrior 5: Clans

Do you remember watching the old BattleTech cartoons on a Saturday morning? MechWarrior 5: Clans gets you playing as one of the dreaded Smoke Jaguar pilots, and these guys do NOT use contractions. Playing the game is like reliving some of the dialogue that you find in BattleTech novels, and if you are fan, don’t be surprise to hear words like Batchall being bandied about.

WarCraft II: Remastered

Back when I was in high school, WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness and its expansion pack, Beyond the Dark Portal were the rage. To give you an idea of how old this game is, its minimum system requirements were a 486/33 MHz processor with 8 MB of RAM, and my PC at that time was the same specs…. the game did take a while to load.

Blizzard gave us a surprised this week by releasing a remaster of the game, so I’m very eager to indulge in some nostalgia with some quality-of-life upgrades.

Sonic Adventure

First up is a merchandise collection celebrating one of the premier games of the SEGA Dreamcast: Sonic Adventure. I used to own a secondhand Dreamcast before a so-called friend of mine conveniently lost it when I loaned it to him, hence no more Sonic Adventure for me. Sonic Adventure was released as a launch title for the SEGA Dreamcast in 1998 and 1999.

This classic game brought the Blue Blur into 3D with his most ambitious game yet! Under the direction of series mainstay Takashi Iizuka, Sonic Team brought the series into the modern era with style. Complemented by a revolutionary soundtrack from Jun Senoue, Sonic’s leap into the futuristic world of 3D was immediately memorable and is still beloved by legions of fans today!

The design team at Limited Run has tapped into the energy of Sonic Adventure and came up with a merchandise collection that includes skate decks, shirts, hats, trading card collectibles and more! You can pre-order them at limitedrungames.com.

Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami

The next set is an all-new collection of physical releases of Ryu Ga Gotoku’s beloved Yakuza series starting with Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami. Pre-orders for these physical editions opened on October 11, 2024, and will run through November 10th. Yakuza 0 will be available for PS4 and Xbox, while Yakuza Kiwami is coming to Switch, PS4, and Xbox. Fans can choose between standard editions and deluxe “Classic Editions” that include extras like soundtracks, acrylic standees, and other collectibles.

The Classic Editions sound particularly interesting. Priced at $74.99, they’re pricier than the $34.99 standard releases, but seem to offer a lot of value for collectors. These deluxe versions come with goodies like character cards, keychains, and premium packaging.

One of the coolest aspects of this release is the unified design across all 7 planned titles. Limited Run is clearly putting a lot of thought into making these editions special for fans. They’re even offering a free 7-game slipcase with Yakuza 0 orders, which seems perfect for displaying the full saga. You can pre-order the games over here: https://limitedrungames.com/

This major free update, which has already been successfully launched on Steam, brings a new layer of depth, strategy, and innovative gameplay mechanics to the immersive world of Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.

Following extensive feedback from players, Bulwark: Evolution now features three distinct ways to play with each mode providing a unique experience:

• The Original Bulwark Experience: Players will explore the Great Ursee as they build their grand civilisation, scavenge for resources, create trade routes, and form alliances with other factions scattered across the waves.
• Freebuild Mode: Create without consequence in this cosy mode, free from the conflict and challenges of standard play, where players can experiment and build without limits.
• Total Conquest: The beacons are lit, and the fires of war are here! In this challenging new mode, players start Bulwark at war with every possible faction. There’s no diplomacy and the frequency and scale of raids is like nothing they’ve ever seen before. Building alone won’t suffice — players will need grit, determination and strategic know-how in order to survive the onslaught of the Great Ursee.

Console gamers can grab Bulwark: Evolution at a 45% discount starting October 9th on Xbox and PlayStation stores. For strategy fans looking for a unique blend of city-building and naval warfare in a fantastical ocean world, Bulwark: Evolution offers an enticing and expanded experience across multiple platforms. Will you conquer the Great Ursee or be swept away by its turbulent waters? The choice is yours!

This year’s final Steam Next Fest is slated for October 14th to 21st, and we do have a hot line up to feature over here:

Wild Woods

Octofox Games brings us Wild Woods, a charming multiplayer co-op adventure where brave kittens defend their wagon from forest dangers.

Already available for demo, this delightful game offers local and online co-op, including Steam Remote Play support. Players can look forward to the full release in winter 2024/2025, alternating between daytime resource gathering and nighttime creature defense. You can check out Wild Woods over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1975580/Wild_Woods/

Stray Path

Combining FreeCell mechanics with RPG elements, Stray Path offers a fresh take on the roguelike genre. Solo developer Zhong Chaowei has crafted a game with over 100 equipment pieces and randomly generated worlds, ensuring each playthrough is unique.

Adventure seekers can dive into this innovative experience when the demo drops on October 14th.

SAND

Set in a captivating diesel-punk universe, SAND is an open-world extraction shooter developed by Hologryph and TowerHaus in collaboration with publisher tinyBuild.

From October 11th, players can test-drive the game’s massive “Trampler” mechs in a demo that showcases the thrilling 6-player co-op gameplay on a fallen planet teeming with treasure hunters. You can check out SAND over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1431300/Sand/

Border Pioneer

Medieval strategy enthusiasts will find their match in Border Pioneer. This creation from solo developer Yahzj Games blends city-building, RTS, and tower defense elements, challenging players to build and protect their kingdom from monthly horde attacks.

The demo is live now, offering a taste of both peaceful development and intense warfare. You can check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2346410/Border_Pioneer/

Slime Heroes & Among Ashes

Pancake Games presents an intriguing title for the Steam Next Fest. Slime Heroes, a whimsical 3D action-adventure, offers a “souls-lite” experience playable solo or in co-op. Its demo, available from October 14-21, previews the full game set for Q1 2025 release on PC and Xbox. You can wishlist the title right over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1511880/Slime_Heroes/

Among Ashes

Solo developer Rat Cliff Games has come up with Among Ashes which delivers a unique metafictional horror experience set in the early 2000s about a mysterious (and extremely haunted) video game called Night Call.

A demo is available now that’s optimized for Steam Deck play, you can check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2430900/Among_Ashes/

Potion Shop Simulator

Aspiring alchemists can try their hand at running a magical shop in Potion Shop Simulator. Pebbles Games’ creation offers a demo featuring the full tutorial and limited full-game features, including co-op multiplayer for up to four players and dynamic world events.

Check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2788920/Potion_Shop_Simulator/

Hero of the Hive

Mighty Beaver Studio invites players to save a struggling hive in Hero of the Hive. This whimsical and casual open-world adventure casts you as a worker bee exploring the vibrant Aurora Basin.

With three unique biomes, eight animal species to interact with, and extensive bee customization options, the demo promises a delightful experience. Check out the demo over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3038640/Hero_of_the_Hive/

The Precinct

Step into the neon-lit streets of 1980s America with The Precinct. Developed by UK-based Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, this action sandbox police game offers a world of procedurally-generated crimes to solve.

Officer Nick Cordell Jr.’s story unfolds in the demo, available from October 14th. Check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/490110/The_Precinct/

Rage of the Dragons NEO

Fighting game enthusiasts can look forward to Rage of the Dragons NEO, a revival of the cult-classic brought to modern platforms by QUByte Interactive and Piko Interactive.

The demo, running from October 14th to 21st, features Versus Mode and exclusive ‘Dragon’s Challenges’, previewing the full game’s online multiplayer and training modes. Check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2892130/Rage_of_the_Dragons_NEO/

Royal Revolt Warriors

Rounding out the lineup is Royal Revolt Warriors from Upright Games. This roguelite action game, featuring beloved characters from the Royal Revolt series, offers an expanded demo with two-player co-op, multiple heroes, and three diverse environments.

Players can dive into fast-paced, top-down action either solo or with friends, defending their realm against evil forces. Check out the game over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2960490/Royal_Revolt_Warriors/

The Spirit of the Samurai

Last but not least, is a game from Spanish developer Digital Mind S.L. In The Spirit of the Samurai, players will assume the role of Takeshi, a Japanese samurai tasked with defending his village from the relentless onslaught of Oni; Chisai, his warrior cat companion and a small but feisty Kodama. Players will need to prepare to confront legions of tengu, undead creatures, and the terrifying Jorogumo, all inspired by Japanese mythology.

All of this is presented as a truly unique and intense stop-motion cinematic adventure. The demo will be available during the Steam Next Fest: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1507120/The_Spirit_of_the_Samurai/

Spirit of the North 2

Spirit of the North 2, Infuse Studio’s magical sequel to its well-received 2019 title, invites players into a world stripped of joy by the dark shaman Grimnir.

Take control of a fox and its raven companion, traversing snow-capped mountains, puzzling crypts, and serene meadows to purge corruption and restore the animal guardians’ ancient powers. Leveraging Unreal Engine 5, this demo showcases extensive character customization and fresh unlockable skills. Dive into the adventure here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2138280/Spirit_of_the_North_2/

The Stone of Madness

From the creators of Blasphemous comes The Stone of Madness, a tactical stealth adventure published by Tripwire Presents. Set in an 18th-century Spanish madhouse, this game promises a unique blend of strategy and narrative.

Guide five prisoners in their bid for freedom from a monastery doubling as an inquisitorial prison. The Game Kitchen’s stunning hand-painted visuals, inspired by Francisco De Goya, bring to life multiple escape plans, dynamic day-night cycles, and an intriguing sanity management system. Experience the demo during Steam Next Fest, ahead of the full launch on January 28, 2025. Add it to your wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2435260/The_Stone_of_Madness/

Kill the Shadow

Darkwater City comes to life in Kill the Shadow, a noir detective RPG born from the collaboration between publisher 663 Games and developer Shadowlight Sanctuary.

The latest demo introduces Zhulong Walled City, offering a tantalizing 30-minute glimpse into the game, complete with a revealing flashback scene. Shadowlight Sanctuary’s unique artistic vision blends 3D environments with 2D pixel art characters, creating a striking retro-modern aesthetic. Step into the shoes of Detective Lucas here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1706680/Kill_the_Shadow/