D-topia
Developer: Marumittu Games
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Platforms: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck verified), Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $20, with a 10% introductory discount
D-topia is a science fiction adventure set in The Utopia Project, in which artificial intelligence seems to have succeeded in fostering a perfect version of civilization (I doubt it). As a maintenance worker, you will help residents solve their problems and repair mechanical weaknesses by solving puzzles. The game offers a branching narrative that you shape based on your decisions. There are also companions to save.
I played a demo of D-topia last year and I dug it. The clean, sanitized aesthetic reminds me a little The edge of the mirror and I appreciated the gentle, yet slightly sharp tone. I’d like to check out the full version at some point, although the logic puzzles might leave me perplexed.
Moss: the forgotten relic
Developers: Polyarc, Blackbird Interactive
Publisher: Polyarc
Platforms: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck verified), Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $20, with a 10% discount on Steam until July 30
Mousse and its sequel are some of the most famous virtual reality games, and now people without a VR headset can play them. Moss: the forgotten relic combines both games and Twilight Garden expansion in a single 2D adventure for PC and consoles.
The game follows the story of a mouse named Quill, who sets out to “save his world from arcane forces.” It features platforming, environmental puzzles and combat, the latter of which you can skip if you prefer thanks to a new accessibility option. This version features new cutscenes and a revamped camera system, as well as improved visuals.
I haven’t ventured into the world of Moss yet, even though both games have been on my gaming list for a long time and I own a PlayStation VR2 headset. I much prefer games on a flat screen, so this 2D version might suit me better.
Orpheus: To Hell and Back
Developers: StudioLoading, Kibou Entertainment, Alunite
Publisher: Alunite
Platform: Steam (already available on check notes GameBoy?)
Price: $3
These days, you don’t see many games released as a physical Game Boy cartridge, although it sometimes happens with Kickstarter projects (as is the case here). However, if you don’t have an Analogue Pocket or other device capable of running such a cartridge, you can always check out Orpheus: To Hell and Back since it arrived on Steam this week.
Here, you play as Orpheus as he attempts to navigate the depths of hell to “save his beloved Eurydice.” He is equipped with a magical lyre that can control the movements of enemies, so you can lure them into traps or put them to sleep.
This looks super charming! I also like it when a game uses music as a weapon. I wouldn’t be surprised if the developers took inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time here.
Teeto
Developer: Eat Pants Games
Publishers: Super Rare Originals, CouchPlay Interactive
Platforms: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck verified), PS5, Switch, Switch 2
Price: $18, with a 20% introductory discount
I’ve made no secret of how much I appreciate a great name in video games, and Teeto is one of them. It’s fun to say it out loud. Try it. “Teeto” It rolls right off the tongue. Developer Eat Pant Games also has a big name.
Teeto is a 3D platform game that you can play solo or with a friend cooperatively. One of the main tricks here is that you can absorb the characteristics of various objects, so you can adopt the properties of a vine to cross chasms, gain flamethrower power, or transform into a chair.
You can customize the titular blob and Nory the Bunny with a variety of looks. There’s one lucha libre that makes me want to try the game more than anything I’ve seen so far. You will also save creatures called Michaels. I love it.
Better yet, according to a press release, two of the developers from the family studio have signed on to the game. They have a daughter who plays several characters in Teeto. My heart is now full.
Grapple Bear
Developers: HaviEgyJatek, ProkischDaniel
Publisher: HaviEgyJatek
Platform: Steam (Windows)
Price: $5, with 10% off until July 24
I like grappling dog a lot, and it was enough for an entirely separate game called Grapple Bear to capture my interest. You play as a mother bear who is looking for her cub. The only way to move is to use a grappling hook that attaches to specific points in the environment. Some of them also move and you will often need to change momentum quickly to survive.
The levels are very short. Many only take a few seconds. Once you touch the level’s flag (i.e. the objective), you will still need to stay alive until it reaches the bottom of the flagpole.
This is billed as a competitive precision platformer. It offers online leaderboards for each level. In addition to over 40 hand-created levels, a new procedurally generated level becomes available every week, with its own leaderboard. The developers drew all the visuals on paper before scanning and coloring them digitally. It helps Grapple Bear have a unique look.
I enjoyed what I played Grapple Bear so far, because I love grappling and games that create movement around momentum. Once the game is over, I see myself coming back to compete for faster times.
