This edition highlights recent developments in the independent gaming sector, featuring several fresh releases this week alongside progress on anticipated titles.
The Steam Spring Sale is currently active, offering numerous attractive discounts. Among the purchases, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate stands out at a reduced price of $3.
On Bluesky, a demo by developer Freya Holmér has garnered attention. This puzzle game reimagines falling-block mechanics, centering on a pivot rather than line-clearing. Tetrominos attach to the structure, causing 90-degree rotations that introduce fresh twists to the genre. The idea shows strong potential for expansion into a complete title.
Drawing inevitable parallels to Helldivers 2 due to its insect combat and satirical elements, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! distinguishes itself as a unique offering.
Developed by Auroch Digital, known for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, and published by Dotemu, this retro-style first-person shooter employs a narrative frame involving Major Samantha Dietz's frontline accounts against alien insects, serving as a fictional recruitment device.
The gameplay delivers engaging action, prompting a revisit to Paul Verhoeven's 1997 film, which shares thematic echoes despite the game's distinct storyline.
Cutscenes feature sharp dialogue, with Casper Van Dien returning as Johnny Rico, enhancing the humor. Moments like deploying a tactical nuke against massive foes provide excitement, while mishaps such as friendly fire in training sequences add chaotic fun.
Some levels suffer from extended gaps between tasks, and the experience can feel repetitive. Nonetheless, completion typically requires only four to five hours, especially without pursuing hidden elements.
Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch for a standard $25, with a 20% reduction through March 24.
Retro Rewind aptly captures the essence of a 1990s video rental simulation. Players oversee a VHS-era shop, handling tasks like interior design, stocking tapes, acquiring unofficial copies, staffing, advising patrons, and pursuing overdue payments.
Drawing from real-world retail experiences in film rentals, the simulator recreates a bygone era of physical media distribution.
Retro Rewind - Video Store Simulator launches on Steam at $20, discounted 20% until March 24, with a demo for testing.
In Their Shoes offers a novel approach to interactive storytelling from We Are Muesli. This mumblecore-inspired visual novel draws from filmmakers like the Duplass brothers, Lynn Shelton, and early Greta Gerwig works. It explores the connected lives of seven Milan residents across roughly 30 brief, dialogue-driven scenes, each about five minutes long, featuring timed decisions and customizable timelines.
In Their Shoes is on Steam for $13, with a 25% discount until March 31.
World's Goodest Pup serves as this week's featured canine title, a roguelike deckbuilder centered on dog show competitions. Players select from three breeds and construct decks of accessories, maneuvers, and stances to excel in randomized events.
Emphasizing relaxation, the game includes a customizable pet resort and spa visits for animal companions.
Developed by Pandamander, World's Goodest Pup is on Steam for $7, with 10% off until March 26, and a demo available.
The trailer for Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime brings humor, marking the newest effort from Bonte Avond, creators of Once Upon A Jester. This comedic adventure casts players as Bonnie Bear, dressed in frog attire, challenging a bully via the strategic card game Frogtime. Collecting and assembling frog units forms the core, underscoring themes of camaraderie, bonds, and personal value.
Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime releases on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $17.
Doinksoft, makers of Gunbrella, returns with Dark Scrolls, a roguelite side-scroller blending platforming and shooting mechanics. The title boasts nine playable characters, such as a dog named Biscuit and a saxophone-wielding rat, across procedurally generated levels with multiple routes and two-player online co-op.
Its retro Master System visuals and frenetic action stand out, published by Devolver Digital for Steam and Switch later this year.
Beyond Words expands on word-based strategy akin to Scrabble, incorporating dynamic tiles that alter, detonate, and evolve boards with rule variations. Similar to Balatro, it involves enhancing, eliminating, and replicating elements for synergies and high scores, featuring over 300 modifiers, abilities, boss encounters, and timed challenges.
Crafted by Steve Ellis and Dr. David Doak of Rare and Free Radical Design fame—contributors to GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and TimeSplitters—via their studio MindFuel Games, with PQube publishing. It arrives on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on April 9, with a Steam demo now.
Following recent rhythm game announcements from industry alumni, Echo Foundry Interactive's Sound System emphasizes user-generated content for differentiation. Launching in Steam early access on October 16 for $25, it includes local multiplayer, with planned online co-op and versus modes. Users can design charts for custom tracks.
After canine and amphibian themes, Cat Me If You Can concludes the list as a feline-focused puzzle. In a desaturated, icy world populated solely by cats, players time-travel and photograph them to revive colors.
From Cosmic Stag Games, this hidden-object title targets PC, Switch, and Xbox in summer, with a Steam demo on April 8.
Purchases made via links in this article may generate affiliate commissions.