Marvel Cosmic Invasion
December 1
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is a fast-paced, pixelated beat ‘em up that takes me back to my SEGA Genesis days, with a cast of 15 iconic Marvel heroes to choose from. You can play solo or co-op with up to three friends (locally or online). The game’s settings span the galaxy, from New York to the Negative Zone, as you battle the Annihilation wave.
It was developed by Tribute Games and published by Dotemu. It will be released for PlayStation 4 and 5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and Switch 2.
The Art of Reflection
December 1
The Art of Reflection is a first-person puzzle game that gives me Portal vibes and was apparently inspired by Outer Wilds. The developer calls it “Superliminal meets Viewfinder with mirrors”. I quite enjoy puzzle games, and I’m looking forward to trying this one.
In The Art of Reflection, you can go through mirrors into the mirror realm, where you appear unconstrained by the laws of physics, and use them to solve puzzles.
The game was developed and published by Hydrozoa, and is available on Steam.
Kingdom of Night
December 2
Kingdom of Night is a retro isometric ARPG that was funded on Kickstarter in just 48 hours, and which the developer Black Seven Studios describes as “Diablo meets Earthbound”. It takes place in Watford, Arizona, where a satanic cult has accidentally summoned Baphomet and unleashed chaos.
Kingdom of Night is available for Steam (MAC & PC), GOG, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Scrabdackle
December 2
The name caught my attention, and the charming hand-drawn art style drew me in. Scrabdackle was funded via Kickstarter by developer jakefriend, and is co-published by Fellow Traveler. You play as a novice wizard going on their first adventure, where you will study spells, encounter tough-but-fair bosses, and explore the huge, handcrafted, non-linear world.
Scrabdackle is available in Early Access on Steam for $14.99.
Toy Smash Kaboom
December 4
Toy Smash Kaboom is a roguelike strategy auto-battler where you set up armies of toys to fight each other, with an adorable Paper Mario-like aesthetic. Arrange and combine over 400 toys to create your own unique army and play solo or battle against your friends online.
Toy Smash Kaboom is available on Steam for $13.99, and there’s also a demo in case you want to try it first.
Cloudheim
December 4
My husband and I are excited to try Cloudheim, a co-op ARPG that blends crafting and physics-based combat, with graphics reminiscent of the newer Zelda games. The reviews seem fairly mixed so far but it is in Early Access and, in my opinion, worth keeping an eye on.
Cloudheim is available in Early Access on Steam for $29.99 (there’s also a demo available). You can play solo or with up to 4 players in online co-op.
Log Away
December 4
Log Away looks like the perfect cozy retreat if you need a break from the chaos of the holiday season. The devs promise no grind, no pressure; build and decorate your log cabin at your own pace. You can also visit peaceful Retreats in different weather and seasons and collect Keepsakes.
Log Away is available on Steam for $9.99.
ANGST: A TALE OF SURVIVAL
December 5
ANGST: A TALE OF SURVIVAL is an atmospheric wilderness survival game that at first glance reminds me a little of The Long Dark (which I love). It features a handcrafted open world, roguelite progression, and a quest-driven story.
The game takes place in a world called The Hollow, where you awake in a cabin in the middle of the icy wilderness and hear a mysterious voice on the radio. You must venture forth to discover not only what happened to you, but unravel the mysteries of the world.
ANGST: A TALE OF SURVIVAL is available on Seam for $7.99
Skate Story
December 8
In Skate Story, you play as a demon, given a skateboard by the Devil along with a deal: if you can reach the moon and swallow it, you will earn your freedom. On your way through the nine levels of the underworld, you will destroy other demons and rescue tortured souls to the psychedelic soundtrack by artist Blood Cultures. The game features over 70 tricks to learn and improve on.
Skate Story is available on Steam for $19.99.
Everdream Village
December 12
Everdream Village is the latest offering in the indie cozy farming sandbox genre, and it looks worth checking out. In the game, you are spending your summer at your grandparents’ farm in the countryside, where you will form bonds with villagers, grow crops, care for animals, and gather resources to expand your farm. The art style looks absolutely adorable.
Everdream Village will be available on Steam in Early Access, and there is demo available for download as well.