This week’s indie game spotlight highlights a diverse array of new releases and highly anticipated titles on the horizon, ranging from a John Wick-inspired life simulation to a roguelike mech combat experience.
Among the latest arrivals is Blackwood: Act One by AttritoM7 Productions. The game offers a unique premise set in 2012 where players manage a DVD store by day and engage in stylish, Max Payne-inspired gun-fu combat at night. While the concept is intriguing and features weapon customization, early impressions note some clunkiness in hand-to-hand combat, audio balancing issues, and difficult vehicle handling. However, developers are actively responding to feedback with a day-one patch and plans for an autosave feature before Act Two arrives in 2027.
For fans of mecha action, Rig Riot by independent developer Sage Boatman offers a roguelike twist on the Armored Core formula. The third-person shooter features thousands of customizable mech parts and was designed with community feedback in mind. Boatman is currently working toward making the project a full-time career, with potential co-op modes and console releases under consideration if sales support the effort.
Also newly available is Lily’s World XD, a psychological horror game that mimics the aesthetic of 2000s desktop exploration and Screenlife films. Players investigate a teenage girl’s laptop to uncover a disturbing narrative. The developer utilized real photos of themselves and their friends as teenagers to enhance the story’s authenticity.
In other releases, Cygnus Cross’s Emberville launches into early access on October 27. This top-down action RPG blends Diablo-style dungeon crawling with Stardew Valley-esque life simulation elements. The game features lush pixel art, a notable voice cast including Amelia Tyler and Matt Mercer, and extensive systems for crafting, combat, and town rebuilding.
Meanwhile, the real-time strategy multiplayer OpenFront has moved to Steam from its browser-based origins, bringing improved performance, achievements, and cross-platform progression. With over 2.5 million monthly web players, it maintains a competitive scene with clan-based gameplay and tournament support.
Looking ahead, Kingmakers by Redemption Road and TinyBuild remains one of the most anticipated upcoming releases. Although delayed from its original early access window, a recent showcase revealed chaotic medieval battles where players use modern weapons and vehicles to alter history. The game promises tens of thousands of enemies, destructible environments, and up to four-player co-op campaign play.
Kingmakers with modern weapons in medieval times? That looks chaotic and hilarious in the best way.
Armored Core roguelike with full customization? Sage Boatman is on to something special here.
Blackwood sounds awesome, but that clunky combat might ruin the fun. Hope the patch fixes it.