Yovao News · The World, In Focus. From Local to Global, Never Miss a Beat

Review Roundup: New Indie Titles Span Worm Simulators to Mascot Platformers

Review Roundup: New Indie Titles Span Worm Simulators to Mascot Platformers

A fresh wave of indie titles is hitting platforms across PC and consoles, offering everything from remote work satire to classic mascot platforming. Here is a rundown of five games worth checking out.

Worming From Home

Developed by Zach Northrop and Mason Sabharwal and published by Northrop, this title is a remote work simulator where the player controls a worm. Available on Steam for Windows, Mac, and Steam Deck Verified devices, it is currently priced at $10 with a 25 percent discount running until September 18. The gameplay involves hurling your invertebrate character around a keyboard to type messages and complete spreadsheet tasks while climbing the financial analyst career ladder. Players must also answer phone calls and join video meetings with their boss, all while hoping their true nature remains undiscovered. Beyond the office mechanics, the game features life-sim elements such as working out, shopping for hats, and flirting with colleagues.

Marsupilami 2: Salsa Palombia

Ocellus Studio developed and Microids published this sequel to the Belgian comic book-inspired franchise. Released on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, the game is priced at $30 with a demo currently available. Described as a mascot platformer akin to Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot, it features three playable characters whose abilities can be swapped mid-level. Early impressions suggest the game improves upon its predecessor through varied mechanics—such as rolling into a ball to dodge spike traps—and cleverly designed levels filled with secrets. While the main campaign is relatively short, bonus levels offer additional content.

He Who Watches

From developer Bobby Vanden and publisher Draknek and Friends, this puzzle game draws aesthetic inspiration from The Legend of Zelda shrines as well as titles like Fez, Animal Well, and Tunic. It is available on Steam and Itch.io for Windows, Mac, and Steam Deck Verified devices, with a 15 percent discount in effect until September 16. The game allows players to walk on walls and ceilings using a magical bow and arrow that functions as both a puzzle-solving tool and a hookshot. A distinctive hint system presents smaller secondary puzzles within each room to guide players toward solutions without directly solving the main riddles.

ShipShaper: Falconeer Chronicles

Tomas Sala, known for The Falconeer, created this ship design tool now in Steam Early Access for Windows and Steam Deck. Published by Wired Productions and Gamersky Games, it carries a $9 price tag with a 10 percent discount until September 16. The game focuses on organic ship creation without requiring 3D modeling skills, allowing players to attach props and functional items to build custom vessels. These ships can be tested on the high seas or in Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, Sala’s previous title. The game also supports modding by allowing developers to export ships for use in other games, and includes an option to export 3D printing files.

Shoe It All!

Developed and published by Amberbite in partnership with Bright Gambit, this puzzle game is available on Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. The PC and console version costs $8, while the mobile version is $5, with a 20 percent Steam discount available until September 17. Players solve puzzles by timing swings and launching shoes at targets. The title features over 65 hand-crafted puzzles, collectible stickers, a speedrun mode, and a pop-punk soundtrack, all presented in a comic-style art aesthetic.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *