Metal Bringer has become one of my favorite new mecha games, with a highly replayable roguelike loop and incredible mech customization systems. Though poor localization and some overwhelming VFX and UI elements can make clarity an issue, Metal Bringer is fun enough that you likely won’t find yourself caring.

Though mostly faithful to the original, FATE: Reawakened remains a game hard to recommend to newcomers to the franchise or die-hard fans of the series, as it feels far too dated to keep the long-term attention of new players, and makes unnecessary changes that the fans don’t enjoy. Regardless, if you’re nostalgic for the series, it may still be worth giving it a try.

The Deadly Path is an excellent puzzle game, featuring a genuinely engaging gameplay loop presented through some pretty awesome horror themes and artwork. Though a few bugs seem to have slipped in at launch, you’re bound to enjoy your time with this eerie little puzzle-survival game about farming bones and meat for dead gods.

Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is a really cool concept. The unique presentation and shelter-based gameplay offer a type of zombie game we don’t have right now—something like a more digestible version of Project Zomboid. However, the Early Access launch isn’t without flaws, many of which are already addressed in the Early Access roadmap. We’ll have to wait and see what the game becomes at full release. [Early Access Review]

As far as non-bug-related changes, I would like to see the ability to skip the game’s tutorial added at some point. Also, I feel like the game’s judgment on which movie genres match and which don’t could be improved. For example, who doesn’t like a western horror film, featuring an incredible monster? According to Hollywood Animal, these genres clash, leading to a script that simply doesn’t work. [Early Access Review]

Stygian: Outer Gods is in a decent place for an Early Access title. While I’d like to see some minor improvements to storytelling and character animation, these are relatively small issues that don’t seriously impact the experience. The far more serious problem is the severe optimization and frame rate drops in outdoor areas—locations where players will spend a significant amount of time. These issues absolutely need to be fixed before launch. [Early Access Review]

Surprisingly, I didn’t encounter any bugs—aside from the roaches used as currency at vending machines—despite White Knuckle still being in Early Access. If I were to offer a suggestion, I’d say to include some on-screen tutorials at the start of a new climb. Not everyone plays the main tutorial, but it contains important mechanics that, if missed, make the game much harder. For example, just knowing you have an inventory to store items was a huge game-changer. In one run, I got stuck holding a can because I didn’t know I had to put it back into my backpack after eating. [Early Access Review]

If I could think of one thing to add to Wizdom Academy, on top of all of these fixes and tweaks, it would be more from the building system. While I like it currently, the ability to build curved walls, bridges, and buildings hugging edges would be a phenomenally witchy addition to a game all about going to school for magic. Food for thought, developers; you already have a lot to work on as it is. [Early Access Review]

Dinkum is a fun twist on its genre, offering a unique feeling of progression and open-world gameplay in a setting inspired by the Australian Outback. You’re either going to love the game for the long-term commitment it demands or grow a bit tired of its slow pacing. Either way, I think the game is worth giving a shot.

While Siegecaster’s learning curve and twists on the genre won’t appeal to everyone, its creative mechanics, chaotic gameplay, and clear, passionate design make it stand out. For those open to something different, it’s a rewarding and memorable experience worth trying.

Hordes of Hunger has shown its bones to be some sturdy stuff, and while the game has a ways to go before it’s a finished product, I’m confident that it’ll be a really good one once it gets there. [Early Access Review]

A lot of work needs to be done on RailGods of Hysterra. I am not surprised in the least to see that my copy of the game, a build released for critics before the game has even entered its public testing phase officially, had its problems. The game has some good ideas, so I hope not only that the bugs are quickly sorted, but that the game is expanded upon with more content and some tweaks to the gameplay that make it a bit more exciting. I want to see this title succeed because its foundation is strong, even if its current state is rough. That being said, I am sure RailGods of Hysterra will be a far greater game when it finishes its early access cycle and realizes its full potential. [Early Access Review]

Omega Crafter is full of creativity and potential, but unfortunately falls short on delivering many of the mechanics players have come to expect from the genre, making the game feel rather dated and unfinished in many areas, which overall outshines its interesting player-programming gimmick.

Blacksmith Master is an interesting tycoon game with cool theming that is sure to keep you interested for at least a few hours in its current Early Access state. However, before the game launches, it could seriously use some tweaks to its endgame and economy, and perhaps add a little more personalization or story to the game as well. At some point, the act of running a purely profitable business becomes kind of mind-numbing with nothing introduced to shake things up. [Early Access Review]

The game is a rather short, progressively difficult roguelike about building towns and waging little wars. The game is incredibly interesting, fun to play, and in a surprisingly solid state, given that it’s only releasing into Early Access. I didn’t experience any bugs, and there’s very little I would change or improve upon. If 9 Kings has caught your interest, it is absolutely a buy in my book. [Early Access Review]

Islands & Trains is a charming and relaxing experience that offers a slice of calm creativity in a world of high-stress, fast-paced games. While it has its limitations—from a single train to missing quality-of-life features—it still delivers a unique and satisfying sandbox for those looking to unwind. With more polish and expanded features, it has the potential to be a standout title in the cozy gaming niche.

Section 13 may not be the game that fans of Blackout Protocol originally signed up for, but it successfully reinvented itself into something more playful, aggressively action-oriented, and engaging. Though the progression gets kind of old and the style and writing won’t appeal to everyone, Section 13 is still good; not revolutionary, but definitely worth your time if you’re a fan of fast-paced roguelikes and don’t mind a few rough edges.

Despite some underwhelming powers and the uncertainties around its learning curve, Wizard of Legend 2 stands out as an ambitious and visually appealing roguelike that fans of Hades and the original will likely appreciate. While there is certainly nothing stopping you from taking the game on solo, Wizard of Legend 2 just feels like a game that would be better in a group, so I recommend getting the game for a few friends as well.

As far as early access games go, Net.Attack() is in phenomenal shape. I didn’t experience any bugs, and the game is set up to show you exactly what it wants to be, as well as give you plenty of chances to play various levels and difficulty options as it continues to receive updates and support. That being said, at the moment, you’re going to see a lack of level and playable character variety, as much of the content is clearly labeled as a work in progress. [Early Access Review]

Netherworld Covenant is a game full of promise. Its compelling combat, evocative worldbuilding, and cleverly designed movement systems show a clear understanding of what makes both Soulslikes and roguelikes compelling. Though its weapon variety and power-up balance still need fleshing out, this early access title already has the bones of something truly special. With continued support and expansion, it could grow into a genre-defining experience. [Early Access Review]

BitCraft Online is something to keep your eyes on—an ambitious, seemingly special game that, despite its early access bugs, already appears to be on the right track. For those who are wary, I would check in with the state of the game in another three months, and I encourage everyone to try the game at least once it gets its full release, especially when the post-launch wipe (the only one developers have planned for the game once it leaves Early Access) puts everyone on equal footing. Who knows, you just might end up becoming one of BitCraft Online‘s next kings. [Early Access Review]

The game’s characters didn’t impress me, be it their lackluster skillset or clunky, awkward dialogue and rushed-feeling interactions. While I loved the comic-book-style art in cutscenes, every character interaction felt rushed or missing context, with dynamics feeling flimsy and drama forced, which felt really out of place. [Early Access Review]

Ultimately, Xenopurge will be polarizing. To some, the tactical, hands-off gameplay will be fun and enhanced by the immersive display. To others, the atmospheric approach won’t be enough to sell mechanics that aren’t incredibly engaging. The right game for the right audience, it’s worth keeping an eye on as development continues. [Early Access Review]

Mycopunk has a lot to offer; it’s full of character, its gunplay is fun, and it has a promising future of further support and development ahead of it. However, some of its key features, including the visuals, the grindy playstyle, and slow progression, are easily polarizing; these are systems you’re either going to love, hate, or physically can’t appreciate, in the case of the rare player I’m sure got a headache from the ambitious yet overstimulating visuals. [Early Access Review]

Even bare-bones, He is Coming delivers a tight, focused, and surprisingly addictive roguelite experience. It’s not reinventing the genre. Instead, it perfects a specific loop—fast, repeatable, stylish, challenging—with rare design clarity in today’s sea of overstuffed roguelikes. If you’re a genre fan seeking something accessible and visually memorable, it’s hard not to recommend He is Coming. [Early Access Review]

Despite its current limitations, Ground of Aces shows immense promise as a unique and compelling entry in the management sim genre. Its fresh setting, charming presentation, and accessible mechanics make it an easy game to fall into, even if it doesn’t yet have the staying power of more established titles. What it lacks in content, it makes up for in potential, and those willing to invest in the game during its Early Access phase may find a lot to enjoy already. With continued development, Ground of Aces could easily become one of the standout strategy sims of the decade. [Early Access Review]

Drill Core is a stylish and accessible blend of tower defense and mining sim mechanics, wrapped in a sharp satirical skin that channels retro-futurist charm with gusto. Its loop is satisfying at first, but the lack of deeper complexity, slow pacing, and exploitable systems makes it easy to burn out after a few hours. For this reviewer, Drill Core was a fun first dig, but not one with much buried beneath the surface.

This essentially means players MUST play the story mode before going into sandbox, but that feels sort of counterintuitive when the sandbox option exists for those who don’t want all of the story content to begin with...Bug-wise, I faced occasional progression locks in story mode where characters refused to research. They’d approach the desk, look at the task, then stand idle, making no progress. This even affected basic tutorial research like unlocking rooms, halting progress significantly. [Early Access Review]