This Friday’s games are more consistent with the genres represented than some other weeks. The strongest showing is from multiple horror titles. Meanwhile, platformers are also well represented. I hope you find something fun to play this weekend!
Note: All of the images below are from the respective game’s Steam sales page.
Ameshidama (Psychological Horror 2D Platformer)
Those interested in a 2D Platformer with a large narrative element and are OK with gore and violence may want to look into this game. It’s about a girl who is trapped inside a small room and cannot get out. You can decide to help her, although it may be better if you don’t. It has anime-style artwork.
Amnesia: The Bunker (First-person Horror)
As the first of two free games from the Epic Games Store, this one is a first-person horror title. The other free game from Epic is Samorost 3, which is at the bottom of this post.
Bat Blitz (Action Roguelike)
While not exceptional, this game seems to be getting some fans! It’s an action roguelike, and I liked the attitude of it as seen in the trailer. Basically you look like a blob who has a gun, and it is your mission is to defeat bats that are coming after you.
Echoes of the Court (Walking Simulator)
Sweet! History-focused video games are titles I like to support, and this is a narrative experience where you go to the Supreme Court of Canada. You’re supposed to do different tasks like clean up the room. After doing so, you hear the history of what’s happened there.
ESC/APE (Physics-based Combat)
As a Genetically Enhanced ape you’ve had enough and it’s time to escape from the lab! It’s a first-person action title, and as the title alludes, you need to escape. One thing that was surprising was that the trailer showed a lot of splattering of colors on walls and such. Because of this, it reminds me of Nintendo’s Splatoon (at least visually). Beyond that, I like the game’s art style in general!
FLOSS (Arena Shooter)
I have no idea how floss has to do with the title of this game, but it’s a minimalistic top-down arena shooter. As is said on the game’s sales page, it’s designed for players who enjoy to learn, adapt, and master mechanics. There’s different attacks for your ship and you can acquire various upgrades. For example, you can smash into enemies or shoot them. The title features a shield mechanic, too. I appreciate that the game was designed for specific type of players and people seem to enjoy it! 91% of 45 reviews are positive!
Fly Over! 100KM! Mountains! (Endless Flying)
Here’s something like an Endless Runner game, but here you are flying a plane and trying to stay away from a tornado. This title has you going toward the center of the screen so it reminds me of a mix of Tempest 2000 (Wikipedia) and River Raid (Wikipedia). I like the look of it with its sorta flat shaded polygons. The game has a fast pace at times and the music is pretty chill. 88% of 25 reviews are positive!
Fragments of Dread – False Haven (Psychological Horror)
OK, so this isn’t for me. Still, Fragments of Dread is part of a series of popular episodic psychological horror games. It is played from the first-person perspective which is common for the genre. I did like that the graphics were in a PlayStation 1 Style. 94% of 67 reviews are positive!
Irian: City of ruin (3D Action Roguelike)
With its neat art style for the main character I really wanted to show this game off! It’s a 3D Action title with roguelike elements. You can upgrade your character with different abilities as you play.
Landon’s Puzzle ParTAY (Arcade Puzzler)
This game is here because I think the trailer is fantastic! It’s in the style of some super exciting 1989 infomercial that throws tons of changing images and sounds at you as you watch. Shockingly enough, the game is actually a casual puzzle game where lots of different mini games to play.
The Last Shores (Exploration)
Those who enjoy relaxing slow-paced exploration titles might want to check out this game. In the trailer it speaks about doing things like picking up garbage for recycling, repairing objects, taking photos, and exploring the island. It seems to have a relaxed, calm atmosphere, and I really like music in the trailer as well!
Mariposa (2D Puzzle Platformer)
I really like the voice acting in this trailer! It’s a 2D Puzzle Platformer that has the story as a major part of its focus. Concerning gameplay, it involves the butterfly effect (Wikipedia). Whenever you interact with a certain character it changes the future. Finally, even though I wasn’t impressed by the graphics during gameplay, I liked the artwork during the story sequences!
Mary’s Quest (2D Platformer)
Although I can’t say for sure, this seems to be inspired by Celeste (Steam Page). You play as a girl who’s trying to reach the summit of a mountain and the game is a side-view platformer. It has neat lighting effects from the different lanterns that you come across on your trek. I like the style of the game and I think some will enjoy it!
Onto Maizilind Unto Infinity (Narrative Horror)
Wow, the trailer for this is wild! It’s a speculative narrative horror game that takes place in an alternate 1970’s Iran. I’m not sure about the gameplay, but the art style is crazy! As it says in the description this title explores a lot of difficult topics such as trauma, the nuclear apocalypse, and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
Samorost 3 (Point & Click Adventure)
Hurray! The third game in the Samorost series is free at the Epic Games Store this week!
Cheap Retro Gaming 
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