David Bridges
D-topia: Unraveling a Futuristic Adventure
Developer: Marumittu Games
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Platforms: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck Verified), Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $20, with a 10 percent launch discount
D-topia immerses players in a sci-fi adventure within The Utopia Project, where artificial intelligence claims to have achieved an ideal civilization (though I remain skeptical). As a maintenance worker, your role involves assisting residents with their challenges and troubleshooting mechanical issues by engaging in various puzzles. The game features a branching narrative that evolves based on your choices, alongside opportunities to rescue companions.
Having experienced a demo of D-topia last year, I found it quite engaging. Its polished, sterile aesthetic evokes memories of Mirror’s Edge, complemented by a subtly sharp narrative tone. I look forward to exploring the full version, even if the logic puzzles may leave me pondering.
Moss: The Forgotten Relic – A Timeless Tale
Developers: Polyarc, Blackbird Interactive
Publisher: Polyarc
Platforms: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck Verified), Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $20, with a 10 percent discount on Steam until July 30
Moss and its sequel rank among the most celebrated virtual reality games, and now players without a VR headset can join the adventure. Moss: The Forgotten Relic merges both titles and the Twilight Garden expansion into a seamless 2D experience for PC and consoles.
The narrative follows a courageous mouse named Quill, who embarks on a mission to save her world from dark magical forces. The gameplay features platforming, environmental puzzles, and combat, with a newly added accessibility option that allows players to bypass combat if desired. This version showcases fresh cutscenes, an improved camera system, and enhanced visuals.
While I have yet to dive into the world of Moss, the two games have long been on my must-play list, especially since I own a PlayStation VR2 headset. I find that this 2D adaptation may suit my gaming preferences better.
Orpheus: To Hell and Back – A Musical Odyssey
Developers: StudioLoading, Kibou Entertainment, Alunite
Publisher: Alunite
Platform: Steam (also available on a physical Game Boy cartridge)
Price: $3
It’s rare to see games released as physical Game Boy cartridges nowadays, though some Kickstarter projects still bring them to life (like this one). If you lack an Analogue Pocket or a compatible device for the cartridge, you can still enjoy Orpheus: To Hell and Back, which just launched on Steam.
In this adventure, you embody Orpheus, navigating the depths of hell in a quest to “rescue his beloved Eurydice.” Armed with a magical lyre, you can manipulate enemy movements, luring them into traps or putting them to sleep.
The charm of this game is undeniable! I love when music becomes a weapon within a game. It wouldn’t surprise me if the developers drew inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Teeto: A Whimsical 3D Platformer
Developer: Eat Pant Games
Publishers: Super Rare Originals, CouchPlay Interactive
Platforms: Steam (Windows; Steam Deck Verified), PS5, Switch, Switch 2
Price: $18, with a 20 percent launch discount
I have openly expressed my admiration for clever video game titles, and Teeto certainly fits the bill. It’s a delightful name to say. Give it a try: “Teeto!” It flows beautifully. The developer, Eat Pant Games, has a catchy name as well.
Teeto is a 3D platformer designed for solo play or cooperative play with a friend. A unique mechanic allows players to absorb the characteristics of various objects, enabling you to swing across gaps like a vine, unleash flamethrower abilities, or even transform into a chair.
Customization options abound for the titular blob and Nory the bunny, including a lucha libre outfit that excites me more than anything else I’ve seen so far. Players will also embark on a mission to rescue adorable creatures known as Michaels, which I find utterly charming.
According to a press release, two developers from this family-run studio got engaged in-game. Their daughter lends her voice to several characters in Teeto. My heart swells at this touching detail.
Grapple Bear: A Precision Platforming Challenge
Developers: HaviEgyJatek, ProkischDaniel
Publisher: HaviEgyJatek
Platform: Steam (Windows)
Price: $5, with a 10 percent discount until July 24
I thoroughly enjoyed Grapple Dog, which piqued my interest in an entirely new game called Grapple Bear. In this game, you take on the role of a mama bear searching for her cub. Movement is solely reliant on a grapple hook that attaches to specific points in the environment. Some of these points are mobile, requiring you to rapidly shift momentum to navigate successfully.
Levels are designed to be short, with many taking mere seconds to complete. once you touch the level’s flag (the goal), you must remain alive until it reaches the bottom of the flagpole.
This game is marketed as a competitive precision platformer, featuring online leaderboards for each level. With over 40 handcrafted levels, a new procedurally generated level is introduced each week, complete with its own leaderboard. The developers created all visuals by hand before scanning and digitally coloring them, giving Grapple Bear a distinctive appearance.
So far, my experience with Grapple Bear has been delightful. I have a soft spot for grappling hooks and games that emphasize momentum-based movement. Once I finish the game, I can see myself returning to compete for better completion times.
Daniel Mercer
