New Blip: Mechblaze

Mechblaze (a.k.a. MECHBLAZE) is the latest mech combat game from Astro Port and a continuation of the shared "Astro Saga" universe, which includes Gigantic Army, Steel Strider, and several other games. Argo Express, an undercover military organization that uses a delivery service as its front, is once again called upon to make a special delivery... of steel! (Cue wailing electric guitars!) It's the year 1989, and humankind is taking a well deserved break after the defeat of the extraterrestrial Gogoh Army, but peace doesn't last long. A secret society executes a worldwide attack, and you take on the role of a Manned Combat Robot pilot as you blast the hell out of other mechs, war machines, and massive bosses. The game features six action-packed stages, 13 different weapons, and a range of difficulty levels to suit newcomers and mech combat veterans alike.

The game is coming soon to PC.

To find more promising 2D games currently under development, be sure to check out our 2D Watchlist.

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New Blip: Mighty Goose

Blastmode promises some honking good times with Mighty Goose, a run-and-gun shooter inspired by arcade hits like Contra and Metal Slug, but starring a planet-hopping bounty-hunting goose. Like the games that inspired it, Mighty Goose delivers fast action, screens full of bullets, plenty of enemies to destroy, and lots of fat explosions. You face off against odd creatures, armored foes, bulky war machines, and screen-filling bosses that come at you from all directions while you blast them with your rapid-fire armcannon, use secondary weapons like shotguns and arcing electricity orbs, gear up in a heavy mech suit of your own, or turn the enemy's combat vehicles against them.

The game is coming to PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One next year.

To find more promising 2D games currently under development, be sure to check out our 2D Watchlist.

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Early Arrival: Haak

Haak, from Blingame, is a dark post-apocalyptic metroidvania. The game features a focus on fast combat and acrobatic movement as the cape-wearing protagonist performs jumps, air dashes, and ground slides to navigate the environment and fight enemies. His unique weapon is an electric hook that he can use to attack enemies, deflect projectiles, activate switches, and grab onto floating grapple points to fling himself into the air. Enemies come in mostly robotic forms, and there are dangers in the environment as well, including crumbling platforms, electrical beams, and crushers. Along the way, he interacts with NPC's to learn more about the world and take on various side quests.

The game is now available for PC via Steam Early Access.

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New Blip: Itorah

Itorah, from Grimbart Tales, is an action-adventure with a terrifying premise: You are the last remaining human in a world populated by masked creatures. You take on the role of the eponymous Itorah who explores the cursed world of Nahucan, which has been overcome by evil and is threatened by a great plague. Itorah traverses some traditional genre locales as she ventures through lush forests, darkened spider lairs, and ancient temples, battling beasts and bosses with what appears to be a large handmade axe, which she can use to string together combos or toss Thor-style to hit enemies at a distance. Itorah gains new abilities that aid in environmental traversal and help her to uncover the mysteries around what has happened to the human species.

The game is headed to PC next year. A demo is available on Steam.

To find more promising 2D games currently under development, be sure to check out our 2D Watchlist.

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Target Acquired: Spelunky 2

Mossmouth returns with a follow-up to one of the most beloved indie games of all time. Spelunky 2 follows up on the finely-distilled roguelike platforming of Spelunky, but adds a slew of new elements to entice players to delve into the depths once again. The new game adds some sweet fluid dynamics that are as pretty as they are dangerous, especially when a waterfall pushes you down a passage at high speeds, or when a pool of lava gives way and sends molten death flooding down at you. The game also features online 4P co-op... which could end some friendships depending on your companions' skill levels, because things can get hairy in a hurry when the griefing kicks in. You can play as Ana Spelunky (daughter of the original game's protagonist), who has a gun that lets her clone kitties (!?); Roffy D Sloth, who can fire arrows and use them as platforms; Margaret Tunnel, who is a demolitions expert; or Colin Northward, who can teleport. The world has grown more complex as well, with layered levels that let you flip between two sides by passing through doorways... and now you can ride animals, which can be sacrificed Yoshi-style to give you a bit of last-minute lift when jumping over deadly obstacles.

The game is now available for PS4 via PSN, and it's coming to PC on September 29

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New Blip: The Last Faith

The Last Faith, from Kumi Souls Games, is a metroidvania set in a dark world filled with gnarled trees, gothic architecture, and no shortage of foul beasts. You take on the role of Eric as he travels through the once great capital, which is now ravaged by disease and corruption. Fortunately, the cure for most of this is a swift sword to the face. Eric wields swords, pikes, hatchets, handguns, and whatever else he can get his hands on to bash the creatures of the night into oblivion. In addition, he is able to cast devastating spells and use elemental buffs for his weapons, allowing him to freeze, electrify, or stun enemies during combat. Per metroidvania standards, Eric gains new abilities that expand his ability to explore, and he can make use of demonic wings for added jump height, and a retractable grapple for pulling himself up onto ledges or swinging across gaps.

The game is planned for release on PC, Mac, Linux, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One next year.

To find more promising 2D games currently under development, be sure to check out our 2D Watchlist.

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Target Acquired: Spinch

Some games are colorful, and then some games are colorolorolorful... like dropping acid and watching Scooby Doo while mixing Fruity Pebbles with Smurfberry Crunch and listening to no-holds-barred clown wrestling. And that is Spinch, a psychedelic precision platformer from Queen Bee Games, the studio behind Onion Force. You take on the role of the eponymous Spinch who is on a mission to rescue his missing offspring, often while being chased by Spinch-eating monsters. Fortunately, Spinch is quite agile and can jump, wall jump, and dash his way through the environment, and he'll want to search out as many of his children as he can, because Spinch fights bosses using his children as ammunition, which are the kinds of antics not seen since Offspring Fling. The game features art and animations by cartoonist Jesse Jacobs, and a retro electronic soundtrack by James Kirkpatrick.

The game is now available for PC and Mac via Steam and GOG, and Switch via eShop. Check our coverage here.

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Target Acquired: Evergate

Evergate, from Stone Lantern Games, is a puzzle-platformer that takes place in the afterlife, where souls travel from one realm to the next. You take on the role of Ki, a childlike soul who explores the dreamlike memories of her past, which are revealed by overcoming environmental challenges. Ki navigates these environments by using the Soulflame, which allows her to line up targets and perform several context-sensitive maneuvers that vary based on the type of crystal that is activated. These moves include bouncing herself in the opposite direction of the crystal, creating platforms that hover in the air, or boosting along like a guided missile. Some crystals even fire off projectiles when activated, allowing Ki to deal damage to bosses. Many puzzles offer multiple solutions, encouraging players to employ different tactics, and enticing speedrunners to seek out advanced time-shaving strategies.

THe game is now available for PC via Steam and Switch via eShop.

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