With the Valentine’s behind us, it’s a good chance to sink back into some comfortable games and find a new rhythm. The month of February is over halfway done now, but we’ve still got two excellent weeks ahead of us, with both of them bringing some truly standout games in a massive variety of genres, visual styles and mechanics.
Sure, maybe you feel like you don’t need new games, we’ve all got backlogs to try and get through, after all. Who’s got time for looking back, though? Not us, that’s for sure. We much prefer to look ahead, and never acknowledge the growing number of games sat digitally in our PCs and consoles, just waiting for a chance to prove themselves. Instead, let’s have a look at a few of the wonderful games coming out this week.
This week we’ve chosen violence. If you’re here for a bit of good old-fashioned sword fighting, then our first pick is the one for you. If you’d rather take your time with things and enjoy some turn-based chaos in a very colourful world, then we’ve got you covered with number two. Finally, if what you want is to relive the glory days of Mega Man, but in a way that allows for co-op play and an awful lot of replayability, then you’ll want number three. Let’s dive in.
Hellish Quart
Developer Kubold describes Hellish Quart as “a fighting game about sword duelling, in which the blades really clash using physics, and the characters use motion-captured fencing techniques”. It sounds like the kind of thing that’ll be an absolute blast to play with a group of friends around you, “winner stays on” style. You know, the way we all used to enjoy fighting games before the invention of the internet and fancy multiplayer modes like Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate’s eSports mode.
Of course, despite using motion capture which will make the fights themselves look awesome, the best thing about it is likely going to be the ragdolling when you get beaten. There’s simply nothing better than being in the middle of a serious and incredibly intense fight, than finally ending it only to have your opponent flop around like a fish. It’s important to enjoy the simple things in life, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
‘Hellish Quart’ is in Early Access now for PC.
Bravery Network Online
From one version of surreal to another, Bravery Network Online is a turn-based RPG that looks like it should be a brutal combo-based fighting game. It’s tagline is “make friends, challenge strangers, & fight strategic turn-based battles in a post-post-apocalyptic world”, so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Take control of a team of fighters, master their skills and beat anyone who gets in your way. In between battles however, the game gives you the chance to chat with the fighters, which makes for some very interesting and entertaining banter. To wrap things up, Bravery Network Online offers a visual style unlike any other. It’s a strange cross between Adventure Time and anime, and we absolutely can’t get enough of it.
‘Bravery Network Online’ is in Early Access now for PC and Mac.
30XX
“We’re living in the future now / getting by a little better than we used to now”, sings Mega Ran – teacher turned nerdcore rapper – on his track ‘Mighty’. Early access title 30XX is a game based Mega Man, the inspiration for the rapper’s stage name. The roguelike game features a medley of styles and will take you through seemingly impossible platforming, 2D battles, and robotic rivals as you gain more and more power.
You’ll have to get incredibly good at all of those aspects if you’re going to win out here, and while it might seem impossible at first, you’ll get better, don’t worry. Plus, you can always get a friend to help you fight your way through the levels thanks to the co-op function. This game is actually a follow-up to 2014’s 20XX, and if it’s anywhere near as good, then this will be a must-buy for anybody who loves roguelikes and action RPGs.
‘30XX’ is in Early Access now for PC.