Across 40 puzzle levels inspired by real-world locations, players will piece together landscapes and cities while discovering famous landmarks along the way. From New York City rooftops and the River Thames to the Great Wall of China and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, each level offers a new destination to reconstruct.

As players progress, they’ll unlock hundreds of iconic landmarks that can be added to their collection. Each landmark includes real-world photography and facts, giving players an opportunity to learn more about the destinations they’re rebuilding while progressing through the game’s puzzles.

The landmarks collected throughout the journey can also be taken into Hexplorando’s Sandbox mode. Here, players can freely arrange their discoveries and experiment with their own creations without the restrictions of the main puzzle levels.

Whether you’re carefully planning every tile placement or simply enjoying the satisfaction of watching a famous location gradually come together, Hexplorando is designed as an approachable puzzle experience focused on exploration, creativity, and relaxation.

The first-ever demo for Hexplorando will be playable at Maximum Entertainment’s Indie Arena booth at Gamescom 2026 in Hall 10, Booth 10.

Hexplorando is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch in 2027. The game is available to wishlist now on Steam.

Players take control of Dodo, a lovable duck determined to rescue his chicken family after they are whisked away by a mysterious alien beam. Armed with nothing but determination and the magical cap belonging to Capie the Capybara, Dodo embarks on a journey through strange worlds where reality itself can be bent.

One of the game’s standout mechanics allows players to instantly switch between side-scrolling 2D gameplay and a fully explorable 3D perspective. Flipping between viewpoints reveals hidden pathways, secret platforms, collectibles, and puzzle solutions that would otherwise remain out of sight, adding a unique twist to traditional platforming.

Dodo’s adventure also features a wide range of movement abilities beyond simply waddling. Players can glide across dangerous gaps, swim through water, float over hazards, and creatively navigate environmental puzzles while exploring a collection of quirky alien planets. Along the way, players can gather stardust to purchase new hats from Capie, uncover hidden areas, and capture plenty of charming photo opportunities.

Adding to the game’s playful personality is a dedicated quack button, allowing players to let out a cheerful quack whenever the mood strikes—whether it’s to startle nearby aliens or simply enjoy a lighthearted moment during the adventure.

Inspired by themes from The Ugly Duckling, Dodo Duckie blends humor, exploration, and heartfelt storytelling into a family-friendly experience filled with colorful environments and memorable characters.

Dodo Duckie is available now on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X|S. To celebrate launch, the PC version is available at a 20% discount for a limited time, with PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 releases scheduled for later in 2026.

Designed for players of all ages, Instant Sports 2 features a collection of 10 sports-inspired mini-games that emphasize quick, accessible gameplay while offering enough challenge for those looking to improve their skills. Players can compete in activities including baseball, base jumping, mini-golf, mountain biking, tennis, boxing, rafting, padel, and more.

The game supports both solo play and local multiplayer for up to four players on a single screen. As players compete, they earn tickets based on their performance and rankings, which can be spent in the in-game shop to unlock new outfits, equipment, and visual effects for their customizable character.

Between events, players can explore a colorful sports park that serves as the game’s central hub. The park is divided into themed areas, with each zone providing access to different sporting activities and challenges.

While the digital version is available now on both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, fans who prefer physical copies won’t have to wait long. Retail editions are scheduled to launch on September 15 across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, followed by a North American release on September 30.

With its family-friendly multiplayer, colorful presentation, and wide variety of sporting events, Instant Sports 2 aims to deliver another accessible party sports experience for players looking to jump into quick matches with friends and family.

Drawing inspiration from acclaimed titles such as Metroid Prime, Pseudoregalia, and Hollow Knight, Maseylia: Echoes of the Past places a strong emphasis on exploration, mobility, and non-linear progression. Players will traverse a sprawling interconnected sci-fi world where newly acquired abilities continually reshape how environments can be explored, opening hidden pathways, shortcuts, and secret locations.

The adventure unfolds across six distinct biomes, each featuring unique enemies, environmental themes, and boss encounters. As players push deeper into the abandoned world, they will uncover the aftermath of a catastrophic alien invasion while discovering upgrades, optional areas, and sequence-breaking opportunities that reward curiosity and experimentation.

According to the developers, the main story is expected to take between 10 and 15 hours to complete, though completionists can look forward to substantially more content as they uncover every secret hidden throughout the world. The game will also support 12 languages at launch.

To celebrate the console announcement, Nejcraft has also revealed physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. While the complete contents of these boxed editions have yet to be detailed, preorders are already available for fans eager to secure a physical copy ahead of release. The publisher plans to share additional information about the included extras in the coming weeks.

Players can expect a large interconnected world designed around exploration and discovery. Throughout the adventure, new traversal abilities will gradually unlock, allowing access to previously unreachable locations while revealing additional secrets hidden throughout the environment. The game’s six biomes each offer their own distinct atmosphere, enemy types, and major boss encounters, helping create a varied journey from beginning to end. Beyond the main path, explorers will find hidden upgrades, optional content, and opportunities for sequence breaking, encouraging multiple approaches to progression.

Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is currently scheduled for release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch following its PC debut. Physical editions have been confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The digital version is expected to retail for approximately €17, while the physical edition is planned to launch at €35, with additional details regarding its contents to be announced at a later date.

With its emphasis on fluid movement, rewarding exploration, and non-linear progression, Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is shaping up to be one of the more promising indie Metroidvania releases on the horizon, offering fans of the genre a new sci-fi world packed with secrets to uncover.

Set in a world consumed by darkness, Everwarder casts players as a magical guardian wielding brilliant neon light to hold back the void. At the center of every run is a crystal containing a trapped spirit — the heart of your defenses. If it falls, the run is over. Waves of enemies emerge relentlessly from the darkness, and it’s up to you to protect the crystal at all costs.

Rather than locking players into static tower placement, Everwarder encourages active play and constant movement. You’re free to roam the map, confront enemies directly, and adapt on the fly. Defenders are spawned using energy gathered from fallen foes, and expanding the crystal network pushes back the darkness, revealing new areas and hidden secrets beneath the blackened terrain.

The core challenge isn’t about building the perfect defensive layout — it’s about controlling the pace of the battle. Destroy the darkness too quickly and enemies will spawn faster, risking total overwhelm. Move too slowly and exploration grinds to a halt. Striking the right balance is key, and it’s what makes every run feel tense and unpredictable.

Adding to that variety is a steady stream of randomized abilities, artifacts, and upgrades, pushing players to experiment with new strategies each time they dive in. No two runs play out the same, and adaptability is just as important as planning.

Even failure has its rewards. Everwarder features a persistent progression system, allowing players to invest resources earned during runs into permanent upgrades. Unlock new artifacts, strengthen units, and expand your options to make future attempts more resilient against the ever-encroaching darkness.

Everwarder is available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop. If you’re looking for a fresh take on tower defense that rewards experimentation, smart pacing, and roguelite progression, this neon-lit battle against the dark is well worth checking out.

The game already holds a Very Positive rating on Steam, and Switch players now get the full experience optimized for handheld and docked play. That means strategic class building, ability-driven combat, and plenty of tough choices that shape both your party and the larger narrative.

A New Generation of Heroes

Players step into the role of the Eternal Delegation, led by siblings Gwyn and Riordian, as the looming Holy Asverellian Empire threatens to plunge the realm into war. Across a sprawling campaign, you’ll guide 20 unique characters through 45 branching classes, tailoring each fighter to your preferred tactics. From classic knight builds to cosmic mages and even crocodile-summoning wardens, Dark Deity 2 thrives on letting players craft wildly different strategies.

Evolved Systems, Fresh Strategy

The sequel introduces a reimagined ability system that changes the flow of combat. Class passives, special abilities, and customization tools like runes and rings allow for creative team compositions that evolve as the story progresses. Combined with a fully voiced narrative—featuring talent like Allegra Clark (Apex Legends, Jujutsu Kaisen) as Queen Rashida—the game blends mechanical depth with cinematic storytelling.

Why You Should Play

With 30 chapters of tactical battles, flexible progression, and a mix of old-school inspiration (think Fire Emblem) with modern design, Dark Deity 2 is a treat for strategy fans. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the series or completely new to Verroa, the Switch release makes it easier than ever to jump in and start forging your legacy.

Dark Deity 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch and Steam.

A Morbid Fairy-Tale World to Explore

The queendom is a strange and unsettling place—full of medieval-style illustrations come to life, twisting forests, abandoned castles, and eerie underground passages. As Glimmer, you’ll fight grotesque beasts, uncover ancient riddles, and collect powerful trinkets to unlock new abilities, gradually opening the world in true metroidvania fashion.

Allies in the Shadows

Not every denizen of the Queen’s realm is an enemy. You might share a campfire with Ilda, a tiny mouse on the run from royal forces, or scour an abandoned castle alongside Looter, a mysterious scavenger with a knack for finding valuable wares. Each encounter deepens the story, adding threads of friendship, survival, and rebellion to Glimmer’s quest.

Key Features:

• A Hand-Drawn Dark Fantasy – Beautifully illustrated in a medieval fairy-tale style.

• Challenging Metroidvania Combat – Wield your matchstick in intense battles against twisted creatures and royal monstrosities.

• Exploration & Secrets – Unlock abilities to reach hidden areas and uncover the queendom’s mysteries.

• Unique Characters – Befriend strange allies, each with their own motives and stories.

• A Dark Take on the Fairy-Tale Formula – Not every fable ends happily…

With its blend of macabre charm, atmospheric exploration, and fast-paced combat, WELL DWELLER promises to be a memorable addition to the metroidvania genre—where even the smallest hero can rise to face a towering evil.

Coming 2026 to Nintendo Switch & PC! Wishlist WELL DWELLER now on Steam and prepare to venture into the depths.

Lights, Camera… Investigation?

Dotson didn’t grow up dreaming of solving crimes—he wanted the glitz, the glamour, the spotlight. But when tragedy strikes and his detective father meets a suspicious end, our fame-hungry hero trades the movie set for the streets, swapping his dreams of stardom for a life of clue-hunting and chaos.

Now, with a magnifying glass in one hand and a dramatic pose in the other, Dotson dives into the shady underbelly of his quirky hometown—and yes, there are Bollywood dance numbers, frantic bazaar chases, and at least one pink-painted dog involved.

A Salwar Kameez Sherlock With Style

Spread across four hilariously unpredictable cases, Detective Dotson tasks players with piecing together the truth behind Dotson’s father’s mysterious death. Along the way, you’ll:

• Interview nosy neighbors and colorful townsfolk

• Search exotic environments for juicy clues

• Piece together evidence on a glitter-covered deduction board that looks like it was crafted at a school science fair

It’s part detective drama, part slice-of-life comedy, and 100% heartfelt Desi chaos.

Visually, the game pops with personality—classic 2D pixel art characters interact in lush 3D-rendered environments modeled after real Indian towns. Expect rooftop cricket, bustling street markets, the vivid colors of Holi, and plenty of details pulled straight from daily life in India. All of it is backed by a catchy, foot-tapping soundtrack steeped in local flavor.

A Love Letter to Modern India

In a heartfelt note from the developers, Masala Games highlights the game’s mission to represent the real India—a country bursting with life, culture, and complexity, yet often sidelined or stereotyped in games and media.

“Eighteen percent of the world lives in India—our home. But we’re practically invisible in games. Detective Dotson is our way of changing that. It’s a love letter to India, and we want to invite you in.”

And that’s exactly what it feels like: an invitation. One wrapped in color, comedy, and culture—delivered with a wink and a musical number.

Keep Your Eyes on the Case

Detective Dotson launches on Nintendo Switch later this year. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a twist of Bollywood melodrama and a whole lot of heart, this is one title you won’t want to miss.

Steam Sale Highlights (Up to 85% Off):

Elite Warriors: Vietnam – 85% Off

Go deep into classified territory in this tactical Black Ops FPS set during the Vietnam War. Expect realism, tension, and plenty of firepower.

Deadly Dozen / Reloaded / Pacific Theater – Up to 55% Off

Take command of a ragtag WWII squad and sneak, shoot, and sabotage behind enemy lines. Grab them individually or bundle up with the “This is War” collection.

Daemonsgate – 75% Off

A lost gem of 90s RPG design. With over 150 hours of gameplay, this one’s for fans of deep, sprawling fantasy adventures.

Blood of the Werewolf – 55% Off

A classic monster tale with a twist—play as a mother, a warrior, and a werewolf in this brutal platformer.

World Championship Boxing Manager™ 2 – 55% Off

Manage a roster of fighters, climb the ranks, and jab your way to the top in this retro-inspired boxing sim.

MicroProse Soccer – 45% Off

Fast, fun, and firmly retro. Whether you’re chasing World Cup glory or just kicking around, this arcade-style soccer title keeps things moving.

View the full Ziggurat Interactive Steam catalog here.

Nintendo Switch Sale (NA) Highlights – Up to 80% Off on 15 Titles:

ExZeus: The Complete Collection – 40% Off

Mech-fueled rail-shooter chaos across two cult-favorite arcade titles. Defend Earth, upgrade your bot, and destroy alien bosses.

BloodRayne 1 and 2: ReVamped – 30% Off

Gore, guns, and gothic horror. Step back into the high-octane vampire action series, revamped for modern platforms.

Slave Zero X – 20% Off

Fuse with biomechanical power and hack through a dystopian future in this brutally stylish side-scrolling brawler.

Enclave HD – 20% Off

This enhanced version of the cult classic action-RPG lets you fight for Light or Dark in a world divided—and it’s optimized for Switch 2 compatibility.

Whether you’re into sci-fi shootouts, supernatural platformers, or strategy-heavy squad shooters, Ziggurat’s summer sale is stacked with retro goodness and modern reimaginings. But act fast—these deals disappear after July 9 (Switch) and July 10 (Steam).

After racking up over 350 million downloads worldwide, *Crossy Road Castle* brings its charming chaos to new platforms. Assemble your crew and dive into vibrant castles packed with towering challenges, tricky obstacles, and a whimsical cast of characters. Whether you’re tackling the towers solo or teaming up with up to three friends, *Crossy Road Castle* offers endless replayability with local and online multiplayer, including cross-platform play.

With ten towers filled with dynamic, procedurally-generated levels, you’ll never face the same run twice. The game is designed to cater to all skill levels, making it the perfect pick-up-and-play experience for players of all ages. Plus, with new content and limited-time events dropping regularly, there’s always something fresh to discover.

Mark Your Calendars: September 11, 2024!
Join the *Crossy Road* classics like Chicken and the rest of the crew as they celebrate ten years of hopping madness by expanding onto new consoles. Choose from a vibrant roster of characters, each with their unique flair, and conquer the ever-growing list of challenges across the game’s colorful towers. Leap across chasms, dodge deadly traps, and blast out of cannons as you climb your way to the top.

Unlock over 150 collectible characters, deck them out with stylish hats, and show off your skills as you race to the next challenge. The game’s homage to the golden age of arcades is beautifully reimagined in a vivid voxel aesthetic that will delight both new players and longtime fans. With support for English, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, and Turkish, *Crossy Road Castle* is truly a global experience.

We love making fun games for everyone to enjoy, no matter their background or experience level… Said Clara Reeves, CEO of Hipster Whale. “We’re excited to see how console players take on the challenge and can’t wait to watch them conquer the castle.”

Where to Get It
Crossy Road Castle launches on September 11, 2024, for $19.99 USD across all supported consoles. Stay tuned for updates by visiting the official website and following the game’s official channels on X/Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Discord.

About Hipster Whale
Melbourne-based Hipster Whale is an award-winning studio that shot to fame with their viral hit *Crossy Road*. Since then, they’ve partnered with giants like Bandai Namco and Disney to create top-charting titles like PAC-MAN 256 and Disney Crossy Road. The studio continues to produce bright, funny games with broad appeal, including Piffle, Crossy Road Castle, and Crossy Road+.

Get ready to hop, skip, and jump your way to victory in Crossy Road Castle—a delightful platformer experience that promises hours of fun for everyone!