Just a Kid, a Ball, and the Whole World as a Playground

Kick is a side-scrolling physics game built around the pure, nostalgic joy of messing around with a soccer ball when you should probably be somewhere else. You’re racing the school bell, weaving through pedestrians, dodging obstacles, and pulling off tricks along the way — all while your canine companion tags along for the ride.

The ball physics are the heart of it. Kicking at the right angle, managing momentum, and landing tricks exactly how you planned is the core challenge. It’s accessible enough to pick up instantly, but there’s clearly a skill ceiling for players who want to master every level.

The route to school takes you through a genuinely varied slice of everyday life — bustling streets, scenic beaches, shaded underpasses, and sprawling parks. There are shortcuts to discover, trains to catch, and plenty of small moments that give the whole thing that warm, animated-Saturday-morning energy.

A Flexible Experience for Every Kind of Player

Kick has 23 levels, each with their own hazards and layout, and select levels include timers that push you to sharpen your skills and beat the clock. If you’d rather just vibe and explore, you can turn the timers off entirely for a more laid-back run. Either way, there are coins to collect, in-game challenges to complete, and a growing wardrobe of ball skins and displayable flags to unlock along the way.

From the People Behind It

Shoreline Games CEO Keith Kawamura said the simplicity of the concept is exactly what drew them to it, noting that the nostalgia of kicking a ball around is something most people can instantly connect with. Developer Peter Soerensen, who has been building Kick over the past few years, described it as a game where there’s no threat, no danger — just a boy, his ball, and whatever trick comes next.

That kind of intentional, low-stakes design is rarer than it should be, and it’s exactly what makes Kick stand out in a crowded indie space.

Wishlist It Now

Kick is heading to Steam, and you can add it to your wishlist now. No release date has been announced just yet, but based on what’s been shown, it’s already shaping up to be one of the cozier additions to the side-scroller genre this year.

Set in a brutal post-apocalyptic sci-fi world, Star Fire: Eternal Cycle throws you into the boots of a fierce striker tasked with surviving relentless waves of alien, zombie, humanoid, and cyborg threats. The game blends classic arcade vibes with modern roguelite mechanics, offering a thrilling ride through procedurally generated biomes and chaotic combat scenarios.

Highlights from the Demo:

• Two Weapons to Master: Burn enemies to a crisp with the Flamethrower or pummel them in close quarters with Lightning Fist. These are just two of the eight planned weapons coming to the full game.

• BugCore System: Equip powerful elemental abilities like Frost Aura to freeze enemies, Thunder Orbs for close-range shock damage, or Absolute Shield to tank hits. Experiment with builds and find your ideal combo.

• Biomes with Bite: Sprint and strike through biomes like the futuristic Vault Tec, desolate Desert of Death, and molten Lava Volcano—each bringing its own hazards and enemies.

• Gear Synergy: Collect and combine equipment sets to boost damage and unlock passive perks like Flame Ring for devastating area effects.

Jensen Hu, Creative Director at Ethereal Fish Studio, says the game is “a love letter to classic arcade side-scrollers,” and the team is eager to hear from players diving into the new demo.

Star Fire: Eternal Cycle supports English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and French at launch.

Get in on the action:

 Download the demo August 9 on Steam and wishlist now to stay updated on development!

]]> 35722 https://www.yogomi.com/2025/02/atari-flips-the-script-with-breakout-beyond/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:29:39 +0000 https://www.yogomi.com/?p=32122 Atari is shaking things up with Breakout Beyond, a bold new take on the legendary Breakout series. Developed by BIT.TRIP creators Choice Provisions, this neon-fueled reimagining swaps the traditional top-down approach for a fresh, side-scrolling perspective. Get ready to smash through walls, rack up massive combos, and team up with a friend when Breakout Beyond launches later this year on PC and consoles.

Breaking Bricks Like Never Before
This isn’t just another Breakout remake—it’s a full-on evolution of the arcade classic. Instead of clearing bricks from the top of the screen, players now progress sideways, blasting through barriers and chaining combos for explosive effects. Special power-ups add even more chaos, letting players unleash screen-shaking blasts, activate protective barriers, or fire a laser cannon to carve a path forward.

With 72 meticulously designed levels, Breakout Beyond cranks up the challenge while delivering stunning procedural audio and visual effects that intensify with each successful combo. And for those who want to push their skills even further, an unlockable Endless Mode with global leaderboards will keep the brick-smashing action going indefinitely.

Co-Op Mayhem and Focused Strategy
Players can take on the challenge solo or team up in local two-player co-op to double the destruction. But if the action gets too intense, a Focus Mode lets players slow down time, sacrificing high scores for precise control.

A Long Road to the Finish Line
Originally planned as an Amico Intellivision exclusive back in 2020, Breakout Beyond found a new home when Atari stepped in to acquire and complete the game. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this gem to our players,” said Ethan Stearns, Atari’s Senior Director of Games Publishing. “The team has done an incredible job preserving the heart of Breakout while giving the formula a completely new spin.”

Get Ready to Break Through
Breakout Beyond launches later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X|S, and Atari VCS.

]]> 32122 https://www.yogomi.com/2024/11/ratatan/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:23:19 +0000 https://www.yogomi.com/?p=31528 Ratatan is here to redefine rhythm-based gaming! Blending rhythmic beats with side-scrolling action, this “rhythm rogue-like action” game delivers a pulse-pounding experience for up to 4 players in online co-op. With over 100 unique characters and intense battles choreographed to dynamic background music (BGM), *RATATAN* promises a delightful adventure packed with thrilling battles and toe-tapping tunes.

What Makes Ratatan Unique?
In Ratatan, players take command of the Cobuns, mysterious creatures that fight alongside the Ratatan heroes. By issuing rhythmic commands through captivating music, you’ll guide these loyal companions to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The seamless blend of rhythm and action ensures every encounter feels fresh and exhilarating, whether you’re battling solo or jamming with friends.

Welcome to the World of Ratatan

Ratatan
The heroes of Rataport, these brave adventurers possess unique abilities to tackle daily challenges in their pursuit of a heavenly paradise. Each Ratatan hero brings their own flavor to the action, ensuring a versatile gameplay experience.

Cobuns
These small yet mighty creatures resemble Ratatan and serve as your reliable companions. With their fierce determination and tiny but powerful bodies, Cobuns play a crucial role in battles and exploration.

Rataport
The vibrant home base for Ratatan and their companions. This bustling island serves as the hub for planning adventures and regrouping between missions.

New Music to Set the Stage
Ratatan isn’t just a game—it’s a celebration of rhythm and storytelling. The official Ratatan YouTube channel regularly debuts new tracks that add depth and character to the game’s world. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the latest songs:

Unite! Sea Shanty of the Swashbuckling Mantaneers
Set sail in “The Parabbean Sea,” where the daring pirate crew, the Swashbuckling Mantaneers, reign supreme. Led by the bold Captain Barbatoid, this band of buccaneers is backed by the mighty pirate ship, “The Jolly Hermit,” which also serves as the guardian deity of their crew. Captain Barbatoid’s bravery is only matched by his heartwarming story as a surrogate parent to Hermit, a hermit crab ship orphaned at a young age. This shanty brings their camaraderie to life with vibrant rhythms and bold melodies.

Draw! The Wild Ballad of the Thorn and the Raging Bull
In the scorching wilderness, a fierce rivalry unfolds between the giant sand bull, Wagoon, and Saguaro Slim, a lone wolf covered in thorns. After countless skirmishes, the two outlaws form an unlikely friendship, bound by respect and survival. Their boss track reflects the grit and melancholy of these wild renegades, combining powerful beats and haunting harmonies.

Join the Adventure Today
Ready to tap into the rhythm and embark on a side-scrolling adventure like no other? Ratatan offers something for everyone, from thrilling co-op gameplay to immersive storytelling and unforgettable music. Stay tuned to the official Ratatan YouTube channel for the latest tracks and updates, and let the rhythm guide you on this unforgettable journey.

The Art of Control: Fluidity and Physics
Every jump, sprint, and fall feels just right. Your character has been carefully designed to offer full control and responsive physics, so each movement feels intuitive and satisfying. This is a game that lets you feel every leap and dive as you take on a world where every platforming decision is yours to make.

Platforming in its Purest Form
This isn’t a game of power-ups or skill trees; there’s no combat or enemy hordes to face. Instead, it’s a distilled platforming experience that focuses on one thing—exploring innovative movement mechanics to push your skills to new heights. The satisfaction here is in nailing those tough jumps and using your unique powers to navigate intricate environments.

A Story with Heart in a Rich Fantasy World
Brought to life through masterfully crafted pixel art, this world is full of cultural depth, relationships, and genuine human emotion. The narrative goes beyond the ordinary, aiming to deliver a story that resonates long after you’ve completed the pilgrimage. You’ll connect with characters, delve into rich lore, and uncover perspectives that make each interaction meaningful.

Tough, Yet Forgiving
The platforming here is no joke, but with frequent checkpoints, the game encourages trial and error. You’ll quickly learn from each attempt, honing your skills and feeling the thrill of progress as you conquer each challenge. It’s tough, but it’s designed to help you grow every step of the way.

New Platforming Mechanics, Every Chapter
Each level introduces fresh challenges and unique ways to harness your spirit’s power. From astral projection to inventive traversal techniques, every chapter keeps the platforming experience evolving, so there’s always something new to master.

Perfect for Platforming Purists and Speedrunners Alike
This game is designed to cater to both steady-paced players and dedicated speedrunners. While you don’t have to speedrun to enjoy it, fans of quick and efficient gameplay will find plenty of room for optimization in each level.

Are you ready to make the pilgrimage? Wishlist on Steam and join the conversation on Discord as you prepare to dive into this one-of-a-kind platforming adventure!

Coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S|One for $14.99, Monarchy combines base-building, exploration, and tactical combat in a vibrant 2D world. Wishlist it on Steam now and pledge your loyalty to the crown!

About Monarchy
Monarchy offers a unique 2D side-scrolling strategy experience where you’ll build a base, hunt for resources, and lead your army into battle. The game features a dynamic building system, automated military combat, and exciting cave exploration filled with treasures and surprises.

Key features include:

• Building System: Create your base with a dynamic system that allows for flexible building placement.
• Hunting: Use your archer to hunt wild animals and fend off threats in the forest.
• Military System: Train troops that follow and fight for you automatically.
• Cave Exploration: Explore caves to find treasures, enemies, and unexpected challenges.
• Unique Scenarios: Tackle different settings like Bandit Land, The Siege, and Winter Knight, each offering distinct challenges.
• Traps & Upgrades: Protect your base with traps and unlock unique upgrades through the monolith system.
• Cooperative Play: Team up with friends or family for a shared adventure.

About Brain Seal Entertainment
Brain Seal Ltd. is a London-based indie developer known for creating engaging, high-quality games. Monarchy is their latest project, continuing their tradition of delivering immersive and enjoyable gameplay experiences.

Don’t miss out on this exciting medieval adventure—mark your calendars for November 6th!

Exciting news from the Awesome Indies Showcase! Developer 2Awesome Studio and publisher CRITICAL REFLEX have announced that the highly anticipated cyberpunk metroidvania, Altered Alma, will kick off its Kickstarter campaign on September 3, 2024. To mark the occasion, the game’s first high-octane demo will also drop on Steam, giving players an adrenaline-fueled preview of what’s to come.

Step into the neon-soaked streets of Neo-Barcelona in this visually stunning cyberpunk adventure! In Altered Alma, you play as Jack, a young ex-mercenary on a mission to protect those he loves. As you navigate through this dystopian city, you’ll engage in fast-paced combat against ruthless gangsters, upgrade your abilities, and recruit a diverse crew to aid in your quest. Along the way, you’ll face tough moral choices that will shape Jack’s journey and the fate of those around him.

Key Features:

• A Space Opera Metroidvania: Explore the sprawling cityscape of Neo-Barcelona, unlocking powerful upgrades and discovering new routes. Adapt your playstyle as you battle gangs and criminal kingpins.
• Ship, Captain & Crew: Assemble a crew and customize your spaceship, the Esperanza. Your choices will directly influence Jack’s abilities and how you approach the game’s challenges.
• Forge Relationships: Build deep connections with a cast of colorful characters, from old friends to new allies. These relationships can lead to unexpected bonds, and maybe even love, in a harsh world.
• Intense Combat: Master a dynamic and stylish combat system, using mobility, skill, and powerful abilities to take down waves of relentless enemies.
• Barcelona Re-Imagined: Explore Neo-Barcelona, a futuristic take on the real city, featuring iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell—though not quite as you remember them.
• All-Star Writing: Dive into a gripping story crafted by industry veterans Antony Johnston (Resident Evil: Village, Dead Space) and Emma Beeby (Tails of Iron, F1 23).

Altered Alma is now available to wishlist on Steam and pre-register on Kickstarter. Don’t miss out on the latest updates—visit www.AlteredAlma.com and follow the game on Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.

In collaboration with Natsume Atari and ININ, and developed by the iconic Japan-based Tengo Project (creators of Pocky and Rocky, Wild Guns, and more), this release is set to impress, especially since many developers from the original game over 30 years ago are involved.

Don’t wait! Pre-orders for Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn are now open for Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Plus, ININ has announced that the playable demo is available for Xbox today and will soon be available for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Dive into the futuristic, adrenaline-pumping world of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn!

Be among the first to play the initial level of Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn in single-player or with a friend! Download the demo and secure your copy by pre-ordering directly from the Xbox and Nintendo eShops.

In the meantime, check out these awesome features:

• An Arsenal of Deadly Weapons: Caltrops, shuriken, and more! Hayate and Kaede will have an expanded variety of weaponry.
• Jungle of Concrete and Steel: Five recreated stages featuring devious traps and challenging platform puzzles, plus an entirely new sixth stage.
• Two Ninjas are Better Than One: Enjoy the critically acclaimed couch co-op with a friend.
• A Fresh New Look: Beautiful modern sprite art faithfully updates the 8-bit original.
• Bringing It Back to the 90s Key visuals and characters illustrated by Dynamic Productions, the same illustrators of the original 90s title.
• A Star-Studded, Rockin’ Soundtrack: Legendary musicians Hiroyuki Iwatsuki and Iku Mizutani provide electrifying guitar riffs and retro melodies.

The game will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and Steam on August 29, 2024, priced at €19.99. For music enthusiasts, a Digital Deluxe Edition with an electrifying soundtrack by Iku Mizutani and Hiroyuki Iwatsuki will also be available for €24.99 on PS4/PS5, NSW, and Steam.

About ININ
ININ, a subsidiary of United Games Entertainment GmbH, specializes in high-quality retro, arcade, and indie games. They bring classic titles back to life and create future gaming gems, with popular titles like “Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World,” “Cotton Reboot,” and “CrossCode.” ININ is the Western publishing partner for iconic TAITO series like “Bubble Bobble” and “Space Invaders.” ININ also offers limited and collector’s editions through their partner label, Strictly Limited Games. Visit [iningames.com](http://iningames.com) for more information.

About Natsume Atari
Natsume Atari Inc. has been developing software for game consoles for over 30 years, providing high-quality games for both home and handheld consoles. Their skilled development staff ensures a great game feel, catering to various needs including smartphone applications and mobile content. They operate studios in Osaka and Nagoya.

About Dynamic Production
Established in 1969, Dynamic Productions manages manga artists and authors like Go Nagai. They produce new manga, plan events, and manage copyrights.

About Mikio Tachibana
Born May 11, 1976, in Saitama Prefecture, Mikio Tachibana, after working as an assistant to Go Nagai, debuted in 2004 and has published various works, including Mazinger Otome and Mazinger Otome Taisen. He continues to create short manga and illustrated works across all genres.

Gameplay Overview:
As the formidable warrior Volgarr, your every action must be precise in battle. One false move can send you straight to Valhalla. Jump, duck, slide, and dodge to avoid deadly enemies while navigating through hazardous environments.

While retaining the unforgiving difficulty of the original, Volgarr the Viking II introduces some modern features to aid even the most seasoned warriors. Practice mode, checkpoints, save profiles, and unlimited continues are available—but using these comforts comes at a cost. Only those who persevere without them will unlock the full potential of the game.

Key Features:

• New Power-Ups and Magic Items: Equip yourself with powerful enhancements to stave off death.
• Ruthless Bosses: Face a roster of massive, grotesque bosses, perfect for decapitating.
• Epic Orchestral Soundtrack: Let the music propel you through intense battles.
• Speedrunning Tools: Utilize an on-screen timer and no-HUD mode for optimal speedruns.
• Multiple Endings: Six distinct endings based on player performance, with the most skilled unlocking a hidden level and a secret final boss.
• Modern Upgrades: Enjoy practice mode, multiple profile saves, and unlimited continues.
• Grisly Combat: Expect buckets of blood, bone explosions, and iconic loincloths.

Embark on a Punishing Quest:
Volgarr the Viking II promises a satisfyingly punishing quest, continuing the legacy of the original game. With its challenging gameplay, new features, and epic battles, this sequel is set to thrill both new players and long-time fans of the franchise.

Release Information:
Volgarr the Viking II launches on **August 6, 2024**. Get ready to jump back into the action and prove your warrior skills once more.

Prepare for an adventure over a decade in the making. Will you conquer the challenges ahead, or will you fall to the perils of the Norse-inspired world? The choice is yours in Volgarr the Viking II.