On a mean day a couple of dozen new video games are launched on Steam. And whereas we expect that is factor, it may be understandably exhausting to maintain up with. Probably thrilling gems are certain to be misplaced within the deluge of latest issues to play except you type by way of each single sport that’s launched on Steam. In order that’s precisely what we’ve finished. If nothing catches your fancy this week, we have gathered the greatest PC video games you may play proper now and a operating checklist of the 2024 video games which are launching this yr.
Shanghai Summer time
Steam web page
Launch: February 8
Developer: FUTU Studio
Here is a moody and meditative visible novel set in Shanghai at first of the twenty first century. Protagonist Baichuan receives a word from long-estranged ex-girlfriend Qiuyu, which prompts a melancholy reassessment of not solely Baichuan’s life, however the lives of his closest pals. Poised between aching nostalgia and the seek for optimism, Shanghai Dreaming is elevated by its gorgeously detailed anime artwork type, and can in all probability attraction to followers of Life is Unusual.
Pixel Noir
Steam web page
Launch: February 8
Developer: SWDTech Video games
Because the identify implies, Pixel Noir is against the law noir journey with pixel artwork graphics. Set in seedy Pinnacle Metropolis and explored from an isometric perspective, the protagonist is a disgraced former cop who’s now “the most cost effective Non-public Eye” within the enterprise, which suggests he is in all probability fairly dodgy. Or, it suggests he isn’t averse to taking on some fairly trifling duties, like trying to find lacking pets. He’ll get his arms messy although as a result of there’s turn-based fight, which pits you and your miscreant crew towards the thugs of Pinnacle Metropolis. Pixel artwork and noir do not seem to be the perfect match however this seems to be nice.
River City Manufacturing facility
Steam web page
Launch: February 7
Builders: iFAction Studio
River City Manufacturing facility exited Early Entry into 1.0 final week, and it is an attention-grabbing hybrid of cosy sport, RPG and automation sim. I just like the premise: after a meteorite catastrophe, the player-character is transported a thousand years into the previous with all of the data of the trendy world intact. Meaning you may present these antiquated bozos how you can construct some fairly loopy stuff. Do not anticipate to drag that off with out the standard fishing round for assets, which is the place the fight and RPG parts come into play. It seems to be like iFAction Studio has thrown every part into the pot with this one; there are even mechs. You may in all probability sink tons of of hours into it.
CLeM
Steam web page
Launch: February 7
Developer: Mango Protocol
Here is a grim level ‘n’ click on journey the builders describe as a “puzzlevania”. The protagonist is a bizarre worse-for-wear doll who finds a pocket book with “CLeM” emblazoned on the duvet. It is a weird and cryptic e-book, vaguely harking back to Codex Seraphinianus, or the Voynich Manuscript, and you will have to do a variety of exploration and puzzle fixing to unravel it. Should you’re eager to present it a shot there is a free prologue chapter.
Sheepy: A Brief Journey
Steam web page
Launch: February 7
Developer: MrSuicideSheep
This free platformer comes courtesy of digital musician SuicideSheep, who has a fairly large following on YouTube. I am unsure if the ensuing reputation of this platformer is due to that already large fanbase or simply as a result of it is good, however it does at the very least look good, with an ornate artwork type that jogs my memory of Rain World by the use of Ori. It does look very atmospheric, and it is free, so when you have a spare hour or so there’s not a lot at stake.
