Every day on Steam, a flood of approximately a dozen new games hits the digital shelves. While the influx of fresh gaming experiences is undoubtedly exciting, it’s also a challenge to sift through the deluge and discover hidden gems.
Recognizing this, we’ve taken on the task of sorting through the releases to bring you the best PC games currently available. Additionally, we’re keeping a running list of the anticipated games set to launch in 2024. Let’s dive into the latest releases and explore what the gaming world has to offer.
1) Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II – Unveiling Japanese Horror
- Release: February 15
- Developer: Experience, Ghostlight LTD
The sequel to the captivating Death Mark game, aptly titled “Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II,” made a surprise entrance last week. This Japanese horror visual novel combines first-person point-and-click adventure sleuthing elements with a dash of exploration through side-scrolling navigation.
Sent to the Konoehara Academy to investigate supernatural occurrences, players step into the shoes of a Spirit Doctor. If it follows the atmospheric and occasionally disturbing narrative of its predecessor, coupled with the stunning art style, it promises a gripping experience.
2) News Tower – Early Access Tycoon Sim in 1930s New York
- Release: February 14
- Developer: Sparrow Night
“News Tower,” an Early Access tycoon simulation, invites players to build and manage a newspaper in early 20th century New York. Once your daily edition graces newsstands, you’re faced with decisions on content selection, omitting certain stories, and aligning with specific agendas—be it opportunistic or coercive.
Choices have consequences; publishing something displeasing to the mafia might come with repercussions. Whether adopting an unethical or truth-centric approach, players navigate 1930s news stories with limited space. The Early Access build covers 1930 to 1932, with the final release extending up to 1939.
3) Neon Tail – Stylish Open World Skating Extravaganza
- Release: February 17
- Developers: Fei, Leo, Yang
After a prolonged stay in Early Access, the stylish open-world skater “Neon Tail” has reached version 1.0, bringing forth a visually appealing experience reminiscent of classics like Jet Set Radio and Rollerdrome.
Instead of a skateboard, players glide on rollerskates, gaining “strange superpowers” for a more dramatic traversal of the neon-lit Bluepulse City. Battling aliens with guns and unique melee attacks while elegantly moving on wheels adds an extra layer of excitement to this already captivating game.
4) Lords of Exile – Pixel Art Platformer with Dark Fantasy Vibes
- Release: February 15
- Developer: Squidbit Works
For enthusiasts of 8-bit platformers adorned with grainy dark fantasy pixel art, “Lords of Exile” is a must-play. Drawing inspiration from classic Castlevania and resembling titles like Bloodstained:
Curse of the Moon, this game offers eight levels, two playable characters, a boss rush mode, and a multitude of challenging enemies with intricate movement patterns. Experience the essence of old-school linear platformers while wielding a katana against hordes of enemies.
5) 20 Small Mazes – A Maze Puzzler with a Twist
- Release: February 17
- Developer: FLEB
Don’t let the straightforward title deceive you— “20 Small Mazes” introduces a free puzzler with a unique twist. Beyond the promise of 20 mazes, this game offers variations, each presenting a new challenge.
From mazes requiring strategic folding to those with destructible walls, and even mazes where you control the maze itself, this free puzzler brings fresh dimensions to the genre. With an “overwhelmingly positive” ranking on Steam, it’s a compelling choice for puzzle enthusiasts, taking around two hours to complete.
With a Master’s degree in Art History, ChloĂ© is our resident Indie Game Narrative Expert. She champions innovative and emotionally resonant indie titles, analyzing their storytelling, visual language, and artistic merit. Her features offer a unique perspective, celebrating games that push the boundaries of interactive art.