Wow! Publisher ESDigital Games has released a video at this year’s Gamescom showcasing not one, not two, but eight titles they have set for release. ESDigital Games has all of the titles available to play in demo at Gamescom, along with interview sessions with the development teams. For those of you at home, though, I’m going to briefly go through each game to let you get a sense of what’s on the horizon.
Awaken – Astral Blade
First off, we have Awaken – Astral Blade by developer Dark Pidgeon Games. Awaken – Astral Blade is a 2.5D dark fantasy, where play as bionic girl Tania. You are assigned by your creator on a search and rescue mission for an Investigation Force that’s been lost in an island rainforest. They were looking into a mysterious energy that turns plants and animals into aggressive mutants called “Anathemorphs”.
This atmospheric game is an expansive Metroidvania. There’s an extensive amount of platforming and hack and slash combat, and a skill tree that branches with many leaves. There are various endings depending on the actions you take, so take care with your choices. There is a wide world to explore, and you don’t want to miss a thing!
Demo and Playtest are open now!
Steel Seed
Steel Seed is a dark and gritty sci-fi action-adventure game by developer Storm in a Teacup. Humanity is on the brink of annihilation, and you are the only one who can discover the key to mankind’s survival. Play as Zoe, and use her parkour skills to explore a hostile underground facility with your drone companion, KOBY.
This game is heavy on stealth tactics and movement abilities. You’ll want to think smart and use the environment to your advantage to avoid combat. The facility is quite vast and gives me almost a Dead Space feeling looking at it. Though, that might just be the blue light up Zoe’s spine giving me flashbacks. Steel Seed also promises to be a story rich game, with a deep and compelling narrative experience. Do you think you’re up for the challenge?
Grab the demo and give it a try!
Island of Winds
Island of Winds by developer Parity games brings you a fantastical game inspired by 17th century Icelandic folklore. You play through the story of Brynhildur, a Balance Keeper on a journey to save her mentor and learn about herself. This realistic, mythological game will certainly tug at your heartstrings.
A Balance Keeper is a kind of sage, and as such you have the ability to cast spells. In your travels you will come upon puzzles in the form of ancient runes and mythical encounters, which you will have to solve with your wit, magic, and empathy. The environment is incredibly realistic, and breathtaking to look at. It wouldn’t be surprising for you to spend hours just enjoying the scenery.
BattleJuice Alchemist
BattleJuice Alchemist by developer Alchemical works is, naturally, an RPG centered on alchemical combat. You play as Juice, an alchemist called to Caribou Creek to fight the demons summoned on Samhain.
As you explore the procedural wilderness of old New England you will find and craft powerful items that become cards in your deck. By building your deck, you can change up both your playstyle and the battlefield. The isometric top-down view gives you a wide view, allowing you to prepare ambushes and plant traps for your enemies effectively.
BattleJuice Alchemist has a demo and is in Early Access on Steam.
Sky of Tides
Sky of Tides by developer Lofty Sky Entertainment Inc. has you exploring numen9 as Rin D’Lorah. In this narrative adventure you’re looking for your missing father with the help of a runaway rebel and a sassy robot. Oceans have taken the place of the sky, and the continents float free of gravity around the exposed molten core of your world. Radioactive wastelands cover vast stretches of land, and it is exactly this dangerous country you must traverse to find your father.
This isometric RPG boasts thirty-two different endings. If you thought your choices mattered before, they can end in cataclysm if you take the wrong path in Sky of Tides. The game play is mostly explorational, with hidden object sections and more of a visual novel sort of appeal. You can play it as casually as you like, and there is a ton of replayability if you want to explore alternate endings.
Cats on Duty
Cats on Duty by developer Prikol Team is a fun, silly romp that mixes tower defense and match-3 mechanics, with a dash of RTS thrown into the meow mix. Whether its on your computer, tablet, or phone, its sure to be a silly goofy time. Watch your heavily armed, battle-hardened veterans of the Cat Rat Wars take on the ever encroaching hordes of undead and the forces of evil!
Memory Lost
Memory Lost by developer Magic Hazard is an isometric action shooter, where you fight for freedom as a neural network created by the RedSky Corporation. You have the unique ability to shift your consciousness into nearby foes of any kind, mastering their abilities. Every new unit has a different playstyle that you must adapt to to survive. If you’re clever, then you may even be able to trick some enemies into thinking that you’re their ally.
Memory Lost combines intense combat and tactical strategy, as you try to accomplish numerous objectives around the map. By obtaining memory shards, you’re able to permanently enhance your damage, speed, and survivability. Each victory brings you closer to the downfall of the corporations that made you, and the freedom of humanity.
Strap on your shooter and fight in the demo!
REMEDIUM
Lastly, we have REMEDIUM, by developer Sobaka Studio. This Diablo-esque game is a fast-paced action shooter set in the post-apocalyptic Rennaisance. It has been over a century since the plague that devoured the continent and turned most of humanity into abominations. Now, your steampunk Van Helsing must venture into the wastelands as you search for the cure that will spare your life from becoming like the monsters you hunt.
This dark isometric fantasy will have you on the edge of your seat with every encounter. Customize your arsenal, test your skills against challenging boss battles, and utilize alchemy to keep your symptoms at bay. If you’re not careful, the plagues ravaging your body will throw you into an instant game over. But if you’re clever, then those mutations can quickly become advantages. REMEDIUM is as stunning as it is eerie, and immaculately detailed. Will you learn what lurks in the darkness?
REMEDIUM is in Early Access and has a demo out now!
ESDigital Games
What a line-up! Am I right?
ESDigital Games is an experienced publisher with a wide umbrella, so it’s no wonder that they have so many incredible titles on display. They have years of marketing experience to draw on, and with their aid all of these games are guaranteed to have world-wide physical publication. No matter where you are or if Steam is available in your country, you’ll be able to get your hands on any one of these titles in the coming year.
And while all of these games are on demo at Gamescom, hope isn’t lost for you at home. Check out any of the links above for demos and playtests access. Consider your appetites whetted and wishlist them today.
Leave a Reply