Welcome to our latest roundup of what’s happening in the indie game space. It’s been a packed week with lots of delicious new game arrivals, and news and reveals of upcoming projects. So, let’s take a look at a bunch of them.
Before we get started, though, Engadget Senior Editor Jessica Condit spoke with Maxie Boch, one of the original trio behind baby stepsAbout how the game was put together. Boch offered some interesting insight into the game’s development process (which began in 2019), particularly on the audio side.
New release
dispatch A superhero workplace comedy from Ad Hoc Studios, a team consisting of former Telltale Games developers. It takes the narrative-heavy, dialogue-driven gameplay of Telltale’s games, with your choices influencing how everything plays out. dispatch There’s also a packed cast, as it features the likes of Aaron Paul, Laura Bailey and Jeffrey Wright.
I really dug the demo, so I’m hoping to find some time to play dispatch Like many of Telltale’s upcoming games, Ad Hoc Studios went with an episodic approach to this one, but the developer is releasing them on a weekly basis. Its first two episodes dispatch is out now PS5 And steamAnd Impressions of reviewers So far generally positive.
We’ve got a trio of titles to talk about, including Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Powerwash Simulator 2. I usually don’t listen to music or podcasts while playing games. I love listening to game audio and I’m a terrible multitasker anyway.
Superhero workplace comedy
However, I did get a bunch of podcast episodes while playing the original Powerwash Simulator. I’m looking forward to doing it again, happily ignoring IRL tasks while blasting virtual gunk with a pressure washer.
“More of the same, but better” is exactly what I wanted Powerwash Simulator 2So I was very happy Read some reviews Indicate that case. as well as Xbox Series X/SThis sequel is also available from FuturLab steam, Epic Game Store, PlayStation 5 And Nintendo Switch 2.
Next up, we have an amazing Game Pass addition Pacific Drive Ultimate, Premium and PC tiers have arrived this week without prior warning. It was not available Xbox Not at all until now Pacific Drive Netflix’s F1 docuseries turns the title into a true “drive to survive” horror game. You’ll travel around the Pacific Northwest in a station wagon searching for parts to upgrade your vehicle and survive.
Brought to you by Ironwood Studios and publisher Kepler Interactive Pacific Drive They released an expansion on the same day on Xbox Whispers in the Woods. The game (and DLC) is also available PS5 And steam. I’ve been meaning to play Pacific Drive For a while but, as always, there are too many games and not enough time to check everything. Maybe I’ll finally try it now that it’s on Game Pass, but I might wait for the TV show instead.
Superhero workplace comedy
Here’s something interesting from DinoGod and publisher Annapurna Interactive. Bounty Star A mix of make action game, farming sim and base builder. As a combat veteran Clem, you’ll try to be a force for good in a “post-post-apocalyptic version of the American Southwest.”
I’m interested to see how the main direction Bounty Star Play with each other and find bounties on your mech (which you can customize) as you take care of your homestead. It’s out now PS5, Xbox Series X/S, steam And Epic Game Store. Bounty Star Also included in Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Ella: A Frosty Glide A chill, 3D platform adventure from Magic Rain Studios and publisher First Break Labs. As a young witch-in-training “Superhero workplace comedy” named Ella, you’ll explore a snowy mountain island while searching for your lost cat.
My favorite thing about the game, at least based on the trailer and what I’ve read, is that instead of a broom, Ella gets around using a “skatebroom.” It’s a skateboard and a flying broom in one! I want one of them.
Superhero workplace comedy
As it happens, developers Italo and Yesenia met while skateboarding. They started making games with skateboarding elements a few years later. Ella: A Frosty Glide is out now steam, Epic Game Store, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 And Nintendo Switch.
After reading a sentence of a pitch for bench, I was sold: “In the benchYou play as a retired secret agent on one last mission: escaping a retirement home and uncovering a pigeon conspiracy.” Wonderful stuff, there.
As with Pensioner, you’ll collect a flock of customizable pigeons to help you during your adventures as you explore some of the parks. Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles, play bowls and chess, doodle in your notebook, play “Superhero workplace comedy” pranks and go fishing.
the bench — from Voxel Studios and Noovola Publishing — is out now steam. I hope I don’t have to wait until I retire to play it.
upcoming
No More Robots unveiled two games this week, and one of them is a step in an (almost) completely new direction for the publisher. Descendants Next And Little Rocket Lab. It is now developing games internally and is the first to see the light of day Cruise control. This is a cruise liner management sim where you try to please your guests by fulfilling their needs and wants. It looks quite charming. I’m a big fan of the oversized bingo cage device.
This is actually the third game No More Robots has worked on in-house, but it’s the first the company has unveiled. The publisher mentioned it Cruise control Not quite ready. Still, playtests should begin later this year ahead of an early 2026 release.
Superhero workplace comedy
Another upcoming game No More Robots is featured Thank you for your application From IceLemonTea Studio. Here, you’ll review job candidates’ resumes and decide whether to bring them on board based on the hiring company’s criteria.
This has an air Papers, please And No More Robot’s own Not Tonight series is about that — you have to manage your life with bills, rent, and otherwise. It also seems quite timely Job Application Process So hard for many “Superhero workplace comedy” people now. Thank you for your application will arrive in 2026 and there is a demo available steam now
Finite Reflection Studios, last year’s acclaimed developer Ineffective SolsHis next game revealed. mouseword This is another Soulslike, but it’s more like a 90s collectathon platformer Banjo-kazoo. As the reincarnated Royal Mouse Guard, you set out to save the kingdom from a curse.
Superhero workplace comedy
I like the aesthetic here. There is no release window for this mouseword So far it’s coming steam And you can play an elementary construction itching right now
Speaking of games inspired by 90s platformers, it has its perils Windswept Could become my entire personality for a spell. it’s coming steam, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S 11 November.
Windswept — from Weatherfell and publisher Top Hat Studios — is a precision platformer that sees animal friends Marble (a duck) and Checkers (a turtle) try to get home after a storm. 40-plus stages are collectible and full of secrets for you to discover.
Glimpses of levels where you have to navigate sticky walls and ceilings, thorny brambles and pirate ship masts very reminds Donkey Kong Country 2. I’m not exactly complaining though, as this is one of my favorite games of all time.
We’ve known for a while that a beat-em-up based on the Splatterfest movie series Terrifier was coming, and now we have a release date. Unfortunately, it’s not coming your way for Halloween, but you’ll be able to get in on the fun Terrifier: The ARTcade Game 21 November.
Yes, yes, there’s even Art the Clown Fortnite Now, but you can also play as the brutal killer in his own game from Relevo and publisher Selecta Play. There’s support for local co-op for up to four players (and you can turn each “Superhero workplace comedy” other on if you want. Horror fans will probably be happy that they can use weapons like chainsaws and cleavers to wreak bloody havoc. Terrifier: The ARTcade Game is bound for steam, PS5Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.