On an average day, about a dozen new games are released on Steam. And while we think that’s a good thing, it can understandably be hard to keep up with. Potentially exciting gems are sure to get lost in the deluge of new things to play unless you search every game released on Steam. So that’s exactly what we’ve done. If nothing interests you this week, we’ve rounded up the best PC games (opens in new tab) you can play now and a running list of the 2022 games (opens in new tab) that will start this year.
Circus Electric
Steam page (opens in new tab)
Release: September 7
Developer: Zen Studios
Introductory price: $20 | £17.49 | AU$27.95
Circus Electrique imagines a London overrun by suddenly murderous citizens, and it’s up to you, a circus master, to use your troupe of performers – “Strongmen, Fire Blowers, Escape Artists, Clowns” – to solve this. What follows is a story-driven RPG with tactical turn-based combat and a management component. Those circus performers mentioned above are the archetypes you take with you in the strategic battles, which appear to be very similar to Darkest Dungeon. When the game was announced in June, Andy asked: (opens in new tab): “Have you ever wondered what Darkest Dungeon would look like if a neo-Victorian circus troupe fought murderous zombies on the streets of steampunk London?” I actually have. On a regular basis. But this still looks like something very unique.
Justice Sucks: Tactical Vacuum Action
Steam page (opens in new tab)
Release: September 9
Developer:Samurai Punk
Introductory Price: $18 | £14.39 | AU$22.49
Don’t worry, the title of this game doesn’t suggest that justice is bad, it refers to the fact that a vacuum cleaner is in the lead. Studio Samurai Punk also developed Roombo: First Blood, so they have experience making violent playable vacuum cleaners, but this time there’s some stealth involved, though you’ll still be soaking walls in blood. There’s also hacking, so think of this as a more complex, tactics-focused take on the burgeoning vacuum ’em up genre. Main character Dusty (ie the vacuum cleaner) can even recruit friends, including a cat, which is undeniably attractive. The whole is coated in a retro 90s theme, known to vacuum cleaner enthusiasts as the heyday of automatic cleaning technology.
Extremely realistic Siege Warfare Simulator
Steam page (opens in new tab)
Release: September 8
Developer: Screambox Studio
Introductory price: $16.19 | £12.59 | AU$23.35
Not since Tomb Raider has such a useful literal title for a game. Or is it literally? Actually, this “tactical strategy” game has a fantasy background, and the realism is mainly in the clever physics simulation, which allows a huge amount of improvisation. Played from a top-down perspective, you order your soldiers to complete tasks, then sit back to enjoy the chaos that unfolds. In a fascinating twist, if you want to get dirty, you can take control of one of your soldiers at any time for fast-paced third-person action gameplay. There are several modes, including multiplayer support, but the game will continue to grow during the estimated 18-month Early Access period.
Tower Princess
Steam page (opens in new tab)
Issue: September 9
Developer: AweKteaM
Introductory Price: $18 | £13.94 | AU$26.05
Tower Princess is a 3D platformer, but it is also a roguelike. That means the playable knight will navigate all-new castle layouts with each flight to rescue the princess. These procedurally-generated levels are filled with traps and battle factors heavier than in the more mascot-focused platformers: you can fight at range or close range, and both the sword and rifle are upgradeable. It’s the simplicity of the concept that appeals – there are surprisingly few 3D platformers that are also roguelike – but there’s also some nostalgic appeal, with the cartoon style and the promised “joyful atmosphere full of encouragement and support”.
Jack Move
Steam page
Release: September 9
Developer: So Romantic
Introductory Price: $18 | £13.94 | AU$26.05
Here’s an utterly charming sci-fi adventure with all the trappings of a 16-bit JRPG. Main character Noa Solares is on a solo mission to rescue her kidnapped father, whose disappearance is likely related to the ubiquitous cyberpunk “mega-corporation” Monomind. Instead of the usual boring weapons, Noa Solares uses her clever hacking in turn-based battles, which will be fought against thugs, punks, corpos and all sorts of other neon-tinged villains. The narrative setting sounds interesting, but it’s the beautiful pixel art that catches my eye.
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