Twisted Tower Turns a Theme Park Into a Bloody Climb to the Top

Theme parks are supposed to have rides, overpriced snacks, and mascots waving at children. Twisted Tower apparently looked at that formula and decided the mascots needed weapons to turn your fun night into a fright night.

Released August 18, 2026, Twisted Tower is a single-player first-person action-adventure from Atmos Games and publisher 3D Realms. The game drops players into an abandoned 1950s-inspired theme park filled with corrupted fairy-tale mascots, deadly traps, puzzles, and a tower that probably violates several hundred building codes.

 A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF THEME PARK 

Creator Thomas Brush has openly cited BioShock, Disney World, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory among the inspirations behind Twisted Tower. That combination becomes pretty easy to understand once you see its whimsical attractions mixed with dark environments, strange characters, and considerably more violence than your average amusement park brochure.

Players are trying to reach the top of the tower while uncovering secrets connected to the protagonist's past and attempting to save the love of his life.

Of course, explaining a place this strange only gets us so far. So let's see what happens when the amusements attack.

 TOYS ARE NOW WEAPONS 

One of Twisted Tower's more noticeable ideas is its weapon selection.

Instead of handing players another collection of ordinary military firearms, Atmos Games built an arsenal around toys and amusement-park absurdity. Weapons include a rubber-band pistol, whack-a-mole mallet, dart-firing Tommy Gun, bubblegum chain-gun, sniper slingshot, ray gun and, because somebody had to do it, a farting shotgun. Excuse yourself with every reload.

Players can upgrade those weapons while collecting additional toys that provide abilities like grappling.

That gives exploration a little more purpose than simply checking behind every suspicious-looking crate because years of video games have trained us to do so.

 FIVE STOPS ON THE WAY UP 

The climb takes players through five major environments: a hotel, waterpark, clown casino, carnival forest and space station. Different paths can also be selected during playthroughs, giving players reasons to explore alternate routes if they return for another climb.

The combination of shooting, platforming, exploration, puzzles and environmental storytelling makes Twisted Tower more than a straight corridor shooter, even if shooting creepy mascots remains a fairly significant part of the job description.

 THE TOWER IS ALREADY FINDING AN AUDIENCE 

The early Steam response has been strong.

As of August 22, Twisted Tower has an Overwhelmingly Positive user rating, with 95% of 791 Steam reviews currently recommending the game. That number will continue changing as more players enter the tower, but the opening reception has clearly been positive.

Twisted Tower normally costs $14.99 USD, with a 10% introductory Steam discount bringing it to $13.49 through September 1, 2026. It is currently available for PC through Steam.

Anyone interested should also know that the game contains blood, gore and violence involving its monstrous mascots, so don't mistaken it for an invitation to bring the little ones along for the ride.

Twisted Tower takes the familiar idea of an amusement park and turns it into something considerably less OSHA-friendly. If BioShock-style atmosphere, strange weapons, horror and shooting fairy-tale mascots sound like a reasonable way to spend an evening, the tower is officially open.

Just keep your arms in the ride.

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LIFTED feels like Back to the Future meets Tomb Raider with a LEGO-ish sense of humor

Here and there... you get those games that come along and catch you completely off guard.

You launch it thinking, Okay, let's see what this is about, and... before you know it, you're sitting there thinking, Wait a minute... this is kinda awesome! That has been my experience with... LIFTED (not to be confused with a church or a smoke shop).

Developed and published by Adventure Works, LIFTED is a cinematic 2.5D puzzle-platforming adventure that sends players jumping through history aboard an elevator that doubles as a time machine. It launched on PC on July 22, 2026, and will run you... $19.99. PS5 and Switch 2 versions are also in development, and honestly (with no extras on it)... this indie game is something special.

 Back to the Future Meets Tomb Raider... With a little LEGO-ish Comedy 

Trying to explain the personality of LIFTED is almost as much fun as playing it. It's literally like... Back to the Future decided to take a detour through Tomb Raider (or Indiana Jones), tossed in some LEGO-ish comedy, gave its characters that Rayman-style makeover, and then said, "You know what would make this even better? Let's get them to travel... Bill & Ted-style."

Except there's no phone booth. There's an elevator, but it's still... excellent!

To be more specific, Professor Raventhorpe created an... Anytime Elevator, a machine capable of traveling through both time and space. The elevator's floor numbers correspond to historical years, allowing Ari and the professor to jump into different periods of history in pursuit of a priceless magical tiara. Naturally, because this is a time machine created by a slightly eccentric professor, things don't always go according to plan. But... that's where the adventure gets good.

You play as Ari Buktu, a student who gets swept into the professor's harebrained scheme. What starts as an attempt to help his professor with a mission... quickly turns into a time-traveling treasure hunt filled with ancient ruins, pirates, puzzles, dangerous environments and plenty of things trying to make sure Ari... doesn't make it home. Yikes!

Lifted has this wonderful Saturday-morning-adventure-meets-1980s-blockbuster energy... and I am absolutely here for it. Want to see if you get that adventurous spark? Let's play!

LIFTED isn't just about watching the adventure unfold (although I enjoy the cutscenes greatly). You're doing the work. Ari can run, jump, climb and swing his way through environments while dodging hazards thrown at him... but trying to figure out the puzzles will stop and make you think. They aren't the hardest puzzles I've ever come across, but... they will challenge a number of gamers as each correct move gets you back on the trail of the tiara.

That's something I really appreciate about this game. It doesn't treat us like we're incapable of figuring things out. There are moments where you actually have to look around, understand what's happening in the environment and work out your next move. There's an easy mode that gives you wider platforms, puzzle hints, and easier timings... if needed. It's all about fun times at the end of the day, so... do you.

Then, right after solving a puzzle, the game will turn around and throw some action at you.

The developers describe it as a mixture of wholesome platforming and high-stakes discovery, and... that description fits surprisingly well. We can't forget about the cast though.

 LIFTED has an amusing cast of... likeable characters 

A game's characters can make or break an adventure, and LIFTED has a cast that's easy to get attached to. Ari has that likeable, slightly reluctant... protagonist energy. He didn't exactly wake up one morning thinking, Today I'm going to travel through history and steal an ancient artifact.

He just wants to get home. Unfortunately for him, getting home isn't exactly going to be easy.

And then there's Professor Raventhorpe, who is one-track minded... but he's complex and entertaining at the same time. He provides the vision, while going back and forth with his crew. Ari does the heavy lifting, but the way it's set up is plus... because he doesn't feel like a brainless NPC just running behind you. He pops up when he pops up by way of taking his own route (the easier route), and they play on that via their comedic interactions. The dynamic is enjoyable... funny, and makes you want to stick around for the comedy just as much as the adventure.

There's also Julius (the chinchilla of the crew), who somehow manages to add even more personality to an already entertaining group. That feels like Back to the Future + 1, and what drove that home even more is Joe Gaudet (the voice of Ari). He totally sounds like... Michael J. Fox, and even had me investigating to see who the voice was behind the reluctant adventurer. I was literally like, "Hold on... is that Michael J. Fox?"

Clearly it wasn't but... the resemblance in his delivery is crazy. So, if you're a fan of that classic Michael J. Fox style of energetic, slightly sarcastic, likable protagonist, you're probably going to notice it too. And honestly, it works beautifully for Ari.

 One Performance Tip Before You Start 

Now, before you jump headfirst into this adventure, I have one little recommendation based on my experience.

If the trees on the title screen are lagging, don't just accept it.

Take a pause for the cause... and go into the settings.

I recommend the following:

• Turn Vertical Sync OFF
• Set the Frame Rate Limit to 60 FPS (or 30 FPS if the lag is still there)

That little adjustment made a difference for my experience, and it's worth doing before you really get into the adventure.

 $19.99? That's a Steal! Frfr 

For an adventure with time travel, platforming, environmental puzzles, cinematic cutscenes, voice acting, multiple historical settings and enough personality to keep you legitimately amused... that is a very attractive price. I could see it being priced between $24.99 to $29.99, so $19.99 is a steal and really cranks up the appeal!

My experience with the game so far has been absolutely amazing and I immediately thought about my daughter. I can't wait for her to try this one.

Rated E10+, the developers themselves describe LIFTED as an experience intended for everyone, with accessible gameplay for younger players and a nostalgic sense of adventure for older players. It's a great bonding opportunity because you can fill them in on different elements that make it nostalgic.

That's exactly the kind of family-friendly gaming experience I like seeing. And... don't worry, the antagonists are just tough enough to fill their role, but it's all in fun.

Overall, if you grew up loving movies like Back to the Future, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Indiana Jones, or that general era of big, ridiculous, fun adventure stories from LEGO, there's a good chance LIFTED is going to hit the right button for you.

Adventure Works knocked this one out of the park, and it could be a flagship IP for the developer.

Anyway, I'm jumping back into the action... and you can to on Epic Games Store and Steam, game on!

 + Sophi 

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All Aboard... Bus Bound: Where Every Route is a Mission!

There’s something oddly satisfying about stepping into a role most people overlook. No capes. No superpowers. Just a steering wheel, a schedule, and a responsibility to get people where they need to go. Bus Bound takes that everyday reality and flips it into something engaging, immersive, and—yeah, surprisingly fun.

Today’s the day you clock in as a modern-day road warrior. Not the Mad Max kind—the dependable kind. The kind that keeps cities moving.

So with that said… sit back, relax, and check out the first 30 minutes of Bus Bound. This is where you’ll really see how the game flows, how the controls feel, and whether that driver’s seat is calling your name.

 Life on the Road: What You Can Do in Bus Bound 

At its core, Bus Bound is about more than just driving—it’s about managing the full experience of public transportation. You’re not just hitting the gas and hoping for the best. You’re:

• Picking up and dropping off passengers across detailed routes
• Navigating real-world-inspired traffic systems
• Managing time schedules (because nobody likes a late bus)
• Handling different bus types and driving conditions
• Exploring city environments constantly in motion

And here’s where it starts to click—you begin to care about your route. You start recognizing stops, optimizing turns, and even anticipating traffic like a seasoned pro.

 Replay Value & Multiplayer Fun 

Now here’s where Bus Bound keeps the engine running long after your first shift.

• Replayability comes from mastering routes, improving efficiency, and trying different buses while tightening your skills behind the wheel.
• Multiplayer elements allow you to band together with up to 3 other players—as you reach the host's goal and improve the transit network.
• The unpredictability of traffic, timing, and passenger flow will keep you on your toes... but you will come to expect vehicles attempting to pull right out in front of your custom painted bus.

 One Thing That Could Elevate The Game 

If there’s one area that could take Bus Bound from solid to standout, it’s visible NPC personality. You already get the complaining, and praising for your driving, but... we don't see that. That's part of the rating system for your performance, but seeing some personality when it comes to the NPC's would take that to a whole new level.

 Take It to the Next Level – Compatible PC Race Wheels 

If you’re trying to really immerse yourself—like, hands-on-the-wheel, feel-every-turn immersive—then a racing wheel setup is the move. Here are some compatible options, with easy Amazon search links:

• Logitech G29
• Logitech G920
• Logitech G923
• Hori Truck Control System
• Moza R5 Truck Bundle
• Thrustmaster T248 (PS)
• Thrustmaster T150 (RS)
• Thrustmaster TMX
• Thrustmaster T300 (RS)
• Thrustmaster T500 (RS)
• Fanatec CSL Elite Base
• Fanatec DD1 Base

Hook one of these up, and suddenly you’re not just playing Bus Bound—you’re working a shift. I think they game would also work well with VR, because you have to look and make sure vehicles are approaching during turns... and it will take more than the wing mirrors.

 Price Point 

Bus Bound is available at a budget-friendly price of $29.99... making it an easy entry for simulation fans or anyone curious about the genre. It’s not trying to empty your wallet—it’s trying to earn your time.

Bus Bound taps into something simple but effective: the satisfaction of doing a job well... which keeps the funding coming in + your job intact. It turns a healthy routine into satisfying rhythm. It’s not about chaos—it’s about balance.

And honestly? Sometimes being the person who gets everyone home safely… takes a real hero, especially with the horrible practices we see taking place behind the wheel on a daily basis. Anyway, this is my stop... if this game is your speed, grab Bus Bound on EPIC, Steam, PS5, and Xbox X|S today.

 + Sophi 

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Windrose... Isn’t Playing Around!

 

There are survival games… and then there are survival games that serve up something more. Windrose... is one of those games. This one’s out here trying to earn its spot at the table, and honestly… it’s doing a pretty solid job of it. Let’s get into some gameplay!

My next move will be to set up a fort that allows me to utilize strategy against the dangers on the island that are in close proximity... and then replicate that on a smaller scale in different locations. That will ensure that I have a safe place to land, no matter where I roam.

 The Description Sounds Good… But It Checks Out 

When the developers describe Windrose as a PvE survival adventure set in the Age of Piracy—with land and sea combat, co-op play, crafting, exploration, and souls-lite boss fights—you might expect at least one of those elements to feel half-baked in some cases. Luckily, they check out in this game.

You’re not just wandering around collecting scraps—you’re building a life out there. One minute you’re gathering materials and crafting gear, the next you’re commanding a ship, scanning the horizon like “yeah… something’s about to go down.” And it really does.

Hunt. Gather. Build. Craft. Farm. Fight.
Then fight again… but this time on water.
Then level up… and guess what? Fight again.

 Replay Value? Yes and Yes! 

Windrose loops in a way that feels intentional.

You’re constantly chasing something:

• Better gear
• More resources
• Stronger builds
• Bigger fights
• Treasure
• And of course… Adventure!

The variety in the game keeps you going, and the higher your level... the more you want to see how well you fair on your voyages. If you're known out on the seas... you just might be kicking some serious butt or for finding the most grand adventures. Who wouldn't want to sail along for that?

That gameplay hits harder when you squad up. Rolling with a crew turns everything up a notch—strategy matters more, fights feel bigger, and those “we barely survived that” moments? That’s the action you'll crave often.

I put about 2+ hours into Windrose on my first run… and that wasn’t me getting bored—that was me hitting a time limit. There was still plenty left on the table.

 Combat & Exploration Feel Earned 

The “souls-lite” combat isn’t just a buzzword here—it shows up in how fights demand your attention. You can’t just button mash your way through everything and call it a day... I got my butt kicked by a dodo!

Timing matters. Positioning matters. And when you’re out at sea? Awareness matters even more. I'm going to see if my fort strategy works out on land to level up faster, but I also want it to look cool too while being efficient.

Exploration also plays a big role. The world feels like it’s hiding things from you on purpose—and that curiosity to uncover what’s next keeps you moving.

 Early Access… And It Shows (In Some Areas) 

Keeping it real—because everything isn’t perfect.

There are some noticeable hiccups:

• Controller lag, especially when using a PlayStation 5 DualSense
• Character customization, specifically Black hairstyles, is lacking… and yeah, it stands out

If you’re letting players build their pirate from the ground up, you want that character to look right. That part needs work—no way around it.

The good news? This is Early Access. The expectation is improvement—and it's coming... if the developers aren't aware of something, you have the option to let them know (so don't be bashful).

 Price, Player Base, and Momentum 

At $29.99, Windrose is positioned pretty well for what it offers—and clearly, players agree. We're heading into Summer too... some serious hours might be logged by those on vacay/out of school. The seas are about to get busy. And for a co-op survival game? That’s exactly what you want.

One million copies sold in just 6 days isn’t luck. That’s serious momentum thanks to strategic pricing.

Parents, ESRB rates Windrose T for Teen!

 Is Windrose Worth It? 

Is water wet? Yes, it's totally worth it. The amount of game time you can log in this game and the fun factor definitely make this game worth more than it's $29.99 price tag. I recommend it if you're into crafting and survival games especially.

You can play solo or co-op so you can get your fix of either... whenever, but even more so if you want a game where you're setting out on the high seas, don't sleep on this souls-lite game. 

Generally we recommend a combination of games that include one indie game, AAA game, and one mid-ranged game. This is different enough to serve up variety with other genres knocking it out the park in the alternate slots... while maintaining a similar budget that never has to change to deliver the goods year after year. Windrose goes right into that mid-range category, but it can certainly rival games in the AAA category (that's a win).

Windrose feels like a game that understands what players want from this genre—freedom, challenge, progression, and those moments where everything clicks just right. Just remember that it’s not finished yet—but the foundation is strong. Getting in early and supporting a game like this... also helps the developer make it to the finish line of development (financially speaking).

So yeah—strap up ye boots, grab yar gear… and set sail! Game on!

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Akatori Didn’t Come Outta Nowhere… But It Sure Felt Like It!

 

I did kinda see Akatori coming… but at the same time, I didn't. It still hit me like it popped outta nowhere. Let me explain while you scratch your head in confusion.

So I was digging through our treasure trove of games this week (right), just scrolling, minding my business—and then boom—“Akatori: Chapter One.” I had to do a double take like, “Wait… how did I miss this?” And I’m not even gonna lie… once I clicked it to check it out, I liked what I saw and had to present it to... you.

That experience (which I haven't finished yet) had that “oh this might be something serious... in a good way” energy. And sure enough—next thing you know while seeing if there was more to the franchise (possibly a chapter two), I see... the full Akatori game is lined up for a 2026 release!

While you might not have access to Akatori: Chapter One, here’s some gameplay to give you a taste of the metroidvania action:

This gameplay is from April 2024’s Chapter One, so you should be able to expect the full release to be more polished, more expanded, and just overall leveled up.

But hey, if it ends up not being too far off from what we’re seeing here… I wouldn’t even be mad, because this is already a GOOD time. So they can add to it, but if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 What Kind of Game Is Akatori? 

Akatori is a metroidvania-style action-adventure, meaning:

• You’re exploring a large, interconnected world
• Unlocking abilities that open new paths
• Backtracking—but in a way that actually feels rewarding

This game is built on movement and flow.

You play as Mako, a staff-wielding monk, and that staff?
It’s not just for combat—it's a platform helping you reach new heights, and more.

We’re talking:

• Air dashes and glides
• Wall interactions and fast traversal
• Combat that blends directly into movement
  
  

 The Look & Feel 

That 2.5D mix of pixel characters and 3D environments is clean.

• Bright, colorful environments
• Smooth animations that match the speed of gameplay
• A world that feels alive without being cluttered

This is one of those games where you can move fast… but still catch yourself thinking:
“Hold up… this is fire.” I would've loved playing this on the Nintendo 3DS, but... this experience is still saluted on the PC. I'm sure it will also be a Deck compatible title as well.

 From Code Wakers to Contrast Games — Passing the Baton 

Akatori was originally developed by Code Wakers and published by HypeTrain Digital—but somewhere along the way, the baton got passed to the indie devs over at Contrast Games.

And honestly?

That kind of transition can go either way…

But from what I’ve seen so far... it looks like the vision is still intact—and possibly even stronger.

So now I’m locked in to see how this version of Akatori really plays out.

Here’s where I land on it so far (after digging in further):

This is one of those games that didn’t start loud…
but is slowly building into something you don’t want to ignore if you're a metroidvania adventure lover!

• Strong metroidvania foundation 
• Fast, fluid gameplay 
• Clean art direction 
• Years in development with clear evolution 

So while we wait on that official release (listed as 2026)... go ahead and grab the new demo. If this demo leaves you wanting more, add it to your wishlist, and stay ready.

We might be looking at one of those sleeper hits and I'd hate for you to sleep on it if you want to support the team and the franchise.

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