1. Lost Rift
This supernatural survival game set on a desert island combines PvP and PvPvE gameplay. This opener to the showcase... with its eerie atmosphere and dynamic mechanics, looks interesting enough and almost... daunting at the same time. I don't know the full in's and out's of what it will require for survival, but the complexity would determine the audience a bit more.I won't say that the right price wouldn't prevent someone from giving it a whirl, but... (for those who aren't familiar with survival games) if you have to hunt for food, create fire, cook, filter water, create medicine, and more, some gamers may feel like it's a bit much. This may hold especially true when you have to take on the supernatural threats faced on this mysterious island, while... vets may be licking their chops to test their resourcefulness with this new adventure. If the game requires quite a bit of effort, two games might be the best move for the season... even if you can afford 3 under our normal AAA + AA+ Indie purchase recommendation (for variety). Lost Rift plus a game that serves up a totally different experience... will give you enough time to enjoy your purchases without it being left mostly incomplete.
2. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This was one of the titles I was more so curious about. As seen in the character trailer, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG, and one of the characters is Maelle, a rapier-wielding survivor. In this world, you're survivors of a God-like entity's... numbers. The Paintress is the antagonist in this adventure who paints numbers in the sky to determine who will cease to exist. If you're older than that number... you're outta here. Yikes! Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a month away from it's April 24th (2025) launch on Epic Games Store, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox!3. Animal Use Protocol
From the creators of the STASIS series, this survival horror puzzle adventure stars a hyper-intelligent chimp (Penn) and their rat companion. Definitely an interesting take on a horror genre, and the stealth based approach gives it a similar feel to Alien Isolation.4. Inaya - Life after Gods
INAYAH – Life After Gods is a thrilling action-platformer with metroidvania elements, but it's the art style that truly grabbed our attention. It feels like Genndy Tartakovsky himself might have been the secret weapon behind the game's striking visuals. This badass 2D platformer also boasts more than 20 bosses to conquer. You'll need to develop your character through an engaging progression system, which promises plenty of replay value. Curious to experience the gameplay firsthand?Dive into the demo today... and prepare for Inaya - Life after Gods' release on March 27th (2025)!
5. Nitro Gen Omega
This awesome looking procedurally generated tactical RPG lets players build mechs and engage in turn-based battles. Its Shonen Anime-inspired style is sure to captivate fans of the genre based on it's charm alone. That will certainly fling the door open, but will the gameplay keep you around for the cenematic Mech battles with your recruited characters? Get a dose of the action via the demo!
6. Metal Eden
Metal Eden looks interesting enough as a adrenaline-pumping sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS). Say that three times fast. Set in a dystopian future, players take on the role of ASKA, an advanced HYPER UNIT sent on a high-stakes mission to rescue citizens' COREs from MOEBIUS, a once-promising orbital city that has become a deadly trap. The game combines fast-paced combat with cybernetic warfare, challenging players to confront the INTERNAL DEFENCE CORPS and uncover the secrets of the enigmatic EDEN project. By the way, based on the gameplay... if you're wondering if it's a speedrunner game, it's not explicitly marked as such... but the elements are there in some aspects (i.e. parkour, grappling, and wall-running).7. Mecha Break
Mecha Break is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated titles of the year, and for good reason. This multiplayer mech shooter plunges players into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity's survival hinges on the use of advanced mechs to navigate contaminated zones... in kickass fashion. The game offers a thrilling mix of ground and aerial combat, with diverse mech classes tailored to different playstyles—whether you're an attacker, defender, sniper, or support specialist. You'll face off in 3v3 + 6v6 modes, and PvPvE extraction missions. Is it mech action done right? It sure looks like it.8. Once Upon a Puppet
This 2.5D puzzle platformer, launching on April 23, 2025, combines whimsical storytelling with engaging gameplay.... wrapped up in a theatrical bow. It looks like a game inspired by Pinnochio.
You're in control of Drev by way of Nieve, a puppet magically bound to her while on the road of redemption.Sounds interesting enough, but the visuals look even better (see it for yourself in the demo)!9. Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days
Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days is a gripping 2.5D survival horror game that takes players to Walton City, Texas, in 1980—a city overrun by a relentless zombie outbreak. As the leader of a desperate group of survivors, you must navigate the chaos, scavenging for supplies, crafting essential items, and making life-or-death decisions to keep your group alive. The game emphasizes stealth, resource management, and strategic planning, all while delivering a tense and atmospheric experience. This game also has a demo, you want in? Check out it!10. PIONER
This MMO FPS challenges players to survive in a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Fallout. It’s one of the most anticipated games of 2025.The Future Games Show Spring Showcase 2025 was a testament to the creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. With such a diverse lineup seen in the nearly 3 hour long showcase, there’s something for every gamer to look forward to this year. Which of these titles are you most excited about?
More on Pioner from... Sophi!