This beautifully brutal game is for the Anime + Metroidvania fans in the room! Afterimage is stepping into the spotlight, and if you haven’t played it yet… you’re in for an adventure.
The game drops you into Engardin, a world that’s equal parts breathtaking and dangerous. You play as Renee, exploring ruins, uncovering mysteries, and going toe-to-toe with an army of bosses that’ll test every ounce of your skill. Speaking of skill, the game’s progression system lets you build your character through a sprawling skill tree — so whether you prefer slashing with swords, whipping enemies into shape, or burning them down with magic, you’ve got options... on options.
But enough talking for now, let’s jump into the gameplay... shall we?
Here’s where Afterimage really shines: the hand-drawn artwork is jaw-dropping... and I love it when the artists get to shine. There are areas that look like paintings hanging in an art gallery. And the replay value? Through the roof... and I'm currently working on getting my skills up so that I can reach areas I've had to leave behind. With branching paths, hidden secrets, and multiple endings, you’ll keep coming back for more runs just to see what you missed.
Now here’s the kicker — Afterimage has held its value strong since it's 2023 release, still running upwards of $50 on console. So being able to score this beauty for free on PC for a limited time is one of those moments where hesitation is your enemy. Grab it while you can and thank me later.
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, boys and… okay, no boys, just full-grown thrill-seekers — to today’s broadcast of “What the Heck Did I Just Sign Up For?!” I’m your host, Sophi, bringing you the scoop on a game known simply as Kiborg. Now, if you’re here for cozy farming sims or gentle puzzle games, you might want to change the article. But if the thought of surviving in a violent intergalactic reality show — set inside the worst prison in the galaxy — gets your adrenaline pumping, let's play!
First off, the gameplay. Kiborg isn’t your average run-and-gun. This is a rogue-lite action experience where every attempt counts and every mistake hurts. The combat is fast, tactical, and absolutely relentless. Think melee beatdowns combined with ranged chaos, all while swapping between cybernetic abilities that make you feel like a one-person demolition crew. But here’s the kicker — no two runs feel the same. Enemies adapt, and environments push you to improvise.
Now let’s talk vibes. The setting leans into gritty cyberpunk fused with dystopian spectacle. Imagine if Gladiator and Blade Runner had a very violent baby, then gave it a microphone and told it to smile for the camera. That’s Kiborg.
And then, there’s the team behind it — Sobaka Studio. These folks aren’t strangers to brutal action. They cut their teeth on Redeemer, which already proved they know how to make combat feel both fluid and satisfying. With Kiborg, they’ve leveled up the formula.
Feeling defeated? No worries! You'll have the ability to refine your runs with an extensive skill tree:
Kiborg’s skill tree is all about molding your fighter into a weapon that matches your playstyle. Every run gives you resources you can pump into permanent upgrades, so failure doesn’t feel like wasted time — it feels like progress.
You start small, but soon branches open that let you decide whether to lean into brute strength, speed and mobility, or survivability. For example, one path might give your melee strikes extra punch, while another reduces cooldowns on cybernetic abilities. Want to dodge faster, recover health quicker, or dish out elemental damage? The tree makes those paths possible.
What keeps it interesting is how the upgrades interact with your loadout. Unlocking certain perks means you’ll be tempted to chase gear that complements those bonuses. Maybe you’ve spec’d into ranged efficiency — suddenly, guns and energy weapons become your bread and butter. Or maybe you’ve gone heavy into stamina and armor — now you’re a juggernaut that dares enemies to get close.
The best part is that you’re not locked into one idea forever. Experimentation is encouraged, and each investment nudges you toward trying new builds and discovering combos you didn’t expect.
So here’s the million-credit question, dear viewers: Do you have what it takes to claw your way out of the galaxy’s toughest prison while the galaxy watches for it's enjoyment? $24.99 gets you a ticket into the arena. Whether you make it out alive? Well, that’s entirely on you to try... try again.
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER® VIDEO GAME OUT NOW ON CONSOLES AND PC
Relive the classic Christmas adventure in this charming 3D co-op platformer that’s fun for the whole family!
NORTH POLE – Sept. 26, 2025 – You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen - but did you know that an all-new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® video game is out now! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer®is a new 3D platforming game delivering festive cheer on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and EPIC. Embark on a holiday quest to save Christmas and join in on all the reindeer games in this classic adventure that’s sure to bring delight to fans young and old.
Dash into the enchanting world of the beloved animated classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on a holly jolly quest to save Christmas! Journey through iconic locations playing as Rudolph and his friends while overcoming a variety of cheerful challenges. Discover Christmas collectibles, complete platforming challenges, and take on delightful mini-games on your own or with a friend in co-op mode in this fun and festive experience the whole family is sure to enjoy!
KEY FEATURES
●A HOLIDAY ICON RETURNS: Step into a vibrant, interactive winter wonderland filled with merry places to explore and challenges to complete for a whole new way to experience the beloved classic!
●WINTER WONDERLANDS: Journey through enchanting holiday realms including Christmastown, the Island of Misfit Toys, Bumble’s Cave, and Santa’s Castle.
●PLAY AS ICONIC CHARACTERS: Step into the boots – or hooves! – of Rudolph, Clarice, Hermey, and Yukon Cornelius, each with their own unique abilities.
●CHRISTMAS CO-OP: Grab a friend for two-player local co-op and experience the holiday cheer by saving Christmas as a team!
●GAME SOUNDTRACK FEATURING MUSICAL CLASSICS FROM THE TV SPECIAL:Enjoy quintessential Christmas songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Holly Jolly Christmas," and more!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer®is out now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam for $39.99.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® is licensed by Character Arts, LLC, developed by Headless Chicken Games, and published by GameMill Entertainment.
The extraction shooter space is back with more 2D 3D action! Survivor Mercs, developed under Snail Games USA’s Wandering Wizard label, is carving out its place on Steam and is now gearing up for a full launch (it's also headed to Xbox in due time).
At its core, Survivor Mercs blends the chaos of bullet-heaven survival with the tactical tension of an extraction shooter. You’re not just a lone survivor dodging waves—you’re a cloned commander leading a squad of mercenaries against M.E.G.A. Corp’s relentless robot army. Every run is a gamble: mow down enemies, secure loot, and decide whether to extract safely or risk it all for bigger rewards. After that L, you'll wish you went back to the base in some cases.
One thing I’ve got to give credit to is discounting games during early access. Survivor Mercs is doing exactly that during the No Time To Loot festival.
Players get in at a lower cost, while developers receive the financial backing they need to keep development rolling. It’s a win-win. Supporters feel rewarded for taking the early plunge, and devs get the momentum to keep refining their vision. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen it happen, but every time it does, I can’t help but applaud.
More studios should take note. It’s a simple but powerful gesture that builds goodwill and community trust—two things money can’t buy.
Festival Celebration & Community Perks
In celebration of the No Time To Loot festival, the team at Snail Games USA hooked me up with three codes to share (big thanks to Monty for that!). Whether you’re one of the lucky ones to snag a code or not, here’s the real kicker:
You can grab Survivor Mercs for less than $5 during the festival window. That’s pocket change for a game that’s already showing strong legs in early access and only getting sharper with each update. That said, it's time for another dose of Watch & Nab!
Survivor Mercs
• Clone Commanders – Each run starts with a randomized commander, complete with unique traits that change your approach.
• Squad-Based Action – Build a team of mercs with diverse skills and synergies. This isn’t just about dodging bullets—it’s about commanding a unit.
• Active Twin-Stick Gameplay – Unlike auto-shooters, Survivor Mercs keeps you in control with dashes, aimed fire, and tactical decision-making.
• Bunker HQ Progression – Invest your loot into upgrades, new mercs, and gear to strengthen your squad for future runs. Build and add to your strategy.
• Couch Co-op – Bring friends into the chaos, with one player leading as commander and others controlling mercs in the squad. Simple enough to pick up and play by anyone.
With its simple yet fast-paced action, roguelite depth, and squad-driven twist on the bullet-heaven formula, Survivor Mercs is shaping up to be a standout in the genre for 2D 3D options. The fact that it’s launching with a community-first mindset—discounting during early access and celebrating with events like No Time To Loot—only makes me root for it more.
So whether you’re diving in with a free code or picking it up for less than five bucks, now’s the perfect time to squad up, extract, and survive the storm. The bosses are waiting.