Here we are, heading into another weekend, which means it’s time to check out the latest in RPGs and turn-based strategy games. There are some intriguing new titles and even a few demos to try out. Below, you’ll find a roundup of everything, along with their trailers.
Magic Cauldron
This week’s buzz has been all about first-person dungeon crawlers, and we’re kicking things off with an RPG that fits that mold perfectly. Magic Cauldron is a retro-inspired game with charming pixel art, set on a remote, deserted island where your quest is to locate the legendary Magic Cauldron—rumored to bring the dead back to life.
If you’ve got a taste for old-school dungeon exploration reminiscent of Eye of the Beholder, this might be the adventure for you.
Dragonero
A true gem for fans of narrative depth, Dragonero is an Italian-made RPG inspired by the fantasy comic series from Sergio Bonelli Editore. This game features an open world packed with danger and countless things to discover, along with an engaging combat system. If you’re looking for a story-rich experience that keeps you on your toes, Dragonero could be your perfect weekend RPG.
Umbra: The Last Summoner
Previously covered a few months ago, Umbra: The Last Summoner has finally launched in Early Access on PC via Steam. In this RPG, you take on the role of a summoner tasked with awakening legendary heroes of the past to fight alongside you in turn-based battles reminiscent of classic JRPGs.
The 3D world looks expansive, and the premise is packed with potential—definitely one to watch if you love summoning allies to turn the tide of battle.
Athena Crisis
The list of Advance Wars-like games seems endless these days, and I’m currently working on a collection of the best ones worth your time. One standout is Athena Crisis, which has just launched in its full 1.0 release after a period in Early Access.
It features a plethora of units and game modes—including single-player, PvP, and co-op. If you’re a fan of tactical grid-based combat with a modern twist, this is one you can’t afford to skip. The gameplay is reminiscent of Advance Wars with enough unique modes to keep you hooked, whether you’re strategizing alone or squaring off against friends.
Breachway
It took a minor miracle for Breachway to finally launch after a series of concerning delays, but it’s here! This week saw the debut of this space-based roguelite that bears a strong resemblance to FTL. In reality, Breachway is a deckbuilding game, boasting impressive style and sharp design elements that bring it to life.
We’re currently working on a review of the Early Access version, set to drop in the coming hours, but initial impressions are promising. If you love games that mix the tension of strategic choices with the unpredictability of a roguelite, this might just scratch that FTL-shaped itch.
Ara: History Untold
4X strategy games are always in high demand, and innovation in the genre feels increasingly challenging. Ara: History Untold just debuted on PC, although the initial reviews have been mixed so far. This isn’t one that I’ll personally dive into since I’m not a huge fan of the genre, but if you love games in the vein of Civilization, it’s definitely worth a look.
The game promises an intricate system of exploration, expansion, and conquest, but it’s clear that some growing pains are present as they try to carve out a niche in the crowded 4X space.
Isle of Swaps
Isle of Swaps is a roguelite deckbuilder where you collect cards, face off against opponents, and create powerful decks to overcome a series of challenges. It captures the nostalgic feel of playground card trading while blending it with roguelike mechanics.
Set in a vibrant world populated by cute and quirky creatures known as Critters, it’s all about collecting, battling, and—true to its name—swapping cards to create the most potent combinations. If you’ve got a soft spot for deckbuilding games like Slay the Spire, this one offers a playful twist with plenty of character.
The Nameless: Slay Dragon
The Nameless: Slay Dragon is one of the standout RPGs of the week, mainly for its compelling mix of exploration and impactful decision-making. Your choices in this game can truly be the difference between victory and defeat, adding a weighty sense of consequence to every interaction.
Combat takes place from a first-person perspective, and it’s paired with a character progression system that has plenty of depth for those who love fine-tuning their party’s growth. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines immersive exploration with strategic decision points, this is a must-play.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – Void Shadows
The “Void Shadows” DLC is the first major expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, bringing around 15 hours of fresh content to the game. This expansion introduces a new storyline aboard the von Valancius voidship, fitting seamlessly into the main campaign.
For those already deep into the Warhammer 40K universe, this DLC offers more of the tactical, grimdark space opera that has defined the series, with new characters, moral choices, and layers of intrigue that push the story even further.
Dark Sky
Another fascinating title on the radar this week is Dark Sky, a narrative RPG that features a dynamic, tactical combat system built around deck mechanics. The game follows events on a distant planet, where you’ll lead multiple characters into battle, making clever use of their skills and abilities.
If you’ve enjoyed games like Griftlands that mix tactical deckbuilding with character-driven storytelling, Dark Sky will definitely appeal to you. The emphasis on smart card play, combined with a richly detailed narrative, makes for a unique and engrossing experience.
Beyond GalaxyLand
Having tested and reviewed it, I can safely say Beyond GalaxyLand is a hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss. This space adventure throws you into the far reaches of the galaxy, guiding Doug and his party in a quest to stop “The End,” a mysterious entity that devours entire planets.
The game features a dynamic combat system with capture and summoning mechanics, and takes place in a beautifully stylized 2D world. Along the way, you’ll also face puzzles and mini-games, adding an extra layer of charm to the already engaging exploration and combat. If you’re in the mood for something that feels both classic and fresh, Beyond GalaxyLand delivers.
Bloomtown: A Different Story
Bloomtown: A Different Story is an RPG I’ve been saving to dive into slowly, savoring every detail. It’s an RPG that blends life simulation, monster-taming, and social elements, all wrapped in charming pixel art. The game features two interconnected worlds, promising a unique blend of narrative and exploration, with plenty of gameplay hours on offer.
Think Stardew Valley meets Pokémon, but with a much stronger social RPG component. If you’re in the mood for a game that gives you rich world-building alongside monster collection and community interactions, Bloomtown has you covered.
Rune Coliseum (Early Access)
I tried the demo of Rune Coliseum a while back and found it a bit too complex for my personal tastes. Nevertheless, it launched in Early Access this week to an incredibly positive reception. Rune Coliseum is a roguelite where you enter the arena for dynamic and brutal combat, using runes that correspond to different skills.
The key is to chain runes together to unleash devastating attacks on your opponents. If you enjoy the challenge of roguelites like Hades combined with strategic skill chaining, Rune Coliseum might be worth a look.
Some of the Most Interesting Demos Available This Week
Burden of Command
First up is Burden of Command, a passion project that labels itself as a “Leadership RPG.” Before it’s a WWII strategy game, it’s about the emotional weight of command, putting you in the boots of a captain responsible for making tough decisions for your men and units. I’ve been following this project since its inception, and it’s clear this indie game is made with a lot of heart.
With its expected release in early 2025, the demo offers the perfect chance to get a feel for its unique blend of tactical decision-making and moral complexity. If you’re interested in narrative-driven strategy with an emotional core, this is one to try.
Fight Life: Vanguard
Another demo that I’m diving into and recommending is Fight Life: Vanguard. This tactical RPG feels like a blast from the past, almost as if it came straight from an old Amiga system, thanks to its retro visual style. The game offers real-time exploration with turn-based combat on hexagonal maps.
There’s something magnetic about that retro charm—like a moth to a flame—that makes me eager to experience it. If you’re into old-school tactical RPGs, the Fight Life: Vanguard demo might give you that nostalgic kick with some surprisingly intricate gameplay.
Metaphor ReFantazio
Saving the best for last, even if it’s only a free prologue, Metaphor ReFantazio stands out this week. Developed by the creators of Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, this title offers a completely new setting and a wealth of intriguing gameplay dynamics.
Despite being just a teaser of what’s to come in October, it’s already making waves. If you’re a fan of the developers’ previous work, this prologue is a great way to get a taste of the unique mix of character-driven storytelling and tactical depth that the full game promises.
