Playing City of Springs brought a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, it’s an extremely affordable game with over 10 hours of main story content, and likely more if you dive into side quests. On the other hand, it feels messy and clunky the further you progress. It has a lot going on, but it just didn’t deliver for me, probably because it wasn’t the game I was expecting. Simply put, it gets overly repetitive.

City of Springs is a steampunk action-adventure game with stealth elements, developed by The Naked Dev and Alterego Games. Set in the oppressive city of Riveton, you play as Val, a mechanic who builds her own army of bots to fight against a corrupt regime. The game combines real-time combat with resource management letting you also to explore a massive map.

While the gameplay is decent enough. mostly real-time combat where you send mini gadgets to destroy massive robots, the other aspects fell short. I tried giving the stealth system a chance, considering it’s a significant part of the gameplay and unavoidable, but it feels predetermined by the placement of walls and blocks that often don’t make sense.

The stealth system leaves you wanting more

The stealth system feels forced because enemy robots can one-shot you if you’re not careful, and some, like enforcers, can’t be fought at all, you must avoid them entirely. However, there’s no real improvement to this system as the game progresses. It’s just crouching and hiding behind walls or bushes, with full visibility of the robots’ movement and vision range, making everything feel overly predictable.

Here’s an example: We sneak into a minister’s office at the end of chapter one, a supposedly big and important building, yet it has almost no security. There are just two normal machines and a few enforcers scattered around, which are easy to avoid. Then there are cameras that you can destroy with your flying companion, and no one seems to care, not even the enemy robots, who don’t react even if you destroy a camera right in front of them.

The cameras are easily avoidable, and I expected more of a challenge, especially considering the advanced robot technology. Once you’ve completed your objective, you’re met at the front door by just one boss. That’s it. Where are the other robots? Why is the game so focused on fighting a single piece of junk the entire time? Why can’t I face multiple robots at once to make things more challenging?

That’s just one example of the stealth system. Later in the game, you’ll need to use your companion to analyze enemies and check their stats. You’ll also gain the ability to instantly destroy enemy robots with your flying companion, which makes sense and should have been available from the start. But no, in the early parts of the game, if you get close to an enemy robot, you literally point at it and say, “I’m over here, you’re looking for me, it’s time to fight!” Then, suddenly, you’re thrown into combat. What kind of stealth system is this? If we don’t sneak up on them, they one-shot us, but if we sneak up and point at them, we can initiate combat with our smaller robots.

Repetitive yet strategic combat

This is where the combat becomes overly repetitive. As you progress, enemies get stronger, but so do you. You can upgrade your skills, your robots, and unlock different types with bonuses like increased speed, explosive damage, or extra health. However, you become insanely powerful, there’s even a skill that lets you respawn robots much faster during combat. While enemy robots do grow stronger, gaining more health and using area effects to hinder your gadgets, the combat can feel unnecessarily drawn out, especially since enemies have multiple ways to counter your strategies.

The repetition comes from the fact that combat feels the same against every enemy, whether it’s a boss or a normal robot. You’re always sending robots left or right and there’s no experimenting. Also, you’ll always send the same type of bots you think work perfectly and you can’t even send them straight forward. In some cases, certain enemy robots become so powerful that you’re forced to rely on specific bombs, whether to heal your robots or freeze the enemies. While combat does get more interesting in the later parts of the game, especially as it forces you to strategize, the early sections feel plain.

The game features a mix of main and side quests, with 32 main quests and 43 side quests available in Early Access. These quests range from lore-heavy tasks, like reading plaques and statues, to more mundane activities, like chasing chickens. In my opinion, the side quests don’t add much overall, though they do feel worthwhile if you choose to complete them. Some reward you with money, others involve finding cassettes to watch a content creator discuss various topics, and most provide valuable insights into the world of Riveton. However, in the end, they don’t significantly impact the game.

Exploration is rewarding, but the presentation falls short

Exploration is rewarding, with collectibles like scrap and dreamstones scattered throughout the city. The game also features hidden chests that are fun to find, especially since they provide valuable resources. However, it can feel tedious because there are so many of them, and they seem randomly scattered across the map just for the sake of it. Exploration also involves a lot of jumping and navigating the map, but most quests are so straightforward that they become mundane. I also found myself frequently stuck trying to locate quest givers or specific destinations.

The design, animations, and graphics didn’t quite hit the mark. It’s hard to know where to start. The character design feels flat, most characters look nearly identical, with only minor differences. The talking animations are particularly jarring; the way the mouths move is off-putting. The same goes for the overemphasis on hand gestures and head movements during dialogue, which often feel unnatural and out of place. Our main protagonist is probably the most fleshed-out character compared to the others, but even the running animations feel awkward, just like many other aspects of the game.

The presentation aspect of the game feels amateurish. That said, it’s understandable since the game is in Early Access, and there’s still room for improvement. On the other hand, the world-building is solid. The details, along with the variety of buildings and location, like prisons and houses, add to the atmosphere. However, the story really falls apart.

The story is decent enough, but it leaves many questionable decisions unresolved

As mentioned, you play as Val, a bright and resourceful mechanic living in the slums of Riveton, a city ruled by the tyrannical Queen Alexandra. The elite live in luxury, while the poor struggle to survive on meager rations. Val’s life takes a tragic turn when a job goes wrong, leading her to take up arms against the regime. The narrative is compelling, with themes of rebellion, injustice, and resilience. The game does a great job of showing how the citizens of Riveton are oppressed, with side quests that highlight the struggles of everyday people.

The sound design is another area that needs improvement. Enemies repeat the same few phrases during combat, and the lady on the microphone constantly announcing that you’ve been spotted and urging everyone to report you to the authorities can become annoying over time. The music is sparse, with only a few tracks playing during cutscenes and tense moments. The lack of a dynamic soundtrack makes the world feel less immersive. While the voice acting is decent overall, some moments lack the emotional depth they need, such as during Val’s argument with Jakob, which fell flat.

But here’s my biggest gripe: the resistance. They let Val do all the dirty work while they just hand out quests. They let her put her life on the line, let her be the hero everyone needs. The ending was also very disappointing. Let’s not forget the massive, hyper-intelligent robot that, after countless calculations, suddenly changes its mind because Val convinces it to. “We created you, we humans want freedom and our own way of life.” Just because Val is the chosen builder, can a machine really develop feelings of compassion and question its own logic? The robot decides to grant people freedom but won’t protect them from themselves. While the ending makes sense in a way, it doesn’t align with the tone and logic established throughout the rest of the game.

Ending thoughts

This is a promising game that still needs to be fleshed out. Obviously, not every aspect can be perfect. The real-time combat with robots is definitely the most intriguing part, as the stealth mechanics feel shallow. I’m not expecting Assassin’s Creed-level gameplay, but I wanted more, something that could keep me engaged and feel more meaningful.

While the story holds up most of the time, it still leaves a lot of unanswered questions. That said, if you’re looking for a true indie game experience, with its mix of good and bad elements, City of Springs is a solid choice. The dystopian setting is memorable, and if you’re waiting for other games to release, City of Springs is worth considering, it’s very affordable and offers decent value for its price.

Review copy provided by the publisher

3

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Various mechanics that will keep you busy

You begin your new job as a conductor of the Determination Bringer train. Your responsibilities include maintaining order in the carriage assigned to you and providing assistance to passengers along the way. To do so, you’ll need reporting, intimidation, searches and ejection. Your decisions will determine the fate of passengers and your colleagues, as well as what kind of person you’ll be at the end of the journey.

Our journey starts with a short memo that combines the policy of the railway with the message from the developers in a clever and fun way. We then meet our protagonist, Winston Smith, whose actions will depend on our decisions. During the tutorial, we learn the basics of our job: checking the tickets of the passengers, preparing their carriages and executing orders from our supervisors.

At least that’s the official part of our job, but in reality, we can spy on travellers through the keyhole, sneak into their compartments and secretly search their belongings, as well as report activities banned by the state. It means that with each station players need to keep their eyes on new passengers and their behavious, but at the same time make sure that their own risky actions won’t be noticed by bystanders or the authorities. This addictive blend of strategy and simulation does great job at keeping you on tenterhooks.

The graphics and environment really create the impression that you are just a cog in a totalitarian system

Another thing that helps with creating tension is an atmosphere. This game practically screams Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell – the references are apparent since the very beginning, starting from the main character’s name. The graphics and the setting really make you feel like you’re just a cog in a totalitarian machine: people are perceived as shadowy figure with no faces, you’re placed in a closed space under constant pressure and supervision, andn o top of that, have to carefully manage your budget and reputation. I really admired how you could see the difference in treatment of those favoured by the system by exploring different parts of the train, which shows how you can use limited space for storytelling.

As I mentioned in the title, this game reminded me a lot of Papers, Please, as both these titles present the struggle of surviving in the totalitarian country. However, they also have another common aspect: allowing players to choose the side. In the demo we caught only a quick glimpse of the importance of our decisions for the story, but they still managed to show us various outcomes and routes.

Whether you help your colleague, do stranger a favour or follow the orders of the higher-ups, it’s up to you. I can just say that the way the demo ended at the most unexpected and intriguing moment made me immediately interested in the rest of the story, which I hope we’ll have a chance to learn this year.

You can play free demo of Beholder: Conductor on Steam.

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The game draws inspiration from classic stealth titles like Thief and Dishonored, mixing their immersive gameplay with a semi-open world full of secrets and challenges. Every burglary is yours to plan, with dozens of tools, gadgets, and skills to master. The city’s residents are part of a dynamic simulation, living their own lives, reacting to noises, and noticing when valuables disappear.

Combat isn’t the focus here. Deserter emphasizes stealth and non-lethal ways to handle enemies, making every encounter about strategy and clever thinking. The world itself is rich in dark satire and black humor, with a non-linear story that lets you uncover secrets, sabotage villainous plans, and shape multiple endings based on your actions.

Building on the universe of AskaLot Games’ earlier title, Gone Rogue, this new adventure dives deeper into themes of survival, control, and rebellion. The game is set to release in 2025 for PC via Steam.

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In Partizan, you play as a member of the growing rebel movement, seeking to overthrow a totalitarian regime. The world is ruled by an oppressive government, and you must battle through militias, bureaucrats, and infected zones to make your mark. As you venture through the hostile environment, you will face various challenges, from hostile militias to a deadly infection that turns civilians into violent maniacs.

The game focuses on player freedom and creative combat. You have a wide range of movement options at your disposal, including diving, sliding, and kicking. This gives you the flexibility to approach situations with a methodical, tactical approach or dive into action-packed combat. Levels are designed with multiple paths and solutions. You can choose to stealthily bypass enemies, engage in full-blown gunfights, or manipulate the environment.

To win in battle, Partizan gives you special abilities like slow motion to improve your skills. The game encourages you to be creative and think fast, as each fight asks you to adjust and use your surroundings wisely. You can use things like explosive barrels, traps, and even the infection to change the battlefield and surprise your enemies.

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What we’ve seen has been nothing short of remarkable, and with the game’s official release set for this Monday on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, it’s clear that Anima Flux is something every gamer should pay attention to. At first glance, Anima Flux may look like a typical platformer, but it offers much more.

The Metroidvania genre has been popular for years, but Anima Flux does something new with it. The game introduces cooperative play as a central feature. Unlike many games that simply tack on a co-op mode, Anima Flux is built from the ground up for two players to work together. Each character develops unique abilities as you progress, meaning players must rely on each other to overcome the game’s challenges and defeat difficult bosses.

The game is also incredibly flexible. If you prefer playing solo, Anima Flux has an AI companion that is responsive and helpful, making the single-player experience just as exciting. As you play, you’ll unravel a story full of ethical dilemmas and tough questions about society’s future. The characters aren’t just faceless warriors; they are complex individuals with backstories that add depth to the overall experience.

The game’s design is inspired by the retro sci-fi look of the 80s and 90s. Its 2D art style, combined with a dystopian atmosphere. Every location in the game, from the ruined city to high-tech laboratories, is detailed, drawing players into its eerie, futuristic environments. Even though the visuals use a retro aesthetic, they feel modern and fresh, with every area carefully crafted to enhance the storytelling.

As the release date approaches, it’s clear that Anima Flux will appeal to a wide range of players, whether you’re in it for the challenging combat, the deep narrative, or the chance to experience a fresh take on cooperative gaming. Make sure to mark your calendar, because next week’s launch of Anima Flux is not something you’ll want to miss.

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The game’s unique twist is that it’s a multiplayer narrative adventure, which sounds like a fancy way of saying that you and your friends can ruin each other’s stories in real-time. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with the added bonus of being able to blame your friends for your terrible decisions. The trailer also hints at some Twitch integration, which means you can follow your favorite streamers and watch them make terrible decisions in real-time.

As you explore Elynd, you’ll meet a wide array of characters, each with their own moods, motivations, and perspectives on the planet’s fate. Choose your allies carefully, as every decision can turn friends into foes. Keep a close eye on your friends’ adventures too, as their actions will influence your story, forcing you to navigate an unpredictable world.

Tides of Tomorrow doesn't have a specific release date, but it will be available for PC via Steam.

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The game is a complex, dystopian life simulation set in a post-apocalyptic city closed off from the rest of the world after a catastrophic radioactive event. Players will face the challenging task of survival, navigating harsh conditions, making difficult social decisions and interacting with organized factions.

The demo version provides an insight into the full potential of the game. Players will have 2.5 days to explore part of the city and will experience the game's free-flowing systems through interactions with a friendly character named Goga. Goga will offer them various services, leaving them free to decide whether to help her or not. In the demo, you can also interact with the Raboch faction and other NPCs, test the limits of the city's laws, and experiment with the game's farming and crafting systems. Alternatively, you can choose to follow your own path through the city, ignoring predefined tasks and interactions.

City 20 is slated for a PC Early Access release on Steam during the summer of 2024.

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Oyster Wars mixes Celeste's smooth movement and level layout with Legend of Zelda's atmosphere and dungeon style. But, instead of dashing like in Celeste, it focuses on grappling, letting you cling to walls, snag items, and fend off foes. It's known for its challenging platforming and intricate system design, where everything interacts dynamically.

In this game, players will explore twisty dungeons linked to a small open world. Inside these dungeons, you'll have to check maps, find keys, and mess with things like water and moving platforms to solve puzzles. And all this while playing as Wade, a farmer seeking payback on Sven, the CEO of Man's End Oyster Company. Sven drained Wade's home island and left it dirty and deserted, aiming to move his business, leaving people unemployed and nature wrecked.

Also featured in this game is an original atmospheric and customizable soundtrack, puzzle box dungeons that can be solved in any order, and a compact overworld that changes as you progress, along with a modern story.

Kickstarter campaign is already in full swing, with 3,679 of the requested 8,768 dollars collected, and still 25 days to go. The game is expected to be released this fall, and will be available for Steam, Nintendo Switch and Itch.io.

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Create an ideal city using a deck of cards with different buildings. From skyscrapers to parks, build residential neighborhoods and transportation networks, shaping the metropolis to your liking. In Technotopia, four factions – capitalists, aristocrats, politicians and commoners – fight for control of the city, using every opportunity for their own ends. Your decisions play a key role in the balance of power, as you satisfy the needs of all factions as an impartial arbiter.

Meet the needs of the public, that is, the city is a dynamic organism that always requires your attention. How will you react to fires or a gang taking control of areas? Factions will offer their own solutions, but it's up to you whether you accept them or develop your own plan. In Technotopia, the city is home to a variety of characters; hackers, oligarchs, criminals and inventors who interact with you to secure their position in the city, offering services in exchange for support in maintaining order.

Technotopia will be available this year for PC via Steam .

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I played a handful of Metroidvanias in my life, but the fusion of the co-op concept with this genre is not fully explored. Anima Flux steps into this gap, offering lots of action and narrative in a unique dystopian setting. The plot revolves around two elite soldiers, a swordsman, and an archer. In general, the game looks quite polished and offers appealing aesthetics, with 2D visuals immersed in a dark cosmic atmosphere that brings this cyberpunk world alive with untold stories waiting to be unveiled.

Gameplay

Obviously, you can enjoy the game in a singleplayer mode, but its multiplayer aspect is where it truly shines. In singleplayer, you can seamlessly switch between characters by pressing TAB. However, in multiplayer, the gameplay experience takes on a collaborative dynamic. One player focuses on attacking flying enemies, while the other provides cover on the ground. Rest assured, the AI is highly capable and adept at following you throughout the game if you’re playing alone. Additionally, you can issue commands to the AI, which proved to be useful while solving diverse puzzles.

The mechanics may seem simple at first glance; you can do basic actions like jumping, attacking, and dashing, but it gets more complex with the introduction of various skills, powers, and upgrades. For instance, you can acquire a temporary shield for protection or use diverse attack methods, like power strike, which wastes your mana. You can also use the rage ability which allows you to destroy multiple enemies at once, but it does require you to aim in the right direction. Mastering these skills is essential, and mana, earned by defeating enemies or collecting specific boxes, fuels their execution.

I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth and responsive controls, making it easy to aim with the mouse just as it is with console. However, I do wish there were additional movement abilities like a double jump or unique skills that encourage synchronized character actions, as currently, each character operates independently, only providing support for each other. The dash ability has a specific cooldown and serves as the primary method for evading attacks. Additionally, the option to deflect ranged enemy attacks using the sword adds a neat touch to the gameplay.

The game features a diverse amount of enemies, with some being more annoying than others, as expected in this genre. Combat requires effort as it does take time to kill enemies, and the pace is notably slower despite combat being dynamic. The demo includes a boss fight that proved to be quite challenging, requiring you to utilize the game environment strategically since evading the boss isn’t that easy. Technically speaking, the game provides those advantages by spawning various platforms, prompting you to carefully plan your attacks, as the boss becomes stronger when its health decreases.

In addition to confronting various enemies, the game presents unique environmental challenges and puzzles. While the demo limits exposure to these elements, I did enjoy using the dash to climb different platforms and experiment with the map system to discover areas I haven’t been to. Although the platforming aspects exist, they aren’t overly complex and don’t particularly stand out. Exploration serves as one method to earn currency for upgrades, and destroying different boxes can yield special consumables.

Dystopian Setting

Players are often drawn to the cyberpunk/dystopian future setting where the last human city, situated on a space ark, faces an orchestrated mutant invasion. While some might miss the third dimension for deeper immersion in the 2D visuals, Anima Flux compensates it with well crafted animations and cutscenes. Adding to the game’s appeal is its atmospheric quality – the element of surprise behind each corner.

This world is populated by various characters with whom you can interact, gaining valuable clues about your next moves. Anima Flux skillfully portrays distinct personalities for each character. While we might miss some background details and a deeper understanding of the main protagonists in the demo, it’s reasonable to expect a more meaningful exploration in the full version. In general, you need to visit and find two evacuation camps with humans inside. Also, there will be some side quests, for example, visiting an ancient temple to save your family.

Ending thoughts

Anima Flux has much to offer, especially with its engaging co-op features. However, a notable aspect is the absence of music in the current build, leaving a certain gap that just doesn’t fully immerse you with the game’s atmosphere. Nevertheless, the developers are on the right track, and with a release slated for the end of this year, there’s enough time to refine and polish this promising game.

Also, it's important to note that you can try this game for yourself during the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, and you can find more information about it at here. Additionally, if you want to explore the game in depth, you can find on Steam and try the demo version yourself.

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