Architect Life puts you in charge of your own architectural firm, designing and building homes from 3D blueprints to final construction. It offers two main modes:

• Free Mode: Unrestricted creativity across 60 terrain types. Design homes without client demands or budget limits.
• Career Mode: Manage your firm through 60 unique missions. Design homes based on client needs, terrain, and budget.

Here’s the thing: NACON’s recent simulators have been questionable, and this one is no exception. I played the demo during Steam Next Fest and was disappointed by the poor tutorial and clumsy controls. While this is a subjective opinion, the Steam reviews from recent full release already tell the whole story.

It is supposed to let you design rooms, roofs, and balconies with precise measurements, choosing from various materials, coatings, and furniture. However, players are already noting that while the base game has solid foundations, it’s missing a lot of content. One review even stated: “I bought it to experiment some changes in my own home but it’s nearly impossible to do so.”

The most questionable thing is that Architect Life already has DLCs. The Supporter Edition includes the base game plus two content packs: the Sketch House Pack (for artistic 2D/3D illusions) and the Hobbies Pack (for leisure-themed rooms). You can also buy these DLCs separately. This game is part of NACON’s “Life” series, which has generally received mixed reviews.

In the end, it’s worth trying if you enjoy creative, relaxing building games like The Sims and love designing homes with extensive customization. But, if you’re sensitive to bugs, prefer deeper mechanics, or want more from a game, this one might not be for you. As one reviewer put it: “Good game for making floorplans, general layouts and and somewhat measurements.”

The post Should You Give Architect Life: A House Design Simulator a Try? first appeared on IndieGames.

A demo was recently released, letting everyone dive into its world. This action-adventure with RPG and soulslike elements has you exploring the war-torn, semi-open world of Hadea. You play as Rémi, a UN peacekeeper, seeking answers about his past amid a civil war and a mysterious calamity that spawned supernatural creatures called Hollow Walkers.

You have great freedom in exploring the world

Right from the start, Hell is Us captivates with its stunning visuals, dark atmosphere, well-crafted characters, cinematic cutscenes, and a dynamic, minimalist UI that appears during combat. However, like many games built in Unreal Engine 5, it faces optimization issues. Slowdowns with multiple characters on screen and odd lighting moments are present. If you don’t have a powerful PC, expect some performance hiccups.

The developers promise that Hell is Us has no maps, indicators, or linear guidelines, giving you the freedom to choose your path and interactions. The demo effectively showcases this. Exploration is crucial, as you must gather resources for healing, stamina, drone use, or materials dropped by defeated enemies. The game is filled with secrets, hidden consumables, and puzzles that unlock secret rooms and more. While you follow the main story, the game only provides hints about what to do, not how to do it.

Conversations with characters are vital, revealing world details and mission clues. For example, early on, you’ll talk to a grandfather who shares how to find a military vehicle for map travel. Listening carefully is key, as characters’ words guide tasks like following a bell’s sound to avoid getting lost. This is just a taste of the demo, and we believe the full game will offer even more to explore.

Combat is deliberate and demands precision

When it comes to combat, it’s thoughtful but doesn’t bring anything spectacularly new. It requires precise strikes and revolves around stamina, which limits your actions through an exhaustion mechanic. In this state, you lose health and deal weaker attacks. Light and heavy attacks, blocking, dodging, perfect blocks, and a soulslike constant healing mechanic are available. It feels fairly fluid for the player, but not for enemies. There are many types of foes: smaller enemies you can quickly defeat, larger monsters, and unique enemies that are interconnected and attack from multiple directions. You must defeat one to make another vulnerable, as they’re otherwise invincible.

The issue is that enemy AI is quite weak. They’ll stare at you until you approach, get stuck on obstacles, or simply not move, only reacting when you’re close. Fortunately, the demo lets you adjust enemy difficulty, choosing between more aggressive or resilient foes, giving you options.

Additionally, the hitbox can feel odd, enemies may attack without hitting you despite being right in front of you. Rémi’s primary weapon is a glowing sword, with secondary weapons like axes available. The drone serves as a tactical tool, activated to distract enemies or interact with the environment, such as lighting your path or reading unfamiliar languages.

An ambitious project with the potential to become something great

Weapons in the game have levels and can be upgraded with various modifiers. Your inventory can fill up with items you might need later, and they’re easy to find. The only issue is that when inspecting an item in detail, you can’t equip it directly, you have to navigate through multiple menus. For the best impression of the game, we recommend trying the demo yourself. It lasts about an hour and a half if you explore every corner.

Personally, the combat in Hell is Us wasn’t overly demanding; it might even be too forgiving, as you can block almost everything and have multiple ways to defeat several enemies at once. On the other hand, Hell is Us is a truly ambitious action-adventure game that stands out for its exploration without much hand-holding. Puzzles and secret rooms aren’t hard to find—you just need to look around a bit more carefully. The graphics are undeniably top-notch, but if optimization isn’t improved, there will be issues. It’s hard to predict how well everything will work in the full game, and we’re yet to see how long a playthrough will take.

The post [PREVIEW] Hell is Us is an impressive open-world RPG with the potential to become something truly great first appeared on IndieGames.

New Game Announcements

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss

• Developer: Big Bad Wolf (The Council, Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong)
• Genre: First-person psychological thriller
• Details: Set in 2053, players control Noah, an Interpol agent from the occult-specializing Ancile division, investigating miners’ disappearances in the Pacific Ocean. The trail leads to R’lyeh, the sunken city imprisoning Cthulhu, promising a Lovecraftian descent into madness.
• Release Date: 2026 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu

• Developer: ACE Team (Clash: Artifacts of Chaos, Zeno Clash)
• Genre: First-person horror with online co-op (up to 4 players)
• Details: Loosely inspired by Lovecraft’s The Mound, this pirate-themed adventure involves treasure-hunting amidst cosmic horrors. It’s a shift from ACE Team’s usual fare, emphasizing cooperative survival.
• Release Date: 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

Styx: Blades of Greed

• Developer: Cyanide Studio
• Genre: Stealth-action with strategic elements
• Details: A return for the goblin thief Styx, set in a vertically designed medieval fantasy world. Players focus on stealing Quartz, navigating open-ended environments with a mix of stealth and combat.
• Release Date: Fall 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business

• Developer: Teyon Studio
• Genre: First-person shooter (standalone expansion)
• Details: Following the million-plus success of RoboCop: Rogue City (2023), this expansion puts players back in Alex Murphy’s boots. New weapons, brutal finishers, and flashback missions as pre-RoboCop Murphy face off against mercenaries atop Omni Tower.
• Release Date: Summer 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

The Fading of Nicole Wilson

• Developer: Unspecified (Nacon-published)
• Genre: First-person narrative horror adventure
• Details: A teen ghost hunter, Brit, investigates paranormal activity at the Timberline Hotel after her employer’s hospitalization. Armed with a camera and gear, she uncovers forces beyond the supernatural.
• Release Date: 2025 (PC, consoles)

Updates on Previously Announced Games

Hell is Us

• Developer: Rogue Factor
• Details: A post-apocalyptic action-adventure, this gameplay reveal (narrated by creative director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête) showcased its investigation mechanics. Players rely on observation and intuition to unravel a mysterious calamity.
• Release Date: September 4, 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)

Edge of Memories

• Developer: Midgar Studio
• Details: A JRPG sequel to Edge of Eternity, featuring third-person real-time combat against monstrous foes in Heryon. New gameplay footage deepened its action-packed narrative.
• Release Date: Fall 2025 (PC, consoles)

Dragonkin: The Banished

• Developer: Eko Software
• Details: A hack-and-slash title that launched in Early Access on Steam on March 6, 2025, coinciding with the event. Post-show interviews offered exclusive footage.
• Release Date: Early Access now; full release TBD

Ravenswatch

• Developer: Passtech Games
• Details: This co-op action roguelike, nearing 1 million players since its September 2024 full launch, unveiled a free DLC: Romeo & Juliet. The duo wields rapier and firearm in tandem, requiring synchronized play.
• Release Date: DLC coming soon (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch)

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

• Developer: KT Racing
• Details: The MMO racing game’s Season 3 launches March 19, 2025, with new modes (Navigation Races, Delivery Missions), QoL features (Solo Mode, AI Difficulty), three new cars, a free 50-level Solar Pass, and custom license plates.
• Release Date: Season 3 on March 19, 2025 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

The Occultist

• Developer: Daedalic Entertainment, DALOAR
• Details: A first-person horror game with initial gameplay footage revealed, promising a chilling experience.
• Release: 2026 (PC, consoles)

RENNSPORT

• Developer: Competition Company & Teyon
• Details: A realistic racing sim expanding to consoles via Nacon’s publishing. Cross-platform play enhances its competitive edge.
• Release: 2025 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

Accessories Unveiled

• Revosim RS Pure: Nacon’s first racing wheel (9 Nm Direct Drive), with handbrake, gearshift, and clutch pedal add-ons. Pre-orders opened March 6, 2025.
• Revolution X Unlimited: Official Xbox controller, now pre-orderable.
• Revolution 5 Pro: Official PlayStation controller, showcased with PWR collab.
• RIG 900 Max Headset: Premium audio for gamers.
• DAJIA Arcade Stick: A fighting game staple, highlighted with PWR branding.

The post Everything Announced at Nacon Connect March 2025 first appeared on IndieGames.

While the full program details have yet to be officially revealed, Nacon Connect is expected to bring updates on several highly anticipated titles. Among them is HELL is US, an action-adventure game set in a semi-open world, as well as Edge of Memories, a new RPG from Midgar Studio considered the spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Edge of Eternity.

Additionally, significant attention will be given to Ravenswatch, a roguelike game inspired by dark fairy tales, which may receive a new gameplay trailer or update. One particularly intriguing question is whether there will be new information about Terminator: Survivors, an open-world survival game set in the Terminator universe. The game was previously delayed from its planned October 2024 release to 2025.

In recent financial reports, Nacon hinted that they expect for Nintendo Switch 2 to launch between April and September 2025. Given that Nacon plans to release around 10 new games in the first half of its fiscal year, some of these titles might be aimed at Nintendo’s next-generation console. Although no specific games have been officially confirmed, Nacon Connect could provide the first hints.

As in previous years, Nacon has also teased several “secret projects” that may be unveiled during the stream. Community speculation suggests the possibility of a sequel to the successful RoboCop: Rogue City or new updates on Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown. Given Nacon’s focus on mid-budget game development, some unexpected reveals could also be in store.

The post New Nacon Connect is announced for early next month first appeared on IndieGames.

The story of Edge of Memories is set in the world of Heryon, where the continent of Astrya has been ravaged by a disease known as Corrosion. On the other side of the world, in the continent of Avaris, nomadic peoples who have long avoided this world now stand on the brink of extinction. At the heart of the story is Eline, a wandering soul whisperer, tirelessly fighting against the force that turns living nature and people into monstrosities. After a mysterious encounter, she awakens a dark power, the ability to control Corrosion within her own body. With the help of Ysoris, her unexpected mentor, and Kante, the shaman prince of a lost tribe, Eline embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

From the idyllic sandy shores of the port city Sarlah-Durah to the snowy peaks of the Kezal mountains, every landscape bears the scars of Corrosion. The game promises rich and vibrant locations that will change as the story progresses, creating unpredictable paths and new challenges. Nomadic civilizations, forced into constant migration to escape Corrosion, further enrich the game’s world and depict how people face their fate.

Combat in Edge of Memories is described as punishing, emphasizing dynamic combinations of fast strikes and powerful techniques. You will be able to use your allies’ abilities in various ways and adapt to every situation to gain the upper hand in critical moments. One of the most intriguing aspects of combat is the ability to transform into a Berserker, enabling devastating attacks.

The post Edge of Memories is a new action RPG coming from Nacon first appeared on IndieGames.

In Architect Life, you can choose between two modes. Career Mode features 60 unique missions where you’ll design homes based on client needs. Free Mode allows you to unleash your creativity by designing dream homes with or without restrictions. With intuitive controls that work seamlessly on both gamepads and keyboards, anyone can dive into the world of architecture.

As an architect, you will work closely with their virtual clients to bring dream homes to life. Using simple tools, you can build straight or curved walls, design multi-story houses, and create custom roofs. Attention to detail is key, as the game includes realistic building constraints like proper heating for each room and meeting specific client requests. You can also decorate interiors and exteriors with furniture and use a customizable color wheel to make spaces feel unique and personal.

The post Architect Life: A House Design Simulator Finally Has a Release Date first appeared on IndieGames.

Set in a detailed open world inspired by San Francisco, Ambulance Life gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a paramedic. Developed by the creators of Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, the game offers a deep and realistic look at the challenges paramedics face every day.

You will drive ambulances to accident scenes, analyze emergencies, prioritize injuries, and apply first aid. The game’s unique system generates dozens of scenarios, ensuring that every mission feels new and unpredictable. From minor accidents to large-scale disasters, you will need to adapt quickly to save as many lives as possible.

The demo provides an early glimpse into the game’s mechanics, offering players the chance to practice their paramedic skills. Ambulance Life combines the thrill of high-speed driving with the critical decision-making of emergency medical care, delivering a truly unique experience for simulation fans.

The post Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator has a new release date first appeared on IndieGames.

Set in the natural landscapes of Colorado and Texas, Hunting Simulator 3 will allow us to explore vast open worlds, either solo or in multiplayer. With the help of a loyal hunting dog, we will track and hunt more than 40 species of animals using equipment from renowned brands such as Beretta, Winchester, and Browning. 

The game also features a completely new dynamic system called “SimFauna,” which accurately replicates animal behavior. Additionally, Nacon emphasizes that all our actions within the game will have real consequences on wildlife and the environment, which should actually bring a strategic touch to every hunt.

Moreover, we can expect improved behavior of hunting dogs, enhanced sound design, and the introduction of vehicles for traversing open terrain. It’s no surprise that Hunting Simulator 3 will be powered by Unreal Engine 5, so we can certainly expect very beautiful visuals and graphics.

The post Hunting Simulator 3 announced for PC and consoles first appeared on IndieGames.

In Architect Life, you can select from various biomes that each bring unique aesthetics and design challenges. In the latest “Archiblog” development update, Shine Research showcased the countryside biome, a scenic area featuring small towns, rivers, lakes, and flower fields. This idyllic setting encourages open, light-filled designs with large windows, conservatories, and scenic outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with nature.

The design journey begins at the player’s virtual desk, where they outline the initial structure, starting with walls. Architect Life provides a suite of tools, including grids, tooltips, and precision aids, for setting angles and aligning walls. You can experiment with walls of any shape, including curved walls, and adjust layouts by merging or extending parts of the structure with ease.

The post Architect Life: A House Design Simulator Brings Freedom and Detail to Home Design in 2025 first appeared on IndieGames.

Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is set in an open world inspired by San Francisco and promises to give players a realistic glimpse into the life of a paramedic. Developed by the creators of Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, the game allows players to step into the role of an ambulance driver, racing through the streets to reach accident scenes.

You will be tasked with assessing emergencies, determining the urgency of injuries, and providing first aid. With dozens of scenarios ranging from minor accidents to large-scale disasters, each situation will require quick thinking and adaptability. The game aims to offer high replayability, with every mission presenting unique challenges.

The post Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator Delayed Until 2025 first appeared on IndieGames.