Part deck-builder and part tower defense, Deck of Haunts puts players in control of a sentient haunted mansion determined to fend off unwanted guests. With great card mechanics, eerie atmosphere and a steep but rewarding learning curve, it’s a hauntingly fun choice for gamers looking to kick off spooky season in style.
When the original Stronghold Crusader was released in 2002, it was a huge leap forward for real-time strategy titles. Now, the definitive edition brings that glory back with new graphics, missions, maps, combat units and a rogues’ gallery of tricky AI opponents.
Upin and Ipin Universe is an open-world adventure based on the hit cartoon Upin and Ipin, and it captures the show’s charm and lively style with cooperative play that encourages families to share the adventure. Young fans will enjoy stepping into their favorite cartoon’s village.
Prison adventure Back to the Dawn blends noir drama and Lovecraftian weirdness into one of the most entertaining indie RPGs of the year. It includes over one hundred quests and several endings. Prison life has never been this strange, strategic or hilarious.
When a kingdom’s peasants only work under the king’s direct gaze, every move counts. The King is Watching blends tower defense, auto-battler action and roguelike progression into one uniquely challenging package that will surprise even the most experienced armchair generals.
In a refreshing change from the usual action-packed Middle Earth fare, Tales of the Shire focuses on gardening, cooking and forging friendships. Cozy, charming and surprisingly deep, it’s the perfect title for anyone who’s ever dreamed of settling down in the Shire.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller delivers an impressive, lever-free fighting game experience with clicky, low-profile buttons, great ergonomics and tons of customization. And unlike more expensive options, this one is less than $100, making it perfect for specialized gaming on a budget.
A fantasy MMO’s heroes of Azerim vanish, leaving one low-level NPC fisherman to deal with the monsters, world-ending quests and annoying story NPCs. It’s a ridiculous premise that somehow works for Nice Day for Fishing, sore thumbs and all.
College football fanatic Neal Sayatovich dives into Maximum Football 2025, a surprisingly deep and completely free alternative to EA’s gridiron giant. With slick gameplay, a solid physics engine and smart team stand-ins, Maximum Football 2025 might just earn a spot in your starting sports lineup.
From survival mechanics to guild-run spice wars, Funcom’s Dune: Awakening is more than just another licensed MMO. It’s an ambitious reinvention of Arrakis that we think would have even made Frank Herbert proud.
