DISORDER
Swagabyte Games
PC
Under the radar for many, the recently released and brilliantly designed Disorder tackles a bold subject with the simplest of gaming forms. It is a platform game about struggling with mental health problems. By offering two parallel planes of existence, it explores the divide between reality and personal perception of that reality.
FROZEN CORTEX
Mode 7
PC, Mac, Linux
13 February
In the tradition of retro gaming icon Speedball, Frozen Cortex delivers a futuristic sport. Or, rather, it’s dressed up as one; specifically an unearthly robot rugby. Eschewing a sole action focus, Frozen Cortex plays out as a methodical strategy title. Experienced like an interactive football manager’s blackboard, it is brilliantly engrossing.
WOOLFE: THE RED HOOD DIARIES
Grin3D, PC
This creation by Grin3D reworks Little Red Riding Hood as something more sinister. Rather cinematic considering its existence as an adventure-platformer blending the second and third dimensions, it has been made available as “early access”, meaning you can play the game while it is still in development and provide feedback to its creators.
DARKEST DUNGEON
PC, Mac
Red Hook Studios
Made available as an early access game this month, this is a gothic-flavoured turn-based role-playing game, illustrated with a bold, distinct style. Its unusual angle is that the psychological stress of dangerous adventuring is a key gameplay mechanic. The game looks more interesting with each day closer to full release.
