On average, about a dozen new games are released on Steam every day. I think that’s a good thing, but of course it’s hard to keep it going. Unless you sort out all the games released on Steam, potentially exciting gems will surely get lost in the flood of new plays. That’s exactly what we did. If nothing caught your eye this week, we’ve compiled an updated list of the best PC games you can play right now and his 2023 games coming out this year.
Sergeant Squidley: Space Sheriff!
Steam Pages
Release date: July 5th
Developer: Ninjaconor
Launch price: $15 | £12.79 | AU$21.95
It’s a 90’s-style point-and-click adventure with beautiful, vivid visuals and a squid protagonist. Not only squid policeman squid. Sergeant Squidley specializes in traffic duties, and I’m sure he pays speeding fines and such, until he’s suddenly promoted to investigating criminal cases in the underworld.this fish Squid’s out-of-water situation is compounded by a variety of factors, including a vengeful ex-wife, parenting, and an unspecified “dark secret” plaguing the town. It’s a point-and-click adventure, but it’s also kind of a decision-based RPG with stats, branching paths, and the ability to become a jazz saxophonist (awesome).
completely silent
Steam Pages
Release date: July 8th
Developer: Retrotainment Games
Launch price: $10 | £8.03 | $15 AUD
Retrotainment Games specializes in developing and delivering games primarily for older consoles such as the NES. Gorgeous physical version. Thankfully, they’ve released the title on his PC as well, and the latest one looks really interesting. Full Quiet is a La Mulana-flavored open-world sidescroller focused on solving enigmatic puzzles, exploring labyrinths, and encountering difficult enemies. It’s not for the faint of heart, even by 8-bit standards, but the beautiful ’80s pixel art will at least alleviate some of the pain. Even better if you have the NES handy and want to eject the cartridge.
dark room
Steam Pages
Release date: July 6th
Developer: Amir Rajan
Launch price: $7 | £5.89 | AU$10.25
This text adventure has been released in browser-based games and mobile since 2013, but has been belatedly released on Steam. It may seem strange that a text adventure is coming to your smartphone, but “A Dark Room” doesn’t require any text input. You can choose from a set of commands. The “plot” is good enough not to be told, but even more so to protect the mystery. However, this Steam version has a much improved user interface and looks much better than before. browser version, and even modding functions. Definitely worth taking the time to listen to this understated cult classic.
arterium shift
steam page
Release date: July 6th
Developer: drass-Ray, Mottzy
Launch price: $16 | £13.40 | AUD $23.60
Ah, yet another 2.5D JRPG, but this time not from Square Enix. Alterium Shift is a staunch indie, and while it doesn’t seem like it’s making much of a stir when it comes to JRPG orthodoxy, there are a lot of people, no, millions, who will benefit from it. There are three playable characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, extending to powers that help you access unique parts of the map. Combat is turn-based, and of course there is fishing. Please note that this is an early access deal and the game is not finished yet. If that doesn’t satisfy you, try the free demo and check back in a few months.
New Heights: Realistic Climbing and Bouldering
Steam Pages
Release: July 7th
Developer: Wikkl Works
Launch price: $18 | £15.29 | AUD $26.55
If you think climbing Assassin’s Creed or Uncharted is too video game-y, you’re right. Also, this climbing and bouldering sim might satisfy your craving for realism. The most compelling thing about New Heights to me is the inclusion of “real cliffs and structures” accurately rendered thanks to photogrammetry and drones. I’m not sure how much fun this would be for someone who isn’t into rock climbing, but it definitely serves a niche and that’s what I love about PC gaming. New Heights is in early access and will be there for a year before adding new locations, options and story modes. Multiplayer may also be added depending on the popularity of the game.
