Islets
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Latest coverage
How 40 Years of Metroid Have Impacted The Biggest Metroidvania Developers
This article explores the profound impact of the Metroid series, particularly Super Metroid, on the development of the Metroidvania genre. Developers from various studios discuss how Metroid's interconnected worlds, exploration mechanics, and atmospheric design have inspired their own games, shaping core design philosophies and influencing everything from level design to player agency.
Well Dweller gets release date, Nintendo Switch 2 version
Well Dweller, a dark fairy-tale Metroidvania developed by Kyle Thompson and published by Top Hat Studios, will launch on September 22, 2026. The game will be released for both the Nintendo Switch and a "Nintendo Switch 2" version featuring enhanced graphics. Players control a small bird named Glimmer on a quest to defeat a wicked queen.
Silksong Parent Guide: Finishing Between School Runs | TAG
This guide offers strategies for parents to play Silksong by breaking down gameplay into short, manageable sessions around school and nap schedules. It emphasizes prioritizing bench saves, planning sessions around available time windows, and managing boss attempts to accommodate limited playtime. The article also discusses the benefits of handheld gaming platforms like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch for parents and provides advice on resuming the game after breaks.
Well Dweller Demo Drops on Steam From Crypt Custodian Creator
A free demo for Kyle Thompson's new dark, bizarre Metroidvania game, Well Dweller, is now available on Steam as part of Top Hat Studios' Spring Showcase. Players control Glimmer, a tiny bird with a matchstick, on a quest to save their family from a wicked queen. The demo offers a substantial preview of the game's opening sequence, environments, and boss encounters, showcasing Thompson's signature blend of whimsical and unsettling themes. Well Dweller is slated for a 2026 release on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Demo For Dark Fairy Tale Metroidvania Well Dweller Now Available On Steam
Top Hat Studios and developer Kyle Thompson have released a demo for their dark fairy tale Metroidvania, Well Dweller, on Steam. The demo features the game's opening sequence and early boss encounters, offering a glimpse into the whimsical yet morbid world. The full game is slated for release in 2026 on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Top Hat Studios Reveals Standout Games Lineup at Spring Showcase 2026
Top Hat Studios showcased a diverse lineup of upcoming indie games during their Spring Showcase 2026. The event featured new trailers, publishing announcements, and demo drops for titles such as the horror action game METAMORPHOSIS, the first-person action-adventure HALLOW BLADE, and the parkour game MOTORSLICE, which is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Family on May 5, 2026. Other revealed games include the aerial roguelike DELIVERY MUST COMPLETE, the 3D adventure Twinkle's Galactic Tour, the horror RPG The Backworld with a new demo, the metroidvania Well Dweller with an upcoming demo, and the survival horror BECROWNED.
Top Hat Studios Reveals Indie Lineup at Spring Showcase 2026
Top Hat Studios showcased its upcoming indie game lineup at the Spring Showcase 2026, revealing new titles like Metamorphosis and Hallow Blade, alongside release updates and demos for others. The showcase featured a variety of genres including horror, action, and platforming, highlighting the studio's growing portfolio of distinct indie projects.
Metroidvania 'Well Dweller' Demo Launches April 23 on PC
Top Hat Studios announced that the metroidvania game Well Dweller, created by Kyle Thompson, will receive a playable demo on PC via Steam on April 23, 2026. Players control Glimmer, a bird on a quest to defeat a queen and rescue their family in a dark fairy-tale world. The gameplay features traditional metroidvania exploration, ability unlocks, combat, puzzles, and collectible trinkets.