Puzzle
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Come chase your clone through an exquisite, comicbook-inspired world of seashells and ancient machines
Helix: Descent N Ascent, a new puzzle and platform game inspired by indie comics, has released a demo on Steam. Players control a character who can evolve and devolve to solve puzzles in a monochrome world. The full game is expected later this year.
Play Nazi fugitive Guess Who in detective note-shuffler The Ratline's Steam Next Fest demo
The Ratline is a detective puzzle game from Owlskip Games where players identify former Nazis hiding in the 1970s. The Steam Next Fest demo challenges players to uncover pseudonyms, locations, and appearances through clues. The game draws comparisons to Return of the Obra Dinn for its analytical gameplay.
Resident Evil Requiem is this week's headline PC game but don't forget the Witchers, pirates and pinballs
This week's gaming releases include Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem, a hybrid third-person and first-person survival horror experience. Other notable launches include the early access RTS Rise Of Piracy, the narrative deckbuilder Reigns: The Witcher, and the pinball celebration Snägäri Pinball. Steam Next Fest also offers numerous game demos.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several Rock Paper Shotgun writers share their weekend gaming plans, including Mark's interest in BallisticNG and Dirt Rally 2.0, James's focus on Steam Next Fest demos like Denshattack and Far Far West, and Ollie's return to Baldur's Gate 3. Other mentions include Nioh, Bejeweled 3, Puzzle Quest, Demon's Mirror, and Pathologic 3.
Mickey’s Ultimate Challenge
Mickey's Ultimate Challenge is a simple puzzle game released in 1994 by Hi-Tech Expressions, developed by WayForward Technologies. The game features six mini-games designed to teach basic skills like memorization and problem-solving to very young children. Despite its educational intent and classic Disney charm, the game is considered dull, short, and lacks replay value, making it unsuitable for veteran gamers.
Heed the Call of the Elder Gods 🔦
Out of the Blue Games is developing a sequel to Call of the Sea, titled Call of the Elder Gods, set to release on February 19, 2026. The game features two new protagonists, Harry and Evangeline, who experience strange visions and memory loss related to an artifact. The preview highlights familiar puzzle mechanics from the first game and promises a story filled with otherworldly scenes and intriguing locations.
Tune in to Battle Vision Network 📺
Capybara Games is releasing Battle Vision Network, a single-player roguelike puzzle game set within a competition show. The gameplay mechanics are inspired by Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes, focusing on arranging troops to attack opponents. The game features a vibrant presentation, unlockable teammate types, and distinct captains, encouraging strategic team experimentation.
Most Popular Game Genres in 2026
In 2026, game genres are more important than individual titles as players gravitate towards styles that fit their play habits. Action, Shooter, and RPGs lead on PC and consoles due to immediate engagement, skill progression, and meaningful choices, respectively. Mobile gaming sees dominance from Puzzle and Casual genres, while Battle Royale, Simulation, and others maintain popularity through replayability, low-pressure gameplay, and flexibility.
Under The Island Review 🏝️
Under The Island is an adorable and challenging action-adventure game featuring a Zelda-like experience with numerous puzzles and charming critters. While the game boasts playful presentation, varied boss battles, and creative puzzles, it is hampered by frequent hit box issues, a lack of enemy variety, and a suboptimal map system. The review scores the game 8.1 out of 10.
‘Asocial Giraffe’ Needs You to Avoid Being Noticed
A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe is a point-and-click puzzle adventure game where players control a giraffe trying to avoid human interaction. The demo, played at AdventureX, features bite-sized puzzles that require players to solve problems without being seen. The game is currently in development for PC, with a demo available on Steam.
‘DJ Bunny’ Creates Music Through Some Clever Puzzles
DJ Bunny is a musical puzzle game where players connect instruments on a grid to create songs. The game features a story about a rabbit pursuing a DJ career and presents increasingly challenging puzzles with turn limits. Currently in development, DJ Bunny can be wishlisted on Steam.
10 Best Love Games on Poki for 2026: Free Dating Sims & Romantic Puzzles
This article highlights ten free-to-play love and dating simulation games available on the browser platform Poki. The list includes titles ranging from romantic puzzles and fashion dress-ups to dating sims and physics-based challenges, emphasizing their accessibility and casual gameplay.
Best Cozy Games To Cuddle Up With In 2026
This guide highlights the best cozy games available in 2026, focusing on titles that offer comfort and escapism through farming, creativity, and social simulation. The list includes popular games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley, alongside indie gems such as Thrifty Business and Tiny Bookshop, catering to various preferences within the cozy genre.
The Best Upcoming Co-Op Games To Look Forward To In 2026
This article highlights upcoming co-op games scheduled for release in 2026, spanning various genres and platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2. Featured titles include Orbitals, Awaysis, The Duskbloods, Ikuma: The Frozen Compass, Hela, We Are So Cooked, Don't Panic! It's Just Turbulence, We Were Here Tomorrow, Espiocracy, Weeny Wise, Rayman Legends Retold, Call It A Day, and Witchbrook, many of which emphasize cross-platform play and flexible multiplayer options.
The Best Nintendo Switch Games In 2026
This guide highlights the best games available on the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the Switch 2, covering a variety of genres and including both first-party and third-party titles. The list aims to showcase the diverse and high-quality catalog of games on Nintendo's hybrid systems, with a focus on titles that offer unique experiences or represent the pinnacle of their respective genres.
Devlog - Shop Crush - Psychological Horror Thrift Sim with Literal Illusions [Demo Soon]
Shop Crush is a hybrid visual novel and shop management game featuring psychological horror elements and literal illusions. Players manage a shop, deciphering customer profiles and their obsessions through tactical trading and narrative exploration. A Steam demo is planned for release in the coming months, with the game aiming for a 2000s-inspired visual style.
Best Switch 2 Ports - The Most Impressive Third-Party Games On Nintendo Switch 2
This article highlights the most impressive third-party games adapted for the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing how the console handles demanding titles. It features a curated list of games that offer a full experience despite the hardware's limitations, with specific mentions of titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Apex Legends, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.
The Best Two-Player Co-Op Games To Strengthen (Or Test) Your Friendships
This article highlights the best two-player cooperative games designed for deep collaboration and communication. It features titles like It Takes Two, Portal 2, and A Way Out, emphasizing games where teamwork is essential for progression and enjoyment.
The Nameless City Switch Review
The Nameless City, a horror walking simulator published by Ratalaika, suffers from severe performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, including stuttering and game crashes. Despite potential for Lovecraftian horror and puzzle elements, the poor technical performance makes it not recommended.
What small browser games do you play to chill between sessions?
Players discuss their favorite small browser games for quick breaks between longer gaming sessions. Popular choices include HoodaMath's escape and logic puzzles, the Papa's restaurant series, .io games like Slither.io and Agar.io, 2048, Lichess.org for chess puzzles, and idle games like Cookie Clicker. These games are favored for their instant loading times and minimal commitment.