Arcade MMO, ambitious space simulator and roguelike with alchemy. I have played 3 small games that have a lot of potential

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I recently checked out three promising smaller games at trade shows in August, and I wanted to share them with you. They’re definitely worth watching!

Farever, an MMO lite for fun with friends

Traditional MMORPGs usually have complex combat, detailed character progression, and lots of keyboard shortcuts. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry – Farever, which its creators call a “cooperative action RPG,” takes inspiration from those games but focuses on a different kind of experience.

I spent about thirty minutes playing the game and got to check out one of the initial areas. I immediately noticed the movement felt quick and arcade-like, which was great for the platforming sections. Luckily, I had some helpful tools, including a grappling hook and an owl that let me glide around. It was really enjoyable exploring the vibrant world with these abilities.

The game’s arcade-style action extends to its combat. You’ll face quick enemies and wide-reaching attacks, forcing you to constantly move and think strategically about how you approach fights. This complements the game’s character customization, which lets you combine different weapon skills and abilities however you like. With its focus on experimentation, *Farever* should be a hit with players who enjoy creating unique character builds.

This game shows a lot of promise! While *Farever* doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it combines elements from various game types in a really enjoyable way, and its bright, colorful design makes it instantly appealing. It feels like a game best played with a small group of friends. I’m excited to see how the project develops – *Farever* is expected to launch next year.

SpaceCraft, a space simulator with scope

Shiro Games’ SpaceCraft is a captivating space exploration game that immediately feels similar to No Man’s Sky. Like that popular title, you’ll travel between planets, collect resources, and build bases. However, the developers of SpaceCraft are focusing on different aspects of gameplay to create a unique experience.

SpaceCraft clearly aims to satisfy dedicated science fiction fans with its gritty visuals and intricate gameplay. During a recent demo, I explored how to build and grow a planetary base, refine gathered resources through a crafting system, and personalize your spaceship. Even in this early alpha stage, the depth of its systems, progression paths, and how everything connects is remarkable. The developers plan to build a vast, evolving universe shaped by player actions. I’m confident that adding multiplayer will only enhance SpaceCraft’s already promising mechanics.

The game’s technology is impressive too. Transitioning between space and the planet’s surface is seamless – there are no loading screens at all. It’s really striking to watch a new planet gradually appear on the screen, slowly revealing the details of its landscape.

Having big ideas and aiming high is great, but it can also be risky and put a lot of pressure on the people making something. I’m hoping Shiro Games can successfully handle this challenge and create something truly impressive. We should see the first playable version of the game later this year.

Flask – a grotesque roguelike

Finally, I want to highlight *Flask* by Chop Chop Games. It’s a unique game that blends roguelike elements with other genres.

You play as an alchemist searching for the rare blood of powerful monsters. The game features a branching world, similar to other roguelikes, with both monster fights and unexpected events. Each area ends with a boss battle, and the game gets progressively harder as you advance.

I was really impressed with *Flask*’s battle system! It’s an autobattler where you play as alchemists who use little creatures called homunculi to fight for you. Basically, you assign actions to flasks, and then they automatically play out during battle. It reminded me a bit of deckbuilders – you’re trying to create the perfect set of moves and effects to win. What’s really cool is that the flasks you find have different elements and work together in interesting ways, plus they interact with your homunculi’s special abilities. I got to see some awesome combinations during the demo, and I think players who love experimenting with different builds will absolutely love *Flask*.

What really stood out to me was the game’s unique art style. *Flask* creates a strange and unsettling world inspired by folklore and fantasy, using twisted and distorted imagery. The game is full of beautifully hand-painted creatures with bizarre and interesting designs. A dark, gray color palette and the blend of 2D and 3D visuals complete the atmosphere. *Flask* is a really fun experience, particularly if you appreciate games that take artistic risks and aren’t afraid to be different.

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2025-09-29 14:33