Rift of the NecroDancer
Rift of the NecroDancer — a fresh take on rhythm games, continuing the story of Crypt of the NecroDancer. Players once again meet Cadence, who now fights in a new world where every move and strike depends on the music. The game combines roguelike and arcade elements in the vein of Hi-Fi Rush or Beat Saber. Mini-games and the ability to create custom levels using the built-in editor add a special charm.
Gameplay is built around the unique behavior of monsters: some change lanes after attacking, while others require several hits to defeat. Mini-games, such as a “yoga lesson”, break up the intense battles, while the “Remix” mode offers new conditions each time, adding an element of surprise. Daily challenges boost the competitive spirit, and on the “Impossible” difficulty, the game turns into a true test for your fingers.
Player reviews are full of warmth and humor. Many call the game a “masterpiece” and praise the soundtrack. Some joke about “broken fingers” after tough modes, but they do so out of love for the game. Criticism mostly targets the simple story and occasionally “twitchy” monster behavior. Our reviewer Maxim Ivanov was also extremely pleased with Rift of the NecroDancer. So if you enjoy rhythm games — don’t miss it. And if you haven’t tried them yet — definitely give it a shot!
- Image credit: Klei Publishing, Brace Yourself Games, and Tic Toc Games. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows, SteamDeck (Platinum).
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: overwhelmingly positive (95% of 2,366).
- Steam price: 710 ₽.
Keep Driving
Keep Driving — an atmospheric RPG about a road trip in the early 2000s. Players set out across the country to a festival, picking up hitchhikers and dealing with road hazards. Procedurally generated pixel art creates a nostalgic open-road atmosphere, seemingly transporting you back to the era of classic road movies. Inspired by Oregon Trail II and FTL, the developers placed their focus on a slow, measured adventure where the journey itself is what matters.
Gameplay blends management and exploration elements: you will repair your car, interact with interesting characters, and tackle various road challenges — from overtaking a tractor to fixing a headlight. Each episode resembles a scene from an old road trip movie. The Swedish indie soundtrack perfectly complements the visual style, creating a soothing vibe. Multiple endings offer plenty of incentive to replay the game again and again.
Players praise Keep Driving for its atmosphere and music, but point out event repetition and the lack of Russian localization. Despite these shortcomings, the game is regarded as a little masterpiece that will deliver hours of inspiration and immersion in the romance of the open road.
- Image credit: YCJY Games. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows, SteamDeck (Platinum).
- Russian language: not supported.
- Reviews: very positive (94% of 1,886).
- Steam price: 650 ₽.
Big Helmet Heroes
Big Helmet Heroes — a dynamic beat 'em up featuring vibrant 3D graphics and the vibe of a carefree adventure. Players assume the roles of charismatic knights exploring whimsical worlds, rescuing the princess, and smashing enemies. The game is perfect for two-player local co-op, offering a fun time in the spirit of classic arcade titles. In 2024, Big Helmet Heroes was nominated at Indie X in the “Most Fun Game” category, and judging by the reviews, with good reason.
Gameplay features four unique combat styles, numerous weapons, and heroes with diverse abilities. Each level is a mix of action, puzzles, and hidden rooms. Amusing animations and lively sound design add plenty of charm. The difficulty is accessible even to newcomers, though some moments will require teamwork to topple bosses or solve challenges.
Players note that Big Helmet Heroes is tailor-made for co-op playthroughs: there is plenty to laugh at and discover across the levels. Minor technical glitches — such as audio dropouts or texture bugs — hardly dampen the experience. Russian localization and an abundance of content, including 29 characters, earn genuine respect. It is a fun, slightly simple, yet very heartfelt game for anyone who appreciates cooperative gaming.
- Image credit: Dear Villagers and Exalted Studio. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch.
- Russian language: interface.
- Reviews: very positive (82% of 365)
- Steam price: 1,140 ₽.
A Game About Digging A Hole
A Game About Digging A Hole — a minimalist game where you dig a hole in your garden, gather resources (coal, iron, diamonds), and upgrade your shovel to venture even deeper. Who would have thought that such a simple concept could serve as the foundation for a game? Yet people clearly enjoy simulating labor during their leisure time — especially when there is a mystery or buried treasure awaiting them.
Gameplay is delightfully straightforward: dig, sell, upgrade. No complicated mechanics — just a meditative dive into the earth. Progression is brisk, but once your tools are fully upgraded, enthusiasm wanes noticeably. The game lasts only a couple of hours, naturally raising the question: “What next?” The developers included neither an endless mode nor extra activities.
Player opinions are divided: some call the game a “masterpiece” for its relaxing vibe, while others criticize the shortage of content. Some suggest introducing mechanics like a skill tree or co-op, while others feel that paying for such a brief experience is a bit much. Still, people indulge in all kinds of quirky pastimes. If digging dirt in search of adventure sounds appealing — why not? At the end of the day, it is cheaper than hiring an excavator operator and certainly safer for your lawn.
- Image credit: rokaplay Bou·tique, Drillhounds, and Cyberwave. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows, SteamDeck (Platinum).
- Russian language: interface
- Reviews: very positive (90% of 10,263).
- Steam price: 200 ₽.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center
Urban Myth Dissolution Center — a mystical visual novel where the paranormal collides with reality. Players step into the shoes of Azami Fukurai — a girl endowed with the gift of clairvoyance who investigates eerie occurrences under the leadership of Ayumu Meguriya, the center’s charismatic director. The game weaves detective procedure with occult investigations, reminiscent of Ace Attorney or Danganronpa, while retaining a pronounced Japanese flair.
Gameplay involves exploring crime scenes, analyzing social media posts, and gathering clues. Specialized glasses reveal traces of the supernatural, allowing you to debunk myths through logic and tangible evidence. Six chapters offer standalone stories interconnected by an overarching mystery. Despite the simplicity of its mechanics (dialogue choices that carry no major consequences), the atmosphere, visual flair, and music keep the suspense intact. Animated myth-busting scenes deserve special mention, lending an extra layer of drama.
Players praise the narrative, pixel art, and soundtrack, with special acclaim reserved for the unexpected ending. However, some point out overly simplistic investigations and drawn-out dialogue. The save system also draws its share of criticism. Nonetheless, Urban Myth Dissolution Center — a stylish and atmospheric visual novel that offers several hours of absorbing reading and thought-provoking encounters with urban legends.
- Image belongs to: SHUEISHA GAMES and Hakababunko. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows, SteamDeck (Platinum), PlayStation 5, Switch.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: Very Positive (87% of 2,424).
- Steam price: 650 ₽.
Ale Abbey - Monastery Brewery Tycoon
Ale Abbey - Monastery Brewery Tycoon — a brewery simulator that transports players to a medieval monastery. Stepping into the shoes of an abbot brewer, you build an abbey, experiment with beer recipes, and trade ale on local markets. The game combines elements of economic strategy, management, and a creative approach to brewing. Here, the monks not only pray, but also brew the “sacred beverage,” which could perhaps give domestic “Dusha Monakha” or other “monastery” brands a run for their money.
The gameplay includes abbey management, technology research, brewing beer, and selling it. Players must construct rooms (dormitories, breweries, cellars), upgrade equipment, and assign monks to various tasks. The brewing process allows you to create unique recipes with custom characteristics — flavor, head retention, alcohol content, and color. The beer can be sold immediately or aged to increase its value. On the market, it is important to take into account demand and the purchasing power of residents in different towns. Quests and contracts add variety.
Players praise the atmosphere, graphics, and music, which is reminiscent of old-school RPGs. The gameplay is relaxing and perfect for unwinding after work over a glass of Pale Ale. However, some point out repetitive content and a broken contract mechanic that makes earning gold far too easy. There are also complaints about a lack of events. That said, the game was released in Early Access, so there is hope these shortcomings will be ironed out over time. Nevertheless, Ale Abbey — is an engaging and atmospheric sim that will appeal to fans of deliberate, measured gameplay.
- Image belongs to: Shiro Unlimited and Hammer & Ravens. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: Very Positive (92% of 400).
- Steam price: 750 ₽.
Panelka
Panelka — a nostalgic simulator immersing players in the atmosphere of the post-Soviet 80s and 90s. Players get to furnish their dream apartment or garage using familiar touches of that era: wall rugs, old wallpaper, bulky wardrobes, and jars of pickled cucumbers. If you enjoy games like The Sims but are craving something cozier and more personal, Panelka might be a pleasant discovery. Especially if your childhood coincided with the 90s and you remember the peculiar charm of Soviet “panelki.” However, not everyone is eager to revisit those times: for some, it brings back difficult memories, while younger players looking at screenshots call the game “cringe.” So, it is definitely a niche title.
The gameplay centers on creativity: players pick a layout, arrange furniture, decorate walls with wallpaper or paint, and add decorative accents — from posters to books. There are no strict objectives — just pure room for imagination. A photo mode lets you capture atmospheric screenshots. The modest amount of content noted by players might not stem from developer laziness, but rather from the fact that the variety available in those years was quite limited. The curtains, wallpaper, and wall clocks featured in the game were likely found in every other or third “panelka.”
Admittedly, the game is still somewhat rough around the edges: control issues, bugs (such as items sticking together), and the lack of a save system can be frustrating. Nevertheless, the developers are actively pushing updates and fixing flaws. Player reviews are filled with warmth and nostalgia, though criticism exists as well. Many praise the game for its power to evoke fond childhood memories: “It’s like a building kit for the soul,” users write. Players note that Panelka is great for brief relaxation sessions, especially when paired with music from their favorite bands of that era. You can clearly feel that the developers poured their heart into the project.
- Image belongs to: MonsterAttack. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows.
- Russian language: interface.
- Reviews: Very Positive (87% of 314).
- Steam price: 235 ₽.
Die in the Dungeon
Die in the Dungeon — a turn-based deckbuilding roguelike where dice take the place of cards. Players explore a dungeon, battle enemies, and build synergies by placing dice on a board. The game offers a fresh take on the genre popularized by Slay the Spire and Monster Train, but with an emphasis on dice-rolling mechanics, upgrades, and relic interactions.
Gameplay revolves around modifying your dice “deck.” Each die possesses unique properties: some deal damage, others heal, and some buff adjacent dice. Relics introduce extra depth by improving dice faces and unlocking potent combos. The dungeon is packed with enemies bearing diverse modifiers, adding tactical variety. Despite being in Early Access, the game already showcases strong potential.
Players praise the innovative design, art style, and music that crafts the mood of a medieval dungeon. The dice mechanics feel fresh, particularly when chaining combos. However, some mention the steep difficulty of later areas, lack of controller support, and minor bugs. Since the game is in Early Access, the developers are actively rolling out patches, and many issues may be resolved going forward. The title looks very promising.
- Image belongs to: HypeTrain Digital, INSTINCT3, and ATICO. Source: Steam.
- Compatibility: Windows, MacOS.
- Russian language: interface, subtitles.
- Reviews: Very Positive (92% of 1,326).
- Steam price: 599 ₽.
R.E.P.O.
R.E.P.O. — a co-op horror title inspired by the popularity of Lethal Company. A crew of up to six players heads into abandoned facilities to scavenge valuable items and survive terrifying monsters. As with Lethal Company, the focus is on object physics, voice chat, and team coordination. However, R.E.P.O. adds its own unique mechanics: the ability to shrink in size, hide in unexpected spots, and heal teammates at the expense of your own health. It is a prime example of developers refreshing a well-loved formula.
Gameplay is built around scavenging items governed by realistic physics: anything can be dropped, shattered, or damaged. Controls enable intricate maneuvers — such as vaulting onto high shelves or squeezing into tight spots. The primary objective is to gather enough loot to meet your quota, but monsters and random events continually throw a wrench into the works. Even enemies obey the laws of physics, making their actions unpredictable. The game becomes especially hilarious when played with friends: one person distracts the monsters while others quietly haul out the haul. While a solo mode is available, the game truly shines in co-op.
Players point out that R.E.P.O. is not simply a Lethal Company clone, but a distinct project with engaging mechanics. Many praise the comedic moments and excellent compatibility with soundboards, which dial up the chaos and laughs. However, there are complaints about technical bugs that can occasionally disrupt runs. As the game is in Early Access, the developers are actively publishing updates, meaning many shortcomings could be addressed down the line. Players are eagerly awaiting new monsters and fresh content.