Free Key Giveaway For: TopSwap

Enter a realm where the lines between human and machine become indistinct, and the destiny of humanity teeters on the brink, or so it seems. Topswap is an exhilarating first-person shooter that combines the high-octane excitement of traditional shooters with a distinctive twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As the final beacon of hope for the world, you must wield the might of machines and transform into the very robots that pose a threat to our existence. Are you prepared to exchange your fate?

TopSwat is available on Steam

Free Subscriber Game Giveaway: Space Frontier (Early Access)

Embark on an expedition across the planet Arcadia. Confront alien creatures, endure challenging environments, and contend with other desperate survivors. Compete for precious resources to transport back to your home planet. Encounter diverse NPCs during your exploration, recruiting them to join your crew. Fulfill quests to obtain rare resources and valuable rewards.

We have 1 early access key to giveaway: Reply with the word 'key please' and we will select one subscriber.

Space Frontier is not yet released on Steam.

Featured Game Released Last Week: Cygnus Enterprises

The game combines isometric action-shooting with crafting and building, complemented by a compelling narrative to drive the overall experience. While encountering occasional hiccups, the game, for the most part, is nearing completion in its early access phase, delivering a blend of enjoyment and mild addiction. It offers a healthy dose of stop-and-go gameplay, making it easily accessible for both short sessions and extended play.

Upon creating your character, you find yourself on the planet Mytilus, facing the remnants of a former Cygnus Enterprises base. The fate of the previous occupants remains a mystery, and your task is to restore the base, explore Mytilus, and uncover the events that transpired. Gathering materials, battling alien inhabitants, and traversing diverse landscapes are essential to rebuilding the base and piecing together the puzzle of its destruction.

As the game progresses, the storyline reveals itself incrementally, adding depth to the overall experience. Although the story doesn't take center stage in gameplay design, it permeates all aspects, providing motivation for engaging with Cygnus Enterprises' crafting, RPG skills tree, and building features. The synergy between the narrative and gameplay elements creates an addictively entertaining dance.

The game unfolds in three distinct segments. The primary element features isometric action gameplay, where you embark on hunts for evidence, resources, and survival. Armed with weapons and unlimited ammo, this aspect introduces an enjoyable dynamic, alleviating potential monotony. Gathering materials and salvaging parts contribute to crafting useful items back at the base.

The secondary facet involves role-playing game elements, with a backend skills tree progressing through in-game activities. Performing tasks, manufacturing items, and achieving promotions from the company enhance your character's abilities. The depth extends to promoting and upgrading clones, adding purpose to the overall experience.

Bottom Line

One notable critique lies in the initial lack of enemy variety, a hiccup that becomes more apparent early in the game. While the evolving situations and unfolding story mitigate this issue, encountering repetitive enemies at the start is inevitable. Despite the distraction provided by weapon experimentation and upgrades, this remains a noteworthy concern, albeit one that diminishes as the game progresses.

Cygnus Enterprises offers a captivating and engaging experience, skillfully integrating purposeful gameplay elements. Team Miaozi has effectively balanced the various components, promising a game with both immediate appeal and long-term enjoyment. Keep an eye on this title, and consider giving it a try if you seek a fun and enduring gaming experience for the holiday season, with the expectation that it will only grow and improve over time.

Game released on December 19th on all platforms. Currently (as of today) it is $16.24 on Steam.

Free Key Giveaway For JiG Premium Subscribers: Custom Artwork

Here is a fun one. EddyGames recently released a game call Hippie Skate which is fun and visually exciting skating game.

The essence of this game revolves around mastering the rhythm to conquer the advanced levels. The game mechanics enable you to achieve a significant speed boost by holding the crouch button (down arrow) while descending hills. Moreover, this mechanic facilitates a substantial speed increase when holding crouch (down arrow) while navigating through a series of consecutive small bumps. It's important to note, though, that there's a cooldown on crouching, preventing prolonged use; holding crouch for too long will bring you to a halt.

The game is free to play, so the developer has offer to take his time to turn premium subscribers into a character with some custom artwork.

Featured Game Released Last Week: Backpack Hero

In Backpack Hero, you initially assume the role of Purse, an endearing mouse on a quest to find her mother within the depths of a dungeon. The narrative revolves around this quest, unfolding as you discover items and engage in conversations with your father to glean more information. While you may not immediately stumble upon an item related to her, you do encounter a substantial backpack.

This backpack has the unique feature of expanding in size as you level up during your journeys, facilitating the convenient carriage of more items. Furthermore, you can actively utilize the contents of your backpack. Some items exhibit passive effects, such as boots providing armor for each row above them, while others possess active effects, like potions causing damage to everyone or weapons firing ammunition to their right.

The significance of location becomes apparent in this enchanted backpack, as many items have specific placement requirements or dependencies. Survival in the run necessitates rearranging items and occasionally forgoing some, yet returning items to your hometown is equally crucial for upgrades.

Town upgrades enable you to research new items, including keys to access new dungeons, forming the meta-progression of each run. While the fusion of dungeon-crawling and town management has been explored in games like Moonlighter, Backpack Hero distinguishes itself by elevating inventory management into a core mechanic, transforming a traditionally mundane aspect into an engaging experience.

Bottom Line

In addition to these dynamics, a variety of missions await you, unlocking new item sets and even enabling the creation of new classes with the right items. Unlockable characters contribute to the continuous loop of exploration and discovery. The game remains consistently captivating, with surprises emerging just when you think you've exhausted all possibilities. The charming graphics and catchy music further enhance the overall enjoyment of Backpack Hero.

Game released on November 14th on all platforms. Currently (as of today) it is $19.99 on Steam.

Free Key Giveaway For Premium Subscribers: Chessarama

Chessarama presents a compilation of unique puzzle and strategy games, drawing inspiration from the classic game of Chess. This collection reinterprets chess rules and tactics across various themes, with each game featuring its own set of rules, distinctive visual theme, and handcrafted challenges for an original and engaging gameplay experience!

Chessarama is available on Steam

Free Key Giveaway For JiG Premium Subscribers: Cat Sandbox

Meet Cat Sandbox, where you guide adorable cats through puzzles! Ensure their safe journey to cozy cardboard homes by employing physics and controlled destruction.

Assist these charming cats in finding their way home! Utilize tools such as bombs, mines, sand, and water to craft pathways, and witness the magic unfold as everything dynamically reacts! Revel in the charm of classic pixel art-style cats, creating a warm and comforting experience for both cat enthusiasts and gamers alike. We have 2 codes available, one for Android and one for iOS.

Featured Game Released Last Week: Coral Island

Numerous games follow a familiar premise, making it tempting to dismiss them, but Coral Island defies expectations by injecting a sense of freshness and excitement. Despite traversing well-trodden ground in certain aspects, this farming/life simulation competes strongly with Stardew Valley, surpassing it in various aspects.

The game introduces an environmentalist perspective early on, revealing a plot involving an oil company threatening the picturesque coral reef surrounding the island. Players combat this threat by donning a diving suit, cleaning up the sea, and restoring damaged coral—an activity among many that fill the leisure time in Coral Island. While rooted in farming simulation, where players tend to expansive lands for crops and trees, the game also features a monster-filled mine to explore and numerous townspeople to meet, befriend, and potentially marry.

Coral Island stands out in the farming/life simulation genre by incorporating an environmentalist angle and a narrative rich in spirit-flavored magic. Whether farming, socializing, fishing, bug-catching, diving, mining, or foraging, players may also find themselves engrossed in quests for the mysterious Island Goddess or the forest-dwelling Chieftain.

The Bottom Line

Amidst a saturated market of similar games, Coral Island may seem, on paper, like just another entry in the genre. However, in practice, it proves to be one of the most gratifying experiences, boasting stunning visuals, a robust mission system, unparalleled player freedom, and genuinely unique concepts. It stands as a game that promises long-term engagement, and I anticipate returning to it for months to come.

Game released on November 14th on all platforms. Currently (as of today) it is $29.99 on Steam.

Give Away For Premium Subscribers: Retro Commander [Full Release November 25th

Retro Commander

Retro Commander presents itself as a post-apocalyptic real-time strategy wargame (RTS), immersing players in a world shaped by a cataclysmic event on Mother Earth. Seize control and engage in battles, whether solo against the AI or in cross-platform multiplayer confrontations with gaming comrades and friends. Collaborate with others by forming teams and clans, engaging in co-op battles against both AI opponents and fellow players to achieve ultimate victory.

Distinguishing itself from other real-time strategy games, Retro Commander prioritizes delivering an enjoyable single-player experience alongside an exhilarating multiplayer adventure. The game aims for accessibility with a user-friendly modern interface. In the single-player mode, players can partake in skirmish matches against the AI and embark on a narrative-driven campaign presented in a comic format. The multiplayer aspect spans cross-platform play and incorporates a ranking and rating system, enhancing the competitive and social dimensions of the gaming experience.

Retro Commander is available on Steam and the full version will be released on November 25th.

Give Away For Premium Subscribers: Hack.Hub Codes [in game]

Hack.Hub

Believe money holds power? Think again. The true power lies in data!

Hack.Hub stands out as an operating system, a distinctive offering in the realm of hacker tools and software. It simplifies the daily life of cybercriminals on the Pacific coast (or wherever they might be evading the American CIA).

Hack.hub is available on iOS.

Free Key Giveaway For JiG Premium Subscribers: BloodDome99

Engage in a fierce battle for survival and glory within a gore-filled arena. Accumulate wealth to acquire upgrades, but exercise caution—every dollar spent distances you from your ultimate objective: purchasing your freedom.

Feature Game Released Last Week: Hellboy: Web of Wyrd

Web of Wyrd serves as a stark reminder of the intricacies involved in transforming a complex work into an interactive game where our choices hold weight. While it adeptly captures the visual essence of the graphic novels, the game sacrifices substantial storytelling and character depth in favor of an entertaining yet low-stakes, action-packed escapade. Unfortunately, its roguelite elements lack the necessary challenge to truly do justice to the formidable adversary.

At first glance, Web of Wyrd exudes the same moody charm that Hellboy comics have been known for since 1994. Even in three dimensions, it faithfully preserves the bold lines, flat shading, and subtly detailed character expressions found in the series. The baroque-style shadows and lighting are even more captivating when you traverse the shadowy corridors of your home base than in static frames. When journeying through the eponymous Wyrd—a parallel dimension steeped in the memories of ancient tales and folklore—the European expressionist influences from the comic pages come to life on the screen, every twisted branch and grotesque creature's claw fully realized.

Plot

The storyline is a solid caper that would seamlessly fit into the pages of a Hellboy comic arc. After establishing their base in the eerie Butterfly House, the BPRD team embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmas concealed within the Wyrd. While Hellboy battles his way through this ever-shifting storybook realm, the rest of the team observes his progress, dissecting the knowledge he brings back for clues. The trademark clever and snappy dialogue from the comics is front and center in Web of Wyrd. However, it's regrettable that the introspective prose and meaningful moments that lend depth and endearment to the titular character are largely absent. Instead, it opts for action over introspection. So, while it presents a reasonably balanced narrative full of mystery and intrigue, it doesn't stand out among the finest Hellboy tales.

Web of Wyrd's primary strength aligns with Hellboy's style: pummeling the inhabitants of the eerie pocket dimension is undeniably enjoyable, at least until you become proficient enough to yearn for a more formidable challenge. The combat system is straightforward and easy to grasp, with skillful gameplay necessitating a mix of light and heavy attacks to wear down enemies' regenerating resilience, rendering them vulnerable to lasting damage. Employing charged heavy attacks to bounce monsters off walls and pillars offers a satisfying sensation each time and an effective way to deplete their stun meters for significant damage. Dodging and blocking become almost instinctual after a while since the enemies telegraph their moves clearly and don't inflict excessive damage on your health and resilience meters, encouraging you to stay in close and weather the storm until you can strike back. Even the lesser foes, designed to distract you and land free hits from off-screen, offer minimal actual challenge.

Our Opinion

Web of Wyrd is rife with missed opportunities, but it is objectively fun. While it faithfully replicates the captivating aesthetics and sharp wit of Mignola's timeless comic books, the emphasis on action above all else comes at the expense of any profound resonance beyond episodic pulp. As a beat 'em up, it's uncomplicated and enjoyable for immediate gratification, but it soon reveals its shallow gameplay, lacking room for diverse playstyles or mechanical exploration, and sorely lacking formidable adversaries that would compel you to elevate your demon-slaying skills. As a roguelite, the short runs are appreciated, preventing them from overstaying their welcome. Spending too much time in maps that feel remarkably similar, with little of interest to see or do besides engaging lackluster foes, would be a true ordeal.

Game released on October 18th on all platforms. Currently (as of today) it is $19.99 on Steam.

Give Away For Premium Subscribers: Bish Bash Bots + Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure

Bish Bash Bots

Bish Bash Bots presents a one-of-a-kind blend of laid-back tower defense strategy and intense combat action. You can team up in local couch co-op or play online, or embark on this adventure solo to rescue the world.

Set in a whimsical rendition of the distant future, where robots have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. Yet, a sudden and unexplained malfunction turns these once-helpful bots into rebels, swiping all of the world's technology.

Amidst this turmoil, a diverse group of unexpected heroes steps forward to protect humanity. Armed with their unique abilities, our champions embark on an epic quest to reprogram the rogue robots and safeguard the planet. Erect upgradeable turrets, discover new gadgets, and take down these rogue bots with colossal hammers.
Traverse the globe through vibrant and vividly colorful environments. Use your strategic prowess to fend off hordes of robots and preserve the future of humanity!

Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure

Greetings, intrepid explorers! Embark on a journey to the enchanting Ikonei Island, where you can make allies with mystical creatures, confront menacing monsters alongside your companions or go on a solo adventure. Collect valuable resources, craft essential tools and equipment, cultivate the land, establish your stronghold or a snug abode, and embellish it to your heart's content.

The Earthlock Adventure eagerly awaits your arrival!

Step onto the Island and dive into the online multiplayer cooperative experience, accommodating up to three of your comrades. You're free to venture alone or collaborate for the initial ~2 hours of gameplay. However, if at least one of your group possesses the full game, your collective adventure can extend indefinitely!

Bish Bash Bots is available on Steam and Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is also available on Steam.

Free Game For JiG Premium Subscribers: Coming Next Mailing (Game: RIPOUT)

In Ripout, a cooperative horror shooter, players must brave derelict spaceships overrun by mutants, gather valuable loot, and tailor their characters as they seek the final sanctuary of humanity. Can you and your loyal Pet Gun reach Sanctuary in time, or will you share the fate of Earth's dwindling population?

Feature Game Released Last Week: Station to Station

"Station to Station" can be likened to a puzzle game rooted in the mechanics commonly found in simulation-style games. It involves aspects such as resource and money management, which are crucial for unlocking further possibilities within the gameplay loop. The premise is quite straightforward: various buildings on your map function as resource-producing industries, and your task is to connect these to the structures that require those resources, ultimately linking them all to the cities.

Your Objective

Your objective is simple: create connections based on the needs and production capacities of each element, and success is yours. In essence, it's about figuring out how to establish these connections. Even though it doesn't delve too deeply into the intricacies of rail management, I found myself captivated by its ingenious levels and captivating aesthetics. Surprisingly, the game's departure from my initial expectations added an element of delightful surprise to my experience. Regardless of whether I knew exactly what "Station to Station" was about beforehand, its charm, intriguing pace, immersive atmosphere, and challenging gameplay would still hold strong appeal for me as a gamer.

This Puzzle Game is Worth It

"Station to Station" markets itself as a "relaxing and minimalist game about building railway connections," and this description is quite fitting. The game offers six distinct "worlds," each containing five or six levels. These levels vary in size but draw thematic inspiration from their respective worlds. For instance, the "Sunforge Sands" and "Golden Dunes" worlds present desert biomes, while "Eveningstar Valley" and "Greendale" pay homage to the American west with voxel-infused landscapes. However, these thematic differences don't significantly impact the puzzles themselves, apart from a few bonus tasks, which I'll address later. It feels like a missed opportunity not to have more environmental variations that would influence the strategic approach to solving each level. While there are some elements unique to different biomes, like having to clear forests in some levels or account for varying cliff heights in others, I would have appreciated even greater diversity.

The endearing voxel models are visually pleasing, and the lighting in "Station to Station" elevates its charm further. The rivers and lakes glisten in the sunlight, and many levels exude a perpetual golden hour warmth. As you expand your rail network and connect various industries, the landscape bursts with color, with each connected industry radiating a golden aura of life. It's truly enchanting. Even without any connections, each level possesses its own beauty, but as you piece together the map, it transforms into an inviting, vibrant world that seems unconcerned with whether you're watching. Trains traverse their tracks and make stops, birds soar in the sky, and other wildlife meanders about peacefully. I could almost find contentment just drifting around the map, zooming in and out to admire the intricate architecture of the tiny buildings or watch seagulls trace lazy figure-eights in the sky, even without the compelling rail management gameplay that envelops these miniature worlds.

Leveling Up

Achieving financial success in each level isn't the sole bonus objective. Each map features a Star goal to aim for, such as completing a level with a stack worth $1200. The primary "story," so to speak, took me approximately eight hours to finish, but now I'm drawn to replaying the levels more attentively to meet those bonus goals. I'm uncertain if there are any special rewards beyond a few additional achievements for completing them, but the enjoyment of revisiting the levels to tackle these extra challenges is a sufficient incentive for me.

"Station to Station" doesn't pose a formidable difficulty challenge, but it excels in striking a balance between planning ahead and thinking on your feet. Each level doesn't begin with all buildings in place; they unlock as you achieve specific monetary milestones, which vary for each stage. Thus, you might devise a perfect rail line connecting resources, only to realize that you now need to construct a more costly bridge over an existing rail line to link two newly unlocked map features. On occasion, I found myself nearing the end of a level, only to restart due to a shortage of funds for new rail lines. Nevertheless, these unexpected setbacks never caused frustration. In fact, they injected a sense of excitement because it meant I could replay the delightful level with the benefit of hindsight.

Game released on October 3rd on all platforms. Currently (as of today) it is $17.99 on Steam.

Exclusive Deal For Premium Subscribers: Z Zombies: Battle Royale

Another fun mobile/PC game has come out recently called Z Zombies: Battle Royale from game maker io2 Games. It's an intense battle royale game, where your quick thinking and strategic decisions will be put to the ultimate test. Your goal: eliminate hordes of pesky zombies and outwit other online players within the arena with speed and quick thinking.

This game is meticulously crafted to deliver immense satisfaction as you sharpen your skills and gain mastery over the battleground. As you level up, you'll unlock a plethora of abilities, each unique to the skin you choose. Can you become a master of all these abilities? While you'll begin with the fundamentals, it won't be long before you're skillfully mixing and matching skins to extract their full potential.

It is currently available on Android, iOS, and Steam.

Free Game For JiG Premium Subscribers: BLINNK and the Vacuum of Space

Greetings, and welcome to the depths of Deep Space Station Norpopolis! An unfortunate laboratory mishap has set free mischievous beings known as groobs, who are now wreaking havoc throughout the station. Equipped with the reliable Vacuumiser 5000, your mission is to assist BLINNK in capturing each one of these unruly creatures and returning them to the laboratory, restoring peace and order.