NBA The Run
Developer and Publisher: Play by Play Studios
Platforms: Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $30
As excitement builds among basketball fans, especially the New York Knicks supporters who are one game away from clinching their first NBA title since 1973, NBA The Run offers an entertaining option to pass the time before Game 5.
This 3v3 streetball game serves as a modern homage to the classic NBA Street, developed by a team with ties to that franchise. Featuring over 30 current NBA stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and Kevin Durant, it emphasizes fast-paced arcade-style gameplay, contrasting the more realistic simulation of the NBA 2K series. Although my interest in basketball has waned since childhood, titles like NBA Jam have left a lasting impression, sparking my curiosity for NBA The Run.
Solarpunk
Developer: Cyberwave
Publisher: Rokaplay
Platforms: Steam, Epic Games Store, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2
Price: $23 (also available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass)
Solarpunk has been on my radar for some time. This peaceful crafting game unfolds across a series of floating islands, connected by airships. Developed by a duo at Cyberwave, the game incorporates light survival elements and promotes a positive vibe that can be enjoyed cooperatively with friends.
True to its title, Solarpunk prioritizes sustainability. Players will create devices that harness renewable energy sources to automate various systems on their farms and homes.
The game’s charming aesthetic has garnered considerable attention, with over 500,000 demo downloads during a previous Steam Next Fest and more than a million wishlists.
Crushed in Time
Developer and Publisher: Draw Me A Pixel
Platform: Steam (with plans to release on Switch and mobile later this year)
Price: Typically $25, currently discounted by 20% until June 24
Crushed in Time resonates with anyone who appreciates LucasArts-style point-and-click adventures. It acts as a spin-off from There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension, featuring the iconic duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they journey through time and space to locate an NPC missing from their video game. Players will navigate the game’s development timeline while seeking out this lost character.
What distinguishes Crushed in Time is its unique setting within an elastic universe, where players will manipulate objects and environments to solve puzzles (essentially a click-and-drag experience). It truly captures my interest, and I plan to immerse myself in the game as soon as possible.
Voidling Bound
Developer and Publisher: Hatchery Games
Platforms: Steam, Epic Games Store (with future console releases planned)
Price: $25, discounted by 10% until June 23
Voidling Bound comes from a team that includes developers from the Skylanders franchise, depicting itself as a creature-raising game. You’ll breed, nurture, and evolve critters using various skill trees.
Players will control these creatures in combat, as the game also incorporates third-person shooting mechanics. It’s an intriguing take on the creature taming genre.
33 Immortals
Developer: Thunder Lotus
Publishers: Thunder Lotus, Kepler Ghost
Platforms: Steam (previously on Xbox Series X/S and Epic Games Store)
Price: $10 until June 17; also on sale on Epic Games Store and Xbox, and accessible via Game Pass Ultimate and Premium, as well as PC Game Pass
33 Immortals is a game I’m eager to revisit. Having experienced a portion of it during early access, the full version has now launched alongside its debut on Steam.
33 Immortals 1.0 introduces three distinct playable worlds, new content, expanded customization options, and a new final boss to conclude adventures effectively. This cooperative action roguelite invites 33 players to engage in battles against waves of enemies and formidable bosses, with miniboss rooms available for teams to conquer and earn upgrades through collaboration.
