Red Raketa Studio and publisher New Tales revealed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/kalanoro/">Kalanoro</a> at the ID@Xbox x IGN Showcase this week, a single-player action-adventure launching summer 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. A playable demo is available now on Steam.Kalanoro is the debut title from Red Raketa, an indie studio founded in 2021 and based in Madagascar. The project first gained attention that same year after winning a top award at Digital Lab Africa, marking a notable moment for the country's game development scene, a studio drawing directly on its own cultural heritage for a multiplatform release.What the game actually isPlayers control Kalakely, a small creature from Malagasy folklore (the word is pronounced closer to "ka-la-NOOR," for the curious), tasked with overthrowing a dictatorial witch named Raneny who is forcing the island of Lemuria's greatest musicians to perform at a concert in her honor. The solution: recruit those musicians yourself, form a band, build a following, and crash her show.The gameplay is split between two main pillars. The first is action-platforming, with handcrafted levels that shift between top-down exploration and side-scrolling sequences. Combat leans into improvised weaponry, &nbsp;hair-based abilities alongside household objects like frying pans and slippers, and boss encounters are described as theatrical, in line with the game's musical identity.The second pillar is band management. Between platforming stages, players travel in a taxi-brousse (a bush taxi that serves as the crew's mobile home base) and spend time bonding with recruited lemur musicians through mini-games, managing the group's morale, and building toward performances. It's a structure that blends action-adventure progression with light management sim elements.The cultural layerWhat gives Kalanoro its identity beyond its mechanics is its roots. The game's world, characters, and tone are shaped by Malagasy folklore and artistic traditions, and that cultural grounding is reinforced by the development team's Malagasy roots. The studio has described the game as a personal and sincere reflection of their heritage, filtered through a playful action-adventure lens.The soundtrack features contributions from Malagasy musicians Denise, Jyeuhair, and Marco Klarck, who, the studio says, helped shape the game's spirit. The visual style pairs hand-drawn art with dynamic animation running on Unreal Engine.What's not yet knownRed Raketa has not committed to a specific release date beyond summer 2026, and there's no word yet on pricing or whether multiple editions are planned. The Xbox version supports Xbox Play Anywhere, but no similar cross-buy details have been shared for other platforms.For a first look, the Steam demo is live now.

Red Raketa Studio's debut game Kalanoro blends platforming, combat, and band-building in a world inspired by Malagasy folklore. Coming summer 2026 to all major platforms.

Kalanoro Revealed as Madagascar Studio's Debut, A Musical Action-Adventure Rooted in Malagasy Folklore

Flying Oak Games, the indie studio behind roguelite darling ScourgeBringer, announced <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/knuckle-paradise/">Knuckle Paradise</a> on April 23, a hand-drawn, open-world beat 'em up heading to Steam in 2027. ARTE France is publishing.The game follows Jane, a fighter who's been kidnapped and thrown into an underground fighting tournament set inside an abandoned amusement park. Her unlikely partner? A fighting chicken. Together, they'll punch their way through a roster of eccentric opponents across the park's themed zones, from nightclubs to mirror mazes.Combat draws on character action games and Hong Kong action cinema, focusing on aerial combos, fluid movement, and stylish strikes. It's a direction that makes sense for Flying Oak, whose previous work on ScourgeBringer already demonstrated a knack for sharp, responsive 2D action, though shifting from tight roguelite arenas to a full open world is a notable leap for the small studio.Outside of combat encounters and boss fights, the amusement park setting doubles as a freeform exploration space. Flying Oak says the world is filled with hidden upgrades, unlockable abilities, and side activities ranging from stealth sequences to high-speed chases. Players who prefer a more linear experience can focus on the hand-crafted combat encounters and boss battles instead.The studio is also emphasizing narrative alongside the action. The story explores themes of fairness, inclusion, and resilience through Jane's interactions with the game's cast, aiming for a tone that balances humor with more grounded emotional beats.A few notable details remain unaddressed. No console platforms have been confirmed; the announcement only mentions Steam, and no pricing or specific release window beyond 2027 has been given. More information is expected in the coming months.Knuckle Paradise is now available to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1864220/Knuckle_Paradise/">wishlist on Steam</a>.

Flying Oak Games and ARTE France announce Knuckle Paradise, a hand-drawn open-world beat 'em up coming to Steam in 2027.

Knuckle Paradise Is an Open-World Beat 'Em Up From the Makers of ScourgeBringer

True Ronin Games released a playable demo for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/eternal-haunt/">Eternal Haunt</a> on Steam on April 23, giving horror fans an early look at the studio's first-person psychological survival horror game. The demo is available now and offers roughly 30-45 minutes of gameplay.The setup draws from Japanese folklore in a way that feels distinct from the genre's usual haunted-house fare. Players control Kiyoshi, an elderly man who ventures into a snow-covered bamboo forest searching for his missing grandson. That search leads him to an abandoned hut, where the situation quickly shifts from a rescue mission into a fight for survival against Yuki-Onna, the vengeful snow spirit of Japanese mythology, and her ghostly children.Gameplay mixes exploration and environmental puzzle-solving with what True Ronin Games describes as "dynamic scare systems," meaning the supernatural threats are designed to react and adapt to the player's behavior rather than relying solely on scripted sequences. Freezing temperatures also pose a persistent hazard, adding a survival layer on top of the horror.The demo represents an early vertical slice rather than a finished segment of the final product. True Ronin Games noted that additional content, mechanics, and scares are planned as development continues, though the studio has not announced a release date or pricing for the full game. Platform availability beyond Steam also remains unconfirmed.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/uCt96VoltlA?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>A reveal trailer is available on YouTube, and the demo can be downloaded from the game's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2900990/Eternal_Haunt/">Steam page</a>.

Eternal Haunt's free Steam demo is live now, offering 30–45 minutes of first-person survival horror set in a haunted, snow-covered bamboo forest.

Eternal Haunt Demo Now Available on Steam, Puts Players in a Yuki-Onna's Domain

Roboto Games revealed a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/stormforge/">Stormforge</a> gameplay trailer at the Second Wind Showcase, confirming the cel-shaded survival crafting game will enter Early Access on Steam in 2026. A specific date and pricing were not announced.Stormforge drops up to eight players into a fantasy world battered by magical storms, each bringing its own hazards and gameplay shifts. Tornadoes hurl rocks, trees, and creatures into the air, while dust storms cut visibility and chip away at player health. The storms aren't just obstacles, though; they're also where the strongest resources are found, guarded by dangerous enemies.On the character side, players choose from warrior, mage, and ranger archetypes, but aren't restricted to a single path. Roboto Games says the class system allows mixing and matching: players can combine skills and abilities from different roles, gradually unlocking them as they make choices. The extent of customization will be clearer once players actually try the game.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="w-full aspect-video rounded my-3" width="640" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="true" origin="" playlist="" rel="1" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/0oSK09JFxqM?modestbranding=1&amp;rel=1" start="0"></iframe></div>Perhaps the most notable feature for the survival crafting crowd is the game's approach to modding and community content. Stormforge pairs procedural world generation with built-in mod support, letting players access community-made equipment, enemies, points of interest, and custom rule sets, all without needing to download anything separately. If it works as described, that could give the game significant staying power in a genre where player-driven content often defines a title's long-term appeal.Stormforge is available to wishlist on Steam, offering PC players a chance to anticipate its Early Access launch and engage with its evolving survival crafting experience.

A cel-shaded co-op survival crafting game for up to 8 players, showed off new gameplay at the Second Wind Showcase ahead of its Early Access launch

Stormforge Reveals Gameplay Trailer, Confirms 2026 Early Access Launch

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/asterfel/">Asterfel</a>, a gothic action RPG inspired by 2000s-era classics, launched its first public playtest today on Steam. The playtest is part of Steam's Medieval Fest, giving players an early look at the faction-driven RPG ahead of its full release.Players take on the role of a shipwreck survivor stranded on the island of Asterfel, a land fractured by war, corrupted magic, and an awakened ancient god. The setup is classic dark fantasy: a king's mining operations have unleashed mutant creatures and disturbed the dead, while nature and magic spiral out of control across the island.Three Factions, One IslandCentral to Asterfel's structure is a faction system split three ways. The Crown Wardens represent the ruling authority, the Kindred serve as a rebellious opposition, and the Scholars wield magical knowledge. Players can choose to align with one faction or work with all three, with the game framing these allegiances as meaningful to how the story unfolds.Combat and ProgressionOn the combat side, Asterfel offers melee, ranged, and magic options. Players can fight with swords, bows, or magical runes for spellcasting, and the game encourages mixing playstyles. Ability upgrades are part of the progression loop alongside resource gathering and gear crafting.An Open World With Scaling DifficultyExploration spans deserts, jungles, and ancient ruins, with enemy difficulty increasing the further players venture from familiar territory. It's a structure that echoes the 2000s RPGs the game draws inspiration from, where wandering into the wrong area too early could mean a quick death.The playtest is available now on Steam, though no timeline was provided for how long it will remain open. A full release date and pricing have not been announced. Players interested in following development can wishlist the game on its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3892510/Asterfel/">Steam page</a>.

Gothic ARPG Asterfel launches its first public playtest on Steam today, featuring faction-based questing, deep combat, and a cursed island to explore.

Asterfel Playtest Goes Live on Steam as Part of Medieval Fest

The cozy camper-van adventure <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/outbound/">Outbound</a> has been pushed back by three weeks, with developer Square Glade Games and publisher Silver Lining Interactive confirming today that the game will now launch on May 14, rather than its original April 23 release date.According to the development team, a late-stage issue was discovered following the game’s recent multi-platform demo that could have a noticeable impact on the player experience. Rather than ship with the problem unresolved, the studio opted to take the extra time to ensure a smooth launch day across every platform.“Late in the process, an issue has been identified that could negatively impact your enjoyment of the game,” the team said in a statement. “We know that you may be disappointed by this news, but appreciate your understanding and believe the delay will result in a more polished, bug-free experience.”It’s a cautious but sensible move for a title that has clearly struck a chord with players. Outbound has racked up over 1.4 million wishlists on Steam alone, with tens of thousands more across PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo, &nbsp;making it one of the most-anticipated indie releases of the year. Its blend of cozy crafting, open-world exploration, and survival-lite gameplay, set inside a customizable camper van, has proven to be a compelling pitch, and the studio will be keen to ensure first impressions match expectations.As a goodwill gesture, the free demo will remain available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S until May 12, giving players plenty of time to get a taste of life on the road before the full launch. The demo features a sizeable chunk of the opening map, camper-van building and customization, crafting and upgrade systems, and both solo and co-op play.Outbound launches May 14 on PC via Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Glade Games delays its cozy camper-van adventure by three weeks to address a late-stage issue, while extending the free demo until May 12.

Outbound Delayed to May 14 as Developers Prioritise Polish Across All Platforms

Valkyrie Initiative and solo developer 70`Strike have announced <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/kettlebell-inferno-hotel/">Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel</a>, a high-speed 2D platformer coming to PC via Steam and GOG, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. No release date or pricing has been confirmed.The game casts players as Mr. K, an ordinary office worker who ends up in hell following an absurd accident. Hell, in this case, takes the form of a bizarre hotel where each floor is locked down and packed with hazards. The goal is to fight through every floor and reach the Boss to sort out the cosmic mix-up.Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel features over 40 handcrafted stages spread across nine themed floors of the Inferno Hotel. Settings range from scorching factories to a park for "homeless souls," leaning into the game's surreal, darkly comedic tone. Enemies and bosses skew grotesque, and the game offers two distinct modes: Classic, which uses a traditional lives system, and Arcade, where players can't die but take heavy score penalties on hit, pushing for a high-score chase instead.Visually, the game uses hand-drawn pixel art with frame-by-frame animation. The soundtrack, composed by the developer, blends jazz, 80s disco, and blues into a retro-flavored mix.Steam Playtest and Exclusive RewardsAlongside the announcement, Valkyrie Initiative opened sign-ups for a Steam Playtest. Players who participate and meet certain conditions will earn exclusive in-game items at launch, including a golden kettlebell skin, a "stinky" kettlebell skin, and a yellow shirt for Mr. K.The top-tier reward requires S-ranking every stage in the Playtest build, unlocking the "Golden Run" Steam achievement, wishlisting the game, and following Valkyrie Initiative's Steam publisher page. Other rewards are tied to separate achievements and participation milestones. A specific start date for the Playtest has not yet been announced.A Retro Love Letter with Its Own Identity70`Strike is the work of solo developer Ksayfar (Dmitriy Bukhtatov), whose previous title was Skelethrone, a darker, more punishing action game. In a statement, Ksayfar described Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel as a deliberate shift in tone: "After working on a dark, challenging world like Skelethrone, I wanted to make something lighter, weirder, and more playful, without losing the punch and personality that make action games memorable."He cited Earthworm Jim, Boogerman, Bubba 'n' Stix, and Sonic as key inspirations, layered over a hell setting loosely inspired by the Divine Comedy. The result, he said, aims to be "fast, surreal, handcrafted, and intentionally a little odd."For a new IP from a solo developer, the wide platform spread across both current and last-gen consoles is ambitious. How that translates in practice, particularly on Switch, remains to be seen. Players interested in trying the game early can request Playtest access now through its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/4032020/Kettlebell_Inferno_Hotel/">Steam page</a>.Source: Valkyrie Initiative press release, April 10, 2026

Valkyrie Initiative reveals Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel, a retro 2D platformer by solo dev 70`Strike. Steam Playtest sign-ups are now open.

Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel Announced as 90s-Inspired 2D Platformer for PC and Consoles

Today, The Pokémon Company launched Pokémon Champions on the Nintendo eShop for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, with a mobile version planned for release later this year.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/pokmon-champions/">Pokémon Champions</a> focuses on traditional turn-based Pokémon battles built around familiar mechanics, including Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves. The game aims to give Trainers access to the deep and varied battle strategies the series is known for.A Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle is also available starting today. The bundle includes the base game along with additional in-game bonuses designed to give Trainers a head start on their competitive journey. Players on Nintendo Switch 2 will benefit from enhanced visuals.Early Rewards and Mega DragoniteTrainers who play Pokémon Champions by Monday, 31 August 2026, can claim Dragonite and 100 Quick Coupons from their in-game mailbox. Players can also obtain a Dragoninite stone through the first season's battle pass. When Dragonite holds the Dragoninite stone, it can Mega Evolve into Mega Dragonite.Pokémon Champions Becomes the New Home of VGCThe Play! Pokémon Program will transition to Pokémon Champions as the main platform for the Video Game Championships (VGC) beginning in April.At local game stores, Pokémon Champions play will begin rolling out at launch, with availability depending on the Pokémon League location. The competitive calendar for VGC on Pokémon Champions includes several major events:<ul class="tight" data-tight="true"><li>Indianapolis Regional Championships, 29–31 May</li><li>Turin Special Championships, 6–7 June</li><li>North America International Championships, 12–14 June</li><li>Pokémon World Championships, 28–30 August</li></ul>The Indianapolis Regional Championships will be the first main event to feature Pokémon Champions.Pokémon Champions is available now on the Nintendo eShop.

A new competitive Pokémon battling experience has arrived, bringing classic turn-based strategy to Nintendo's latest hardware and setting the stage for the future of official Pokémon esports.

Pokémon Champions Is Available Now on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, Mobile Version Coming Later This Year

tinyBuild and developer All Parts Connected have released <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/all-will-fall/">ALL WILL FALL</a>, a survival city builder set in a flooded, post-apocalyptic world, on Steam for $29.99 with a 15% launch discount.The game tasks players with building vertical settlements on the ocean, stacking buildings upward while contending with real-world physics that can send poorly planned structures toppling down. It's a colony sim where land is scarce and the only direction to expand is up.ALL WILL FALL arrives after building significant community interest during its pre-launch period, accumulating over 300,000 wishlists on Steam. A demo release also performed well, drawing more than 200,000 unique players and earning a 91% positive review rating.The full game includes eight official scenarios, each set on a distinct location such as a wrecked tanker ship, a derelict oil rig, a cultist-run island, and a towering skyscraper. tinyBuild is promising over 100 hours of strategic gameplay across those scenarios, a Sandbox mode, and Steam Workshop integration with a built-in map editor for community-created levels. Additional content and expanded modding support are planned for post-launch updates.Beyond construction, players manage competing factions within their cities, each with unique traits and demands. The game presents moral choices as well, letting players govern as benevolent leaders or iron-fisted tyrants, with consequences that follow either path."After working on the game for years, you get used to it, but then you hand it to the players, and they start doing the wildest things," All Parts Connected co-founders Dominykas Kiauleikis and Danas Matusevičius said in a joint statement. "This release is just the start of our journey."A free demo remains available on Steam, and players can transfer their demo saves into the full version.

Build upward or watch it all come crashing down in this flooded-world colony sim that challenges players to defy gravity and govern humanity's last survivors.

ALL WILL FALL, tinyBuild's Physics-Based Post-Apocalyptic City Builder, Launches on Steam

Isometric puzzle adventure <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whatoplay.com/games/aarik-and-the-ruined-kingdom/">Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom</a> has launched on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop. Publisher Shatterproof Games has priced the game at $6.99 / €5.99 / £5.49.The game puts players in the role of Aarik, a young adventurer exploring the mysteries of a forgotten kingdom. Drawing inspiration from M.C. Escher, Monument Valley, and Lara Croft Go, the title challenges players to manipulate camera angles to reveal hidden paths, repair broken machines, and navigate impossible geometry across hand-designed levels.Beyond its perspective-based puzzles, the game emphasizes immersive storytelling. Players can uncover hidden secrets, notes, and pathways scattered throughout the world, while meeting quirky characters and helping the kingdom's inhabitants along the way.The Switch version has been specifically optimized for the platform, with settings, graphics, audio, and controls all tailored to the console. The game supports all of the Switch's play modes.Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom is available now on the Nintendo eShop.

Isometric puzzle adventure inspired by M.C. Escher and Monument Valley launches on eShop for $6.99

Neil Yamit