This Week in Gaming (Week 4)

Welcome to yet another week of new game releases and things are finally starting to warm up a little bit in the new year, even if there are a lot of early access games this week. This week’s major release is a different take on the metroidvania genre with some rather unique graphics. This is followed by a kingdom-builder set in medieval times, a large-scale real-time tactics wargame set in antiquity, an RPG with an MMO feel that has a co-op mode, a sword making simulator and finally a fairytale inspired RPG where you have to beat a megacorporation.

MIO: Memories in Orbit / This week’s major release / Tuesday 20 January

Play as android MIO in this mesmerizing metroidvania where you explore the Vessel, an enormous technological ark overgrown with machines gone rogue. Uncover its secrets, enhance MIO’s abilities, and save the spaceship and its residents from oblivion. Steam link

Earth of Oryn / Monday 19 January / Early access
A medieval kingdom-builder focused on meaningful decision-making and long-term strategy. Rule your lands, manage resources, plan your expansion, and guide your settlement from humble beginnings to a thriving realm as the seasons turn. Steam linkStrategos / Tuesday 20 January / Early access
Strategos is a real-time tactics wargame set in classical antiquity. Simulate large-scale battles with over 120 factions, and 250+ units, from the ancient world. Create custom battles, or take command of historical ones. Steam linkDuel Corp. / Wednesday 21 January / Early access
A Souls-inspired action RPG set in a sandbox open world with an MMO feel and challenging directional combat. Play solo or with up to 3 friends in co-op. Build friendships, master an unrestricted class system, and uncover the cause that darkened all eyes. Steam linkBladesong / Thursday 22 January / Early access
The ultimate swordmaking game. Forge unique weapons with freeform blade shaping and modular hilts, perfectly balanced to your customers’ needs. Master the art of smithing and uncover the secrets of Eren Keep, a last haven of a dying world – or so they say. Steam linkEscape from Ever After / Friday 23 January
A genre-bending RPG inspired by the classic Paper Mario games! When a greedy megacorp from the real world starts taking over fairytales for their cheap labor, a newly-hired storybook hero must climb the corporate ladder, rally together other disgruntled employees, and fight back. Steam link