Android apps and games that are free for a short time include Evertale, Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD, Sphaze, Last Plant on Earth, Rooftop Snipers, Dino Rush, and Out There Chronicles - Ep. 2.
Kingdom Rush is a tower defense game available on iOS and Android, considered the pinnacle of the genre with tight unit balance, intuitive controls, inventive level design, and a comic book aesthetic.
Mouthwashing is a notable horror game released this year, set on a broken spaceship named the Tulpar, which can be completed in under two and a half hours. Players experience the story through the perspectives of Curly and Jimmy, exploring themes of violence and corporate dehumanization with a nonlinear narrative.
Still Wakes the Deep, developed by The Chinese Room, is another significant title that takes around six hours to complete. It follows protagonist Caz McLeary on an oil rig, blending psychological horror with emotional depth as players evade a monstrous entity while dealing with Caz's troubled past.
Lethal Company stands out in the multiplayer sandbox horror genre, featuring whimsical yet terrifying elements and unpredictable gameplay. The game has received updates throughout 2024, enhancing its chaotic and memorable experiences, such as encounters with a hungry bird and a giant robot.
Overall, this year has been exceptional for horror gaming, particularly for indie titles like Mouthwashing and Lethal Company, which have gained recognition alongside larger games.
On December 6, the following games will be released:
1. Granny Escape Together - A 2.5D platformer developed by CreepyToad, featuring nostalgic characters and a soundtrack by David Wise, with couch co-op gameplay.
2. Rings of Zilfin - A re-release of a 1986 RPG from Strategic Simulations for the Commodore 64, offering a classic experience with pixel art and cryptic challenges.
3. The Hole - A horror game developed by Bober Bros, where players experience a suspenseful narrative involving drilling noises and mysterious holes in walls.
On December 7, Esca will be released, developed by LuN. It is a survival RPG set in a dilapidated underwater research facility, focusing on horror elements and branching narratives.
PC gamers can currently download nine free games on Steam, including:
1. The Dangerous Back-to-School Season: A pixel RPG focused on cybersecurity challenges.
2. Throne and Liberty: An MMORPG with dynamic environments and large-scale PvPvE battles.
3. BREAKER: INITIATING: A post-apocalyptic puzzle-platformer about a robot's escape.
4. Sime Is Back 3D Old School: A retro action-platformer featuring a kind-hearted fisherman.
5. Drag Racing 3D: Streets 2: A racing simulator with realistic physics and customization.
6. Invention 7: A first-person shooter with puzzles and a space plane piloting feature.
7. Maximum Football: A football simulation game for building teams and realistic gameplay.
8. League of Masters: Auto Chess: An auto chess game with PvP battles and progression.
9. EDYN: A multiplayer strategy game focused on settlement building and army command without microtransactions.
On average, Steam adds about a dozen new games daily. Notable upcoming releases include:
- Great God Grove: Launching on November 16, developed by LimboLane.
- 420BLAZEIT 2: A first-person shooter with a humorous twist, featuring 13 levels and a fart-shooting rifle.
- ABI-DOS: Releasing on November 16, developed by ABI.DOS.SOFTWARE, this game involves constructing circuits to guide digital blocks through 50 puzzles.
- Divine Dynamo Flamefrit: Launching on November 15, developed by Inti Creates Co., Ltd., this game offers two traversal modes in a Zelda-inspired setting.
- Finnish Cottage Simulator: Releasing on November 16, developed by Ranela Games, this first-person simulation allows players to enjoy lakeside activities and has received "Very Positive" reviews from 207 users since its Early Access launch.
Waydroid is a tool that allows users to run Android applications on a Linux desktop by creating a virtual environment. To install Waydroid, users need a functioning Linux system (specifically Ubuntu Desktop 24.04), a valid Google account, and sudo access. The installation process involves installing necessary dependencies, adding the Waydroid repository, and installing the Waydroid application. After installation, users must select GAPPS from the Android Type drop-down menu to access Google Play Services. To use the Google Play Store, users need to retrieve their Android ID by executing a command in the terminal and then register their device on the Google Uncertified Page using the retrieved ID. After registration, users can explore and run Android apps.
Google is rolling out new Gemini extensions, particularly for the Google Home app, starting this week for participants in the Public Preview on Android. Gemini will replace Google Assistant, allowing users to control smart home devices using natural language. The integration enables actions like closing blinds or starting a robot vacuum without needing Google Assistant. Users can access the Google Home extension by enrolling in the Public Preview through the app. This feature is currently available only on Android phones and supports English prompts, but does not control smart security devices. The broader release is expected soon.
Mega Man X Dive, initially a mobile game, was released on Steam in 2023 and features high-quality art comparable to other Mega Man titles. The Mega Man X Dive: Official Complete Works book is available for preorder, set to release on March 25, 2025, and includes character designs, key art, and developer interviews. Art books from the Mega Man series, such as Mega Man: Complete Works and Mega Man Zero: Official Complete Works, are priced high due to limited print runs. Several Mega Man manga series are also available, including Mr. Mega Man and Mega Man Mastermix: Robot Rebellion. Additionally, the Street Fighter series has upcoming literature, including the Street Fighter World Warrior Encyclopedia: World Tour Edition, releasing on November 5, featuring character profiles and other content.
