Tag: review

  • Painting Under Pressure: Sloppy Forgeries Is Indie Chaos at Its Best

    Painting Under Pressure: Sloppy Forgeries Is Indie Chaos at Its Best

    Imagine a high-stakes art heist, but instead of sneaking through lasers, you’re racing against the clock to sloppily recreate iconic paintings using only your mouse, a timer, and sheer panic. That’s Sloppy Forgeries, and after getting a chance to play it early, we’re absolutely hooked.

    Developed by the indie minds at Playful Systems LLC, Sloppy Forgeries is a fast-paced, competitive art game that mixes creativity and chaos. 

    You’re shown a classic painting and challenged to recreate it as closely (or wildly) as possible. The catch? You only have a short amount of time, and so every stroke counts.

    As you can imagine this can lead to some pretty hilarious attempts, of which I will show some of mine in this article!

    We’ve been playing an early build thanks to a Steam key from the dev (huge thanks again!), and the experience has been equal parts hilarious and genuinely addictive. There’s something oddly satisfying about trying to replicate a masterpiece while the timer ticks down, and everything just falls apart (At least for me!)

    I had the chance to Ask some Questions to the Dev about the game, which will be included in a separate article below, be sure to check it out,

    “There might be artists out there who aren’t great at traditional video games who will REALLY excel at this.”


    Gameplay – A Stroke of Genius🖌️

    The game plays very well, for an unreleased game it feels solid, and it does the job, i was given a painting to copy, and I did my best, there’s a good selection already of over 30 classic paintings, and there’s so much more potential, I can already imagine the competitions to get your artwork in the game, or Merch to be able to get your best (or worst) paintings on a small canvas for your own keeping! There are so many different directions this game could go, it’s incredibly exciting to follow its Journey!

    The game Particularly Shines in multiplayer, and with it’s mouse v mouse local multiplayer, it makes it even easier to play with those around you, (although there will be a standard multiplayer option as well) 

    The game scores you on how accurate your painting is to the real thing, so this creates some very funny moments of panic, trying to get those last few brush strokes in before time runs out.

    There’s a healthy amount of Strategy involved here too, Do you go for the broader shapes quickly, or focus on those smaller details that may boost your score? Either way no two matches really felt the same when I was playing, as I was trying different ways to optimise my accuracy score

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    Why It works🧠

    Beyond the laughs, Sloppy Forgeries taps into that same accessible creative itch games like Drawful or even Skribbl.io do, but with a surprisingly artful twist. It manages to celebrate fine art while also absolutely butchering it in the most amazing way, 

    The Dev clearly has a strong love for art, combined with some absurdity in a perfect blend, the game also seems to sharpen your mind, you think quick and really tap into your inner artist, i’ve never been good at art, in fact, even in school my worst nemesis was shading a circle! (story for another day) but this game made me actually enjoy it, and want to see how good I could actually be!

    As you can see… Not Very!
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    So When Can You Play it?

    The game is currently unreleased, but it’s already making waves in indie circles. No hard release date just yet, but it’s one of the most uniquely fun party games we’ve played in a while. It’s expected in 2025, so be sure to add it onto your wishlist, and keep your brushes at the ready, this is absolutely one to keep a close eye on!

    We’ll be watching this one closely here at InsideXO, and we’ll update as soon as more info drops. 

    Let us know Your Thoughts below in the comments, or Join the Official XO Discord, and come chat!

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    One response to “Painting Under Pressure: Sloppy Forgeries Is Indie Chaos at Its Best”

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  • Need a Chill Weekend? Play These 5 Amazing Indie Games

    Need a Chill Weekend? Play These 5 Amazing Indie Games

    Looking for the perfect weekend game? Whether you’re after something relaxing, creative, or just a short escape, we’ve hand-picked five indie gems that are perfect for a short weekend play session. From charming management sims to quirky art experiments, there’s something here for everyone.

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    5 – Medieval Frontiers (Playtest)

    Price: Free (Playtest)

    Platform: Steam

    Developer: Active Fungus Studios

    So This is a fairly New find on our table, but this first-person village builder has caught our attention, if you’ve enjoyed games like Medieval Dynasty, this follows in similar footsteps, the building looks like a lot more dynamic, and the graphics are gorgeous, even though its just a playtest, we think this would be an excellent addition to your weekend plans!

    4 – A Little to the Left

    Price: £12.99 (PC)

    Platform: Steam, PS, Xbox, Switch, Android

    Developer: Max Inferno

    Now, hear us out, yes it’s a been out a while now, and it’s not exactly a ‘hidden gem’, however we can’t deny that this game is a genre masterpiece, providing hours of endless fun, and a daily quest to keep you coming back, the perfect puzzle game to keep your mind sharp, while enjoying some downtime this weekend!

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    3 – Hotel Galactic

    Price: £29.50

    Platform: Steam

    Developer: Ancient Forge

    If you’ve had a long week, and you want a magical escape from reality, why not check in and take control over your very own whimsical, Ghibli-inspired hotel retreat! Take care of your guests, and spend time unwinding in the gorgeous landscape and world of Hotel Galactic, just one day into its release, and the game provides a beautiful experience, and has lots of character and charm just waiting to jump out at you! Just stay aware that it is a brand new release, so as always,  it’s possible to expect bugs and issues waiting to be patched.

    2 – Dead Metro (Free Demo)

    Price: Free (Only Demo Available)

    Platform: Steam

    Developer: Trust me bro Studio

    Recently Featured in an article here, the Demo for Dead Metro feels great, for a demo it feels surprisingly well polished, and its a solid experience for Survival adventure fans, lose yourself in its expansive world, and try your best to survive as you sit on the edge of your sit, captivated by its amazing graphics, and terrifying experiences within, perfect for those wanting a more thrilling down-time this weekend!

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    1- Ground of Aces

    Price: £19.99

    Platform: Steam

    Developer: Blindflug Studios AG

    This game has been featured a few times now, however with great reason, And with it just recently being released into Early Access, now is the perfect time to hop on, and experience the wonder of creating your very own, WWII Airbase, where you can manage your crew’s happiness, build defences, and send your realistic WWII Aircraft into missions, to unlock better and bigger Planes, this is the perfect game for anyone wanting to unwind and sink yourself into your own little unique world!


    Whether you’ve got a full weekend to binge or just a few spare hours, these games are the perfect way to unwind. Have a favourite indie we missed? Tell us in the comments or drop your recommendations in the XO Discord!

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  • Dead Metro: Where Every Step Could Be Your Last

    Dead Metro: Where Every Step Could Be Your Last


    Genre: Adventure, Survivor Simulation

    Developer: Trust Me Bro Studio

    Released: Coming Soon

    Price: Free DemoAvailable on Steam

    https://store.steampowered.com/app/3134490/Dead_Metro/.

    Beneath the rusted metal and flickering lights of long-abandoned cities, small towns, and heavily invested zones, something stirs… and it’s not happy you’re here. Dead Metro, a free indie developed with raw tension and a grim atmosphere all around, throws you into a suffocating underground maze where survival hinges on every bullet and every step. It’s rough around the edges, but what it offers is a brutally effective taste of what’s to come, and trust me, the darkness doesn’t play fair.

    My First Impressions 💬

    Dead Metro wastes no time dropping you into a run-down underground world that feels both claustrophobic and alive with tension. Even in demo form, the game’s atmosphere feels well-realised, from flickering tunnel lights to the constant sense of danger just out of sight. It instantly gave me that grimy, post-collapse vibe reminiscent of Metro 2033, but stripped down in a way that focuses more on raw survival than heavy narrative. From the start, it’s clear this is a world where every corner could kill you, and that’s what makes it so gripping.

    Controls and Gameplay🕹️

    Based on gameplay, movement, and combat feels surprisingly tight for a game still in its demo phase. The weapon handling, especially with the shotgun and assault rifle, has a punchy, impactful weight to it. Enemy encounters are sharp and unforgiving, keeping you alert as you push through the darkness. Resource management is crucial; you’re constantly scavenging for ammo and supplies while trying not to get overwhelmed. There’s a simplicity to the core of loot, explore, survive and shoot, but it works well in this gritty setting. The pacing allows for both tense firefights and slower, ambient exploration.

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    Graphics📺

    Dead Metro thrives on its visual tone. While not hyper-detailed, the lighting, shadows, and grime-smeared textures all add up to a cruel, believable environment. What stands out most to me is the game’s commitment to mood: dim tunnel corridors, leaking pipes, and the occasional glowing emergency light that really sets the tone. Creature design, though limited, is effective and creepy, especially when backed by the game’s lighting and animation. Even in its current state, the game looks the part of a solid horror-survival experience.

    Performance🖱️

    For a demo, it runs very well. There are no aggravating frame drops or audio stutters, and loading is fast and stable between areas. Gunfire is synced with audio and visual effects, and transitions between exploration and combat are seamless. That said, a few moments showed rough animations and slightly stiff enemy AI, totally expected for an early build. These are areas that could easily see improvement in future updates.

    Summary📝

    To wrap things up, Dead Metro is shaping up to be a gritty, underground survival horror gem. It channels classic post-apocalyptic energy while keeping things intense. The moment-to-moment gameplay rewards patience and awareness, while the setting constantly puts you on edge. For a free demo, it delivers a lot, and if the full version expands on the mechanics, polish, and enemy variety, it should become a must-play for fans of claustrophobic horror.

    If you’re into harsh environments, jump-scares with bite, and eerie atmosphere soaked in rust and darkness, this is a game to keep your eye on.

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    Final Thoughts

    All in all, Dead Metro is a haunting and surprisingly immersive indie experience that proves you don’t need flashy graphics or a massive budget to leave a lasting impression. It’s a short but impactful ride through a nightmare-fueled subway, packed with atmosphere, tension, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked.

    Badge: One to Watch
    Summary: A gritty and atmospheric underground horror that punches above its weight and drags you along the rails of fear.

    Rating:
    Graphics: 3.5/5
    Gameplay: 4/5
    Atmosphere: 5/5
    Future Potential: 5/5
    Overall: 4 out of 5

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    One response to “Dead Metro: Where Every Step Could Be Your Last”

    1. SkullFireXO avatar

      Solid Game by the looks of it, on the list, love a good survival game

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  • Ground of Aces Early Impressions – The WWII Strategy Taking Flight

    Ground of Aces Early Impressions – The WWII Strategy Taking Flight

    Inside Pick (Editor’s Choice)

    Release Date: July 10th 2025

    Developer: Blindflug Studios AG

    Genre:  Simulation, Strategy, Early Access

    Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2308690/Ground_of_Aces/

    Every so often, a game comes along that surprises you in the best way, and for us, that’s Ground of Aces. Developed by Blindflug Studios AG, this WWII airbase management game is already shaping up to be something special. After several hours building our base, we walked away genuinely impressed, not just by the attention to detail, but by how immersive the world feels to us

    If you’re a fan of management sims, history, or just a lover of new, unique games, we highly recommend reading ahead to find out if Ground of Aces is for you!

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    The Basics – What Is Ground of Aces?

    Set during the early years of WWII, Ground of Aces puts you in charge of an airbase, where you must:


    ✅ Build and optimise your base layout.
    ✅ Manage resources, aircraft repairs, and pilot morale.
    ✅ Strategically deploy your planes for missions while keeping your crew alive.

    There’s a clear inspiration from colony management games, but with a strong focus on WWII-era aviation details, which is a unique and creative combination that we think really needed to be explored

    The art style pops immediately, with bright, bold colours and incredibly well-designed aircraft models that look fantastic even zoomed out. I can’t stress this point enough; the team has done an excellent job with these designs.

    What’s Working So Far?

    1. The Aircraft Are Stunning

    Each plane feels incredibly well-crafted, and aviation fans will have a a seriously great time spotting historical details. Managing their upkeep feels meaningful. Every time you send a plane out, you can really feel the tension of whether it’ll return intact.

    2. Building Feels Strategic (and Personal)

    Unlike some base builders where you can just throw buildings down randomly, here, the layout matters, the choices you make at the beginning have longer effects on your gameplay, and it’s crucial to use some planning to ensure your base is optimal.

    It also gives your base character, after a few hours, your airfield feels like your airfield, the decoration you can add is charming, and has a genuine effect on your crew’s attitude.

    3. The Crew Stories Add Humanity

    Pilots and crew have individual personalities and needs, which makes every loss sting. One of my saddest moments was when my first pilot passed away during an attack on my base. I felt the loss heavy in my heart; he had won so many missions for me, and it’s these moments that draw you into the game, and keep you returning for more.

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    Things to keep in mind (It’s Early Access, After All)


    The Learning curve can feel steep

    It’s not a huge surprise to learn that the game has many mechanics, balancing different resources, design choices, keeping your people happy and completing missions, whilst incredibly fun, it is a lot to wrap your head around. It doesn’t hold your hand for long, but the sense of satisfaction when you figure it out is highly rewarding.

    Limited Mission Variety… For Now

    Early missions can feel limited, but the roadmap promises more diverse objectives, which could expand on this so quickly and easily.

    The roadmap suggests a lot of content planned, which only makes things that extra bit exciting!

    Should You Jump In Now?

    Ground of Aces isn’t just a promising game; it’s already a fantastic experience for strategy and history fans, even at this early stage. The mix of management, unique personality, and love for aviation history makes it feel unique, and we truly can’t wait to see how it grows.

    If you’re even a little curious about WWII strategy or base-building games, we highly recommend jumping in, and when you do, you should check out their official Discord for more details on what’s yet to come, and leave any suggestions for the team!

    Have You Tried It Yet?

    We’d love to hear what you think. Drop your thoughts in the comments or join the XO Discord to chat with us about your own airbase stories!

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  • The Horrors Which Lie Below in – The Bunker, Including Developer Insights

    The Horrors Which Lie Below in – The Bunker, Including Developer Insights

    Genre: Psychological Horror, Survival, Exploration, Action

    Developer: Cyber752

    Released: 11th April 2025

    Price: £2.99

    Available on Steam

    https://store.steampowered.com/app/3487660/The_Bunker/

    The Bunker, while maybe not discovered by many, has the potential to reach players beyond comprehension. For those of you who love that zero to one hundred real quick feeling, this is the one for you. I was fortunate enough to get in touch with the developer of The Bunker, but we will go over that later. First, we will read about my thoughts and time in the game.

    My First Impressions 🧠

    From the moment I stepped into The Bunker, it was clear this wasn’t your average indie horror experience. The game wastes no time pulling you into its dim, atmospheric world, one that feels simultaneously stripped back and deeply immersive. The VHS filter immediately gave me the impression I wasn’t just playing a game, I was living a horror movie. And that’s exactly what I was hoping for. There’s a quiet, creeping dread built into every corner of this game, and its simplicity only enhances it.

    Controls and Gameplay 🎮

    The control scheme in The Bunker is minimalistic by design, just a handful of key binds and mouse movement, but that’s what makes it shine. Everything responds smoothly, without any clunky inputs or interruptions to flow. The gameplay loop, while basic on paper, becomes something much more potent thanks to the environment and audio design. You’re not burdened with overly complex mechanics or systems. Instead, you’re free to focus on exploration, the tension of the unknown, and piecing together the story through small but impactful discoveries

    Graphics 📽️

    The retro aesthetic combined with VHS distortion is hands-down one of the game’s biggest strengths. Visually, it captures the eerie, lo-fi look that feels like something disturbing you found on an old tape buried in a basement. It’s raw, gritty, and immersive in the best ways. The bunker’s environment is stripped of unnecessary detail, and that restraint is exactly what makes it work; it gives you a sense of place and purpose without overwhelming the eye. It’s a focused, intentional design that serves the mood above all else

    Performance ⚙️

    Despite the heavy atmospheric effects, The Bunker runs incredibly well. The game’s optimisation matches its visual simplicity, no hitches, no crashes, no frame drops to break immersion. Every moment, from your slow, deliberate movement to the intense final chase sequence, feels well-paced and technically solid. It’s clear the Dev focused on making sure players could fully sink into the horror without being distracted by technical issues.

    Summary 📓

    The Bunker is a short play, an hour, maybe a little more, but that’s all it needs to leave an impression. It delivers a punchy, unnerving story that’s easy to follow, but laced with real emotion. One particular moment involving two skeletons and a tragic note genuinely lingered with me after finishing. The audio design is intense, the world is atmospheric, and the simplicity is used to full effect. This isn’t just another indie horror; it’s a love letter to analogue fear and raw storytelling.

    If you’re after a chilling, one-sit horror experience that will make you jump, think, and feel, The Bunker is absolutely worth crawling into.

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    But Wait, There’s More…

    What’s Next for The Bunker? That is a great question. With the eerie legacy of The Bunker still fresh in players’ minds, developer Cyber752 is already deep into planning its chilling sequel. While the original cast of characters won’t return, The Bunker II will introduce a new lineup of survivors navigating the horrors of a new facility.

    Gameplay is set to expand in major ways, including a new co-op system where players must work alongside NPCs to solve puzzles and progress. A battery-powered mechanic is also being introduced, requiring players to manage resources to unlock and power up key areas, adding a new layer of strategy and tension.

    Perhaps most excitingly, Cyber752 has made it clear that community feedback plays a vital role in shaping the sequel. Through the game’s official Discord server (Cyber Nightmares) and Steam discussions, the team is actively listening to fans to build a more engaging, immersive, and terrifying experience.

    The next chapter of The Bunker promises to go bigger, deeper, and darker, and if the first game is any indication, we’re in for something special.

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    Developer Interview 🎙️

    Q: What inspired the decision to use live-action footage, and how did it enhance the storytelling experience?

    A: I enjoy watching YouTube videos of people exploring abandoned places like old bunkers and haunted locations. The atmosphere in those videos is tense and eerie, and it often feels like something is watching you. That feeling really inspired me.

    Q: The character we control, his/her journey is both physical and psychological. How did you approach including his/her mental state and its evolution throughout the storyline?

    A: Her name hasn’t been revealed yet, but she’s going through an extremely tough emotional journey. She was just camping with her friends when a nuclear war broke out, killing everyone she knew, including her family and the friends she was just with. This leaves her feeling incredibly vulnerable. Only four hours after the incident, we hear her crying, already broken and driven by anger. From that moment, she begins to gather the strength to survive and find a way out of the bunker.

    Q: We don’t see many underground bunker settings in games these days. How was the construction of the bunker space itself approached? Was there any inspiration from real-life locations or movies?

    A: Yes, before writing the story for The Bunker, I was very interested in nuclear events. I did a lot of research on Chernobyl and even watched HBO’s miniseries. With the world today still facing so many conflicts, I felt the need to create a game that captures the fear of nuclear warfare and also honors those who have been affected by it.

    Q: Has the feedback you’ve received from the community influenced any future changes/updates we can expect?

    A: Absolutely, I take player feedback very seriously. In the 1.1.0 update for The Bunker, I added a basic inventory system and an auto-save feature based on suggestions from players. It’s important for me to listen and improve the experience for everyone.

    Q: Looking back on the development process, what is the biggest lesson you learned when creating a game for others to experience?

    A: Playtesting, without a doubt, has been one of the most important lessons I’ve learned while making all of my games. Testing with actual players, especially those who are not friends or close connections, gives the most honest and valuable feedback. That raw input, driven purely by gameplay experience, helps me improve more than anything else.

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    Wrap up

    All in all, I think we can all agree that The Bunker is a game you should have in your library as soon as possible. The developer truly cares about the player base and their voices, not leaving any stone of feedback unturned.

    The Bunker is affordable, which makes it one of its top attributes. Despite only having a free demo at the moment, we can be sure the wait for the full release will be worth the while. The Bunker is more than ready to reach its full player potential, and we here at InsideXO are all for it.

    Badge: Worth Your Playthrough
    Summary: Fun yet terrifying horror survival that puts a lot of horror movies to shame.

    Rating: Graphics: 3/5
    Gameplay: 4/5
    Atmosphere: 5/5
    Future Potential: 5/5
    Overall: 4 out of 5

    ChatGPT Image Jul 15, 2025, 11_54_25 PM

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