This year, as in previous years, the team at Wired Production held a small showcase to kick off the new year, where they presented some material from upcoming projects. We've summarized the games and impressions we gathered below.
Lumote - The Mastermote Chronicles
lumote is a cute 3D puzzle platformer where you maneuver through the lively LED world using a variety of mechanisms. lumote Originally released for PC in 2021, this remastered version is now available for all platforms. Definitely worth a look for fans of the genre, but for everyone else, it might feel a bit overwhelming.
Tiny Troopers: Global Ops
Our preview of Tiny Troopers The next twin-stick shooter is coming, in which you can blast your way through levels with up to four teammates. Again, this is likely a title primarily for genre fans who can indulge themselves thanks to the wide selection of cosmetics and equipment. While it doesn't yet seem particularly spectacular, it certainly has the potential to extend the fun of playing with friends.
arcade paradise
arcade paradise This is a game that will surely surprise some players. As the manager of a laundry, you try to transform your business into a large arcade, step by step, in a nostalgic retro world. Every arcade machine is actually playable, and even beyond the machines, there are many tasks to complete in the form of arcade-style minigames. A very humorous and charming indie title that successfully blends the old with the new.
News Hearts
Even in the first images of News Hearts An association came to mind that's probably even unfair to this smaller indie title. However, the theme of little toys fighting their way through a large house in an adventure-puzzle game did remind me somewhat of the excellent "It Takes Two" by Hazelight. Nevertheless, there's a lot of heart here too, and the material shown so far suggests not only fun puzzles and interesting gameplay, but also a deep and heartwarming story.
Deliver us the Moon
Just like lumote, is also Deliver us the Moon (our reviewThis is a title that has already been released for PC and last-gen consoles. However, the next-gen release is still pending. The sci-fi story about an astronaut sent to the already colonized moon to investigate why contact has been lost between them and Earth is retold here. The major difference is the adaptation for next-gen consoles, resulting in significantly improved graphics and a revamped engine. This is another title to watch this year.
The last worker
The last worker was another of two somewhat larger titles that this presentation had to offer. The game puts the player in the perspective of the last worker in a company where all humans have been replaced by robots, all except for this very main character. Even the very limited images, which are also seen in the official trailer, reveal the amount of work behind these hand-drawn illustrations and how unique this entire experience will most likely be. Most people probably still don't quite understand what exactly... The last worker It's going to be a game, but some things are already certain: It will be emotional, exciting, and definitely something new. We're very excited!
Martha is dead
Finally, we come back to the second major title of this presentation. Martha is dead is a dark, first-person psychological thriller set during the escalating conflict between the Allies and the Germans in 1944, when the body of a drowned woman – Martha – is discovered. The game focuses on Martha's twin sister, Giulia, and explores themes of loss, trauma, and the horrors of war. While details are scarce, this title promises to be a very mature, nerve-wracking, and undoubtedly terrifying journey through a painful and gripping story, which is further evidenced by its 18+ rating.
