Mina the Hollower and Sims alternative lead indie game roundup
A new indie game roundup highlights Mina the Hollower, a retro-style action game, and a Sims alternative among other notable releases. These titles showcase diverse genres and innovative mechanics from independent developers.
A fresh batch of indie games has arrived, offering players a range of experiences from pixelated adventures to life simulation. Among the standout titles is Mina the Hollower, a top-down action game from the creators of Shovel Knight. The game draws inspiration from classic Game Boy titles and Castlevania, featuring a whip-wielding protagonist named Mina who explores a gothic world. Players can expect tight combat, a dark atmosphere, and a chiptune soundtrack that evokes the 8-bit era.
Another notable release is Life by You, a life simulation game that positions itself as an alternative to The Sims. Developed by Paradox Tectonic, the game emphasizes open-ended gameplay and modding support. Players can create characters, build homes, and shape their stories without the constraints of traditional objectives. The developers have promised deep customization options and a focus on player agency.
Other games in the roundup include Botany Manor, a puzzle game set in a Victorian-era estate where players cultivate plants to solve mysteries. The game combines gardening with exploration, requiring players to experiment with different conditions to grow rare flora. Meanwhile, Pepper Grinder is a fast-paced platformer that uses a drill mechanic to burrow through terrain, offering a unique twist on the genre.
The list also features Pacific Drive, a survival driving game set in the Pacific Northwest. Players must navigate a treacherous exclusion zone in a station wagon, scavenging for parts and managing their vehicle's condition. The game blends road trip aesthetics with survival horror elements, creating a tense atmosphere.
For fans of narrative-driven experiences, Open Roads offers a story about a mother and daughter uncovering family secrets during a road trip. The game features hand-drawn art and voice acting from Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell. Its focus on dialogue and exploration makes it a contemplative choice.
Mina the Hollower is available now on PC via Steam and is also planned for Nintendo Switch. Life by You entered early access on June 4, 2024, exclusively on PC. Botany Manor launched on April 9, 2024, for PC and Nintendo Switch. Pepper Grinder released on March 28, 2024, on PC and Nintendo Switch. Pacific Drive arrived on February 22, 2024, on PC and PlayStation 5. Open Roads came out on March 28, 2024, on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Pricing for these games varies: Mina the Hollower costs $19.99, Life by You is $39.99, Botany Manor is $24.99, Pepper Grinder is $19.99, Pacific Drive is $29.99, and Open Roads is $19.99. All titles are available in digital storefronts like Steam, the Nintendo eShop, and console marketplaces.
These indie releases demonstrate the breadth of creativity in the independent gaming scene, offering alternatives to major studio productions. Players seeking new experiences can find everything from action-platformers to thoughtful simulations in this latest wave of games.
Sony Cuts PlayStation Plus Deluxe Price in Days of Play Campaign
Sony has launched a discount campaign for PlayStation Plus Deluxe subscriptions under its Days of Play event. The price has been reduced following a recent hike.
Sony has introduced a temporary price reduction for its PlayStation Plus Deluxe subscription tier. The discount is part of the company's annual Days of Play promotion, which offers deals on games and services. This move comes shortly after Sony increased prices for PlayStation Plus plans in several regions.
The PlayStation Plus Deluxe tier, which includes access to classic games, game trials, and cloud streaming, now costs less for new and existing subscribers during the campaign period. The exact discounted price varies by region, but the reduction applies to both monthly and annual plans.
Days of Play is a recurring sales event where Sony offers discounts on PlayStation hardware, software, and services. This year's promotion includes the Deluxe subscription price cut alongside deals on popular titles and accessories. The event typically runs for a limited time, encouraging players to take advantage of the offers.
Sony raised PlayStation Plus prices in August 2023, citing the need to align with market conditions and continue delivering high-quality content. The Deluxe tier saw a significant increase at that time, making this discount notable for subscribers who had been paying the higher rate.
The discounted pricing is available to both new members upgrading from lower tiers and existing Deluxe subscribers renewing their plans. The offer does not apply to the Essential or Extra tiers, which remain at their standard prices.
PlayStation Plus Deluxe is available in select markets, including the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. The Days of Play promotion runs from June 7 to June 17, 2024, giving subscribers a limited window to secure the reduced rate.
Sony has not announced whether the discount will be extended beyond the campaign period. The company encourages users to check the PlayStation Store for region-specific pricing and terms.
EA Sports FC 26 to Feature Turkish National Team with World Cup Update
EA Sports FC 26 will include the Turkish National Team in a post-holiday update. Players will experience World Cup excitement in the game.
EA Sports has announced that the Turkish National Team will be added to EA Sports FC 26. The update is scheduled to arrive after the holiday period. Players will be able to use the team in the game's World Cup mode.
The Turkish National Team will be fully licensed with official kits and player likenesses. EA Sports secured the rights through a partnership with the Turkish Football Federation. The update will also include authentic stadiums and chants.
World Cup mode will allow players to compete with the Turkish National Team against other international sides. The mode will feature the tournament bracket and group stages. Players can also play online multiplayer matches.
The update will be free for all EA Sports FC 26 owners. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and previous-generation consoles. A specific release date has not been announced yet.
EA Sports FC 26 was released in September 2025. The game introduced several new features including improved AI and enhanced graphics. The Turkish National Team addition is part of ongoing post-launch support.
Fans of Turkish football have been requesting the team's inclusion since the game's launch. EA Sports has listened to community feedback and worked to secure the license. The update aims to provide a more authentic international football experience.
The World Cup mode update will also include other national teams and tournaments. EA Sports has not disclosed the full list of teams. More details are expected closer to the update's release.
EA Sports confirmed the news in an official statement. The company said it is excited to bring the Turkish National Team to EA Sports FC 26. The update will be available after the holiday season.
Epic Games Store Offers Calico and LONESTAR for Free This Week
Epic Games Store is giving away Calico and LONESTAR for free starting May 28. Players can claim both titles until June 4.
Epic Games Store has launched its latest weekly free game giveaway. Starting May 28, the platform is offering two titles at no cost: Calico and LONESTAR. The promotion runs through June 4, giving players a full week to add the games to their libraries.
Calico is a life simulation game developed by Peachy Keen Games. Players run a cat café in a whimsical world, decorating the space and caring for various magical cats. The game emphasizes creativity and relaxation, with no strict objectives or time limits.
LONESTAR, developed by Canari Games, is a pixel-art action platformer. Set in a sci-fi universe, players control a bounty hunter navigating procedurally generated levels. The game features fast-paced combat, multiple weapons, and a focus on replayability.
Both games are available for Windows PC via the Epic Games Store. To claim them, users need an Epic Games account and the Epic Games Launcher installed. Once claimed, the games remain accessible permanently.
This week's offer follows Epic's pattern of providing free games every Thursday. The store has distributed hundreds of titles since launching its free game program in 2018. Previous giveaways have included major AAA releases and indie hits.
Calico and LONESTAR will be free until June 4 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. After that, Epic will replace them with the next week's free games. The store has not yet announced what titles will follow.
Players interested in claiming the games should visit the Epic Games Store website or open the launcher. The store page for each game will show a "Get" button to add the title to the library at no cost.
Epic Games Store continues to use free games as a strategy to attract users to its platform. The store also offers a 12% revenue share for developers, which is lower than the industry standard of 30%.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition launches on macOS via Steam
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is now available on macOS through Steam. Windows owners automatically receive the Mac version, with a Mac App Store release planned later.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has arrived on macOS, offering Mac gamers a significant new title. The game launched today on Steam, where existing Windows owners automatically gain access to the Mac version at no additional cost. A Mac App Store release is scheduled for a later date, though no specific timeline has been provided.
The Definitive Edition brings the classic real-time strategy game to modern Macs with enhanced graphics and updated features. Players can expect 4K support, improved unit animations, and a remastered soundtrack. The game includes all content from previous expansions, along with new civilizations and campaigns exclusive to this edition.
This release marks a notable addition to the macOS gaming library, which often receives fewer major titles compared to Windows. The game's availability on Steam ensures broad accessibility, leveraging the platform's cross-platform capabilities. Mac users can now join the multiplayer community that has remained active since the original game's debut.
System requirements for macOS include a 2.4 GHz processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM. The game supports Metal API, optimizing performance on compatible Mac hardware. Apple Silicon Macs are supported through Rosetta 2 emulation, with native support expected in a future update.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition originally launched on Windows in 2019, receiving critical acclaim for its faithful modernization of the 1999 classic. The macOS version includes all post-launch updates and balance changes, ensuring parity with the Windows edition. Cross-platform multiplayer between Mac and Windows users is enabled, expanding the player base.
Pricing for the macOS version matches the Windows edition at $19.99 on Steam. The game is also available as part of the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition + Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West bundle. No discounts or promotions have been announced for the launch period.
The Mac App Store version will be released at a later date, with pricing expected to align with the Steam version. Apple's platform may offer additional features such as iCloud save synchronization and Game Center integration. Further details about the App Store release are pending.
Fans of the series have long requested a native macOS version, as previous iterations required emulation or Boot Camp. This release eliminates those workarounds, providing a seamless experience on modern Mac hardware. The game's enduring popularity, supported by regular updates and a competitive scene, makes this a significant addition to the macOS gaming ecosystem.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is available now on macOS via Steam for $19.99, with a Mac App Store release forthcoming.