I’m back with another batch of Early Access release highlights. As always, even if you don’t like buying titles that are still in Early Access, remember to wishlist any games that catch your attention so you’ll be notified when they get a full release.
Here are five Early Access games that might be worth checking out:
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Platform: Windows PC
Price: $24.99 (Price will increase)
First up this week is Hardspace: Shipbreaker, a first-person management sim about salvaging derelict starships. You are one of the many indentured employees working for LYNX, the galaxy’s largest space salvage company.
Work off your debt by entering abandoned ship hulks, and use your selection of hi-tech tools to salvage the most valuable parts from the vessel. Sell the best parts to earn money to upgrade your gear and gadgets, to become more efficient at the daily grind of breaking down drifting spaceships.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker is expected to stay in Early Access for around a year.
Haxity
Developer: Megapop
Platform: Windows PC
Price: $12.99 (Price will increase)
Haxity is the latest game to join the popular roguelite deckbuilding genre. Draft a deck and fight your way through a cyberpunk dystopia in 1v1 card-based duels.
The game’s combat system is broken down into three stages, where both sides slot cards into a queue, use hacking skills to power up their abilities or disrupt their opponent, and then see the results play out. Haxity also features competitive online multiplayer.
Haxity is expected to be in Early Access for between 6 to 18 months.
Griftlands
Developer: Klei Entertainment
Platform: Windows PC
Price: $14.99 (Price will increase)
Speaking of card games, Griftlands is a roguelite deckbuilding RPG set in a harsh and broken down sci-fi world. Pick your character, recruit a gang of mercenaries, and make a name for yourself in a world full of outlaws, dangerous aliens, and ruthless rival factions pursuing their own political agendas.
The game currently features two main characters, with a third on the way, that each feature their own campaign and goals. Griftlands currently has a free demo available as part of the Steam Game Festival.
Griftlands will be in Early Access for around a year.
Curious Expedition 2
Developer: Maschinen-Mensch
Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
Platform: Windows PC
Price: $16.99 (Price will increase)
Curious Expedition 2 is the follow-up to the hit roguelike exploration sim from 2016. Players will once again get to explore uncharted lands in a 19th century world as a member of the illustrious Explorer Clubs.
Discover mysterious locations that have never been seen before by modern society, in an effort to bring back priceless relics and artifacts. Manage your resources to keep your expedition healthy and sane enough to ensure that everyone is able to make it back and tell their extraordinary tales.
Curious Expedition 2 is expected to get a full release in Fall 2020.
Tainted Grail
Developer: Awaken Realms Digital
Platform: Windows PC
Price: $24.99 (Price will increase)
Finally, we come to Tainted Grail, a digital adaptation of the hit board game by Awaken Realms. The game is set in a grim reimagining of the Arthurian legends, where the world has been corrupted by a dark and mysterious power.
Set out on a quest to conquer Avalon as one of several playable characters. Create powerful combos and synergies as you combine various skills, items, and mystical runes. The game can be played as a hardcore roguelite with permadeath, or a more story-driven RPG experience.
Tainted Grail will stay in Early Access for around 6 to 8 months.
Which of these games are you interested in? Are you playing any recent Early Access releases that we missed? Tell us more in the comments below!
This is Niche Early Access. In this column, we regularly showcase various promising games that are currently in some form of early access or development, and haven’t reached full release. Please let us know if there’s a game you want us to showcase!
