Kinetic Games, the studio behind the popular paranormal investigation game Phasmophobia, has unveiled the initial lineup of titles under its new publishing label, Kinetic Publishing. The showcase featured a varied collection of indie games, including a science fiction workplace simulation, a unique metroidvania set on a giant snail, a coming-of-age adventure, and a magical life simulator.
Contact Protocol
Developed by a team describing it as "Choices, paperwork, torpedoes and teabags," Contact Protocol is a sci-fi workplace simulation. Players assume the role of a security officer aboard the PALE HORSE, a Galileo Corporation vessel en route to Jupiter for resource extraction. The core gameplay involves assessing approaching ships, managing crew safety, and adhering to corporate directives. This includes verifying data against company records, interrogating individuals, and potentially destroying rival or smuggling vessels. Players will also handle ship maintenance, review hull integrity, and recover corrupted data, all under tight time constraints. The game emphasizes player accountability and the psychological toll of isolation in deep space, encouraging interaction with crewmates.
Contact Protocol features procedurally generated starships, narrative choices with branching outcomes, and multiple endings. The game is available to wishlist on Steam and is slated for release in 2027.
Crescent County
Crescent County is described as an alt-rock infused, coming-of-age adventure set in an open world characterized by "witch-tech." Players control Lu, a young adult who moves to a scenic island and becomes involved in the local "motorbroom" racing scene. Gameplay by day involves courier missions, such as package delivery, herding, and repairing leylines. By night, players can upgrade their motorbrooms, engage in high-speed races, and undertake a wider variety of jobs. Upgrades enhance stunt capabilities, unlock new job opportunities, and reveal island gossip.
Beyond the racing and delivery, players can customize Lu's living space and foster relationships with other characters, including romance options. Crescent County aims for a nostalgic, early 2000s subculture-inspired fantasy setting. The game is available for wishlisting, with further release details forthcoming.
Shellbound
Shellbound offers a distinctive metroidvania experience set on the back of a colossal, dormant snail. Players embody a small parasite tasked with exploring the creature's vast ecosystem, which is divided into distinct biomes. Each environment is influenced by the snail's biological functions and the player's actions. Players can befriend NPCs, documenting them in an in-game "friendbook" to uncover secrets and quests. Aggressive actions can lead to enemy evolution, increasing their strength. However, players can utilize parasitic abilities to control enemies, gain access to new areas, solve puzzles, and enhance combat strategies.
The narrative reveals the snail has begun to move after millennia of dormancy, prompting a mystery about its destination and purpose, as well as the player's role within this world. Shellbound is currently undergoing an art style update, and wishlisting will provide information on its revised appearance and release schedule.
Aether Wizard Life
Aether Wizard Life is a 2D life simulation game with a cozy aesthetic, inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli. Set in the magical town of Starfall, players take on the role of a recently graduated wizard. The town is troubled by lingering spirits, past conflicts, and mysterious creatures. Players are tasked with restoring peace by completing quests for the townsfolk and locating 13 Lost Elementals hidden in dungeons. The game features over 30 wizard skills, including spellcasting, potion-making, rune crafting, and summoning. Players can also personalize their home, pursue romantic relationships with NPCs, and care for magical creatures like alpacas and unicorns. The game also allows players to manage businesses, such as a potion shop or a tavern, contributing to the community. Aether Wizard Life blends creature combat with life simulation elements and is available to wishlist.
PRECOGNITION
From Half Mermaid, the studio behind the interactive found-footage experience IMMORTALITY, comes PRECOGNITION. This sci-fi horror game, previously known as 'Project C', is being developed by Sam Barlow and director Brandon Cronenberg. PRECOGNITION delves into the concept of brain implants that grant the ability to see one's future, building on the sense of dread established in IMMORTALITY. The game is slated for a Spring 2028 release.