The flood of blockbuster releases may finally be slowing down, but there’s no shortage of smaller, inventive games worth attention this weekend. October has seen several quiet standouts that mix experimental mechanics with surprising depth. If you’ve had your fill of big-budget shooters and sprawling RPGs, here are three new releases that offer something a little different to dive into before the holiday rush.
First up is Super Fantasy Kingdom, now available in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X/S via Game Pass. It’s an energetic blend of roguelite “bullet heaven” combat and light city-building strategy that rewards quick adaptation. Players recruit warriors, expand their kingdoms, and fend off waves of enemies in sessions that rarely last more than half an hour but often tempt another try. Its pixel-style presentation feels inspired by 16-bit RPGs, though with sharper colors and faster pacing. Balancing expansion with defense can be tricky, and there’s a risk of repetition over longer play sessions, but for now, its tight feedback loop keeps things engaging. Fans of Vampire Survivors or Kingdom Two Crowns will find familiar rhythms here, with a bit more planning and experimentation thrown in.
Then there’s The Seance of Blake Manor, a PC adventure steeped in eerie atmosphere and supernatural mystery. Players check into a remote, possibly haunted Irish hotel to unravel puzzles tied to grief, folklore, and the occult. Early impressions from critics and players alike describe it as emotionally resonant and mechanically clever, the kind of story-driven puzzle game that encourages slow, reflective play. Its use of Irish mythology grounds the experience in a specific sense of place, while its moody environments and restrained pacing recall titles like Return of the Obra Dinn or The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. It’s a fitting choice for the colder, darker nights ahead.
Finally, there’s Dispatch, the latest episodic release from AdHoc Studios, now available on PC and PS5. Part management sim and part narrative adventure, it follows a team of ex-supervillains trying to run a superhero dispatch service. The series’ early episodes drew mixed reactions, but later installments appear to deepen the storytelling and character dynamics. Each new update adds layers to its team-based narrative, exploring redemption and leadership under pressure. The episodic rollout means players can take it in smaller doses, making it easy to drop in for a weekend and pick back up later.
These three games highlight how diverse this year’s smaller releases have been—each one distinct, inventive, and far removed from blockbuster formulas. Whether you’re looking for strategy, mystery, or story-driven drama, this weekend offers a reminder that 2025’s indie scene is still delivering fresh surprises just beneath the surface of the mainstream release cycle.
