As we head deeper into the summer, we’re seeing a mix of creative passion projects and smaller-scale experiments land on digital storefronts. This week’s lineup includes a VR adaptation of a fan-favorite physics builder, a retro-styled brawler that leans into its over-the-top aesthetic, and a no-nonsense pixel platformer that brings the challenge. Whether you’re looking to flex your creative muscles in virtual reality, punch your way through cartoon chaos, or blast through corridors as a tiny alien, there’s something in this roundup to check out.
Besiege VR review (Quest)
We were quite fond of the original Besiege when it hit consoles, and the move to Meta Quest now brings its gloriously chaotic physics-based building gameplay into virtual reality. Besiege VR, developed by 3R Games and published by Spiderling Studios, adapts the sandbox destruction of the original into a fully immersive format, where you can stand beside your creations and see their gears turn and weapons fire from a first-person view. It’s an impressive transformation, with the core premise of building siege machines to complete missions or wreak havoc in sandbox mode feeling even more tactile and creative in VR.
This VR version comes with the same 55-level campaign and sandbox environments, but what makes it stand out is how well its complex building system has been reworked for motion controls. Everything from rotating parts to linking triggers feels intuitive, and although there’s a learning curve – especially if you want to build more advanced contraptions – the Quest version does a solid job of making it accessible to newcomers while retaining the depth that fans expect. That said, the tutorials could go further in explaining more intricate mechanics, which may lead to some trial and error if you haven’t played the original.
Visually, Besiege VR manages to capture the charm of the original with decent fidelity on the Quest platform. Machines and environments look good up close, and the sense of scale you get from standing beside a catapult or flying machine adds a lot to the experience. However, performance can take a hit with larger builds, with some noticeable slowdown or physics hiccups once things get more complex. The audio design does its job, with satisfying mechanical clunks and explosions, but it’s the haptic feedback and physicality that really sell the feeling of being in a world of medieval engineering.
Though it doesn’t quite offer a complete sandbox editor like the PC version and misses out on the community-driven side of the game, Besiege VR is still a great example of how a traditional flat-screen experience can thrive in VR when rebuilt with care. It’s not flawless – occasional bugs and some fiddly interactions still crop up – but it’s easy to get lost for hours tweaking, testing, and watching your latest war machine either dominate the battlefield or explode spectacularly. Fans of the original should absolutely give it a look, and newcomers will find a game that brings out the inner inventor in a way only VR can.
Maiden Cops review (PS5)
With Maiden Cops, developer Pippin Games delivers a side-scrolling beat ‘em up that leans hard into nostalgia, complete with chunky pixel art, combo chains, and chaotic brawler action. It’s a game clearly built by fans of the genre, mixing 90s arcade influences with a lighthearted sense of humor and an over-the-top aesthetic that isn’t afraid to push boundaries. The setup is straightforward – Maiden City is under siege, and three scantily clad heroines are out to take down a cartoonish criminal empire. The narrative is mostly a backdrop for the action, though it’s delivered with enough self-awareness to make the absurdity feel deliberate.
Gameplay-wise, Maiden Cops gets the basics right. Each character has a distinct moveset, and chaining together combos while switching between punches, jumps, and weapon pickups is satisfying. The inclusion of grapples and special attacks adds some variety, though the move sets don’t evolve much as you play. Enemies and bosses are frequent and aggressive, but they lack variety, and there’s a bit too much enemy spam in later levels. Still, responsive controls and multiple difficulty settings help smooth over some of those bumps.
Where the game stands out most is in its presentation. The pixel art is polished, especially in the character animations, and while the fanservice-heavy designs won’t be for everyone, they’re consistently bold and playful. The soundtrack leans into energetic, synth-heavy tunes that match the game’s pace and tone, though some voice clips can get repetitive over time. There’s also a decent range of unlockables to chase, from artwork to outfits, which encourages replayability – especially for players looking to improve their scores and combos.
Despite a few mechanical and tonal rough edges, Maiden Cops manages to entertain thanks to its fast-paced combat, expressive art style, and tongue-in-cheek tone. It’s not a reinvention of the genre, but it knows exactly what kind of game it wants to be – and fans of campy, retro brawlers will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
Alien Breakout review (PS5)
Alien Breakout is the kind of bite-sized retro platformer that knows its audience – those who crave old-school challenge and pixelated sci-fi aesthetics. Developed by Vergiu and brought to consoles by Eastasiasoft, it offers a simple premise: you’re a captured alien trying to escape a lab, one deathtrap-filled corridor at a time. It’s a familiar setup, and that familiarity extends to the gameplay. Armed with a basic blaster and a modest set of moves (including a wall jump that only works on specific surfaces), you’ll navigate tight, hazard-laden levels that demand fast reflexes and precision.
While the challenge curve leans steep at times, it’s mostly fair – though the controls occasionally feel just stiff enough to undercut the kind of precision required for the game’s trickier platforming sections. There’s also a lack of standout ideas in the level design, with most of the stages echoing designs we’ve seen in dozens of other indie platformers. That said, for a budget title, Alien Breakout delivers a solid core loop that becomes more engaging once you adjust to its quirks.
Visually, the game opts for a minimalistic pixel art style that’s serviceable, if not particularly memorable. The audio side complements this with equally basic, retro-inspired sound design, though it doesn’t do much to elevate the atmosphere. Still, for a game priced well under the usual asking point, there’s a certain no-frills charm to it.
Ultimately, Alien Breakout doesn’t break new ground, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a stripped-down, nostalgic platform shooter experience with a few rough edges. If you’re looking for a low-cost throwback with some bite and don’t mind the occasional frustration, it might just scratch that itch.
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