Phew, what a January am I right? If you’re not snowed in, you’re hearing about it. And as masked, armed men knock down our doors and arrest our neighbors, sweeping them off to black sites, we’re reminded that the outside is terrible. Stay indoors, play video games.
This is kind of a packed month for indie releases. We have a pretty broad spectrum of games coming out, and this is one of the more platform-diverse indie write-ups I’ve done. Giving people the ability to choose where they play games? That’s a good thing!
Remember that these developers are vying for a spot on an overcrowded marketplace and could really use any eyes on their games. Share the article; you never know who’s going to find something that they really love. I hope you enjoy the selection we have this month.
Kissed By A Star
Platforms: PC | Release Date: 2/2/2026 | Steam Store Page
I had the great pleasure of interviewing zDS for RPGfan some time ago during early development of Kissed By A Star. In the interview, zDS talks about his RPG projects and how Kissed By A Star is the big game he’s always dreamed of.
Changing points of view, a huge cast of characters, turn-based combat with a full party, Kissed By A Star is an ambitious project. The sun has gone out, and civilization has reached a new age, and an old evil has emerged. There’s a special place in my heart for RPGMaker games, and we have two coming this month.
Kissed By A Star is releasing on February 2nd, 2026, on PC via Steam. If at all interested in what zDS is trying to do, make sure to add the game to your wishlist or check out one of his other games on Steam.
Tearscape
Platforms: PC | Release Date: 2/2/2026 | Steam Store Page
Where tears outstream the rain, the world weeps and calls it balance. You were forged to hunt, and thus, the hunt begins. Modeled after Dark Souls, this 2D action-adventure takes place in a gothic world full of baddies, puzzles, and a mandate.
The world is vast and mimics the art style of a Game Boy Color game. The movement is stilted and weapons attack with intention, following a set path every time. Though the Soulslike origins are evident, the graphics and gameplay really remind me of The Legend of Zelda, especially the dungeons.
Tearscape releases on February 2nd, 2026, on PC via Steam. A demo is available if you’d like to try before you buy. If you’re interested in the game, please add Tearscape to your wishlist.
Lovish
Platforms: PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox | Release Date: February 5th | Steam Store Page
Sir Solomon is interested only in Princess Tsuna’s love. She’s interested in one thing: being free. Also, she might be interested in one of Sir Solomon’s friends? Whatever the reason, Sir Solomon is the protagonist of this 2D action platformer that’s focused on single-screen rooms.
The single-room platformer concept has a really great feel; the ceilings aren’t too low, and you always jump a little higher than you expect. Lots of familiar hazards too, like breakaway blocks, spike traps, moving platforms, enemies, etc… and there are secrets to boot. I definitely enjoyed my time with Lovish.
Lovish releases on February 5th, 2026, on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Throw them a wishlist if you’re interested, and if you simply cannot wait, a demo is available on the game’s Steam page.
Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass: Console Enhanced Version
Platforms: Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X|S | Release Date: February 5th
Setting out on an adventure to save his family, Jimmy invites you to join him in his own dreams. In an RPGMaker game clearly taking thematic cues from games like Earthbound and Yume Nikke, Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is a turn-based SNES-style RPG that’s actually been around since 2018.
Jimmy has a killer 16-bit art style, an amazing cast of characters, fun and witty writing, and a protagonist who can take on all sorts of forms. What does Jimmy’s imagination have in store for the player, and what of the enigmatic pulsating mass? Could there be more to this colorful turn-based RPG than meets the eye?
Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is already out on Steam but is releasing on February 5th, 2026, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Thank you to Electric Airship for providing a PlayStation key ahead of release.
Battle for Asciion
Platforms: PC | Release Date: February 5th | Steam Store Page
It’s been a very long time since I’ve played an ASCII game. These were more popular when the only avenue for mobile gaming was a TI-86 calculator. Relevo has created an entire side-scrolling shoot-’em-up game using ASCII text.
Not only does the game look incredible thanks to the timeless nature of the ASCII characters, but it’s also fast and responsive with controller support and compatible with the Steam Deck. Maybe my favorite part is that you’ll be able to take screenshots as .txt files.
Battle for Asciion releases on February 5th, 2026, on PC via Steam. No demo is available, but if you like what Relevo is selling, you might want to add Asciion to your wishlist.
Dead Pets: A Punk Rock Slice of Life Sim
Platforms: PC | Release Date: February 6th | Steam Store Page
Gordy is trying to live her best punk rock life. She’s got it all! She works as a waitress at a burger joint, steals albums in her free time, and, when she can get them together, rocks hard in her punk band.
I’m really glad rhythm games are making a comeback by way of narrative adventures. Both genres are really coming together, and nothing is more coming-of-age than music. Dead Pets has a pretty solid two-note rhythm structure, a fun diner mini-game to make money, and some pretty sick narrative hooks. And the scribbled side comics are pretty funny.
Dead Pets: A Punk Rock Slice of Life Sim releases on February 6th for PC via Steam. If you’re punk rock enough to think something like this is cool, make sure to add it to your wishlist. Gotta have it sooner? The first two episodes are available as a demo on the game’s Steam page.
Perfume Atelier
Platforms: PC | Release Date: February 7th | Steam Store Page
Perfume Atelier is both cozy and challenging for a job simulator. You sell perfumes at the front of your shop, offering recommendations based on subtle scent notes, and occasionally scaring off skunks in a trench coat. After the doors are closed, you retreat to your garden to harvest the herbs and fruit that have grown throughout the day.
These types of games can be written off as having little substance, but what I played was relaxing and gratifying. Making my own perfumes, designing labels and bottles, and growing different herbs to make new scents is simple and cathartic. Perfume Atelier seems like it’ll be a great wind-down game.
Perfume Atelier releases on February 7th on PC via Steam. If being a perfumer is your dream, a demo is available on the Steam page, and you should consider adding the game to your wishlist.
Relooted
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S | Release Date: February 10th | Steam Store Page
Thanks to the Transatlantic Returns Treaty, repatriation of African artifacts has been happening from museums around the world. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to give up these artifacts so easily. Luckily, there’s a loophole that prevents museums that hold them from reporting them as stolen.
Build a crew, set up a plan, and pull off a heist in Relooted. Once the first artifact is swiped, alarms begin to blare, and you have precious seconds to grab anything else and vamoose. Make sure you set up your crew in the right spots; otherwise, you’ll get stuck. Relooted is a dang fun platforming puzzle runner.
Relooted releases on February 10th, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. A demo is available for the heist sickos on the game’s Steam page, and if sticking it to those greedy museums is your thing, make sure to add it to your wishlist.
Jam packed, right? I know I missed a few, but I’m just one man; I can’t possibly talk about EVERY indie that comes out. I’m doing my best, though. If you like the write-up, let me know either via e-mail or Bluesky.
Don’t forget to wishlist a game if you’re interested, check out the demo if one is available, and talk about games with your friends. I can only reach so many people, and more eyes on indies is usually a good thing.
Of course, if there’s a game coming up you want to see covered, feel free to email us at will@monstervine.com or ping our BlueSky account. You can also email me or ping me on BlueSky. I love hearing from devs. We’re always scoping out games to cover, so we appreciate the help. See you next month!
