Though they both feature animals, two very different types of games have recently emerged on Steam.

First up is 'Mina the Hollower.' This new title from Yacht Club Games, famous for Shovel Knight, draws inspiration from Game Boy Color classics like The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. While it faithfully captures the 8-bit era's distinct color palette, presentation, and gameplay feel, it has also been praised for its seamless world-to-world map design, challenging difficulty balanced by a detailed support system, and immersive graphics and sound.

These accolades have already earned it a 92 on Metacritic before launch, proving it is one of the most anticipated indie games of the year.

If Mina the Hollower features cute anthropomorphic characters, you can also look forward to animals rendered with realistic graphics and true-to-life behavior. Frontier Developments, now synonymous with construction and management simulators, has announced its new title, Planet Zoo 2. As the first new entry in about seven years, the improvements in overall presentation and graphics are striking. Furthermore, the addition of aquatic creatures and flying birds allows players to build and manage aquariums and aviaries within their zoos.

ISSUE | Today's News

■ Announcement | 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4' Announced, Set During a Fictional Second Korean War | Article, Steam

The long-rumored Call of Duty title set in Korea has finally been unveiled. Titled Modern Warfare 4, the game will cover a fictional Second Korean War. As a result, Korea will serve as a primary setting, and the South Korean military will be a constant presence throughout the game. Additionally, the return of the PvPvE DMZ mode and a release for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been confirmed. The game launches on October 23, with more details to be revealed through future online channels and gaming events.

■ Announcement | 'Planet Zoo 2': Time to Build Aquariums and Aviaries | Steam

The latest from Frontier Developments, which has become a powerhouse in the simulator game genre with titles like Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution. This sequel, arriving about seven years after the original Planet Zoo, is set for release on October 13. The addition of fully aquatic species and flying birds enables the creation of aquariums and aviaries. The game will also feature Korean voice acting and a console release.

NEW | Upcoming Releases & Updates

■ Release | Mina the Hollower | Review, Steam

The latest from Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight. With a 92 on Metacritic before its release, it has become one of the highest-rated games of the year. It delivers high-quality exploration and map design wrapped in classic art and gameplay mechanics.

■ Release | Stardust: Star and Witch | Steam

A turn-based single-player pixel SRPG that revives classic SRPG sensibilities while reinterpreting them with modern gameplay. Developed by the Korean studio Kniv Studio, the game has been praised for gameplay and presentation reminiscent of masterpieces like Farland Tactics. It entered the Steam top-selling charts upon its release on the 29th.

■ Update | Backrooms: Escape Together | Steam

A co-op thriller that has been praised for capturing the terrifying atmosphere of Kane Pixels' Backrooms universe since its early access launch in 2022. To coincide with the release of the film directed by Kane Pixels himself, the studio has launched an in-game event in collaboration with distributor A24.