RPGs Coming This Week, 3/29/26 – Puzzling Decopunk Fishbowls

Puzzle Spy International – March 30th (Windows, macOS, Linux)

A cute adventure-slash-visual novel-slash-puzzle game, Puzzle Spy International has a crisp, retro-infused visual style, tasking you as Agent Epsilon to solve a host of cryptic puzzles in pursuit of diamond thieves. I’m all for a challenging puzzle game, so combining several types of puzzles with an overarching narrative seems like a winning combination.

The 1960s mid-century modern style art — rarely seen in games — is complemented by a classic spy movie-style soundtrack that plays as you chat with or chat up (it’s a British thing) people on your mission. It sounds like the developers are going for a satisfying but shorter experience, which honestly is welcome for those of us who tend to get busy; they say to expect 3–7 hours of playtime. Puzzle Spy International debuts tomorrow on Steam.

by Mike Salbato

Aether & Iron – March 31st (Windows)

Aether & Iron is billed as a Decopunk, narrative-focused RPG. Set in an alternate universe 1930s New York City, Aether & Iron provides a unique vehicle-based turn-based tactical combat system and an all-star cast of voice talent. Our own Jerry Williams enjoyed the game, praising the atmosphere, narrative, and complimenting it for tying more robust gameplay mechanics in a narrative and dialogue-heavy RPG, even if it has some rough edges. If you like noir sci-fi settings and tuning up your car for combat, give this one a shot on Steam.

by Ben Love

Fishbowl – April 2nd (Windows, macOS, PS5)

Made by a two-person team in India, Fishbowl is a slice of life visual novel/adventure that takes place over the span of a month in the life of 21-year-old Alo, who is starting her first big city job while dealing with the loss of her grandma. In this coming of age narrative are conversations with friends and coworkers over video calls and gameplay segments that fit the story, such as a sliding puzzle box of Alo’s grandma’s possessions, a matching game styled after a video editing app (if only real video editing was so fun!), and more. It’s nice to see minigames that complement the story being told.

Emotions and self-care are core to Fishbowl. There isn’t a canonical “correct” ending, as the story will depend on your choices and how you have Alo navigate this month in her life. There are also everyday decisions Alo has to make — Drink water and hydrate, or go thirsty? Is it time for bed, or should we stay up? — that affect how events play out.

I’m at PAX East this weekend and saw Fishbowl in person, and I get more than a few To the Moon vibes from it. It looks like it wants to let players partake in an emotional journey, not that it seems derivative of Freebird Games’ excellent title. Fishbowl is coming to Steam and PS5.

by Mike Salbato

Granser – Act 1 – April 3rd (Windows)

Granser is an indie RPG inspired by JRPG heavyweights. Protagonist Saragat and his party try to uncover the truths hidden behind a vast conspiracy in their world, though that isn’t the only threat awaiting them on their journey. Granser – Act 1 features an innovative turn-based battle system that does away with healing. Instead, players must take advantage of opportune moments and status effects during combat. You’re given the choice of either utilizing dice or manually controlling moves such as parrying while building up attack power for a more potent assault. Combo-building also promises to be a battle highlight. There’s even real-time airship combat! The game contains thirteen main story chapters and side quests aplenty to invest your time in, alongside minigames and an evolving world map.

Granser – Act 1 seems both ambitious and promising, and I’m eager to find out how it turns out when it releases later this week! You can find out more about Granser – Act 1 on its Steam page.

by Audra Bowling