Frosty Games Fest 2026 was a treasure trove of exciting reveals, showcasing the talent and ambition of local Australian and New Zealand game developers. The festival highlighted a diverse range of game genres, narratives, art styles, and approaches, proving that these regions are home to some of the world's most innovative and compelling indie games. Here's a breakdown of the major reveals, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
A Pocket Full of Slagford
This 'silly puzzle adventure' caught my attention with its unique premise. Players must literally and figuratively pick up pieces of a world that's falling apart and put it back together to progress. The idea of piecing together a broken world is intriguing, and the game's aesthetic and gameplay mechanics are sure to be a wild ride. I'm curious to see how the developers handle the puzzle-solving and storytelling aspects, especially in a Northern city setting.
Acting Out
JWT Production's 'Acting Out' is a co-op game where players film movie scenes with friends. The concept of creating cinematic experiences with friends is fascinating, and the idea of 'hitting your marks and delivering award-winning performances on the fly' adds a layer of excitement. I can already envision the chaos and creativity that will unfold in this game. It's a refreshing take on the co-op gaming experience.
Akashic Slingshot
Jayden Everest's 'Akashic Slingshot' is a side-scrolling adventure game with a unique slingshot mechanic. The idea of harnessing a slingshot to defeat enemies is intriguing, and the release date of December 3rd adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's level design and enemy variety will keep players engaged.
Allogloom
'Allogloom' from Galactic Ghosty is a point-and-click puzzle game with a macabre setting. The release date of September 24th is intriguing, and the game's focus on solving gothic puzzles is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. I'm excited to explore the game's eerie atmosphere and see how the puzzles unfold.
Apathema
Sammy Makes Games' 'Apathema' is a turn-based RPG with a 'grunge fantasy' twist. The game's inspiration from 'God Husk, Baroque, and King's Field' is intriguing, and the idea of 'ending a self-devouring cycle of Apathy' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will keep players engaged.
Apothecurse
Lesser Key Studios' 'Apothecurse' is a game about a fledgling alchemist who must brave the seas and travel to Port Gelour. The game's premise is intriguing, and the idea of 'brave the seas' adds a sense of adventure. I'm curious to see how the game's exploration and puzzle-solving mechanics will unfold.
Atlanta TD
Tin Man Games' 'Atlanta TD' is a strategy game where players defend the Four Spectacular Realms from the Underworld. The idea of defending against encroaching armies is thrilling, and the early access release window of December 2026 adds a sense of anticipation. I'm curious to see how the game's level design and enemy variety will keep players engaged.
Attack of the Astrals
Hewer's Workshop's 'Attack of the Astrals' is a turn-based strategy roguelike with cascading attacks. The idea of tactical puzzles and a cosmic army that grows stronger as you do is intriguing. I'm curious to see how the game's level design and enemy variety will keep players engaged.
Bashful Adoration
KittyWampus' 'Bashful Adoration' is a 3D platformer with a unique premise. The idea of four witches in love with the same person is intriguing, and the game's use of 'bombastic combat and expressive movement mechanics' adds a layer of excitement. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
BLIGHTEN
Blight Software's 'BLIGHTEN' is a survival horror game set in an abandoned facility. The idea of a horror FPS adventure with infected creatures is thrilling, and the release date of 2026 adds a sense of anticipation. I'm curious to see how the game's level design and enemy variety will keep players engaged.
Box Knight
We Made A Thing Studios' 'Box Knight' is an office brawler with a unique twist. The idea of costumes based on Australian animals is intriguing, and the game's potential for a wild ride is exciting. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Bravest Coconut
Little Nebula's 'Bravest Coconut' is a story-rich puzzle adventure with a unique premise. The idea of a young hero facing off with monsters and mysteries is intriguing, and the release date of July 10th adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and puzzle-solving mechanics will unfold.
Canvas City
Disc 2 Games' 'Canvas City' is a turn-based strategy RPG with a unique premise. The idea of roller-skating rebels rising up against an oppressive regime is intriguing, and the game's use of 'shaping the city's future' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Cloudlings
Middle Space's 'Cloudlings' is a colony sim with a unique premise. The idea of controlling a floating island and gathering resources is intriguing, and the game's focus on survival and growth adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Cooking For MA!
Tuatara Tea Party's 'Cooking for MA!' is a story-rich cooking simulator with a unique premise. The idea of an adventure through the spirit world to save a grandma from an evil serpent is intriguing, and the game's focus on cooking adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Cow Chess
lablab's 'Cow Chess' is a puzzle game with a unique twist. The idea of combining competitive gameplay elements of 'Worms' and 'Super Smash Bros' is intriguing, and the game's potential for a wild ride is exciting. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Cozy Game Restoration
Parasol Corp's 'Cozy Game Restoration' is a soothing simulator where players restore forgotten video game cartridges. The idea of gently bringing forgotten games back to life is intriguing, and the release date of September 24th adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Doomsday Diner
Space Rock Games' 'Doomsday Diner' is a post-apocalyptic cooking sim with a unique premise. The idea of a world where 'hot dogs are cheap and life is cheaper' is intriguing, and the release date of July 23rd adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
DWARRF: A Pinball Roguelike
YETIBYTES' 'DWARRF: A Pinball Roguelike' is a deck-building physics roguelike with a unique premise. The idea of a blend of 'pinball, pachinko, and bubble shooter' is intriguing, and the release date of August 21st adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Echo Zero
Wildboy Studios' 'Echo Zero' is a tower defense rogue-lite with a unique premise. The idea of creating powerful bases and defending them against various forces is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'dangerous' sci-fi underworld adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Edwin Earstwhile: Medical Examiner
Callum Page's 'Edwin Earstwhile: Medical Examiner' is a detective game with a unique premise. The idea of examining hand-animated cadavers to solve a series of grisly murders is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'medical examiner' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Fishing Echoes
DuoBonza's 'Fishing Echoes' is a collectathon RPG with a unique premise. The idea of a mystical fishing journey with 'fish fight back with elemental magic' is intriguing, and the game's focus on battling critters adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Freeline
piers.zip's 'Freeline' is a speed-running parkour platformer with a unique premise. The idea of a young cat on a mission to reclaim rooftops from a corporate surveillance state is intriguing, and the game's focus on speed-running adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Ghost Writer
Lemon Jolly Games' 'Ghost Writer' is an idle game with a unique premise. The idea of writing prompts via desktop with the help of an 'overworked little ghost' is intriguing, and the game's focus on creativity adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
HAWKER
Tyrian Games' 'HAWKER' is a roguelite action RPG with a unique premise. The idea of 'paying or evading a debt to Death in a procedurally-generated grimdark world' is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'shopkeeper' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
HYPER PRIMATE
Totem Softproducts' 'HYPER PRIMATE' is a parkour platformer with a unique premise. The idea of dangerous speed-runs through deadly obstacle courses is intriguing, and the release date of July 17th adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a witch)
Fuzzy Ghost's 'Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a witch)' is a horror game with a unique premise. The idea of being a renter to a strange witch whose apartment is evil is intriguing, and the game's focus on horror adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
KUU
Interactive Tragedy's 'KUU' is a story-rich management game with a unique premise. The idea of making impossible choices while surviving for 30 nights on the moon is intriguing, and the game's focus on survival adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
L8R SK8R
Busalonium's 'L8R SK8R' is a 3D platformer with a unique twist. The idea of a 'collect-a-speedrun' with a highly stylised, fast-paced run is intriguing, and the release date of August 28th adds a sense of urgency. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Lone Pine
Bang Bang Bang Interactive's 'Lone Pine' is a point-and-click adventure game with a unique premise. The idea of exploring a fictional national park in search of mysterious cryptids is intriguing, and the game's focus on discovery adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Management In Space
Silver Stitch Productions' 'Management In Space' is a strategy management roguelite with a unique premise. The idea of finding oneself in debt and 'building, mind, trading, dating, and defending' in a sci-fi galaxy is intriguing, and the game's focus on survival adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Mingle
Cookiecrayon's 'Mingle' is a hidden object puzzle game with a unique premise. The idea of finding your perfect match is intriguing, and the game's focus on cosy, match-making adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
n00b's guide
Just4Friends's 'n00b's guide' is a story-rich walking simulator with a unique premise. The idea of a 30-year-old's experience in life through the lens of an old pre-teen YouTube video playlist is intriguing, and the game's focus on introspection adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Night Shift: 1999
Winter Schloss Studios' 'Night Shift: 1999' is a visual novel with a unique premise. The idea of 'balancing work, vampirism, and socialising' in Kings Cross, Sydney during the last year of the millennium is intriguing, and the game's focus on exploration adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Penguin Colony
ORIGAME Digital's 'Penguin Colony' is a cosmic horror game with a unique premise. The idea of observing human factions descending into insanity in the Antarctic is intriguing, and the game's focus on discovery adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
PUTRID/SHARP
Unseconds' 'PUTRID/SHARP' is a horror romance with a unique premise. The idea of 'rot, love, and not being able to get things back' is intriguing, and the game's focus on decomposition adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Radio Decay
Rare Parrot Games' 'Radio Decay' is an action horror co-op game with a unique premise. The idea of rebuilding a decaying body with prosthetic limbs to safely extract riches is intriguing, and the game's focus on competitive play adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Rusthaven
Chaos Theory Games' 'Rusthaven' is a solarpunk management game with a unique premise. The idea of rebooting the world in the 'anti-apocalypse' is intriguing, and the game's focus on a hopeful and bright-eyed tone adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Shape Sender Deluxe
Dead Teapot's 'Shape Sender Deluxe' is a puzzle sandbox simulator with a unique premise. The idea of solving spatial challenges using magnets, springs, portals, fans, and other unique tools is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'taunted' mascot adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Slayblade
Henry's House's 'Slayblade' is a physics roguelite with a unique premise. The idea of building special battle-tops and competing to become King of the Streets is intriguing, and the game's focus on competition adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Sludgineers
Snickerdoodle Games & Funk Games' 'Sludgineers' is an idle clicker simulation game with a unique premise. The idea of cleaning, mining, and refining pollution in a remote countryside is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'remote countryside' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Sting & Swing
MrCheeseAndPie's 'Sting & Swing' is a collectathon puzzle metroidvania with a unique premise. The idea of exploring a strange overgrown world as a bee wielding a golf ball and club is intriguing, and the game's focus on discovery adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Straycloud
Beast Dance's 'Straycloud' is a story-rich adventure with a unique premise. The idea of exploring a strange land that was once airborne and restoring power to ancient magical technology is intriguing, and the game's focus on discovery adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
The Isle of Lost Bees
Triple Bee Games' 'The Isle of Lost Bees' is a game about cultivating a collection of Australian native bees and uncovering secrets on a mysterious island. The idea of a unique companion to 'Sting & Swing' is intriguing, and the game's focus on discovery adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
The Troll & The Witch’s House
Little Bandit's 'The Troll & The Witch’s House' is a point-and-click adventure puzzle game with a unique premise. The idea of solving riddles in a strange house filled with mysteries is intriguing, and the game's focus on discovery adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Toil&Trubble
Disparity Games' 'Toil&Trubble' is a life simulator adventure with a unique premise. The idea of a young witch and her piglet making potions to keep villagers happy is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'life simulator' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
TOYA
The RnD Department's 'TOYA' is a cosy puzzle game with a unique premise. The idea of guiding a cube through abstract levels is intriguing, and the game's focus on a 'cosy puzzle' adds a layer of depth. I'm curious to see how the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics will unfold.
Trading Card Inspector
Daydream Gallery's 'Trading Card Inspector' is a 'chilled-out Papers-Please-em-up' with a unique premise. The idea
