At Fandom Daily, our mission is to identify the next big games and media destined to achieve cult status. We've curated a selection of the most promising new releases, focusing on those with compelling narratives, intriguing characters, and groundbreaking gameplay. For every gaming enthusiast, the secret to fully enjoying these hidden gems is simple: dive in and play to your heart's content.

Whether you're pulling an all-nighter with an intense gaming session or dedicating your entire weekend to exploring a new virtual world, the goal is to lose yourself in these immersive experiences. Check out our gaming picks for our Fresh Fandoms series below - gaming edition.

Helldivers

Helldivers is celebrated for its demanding cooperative gameplay that blends science fiction with militaristic satire. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, this twin-stick shooter challenges players to partake in a futuristic war to defend "Super Earth." The game's difficulty and the necessity for strategic teamwork are hallmarks that have fostered a committed fanbase. Players must navigate a variety of hostile environments while managing resources and avoiding friendly fire, which is a unique feature that heightens the stakes of every mission. The sequel, Helldivers 2, enhances these elements by introducing new mechanics and an updated third-person perspective, offering fresh challenges and deepening strategic gameplay​ 

A devout fan of this Fresh Fandom pick shared his Fan Of View with us: “I feel like there's been a lack of really enjoyable PvE games recently, especially ones that have gotten to the scale that Helldivers 2 has. Even though there are only so many different types of enemies and missions, every dive feels unique, partly because of who else is in your squad, because, even with the meta load-outs, everyone brings their own playstyle and techniques and having nine difficulties to choose from and loads of planets with different environments to play on makes it accessible to really any skill level. I also love that a game of this magnitude came out from as small a studio as Arrowhead. Yes, there are problems between a rough launch, persistent bugs, recent balance patches overcorrecting different things, and all the PSN/Steam drama, but the studio themselves have been (mostly) EXTREMELY communicative about changes and such, and the bigger problems like the servers at launch and the recent PSN mess were things either out of their control or problems they simply hadn't anticipated because they're a very small studio. And the community as a whole has been phenomenal, both fans and the developers.”

Animal Well

Animal Well by developer Billy Basso and published by Bigmode (a company founded by none other than famous gaming YouTuber and streamer VideoGameDunkey) is a standout Metroidvania puzzle-platformer that has captivated the gaming community with its deep, enigmatic underground world. The game is praised for its rich environmental design and intricate puzzles that challenge players to think creatively and explore extensively. Players navigate a bizarre, neon-bathed world filled with peculiar creatures and intricate puzzles that often require unconventional solutions, blending exploration with survival elements in a non-linear fashion.

The design of Animal Well emphasizes minimalistic storytelling through environmental cues rather than text, creating a deeply immersive experience that encourages discovery and experimentation. The game features a variety of unique ecosystems, each designed around different animal themes, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the exploration. The use of items like a slinky or bubble wand to solve puzzles adds a playful yet challenging element to the gameplay, making each interaction within the game meaningful and impactful.

Critics and players alike have noted the game's ability to keep unveiling surprises, with new abilities and areas unlocking as you progress, continually refreshing the gameplay experience. The atmosphere is further enriched by a haunting, minimalist soundtrack that complements the mysterious and sometimes eerie visual style, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the game​. 

Multiversus

Multiversus is a vibrant and dynamic platform fighter developed by Player First Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. This game distinctively stands out in the crowded platform fighter genre due to its emphasis on 2v2 team-based combat. Players can choose from a diverse roster that includes characters from various Warner Bros. franchises, each bringing unique abilities that can be synergistically combined with those of their teammates. Characters like Arya Stark from Game of Thrones and Jake from Adventure Time offer fresh gameplay mechanics, making each match an opportunity for strategic teamplay.

The game offers enhanced mobility and recovery options compared to traditional platform fighters, allowing for more aggressive off-stage battles. The perk system adds a layer of depth, as players can customize their characters with abilities that complement their play style or enhance their team dynamics. Despite some criticisms regarding its monetization strategies and the depth of its map designs, Multiversus provides a polished competitive experience with smooth online play, thanks to its robust rollback netcode. The game has been well-received for its innovative approach to the genre, engaging even those who are typically not fans of platform fighters​. 

Baldur's Gate

Baldur's Gate 3 has successfully captured the essence of the Dungeons & Dragons experience in a digital format. Developed by Larian Studios, it translates the complexity of tabletop gaming into a dynamic video game without losing depth, offering players a world rich in narrative choices that shape their journey. The community appreciates the game's commitment to depth, with choices that genuinely impact the game world. This RPG not only delivers strategic combat but also intricate character interactions that players can explore in a highly detailed environment. The game’s release was met with enthusiasm from both long-time series fans and newcomers, making it a significant title in the RPG genre​. 

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is celebrated for revolutionizing the open-world and action-RPG genres by combining the challenging, strategic gameplay known from previous FromSoftware games with a vast, explorable world filled with secrets and complex dungeons. The game is praised for its freedom in exploration, allowing players to tackle challenges in various ways, enhancing replayability, and personalizing play styles. Elden Ring's world, known as the Lands Between, is intricately designed with interconnected locales that are not only expansive but also rich with detail, offering a rewarding experience for those who delve into its depths.

The combat system in Elden Ring is refined, offering more options for customization through the Ashes of War system. This system allows players to equip special moves to weapons, adding variety and tactical depth to battles. The introduction of spirit summons also adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to call on spirits for assistance in tougher encounters, which can be crucial for progressing through difficult areas or defeating formidable bosses.

Elden Ring has been noted for its narrative depth, environmental storytelling, and the seamless integration of multiplayer elements, which enrich the solo experience while also fostering a sense of community among players. Despite its daunting difficulty, which is a hallmark of FromSoftware's games, Elden Ring is considered accessible due to the multitude of options it offers to players, making it a landmark title in its genre​.

Photo Credit: @multiverses on Instagram.