Play Acclaim Showcase: Everything Revealed At The Revived Publisher’s First Event Back
By Authored by
Jason Fanelli
on
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Acclaim returns to the spotlight!
Two decades after fading into video-game obscurity, Acclaim Entertainment has resurfaced with a fresh mission to champion independent creators. During today’s inaugural Play Acclaim Showcase, nine brand-new titles already signed under the reborn label were revealed, several of which are playable immediately.
The fresh lineup blends sports, side-scrolling brawlers, 2D metroidvania adventures, and—even—a porcine protagonist who pressure-washes everything in sight with a hose clenched in its snout. While every game is an all-new reveal, a handful openly nod to fan-favorite classics of decades past.
Catch the complete 12-minute Play Acclaim Showcase on the official Acclaim YouTube channel.
GRIDBeat
GRIDBeat fuses rhythm and action in a side-scrolling sprint along fixed lanes where you match the soundtrack’s pulse while dodging hazards. A Steam release on PC is the only confirmed platform so far.
Basketball Classic
Basketball Classic delivers old-school 8-bit five-on-five court action with a roster exceeding 1,000 players inspired by real-life hardwood heroes, including all-time greats. Grab it now on PC; console ports are “coming soon.”
Ground Zero Hero
Ground Zero Hero is a post-apocalyptic roguelike survival romp whose prime directive is simple: scarf down mountains of candy to stay alive. Like GRIDBeat, it’s currently Steam-bound on PC with no launch date yet.
Pixel Washer
Pixel Washer places you in the trotters of a cute piglet who power-sprays grime off cars, structures, and more using a water gun gripped in its mouth. A PC debut is planned; additional platforms remain unannounced.
Talaka
Talaka is a high-speed, combat-heavy roguelite set in a hand-painted realm rooted in Afro-Brazilian myth. Slay colossal legendary creatures and grow stronger by earning favor from the world’s deities.
TossDown
TossDown casts you as a courier who must deliver parcels by sprinting, leaping, and dodging everything from traffic and pedestrians to incoming missiles. Unlockable abilities—jet bursts, double jumps, and more—keep the momentum frantic.
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest
The Prisoning traps a stressed indie developer inside a metroidvania dungeon that mirrors his own anxious mind as he races to finish his project. Conquer negativity and other manifestations to break free.
Hyper Yuki Snowboard Syndicate
Hyper Yuki Snowboard Syndicate serves up arcade snowboard rivalries that echo the glory days of SSX Tricky. Pick from a vibrant crew of riders, shred down alpine peaks and city streets, and rack up points with stylish tricks.
Katanaut
Closing the showcase, Katanaut presents a dark, gore-soaked metroidvania aboard an abandoned starship drifting in deep space. Cut down grotesque horrors, search for fellow survivors—and their adorable pets—en route to freedom. The title is out now on PC.