May 2026 is shaping up to be a solid month for indie game fans. Nuntius Games just announced release dates for two completely different titles that show the wild creativity happening in smaller studios right now.
First up is Alien Strike: Blasting the Intruders, dropping May 7 on Steam. This one’s a throwback to classic run ‘n gun games but with a fresh anime twist that breaks away from the usual military aesthetic we’re used to seeing.
The game supports up to three players in co-op mode, which is perfect for those of us who miss couch gaming with friends. You can slide, jump, and blast aliens in eight directions while dealing with chaotic enemy hordes. The “screen-clearing” special attacks sound like they’re pulled straight from old arcade cabinets.
“Our game was inspired by titles like Metal Slug, Contra, and also the Mega Man franchise. It initially started as a study project and evolved over time into a full commercial release.” – Alyson Monteiro, Art Director at Combo Game Studio
That quote really hits home for a lot of us in the indie community. We’ve all seen passion projects grow into something bigger, and it’s cool to see developers staying true to their arcade inspirations while adding their own spin.
The second game, Heroes of Magic and Steel, takes a completely different approach. Launching May 28, this tactical strategy game combines deckbuilding with hex grid combat. It’s developed by Gaister Studios and sounds like it could scratch that itch for players who want something more thoughtful and strategic.
What’s smart about Nuntius Games’ approach here is the variety. They’re not just sticking to one genre or style. We’re getting fast-paced co-op action and deep strategic gameplay in the same month from the same publisher. That shows they understand different types of gamers have different needs.
Both games are starting their journey on Steam, which makes sense for indie releases. Steam’s discovery tools and community features give smaller games a better chance to find their audience. Console versions are planned for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 4/5, though we don’t have exact dates for those yet.
The timing feels right for these releases too. We’re hitting that sweet spot in the gaming calendar where the big AAA releases have calmed down, and people are looking for something fresh and different. Indie games often fill that gap perfectly.
For content creators and reviewers, both studios are offering early access through Google Forms. This kind of direct outreach shows these developers understand how important community feedback and coverage can be for indie success. They’re not just hoping for organic discovery – they’re actively trying to get their games in front of the right people.
Alien Strike’s anime aesthetic could really help it stand out in the crowded run ‘n gun space. We’ve seen how visual style can make or break an indie game’s first impression, and breaking away from the typical military look might grab attention from players who usually skip this genre.
Heroes of Magic and Steel faces a different challenge. The tactical strategy space is pretty competitive, especially with deckbuilding elements becoming more common. But combining hex combat with card mechanics could create something unique if the balance feels right.
Looking ahead, both games launching in May sets up an interesting test case. We’ll get to see how two different indie approaches perform when released close together by the same publisher. The co-op shooter might appeal to streamers and casual groups, while the strategy game could build a dedicated community of tactical players.
For us as players, it’s just nice to have more options. Whether you want to blast aliens with friends or dive deep into strategic card combat, May’s got something for different moods and play styles.
Both titles should show up on Steam wishlists soon if they haven’t already. With console versions in the works, these games could reach a pretty wide audience if the quality matches the ambition. We’ll know more once review copies start making their way to creators and the community gets hands-on time.
