Usual June Mixes Hades-Esque Action, Crystal Crabs And Ghosts To Make For A Game That'll Do Well In Your Halloween Rotation

The traditional action-adventure genre has become somewhat of a rarity in a modern gaming landscape heavily saturated with live-service titles, deckbuilders, and roguelikes. For players seeking a classic narrative-driven experience, the upcoming title Usual June offers a refreshing return to this style of gameplay. Developed under the publishing wing of Finji, the game features writing contributions from Cara Ellison, a former writer for Rock Paper Shotgun.

The narrative centers on June, a college student facing the typical anxieties of early adulthood and uncertainty about her future. Her quiet summer break is abruptly disrupted when bizarre, crystalline crabs begin invading the local cemetery. Alongside these strange creatures, ghosts start appearing in the area, forcing June and her group of friends—which includes one of the newly manifested spirits—to investigate the supernatural occurrences plaguing their town.

A playable demo recently debuted, offering players an early look at the game's mechanics and overall flow. The combat system delivers a snappy, tactile feel that draws comparisons to the kinetic action of the Kingdom Hearts series, combined with the swift, responsive movement style found in Hades. Players must rely on agility and precise timing to survive encounters, as the game lacks a traditional blocking mechanic.

Instead of shielding against incoming attacks, players must remain highly aware of their positioning, utilizing dodges and parries to avoid damage. June defends herself using a versatile, morphing wrench, which allows players to chain together satisfying offensive combos. While the combat is fast-paced, the game strictly limits itself to ground-based action, completely omitting platforming mechanics from its design.

This lack of a jump button can initially feel restrictive, creating a minor disconnect in movement that some players might find slightly jarring, similar to the traversal limitations seen in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Because the environments are not built to accommodate vertical movement, this design choice occasionally interrupts the natural flow of exploration. However, with the game still undergoing final development, there remains time for minor adjustments to smooth out these traversal transitions.

Usual June is officially scheduled for release on October 28, making it a highly suitable addition to any autumn gaming lineup. The game establishes a distinct atmosphere that feels appropriate for the season, offering a cozy yet slightly unsettling vibe. Rather than fitting into the typical "cozy gaming" mold, its tone is more comparable to animated works like Over the Garden Wall, where a comforting exterior masks a mysterious and slightly dark underbelly. Interested players can currently add the title to their Steam wishlists ahead of its October launch.