Playdate, the charming handheld console adorned with a crank, has unveiled its second season of games, featuring an exciting new project from the renowned creators of FTL and Into the Breach.

During Playdate’s latest showcase, Subset Games introduced their title Fulcrum Defender, which promises to offer a distinct gameplay experience compared to their previous offerings. Players will be challenged to survive against relentless waves of enemies, utilizing the crank for aiming as foes encroach from multiple directions on a radar-like display. As the game progresses, enemy attack patterns will become increasingly intricate, and players can unlock upgrades, including new weapons. The essence of survival rests on making intelligent choices in building strategies and honing accuracy.

Jay Ma, the lead developer of Fulcrum Defender, shared insights about the game: “My aim was to create a replayable experience that begins peacefully but escalates to chaotic intensity.” He noted that the project started as a personal endeavor, a form of therapy during his struggle with Long COVID, as he sought to prove to himself that he could still develop games amidst his challenges.

Fulcrum Defender is one of twelve new titles set to arrive with Playdate’s second season. Three additional games have been detailed so far, including Shadowgate PD from Pixel Ghost. This game reimagines the classic point-and-click adventure with fresh music, visuals, and features. Players will embark on a journey into a living castle as The Seed of Prophecy, aiming to vanquish the sinister Warlock Lord.

Another title is Taria & Como, a physics-based puzzle platformer developed by Popseed Studio Inc and JuVee Productions. This game follows Taria, a young girl with a prosthetic leg, as she undertakes a quest to save her sister Como in a world that often underestimates her capabilities.

Lastly, there’s Dig! Dig! Dino!, created by Dom 2D and Fáyer. In this game, players assume the role of a team of paleontologists excavating dinosaur bones, investigating unusual artifacts, and unveiling ancient mysteries. Players are encouraged to trade treasures to acquire better digging tools and enhance their capabilities for deeper exploration.

The second season of Playdate is priced at $39 USD, with two of the twelve games scheduled for release each week between May 29 and July 3. A surprise feature is also hinted at, promising to deliver something unique. The remaining eight titles will be fully unveiled at a later date, although their developers and names have already been disclosed.

For those interested in acquiring a Playdate, the console is available for $229 USD from Panic Inc’s store, with refurbished models priced at $179. Additionally, a new yellow cover has been launched for $34, though it’s important to note that shipping and taxes are additional costs that can be significant for international customers.