First Break Labs’ Three Demos | PC Preview

Sometimes, the opportunity to play something early is a treat. In this case, it was three times the fun. Thanks to the incredibly helpful team at Clever Communications and the generous folks at First Break Labs, I was invited to a live Discord session where I got a firsthand look at three indie titles: Baseless, ILA, and Particle Hearts. Following the walkthrough, I was provided Steam codes for each demo, and I dove right in. Each experience stood on its own, offering something unique, heartfelt, or bold. Here’s what I discovered.

Baseless – A Gravity-Bending Arcade Oddity

In Baseless, you’re introduced to a surreal world where narration plays out through speech bubbles, while the audio is an eccentric mix of “ah,” “uh,” and odd popping noises. You play as Caf, an unfamiliar creature who is guided by two companions, Rook and Tote. Rook gifts you a scarf to ease your sense of loneliness, and Tote equips you with a Spin-Gun (short for Shard Powered Ionizing Non-Gravity Ultra Neuralizer).

The Spin-Gun serves as both a weapon and a propulsion device—aim and fire downward to launch yourself into the air. The gravity mechanics are heavily reminiscent of Super Mario Galaxy, especially on smaller planetoid-style levels with their own gravity fields. CTRL is used to create a shield, interact with dialogue, and access power-ups, while SHIFT operates a ranged “Sword” attack that packs a punch.

The narrative hints at a mysterious mission involving something called “The Nile,” and even though you meet the main boss, Globlor, early on, not every level requires defeating enemies—some are objective-based. This quirky, gravity-defying platformer left me curious and eager to see more.

ILA: A Frosty Glide – A Witch’s Journey Through Whimsy

Developed in Unreal Engine by Magic Rain Studios, ILA says it requires a controller, which is a bit unusual for a PC game, but I was happy to oblige. Strangely, some of the control instructions in the game are for mouse and keyboard. So, while that option does exist, I stuck with my controller and had to figure some things out through trial and error.

The setup is simple but endearing: your mission is to find Coco and bring him home (spoiler: Coco is a cat). ILA: A Frosty Glide features charming platforming gameplay and a peaceful, child-friendly aesthetic. The music fits beautifully with the game’s tone, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

You play as ILA, a witch who can fly short distances across gaps using her broom. The full version of the game will also include options to customize Ila’s appearance, including her outfit.

However, the camera could use some work. It zooms unexpectedly, doesn’t always pan in intuitive ways, and moves a little too quickly like a Lakitu camera on overdrive. Additionally, the game doesn’t provide much direction on where to go next. While this seems intentional, encouraging exploration and letting players forge their own path, I found it difficult to locate any clear route forward at times. A subtle hint system or light environmental cues would go a long way in keeping players engaged without holding their hand.

Still, there’s promise here, especially if the narrative about reunion and care is fleshed out. Check out the trailer below:

Particle Hearts – Rebirth in a World of Echoes

Particle Hearts, from developer Underwater Fire, hit me the hardest and in the best way. It opens with a haunting line:

“I wanted to save you. I wonder what I could have done differently to make a difference. I wanted to save you. I’ll try one last time.”

That emotional thread carries through the entire experience. You play as a horned character who is limping, chased and being attacked by wolves. He reaches his destination at what appears to be a pyramid; the wolves retreat. Atop the “pyramid” is a demon-like creature bleeding profusely and dying; the next, it transforms into a deer, and a title card appears: “Anew.”

The word “anew” resonates deeply, hinting at themes of renewal and rebirth. The imagery and tone suggest that the protagonist is seeking redemption, perhaps even a second chance to make things right.

The visuals are striking, with the environment made up of shimmering dots, giving the world a stunning and distinct look. Standard platforming mechanics (jumping, dashing) are elevated by buttery smooth controls and inspired design. I eventually encountered a giant demon arm growing from the earth. Progressing requires you to offer collected items from puzzle-platforming trials as a kind of toll.

The gateway platforming events include nifty puzzles that require a little bit of figuring out and looking around but are definitely easy enough to figure out in one try.

The audio is a standout. The 3D spatial sound with headphones is phenomenal. Wind chimes ring softly in the distance, offering narrative fragments tied to a lost loved one. The directional sound is not just for ambiance, it’s functional. If you hear a chime in your right ear, you know to turn the camera in that direction to find it. It’s immersive and supports exploration while keeping the game emotionally charged and intriguing.

The platforming is divine. I didn’t want this demo to end. Check out the trailer below:

Final Verdict

I’m so grateful to Clever Communications and First Break Games for this opportunity. Each game left a different kind of mark on me. Particle Hearts is the big winner: gorgeous, emotional, and mechanically excellent. Baseless wowed me with its clever physics-based traversal and surreal charm. And ILA showed the beginnings of something heartwarming, especially once I learned Coco is a cat.

I’ll be watching the development of all three titles with great interest, and I can’t wait to see how they evolve.

These demo previews are based on PC demoes of each game provided by Clever Communications for coverage purposes. They will also be available on console.