Heat Signature is an indie science-fiction action game in which you take on a series of procedurally-generated missions to free the galaxy from oppression. This means breaking into spaceships, which are presented in a top-down map view full of guards, devices, and interactive features. Smash windows to send enemies into the airless vacuum of space, use high-tech devices to outwit your foes, or just do it the old-fashioned way and take your enemies out in a hail of bullets.

Heist comedy in space

Heat Signature comes from the makers of side-view infiltration game Gunpoint, so if you enjoyed that game's combination of technological spy-fi and dry wit, you'll enjoy the tone of this one. It's good if you can appreciate the humour in this game, because the missions can be very difficult. To succeed at the most challenging, you'll need to master every one of the game's many subsystems, have split-second timing, and be ready to improvise under pressure. On some missions, failing more than once or twice means losing your character permanently, although you can start a new one and continue saving the universe where your predecessor left off.

Not for the easily frustrated

Heat Signature is funny, challenging, mechanically elegant and has excellent replay value. At high levels, it's difficult, so be prepared for frustration; if that doesn't bother you, it's very rewarding.