During The Game Awards, amidst the flurry of major AAA game announcements, a captivating animated trailer caught the eye of many viewers. It was for "Steel Paws," the latest project from the legendary game designer Yu Suzuki, known for his work on "Virtua Fighter" and "Shenmue." Now, "Steel Paws" is open for pre-registration and is set to be an exclusive release on Netflix Games.

As expected from a creator with Suzuki's background, "Steel Paws" is a thrilling third-person beat 'em up. Players will embark on an adventure to ascend a mysterious tower that emerges once every century. Along the way, you'll battle enemy robots alongside your mechanical animal companions, uncovering the tower's hidden secrets.

The game promises a diverse experience as you navigate through unique environments within the tower. Between battles, you'll have the opportunity to upgrade your mecha-animal Buddies and customize your gear. With each level featuring minor randomization, every ascent to the top will be a fresh challenge.

Despite recent challenges faced by the Netflix Games catalog, the addition of exclusives like "Steel Paws" is a promising sign. While Yu Suzuki's past projects, such as "Shenmue II," have received mixed reviews, his experience and reputation in the gaming industry suggest that "Steel Paws" could be a standout title.

I'm eager to see how "Steel Paws" will shape up, especially with its impressive 3D graphics and expansive world to explore and fight in. This game has the potential to significantly boost the profile of Netflix Games and attract a broader audience.

If you're curious about what else is available on Netflix Games, you can check out our comprehensive ranking of the top 10 games on the service. Alternatively, if you're looking to explore beyond Netflix, our latest feature highlights the top five new mobile games to try this week.