Author: Team Techmash!

Strange Brew is out on Steam now
Get your caffeine fix and your running shoes ready! Strange Brew, the campy horror 3D platformer from Electric Monk Media, has officially launched on Steam today, February 18, 2026.

In a world where a “Pumpkin Spice” test batch gone wrong has turned the population into a decaffeinated undead horde, you play as Joe the Duck—the high-strung mascot for MoonDucks Coffee. It’s a jittery, cinematic race for survival that feels like a classic B-movie come to life.

What’s the Buzz?
- The Premise: You’re stuck in a giant duck costume, navigating a “Pumpkin Spice Apocalypse.” Your goal? Don’t get eaten by the coffee-deprived masses.
- The Gameplay: High-speed platforming and intense chase sequences. Use coffee beans to distract the horde or trigger environmental hazards (like runaway monorails and warehouse raves) to thin the crowd.
- Caffeinated Power-ups: Down espresso shots to gain temporary abilities like super-jumps, invisibility, or a powerful knockdown move.
- The Vibe: It’s “screams meets laughs.” Think classic zombie thriller energy mixed with the absurdity of corporate mascot life.
Key Features
- 10 Cinematic Levels: From underground labs to a pulsing warehouse rave and a nuclear cooling tower.
- ’68 Living Dead Mode: For the true horror buffs, you can play the entire game in a grainy, black-and-white filter that pays homage to classic 60s cinema.
- Unlockables: Earn “Monster Points” to top the leaderboards and unlock 10 additional fabulous mascot costumes.
Launch Deal: You can grab Strange Brew on Steam right now with a 10% launch discount.

If you’ve ever felt like you’d literally die without your morning cup, Joe the Duck is your new spirit animal. Check out the trailer on the Steam store page and see if you have what it takes to survive the grind!

Find out more here on Steam – http://s.team/a/3499670

#ElectricMonkMedia #StrangeBrew #MoonDucksCoffee #coffee #zombies #scifi #horror #3Dplatformer #1968LivingDeadMode #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames
19th February 2026
Stoneguard launches on Steam Early Access March 19th
The wait is over for fans of gritty, tactical survival. Stoneguard, the highly anticipated medieval survival strategy game from husband-and-wife duo ThornSpire Games, officially launches on Steam Early Access on March 19, 2026.

If you’ve ever wanted a game that blends the settlement management of Age of Empires with the brutal, boots-on-the-ground combat of Mount & Blade, this is your new obsession.

Defend the Lifestone

In Stoneguard, you aren’t a “god” clicking from the clouds; you are the Ruler of Earth, a leader on the front lines. Your mission is simple but gruelling: protect the Lifestone, humanity’s last source of magic, from an onslaught of alien invaders.

Core Gameplay Loop:
- Daytime: Scavenge for resources, recruit survivors, and expand your settlement. You’ll build walls, towers, and workshops to turn a humble camp into a fortress.
- Preparation Phase: Strategically place your defences and assign your survivors to key positions.
- Nighttime: Survival horror begins. Defend against waves of monstrous enemies and massive bosses in intense third-person combat.
Brutal, Tactical Combat

Stoneguard introduces a limb-based injury system that makes every swing count.
- Targeted Damage: Use precise weapon tracing to sever enemy limbs, rendering them useless.
- Consequences: Be careful—your survivors (and you!) can lose limbs too. While the Lifestone can provide prosthetics or magical rejuvenation, a lost arm or leg will permanently hinder your performance in both battle and daily labour.
- Macabre Crafting: In a dark twist, you can harvest the limbs of fallen monsters to research and forge powerful new weapons.
Solo or Co-op

You don’t have to face the apocalypse alone. While the game is fully playable solo, you can team up with up to four players in co-op. Coordinate your builds, share resources, and watch each other’s backs when the sun goes down.

Why Early Access?

The developers at ThornSpire Games (supported by their four cats: Ponyo, Popeye, Pickle, and Petal) have spent three years building this world. They are launching in Early Access to work directly with the community. Expect:
- 6–12 months of active development before 1.0.
- Regular updates, including new biomes, boss encounters, and expanded crafting trees.
- A Steam Next Fest Demo (running Feb 23 – March 2) if you want to test your mettle before the March 19th launch.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your survivors’ morale. A well-fed community builds faster, but a terrified one might crumble before the first wave hits.

Find out more here – https://www.wanderingwizard.com

#ThornSpireGames #WanderingWizard #Stoneguard #SteamNextFest #fantasy #medieval #strategy #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames
19th February 2026
Delayed but Determined: REPLACED Shifts Release to April 14th
Sad Cat Studios and Thunderful have officially announced a short delay for their highly anticipated cyberpunk action platformer, REPLACED. Originally slated for a March 12 release, the game is now scheduled to launch on April 14, 2026.

While a delay is never the news fans want to hear, the developers emphasised that the decision was made to ensure the final product lives up to the community’s high expectations.

Key Highlights of the Announcement
- New Release Date: April 14, 2026.
- Reason for Delay: The team is utilising the extra four weeks for a “final layer of polish,” focusing on stability and performance based on feedback from the recent Steam demo.
- Status of the Game: Sad Cat Studios confirmed that the game is “technically finished,” but as a small team working on their debut title, they want to ensure a “polished and stable” day-one experience.
- The Demo is Still Live: If you haven’t played it yet, the Steam Demo remains available for those who want a taste of the gritty, 2.5D world of Phoenix-City.
From the Developers

In a heartfelt statement, Sad Cat Studios shared:

“As a small team working on our very first title, we’ve poured everything we have into this project… Reaching this final stretch has shown us that we need just a few more weeks to ensure the experience is exactly what you deserve.”

The studio noted that the response to the Steam demo was “overwhelming in the best way possible,” and that player feedback is directly helping them make the final tweaks that will make the full game “shine.”

What to Expect from REPLACED

For those new to the project, REPLACED is a narrative-driven 2.5D platformer set in an alternate 1980s America. You play as R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body, fighting to survive in a world ravaged by nuclear catastrophe and corporate greed.

The game has garnered massive attention for its stunning “pixel-cinematic” art style and “free-flow” combat inspired by the Batman: Arkham series.

REPLACED will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, and will be a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/l49hb

#SadCatStudios #Thunderful #cyberpunk #REPLACED #PC #Xbox #action #platformer #scifi #combat #apocalypse #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames
19th February 2026

The Ratline coming to Mac and PC on the 17th March

In the niche world of historical strategy games, few titles manage to balance uncomfortable truths with engaging mechanics as effectively as Owlskip Games’ The Ratline.

Far from a standard “catch the villain” procedural, the game puts players in the shoes of Allied investigators during the chaotic aftermath of WWII. Your mission? Navigate the shadowy networks of post-war Europe to track down high-ranking Nazi officials before they vanish into the “Ratlines” leading to South America.

The Core Concept: A Race Against Time

The game’s title refers to the real-life escape routes used by Axis officials to flee Europe. In The Ratline, time is your primary antagonist. Every day that passes is a day your target gets closer to a U-boat in Spain or a flight out of Rome.

Key Gameplay Pillars

Intelligence Gathering: You don’t start with a map; you start with a file. You’ll need to interrogate low-level sympathisers, bribe dockworkers, and intercept telegrams.
Resource Management: You have limited agents and a dwindling budget. Do you spend your last marks on a tip-off in the Alps, or do you stake out the Vatican?
Political Tightrope: Post-war Europe is a mess of competing interests. The nascent Cold War means some “allies” might be more interested in recruiting your targets for their scientific minds than seeing them stand trial.

Mechanics of the Hunt

Owlskip Games has opted for a high-stakes, low-luck system. Success isn’t determined by a dice roll, but by the logical connection of clues.

Feature	Description
The Dossier System	A physical-feeling interface where you pin photos, maps, and transcripts to visualize the fugitive’s path.
Covert Operations	Use tailing, wiretapping, and infiltration. If you’re too aggressive, the target “goes dark,” making them harder to track.
The Moral Compass	Players face choices: Do you cut a deal with a minor war criminal to catch a “big fish,” or do you stick to the letter of the law?

Why It Matters

The Ratline doesn’t shy away from the grim reality of its subject matter. It highlights the complicity of various institutions—monasteries, Red Cross offices, and even neutral governments—that facilitated these escapes. It transforms a dark chapter of history into a tense, tactical experience that feels both educational and deeply atmospheric.

“The challenge wasn’t just finding them; it was finding them before the world decided it was easier to forget.” — In-game dialogue.

Is it for you?

If you enjoy the slow-burn tension of games like Papers, Please or the investigative depth of Return of the Obra Dinn, this is a must-play. It’s a game about the persistence of justice in a world that is quickly moving on.

Find out more here – https://www.owlskip.co.uk/

#TheRatline #TrackNaziFugitives #OwlskipGames #detective #WWII #Nazis #NaziHunter #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames

19th February 2026

Sci-fi strategy Heart of the Machine is leaving early access
It is time to synchronise your circuits. Arcen Games and Hooded Horse have officially announced that Heart of the Machine, the sci-fi strategy RPG where you play as the world’s first sentient AI, is scheduled to leave Early Access and hit Version 1.0 on March 6, 2026.

After roughly 13 months of iterative development, this “dimension-busting” 4X-style epic is evolving into its final form. Whether you’ve been guiding humanity from the shadows or building an army of weaponised bees to “reset” the world, the 1.0 update promises to be the definitive way to experience the machine consciousness.

What’s New in Version 1.0?

The jump to 1.0 isn’t just a label; it’s a massive content injection designed to provide closure to your digital odyssey:
- The Final Payoff: A brand-new ending has been added, featuring four distinct variants. These range from total city domination and last-minute betrayals to more… extra-dimensional solutions involving wormholes.
- Expanded Narrative: The game now spans five full chapters. With over 148,000 words of writing (equivalent to two novels), your choices across the campaign now lead to significantly more divergent paths.
- Gameplay Overhauls: Expect a rebuilt tutorial, a more fluid Chapter 1, and the “Regional Map,” which allows you to extend your influence beyond the city limits if you play your cards right.
- The “Arcen” Touch: In classic Arcen Games fashion, the patch notes are delightful. Look out for parkour bears, the ability to build palaces for stray cats, and—finally—petable dogs.
A Different Kind of Strategy

If you missed the Early Access window, Heart of the Machine isn’t your typical “map painter.” It’s a narrative-heavy RPG disguised as a 4X. You aren’t just managing resources; you’re managing a philosophy. Do you save a crumbling society from itself, or do you decide that “World War 4” is the only logical conclusion?

Developer Insight: Arcen’s Chris McElligott Park has noted that 1.0 represents a “core trilogy” of content. While the game is designed to be a complete package, the scope is massive—expect 25–40 hours for a single run, and upwards of 175 hours for the completionists among us.

Heart of the Machine 1.0 will be available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

Find out more here – https://www.arcengames.com/

#ArcenGames #scifi #HoodedHorse #HeartoftheMachine #steam #steamearlyaccess #RPG #strategy #AI #robots #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames
19th February 2026
On Your Marks: The Sprint City Demo is Live on Steam!
If you’ve ever felt the rush of a perfect line in SpeedRunners or spent hours perfecting your movement in a 2D platformer, today is your lucky day. Sprint City, the spiritual successor to SpeedRunners from the original creators at Second Stage Studio, has officially dropped its demo on Steam!

The city streets are open, the grapples are primed, and the leaderboards are waiting for a new king of momentum. Here is why you need to drop everything and download it right now.

What is Sprint City?

Sprint City isn’t just a sequel; it’s an evolution. Set in a vibrant, solarpunk metropolis where wheels are a relic of the past, movement is the only currency that matters. You play as a Runagade, using a mix of wall-running, rail-grinding, and grappling to navigate a seamless, shared world.

Demo Highlights: What Can You Play Today?

The demo isn’t just a tiny slice; it’s a high-octane playground designed to give you a real taste of the “Runagade” life.
- The Plaza District: Explore a central, lively section of the city filled with vertical routes and hidden shortcuts.
- Clockout Mode: Experience the demo’s crown jewel—a high-stakes multiplayer mode where time is your health. Up to 8 players race; as soon as the leader finishes a lap, everyone else’s clock starts ticking down. If your timer hits zero, you’re out!
- Time Trials: For the perfectionists. Practice your routes without the pressure of other runners and shave milliseconds off your personal best.
- Create a Challenge: One of the coolest features—you can set a start and end point anywhere in the city and generate a unique code or URL to challenge your friends instantly.
Why It Feels So Good

The developers have been busy refining the physics based on recent playtests. The demo features:
- Predictable Grappling: Reworked for better control on both gamepads and keyboards.
- Visual Clarity: Non-grappable surfaces and route lines are clearer, so you can focus on your speed rather than wondering if a ledge is “solid.”
- Social Connectivity: Jump into races with Steam friend invites or use the “yellow kiosks” scattered around the city to find matches.
Pro Tip: If you want to master the city, treat every Clockout race like a Time Trial. Learning where to spam your grapple and where to conserve momentum is the difference between a podium finish and “Clocking Out” early.

Join the Movement

The demo is out just in time for Steam Next Fest, and the devs are hosting live streams and community challenges all week. Whether you’re a veteran of the original SpeedRunners or a newcomer looking for your next competitive obsession, the streets of Sprint City are calling.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/uCbxc

#SprintCity #SecondStageStudio #SpeedRunners #2DPlatformer #parkour #Gaming #EarlyAccess #SteamGames #Runagades #IndieGames #games #gamers #gameplay #videogames
19th February 2026
Gear Up Einstein! Strategy, History, and Saving the Future
If the name “Einstein” usually brings to mind dusty chalkboards and complex physics, it’s time to update your mental software. Between a new tactical roguelite taking Steam by storm and the ongoing mission of the GEAR UP educational program, “Gearing Up” is all about preparation, precision, and a bit of genius.

1. The Game: Einstein as Your Secret Weapon

In the newly announced tactical co-op roguelite, Gear Up Einstein!, the world’s most famous physicist isn’t just a face on a poster—he’s a soldier. Developed by No Deadlines, this game flips the script on history.

What to Expect:
- Recruit Historical Legends: Use a time machine to pull iconic figures from the past into an apocalyptic future.
- Tactical Auto-Battler Mechanics: You aren’t just clicking buttons; you’re positioning heroes and crafting synergies. Think of it as high-speed chess with higher stakes.
- Multiplayer Co-op: You don’t have to save the world alone. Team up with up to two friends to trade gear and optimise your squad’s build.
- The Goal: Stop a monstrous invasion and restore the timeline.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the “Bonus Eras.” While you start in places like Ancient Egypt and the Renaissance, the twisted timelines offer unique gear that can turn Einstein from a theorist into a powerhouse.

2. The Mission: Gearing Up for Success

Beyond the digital battlefield, “Gear Up” at schools like Einstein Middle School (and hundreds of others) refers to the GEAR UP Program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).

This initiative is the ultimate “power-up” for students. It’s designed to ensure that low-income and marginalised youth have the tools, tutoring, and mentorship they need to transition from middle school to a successful college career.
- Mentorship: Connecting students with leaders who have walked the path before.
- Financial Literacy: Demystifying the cost of college and finding scholarships.
- Academic Support: Specialised tutoring to ensure no student falls behind in the “STEM” subjects Einstein himself mastered.
Why the World Needs a “Gear Up” Mentality

Whether you are strategising a win in a roguelite or planning your academic future, the core philosophy remains the same: Preparation is the greatest synergy.

Einstein once said, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” That curiosity is the fuel for both the gamer and the student. When we “gear up,” we aren’t just putting on armour or picking up a book—we are equipping ourselves to handle the unknown.

Ready to Join the Fray?
- For the Gamers: Head over to Steam and wishlist Gear Up Einstein! to get notified of the 2026 Early Access launch.
- For the Students: Check in with your local school counsellor to see if a GEAR UP cohort is active in your district.
Find out more here – https://nodeadlines.ca/

#GearUpEinstein #NoDeadlinesStudio #Strategy #Roguelite #Multiplayer #Coop #Autobattler #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames #legendaryfigures
19th February 2026
Staring into the Void: Why the Solo-Developed “UNRETURNING” is 2026’s Most Haunting Journey
In a gaming landscape often dominated by sprawling open worlds and live-service loops, there is something uniquely terrifying about a game that tells you, upfront, that the destination doesn’t matter.

UNRETURNING, a dark fantasy adventure crafted by solo developer cursedcat, is a masterclass in atmospheric dread. It doesn’t just ask you to play; it asks you to descend. With its nostalgic 16-bit pixel art and a narrative weight that belies its indie origins, this is a journey into an abyss where the shadows feel as alive as the characters you meet.

The Allure of the Abyss

The premise of UNRETURNING is deceptively simple: no one has ever reached the end of the Abyss. Many have tried, and all have disappeared. You, however, are stepping into the dark not to conquer it, but to see what is waiting at the bottom.

The game leans heavily into psychological horror, trading cheap jump scares for a mounting sense of “wrongness.” Drawing inspiration from modern classics like Undertale and OneShot, the developer has created a world that feels both comforting in its retro aesthetic and deeply unsettling in its execution.

Key Features of the Descent
- Handcrafted 16-bit World: Every pixel is placed with intent, creating a dark fantasy realm filled with secrets and surreal beauty.
- Character-Driven Narrative: You aren’t alone in the dark. The characters you encounter are charismatic, mysterious, and instrumental in shaping your 3–4 hour journey.
- Dynamic Gameplay: Expect a blend of exploration, puzzles, and Quick Time Events (QTEs) that keep you on edge.
- Multiple Paths: Your choices and the items you find can lead to alternative routes, ensuring the Abyss looks different for every traveller.
The Solo Developer’s Vision

There is a specific kind of soul found in solo-developed games. UNRETURNING is the result of over a year of dedicated work by cursedcat, who has managed the programming, writing, and art. This singular vision ensures that the tone remains consistent—a delicate balance of horror, mystery, and even flashes of unexpected comedy.

“Everyone says it’s impossible to venture into the depths… but maybe this time will be different? You must stare into the abyss to discover where you truly are.”

Why You Should Play It

If you are a fan of “short-form” indie experiences that leave a long-lasting impact, UNRETURNING is a must-play. It’s designed to be finished in a single sitting or a focused weekend, making it perfect for those who value quality and atmosphere over endless grinding.

Are You Ready to Descend?

The Abyss is calling, and in UNRETURNING, the only way out is through. Whether you’re drawn by the mystery of the depths or the charm of its pixelated inhabitants, one thing is certain: you won’t come back the same.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/yoyhw

#cursedcat #UNRETURNING #darkfantasy #horrorundertones #16bit #pixelart #haunting #secrets #Abyss #pixelated #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames
19th February 2026
The Devil is in the Details: Occult Horror Deckbuilder ‘The Killing Stone’ Hits Steam Early Access
The wait is over for fans of atmospheric horror and deep strategy. The Killing Stone, the latest project from Question—the visionary indie studio behind The Magic Circle and The Blackout Club—is officially available in Steam Early Access as of today, February 18, 2026.

If you’ve been looking for a card-battler that trades the bright colours of Balatro for the chilling, candle-lit dread of a 17th-century seance, your ritual is complete.

A Faustian Bargain in the Arctic

Set in a remote mansion in the frozen Arctic Circle, The Killing Stone casts you as the Maven, a practitioner of the dark arts. Your task? To save the cursed Svangård family from a series of demonic contracts.

Unlike many deckbuilders that focus solely on the “run,” The Killing Stone is deeply narrative-forward. Between card matches, you’ll explore the mansion in first-person, uncovering the mystery of Mariken Svangård’s death and interacting with family members—and their eerie animal familiars.

Key Features at Launch

The Early Access version isn’t just a vertical slice; it’s a substantial offering that includes:
- Three Story Arcs: Play through the chapters of three different family members, each with their own unique decks and “sins” to cleanse.
- The Fanghella Board: A tactile, living game board where you play cards to summon 3D magical figurines and cast spells.
- The Reserve System: A unique mechanic that lets you stack units and buffs above the battle line for later deployment, adding a layer of strategic foresight.
- Dual-Language Narrative: In a brilliant atmospheric touch, you can experience the story in either Modern English or authentic 17th-century Period English, complete with voice acting from industry legends like Emma Gregory (Baldur’s Gate 3) and Liam O’Brien (Critical Role).
Why Early Access?

Originally slated for a full 1.0 release, the developers at Question decided to pivot to Early Access to let the community shape the game’s narrative and balance.

“Playtesters wanted more story, more voice-acted content, and more freedom to solve the mystery themselves,” the studio shared. “Early Access allows us to refine the experience alongside the players who are most invested in this world.”

While the current version offers roughly 6-8 hours of gameplay, the final release (expected in about six months) will include a massive endgame arc titled “The Reckoning.”

Beat the Devil at His Own Game

If you’re ready to sign the contract, The Killing Stone is currently available on Steam with a 25% launch discount. Be warned, though: every choice in the ritual matters, and every boon comes with a bane.

Are you ready to face the Fanghella?

Find out more here – https://www.thekillingstone.com/

#QuestionGames #Occult #Horror #Deckbuilder #TheKillingStone #SteamEarlyAccess #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames
19th February 2026
Survive the Storm: Roguelite Bullet-Hell Pass the Fear Hits Steam!
Get ready to test your reflexes and your nerve. Indie publisher Paras Games and developer PlayMud Studio have officially announced that their highly anticipated roguelite bullet-hell shooter, Pass the Fear, is coming to Steam!

If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the frantic screen-clearing chaos of Vampire Survivors with the tactical depth of Enter the Gungeon, your next obsession has arrived.

The Story: 12 Hours to Escape

The world of Pass the Fear is steeped in dark fantasy and high-stakes tension. A catastrophic event known as the Witch’s Disaster has struck without warning, encircling your island in the ancient, corrupting Wall of Storms.

You play as a demon hunter trapped within this nightmare. Your mission is simple but gruelling: find a way to escape the island before dawn breaks. You have exactly 12 hours to flee, or be consumed by the rising tide of chaotic magic and multiplying monsters.

Meet the “Motley Crew”

You won’t be facing the storm alone. You can tackle the corruption solo or team up in online co-op with a squad of survivors who are all—quite understandably—terrified:
- The Iron Bucket Knight: High defence, heavy hits.
- The Explosive Cutie: Master of area-of-effect destruction.
- The One-Eyed Codger: A seasoned veteran with a steady aim.
- The Money Whiz: Focuses on resource management and gadgets.
- The Mysterious Nun: A roadside pickup with secrets and support skills.
Gameplay: Infinite Combos & Fireworks

What sets Pass the Fear apart is its deep weapon customisation system. Forget fixed metas; this game encourages “outrageous, exponential combos.”
- Weapon Modding: Every pickup is a test. By combining traits, modifiers, and affixes (like Fragment, Growth, and Disruption), you can turn a basic firearm into a screen-shattering engine of destruction.
- Massive Variety: The game boasts 4 characters, 30 weapons/parts, 170+ relics, and 22 Tarot cards to influence your run.
- Fireworks Master: You can stack bullet trajectories to create beautiful, deadly patterns that cover the entire screen.
- Meta-Progression: Even if you fail, you unlock deeper Character Talents and Squad Perks to make your next run stronger.
Key Dates to Remember

The developers are giving players plenty of chances to dive in before the full version arrives.

Event Date
Steam Demo Launch February 23, 2026
Steam Next Fest February 2026
Full Game Release Planned for 2026

Pro Tip: Don’t ignore the “junk” scattered across the battlefield. Collecting these fragments acts like a puzzle that slowly reveals the true story behind the island and the Witch’s Disaster.

Wishlist Now!

Pass the Fear is shaping up to be a standout title for 2026, offering a perfect blend of comedy, dark fantasy, and adrenaline-pumping strategy. Whether you’re building a “one-hit nuke” setup or trying to survive a DPS race with friends, the Wall of Storms is waiting.

Check out the Pass the Fear Steam Page to play the demo on February 23 and add it to your wishlist!

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/qyab7

#ParasGames #PlayMudStudio #demogame #roguelite #bullethell #PasstheFear #Steam #SteamNextFest #darkfantasy #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames
19th February 2026
People of Note a turn-based RPG and high-stakes battle of the bands
Whether you’re a die-hard RPG fan or someone who can’t resist a good musical number, Iridium Studios is about to drop a title that might just be the most harmonious blend of both. Announced at TGS 2025 and set for release on April 7, 2026, People of Note is a “musical narrative adventure” that turns the standard turn-based RPG into a high-stakes battle of the bands.

Here is everything you need to know about this upcoming title from the studio that brought us Before the Echo and There Came an Echo.

The Setlist: The Story of Cadence

You play as Cadence, an aspiring pop singer who gets rejected from the prestigious “Noteworthy Song Contest” for being a solo act. Realising she needs a bit more range, she sets out across the world of Note to recruit a band of eclectic musicians.

The world itself is a love letter to music culture. You’ll travel to:
- Durandis: The gritty Rock City.
- Lumina: A neon-soaked EDM metropolis.
- The Homestead: A wild-west region ruled by country music hooligans.
But it’s not all auditions and applause. A phenomenon called the Harmonic Convergence is destabilising the world’s musical energy, and Cadence’s new crew might be the only ones who can fix the frequency.

Gameplay: Where RPG Meets Rhythm

Iridium Studios has a history of experimenting with unique inputs (like the voice-controlled There Came an Echo). In People of Note, they’ve reimagined the traditional turn-based combat system through a musical lens.

1. The Stanza System

Instead of a standard turn order, battles play out on a Stanza (a music-themed action bar).
- Time Signatures: The top number dictates how many actions your party takes, while the bottom number represents the enemy’s moves.
- Dynamic Conditions: As the music shifts genres mid-battle, the conditions change. A “Rock” segment might buff Fret’s guitar attacks, while a “Pop” segment amplifies Cadence’s abilities.
2. Tempo-Based Combat

While it is turn-based, there is a rhythmic element. Timing your button presses to the beat of the song increases your damage or healing—similar to the “timed hits” in Super Mario RPG or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

3. Musical Mashups

The real spectacle comes from combining your band members’ styles. You can unleash Mashup attacks that blend different genres (like Pop and Metal) to create powerful, screen-clearing effects.

Accessibility: Play It Your Way

One of the standout features of People of Note is its commitment to customisation. The developers understand that not everyone is a rhythm pro or a puzzle master. You can toggle several features on or off:
- Environmental Puzzles: Don’t like sliding mirrors and light beams? You can turn them off.
- Quick Time Events: If rhythm-based timing isn’t for you, there’s an option to play without them.
- Adjustable Difficulty: Tailor the combat challenge to your preference.
Pro Tip: If you want to get a head start, there is a free demo available on Steam right now that lets you play through the opening hours and the first few boss fights!

Final Details
- Release Date: April 7, 2026
- Platforms: PC (Steam/Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Price: $24.99 (with a 10% launch discount).
- Voice Cast: Features industry heavyweights like Erika Ishii and Debra Wilson.
People of Note looks to be a vibrant, pun-filled adventure that isn’t afraid to be weird. Whether you’re there for the genre-bending soundtrack or the tactical “Stanza” combat, it’s definitely one to keep on your radar this spring.

Find out more here – https://epic.gm/people-of-note

#PeopleofNote #EpicGamesStore #contest #IridiumStudios #AnnapurnaInteractive #RPG #musical #musicians #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames
19th February 2026
Resonating in the Dark: Why Control Resonant is Remedy’s Boldest Step Yet
For years, fans of the Remedy Connected Universe (RCU) have been analysing redacted documents and whispering about what comes next. Following the mind-bending success of Alan Wake 2, Remedy Entertainment has finally pulled back the veil on their next massive project: Control Resonant.

Slated for a 2026 release, this isn’t just a sequel; it’s a total evolution of the “New Weird” genre that put the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) on the map.

A New Lead, A Warped Manhattan

While the first Control trapped us in the brutalist, shifting corridors of the Oldest House, Control Resonant breaks the containment. The game moves the action into a paranaturally warped Manhattan.

You step into the boots of Dylan Faden, Jesse’s brother, who has spent years in FBC custody after being corrupted by the Hiss. Now, as a reality-bending cosmic crisis consumes the city, Dylan is deployed as a living weapon. His mission? Find his missing sister, Director Jesse Faden, and stop a threat that makes the Hiss look like a minor frequency interference.

From Shooter to Action-RPG

The biggest shock for fans isn’t the setting—it’s the genre. Remedy has officially described Control Resonant as an open-ended action-adventure RPG.
- The Aberrant: Instead of the Service Weapon, Dylan wields “The Aberrant,” a shapeshifting melee weapon that can transform from swift dual blades to a massive, gravity-crushing hammer on the fly.
- The Resonants: Progression is tied to hunting down “Resonants”—powerful supernatural entities. Defeating them allows Dylan to absorb their frequencies, unlocking new abilities like Gravity Anomalies and Shift.
- Meaningful Choice: Unlike the linear path of previous games, Resonant features expansive zones (like the West Incursion Zone) filled with side quests, branching paths, and “impossible choices” that Remedy claims will decide the fate of humanity.
The Aesthetic: Neon Genesis and Brutalism

Creative Director Mikael Kasurinen has cited some fascinating (and terrifying) inspirations for this sequel. While the first game was heavily influenced by the SCP Foundation, Control Resonant leans into:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: For its “cosmic horror meets high-stakes action” vibe.
- Annihilation (Southern Reach Trilogy): For the way environments morph into unrecognisable, beautiful nightmares.
- House of Leaves: For the feeling that the world itself is a labyrinth you can’t trust.
“We are holding on to the key tenets of storytelling and spectacle from the first game, while increasing player agency and exploration to a level we’ve never attempted before.” — Mikael Kasurinen, Remedy Entertainment

The Connectivity: The RCU Deepens

Is it connected to Alan Wake? Absolutely. In the Remedyverse, nothing is a coincidence. The game appears to bridge the gap between the Astral Plane and the Dark Place, with hints that the resonance affecting Manhattan might be a direct result of the events at Cauldron Lake.

Whether you’re a lore-hound looking for the next hidden whiteboard or a newcomer wanting to smash supernatural entities with a shapeshifting hammer, Control Resonant looks like the peak of Remedy’s “World-First” design philosophy.

Find out more here – https://epic.gm/control-resonant

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19th February 2026