TECHMASH

Author: Team Techmash!

  • Ready for Launch: MicroProse Drops Drone Sector Into Early Access This July

    Ready for Launch: MicroProse Drops Drone Sector Into Early Access This July

    Tactical gamers and flight sim fans, mark your calendars. MicroProse has officially announced that its highly anticipated futuristic gunship command game, Drone Sector, is set to launch in Early Access on Steam on July 21st.

    If you’ve been craving a game that perfectly marries the high-stakes tension of close air support (CAS) with the deep strategy of real-time squad leadership, this is the title to watch.

    What is Drone Sector?

    In Drone Sector, you aren’t just a pilot, and you aren’t just a commander—you are both. Players step into the cockpit of advanced, futuristic tactical gunships, tasked with dominating the skies while simultaneously orchestrating ground operations.

    Here is a quick breakdown of what makes this title stand out:

    • Dual-Layer Gameplay: Seamlessly switch between delivering devastating close air support from above and issuing precise, real-time commands to your squad on the ground.
    • Futuristic Firepower: Take control of cutting-edge gunships equipped with sci-fi weaponry, designed to turn the tide of any engagement.
    • Tactical Depth: Victory relies on synergy. Your ground squad needs your eye in the sky to survive, and your gunship needs their boots on the ground to secure objectives.

    Why Early Access?

    MicroProse has a legendary pedigree in the strategy and simulation genres. By launching Drone Sector in Early Access on July 21st, the developers aim to collaborate directly with the community. Players will have a direct hand in shaping the game’s balance, features, and future content updates leading up to the full release.

    The Details:

    • Game: Drone Sector
    • Publisher: MicroProse
    • Platform: PC (Steam Early Access)
    • Release Date: July 21st

    Add it to Your Wishlist

    Whether you are a veteran of classic MicroProse military sims or a newcomer looking for a fresh tactical challenge, Drone Sector promises an intense, cerebral experience. Head over to Steam now to add it to your wishlist and prepare for deployment this July.

    Find out more here

    #DroneSector #MicroProse #PCGaming #SteamEarlyAccess #TacticalGaming #SciFiGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Set Sail for Liberty: World of Warships Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary in Update 15.5!

    Set Sail for Liberty: World of Warships Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary in Update 15.5!

    Wargaming is pulling out all the stops to celebrate a massive historical milestone. To honour the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day, the developer and publisher of the world’s leading naval multiplayer game, World of Warships, has officially launched its highly anticipated Update 15.5.

    From a heavily decorated New York Port to a deep-dive narrative campaign and highly anticipated customisation features, there is a wealth of fresh content waiting for Captains to deploy.

    Here is everything you need to know about what’s dropping in the latest patch.

    The Centrepiece: “Dawn of a Nation” Narrative Campaign

    History buffs and competitive players alike have a major reason to log in this week. Update 15.5 introduces Dawn of a Nation, a brand-new narrative campaign spanning four consecutive, weekly-unlocking chapters.

    Players will follow the personal stories of four characters from different nations to experience how the Thirteen Colonies forged their path to independence.

    What are the Rewards?

    By progressing through the campaign and completing weekly combat missions, you can earn exclusive patriotic rewards, including:

    • Historical U.S. Commanders: Recruit John Glover and the legendary John Paul Jones to helm your fleet.
    • Premium Ships: Earn the Tier VIII American Premium cruiser Congress.
    • Exclusive Cosmetics: Unlock the Betsy Ross flag, unique “Thirteen Salvos” and “Pride of Philadelphia” enemy destruction effects, and the rare “Minuteman” permanent camouflage for the Supership Maine.

    250 Years of Independence Event Pass

    The anniversary celebrations extend into a dedicated two-line Event Pass loaded with American-themed gear.

    • The Free Line: Open to all players, offering rewards like the Statue of Liberty Commander (complete with an individual voiceover), the Stars & Stripes permanent camouflage, and the Freedom permanent camouflage for the Baltimore.
    • The Premium Line (2,500 Doubloons): Unlocks an additional progression track where players can earn the U.S. Premium battleship Arizona, the Old North State permanent camouflage for the North Carolina, and unique destruction effects.

    Bonus Just for Logging In: Wargaming is giving away a free Independence Day Gift in the Armory after your first battle in the update. It includes the “We the People” permanent camouflage for Tier X ships, the Pride of Philadelphia destruction effect, and 3x Artillery Chests.

    Long-Awaited Feature: Custom Ship Decals Arrive!

    Beyond the patriotic festivities, Update 15.5 delivers a massive feature that the World of Warships community has been requesting for years: Decals.

    This new customisation system allows players to place historically-inspired symbols, mottos, and unique artwork directly onto their ship hulls.

    In this first iteration, Decals can be mounted on Tier IX ships (expandable to other tiers in future updates) via the Exterior Editor. They are distributed through Decal containers earned via special combat missions.

    Graphics Overhauls & Continued Early Access

    Wargaming hasn’t forgotten about technical performance. Update 15.5 brings significant improvements to shadow mapping. Expect softer, more natural-looking shadows, drastically reduced shadow jittering on lower presets, and cleaner ambient occlusion during high-octane battles.

    Additionally, the update carries forward the Early Access to Italian Submarines (Pietro Micca and Pietro Calvi), giving captains more time to master their unique Exhaust Smoke Generators and semi-armour-piercing (SAP) main guns.

    Final Thoughts

    Whether you are looking to deck out your Tier IX ships with brand-new decals, grind through a gripping historical campaign, or simply enjoy the fireworks over the digital New York Port, Update 15.5 is one of Wargaming’s most ambitious thematic updates of the year.

    Man your battle stations, Captains—freedom is calling!

    Find out more here

    #WorldOfWarships #Wargaming #US250 #IndependenceDay #PCGaming #NavalCombat #GamingNews #TechMash

  • The Slashing Hour: Jason Voorhees Finally Enters The Fog in New Dead by Daylight Launch Trailer

    The Slashing Hour: Jason Voorhees Finally Enters The Fog in New Dead by Daylight Launch Trailer

    The horror crossover event, a decade in the making, is finally here. After years of legal red tape, speculative fan theories, and endless wishlists, Behaviour Interactive has officially dropped the launch trailer for horror royalty. Jason Voorhees has entered Dead by Daylight.

    Stepping into the Fog as “The Slasher,” this newly realised, non-canon iteration of the hockey-masked terror brings Camp Crystal Lake’s worst nightmare directly to the Entity’s realm.

    Check out the official launch trailer below to see horror history in the making:

    Watch the Launch Trailer:

    A Legendary Reunion A Decade in the Making

    With Dead by Daylight celebrating its monumental 10th anniversary, the inclusion of Jason completes the ultimate “Mount Rushmore” of slasher cinema. Players can now finally orchestrate the ultimate horror matchups, putting Jason on the same roster as Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, Leatherface, and Ghostface.

    But this isn’t just a simple copy-and-paste of the movies. Because of the unique licensing partnership with the Jason Universe initiative, Behaviour Interactive has crafted a distinct, original version of Jason tailored specifically for the mechanics of DBD. He features a terrifyingly fresh design heavily inspired by his iconic looks from Friday the 13th Part 2 and Part 3.

    Playing as ‘The Slasher’: Kit & Mechanics

    The launch trailer gives us a brutal taste of what Jason brings to the trials. Classified as an unstoppable juggernaut with an eerie element of surprise, his toolkit is designed to make Survivors feel like clueless camp counselors all over again.

    • Power: Omnipresent Evil – Jason can completely vanish into the Fog, gaining the Undetectable status effect and a massive speed boost.
    • Jump Scare mechanic – While utilising his power, Jason can target windows, pallets, or breakable walls to instantly reappear right next to them, causing nearby survivors to scream in terror and revealing their positions.
    • Throwing Spikes – A lethal ranged option. Jason can harvest spikes from special scrap piles or directly from sacrificial hooks. Landing a spike pushes survivors forward; if they slam into a wall, they are pinned and immobilised for an easy pick-up.
    • Mini-Mori Potential – Downing an already-vulnerable survivor with a Hook Spike grants Jason the ability to perform a quick, cinematic Mini-Mori on the spot.

    The Landscape of the Fog Has Evolved

    The trailer relies on masterful visual storytelling, opening with an eerie, quiet stillness before cutting into rapid, claustrophobic chase sequences. The sound design pays brilliant homage to the genre, keeping dialogue entirely absent so the heavy, ominous thud of Jason’s boots can do the talking.

    Whether you plan on maining The Slasher to terrorise the queue or teaming up with friends to see if teamwork can outsmart the machete, Chapter 40 has completely shifted the game’s power balance.

    Dead by Daylight: Jason is available right now. Dust off your toolkit, watch out for the treeline, and remember: don’t go near the water.

    What do you think of Jason’s power kit and design? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be playing him tonight!

    Find out more here

    #DeadByDaylight #DbD #JasonVoorhees #TheSlasher #FridayThe13th #HorrorGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Welcome to Île Saint-Hubert: Jurassic World Evolution 3’s Rebirth Expansion Roars into Action!

    Welcome to Île Saint-Hubert: Jurassic World Evolution 3’s Rebirth Expansion Roars into Action!

    If you thought your dinosaur theme parks were finally secure, think again. Frontier Developments has officially dropped the highly anticipated Rebirth Expansion for Jurassic World Evolution 3, and it is easily the game’s most ambitious, chaotic, and thrilling update yet.

    Serving as a prequel to the upcoming blockbuster film Jurassic World Rebirth, this premium expansion transports park managers to the uncharted territory of Île Saint-Hubert. Packed with mutant predators, ancient ruins, and groundbreaking scientific features, this DLC is a dream come true for digital palaeontologists and management sim fans alike.

    Let’s dive into everything you need to know about what’s waiting for you inside the gates.

    A Top-Secret Prequel Campaign

    Set before the dramatic collapse of the island in 2010, the new narrative campaign puts you in control of InGen’s top-secret operations. You won’t just be building a standard tourist attraction; you’ll be managing a shared cash balance across three distinct, high-stakes locations:

    • The Main Facility: The central hub of advanced research and containment.
    • The Ancient Valley: A massive ecosystem built for observing gargantuan sauropods.
    • The Riverside Lab: A specialised facility engineered for synthesising semi-aquatic wonders.

    Progress is driven by a flexible new Assignment system. Focus on your priority objectives to advance the overarching story, or take on optional side-assignments to unlock rare genomes, experimental genetic traits, and advanced research opportunities.

    Meet the New Stars: 4 New Prehistoric Species

    The headline of any Jurassic World DLC is the dinosaurs, and the Rebirth Expansion delivers some of the most terrifying and unique creatures ever seen in the franchise.

    • Distortus rex: A massive mutant predator that is the first of its kind. Imbued with extreme aggression and horrifyingly unique kill animations, keeping this beast behind fences will put your security protocols to the absolute test.
    • Mutadon: Combining the terrifying hunting instincts of a Velociraptor with the aerial dominance of a Pterosaur, this winged hybrid can cross terrain rapidly and launch devastating aerial ambushes.
    • Titanosaurus (Family Unit): The largest dinosaur currently in the entire JWE series. For the first time, you’ll be managing a complete family unit, including never-before-seen juvenile variants that will roam the Ancient Valley.
    • Aquilops (Family Unit): A small, quirky ceratopsian that shifts between walking on four legs and standing on two. Complete with striking tail stripes and distinctive adult dimorphism, they add some much-needed charm to the roster.

    Beyond the new species, the DLC introduces movie-accurate models and skins for fan-favourites like the T. rex, Spinosaurus, Mosasaurus, Quetzalcoatlus, Dilophosaurus, and Velociraptor, alongside sleek new Rebirth-themed vehicle skins.

    Revolutionary Science and Architecture

    Frontier hasn’t just added skins and species; they’ve overhauled how you build and power your facilities.

    • Geothermal Power Networks: Say goodbye to simple power grids. For the first time, you can harness natural geothermal energy on Île Saint-Hubert. You’ll need to strategically build and manage a complex network of underground pipes to keep power flowing and prevent catastrophic ecosystem failures.
    • Open Air Aviaries: Take your flying enclosures to spectacular new heights. These structures feature raised flying ceilings, no visual obstructions, and expanded terrain editing options so your Mutadons can fly freely (and hopefully stay contained).
    • Experimental Traits: Push the boundaries of genetics by applying experimental traits to your species. These genetic alterations introduce drastic social and behavioural shifts, forcing you to balance scientific curiosity with rigid park security.
    • Mayan-Themed Creativity: To give your park a distinct look, the DLC includes 387 scenery pieces and 37 blueprints, blending modern InGen technology with towering, ancient Mayan temples.

    Free Content: Update 1.3 Is Live!

    Even if you aren’t picking up the expansion right away, all Jurassic World Evolution 3 players receive the massive Update 1.3 for free. This update introduces semi-aquatic behaviour for the iconic T. rex, adds Cretaceous Cruise functionality inside your aviaries, and marks the triumphant return of the Cearadactylus family unit!

    Jurassic World Evolution 3: Rebirth Expansion is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for £19.99 / $24.99.

    Are you brave enough to engineer the Distortus rex, or will your park go extinct? Let us know your thoughts on the new campaign in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #JurassicWorldEvolution3 #JWE3 #JurassicWorldRebirth #FrontierDevelopments #GamingNews #ParkSim #DinosaurGaming #PCGaming #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #TechMash

  • Tactical Nostalgia: Rainbow Six Siege Drops Epic Solid Snake Elite Trailer!

    Tactical Nostalgia: Rainbow Six Siege Drops Epic Solid Snake Elite Trailer!

    Ubisoft has just dropped the official Solid Snake Elite Trailer for Rainbow Six Siege, and it is everything tactical stealth fans could have ever dreamed of.

    If you’ve been living under a camera feed, the legendary infiltrator from Konami’s Metal Gear Solid franchise joined the Team Rainbow roster earlier this year as a permanent Attacking Operator in Operation Silent Hunt. Armed with his game-changing Soliton Radar Mk. III and a voice provided by the iconic David Hayter, Snake completely altered the tactical landscape.

    Now, he’s getting the ultimate upgrade. The brand-new Elite Set is officially live, and it’s a brilliant nod to tactical espionage history.

    What’s Included in the Solid Snake Elite Set?

    The trailer showcases a bundle packed with nostalgic items and sleek designs that seamlessly blend the gritty world of Siege with the tactical espionage action of Metal Gear. Here is exactly what you get with the Elite Set:

    • The Elite Uniform & Headgear: Embody the legendary operative with an old-school, “Old Man” inspired aesthetic that looks incredibly sharp in the field.
    • The Victory Dance: Keep your eyes peeled for an MVP screen animation that pays homage to classic MGS style.
    • Gadget Skin: A customised skin for the Soliton Radar Mk. III, bringing the classic tactical look right to your fingertips.
    • Weapon Skins: Exclusive tactical weapon skins tailored for the F2 assault rifle, the PMR90A2 DMR, and his trusty TACIT .45 sidearm.
    • Elite Charm & Operator Cards: Complete your profile look to intimidate Defenders before the round even begins.

    A Match Made in Stealth Heaven

    Seeing Solid Snake trade banter with Sam “Zero” Fisher inside the Rainbow Six universe has been an absolute treat for long-time stealth gaming fans. The Elite trailer perfectly captures that gritty, high-stakes military atmosphere while honouring the legacy of a character who practically invented the genre.

    Whether you’re scanning the floor plan for soft walls with the radar’s Precision Mode, or using his On-Site Procurement ability to scavenge discarded secondary gadgets from fallen operators, you can now do it in absolute style.

    The Solid Snake Elite Set is available right now in-game via the shop. Drop into Siege, grab your gear, and remember: a cornered fox is more dangerous than a jackal!

    Read More on TechMash: Keep your eyes locked onto TechMash.co.uk for more gaming news, updates, and deep dives into Rainbow Six Siege’s latest seasons.

    Find out more here

    #RainbowSixSiege #SolidSnake #MetalGearSolid #R6Siege #Ubisoft #GamingNews #OperationSilentHunt #TechMash

  • Flip, Nudge, and Destroy: Roguelike Pinball Sensation ‘Cult of PiN’ Locks In August Release Date

    Flip, Nudge, and Destroy: Roguelike Pinball Sensation ‘Cult of PiN’ Locks In August Release Date

    Move over Balatro and Peglin—there is a new heavy-hitting indie synergy addiction on the horizon, and it’s taking us straight back to the golden era of arcade cabinets and Windows 3D Pinball (Space Cadet).

    Independent developer KennyMakesGames has officially announced that Cult of PiN, the highly anticipated arcade pinball roguelike, will launch globally on Steam on August 10th, 2026. The announcement drops alongside an explosive new Release Date Trailer showcasing the game’s chaotic, high-intensity gameplay.

    Check out the official Release Date Trailer below:

    Pinball Physics Meets Modern Deckbuilding

    If you think this is just your standard high-score chaser, think again. Cult of PiN flips the classic genre on its head by turning pinball tables into battlefields. Instead of simply keeping the ball alive for points, your ball deals actual damage to the bumpers it strikes.

    Your goal? Demolish the handcrafted 3D tables, shatter cursed bumpers, and survive intense, gravity-defying showdowns against biomechanical Boss Bumpers.

    The real magic happens between rounds. Over a successful public demo campaign that has already captured the attention of over 120,000 players, the game has proven that its rogue-lite mechanics are incredibly deep. Players can draft from an expanding pool of over 130 unique upgrades, Glyphs, and Blessings to scale their damage multipliers into absolute absurdity.

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • True Build Synergy: Mix and match over 100 Glyphs to create game-breaking combos that turn your ball into a weapon of mass destruction.
    • 8 Playable Balls: Master distinct mechanics, specialised passive abilities, and powerful “Rituals” to trigger table-wide chaos.
    • Hand-Crafted 3D Tables: Discover 4 beautifully stylised, hand-drawn tables featuring hidden bonus zones, unique layouts, and unpredictable table mutations.
    • High-Intensity Sessions: Designed for quick 15-to-20-minute runs across 7 distinct difficulty levels, keeping the gameplay loop endlessly fresh.

    Play Anywhere: Full Steam Deck & Cross-Platform Support

    In a massive win for handheld gaming enthusiasts, KennyMakesGames has confirmed that Cult of PiN will launch with full native support for PC, Mac, Linux, and the Steam Deck.

    The game has been completely optimised for high-framerate portability, featuring native controller mapping and smooth performance built precisely with the Steam Deck in mind. Whether you are nudging your ball on a desktop or flipping targets on your morning commute, the tactile satisfaction travels with you.

    Pricing and Availability

    Cult of PiN will officially hit Steam on August 10th, 2026, for an incredibly reasonable $14.99 / £11.79 / €12.75. Even better news for early adopters: the game will feature a 15% discount during its launch week.

    If you can’t wait until August to start smashing tables, you can head over to Steam right now to try out the newly updated, heavily localised public demo and add the game to your wishlist.

    Find out more here

    #CultOfPiN #IndieGames #SteamDeck #GamingNews #Pinball #Roguelike #PCGaming #MacGaming #LinuxGaming #TechMash

  • Tiny Wheels, Big Secrets: Co-Op Adventure ‘WheelMates’ Drops Updated Demo Ahead of September PC Launch!

    Tiny Wheels, Big Secrets: Co-Op Adventure ‘WheelMates’ Drops Updated Demo Ahead of September PC Launch!

    If you’ve ever looked at your living room furniture and thought, “I could definitely do a sick flip off that bookshelf,” developer Firevolt has the perfect game for you.

    Revealed during the Future Games Show, the highly anticipated co-op adventure WheelMates has officially locked in its PC release date. Ready a fresh set of batteries, because this miniature, micro-sized journey is zooming onto Steam on Monday, 7 September.

    Even better news? You don’t have to wait until autumn to get behind the wheel. To celebrate Steam Next Fest, Firevolt has just deployed a freshly updated demo that you can download and play right now.

    Go Off-Road, Indoors!

    In WheelMates, you and a player-two answer a distress call from an eccentric, mysteriously missing scientist. The catch? The only way to navigate his massive, puzzle-filled home laboratory is by piloting a pair of tiny RC cars.

    This isn’t a racing game—it’s a true, collaborative physics playground inspired by classic RC games like Re-Volt and modern co-op masterclasses. You’ll need to work in tandem to drop vases from the kitchen table, whiz under the sofa, and turn mundane household appliances into epic stunt ramps.

    Co-Op over Competition: WheelMates features zero timers and no pressure to rush. It’s entirely focused on shared problem-solving, letting you and your co-driver uncover the house’s mysteries at your own preferred pace.

    What’s New in the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    Firevolt has listened closely to player feedback, packing this latest demo with massive quality-of-life upgrades:

    • Steam Deck Support: The demo now features full Steam Deck optimisation, making it absolutely perfect for a couch co-op night with a friend.
    • Upgraded Driving & Camera Controls: Expect much smoother handling options to make your RC car drift exactly the way you want, plus new camera controls (including a free camera) for a better view of the great indoors.
    • The Journal Feature: A brand-new story tracker that logs the clues you scan and collect throughout the house, helping you piece together the mystery of the professor’s whereabouts.

    Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

    As you delve deeper into the house—exploring the Kitchen, Garage, and Backyard—you’ll unlock wild experimental gadgets. From rope-swinging winches to magnetic wheels that let you drive upside down on metal surfaces, the game slowly unfolds into a miniature Metroidvania.

    Best of all, when the full game launches on 7 September, it will feature a Friends Pass—meaning only one of you needs to own the game for both of you to play online together.

    Head over to Steam, grab a partner, and test drive the updated demo today!

    Find out more here

    #WheelMates #Firevolt #SteamNextFest #FutureGamesShow #CoOpGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamDeck #TechMash

  • Smash Piggies, Dodge Debt: ‘Bills Must Be Paid’ Locks In Official Release Date and Price!

    Smash Piggies, Dodge Debt: ‘Bills Must Be Paid’ Locks In Official Release Date and Price!

    If your real-life mailbox fills you with dread, Frankfurt-based indie developer Rike Games has the ultimate digital therapy for you. Their highly anticipated, deeply satisfying active incremental game, Bills Must Be Paid, finally has an official release date and price announcement—and the story behind its journey to launch is just as wild as its gameplay.

    Grab your hammers: Bills Must Be Paid is officially launching on Steam for PC and Mac on July 29, 2026.

    The Viral Story Behind the Launch

    If the title sounds familiar, it might be because the game accidentally went viral earlier this year under bizarre circumstances. A stolen build of the game’s demo was recompiled and uploaded onto Douyin (China’s TikTok), where it racked up massive views and ad revenue before Rike Games—a dedicated two-person studio—managed to successfully get the clone taken down.

    Now, the real, polished, and feature-packed version is ready to take its rightful spotlight.

    “We’re a two-person studio—I handle the code, my spouse handles the art,” the developer shared. “The last months have been quite crazy, and we are super excited to have the release date set now.”

    What is Bills Must Be Paid?

    The premise is beautifully simple yet addictively chaotic: You’re entirely broke, jumping piggy banks are taking over your desk, and you have bills to pay.

    Armed with a hammer, you smash various types of piggies (from “The Tourist” to “El Loco”) to collect random loot, rare coins, and cash. Every swing drains your stamina. When your hand gets too tired, the run ends.

    But don’t ignore the mail! If you fail to pay your bills, the debt collector will begin siphoning a cut of your earnings. Push it too far, and you’ll have to declare bankruptcy and start over under a completely new identity.

    What’s New in the Full Release?

    If you’ve played the free demo, Rike Games has added a massive haul of new content for the final build that the Chinese clone couldn’t dream of replicating:

    • The Prestige System: Earn special rings to customise your hand, unlocking unique power-ups.
    • The Desk Gadget Shop: Buy upgrades to automate your smashing and boost your stats.
    • More Hammers & Piggies: A wider variety of weapons, each with distinct trade-offs, and lazier or faster piggy variants to hunt down.
    • An Actual Ending: A concrete goal to reach beyond the infinite loop of debt.

    Price, Availability, and Launch Discount

    Rike Games is keeping this indie gem highly accessible.

    DetailInfo
    Release DateJuly 29, 2026
    PlatformsSteam (Windows & macOS)
    Base Price$6.99 USD (with regional adjustments)
    Launch Week Promo30% OFF during the first week
    Languages Supported12 (including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese)

    Try the Demo Today!

    Can’t wait until late July? You don’t have to. A free demo is currently live on Steam right now as part of Steam Next Fest. Head over, test your grip strength, and add it to your wishlist to catch that 30% launch-week discount.

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #GamingNews #BillsMustBePaid #SteamNextFest #PCGaming #MacGaming #RikeGames #TechMash #IncrementalGames #SupportIndieDevs

  • Dark Souls Meets The Witcher: ‘The Relic: First Guardian’ Locks In July Launch Date!

    Dark Souls Meets The Witcher: ‘The Relic: First Guardian’ Locks In July Launch Date!

    Soulslike fans, clear your calendars. South Korean indie developer Project Cloud Games and publisher Perp Games have officially dropped a brand-new trailer confirming that their highly anticipated dark fantasy action-RPG, The Relic: First Guardian, will officially launch on July 31, 2026!

    The game is set to hit PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam first, with Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 versions arriving later this summer. For the physical media collectors among us, a boxed PS5 version is also locked in for September 4th.

    Check out the blistering new release date trailer below to see why this game has skyrocketed to the top of our wishlists:

    Reclaiming the Cursed Realm of Arsiltus

    In The Relic: First Guardian, you step into the shoes of a guardian tasked with surviving Arsiltus—a once-prosperous world completely swallowed by a devastating void after its great relic was shattered. To restore peace, you’ll have to explore a collapsed, semi-open world, piece together forgotten memories, and face a brutal lineup of over 70 unique, tragic bosses twisted by curses and starvation.

    Why ‘The Relic’ is Shaking Up the Action-RPG Formula

    Project Cloud Games may be a small studio, but they have massive cinematic ambitions. The Relic isn’t just another clone in a crowded genre; it’s actively tearing up the traditional RPG rulebook with some incredibly fresh mechanics:

    • Attack Without Limits (No Attack Stamina): In a massive twist for the genre, stamina is reserved strictly for dodging and defending. Attacks do not deplete your stamina bar, and skills operate purely on cooldowns. This means you can maintain an aggressive, fluid offensive flow without constantly backing off to catch your breath.
    • Say Goodbye to Traditional Levelling: Forget grinding for XP. Character progression is tied entirely to collecting “Relics”—emotional fragments of those who lived before. With over 70 unique passive Relics to collect, you can fundamentally alter your skill behaviour, combat tempo, and weapon styles on the fly.
    • One-of-a-Kind Unique Loot: The game completely reimagines loot structures. Every single weapon and piece of armour exists only once in the entire game world. Each item is a singular, unrepeatable legendary artefact that carries its own dark, inherited history.
    • Deep Class Customisation: With 5 distinct weapon types to master and 12 exclusive skill trees, players have total freedom to blend abilities and craft a completely unique class tailored to their exact playstyle.

    Mark Your Calendars

    With an art style deeply rooted in Asian mythology and folklore, heavy cinematic flair, and a combat system built for pure, unadulterated flow, The Relic: First Guardian looks like it’s going to be the sleeper hit of the summer.

    Prepare your build, sharpen your blades, and get ready to dive into the ruins of Arsiltus on July 31st.

    Are you ready to become the First Guardian? Let us know what weapon type you’re planning to main in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TheRelicFirstGuardian #ProjectCloudGames #PerpGames #Soulslike #ActionRPG #PS5 #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieGames #TechMash

  • King of the Hill: 150,000 Players Tear Up Funselektor’s ‘Over the Hill’ Steam Demo Over the Weekend

    King of the Hill: 150,000 Players Tear Up Funselektor’s ‘Over the Hill’ Steam Demo Over the Weekend

    If you spent your weekend getting bogged down in the mud, rescuing your friends with a portable winch, and taking polaroids of bald eagles, you definitely weren’t alone.

    Funselektor, the brilliant indie studio behind the critically acclaimed art of rally and Absolute Drift, just dropped the debut Steam demo for their highly anticipated 4×4 off-road adventure, over the hill. The response? Absolutely massive. Over 150,000 players traded the race tracks for the untamed wilderness over the weekend, proving that there is a massive appetite for a slower, more mindful kind of driving game.

    Moving at Nature’s Pace

    Unlike traditional racing games that demand white-knuckle speed and perfect apexes, over the hill shifts into low gear. This is a digital outdoor expedition simulator where the real enemy isn’t a timer or an aggressive AI driver—it’s the terrain itself.

    The Steam demo drops players directly into Emerald Lake, the opening area of the game’s Canada region. Inspired by the rugged, breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s Valhalla mountain range, the map is a gorgeous blend of dense woodlands, tranquil lakesides, and treacherous, rocky alpine trails.

    Instead of hammering the throttle, players have to focus on:

    • Methodical Route Planning: Choosing the safest path through unpredictable environments.
    • Authentic Physics: Managing throttle control, momentum, and wheel placement across mud, rock, and steep inclines.
    • Resource Management: Utilising vital off-road gear like Repair Kits, Portable Winch Anchors, and Planks to cross dangerous gaps.

    “Over the hill lands closer to real love of the wheel: Funselektor understands it in a way that an awful lot of studios miss.” – PC Gamer

    4×4 Customisation and Co-Op Cruising

    The demo lets you test drive three classic off-road vehicles inspired by the golden age of cross-country expeditions (the 1960s through the 1980s). Each rig features its own distinct weight distribution, traction profile, and handling quirks. As you explore, you gather an in-game currency called “pebbles” and recover fallen meteorites to unlock cosmetic upgrades, roof racks, and fresh coats of paint at the local merchant.

    But the real magic happens when you bring a crew. Over the hill supports up to four-player cooperative multiplayer. You and three friends can venture out into the wild together, tackle gruelling Challenge Trails, or help pull each other out of a tight spot when someone invariably flips their rig trying to show off.

    When you need a break from the mechanical stress, the game features a built-in Camera Mode. Players have been flooding social media with gorgeous snapshots of the local wildlife—including moose, wolves, and black bears—to populate their in-game Compendiums.

    Community Feedback & What’s Next

    With 150,000 drivers hitting the trails simultaneously, the demo served as a massive stress test for the small indie studio. While the feedback on the game’s “cozy SnowRunner” vibes has been overwhelmingly positive, some players noted performance hitches on certain PC configurations.

    True to form, Funselektor has already been incredibly proactive. They’ve rolled out a hotfix patch addressing multiplayer bugs, fixing camera issues, and opening up a beta branch on Steam specifically aimed at testing early optimisation tweaks.

    Don’t Miss Out: The Clock is Ticking!

    If you haven’t played it yet, you need to act fast. This exclusive look at over the hill is part of Steam Next Fest and is only available until June 22nd.

    The full game is scheduled to launch on Steam later this year, with versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2 to follow.

    Head over to Steam, grab your winch, and go see what’s waiting just over the hill.

    Find out more here

    #OverTheHill #Funselektor #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #PCGaming #OffRoading #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #ArtOfRally #TechMash

  • Flip the Fairway: Tilt It! Golf Launches on Steam and Android

    Flip the Fairway: Tilt It! Golf Launches on Steam and Android

    Mini-golf is getting a major physics-based shake-up. If you are tired of the same old “pull back and aim” mechanic found in every standard golf simulator, indie publisher Untold Tales and developer Kutki Cave have the perfect remedy.

    Their brand-new, bite-sized puzzle game, Tilt It! Golf, has officially launched on Steam and Android, completely flipping the genre on its head. Literally.

    What is Tilt It! Golf?

    Instead of controlling a golf club to swing at a ball, Tilt It! Golf gives you control over the entire course. By tilting the environment itself, you have to use a mix of momentum, gravity, and precise angles to safely guide your golf ball straight into the hole.

    It sounds simple enough, but it quickly evolves into a chaotic, highly addictive puzzle-platformer.

    Key Features at a Glance:

    • Total Control: Tilt the entire level to roll your ball through complex hazards.
    • Massive Content: Feature 300 mind-bending holes spread across 15 distinct, vibrant biomes.
    • Trick-Shot Heaven: Built entirely on robust physics, rewarding clever angles and daring momentum plays.
    • Bite-Sized Design: Includes instant restarts, making it perfect for quick casual sessions or chasing the perfect “motion-in-one” run.
    • Wallet-Friendly: Positioned as an affordable budget experience, priced roughly around the cost of a cup of coffee.

    Nintendo Switch and Huawei Coming Soon

    If you prefer playing your mobile games via the AppGallery or want to utilise the physical gyro-controls of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, you won’t have to wait very long. While the game is currently live for PC via Steam and mobile via Android, the developers have confirmed that dedicated launches for Nintendo Switch and Huawei platforms will follow soon after.

    Given how perfectly a physics-tilting mechanic fits the Switch’s hardware and casual on-the-go gaming setups, it is bound to be a massive hit on Nintendo’s hybrid console.

    The Verdict

    For the price of a fancy latte, Tilt It! Golf offers a ton of replayability, great visual charm, and an inventive mechanic that turns golf into an incredibly fun puzzle. You can grab your copy right now on Steam or the Google Play Store to start tilting your way to victory.

    Find out more here

    #TiltItGolf #IndieGames #MobileGaming #SteamReleases #AndroidGaming #NintendoSwitch #GamingNews #KutkiCave #UntoldTales #TechMash

  • Inventory Management Meets Bullet Heaven: Cloudbreaker Soars into Steam Next Fest!

    Inventory Management Meets Bullet Heaven: Cloudbreaker Soars into Steam Next Fest!

    The June edition of Steam Next Fest is officially underway, and indie fans have a massive new addiction waiting for them in the skies. Nova Scotia-based duo Ballast Games has officially launched the demo for Cloudbreaker, an incredibly stylish sky-world roguelite that brilliantly mashes up intense survival-like action with a puzzle-heavy inventory management system.

    If you’ve ever wanted to pilot a heavily armed airship while organising your inventory like a high-stakes game of Resident Evil grid-fitting, this is the title to watch.

    Check out what makes Cloudbreaker an unmissable stop during your Next Fest demo diving:

    The Mission: Save Haven from the Depths

    In the world of Cloudbreaker, the last remnants of humanity reside in Haven, a sanctuary floating high above a treacherous, cloud-covered world. Haven is sinking, and it’s up to you to take to the skies, descend through dangerous cloud layers, and recover a mythical Bloil Crystal to secure humanity’s survival for generations to come.

    Standing in your way are hordes of Biotes—the lingering, aggressive biotechnology experiments of long-dead civilisations.

    Tetris Meets Turbo-Charged Airships

    While the combat serves up pure bullet-heaven dopamine as you tear through waves of enemies, the real magic happens in your ship’s hangar.

    Defeating Biotes allows you to gather raw Bloil, which your ship converts into unique Engine Parts. To upgrade your airship, you must install these parts into your Engine Grid—a dedicated inventory management puzzle system.

    • Grid Synergies: It’s not just about what parts you have; it’s about where you place them. Different components connect and interact across the grid to unlock massive stat boosts and weapon synergies.
    • Unique Fleets: As you progress, you’ll unlock entirely new airships, each featuring completely distinct Engine Grid layouts and core abilities that completely alter your build strategies.
    • Deep Progression: Tailor your playstyle using dedicated upgrade trees for both ships and weapons, giving you the edge needed to take down punishing bosses and mini-bosses.

    Play the Demo Today!

    Cloudbreaker successfully blends the tactical satisfaction of a grid-based puzzle game with the frantic, fast-paced survival mechanics of the best roguelite action titles. With its crisp aesthetic, satisfying loop, and endless build variety, it’s easily one of our top recommendations for this week’s festival.

    The Cloudbreaker demo is live right now on Steam for the duration of June Steam Next Fest, featuring full keyboard/mouse and controller support. Take it for a spin, test your best buildcraft in Endless Mode, and don’t forget to add it to your Steam Wishlist to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #Cloudbreaker #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #Roguelite #BulletHeaven #BallastGames #PCGaming #TechMash