TECHMASH

Author: Team Techmash!

  • Tya Calls, Commanders! Watcher of Realms Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with Epic New Heroes and Rewards

    Tya Calls, Commanders! Watcher of Realms Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with Epic New Heroes and Rewards

    Can you believe it’s been three years since we first stepped onto the mystical, chaos-ridden continent of Tya? Since its debut, Moonton’s Watcher of Realms has steadily redefined what a next-gen fantasy RPG can be, blending deep tower-defence strategy with stunning 3D visuals and immersive lore.

    Now, the milestone is officially here. The 3rd Anniversary Celebration is launching with a massive wave of exclusive events, gorgeous new skins, and powerful fresh faces to add to your roster. Whether you’re a battle-hardened veteran or a newcomer looking for the perfect time to jump in, this anniversary bash is throwing the doors wide open.

    Meet the New Legends: Cainan and Jezebelle Arrive

    No RPG anniversary is complete without fresh blood to shake up the meta, and Moonton is delivering in spades. Two highly anticipated heroes are making their grand entrance into Tya, alongside stunning brand-new skins:

    • Cainan: A powerhouse limited hero who is already turning heads in the community. Commanders looking to maximise their DPS will want to keep a close eye on his arrival. You can even snag his fiery “Shadow of the Flame” skin!
    • Jezebelle: Radiating both grace and danger, she joins the fray with her exclusive “Perdition’s Grace” skin, ready to anchor your squad against the toughest demonic onslaughts.

    137 Free Summons & Boosted Rate-Up Banners

    If your summoning crystals have been burning a hole in your pocket, your patience is about to reward you handsomely. The developers are showering players with up to 137 free summons through anniversary login rewards and events.

    Even better, the summoning schedule is packed with 20x drop rate-up banners, giving you the absolute best chance to secure top-tier talent:

    Event DateBanner / Summon TypeKey Featured Heroes
    July 15 – July 20Seraphic InvocationCainan (Guaranteed within 200 summons!)
    July 16 – July 20Special Invocation of SpiritsRaizan & Aeris
    July 17 – July 20Special Ancient SummoningJezebelle & Sythra

    Exclusive Anniversary Rewards and Features

    The generosity doesn’t stop at summons. Moonton is packing the festival table with an array of progression-boosting items and entirely new challenges to tackle:

    • Free New Hero & Hero Reset Book: Perfect for instantly restructuring your team composition without losing precious resources.
    • Fresh Content Raids: Test your upgraded squads in the brand-new Gallery of War and Final Frontier game modes.
    • Faction Trial Updates: Brace yourselves for new bosses and fresh mechanics in the Arbitration and Dominion stages.
    • Festive Customisations: Earn exclusive camp skins, avatar borders, and profile cosmetics just by participating in the anniversary events.

    Time to Rally the Troops

    With its approachably deep tactical gameplay, beautifully rendered 360° character models, and a vibrant community, Watcher of Realms continues to prove it’s not your average strategy RPG.

    The celebrations are officially kicking off across iOS, Android, and PC. Dust off your strategy guides, claim those 137 free summons, and let’s restore order to Tya!

    Are you pulling for Cainan or Jezebelle first? Let us know your squad goals in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #WatcherOfRealms #WatcherOfRealms3rdAnniversary #NextGenRPG #FantasyRPG #Moonton #GamingNews #MobileGaming #PCGaming #RPGCommunity #TechMash #Gaming

  • Escape the Mansion from Your Couch: Dead Estate Slams Onto PS5 and Nintendo Switch

    Escape the Mansion from Your Couch: Dead Estate Slams Onto PS5 and Nintendo Switch

    If you’ve been itching for a gory, high-octane indie treat to play on the move or from the comfort of your living room, your prayers to the horror gods have officially been answered. Dead Estate, the cult-hit horror-themed action roguelike developed by Milkbar Lads and published by 2 Left Thumbs, has officially made its grand debut on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch!

    Originally launched on PC back in 2021 where it amassed a fiercely loyal, “Very Positive” following, this delightfully chunky, fast-paced top-down shooter is ready to tear up your console storage.

    What is Dead Estate?

    Imagine a love letter to classic 90s horror, smashed together with the tight, frenetic twin-stick shooting of Enter the Gungeon and wrapped in stunning, fluid pixel art. That is Dead Estate.

    Players are trapped in a massive, shifting, monster-filled mansion. Your only goal? Ascend the floors, hoard a ridiculous arsenal of weaponry, and try desperately not to get ripped to shreds by the local undead populace.

    But there’s a catch: if you take too long exploring a floor, you’ll be relentlessly hunted by Chunks—a massive, terrifying stalker enemy who gives off heavy Resident Evil Nemesis vibes. You can either run for your life or pump enough lead into him to force a temporary retreat and claim a hefty cash reward.

    Packed with the Definitive Content

    The best part about this console launch? Switch and PS5 players are getting the complete package right out of the gate. The ports include all five of the massive major content updates released during the game’s PC lifecycle, up to the definitive “Goodnight” update.

    Here is a quick look at what you’re getting yourself into:

    • 10 Playable Characters: From Jeff the default grunt to Cordelia the witch and Fuji the boxer, every character completely alters your playstyle, movement speed, and starting stats.
    • Insane Variety: Over 150 weapons and 300 passive items to create absolutely broken, god-tier synergies.
    • The “Assignment Anya” Campaign: A separate, survival-horror-inspired campaign that serves as a direct, brilliant nod to Resident Evil 4’s Assignment Ada.
    • Console-Specific Enhancements: Deeply polished NewGame+ modes, unlockable challenges, and full couch-to-toilet portability on the Nintendo Switch (with built-in compatibility for next-gen hardware down the line).

    The Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelike Fans

    What makes Dead Estate special is how rewarding it feels. While it offers plenty of gruelling difficulty modifiers and “Blessing & Curse” runs for hardcore genre purists, it also allows casual players to stumble into incredibly fun, overpowered item combinations that let you utterly eviscerate late-game rooms.

    The isometric rooms are compact, forcing you into tense, close-quarters bullet hells. Combined with a killer, atmospheric synth soundtrack and unmatched character design, it’s the ultimate pick-up-and-play title for your console library.

    Dead Estate is available right now on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop for $14.99 / £11.99. Go grab your weapon of choice, keep an eye out for Chunks, and see if you can survive the night!

    Find out more here

    #DeadEstate #IndieGames #PS5 #NintendoSwitch #Roguelike #HorrorGaming #GamingNews #TechMash #MilkbarLads #TwinStickShooter

  • Uncover the Truth: Acclaimed Indie Mystery ‘No Case Should Remain Unsolved’ Hits PS5 This August!

    Uncover the Truth: Acclaimed Indie Mystery ‘No Case Should Remain Unsolved’ Hits PS5 This August!

    Indie game aficionados and mystery buffs, it’s time to dust off your detective hats. PLAYISM has officially announced that No Case Should Remain Unsolved, the critically acclaimed text-based mystery adventure from leading South Korean indie developer Somi, is making its way to the PlayStation 5 on August 19, 2026!

    Already sporting an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam with thousands of glowing reviews, this innovative narrative puzzle is finally bringing its jumbled web of lies and memories to PlayStation players.

    The Mystery of the Seowon Disappearance

    If you haven’t yet experienced this narrative masterpiece on PC or Nintendo Switch, you’re in for an emotionally gripping ride.

    The story drops you into a cold case that has haunted retired Senior Inspector Jeon Gyeong for over a decade:

    “I remember how surprised I was when I first saw this case. Everyone involved was lying, for one reason or another.”

    On February 5, 2012, a little girl named Seowon vanished from a local playground. Despite a massive investigation, the case went completely cold. Twelve years later, a young police officer visits the retired Jeon Gyeong, pleading with her to reexamine the past.

    As the memories resurface, one devastating truth becomes absolutely clear: everyone connected to the case was lying.

    Unconventional Gameplay: A Jigsaw Puzzle of Human Memory

    No Case Should Remain Unsolved isn’t your standard point-and-click adventure. Instead, it plays out like a reading-comprehension jigsaw puzzle.

    • Piece Together the Truth: You are handed 54 jumbled conversation fragments stripped of timestamps, context, and speaker identities.
    • Follow the Keywords: By clicking on specific highlighted words, you stimulate Jeon Gyeong’s memories, uncovering new testimonies.
    • Spot the Contradictions: You must carefully analyse the tone, text, and logic of each statement to match it to the correct speaker and arrange it chronologically.
    • Two Hidden Truths: This tightly paced 2-to-3-hour experience features an incredibly atmospheric, evolving soundtrack by Seongyi Yi and leads to two distinct endings that will leave you absolutely floored.

    Exclusive Merchandise Dropping Same-Day!

    To make the August 19th launch even sweeter, PLAYISM has announced they will be dropping the first-ever official merchandise for the title on the same day via the PLAYISM Official Store.

    Whether you’re a returning detective looking to grab a physical keepsake or a newcomer ready to crack the case for the first time, mark your calendars for August 19, 2026. This is one investigation you won’t want to leave cold.

    Find out more here

    #NoCaseShouldRemainUnsolved #PLAYISM #Somi #PS5 #IndieGames #PS5Games #GamingNews #TechMash #DetectiveGames #CozyMystery

  • Double the Trouble: Circle Empires 2 Officially Exploits a Massive 24-Leader Roster!

    Double the Trouble: Circle Empires 2 Officially Exploits a Massive 24-Leader Roster!

    The circle just got a whole lot bigger, tacticians. If you thought conquering neighbouring circular battlefields in Circle Empires 2 was already a chaotic test of wits, Luminous and Iceberg Interactive just blew the doors wide open.

    In a massive milestone update, the fast-paced RTS has officially doubled its roster of playable leaders, skyrocketing the selection from the original 12 at launch to a staggering 24 unique leaders.

    Whether you’re a micro-managing economic mastermind or a player who just wants to watch the world burn under a hail of dragon fire, this update completely reshapes the battlefield.

    24 Leaders, Countless Ways to Conquer

    What makes this roster expansion so significant isn’t just the sheer number—it’s how wildly different each leader plays. We aren’t just talking about simple colour swaps or minor stat changes here. Every single one of the 24 leaders comes packing their own:

    • Distinct Units: From disciplined infantry to bizarre cosmic entities.
    • Exclusive Technologies: Game-changing upgrades tailored to specific strategies.
    • Unique Buildings: Custom infrastructure to optimise your resource engine or fortify your borders.
    • Specialised Playstyles: Entirely new mechanics that force you to rethink how you expand, attack, and defend.

    A Flavour for Every Strategy

    The diversity on display in this expanded roster is brilliantly unhinged. To give you a taste of how varied your next campaign is going to look, check out a few of the standout faces joining the fray:

    • Liam Laserfang (The Laser Faction): Perfect for players who love precision defence. Liam utilises Mirror Shields that can literally reflect incoming projectiles back at attackers, alongside the legendary Laser Cat whose eyes keep firing beams even after it falls. Plus, his faction features weapons that permanently slice away an enemy’s maximum health.
    • Byron the Burful (The Dragon Legions): If your answer to every problem is “more dragons,” Byron is your man. He can recruit classic, ghost, and rare dragons from the very beginning, backed by disciplined legionaries wielding massive tower shields.
    • Electra Eelshock: Ready to shock the system? Electra commands an electrifying army of eels and living lightning to shock and awe opponents out of their territories.
    • Woody (The Wooden Faction): For the unconventional player. Woody has zero natural workers. Instead, he uses stationary Trap Workers to siphon resources from adjacent tiles, while his weapon launchers hurl actual melee weapons (and sometimes fish) across the map.

    Why This Changes the Meta

    With the roster doubling in size, the combinatory chaos of Circle Empires 2 is reaching peak levels. The push-and-pull of expanding circle-by-circle feels entirely fresh when you have to account for 24 different potential setups. A strategy that easily steamrolled a goblin-hoarding Hammerfist might crumble entirely against the high-tech, maximum-health-shredding laser walls of Liam Laserfang.

    Luminous has also packaged this massive milestone with a suite of balance changes, fixes, and community-driven tweaks to ensure that even with 24 distinct factions running around, the competitive integrity remains intact.

    The circles are waiting. Which leader are you taking to victory first?

    Find out more here

    #CircleEmpires2 #IndieGames #RTS #GamingNews #StrategyGames #PCGaming #SteamUpdate #TechMash

  • From the Ring to the Roots: Pocket Bravery Devs Unveil ‘Garden Souls’

    From the Ring to the Roots: Pocket Bravery Devs Unveil ‘Garden Souls’

    If you like your roguelites with a heavy dose of fighting-game-level finesse, you’re going to want to put this on your radar immediately.

    Statera Studio, the brilliant Brazilian indie team that turned heads globally with their Game Awards-nominated fighting game Pocket Bravery, has officially unveiled their next big project. Stepping outside the traditional 2D brawler ring, they are bringing their signature combat expertise into the roguelite realm with Garden Souls—a fast-paced action roguelite that looks absolutely spectacular.

    Combat Meets Chaos: What is Garden Souls?

    Unlike traditional roguelites that heavily focus on passive stat stacking, Garden Souls puts pure, unadulterated combat depth right at the centre of the experience.

    Taking inspiration from heavyweights like Hades II, BlazBlue Entropy Effect, and Devil May Cry, the game blends a colourful fantasy world with explosive, high-speed action. Players take control of four resurrected Plant Princesses (Rose, Eris, Solaris, and Yuni), each featuring entirely distinct movesets, animations, and playstyles to stop a corruption spreading across the world.

    Key Features to Get Excited For:

    • Fighting Game Fundamentals: The game utilises an advanced combo cancel system. You can fluidly chain together ground and aerial attacks, dash-cancel, and launch enemies into walls to dictate the pace of the battle.
    • Deep Build Customisation: With six elemental affinities that fundamentally change your skills, dozens of unlockable abilities, and unique “Bombogs” (floral companions), no two runs will play the same.
    • Striker Summons: Borrowing a beloved mechanic from classic fighting games, you can summon powerful Strikers mid-battle to extend your combos or pull you out of a tight spot.
    • Permanent Progression: Procedurally generated biomes ensure high replayability, but a robust progression hub means you’ll return stronger after every run.

    Why This is a Big Deal

    Statera Studio has already proven they know exactly how to make combat feel incredibly responsive, punchy, and expressive with Pocket Bravery. Seeing them apply those strict arcade-fighter mechanics to a 2D hack-and-slash roguelite framework is incredibly exciting.

    It promises the perfect sweet spot for the genre: a title that offers massive mechanical depth and high-skill execution for veteran players, without sacrificing accessibility for newcomers who just want to slash through corrupted foliage.

    Garden Souls has officially been revealed with a brand-new trailer and is available to wishlist on Steam right now. Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates as development progresses!

    What do you think of the trailer? Are you ready to trade the fighting ring for the garden? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #GardenSouls #StateraStudio #PocketBravery #IndieGames #Roguelite #ActionGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Boots on the Ground: War Thunder Infantry Enters Massive 128-Player Closed Beta 3!

    Boots on the Ground: War Thunder Infantry Enters Massive 128-Player Closed Beta 3!

    If you thought War Thunder was just about heavy armour, soaring fighter jets, and naval broadsides, think again. Gaijin Entertainment is officially dropping players right into the mud. The highly anticipated third stage of the War Thunder Infantry Closed Beta Test (CBT) is officially kicking off this July, and it is bringing some seriously massive upgrades to the battlefield.

    We are talking about a major scale-up, fresh modern hardware, and a brand-new combat zone that changes the pacing of the game entirely. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming test phase.

    Welcome to Kivu: A Massive Central African Warzone

    The centrepiece of CBT Phase 3 is Kivu, an all-new map set in Central Africa that is roughly four times larger than previous infantry locations like Granitograd and Al-Massa.

    Because the map is so vast, Gaijin has optimised its server infrastructure to handle true large-scale warfare. This test phase reintroduces the 64-vs-64 format, allowing up to 128 players to clash simultaneously in the same match.

    To prevent this massive map from turning into a walking simulator, the developers are introducing several experimental gameplay mechanics:

    • Forward Respawns: For the first time, players can spawn directly onto capture points controlled by their team, keeping the pressure right on the front lines.
    • Squad Transport Vehicles: The test introduces a five-player light passenger car, allowing squads to rotate across the map together. If the driver gets sniped, any passenger can switch to the driver’s seat on the fly.
    • Total Dominance: A new ticket-drain mechanic means that if your team controls all five capture points at once, the enemy’s victory points bleed away even faster.

    Modern Arsenals & Distinct Soldier Classes

    Both factions are getting unique, region-specific modern gear and specialised loadouts. Rather than every soldier having access to all gear, player classes have been heavily revised to encourage strategic teamwork. Special-purpose equipment like RPGs, MANPADS, and drones are now locked to specific roles.

    Expect to wield top-tier small arms and operate heavy support machinery:

    • USA Forces: M4A1, SCAR-L, XM5, and the M110 SDMR, backed by M1A2 SEP V2 main battle tanks, LAV-AD air defense systems, and AH-64A Apache helicopters.
    • USSR Forces: AK-12, AK-15, SVDM, and the Kord 6P67, supported by T-90M tanks, 2S6 Tunguska systems, and Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopters.

    Smarter Arcade Battles and Visual Tweaks

    Arcade Battles are making a return, but with a major tactical overhaul to the marker display logic. To stop players from simply shooting at red UI indicators through dense foliage, markers will now only appear if you have a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the enemy model. If they duck behind smoke, walls, or trees, the marker vanishes. Furthermore, heavily equipped soldiers will now move faster in Arcade mode compared to Realistic mode to keep the match pacing snappy.

    Gaijin has also listened to community feedback by adding a dedicated graphics settings tab specifically for the Infantry mode, meaning you can tune your performance for ground combat without messing up your main vehicle settings.

    How to Join the Fight

    If you haven’t yet experienced War Thunder from a boots-on-the-ground perspective, the doors aren’t completely shut. Players can head over to the official War Thunder website right now to apply for CBT access before the July testing window begins.

    Get your squad ready—the battlefield is about to get a whole lot louder.

    Find out more here

    #WarThunder #WarThunderInfantry #GaijinEntertainment #GamingNews #PCGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #BetaTest #FPSGames #MilitarySim #TechMash

  • Trust No One: North Hunt Version 1.0 Drops Today Alongside Steam Social Deduction Fest!

    Trust No One: North Hunt Version 1.0 Drops Today Alongside Steam Social Deduction Fest!

    The ultimate game of deception just got a massive upgrade. Independent Tunisian developer NewGen Studio has officially announced that North Hunt is leaving Early Access and launching its highly anticipated Version 1.0 today, July 13.

    Even better? The full launch perfectly aligns with the kickoff of the Steam Social Deduction Fest, making today the absolute best time to grab your friends, sharpen your lying skills, and dive headfirst into a living Viking village full of paranoia.

    What is North Hunt?

    If you haven’t yet experienced the chaos, North Hunt takes the core foundation of social deduction and turns it into a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. Set in a vibrant Viking settlement, players are split into two teams: Thieves and Chiefs.

    • The Thieves: Your job is to blend seamlessly into the environment. You’ll mimic NPC bot routines—chopping wood, fishing, praying, and playing music—all while secretly completing objectives. One wrong move, and your cover is blown.
    • The Chiefs: Armed with observation skills and sheer intuition, you must examine the village for any “un-NPC-like” behaviour and eliminate the impostors hiding in plain sight.

    What’s New in the Version 1.0 Launch?

    NewGen Studio has poured community feedback into this build, making Version 1.0 the game’s biggest milestone yet. Here is what you can expect when you log in today:

    Two Brand-New Roles

    • The Gnome (Thief): Shrink down to a tiny size to pull off sneaky deceptions and escape tight situations in ways the Chiefs won’t expect.
    • The Glider (Chief): Take to the skies! Patrol the Viking village from a bird’s-eye view to track down suspicious player movements from above.

    AI Bots for Both Teams

    No full lobby? No problem. Version 1.0 introduces smart bots for both sides, ensuring you can play complete, chaotic matches even if you’re flying solo or playing with a smaller group.

    Expanded Progression & Cosmetics

    Show off your status with 10 new player levels and 10 exclusive Chief skins to unlock. There are also Twitch Drops active starting today, giving players a chance to snag two exclusive cosmetic skins just by watching their favourite streamers play.

    Quality of Life & Polish

    The update brings vastly improved in-room communication, UI polish, better matchmaking algorithms, and an official community wiki accessible right from the main menu.

    “By launching during Steam Social Deduction Fest, NewGen Studio hopes to introduce more players to a different take on social deduction, one where success isn’t about hiding in the shadows, but convincing everyone you’re simply another villager.”

    Join the Hunt Today

    Whether you want to ruin lifelong friendships or build new ones through masterclass bluffing, North Hunt Version 1.0 is officially live on Steam. Don’t miss out on the launch day hype and the festive discounts running during Steam’s Social Deduction Fest!

    Have you played North Hunt yet? Are you going to be gliding through the skies or shrinking down as a gnome today? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #NorthHunt #SocialDeduction #IndieGames #SteamFest #NewGenStudio #VikingGaming #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Risk Your Reality: Echoes of Aincrad Brings the Ultimate SAO Death Game to PS5, Xbox, and PC!

    Risk Your Reality: Echoes of Aincrad Brings the Ultimate SAO Death Game to PS5, Xbox, and PC!

    The moment Sword Art Online fans have been waiting for has officially arrived. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has officially launched Echoes of Aincrad, a brand-new Action JRPG that takes players right back to where it all began—the iconic, high-stakes floating castle of Aincrad.

    If you’ve ever watched the anime and thought, “I could survive that,” it’s time to prove it. The game is available right now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

    Check out what you need to know about this major new release below.

    Forge Your Own Legend (And Survive It)

    Unlike previous SAO titles where you step directly into the boots of Kirito, Echoes of Aincrad shifts the lens. You are the hero. The game leans heavily into its meta-narrative, allowing players to create and fully customise their own unique avatar trapped inside the ultimate VRMMORPG.

    When “Game Over” means dying in the real world, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You’ll start from the absolute bottom during the infamous beta test period, grinding, levelling up, and fighting your way through a beautifully dangerous world to escape.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • Real-Time Action Combat: Engage in fast-paced, high-reflex combat encounters. You’ll need to adapt your equipment, weapons, and stats to match your specific playstyle—whether you favour raw speed, heavy strength, or tanky endurance.
    • Deep AI Partner Synergy: You won’t have to face the terrors of Aincrad alone. Players can team up with iconic characters from the Sword Art Online universe, syncing tactics and building powerful team dynamics to take down massive floor bosses.
    • An Expanding, Dangerous World: Explore vast environments, ranging from peaceful, serene plains to dark, trap-filled dungeons teeming with rare treasure and lethal enemies.

    Available Editions

    Bandai Namco has launched the game with a few different packages depending on how deep into the virtual world you want to dive:

    EditionWhat’s Included
    Standard EditionBase Game
    Deluxe EditionBase Game + Expansion DLC + Starter Pack + Early Unlock for Death Game Mode
    Ultimate EditionAll Deluxe Content + Digital Artbook & Soundtrack (“Unanswered//butterfly” App) + Exclusive Armor Packs

    Ready to Link Start?

    Echoes of Aincrad marks a tonal shift for the franchise, embracing a darker, more atmospheric approach that mirrors the underlying dread of the anime’s original “Death Game” arc. If you are looking for a gritty, grindy Action JRPG with deep progression and a heavy dose of nostalgia, Aincrad is calling.

    Will you conquer the floors and claim your freedom, or will you perish in the virtual wire? Grab your copy today on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or Steam, and risk your reality!

    Find out more here

    #EchoesOfAincrad #SwordArtOnline #SAO #BandaiNamco #JRPG #GamingNews #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Steam #AnimeGaming #TechMash

  • Step into the Dark: Ancient Witchcraft and Psychological Terror Await in ‘Escape From Umbra’

    Step into the Dark: Ancient Witchcraft and Psychological Terror Await in ‘Escape From Umbra’

    Indie horror fans, it is time to charge your batteries and prepare for a serious spike in your heart rate. Veteran independent studio WildSphere—the brilliant minds behind the terrifying Oxide Room 104—has officially unleashed its latest nightmare onto the world.

    Their highly anticipated survival horror and puzzle title, Escape From Umbra, is now available for purchase across all major console and PC digital platforms. If you have been looking for a horror game that prioritises thick, suffocating atmosphere and clever puzzle-solving over mindless jump scares, this is the one to put on your radar.

    The Nightmare of Umbra’s Domain

    Escape From Umbra drops you headfirst into a dark, psychological thriller inspired by ancient mountain witch legends. What was supposed to be a happy birthday getaway in a vacation home quickly devolves into a terrifying reality. You find yourself trapped in a labyrinthine, fog-drenched village inspired by the real-world mountain towns of Las Alpujarras, painstakingly brought to life in gorgeous, eerie detail via Unreal Engine 5.

    The catch? The village is ruled by a relentless witch named Umbra, who is actively hunting you down to consume your soul.

    True “Escape Room” Mechanics

    WildSphere is completely stripping away the traditional video game safety nets here. You won’t find floating backpacks, oversized HUDs, or artificial inventory screens. Escape From Umbra plays out like a literal 3D escape room.

    You must physically investigate the environment, manipulate objects in 3D space, and piece together how to use them to break out of each area. Your only guide is a cryptic journal filled with riddles and logic-based clues. You will have to rely entirely on your own wits to find a path to freedom.

    Friend or Foe? The Mechanics of the Dark

    Surviving the village requires masterfully balancing your very limited resources:

    • The Flashlight: Your beam illuminates the pitch-black streets and can unleash a powerful burst of energy to temporarily blind the spectres patrolling the town. However, light attracts unwanted attention, and your battery life is always ticking down.
    • The Shadow Creatures: The witch’s spectres are alert to the slightest hint of light. If you hear the roots of the village creaking, you need to kill your flashlight, break the line of sight, and hide immediately.
    • The Black Cats: In a world filled with shifting shadows and frozen magic mirrors, keep an eye out for enigmatic black cats. When you see them, trust them—they serve as your guide through the darkness.

    Next-Gen Immersion: If you are playing on the PlayStation 5, the game takes immersion to a whole new level. The flashlight mechanics utilize adaptive triggers for added realism, and there are no on-screen health or danger indicators. Instead, the controller’s haptic feedback transmits your character’s heartbeat directly to your hands—accelerating chaotically as your only radar when danger is closing in.

    Out Now on All Platforms

    Whether you prefer PC gaming or couch-crusading on consoles, WildSphere has you covered. Escape From Umbra has launched simultaneously on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG.

    If you are still on the fence about whether you can handle the dark, a limited-time 10-15 minute playable demo is currently available on Steam and GOG so you can test your nerves before you buy.

    Do you have what it takes to decipher the clues, avoid the witch, and escape the shadows? Grab your copy today and find out.

    Find out more here

    #EscapeFromUmbra #WildSphere #IndieHorror #SurvivalHorror #PuzzleGames #GamingNews #TechMash #HorrorGaming

  • Consoles, Prepare for the Weird: Once Human Lands on PS5 & Xbox This August with a First-Person Twist!

    Consoles, Prepare for the Weird: Once Human Lands on PS5 & Xbox This August with a First-Person Twist!

    Attention, console Metas! If you’ve been watching PC players explore the wonderfully bizarre, Stardust-infected post-apocalypse from the sidelines, your patience is about to pay off.

    NetEase Games and Starry Studio have officially dropped the news we’ve all been waiting for: their hit open-world supernatural survival game, Once Human, is officially launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 25, 2026!

    Best of all? The developers aren’t just giving us a simple port—they’re dropping console players straight into the action with major day-one features. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming console launch.

    True Freedom: Cross-Play & Cross-Progression at Launch

    There is nothing worse than wanting to jump to a new platform but fearing the loss of hundreds of hours of grinding. Thankfully, Starry Studio has eliminated that headache.

    Right from the official August 25 launch, Once Human will feature full cross-play and cross-progression support. Whether you’re moving from PC to the comfort of your couch or trying to team up with friends across different platforms, your progress, Deviants, and base blueprints will seamlessly carry over.

    See the Apocalypse Through New Eyes: First-Person Mode

    If the eerie world of Nalcott wasn’t immersive enough in third-person, prepare to get up close and personal. The console launch will coincide with a brand-new First-Person Perspective (FPP) feature.

    Whether you’re clearing out terrifying anomalies in a tight corridor, aiming down the sights during intense boss fights, or just soaking in the gorgeous, mutated landscapes, switching to FPP promises to completely change how you experience the game’s survival mechanics and combat.

    Optimised for Current-Gen Power

    Starry Studio isn’t skimping on performance either. Console players will have the option to choose how they want to experience the apocalypse:

    • Quality Mode: Stargaze in stunning 4K visuals at a smooth 60 FPS.
    • Performance Mode: Prioritise ultra-fluid gameplay by targeting up to 120 FPS on compatible displays.

    Furthermore, PlayStation 5 players can look forward to custom DualSense integration, featuring bespoke haptic feedback that delivers distinct rumbles for massive monsters and precise trigger resistance during high-stakes gunfights.

    Get Ready for August 25

    Once Human will remain completely free-to-play when it hits consoles, though eager fans can already head to the PlayStation and Xbox storefronts to pre-order optional cosmetic starter packs to kick off their journey in style.

    Mark your calendars, call your squad, and get ready to turn the unknown into your ultimate power this August. The supernatural apocalypse is coming to the big screen!

    Will you be playing Once Human in first-person or third-person when it hits consoles? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OnceHuman #NetEaseGames #StarryStudio #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Xbox #GamingNews #SurvivalGames #CrossPlay #TechMash

  • Light Meets Shadow: Lumina Arrives in ARK: Dragontopia First Content Update!

    Light Meets Shadow: Lumina Arrives in ARK: Dragontopia First Content Update!

    Survivors, prepare to take your eyes off the ground and look to the skies. Studio Wildcard has officially launched the first major content update for ARK: Dragontopia, the massive, dragon-focused adventure expanding the horizons of ARK: Survival Ascended.

    Following the jaw-dropping shadowdrop of the Dragontopia DLC earlier this month, the skybound paradise is already growing. The headline of today’s drop? The arrival of Lumina, a radiant celestial dragon ready to bring a brilliant new force to the battle above the clouds.

    The Ultimate Sun-Sworn Counterpart

    If you’ve been ruling the skies with Umbra, the obsidian terror born of darkness, it’s time to meet his direct opposite. Lumina is a sun-sworn, light-bending apex predator designed to restore celestial balance.

    Here is what this radiant new tame brings to your draconic arsenal:

    • Light-Bending Traps: Scatter brilliant celestial traps in midair to blind, punish, and disrupt anyone bold enough to pursue you.
    • The Ultimate Sun-Flare: When pushed to her absolute limit, Lumina erupts into an unstoppable sun-flare state. This blazing transformation strips away enemy technological defences (yes, say goodbye to your precious TEK mechanics) while boosting her own speed and power.
    • Celestial Synergy: Lumina doesn’t just replace Umbra—she completes him. When united in battle alongside her shadow-forged kin, their combined synergy unlocks a devastating alliance of unmatched speed, fortified armour, and pure destruction.

    The Road to a Boundless Skyworld

    Today’s content update is just the beginning of a massive, multi-month roadmap Studio Wildcard has mapped out for the skies of Dragontopia:

    Release WindowWhat’s Coming to the Skies
    July (Out Now!)Lumina Awakens: Tame the sun-sworn celestial dragon, explore new skill tree synergies, and master light-based aerial combat.
    OctoberThe Sky-Behemoth Rises: A heavily armored juggernaut joins the fray. This massive beast can inhale resources, allies, and enemies alike, violently expelling them as weaponized payloads or anchoring itself as an immovable flying fortress.
    DecemberThe Map-Wide Skyworld: The expansion culminates in an endless, procedurally shattered map of floating landmasses, sky outposts, new vehicles, and the full mythical roster of legendary dragons.

    TechMash Verdict: Studio Wildcard is hitting its stride by leaning heavily into high-fantasy aerial mechanics. Between the midair mounts using the Drake Claw Grappler and the tactical depth of the new Dragon Skill Tree, Dragontopia is breathing entirely new life into ARK: Survival Ascended.

    Have you managed to tame Lumina yet, or are you still trying to perfect your midair grapples? Let us know your thoughts on the new update in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #ARK #ARKSurvivalAscended #ARKDragontopia #StudioWildcard #GamingNews #LuminaAwakens #DragonRider #SurvivalGames #TechMash

  • Meet the Minister of Flesh: Starfinder: Afterlight Drops Sinister New Villain Details at Tacticon!

    Meet the Minister of Flesh: Starfinder: Afterlight Drops Sinister New Villain Details at Tacticon!

    The Pact Worlds are about to get a lot more dangerous. At Tacticon, developer Epictellers Entertainment pulled back the curtain on Starfinder: Afterlight, giving fans a spine-chilling look at one of the game’s primary antagonists.

    If you thought exploring neon-lit space stations and undead worlds was going to be a walk in the park, think again. Say hello to Velkan Droth—though you’ll likely come to fear him by his much more sinister moniker: The Minister of Flesh.

    A Villain Born of Cosmic Horror

    Described by Epictellers’ CEO Ricard Pillosu as a twisted cross between the Joker and Ted Bundy, the Minister of Flesh is an Azrinaran Elf hailing from the notorious planet of Apostae. Voiced by the incredibly talented Christopher Tester (whom tactical RPG fans will immediately recognise as Heinrix from Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader), Velkan Droth serves as a key antagonist across the game’s first two acts.

    Droth isn’t just your run-of-the-mill space pirate or galactic warlord. He is a highly unpredictable, deeply charming, and completely sadistic hired gun. Driven by a traumatic past and guided by a mysterious voice only he can hear, he treats his assassinations not as mere jobs, but as elaborate, gruesome works of art.

    Worse yet? He has a deeply personal, unsettling obsession with one of your core companions, a Borai named Sterling.

    “We still have much to reveal about his past and true intentions, and we can’t wait to see our community dig into our very first villain.” > — Ricard Pillosu, CEO and Co-Founder of Epictellers Entertainment

    What is Starfinder: Afterlight?

    For the uninitiated, Starfinder: Afterlight is a highly anticipated, single-player party-based CRPG that brings Paizo’s beloved sci-fi fantasy universe to life using the Starfinder 2e ruleset.

    When your captain vanishes and the galaxy faces total annihilation, it’s up to you to assemble a crew of six unique companions—ranging from mystic prophets to android assassins—and navigate a massive 40-to-60-hour branching narrative where choices carry heavy consequences.

    Key Features to Get Excited For:

    • Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Utilise Paizo’s critically acclaimed three-action system with iconic classes like the Soldier, Operative, Mystic, and Solarian.
    • Deep Companionship: Forge bonds, navigate moral dilemmas, and even romance your crew.
    • A Galaxy of Variety: Battle through everything from Hellknights to holographic viruses across the star system.

    Demo and Early Access Timelines

    You won’t have to wait until the distant future to face the Minister of Flesh yourself. Epictellers Entertainment confirmed that a public demo is dropping this summer, allowing players to get their first hands-on experience with the tactical combat and encounter Velkan Droth ahead of schedule.

    Following the demo, Starfinder: Afterlight is officially tracking to launch into Steam Early Access later this year.

    Want to keep a close eye on how this stellar sci-fi RPG is shaping up? You can wishlist the game on Steam right now and dive deep into more details about the development here.

    #StarfinderAfterlight #CRPG #IndieGames #GamingNews #Tacticon #SciFiRPG #Epictellers #PCGaming

  • Sinner to Weapon: Meet Saro, the Inquisition’s New Sanctioned Psyker in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy

    Sinner to Weapon: Meet Saro, the Inquisition’s New Sanctioned Psyker in Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy

    The Holy Inquisition of the Imperium has never been known for its mercy, but it certainly knows how to recycle a sinner.

    Owlcat Games has dropped a blazing new trailer for their highly anticipated grimdark cRPG, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy. The spotlight this time shines directly on Saro, a newly revealed companion who perfectly embodies the cold, pragmatic philosophy of the Inquisition: if you can be used as a weapon for the God-Emperor, your sins can wait.

    Check out the trailer drop and everything we know about this volatile new ally below.

    The Soul of a Sinner, the Might of a Pyromancer

    In the bleak universe of Warhammer 40,000, psykers are a walking existential threat. Intuned with the terrifying currents of the Warp, they can snap and unleash Chaos at any moment. Most are hunted down and executed. The “lucky” ones? They get broken, rebuilt, and turned into living weapons.

    That is exactly the hand Saro was dealt. After undergoing a brutal and harrowing sanctioning process, he now serves the Tyrantine Cabal of the Inquisition.

    “Even though he is now deemed a sinner who will never be granted the blessed light of the God-Emperor, his iron will and fervent belief in the Imperium have helped him survive countless battles as well as the lure of the warp.”

    High Risk, Blazing Rewards

    If you like your tactical combat with a side of extreme danger, Saro is going to be your go-to companion.

    • The Power: In combat, Saro unleashes devastating pyromancy abilities. He is capable of conjuring massive firestorms that can incinerate heretics, mutants, and xenos alike in a single turn.
    • The Catch: Wielding the Warp comes at a heavy cost. Lean too hard on Saro’s psychic abilities, and you will cause catastrophic disturbances in the Empyrean. This can trigger volatile warp phenomena or accidentally summon literal daemons straight into the middle of your battlefield.
    • The Weakness: While his supernatural knowledge is invaluable for the game’s detective investigations and his destructive output is massive, Saro is a classic glass cannon. He lacks physical strength, meaning you’ll need to use the game’s revamped cover system to keep him safe.

    Play the Closed Beta Today

    Saro is just one of the ten distinct companions players will be able to recruit into their Inquisitorial warbands.

    Want to test his pyromantic firestorms for yourself? The Closed Beta for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is officially running right now. You can gain instant access to Act 1 of the beta by purchasing one of the Founder’s Packs directly from Owlcat Games’ official website.

    The full game is currently available to wishlist on Steam and is slated to launch on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Find out more here

    #WH40K #DarkHeresy #OwlcatGames #Grimdark #cRPG #GamingNews #Warhammer40k #ClosedBeta #GamesWorkshop #Techmash

  • Get Ready to Form Geppy-X! Bliss Brain Drops Hype Countdown Trailer Ahead of Worldwide Launch

    Get Ready to Form Geppy-X! Bliss Brain Drops Hype Countdown Trailer Ahead of Worldwide Launch

    Mecha fans and retro gamers, synchronise your watches! Bliss Brain has officially kicked off the final week of anticipation by releasing a spectacular 7-day countdown trailer for 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X.

    This cult-classic 1999 PlayStation treasure is finally breaking out of its Japan-exclusive vault. It is officially launching worldwide on July 16, 2026, bringing its high-flying, retro-infused side-scrolling shooter madness to every major modern platform.

    Check out everything you need to know about this fully remastered, playable anime broadcast before it drops.

    A Playable 70s Anime Experience Sourced From Master Tapes

    Geppy-X isn’t just a video game that takes style cues from old-school giant robots—it is structurally built like an authentic 1970s super robot television broadcast. When you play, you will experience the complete retro TV package: opening theme songs, commercial breaks, mid-episode eyecatches, and “next time on…” previews.

    Originally spanning a massive four discs back on the original PS1, this remastered edition from Bliss Brain and developer Implicit Conversions has been meticulously preserved.

    • Betacam Master Tape Audio & Video: Digitised directly from the original production tapes.
    • 24 Frames Per Second: The beautifully hand-drawn animations have been fully restored to their original broadcast fluidity.
    • Classic vs. Modern Toggle: In a massive win for video game preservation, you can seamlessly swap between the newly upscaled HD animation and the raw, untouched original movie versions.

    Three Forms, No Mercy: The Gameplay Breakdown

    At its core, Geppy-X is a fast-paced 2D arcade side-scrolling shoot-’em-up. To defend Earth from the invading Space Demon Empire, you will take control of three young pilots operating a transforming mecha. Success relies on switching between three distinct tactical forms in real-time:

    Mid-Season Evolution: True to the tropes of 70s anime, the machine will undergo a mid-game evolution into the devastating Geppy-XX, unlocking entirely new weapon sets!

    Modern Features Meet Legendary Voice Talent

    While the original arcade challenge remains intact, Bliss Brain has added essential modern quality-of-life upgrades to make piloting a breeze:

    • Rewind Function to fix minor slip-ups.
    • Quick Save and Rapid Fire options.
    • CRT Filters for that authentic, glowing cathode-ray tube nostalgia.

    To top it all off, the game features voice work from legendary late-90s voice actors (including Akira Kamiya and Sh? Hayami) and a roaring soundtrack with original recordings by classic anime theme artists like Hironobu Kageyama and Isao Sasaki.

    Launching Everywhere July 16!

    Whether you want to challenge the movie-style boss rush mode, unlock alternate timeline scenarios, or just blast through the campaign, the definitive version of 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X lands on July 16, 2026.

    You can grab it next week on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, the Microsoft Store, and PC via Steam.

    Are you ready to defend Earth? Let us know in the comments below which Geppy form you’ll be maining!

    Find out more here

    #GeppyX #BlissBrain #RetroGaming #MechaAnime #SuperRobot #GamingNews #Shmup #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #Xbox #Steam