TECHMASH

Author: David Allen

  • Shred, Upgrade, Uncover — Paper Shredder Tears Through ID@Xbox Showcase, Winter Release Confirmed

    Shred, Upgrade, Uncover — Paper Shredder Tears Through ID@Xbox Showcase, Winter Release Confirmed

    Ever stared at a mountain of paperwork and wondered what would happen if you just… destroyed it? Independent studio Embers turned that satisfying daydream into a game — and today during the latest ID@Xbox Showcase, they confirmed their highly anticipated incremental title Paper Shredder is coming this Winter 2026 to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox for PC, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

    The Deal — Shred Your Way to a Million

    You’ve accepted an offer too good to refuse: lock yourself away and eliminate every last sheet of confidential company documentation, and you walk away with $1,000,000. Start with nothing but your bare hands and a humble entry-level shredder — one sheet at a time — and watch that small, repetitive action explode into an industrial-scale operation.

    This isn’t mindless busywork, though — every pile hides something. As you chew through towering stacks of files, you’ll unlock new rooms, reveal hidden company machinery, and peel back layers of corporate secrets buried deep beneath the paper.

    Gameplay — From Chore to Catharsis

    Paper Shredder takes the incremental genre and wraps it in a deceptively simple premise that evolves dramatically:

    • Start small — feed individual sheets, sweep scraps, and earn merit points to spend on better gear
    • Upgrade everything — faster shredders, automated feeders, industrial brooms, and processing machinery turn slow drudgery into satisfying, chain-reaction destruction
    • Meet the Happiness Manager — your perpetually cheerful, ever-watchful overseer whose positivity feels increasingly menacing as the hours pile up
    • Dig deeper — what exactly is in these files? Why does the company want them gone? Progress reveals narrative threads, new areas, and darker truths about the operation
    • Scale up — solo effort becomes a facility-spanning production line; satisfaction grows alongside your efficiency

    From Cult Wishlist to Multi-Platform Launch

    Paper Shredder has already caught fire on Steam, climbing to become one of the platform’s most wishlisted upcoming indie releases — a phenomenon that even caught the team by surprise. Now, with the ID@Xbox reveal, Embers is bringing the experience to a far wider audience:

    PlatformRelease Window
    Xbox Series XS
    Xbox for PCWinter 2026
    Steam (PC)Winter 2026
    Epic Games StoreWinter 2026

    Cross-buy and Xbox Play Anywhere support ensures your progress travels between console and PC seamlessly.

    Why It Stands Out

    Incremental games often fall into the same familiar loops — Paper Shredder distinguishes itself by wrapping its systems in atmosphere, mystery, and a sharp undercurrent of satire. The Happiness Manager’s bright encouragement contrasts beautifully with the growing realisation that you’re destroying evidence. It’s satisfying, addictive, and quietly unsettling — a rare combination that sticks with you long after you’ve closed the game.

    Wishlist Now

    The Steam and Epic Games Store pages are live — add Paper Shredder to your wishlist today to catch development updates, countdown to launch, and be first in line when the shredding begins. This Winter, don’t just clear your desk — erase it from existence.

    More Info: Paper Shredder

    #PaperShredder #EmbersDev #IDXbox #IDXboxShowcase #IncrementalGame #IdleGame #IndieDev #PCGaming #XboxSeriesX #Steam #EpicGamesStore #IndieGame #Winter2026 #Techmash

  • Cold War, Cold Blood — Red Kiss Bares Its Fangs at IGN x ID@XBOX, Day One Game Pass Confirmed

    Cold War, Cold Blood — Red Kiss Bares Its Fangs at IGN x ID@XBOX, Day One Game Pass Confirmed

    Berlin. The 1980s. The Wall divides the city. But deeper shadows stir beneath the concrete — a house of undead spies prowls the tunnels, gathering secrets, feeding on the vulnerable, and playing both sides of a conflict older than the Iron Curtain itself. Wispfire and narrative game specialists Fellow Traveller have taken to the IGN x ID@XBOX Showcase to unveil that their striking tactical narrative RPG Red Kiss is heading to Xbox Series X|S — launching Day One on Xbox Game Pass alongside its previously confirmed PC release via Steam.

    A Kiss with Fangs — What Is Red Kiss?

    From the studio behind the acclaimed historical drama Herald and the publisher of beloved story-driven hits Citizen Sleeper and The Pale Beyond comes a supernatural thriller where every choice tastes of iron and consequence. You are the Augur — freshly turned, gifted with terrifying psychic sight, and installed as the dispatcher for a clandestine household of vampire operatives answering only to the charismatic, dangerous figure known as Daddy. Your mission: run the network, manage the blood supply, and send your agents out into a fractured, tense Cold War Berlin to uncover secrets, forge alliances, and further your house’s hidden agenda.

    The game unfolds as a mind-map of 1980s Berlin — each station, district, and alley a node on your growing psychic web. From the U-Bahn tunnels to shadowed meeting rooms, you’ll dispatch your team on Opportunities: investigations, gambits, and liaisons where skills, relationships, and careful resource management mean the difference between influence and exposure.

    Your Agents — Family, Fangs, and Fractured Pasts

    At the heart of Red Kiss lies your team — each vampire brought vividly to life with hand-painted art, Live2D animation, and full voice acting:

    • Linh — a thrill-seeking Vietnamese immigrant whose fierce appetite masks deep trauma
    • Sasha — quick-witted, flirty, and slippery; Daddy’s favourite and a master of back-street manoeuvring
    • Zita — weary of the ages, clinging to the fading glitz of a world that has long since moved on
    • Fritz — newly resurrected and introduced in the showcase reveal, whose return raises questions about Daddy’s true plans

    Deepen your bonds through personal story missions, and their loyalty becomes your greatest strength — or their resentment your undoing. Every relationship shapes their growth, their skills, and the destinies you help them claim.

    Strategy with Bite — Gameplay

    Red Kiss blends tactical decision-making, narrative weight, and resource management into something uniquely stylish:

    • The Wheel of Fate — a skill-check system tied to six distinct abilities; pick the right agent for every mission
    • Manage the essentials — blood, energy, and funds must be balanced carefully; scarcity is as much a threat as discovery
    • Win the city’s trust — build standing with Berlin’s factions to unlock boons, buffs, and deeper access
    • Choose your path — stand by Daddy’s grand design… or betray him to carve out a future your own way. No choice is without cost

    Showcase News — Xbox, Game Pass & Beyond

    The spotlight appearance confirmed:

    • Xbox Series X|S release alongside PC via Steam
    • Day One availability on Xbox Game Pass — console and PC
    • Xbox Play Anywhere support — buy once, play across console and Windows
    • Release window: 2027

    For Fellow Traveller — a publisher synonymous with thoughtful, distinctive storytelling — this marks yet another bold step forward. For Wispfire, a small three-person studio rooted in interactive theatre, it’s a chance to bring their signature blend of history, humanity, and daring themes to the widest audience yet.

    Wishlist & Watch This Space

    Red Kiss has no firm date beyond “coming 2027”, but you can already add it to your Steam wishlist to catch every development update as it lands. Between the vivid hand-painted aesthetic, morally grey narrative, and that unbeatable Day One Game Pass entry, this is one vampire story you won’t want to sleep on.

    More Info: Red Kiss

    #RedKiss #Wispfire #FellowTraveller #IDXbox #IGNxIDXbox #XboxGamePass #GamePassDayOne #TacticalRPG #Techmash #NarrativeGame #VampireRPG #ColdWar #IndieDev #PCGaming #XboxSeriesX #Steam

  • Magic, Mischief & Secrecy — The Witch Simulator Arrives from Serbian Indie Dev Altus Ludus, Steam Page Live Now

    Magic, Mischief & Secrecy — The Witch Simulator Arrives from Serbian Indie Dev Altus Ludus, Steam Page Live Now

    Live quietly among the villagers. Brew remedies that heal and tonics that transform. Fly across moonlit forests on your broomstick — and vanish without a trace the moment the Inquisition comes knocking. Independent Belgrade studio Altus Ludus has today lifted the veil on The Witch Simulator, a fantasy life-adventure that blends cosy co-op, spellbinding alchemy, and genuine peril in a medieval world where magic is both your greatest gift and your deadliest secret. Launch is targeted for mid?2027 on PC via Steam, and the store page is live right now to wishlist.

    Life as a Witch — Work Together or Walk the Path Alone

    The game invites you to live the full, fragile existence of a witch in a realm where superstition rules and the Inquisition hunts all who wield the arcane. You can go it solo, or team up with 1–4 players in online co-op — complete with built?in voice chat — to share the burden of hiding in plain sight while tending to the village’s most desperate needs.

    Your days follow a rich, living rhythm:

    • Forage and gather rare herbs, crystals, and monster components across varied biomes — forests, wetlands, mountains, and shadowed ruins
    • Brew potions with a fluid?based elemental system that rewards precision and experimentation; master fire, frost, storm, and arcane effects to craft everything from healing draughts to defensive elixirs
    • Serve the community — solve quests, mend ailments, and trade your wares at a market stall where haggling and charm matter as much as coin
    • Stand your ground — hunt beasts, face powerful bosses, and defend yourself when words fail
    • Take to the skies — fly, race, and battle atop your broom, navigating weather and terrain as well as foes
    • Hide in plain sight — conceal your magic instantly with a gesture; survive Inquisition patrols, raids, and suspicion as your reputation grows

    A World That Watches — Choose Your Own Destiny

    What kind of witch will you be? Altus Ludus emphasises freedom of role: specialise as a revered Potion Master, a feared Bounty Hunter, a wandering Monster Slayer, or blend every path to suit your playstyle. As you help villagers and complete tasks, your standing rises — earning you passage deeper into the kingdom, new allies, and eventually the chance to confront and overthrow the Grand Inquisitor themselves.

    The world breathes, too: a full day/night cycle shifts dangers and opportunities, while controller support ensures comfort whether you’re casting spells or striking deals at the market stall. Localised into 14 languages, the game is built to welcome players everywhere. A free demo is already pencilled in for Steam Next Fest — February 2027, giving fans their first hands?on before launch.

    Crafted from Belgrade — Altus Ludus Unleashes Its Debut

    The Witch Simulator marks a major milestone for Altus Ludus, the self?publishing independent team based in Serbia. In a genre crowded with big?budget fantasy blockbusters, this is a deeply personal take: smaller in scale perhaps, but brimming with the kind of charm, care, and creative freedom only an indie studio can deliver. It’s less about conquering the world — at least, not at first — and more about living in it: tending a garden of nightshade, haggling over a vial of stamina draught, and vanishing into the mist the moment a patrol turns your way.

    Wishlist Today — Magic Awaits

    The Steam store page is live now — search The Witch Simulator or head straight there to add it to your wishlist and catch future updates as development progresses. Mid?2027 can’t come soon enough.

    More Info: The Witch Simulator

    #TheWitchSimulator #AltusLudus #IndieDev #SerbianGames #FantasyRPG #CoOpGaming #LifeSim #Steam #SteamNextFest #PCGaming #IndieGame #WitchGame #Techmash

  • Rivals in the Sky — Castle Away Demo Soars With Asynchronous Multiplayer & Relics for Steam Next Fest

    Rivals in the Sky — Castle Away Demo Soars With Asynchronous Multiplayer & Relics for Steam Next Fest

    Your fortress has a new horizon. Renegade Games, the independent studio based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has deployed a massive feature update to the playable demo of Castle Away — the hand-drawn roguelite autobattler where you build, arm, and pilot a flying stronghold toward an epic showdown with the Archdemon — just in time for Steam Next Fest. The update is live right now, free for all players.

    Build Your Fortress. Defy the Archdemon.

    Castle Away reimagines the autobattler by placing you in command of a custom-designed flying castle. You place rooms, defences, and units across your keep, then watch as your creation takes to the skies — fighting through waves of foes, gathering resources, and growing in power with every run. It’s part sky-city builder, part tactical autobattler, part roguelite — and every journey is different.

    This Steam Next Fest update doesn’t just polish the experience — it fundamentally expands what you can do.

    What’s New — The Full Breakdown

    Rivals — Asynchronous Multiplayer

    The headline addition: Rivals mode lets you clash with castles built by real players — live, no matchmaking required. Instead of facing only demon bosses, you’ll now encounter other people’s fortresses in flight. And Renegade warns: “Some of these player-built castles are so tough, they’ll make the Archdemon look like a mid-boss.” It’s a chance to test your design against the community’s best — and see what truly unbreakable looks like.

    Relics — A New Layer of Strategy

    At the start of every run, the mysterious merchant Fishy now grants you a Relic — a powerful unique item that reshapes your entire approach to building. One Relic might favour aggressive, high-damage layouts; another rewards dense, impenetrable defence; a third might unlock wild experimental strategies. Collect more Relics as you progress and suddenly no two journeys — or two castles — will ever feel the same.

    Customise Your Commander

    Your avatar now stands out with unlockable cosmetic options, letting you personalise the face of your flying fortress. Stand tall, look the part, and match your style to your strategy.

    Speed Controls — Your Pace, Your Call

    Tired of waiting through drawn-out battles? New speed toggles let you crank up the tempo — blaze through skirmishes or slow things down to study every tactical detail.

    Quality of Life Everywhere

    From clearer UI to smoother animations and behind-the-scenes polish, the whole demo feels tighter, friendlier, and more satisfying to play.

    Hand-Drawn Heart, Deep Strategic Soul

    Every asset in Castle Away is lovingly hand-illustrated — giving the world a warm, storybook charm that contrasts beautifully with the high-stakes tactical warfare. Beneath that gentle look lies serious depth: room placement, unit synergy, and Relic selection all combine to create systems that reward experimentation and clever planning.

    Wishlist & Play Now — Full Release Coming 2027

    The updated demo is free to download and play right now via Steam during Next Fest. The full version of Castle Away is scheduled to launch in Q1 2027, published by Renegade Games in partnership with WhisperGames. Join the Discord, share your toughest castle designs, and help shape the game as it evolves toward release.

    Build high. Fly far. Defy the Archdemon — and any rival that dares cross your path.

    More Info: Castle Away

    #CastleAway #RenegadeGames #SteamNextFest #Roguelite #Autobattler #IndieDev #DutchDev #PCGaming #StrategyGame #HandDrawn #Techmash

  • Neon Nights — Sunset Heat Ignites Fortnite With Miami Vibes & Free Cross-Platform Play

    Neon Nights — Sunset Heat Ignites Fortnite With Miami Vibes & Free Cross-Platform Play

    Trade the storm for the shore. Strategic Entertainment has officially unveiled Sunset Heat, a sun-drenched, neon-lit island built entirely in Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) — and it’s live right now, completely free, across every platform Fortnite supports.

    Ocean Drive Comes to Fortnite

    Sunset Heat drops players into a sprawling coastal city inspired by Miami’s most iconic stretches — where pastel Art Deco hotels glow under neon, palm trees line sweeping boulevards, and a wide-open beachfront stretches toward the horizon. By day, it’s golden sunshine and ocean breezes. By night, the city ignites — clubs pulse, signs blaze, and the vibe shifts from relaxed to electric.

    This isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living, breathing playground built with UEFN’s full power: richer geometry, custom lighting, original audio, and secrets tucked into every alley and rooftop.

    Cruise, Explore, Compete — What Awaits

    • Original Soundtrack — An exclusive Latin-synthwave score featuring tracks like “Buena Clave” and “Calor de la Noche” sets the mood from the moment you arrive
    • Cruise the Strip — Hop into vehicles and race down the boulevard; keep an eye out for the mysterious white limousine that appears at random — track it down for special rewards
    • Free-For-All Action — Up to 24 players can battle it out across the city — from crowded beachfronts to neon-lit hotel rooftops
    • Hidden Quests & Easter Eggs — Every district holds secrets. Look closely, explore off the beaten path, and you might uncover more than just victory

    How to Jump In — Instant Access, Zero Cost

    Sunset Heat is 100% free and playable right now on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile — no purchase, no battle pass required:

    1. Open Fortnite
    2. Go to Discover or select the magnifying glass
    3. Enter Island Code: 6341-9644-0924
    4. Drop in and turn up the heat

    A New Era of Fortnite Worlds

    UEFN continues to blur the line between “game mode” and fully realised digital destination. Sunset Heat stands as one of the most ambitious projects from Strategic Entertainment — a studio dedicated to bringing premium, cinematic-quality experiences to the platform. Whether you’re here to battle, explore, or just soak in the neon glow, the doors are open.

    The sun has set. The city is alive. See you on the boulevard.

    More Info: Sunset Heat Fortnite

    #SunsetHeat #Fortnite #UEFN #StrategicEntertainment #FreeToPlay #CrossPlatform #MiamiVibes #Neon #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming #MobileGaming #Techmash

  • Ogre Again — DreamWorks Shrek 2 Remastered Returns November 10 Across All Platforms

    Ogre Again — DreamWorks Shrek 2 Remastered Returns November 10 Across All Platforms

    The swamp calls once more. Aspyr, in partnership with Universal, has officially unveiled DreamWorks Shrek 2 Remastered — the definitive revival of the beloved 2004 action-adventure — and it’s arriving November 10, 2026 on nearly every platform you can play on.

    Back to Far Far Away — Better Than Ever

    Originally released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC, Shrek 2 became a staple of couch co-op and family gaming. Two decades later, this remastered edition rebuilds the experience from the ground up while keeping the fun, charm, and chaotic four-player energy fans adore:

    • Visual Overhaul — Enhanced textures, remastered cutscenes, refined UI, and 4K resolution on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 (docked), and PC
    • Photo Mode — Freeze the fun, frame your favourite characters, and capture Far Far Away at its prettiest
    • On-the-Fly Character Swapping — Switch between Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and more instantly on all platforms. Each hero has unique strengths — use them to solve puzzles, crush foes, and tackle bosses your way
    • Cheat Mode — Unlock fun extras and make the journey smoother for younger or casual players

    Co-Op For Everyone — Local, Online, or Both

    The biggest upgrade? Four-player co-op however you want it:

    • Couch Co-op — Gather round a single screen, just like 2004
    • Online Multiplayer — Join friends from anywhere
    • Mixed Play — Combine local and online players across platforms — cross-play supported
    • Solo Play — Experience the adventure on your own, swapping characters as needed

    Every Kingdom, Every Console

    Shrek 2 Remastered launches simultaneously on:

    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • Nintendo Switch
    • PC via Steam & Epic Games Store

    Pre-Order Now — 10% Off

    Price: $29.99 / £24.99 / €26.99 — with a 10% launch discount live right now across all platforms

    The journey stretches from the swamp through potion factories to the gates of Far Far Away itself — packed with movie-faithful moments, hidden Easter eggs, and the kind of pick-up-and-play fun that works for every generation.

    Whether you’re returning to the swamp or visiting for the very first time — the door is open.

    Grab your friends. Don’t forget the onions. Shrek is back.

    More Info: Shrek 2 Remastered

    #Shrek2Remastered #DreamWorks #Aspyr #Universal #CoopGaming #FamilyGaming #Remastered #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #NintendoSwitch #PCGaming #Techmash

  • Pinball Prince — Croak Leaps to Xbox & PC March 2027, Day One on Game Pass

    Pinball Prince — Croak Leaps to Xbox & PC March 2027, Day One on Game Pass

    Get ready to stick the landing. WoodRunner Games unveiled Croak during the ID@Xbox Showcase, confirming this gorgeously hand-drawn 2D precision platformer will hop onto Xbox Series X|S and PC in March 2027 — and it arrives day one with Xbox Game Pass, including Xbox Play Anywhere support across console and PC.

    A Prince, Turned Amphibian — With a Very Useful Tongue

    Once a prince, now a round and lovably chubby frog, our hero has one extraordinary tool: his stretchy, springy tongue. This isn’t just for catching flies — it’s your grappling hook, your bungee cord, and your flipper all in one. Launch yourself, latch onto surfaces, bounce off walls, and ricochet through hundreds of hand-crafted rooms like a living pinball. Master the SuperBonk ability and you’ll chain tongue-grabs into high-speed, hair-raising flows where momentum is everything.

    Hand-Drawn Magic From Industry Talents

    Every frame of Croak is a labour of love, brought to life by animators whose previous credits include Cuphead and Rick & Morty. The result is a vibrant, storybook world brimming with personality — fluid, expressive, and packed with charm that feels alive in every hop and bounce.

    Biomes, Bosses, and BMX Beavers

    Your journey takes you across distinct, whimsical realms — each with its own visual style, traversal quirks, and standout encounters:

    • Meet unusual bosses — including a beaver showing off BMX tricks
    • Collect coins, uncover secrets, and hunt for hidden paths tucked away in every corner
    • Ultra-hard challenge stages await those who conquer the main route — perfect for speedrunners and perfectionists
    • Global speedrunning leaderboards — race your friends and the world to claim the fastest frog crown

    Game Pass Day One — Platforms & Perks

    Croak launches March 2027 across:

    • Xbox Series X|S — included in Game Pass
    • PC via Steam & Microsoft Store — also Game Pass on day one
    • Xbox Play Anywhere — buy once, play on console and PC at no extra cost

    Wishlist it now on Steam to be notified the moment it leaps into view.

    A Fractured Fairy Tale With Heart

    Croak isn’t just about reflexes — it’s a warm, whimsical adventure through a kingdom cursed and rewritten. The cast is quirky, the story is full of surprises, and beneath every bouncy, breathless moment lies a tale about finding your way home.

    Stick, bounce, and leap — the Frog Prince is coming.

    More Info: Croak

    #Croak #WoodRunnerGames #IDXbox #GamePass #IndieDev #Platformer #HandDrawn #Xbox #PCGaming #Speedrunning #Techmash

  • Current Flowing — The House of Tesla: Definitive Edition Powers Up on Mobile Today

    Current Flowing — The House of Tesla: Definitive Edition Powers Up on Mobile Today

    The genius of Nikola Tesla is now in your pocket. Developer and publisher Blue Brain Games, the team behind the acclaimed The House of Da Vinci series, has officially released The House of Tesla: Definitive Edition for iOS and Android — bringing the critically praised puzzle adventure to mobile devices for the very first time.

    Wardenclyffe Awaits — Step Into the Inventor’s Shadow

    Set within the real-life, abandoned Wardenclyffe Tower facility — Tesla’s unfinished dream of global wireless electricity — this atmospheric puzzle adventure spans five meticulously crafted chapters rooted in actual locations and the inventor’s blueprints. You’ll explore deserted laboratories, decipher forgotten machinery, and wield a unique Prototype Device that lets you visualise and manipulate the flow of electrical current to unlock secrets and open new paths.

    The Definitive Edition rebuilds and elevates the entire experience:

    • Completely overhauled final chapter — new puzzles, visuals, and narrative flow for a satisfying, impactful conclusion
    • Enhanced presentation — upgraded textures, lighting, sound design, and models across every scene
    • Deeper storytelling — expanded diary entries and a dynamic flashback system that weaves Tesla’s vision into the mystery
    • Over 10 hours of thoughtful, challenging gameplay with a refined hint system

    Built for Touch — Optimised for Every Device

    This isn’t a rushed port — the interface and controls have been reimagined from the ground up for touchscreens, making every connection, rotation, and discovery feel natural on phones and tablets.

    • App Store (iOS): One purchase unlocks the game on iPhone, iPad, AND Mac — cross-platform access included
    • Google Play (Android): Available now as a standalone release
    • Price: $6.99 / €6.99 / £6.99 — premium experience, no ads, no in-app purchases
    • Languages: Full voice acting in English and Czech; interface/subtitles in 10 languages including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese-Brazil, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish

    From PC to Pocket — A Growing Legacy

    Originally launched on PC in September 2025, The House of Tesla quickly earned a following for its intelligent puzzles, rich atmosphere, and respectful inspiration from history. The Definitive Edition arrived earlier this year on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG — and now, with the mobile release, Tesla’s mystery reaches its widest audience yet.

    Blue Brain Games has also hinted the story may continue: “We believe this story isn’t finished yet,” promising future updates and follow-ups.

    The current is flowing. Wardenclyffe is waiting. Will you uncover what Tesla left behind?

    More Info: The House Of Tesla

    #TheHouseOfTesla #BlueBrainGames #PuzzleAdventure #MobileGaming #iOS #Android #Tesla #IndieDev #PremiumGaming #MysteryGame #Techmash

  • Rituals, Not Decks — Evocation Reimagines Card Battling With Node-Connecting Magic

    Rituals, Not Decks — Evocation Reimagines Card Battling With Node-Connecting Magic

    Forget everything you know about card games. Evocation, the striking new title from solo developer vodkakaa and published by GCORES PUBLISHING, is rewriting the rulebook — literally. This isn’t about drawing a hand and playing it. This is about weaving patterns, channelling energy, and performing rituals — and it’s heading to Steam in December 2026.

    The Ritual Is Your Playfield

    The core idea is breathtakingly different: your cards aren’t stacked in a deck — they’re distributed across six nodes arranged in a magical circle. To play a card, you don’t just click it — you connect nodes in specific patterns to complete rituals and unleash their power. Lines become spells. Circles become summons. The shape you draw decides what magic you weave.

    “Completing these ancient rituals generates energy, allowing you to command abyssal demons capable of turning the tide of battle.”

    It’s a visual and tactical layer no other card game offers: the layout matters as much as the cards themselves, and mastering the flow of connections is just as vital as building your collection.

    Two Paths — One Purpose

    Evocation serves every kind of card player with two fully featured modes:

    Single-Player Roguelike — The Pilgrimage

    • 3 unique starting paths and distinct card pools to master
    • Over 300 cards and 40+ enemies across a journey through a dark, fallen world — the Holy City lies in ruins, faith is outlawed, and you walk the road of purification alone
    • Deep equipment system: craft, swap, and trade gear freely — no locked relics, no dead ends
    • Every run reshapes your strategy. Every choice changes what you find.

    PvP — Pure Skill, No Pay-to-Win

    • No in-app purchases, no loot boxes, no pay-to-win — competitive play built entirely on mastery and deck craft
    • Climb, duel, test your rituals against real opponents
    • A level playing field where the best strategist wins, not the biggest wallet

    Made by One, Backed by Many

    Evocation is the vision of solo dev vodkakaa, now partnered with GCORES PUBLISHING to bring this labour of love to the world. The game blends a haunting dark-fantasy aesthetic with mechanics that feel both ancient and entirely new — where the board is a spell circle and every move is a ceremony.

    Coming This December — Wishlist Now

    Evocation arrives on Steam December 2026, supporting Windows and macOS. The internal playtest is underway — follow the game, wishlist today, and be ready when the rituals awaken.

    Draw your lines. Summon your power. Evoke what lies beneath.

    More Info: Evocation

    #Evocation #vodkakaa #GCORESPUBLISHING #CardGame #IndieDev #Roguelike #PvP #DeckBuilder #Steam #PCGaming #DarkFantasy #Techmash

  • The Ultimate Test — The Fractured Archive: Old School RuneScape’s Fourth & Toughest Raid Is Here

    The Ultimate Test — The Fractured Archive: Old School RuneScape’s Fourth & Toughest Raid Is Here

    The wait is over. Jagex has officially unleashed The Fractured Archive, the fourth-ever raid in Old School RuneScape — and by far the most demanding challenge the beloved MMORPG has ever seen. Deep beneath Lumbridge, in the vault built to house Guthix’s most dangerous artefacts, the doors have opened — and only the strongest will walk out.

    Into the Vault of Guthix

    The Fractured Archive picks up where the classic While Guthix Sleeps quest left off. Lucien has cracked open the Stone of Jas, and now you and your allies must descend into the ancient archive beneath Lumbridge to defend Gielinor’s most powerful relics from falling into the wrong hands. Completing While Guthix Sleeps is required to enter — so if you’ve been putting it off, now is the time.

    This is no sprawling dungeon of puzzles and skilling rooms. The Fractured Archive is a pure combat boss rush — designed from the ground up to test your gear, your coordination, and your nerve like never before.

    Seven Trials, One Final Showdown

    The structure is brutal and straightforward:

    • Seven escalating encounters stand between your team and the final showdown
    • You’ll face a sequence of bosses growing steadily deadlier — no filler, no easy mode
    • Conquer them all, and one last supreme guardian awaits for ultimate supremacy and the greatest rewards

    Jagex has explicitly stated this is the hardest raid in Old School RuneScape history. If you found Chambers of Xeric or Theatre of Blood comfortable, this is where that comfort ends.

    Who You Bring Matters

    • Scaling: Parties from 2 to 8 players — but Jagex recommends 3–5 for the ideal experience
    • Solo play? Possible, but genuinely elite — comparable to soloing Theatre of Blood, not Chambers of Xeric. This is an aspiration, not a casual run
    • No banking mid-raid, no overload potions to fall back on — what you bring matters, and what you manage well decides whether you survive
    • Practice Mode is coming later — for now, every run counts. Every wipe stings

    Loot Fit for a Legend

    The rewards match the difficulty. Headline drops include:

    • Obligator — devastating crush weapon that reshapes the meta against high-defence foes
    • Ascension Crossbows — dual-wielded ranged power unlike anything seen before
    • Zorya’s Tome & Archivist’s Folio — powerful utility and teleport items
    • Rondache Shield — defensive upgrades to turn the tide
    • Zeal — an enhanced version of the Piety prayer
    • Elemental Fragments to power further upgrades

    These aren’t just stat bumps — they’re game-changers that will redefine how players build and fight for years to come.

    A Milestone 13 Years in the Making

    Since Old School RuneScape launched in 2013, raids have become the heart of the endgame experience. From the Chambers of Xeric to the Theatre of Blood and the Tombs of Amascut, each has raised the bar. The Fractured Archive doesn’t just raise it — it shatters it.

    This is the raid veterans have been waiting for: unforgiving, uncompromising, and unforgettable.

    Gather your strongest. Check your gear. The Archive does not accept the weak.

    More Info: Old School RuneScape

    #OldSchoolRuneScape #OSRS #TheFracturedArchive #Jagex #RuneScape #MMORPG #GamingNews #Raid #Endgame #PCGaming #OSRSUpdate #Techmash

  • Only Together — We Were Here Tomorrow Launches Today With Full Crossplay Across All Platforms

    Only Together — We Were Here Tomorrow Launches Today With Full Crossplay Across All Platforms

    The wait is over. Total Mayhem Games, the award-winning studio behind the beloved We Were Here series, has officially released We Were Here Tomorrow — the brand-new asymmetric co-op puzzle adventure — right now on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with full cross-platform play available from day one.

    Trapped Beneath the Ice — A Mystery Across Time

    You and your partner awaken deep within the mysterious Nor?ek Industries facility, stranded beneath the Antarctic ice with little memory of how you arrived. The world you knew is gone — replaced by a striking retro-futuristic vision of an “80s tomorrow” steeped in neon, synthwave, and secrets. The charismatic Director Kathleen Bowe needs your help: her research team has vanished mid-breakthrough, and a global crisis looms. Only by stepping into their shoes can you uncover what happened — and decide what comes next.

    Two Explorers, One Fate

    This is co-op puzzle design at its finest — and most demanding:

    • Pure asymmetry: You and your partner experience entirely different spaces and perspectives. What you see, they cannot — and vice versa.
    • Walkie-talkie teamwork: Communication is your only lifeline. Describe what you observe, share discoveries, and weave your viewpoints together to solve puzzles that toy with time, gravity, and space itself.
    • Unique roles & tools: Each player carries specialised high-tech equipment. No one can do it alone — success means leaning on each other.
    • Standalone story: New to the series? No problem. Every We Were Here game stands on its own; you can jump straight into Tomorrow without playing earlier entries.

    Crossplay From Day One — Play With Anyone, Anywhere

    For the first time in franchise history, cross-platform play is built in from launch. Whether your partner is on Steam, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S, you can connect and solve together without barriers. It’s a game-changer for a series that always depends on finding that one right person to play with.

    The game also debuts full voice acting in multiple languages — another series first — including Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Latin American Spanish, alongside English and more.

    Price & Launch Discount

    We Were Here Tomorrow is available now for €19.99 / $19.99 / £16.99, with a 10% launch discount running for a limited time across all platforms.

    Where to buy:

    • Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2315050
    • PlayStation 5: store.playstation.com
    • Xbox Series X|S: xbox.com

    A Series That Brought Millions Together

    Since its debut, the We Were Here franchise has grown to five games, earned multiple awards, and united over 25 million players worldwide. Tomorrow marks a bold evolution: richer storytelling, deeper atmosphere, and accessibility for more players than ever before.

    Your partner is waiting. The walkie-talkie is on. The fate of Tomorrow is literally in your hands — and theirs.

    Communicate. Cooperate. Survive.

    More Info: We Were Here Tomorrow

    #WeWereHereTomorrow #WeWereHere #TotalMayhemGames #CoopGaming #PuzzleAdventure #Crossplay #Steam #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #IndieDev #PCGaming #Techmash

  • Fire, Steel & Vengeance — Burning Sword: Death Sun Ignites Steam Early Access November 17

    Fire, Steel & Vengeance — Burning Sword: Death Sun Ignites Steam Early Access November 17

    From Bangkok to your screen: a blazing new wuxia adventure is nearly here. Developer Nomadic Games and publisher Rising Tide Publishing have officially confirmed that Burning Sword: Death Sun, the hard-hitting wuxia hack-and-slash crafted in Thailand, will launch into Steam Early Access on November 17, 2026.

    A Kingdom Divided — A Blade Reborn

    Set in 12th-century China during the Southern Song Dynasty, Burning Sword: Death Sun casts you as Zhang Yixian, leader of the Crimson Dust Demon Sect — betrayed, cast down, and left for dead by Gao Tianqi, the Elder of the Northern Mountain and architect of the deadly “Death Sun” poison. But death hasn’t claimed him. He has returned, and he’s carving a bloody path back through the martial world to settle the score.

    “The martial sects have carved up the kingdom and the masters kill anyone in their way. Burning Sword: Death Sun is a revenge story told through swordplay, palm strikes and Qi — and the blade catches fire once you earn it.”

    Combat That Burns — Precision, Agility, Fury

    This isn’t button-mashing territory. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers fluid, punishing wuxia combat that rewards timing, skill, and mastery:

    • Wuxia swordplay blends strikes, palm techniques, and fiery Qi-fuelled special moves
    • Qi is your lifeblood — it restores health, powers techniques, and ignites your blade, but it’s scarce and precious
    • Agility is power: jump, wall-run, glide, and soar through expansive environments
    • Dodge, parry, strike, combo — every mistake costs you; every victory feels earned
    • Roguelite progression means each run offers fresh opportunities to unlock skills, upgrades, and uncover hidden lore

    What Arrives Day One

    When Early Access launches on November 17, you’ll get:

    • Five handcrafted stages — no procedural generation, every layout built with intention
    • Five main bosses plus two secret bosses for those who dig deep
    • Core combat systems, skill unlocks, and the arena mode for endless high-score challenges
    • The free Prologue Demo — available now via Steam — remains live through launch so you can test your blade before committing

    A Living Journey — Chapter by Chapter

    Nomadic Games plans roughly six months in Early Access, delivering new content every eight weeks in chapter-sized drops:

    • Full release will feature five chapters, 12 stages, nine named bosses, and the complete conclusion to Zhang Yixian’s story
    • Weekly updates will refine balance and polish based on player feedback
    • Price will be lower during Early Access as a thank-you to early supporters
    • Join the official Discord to share feedback, discuss strategies, and watch the game grow

    Made in Bangkok — Passion Against the Odds

    Nomadic Games is a 25-person independent studio based in Bangkok, founded in 2020 with a simple mission: put gameplay first. The team pushed to finish the demo and Early Access build even as severe flooding affected parts of the city — some members worked from homes facing rising waters, refusing to let the circumstances delay their vision.

    The result is a game that carries the soul of classic wuxia cinema — and the resilience of the team that built it.

    Ready to Draw Steel?

    Burning Sword: Death Sun hits Steam Early Access — November 17, 2026. Wishlist it now, play the free demo, and prepare to burn your way through the martial world.

    The sword is waiting. The path is fire.

    More Info: Burning Sword Death Sun

    #BurningSwordDeathSun #NomadicGames #RisingTide #Wuxia #HackAndSlash #SteamEarlyAccess #IndieDev #Bangkok #MartialArts #PCGaming #UnrealEngine5 #Techmash