TECHMASH

Author: Team Techmash!

  • New gameplay trailer for horror hunt game Nightholme

    New gameplay trailer for horror hunt game Nightholme

    Horror fans, it’s time to sharpen your senses—and perhaps your claws. Studio Ellipsis, the ambitious developer led by industry veteran Alex Amancio (the creative mind behind Assassin’s Creed Unity and Revelations), has finally pulled back the curtain on their upcoming project, Nightholme.

    The studio recently dropped a haunting 9-minute gameplay walkthrough, giving us our most detailed look yet at this “Multiplayer Horror Hunt.” If you’ve been looking for something that blends the tension of an extraction shooter with the visceral transformation of a creature feature, Nightholme is firmly planting its flag in that territory.

    What is Nightholme?

    At its core, Nightholme is a PvPvE extraction horror game. You play as a Grimrunner, a mercenary hunter sent into a decaying, supernatural city known as the Brineheart. Your objective? Track down a nightmarish Gloomfiend, harvest its Terror Seed, and get out alive.

    However, the city is shared with 11 other players. While you can enter as a solo hunter or in a squad of three, you are never truly alone. Cooperation is a choice—one that is often “delightfully ill-advised,” as the developers put it.

    The Power of the Nocturn

    The most unique mechanic revealed in the trailer is the Nocturn serum. To hunt monsters effectively, you must eventually become one.

    • Grimrunner Form: Your human state. You are weaker but have better control, stealth, and tactical positioning.
    • Grimspawn Form: By drinking the serum, you transform into a monstrous archetype. This grants devastating power and unique abilities, but it comes at a cost: your “Sanity” drains, and your presence is broadcast to every other player and horror in the vicinity.

    A Living, Breathing City

    The gameplay trailer showcases a city that isn’t just a map; it’s an antagonist. Inspired by cosmic horror and dark folklore, the urban sprawl of Nightholme is dense with verticality and hidden paths. The environment is reactive—noises draw enemies, and “the city watches back.”

    Progressing through a match involves more than just shooting. You’ll interact with Altars, pursue faction-based quests, and scavenge for resources to reinforce your build for future runs.

    “We believe games should feel unpredictable again. And that worlds are better when they’re discovered together.”

    — Alex Amancio, Founder of Studio Ellipsis

    When Can We Play?

    While a full release date is still TBA, the development is moving fast. Studio Ellipsis has confirmed that a Closed Beta is planned for Summer 2026.

    The game is currently being developed for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. If you’re brave enough to enter the Gloom, you can sign up for the beta now on their official website.

    Quick Facts:

    FeatureDetails
    DeveloperStudio Ellipsis
    GenrePvPvE Horror / Action / Extraction
    PlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
    Key MechanicGrimrunner to Grimspawn Transformation
    Player Count12 Players per Session (Solo or Squads of 3)

    Nightholme looks to be a refreshing, terrifying addition to the multiplayer landscape. Keep your eyes on the shadows—we certainly will be.

    For more gaming news and the latest tech reveals, stay tuned to Techmash.co.uk.

    Find out more here – https://nightholme.com/

    #StudioEllipsis #Nightholme #ClosedBeta #Horror #Grimrunner #games #gaming #gamers

  • Legacy of Kain: Ascendance out on PC and Consoles now

    Legacy of Kain: Ascendance out on PC and Consoles now

    The wait is finally over. For the first time in over two decades, the gothic, blood-soaked world of Nosgoth returns to our screens. Legacy of Kain: Ascendance has officially launched today, March 31, 2026, bringing a bold new direction to one of gaming’s most revered dark fantasy franchises.

    Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the philosophical musings of Kain and Raziel from the 32-bit era or a newcomer curious about the hype, here is everything you need to know about today’s big release.

    A New Vision: From 3D Action to 2D Mastery

    While the series is traditionally known for its 3D action-adventure roots, Ascendance takes a stylistic leap. Developed by Bit Bot Media in association with Crystal Dynamics, the game is a fast-paced 2D action platformer.

    Don’t let the perspective shift fool you; the focus remains on fluid, vicious combat and verticality. You’ll be chaining together melee strikes, supernatural dashes, and vampiric abilities to navigate crumbling ruins and haunted citadels. For the purists, the game also features “Throwback 3D Moments”—sequences inspired by the original PS1 aesthetic that serve as bridges for key narrative beats.

    Four Heroes, One Shattered Timeline

    Ascendance serves as a prequel to the events of Soul Reaver, but thanks to the series’ penchant for time travel, it weaves through multiple eras. You won’t just be playing as one protagonist:

    • Kain: Use his signature vampiric brute force to overwhelm enemies.
    • Raziel (Sarafan): Play as Raziel before his fall, back when he was a noble human Sarafan knight.
    • Raziel (Vampire): Experience the moment Raziel first takes flight in his winged vampiric form.
    • Elaleth: A new addition to the playable roster, this vampire features a relentless, high-aggression playstyle.

    The Voices of Legends

    Perhaps the most exciting news for long-time fans is the return of the iconic voice cast. The narrative weight of Legacy of Kain has always rested on its Shakespearean dialogue, and Ascendance reunites the masters:

    • Simon Templeman as Kain
    • Michael Bell as Raziel
    • Anna Gunn as Ariel
    • Richard Doyle as Moebius

    The atmosphere is further heightened by an original score from Celldweller, blending modern intensity with the series’ haunting gothic tones.

    Availability & The “Heart of Darkness” Collection

    Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is available now for £15.99 / $19.99 on the following platforms:

    • PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S (Also available via Xbox Cloud Gaming)
    • Nintendo Switch & Switch 2

    For those looking for the ultimate experience, the Heart of Darkness Collection also launches today. This bundle includes Ascendance alongside the newly released Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered, giving you the perfect excuse to relive the climax of the original saga with modern visuals.

    Editor’s Note: While the shift to 2D has sparked debate among the community, there’s no denying the thrill of hearing Templeman and Bell trade barbs once again. Nosgoth has been cold for too long—it’s time to reclaim the throne.

    Are you diving into Ascendance today, or are you sticking with the Defiance Remaster? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/PRO07

    #CrystalDynamics #BitBotMedia #FreakZoneGames #LegacyofKainAscendance #LegacyofKainDefiance #games #gaming #gamers

  • Heating Up: Melon Sandbox Drops Explosive New Lava Update

    Heating Up: Melon Sandbox Drops Explosive New Lava Update

    If you thought the chaos in Melon Sandbox had reached its boiling point, think again. The team at PlayDucky has just turned the temperature all the way up with their latest “fiery” update, introducing a mechanic the community has been clamouring for: Liquid Lava.

    With over 150 million downloads and a reputation for being the ultimate digital playground for ragdoll destruction, this update (Version 35.0) isn’t just a cosmetic coat of paint. It’s a total overhaul of environmental physics that adds a dangerous new layer to your experiments.

    What’s New in the Lava Update?

    The headline feature is, of course, the molten rock. But how does it actually change the game? Here’s the breakdown of the most “incendiary” additions:

    • Two New Meteoric Maps: * The Volcano Map: A vertical challenge where players must navigate flimsy physics to reach the summit. Watch out for Lava Bombs falling from the sky that can turn your meticulously built contraptions into scrap metal in seconds.
      • The Lava Pool Map: A flat, treacherous arena featuring deep pits of molten heat. It’s the perfect setting for testing which materials can withstand extreme temperatures—and which ones melt into pixels.
    • Realistic Heat & Density Physics: Lava in Melon Sandbox isn’t just “red water.” It has high density and searing heat that slowly impacts items. You can actually watch vehicles and artillery sizzle, lose structural integrity, and eventually incinerate.
    • Lava Tiles in the Editor: For the creators out there, the Map Editor now includes lava tiles. You can mix these with water and acid tiles to create the ultimate elemental gauntlet.

    Turn Your Creativity Into Cash

    One of the most impressive parts of the Melon Sandbox ecosystem in 2026 is the UGC (User-Generated Content) storefront. This update makes it even easier for modders to monetise their “red-hot” designs.

    Did you know? In 2025, PlayDucky paid out over $1M USD to its community creators. By building custom maps with these new lava tiles and uploading them to the storefront, you can earn Mells (in-game currency) that translates into real-world payouts.

    Why We’re Excited

    Melon Sandbox has always thrived on the “What if?” factor. What if I drop a tank into an acid pit? What if I build a bridge out of C4? By adding lava, the developers have given us a new variable that behaves differently from anything we’ve seen before. The way smoke rises from the craters even affects flyovers, meaning your aviation experiments just got a lot more complicated.

    Whether you’re a veteran “Melon-ist” or a newcomer looking to cause some pixelated mayhem, there has never been a better (or hotter) time to jump in.

    The update is live now on iOS, Android, and via your browser.

    For more of the latest mobile gaming news and sandbox updates, keep it locked to TechMash.

    Find out more here – https://melonsandbox.com/

    #PlayDucky #MelonSandbox #Physics #Experiments #ios #android #pcgames #games #gaming #gamers

  • Pull the Sword from the Steam: Legends of the Round Table Launches Today

    Pull the Sword from the Steam: Legends of the Round Table Launches Today

    If you’ve ever looked at a 13th-century illuminated manuscript and thought, “I wish I could command those knights in a tactical skirmish,” then your very specific wish has just been granted. Artifice Studio has officially released Draw the Sword: Legends of the Round Table on Steam, and it’s a far cry from your typical “chosen one” power fantasy.

    This isn’t just another King Arthur retelling. It’s a deep, atmospheric RPG that looks and sounds like it was pulled directly from a medieval cathedral.

    A Living Manuscript

    The first thing that hits you about Legends of the Round Table is the aesthetic. Eschewing modern 3D graphics for a hand-painted 2.5D style, the game mimics the look of authentic medieval scribing. The colours, the gold leaf effects, and the character designs feel remarkably period-accurate.

    The immersion doesn’t stop at the visuals. The soundtrack features period-accurate instruments like the lute and harp, with haunting vocals by renowned medieval singer Anne Azéma. It’s clear that Artifice Studio (the team behind Sang-Froid: Tales of Werewolves) prioritised historical soul over generic fantasy tropes.

    Chivalry is… a Game Mechanic?

    While many RPGs use “Honour” as a simple binary morality bar, here it is the core of your strategy. You aren’t just clicking on enemies; you’re managing a court of legendary figures like Lancelot, Gawain, and Percival.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Engage in mounted lance charges and honourable duels where the rules of Chivalry actually matter.
    • Permanent Consequences: This is a “grounded” strategy game. Your knights age, they face permanent injury, and they can die. Every loss shifts the narrative and the stability of your court.
    • Court Management: You’ll need to assign occupations to your knights, manage their shifting allegiances, and decide who truly deserves a seat at the table.
    • The Card System: Using a unique card-based mechanic, you can influence the tide of battle. Do you play your “Grail” card now to save a dying friend, or save it for the fate of Britain?

    “We wanted to move away from the typical RPG power fantasy and instead focus on knights driven by honor and moral duty.” — Yan Pepin, Director of Artifice Studio

    Should You Join the Table?

    If you’re a fan of tactical RPGs like The Banner Saga or deep narrative strategy games, this is a must-play. It offers a branching story where your choices determine whether Britain enters a Golden Age or falls into eternal darkness.

    The game is available now on Steam for £24.99 / $29.99. For those who prefer to try before they buy, there is also a demo available that has already seen significant traction during the latest Steam Next Fest.

    Are you ready to uphold the code, or will the weight of the crown be too much to bear? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be recruiting Lancelot to your cause this week!

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

    #ArtificeStudio #ArthurianLegend #LegendsoftheRoundTable #Steam #knights #roundtable #history #games #gaming #gamers

  • Vultures Scavengers of Death coming to Steam on April 28th

    Vultures Scavengers of Death coming to Steam on April 28th

    Get ready to dive back into the golden era of survival horror—with a tactical twist. If you’ve been missing the tank controls and tension of the 90s, mark April 28, 2026, on your calendar. Vultures – Scavengers of Death is officially set to infect Steam, bringing a grim, retro-inspired apocalypse to your PC.

    Developed by the duo at Team Vultures and published by Firesquid, this title isn’t just another zombie shooter. It’s a love letter to Resident Evil and Parasite Eve, blending the high-stakes inventory management of classic horror with the brain-teasing depth of turn-based tactics.

    The Nightmare in Salento Valley

    The game drops you into the shoes of the VULTURES, an elite mercenary unit sent into the bio-hazard ground zero known as Salento Valley. Your mission is simple but suicide-adjacent: scavenge for information and materials that could lead to a cure for the infection ravaging the globe.

    You’ll be exploring iconic horror staples—think abandoned police stations, decaying asylums, and sprawling mansions—rendered in a beautiful low-poly PS1 aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and deeply unsettling.

    Meet the Operatives

    You won’t be heading into the dark alone. You can choose between two distinct agents, each bringing a unique toolkit to the extraction:

    • Leopoldo: A disciplined brute. He uses his strength to move, push, and jump over environmental obstacles, literally reshaping the battlefield to his advantage.
    • Amber: The analytical specialist. Equipped with a grappling gun, she can zip through environments and manipulate enemy positioning from a distance.

    Tactical Survival: More Than Just Headshots

    While the visuals scream 1996, the gameplay is pure modern strategy. Vultures uses an AP (Action Point) system that forces you to weigh every movement against every shot.

    • Targeted Damage: Much like Fallout or Parasite Eve, you can aim for specific body parts. Blowing out a zombie’s legs might buy you a turn of breathing room, while a headshot is high-risk, high-reward.
    • Extraction Gameplay: This isn’t about killing everything that moves. Resources are scarce, and sometimes sneaking past a pack of mutants is the only way to make it back to the NEST (your base) with your loot intact.
    • The NEST: Between missions, you’ll head back to your base to craft upgrades, manage your limited stash, and customise your loadouts for the next run.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the combat knife. In the demo, players found that while it’s risky, the knife saves precious ammo and has a high chance of inflicting a “Bleed” status on enemies.

    Launch Details

    • Release Date: April 28, 2026
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Price: $17.99 / €17.99 (with a 10% launch discount)
    • Extras: A “Supporter Pack” will be available on day one, featuring exclusive skins for your agents.

    If you can’t wait until the end of the month, there is currently a playable demo on Steam that lets you tackle the first mission in the Salento Police Station. It’s the perfect way to see if you have the tactical chops to survive the night.

    Will you find the cure, or just become another body in the streets? We’ll find out on April 28.

    Check out Vultures – Scavengers of Death on Steam to wishlist it now!

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

    #TeamVultures #FiresquidGames #tactical #survival #horror #VulturesScavengersofDeath #monsters #retrogame #arcadegames #games #gaming #gamers

  • Extinction Day Is Coming To Steam On April 10th

    Extinction Day Is Coming To Steam On April 10th

    The wait is almost over for strategy fans with a dark side. DryGin Studios, the masterminds behind the medical hit Bio Inc., have officially confirmed that their next title, Doomsday Sim: Extinction Day, is set to launch on Steam on April 10th, 2026.

    If you’ve ever played a plague simulator and thought, “This needs more meteor strikes and global warfare,” then this is exactly the kind of chaos you’ve been waiting for.

    Watch the World Burn

    While most simulation games task you with building a city or managing a hospital, Extinction Day flips the script. Your sole objective is the total eradication of humanity. Developed over the last decade, this project is a “dream” come true for DryGin Studios president J.F. Mitchell, who notes there is something “strangely satisfying” about unleashing pure, unadulterated chaos.

    Key Features at Launch:

    • 10+ Unique Disasters: From biological plagues to man-made warfare and natural cataclysms.
    • Synergy Mechanics: Combine different events to create devastating chain reactions that overwhelm human resistance.
    • Deep Strategy: Manage your resources to unlock over 70 perks and upgrades, tailoring your “apocalypse style.”
    • Endless Replayability: The game features 18 campaign missions across four difficulty levels and 28 unique challenge scenarios.

    Humanity Fights Back

    Don’t expect the world to go down without a fight. As you spread destruction, the scientific community will scramble to find countermeasures, and governments will mobilize to stabilise regions.

    The ultimate endgame involves the Space Ark—humanity’s last-ditch effort to escape the planet. You’ll need to strike with pinpoint accuracy to destabilise these efforts before the last remnants of civilisation slip through your fingers.

    “Humanity will do everything they can to survive. You must ensure they don’t.”

    Launch Details & Pricing

    Following a successful run at the Steam Next Fest with over 80,000 wishlists, the game is landing with a player-friendly price point:

    • Release Date: April 10, 2026
    • Platform: PC via Steam
    • Price: $19.99 (with a 20% launch discount for the first 14 days)

    Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes strategy or you just want to see how a “mega-tsunami” interacts with a “global famine,” Extinction Day looks set to be one of the most addictive sims of the year.

    Will you be ending the world on April 10th? Let us know your preferred disaster combo in the comments!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/5ri7T

    #Doomsday #Sim #ExtinctionDay #Steam #DryGinStudios #horror #apocalypse #disasters #endoftheworld #games #gaming #gamers

  • The Shadows of Tombwater Is Available Now on PC

    The Shadows of Tombwater Is Available Now on PC

    Dust off your revolvers and prepare your psyche for a trip to the frontier of madness. The Shadows of Tombwater, the highly anticipated 2D Wild West Soulslike from developer Moth Atlas and publisher Midwest Games, has officially launched today on PC.

    If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Bloodborne had a head-on collision with A Link to the Past in a cursed mining town, this is the answer.

    A Town Drowned in Eldritch Madness

    Set in the decaying streets of Tombwater, you step into the spurs of a lone gunslinger searching for a missing friend, Sheriff Elliott Flintwood. This isn’t your standard spaghetti western; the town’s thriving silver mines have unearthed something ancient and terrible. The residents haven’t just moved away—they’ve been consumed by a creeping madness that turns men into monsters.

    Key Features: Survival on the Frontier

    • Top-Down Soulslike Combat: Experience the punishing, methodical combat of the Souls genre from a nostalgic 2D perspective.
    • Gunslinging and Sorcery: With over 50 weapons and 40 spells, you can build your character to be a traditional sharpshooter, a heavy-hitting soldier, or an Occultist wielding dark magic.
    • The Madness Meter: It’s not just your health you need to watch. The environment and enemies will push your “Lucidity” to the brink, forcing you to manage your sanity to survive.
    • Massive World: Explore 16 unique biomes—from scorched scrublands to claustrophobic mines—and face off against 25 gruesome bosses that will test your reflexes and your resolve.
    • Deep Crafting: Utilise an “Apothecary” system to brew tonics and explosives from materials scavenged in the Wilds.

    Choose Your Archetype

    Before you head into the shadows, you’ll need to pick your path. The game offers several distinct starting classes:

    ClassPrimary FocusStarting Gear Highlights
    GunslingerPrecision & SpeedHigh-damage revolver with the fastest fire rate.
    SoldierDurability & MeleeDragoon Saber and high Strength/Life stats.
    OccultistMagic & SanityRune Knife and high resistance to Madness.
    TinkererCrafting & UtilityStarts with multiple consumables and high Alchemy.
    SpellbladeHybridA balance of melee strength and utility spells.

    Direct Storytelling in a Dark World

    While many Soulslikes rely solely on item descriptions for lore, Tombwater leans into a more direct narrative. As you explore, you’ll encounter “puddles of blood” that act as windows into the past, showing you the events that led to the town’s downfall. You’ll also experience flashbacks that flesh out your character’s history, making your journey feel personal rather than just a crawl through a graveyard.

    Now Available on PC

    Developed by Max Mraz (creator of Ocean’s Heart and the Bloodborne demake Yarntown) and Jake Wagner, The Shadows of Tombwater is the result of four years of dedicated development.

    The game is available now on Steam and GOG for $24.99 (approx. £19.99), with a limited-time 20% launch discount. If you’re looking for a challenge that smells like gunpowder and old leather, the gates of Tombwater are open.

    TechMash Tip: If you’re a Steam Deck user, Tombwater is a perfect fit for handheld play, offering that “one more run” gameplay loop that’s hard to put down.

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/aT8Xj

    #MidwestGames #MothAtlas #Tombwater #2D #WildWest #Soulslike #games #gaming #gamers #horror #pcgames #steam

  • New York Calls Again: The Division Resurgence Official Launch Trailer is Here!

    New York Calls Again: The Division Resurgence Official Launch Trailer is Here!

    The wait is officially over, Agents. After a long road of technical tests and regional betas, The Division Resurgence has finally hit the global stage. To celebrate, Ubisoft dropped a high-octane Official Launch Trailer that reminds us exactly why we fell in love with this franchise in the first place: atmospheric streets, tactical squad play, and that sweet, sweet loot.

    If you haven’t seen it yet, the trailer leans heavily into the “New York is falling” vibe, showcasing the iconic snowy streets of Manhattan with a level of graphical fidelity we honestly didn’t think was possible on mobile just a few years ago.

    What We Learned from the Launch Trailer

    The trailer isn’t just about the cinematics; it gives us a clear look at what to expect from the day-one experience:

    • A New Perspective: While we’re back in NYC, the story follows the “First Wave” of SHD agents. We get to see the immediate aftermath of the Green Poison outbreak from a fresh angle, filling in the gaps between the first and second mainline games.
    • True Open World: This isn’t a “lite” version of the game. The trailer showcases a seamless open world where you can roam from the Base of Operations into hostile territory without constant loading screens.
    • The Dark Zone Returns: Yes, the legendary (and nerve-wracking) PvPvE Dark Zone is front and centre. The trailer highlights the tension of extraction—proving that the “betray your friends for a gold assault rifle” gameplay is alive and well.
    • Signature Skill Tech: We saw glimpses of familiar tech like the Seeker Mine and Turrets, but also some new mobile-specific specialisations tailored for shorter, more intense play sessions.

    The Tech Behind the Chaos

    Running on Unreal Engine 4, Resurgence looks remarkably crisp. Ubisoft has clearly spent the extra development time optimising the controls. For the purists among us, the trailer confirms full controller support at launch—so you can hook up your Backbone or Xbox controller and play it like a true console experience.

    Pro Tip: If you’re playing on a flagship device, be sure to head into the settings to toggle the 60 FPS mode. The trailer’s smooth combat is best experienced without the frame-rate caps!

    Cross-Game Rewards

    Ubisoft is rewarding the veterans. If you’ve put hours into The Division 2 on PC or console, you can link your Ubisoft Connect account to unlock exclusive gear in Resurgence. Conversely, hitting certain milestones in the mobile game will net you rewards back in the mainline games, including a Level 40 boost for those looking to jump straight into the Division 2 endgame.

    Final Verdict

    The launch trailer does exactly what it needs to: it proves that The Division Resurgence isn’t just a mobile spin-off; it’s a full-blooded entry in the Tom Clancy universe. Whether you’re a solo player looking for a deep RPG campaign or a squad-based tactician, Manhattan is waiting for you.

    The Division Resurgence is available now for free on iOS and Android.

    Are you heading back into the Dark Zone, or is your mobile storage already full? Let us know your first impressions of the launch in the comments below!

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

    #TomClancy #TheDivisionResurgence #thirdpersonshooter #Ubisoft #TheDivision #combat #military #games #gaming #gamers

  • Raise the Stakes: Season 03 BlackCell Battle Pass Guide for Warzone & Black Ops 7

    Raise the Stakes: Season 03 BlackCell Battle Pass Guide for Warzone & Black Ops 7

    The battle lines have shifted once again. Season 03 for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone officially kicks off on April 2, 2026, bringing a chilling “precision and power” theme to the frontlines. For those looking to dominate the lobby with more than just skill, the BlackCell Battle Pass Upgrade returns as the ultimate premium offering.

    At £24.99 / $29.99, BlackCell isn’t just a cosmetic bundle; it’s a strategic head start. Here is everything you need to know about the elite tier of the Season 03 rewards.

    The Star of the Show: The Valkyrie Operator

    The centrepiece of Season 03 BlackCell is the exclusive Valkyrie operator. This JSOC-faction soldier features a striking, winged aesthetic that fits the season’s “high-altitude” motif.

    • Instant Unlock: You get the base Valkyrie skin immediately upon purchase.
    • Earnable Variants: BlackCell owners can unlock two additional variants—“Scarlett” and “Ash”—through specific in-game challenges throughout the season.

    BlackCell Exclusive Rewards & Instant Unlocks

    Upgrading to BlackCell provides an immediate injection of value that bypasses the standard grind:

    • 1,100 COD Points: Effectively giving you back a significant portion of the value for use in the Store.
    • The “Tribulation” Mastercraft Blueprint: An instant reward for the Razor 9mm SMG, featuring custom Tracers and a unique Death FX.
    • Battle Pass Skips: 20 Tier Skips (25 on PlayStation) to blast through the initial sectors.
    • Exclusive BlackCell Sector: Provides an alternative starting point on the Battle Pass map, allowing you to path toward your favourite rewards faster.

    New Seasonal Weapons

    Whether you’re a free-to-play regular or a BlackCell whale, Season 03 introduces heavy hitters that are set to shake up the Warzone meta:

    1. MK35 ISR (Assault Rifle): A versatile, high-accuracy rifle found in Sector 3.
    2. VST (SMG): A fast-firing close-quarters shredder available in Sector 6.
    3. M27 (Assault Rifle): The Black Ops 2 classic returns, rumoured to be a mid-season powerhouse.

    BlackCell Bonus: Owners get exclusive “BlackCell Variants” of these weapons, featuring a sleek black-and-gold animated finish that sets them apart from the standard versions.

    The “Loyalty” XP Boost

    One of the most underrated additions this season is the BlackCell Loyalty Bonus. If you purchased the Season 02 BlackCell and pick up Season 03, you activate a permanent 10% Player and Weapon XP bonus in Black Ops 7. This stacks every season, potentially reaching a 50% boost by the end of the game’s lifecycle.

    Is It Worth It?

    If you’re a daily player, the BlackCell upgrade is a no-brainer for the 1,100 COD Points and the Mastercraft Blueprint alone. With Warzone introducing new POIs in Verdansk and Black Ops 7 dropping remastered maps like Plaza and Gridlock, you’ll want to look the part while you’re reclaiming the leaderboard.

    TechMash Tip: If you’re playing on Game Pass, remember that you may already have access to the standard Battle Pass; upgrading to BlackCell simply adds the premium layer on top of your existing progression!

    Season 03 launches April 2, 2026. See you in the drop zone.

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

    #BlackCellBattlePass #fps #CallofDuty #Warzone #BlackOps7 #Activision #InfinityWard #Treyarch #SledgehammerGames #games #gaming #gamers

  • Rome wasn’t built in a day, but in Nova Roma, you’re expected to get a head start by tea time.

    Rome wasn’t built in a day, but in Nova Roma, you’re expected to get a head start by tea time.

    If you’ve spent any time with the charmingly addictive Kingdoms and Castles, you already know that the team at Lion Shield has a knack for making city-building feel both cosy and catastrophic. Their latest project, Nova Roma, officially marched into Early Access on March 26, 2026, and it’s already proving to be a heavyweight contender in the strategy genre.

    Published by the strategy specialists at Hooded Horse, Nova Roma isn’t just a Roman reskin of their previous work. It’s a deep, systems-driven simulation where the gods are petty, the water is wet, and your citizens have very high expectations.

    A New Frontier for the Empire

    The premise is simple: the original Rome is a mess of decadence and decay. You lead a small band of citizens across the seas to start fresh. But while the aesthetics are bright and the “blobby” art style is undeniably charming, the gameplay underneath is as sharp as a gladiator’s gladius.

    1. Water: Your Greatest Ally (and Worst Nightmare)

    The standout feature of Nova Roma is its advanced water physics system. This isn’t just about placing a “water zone” and forgetting about it. You have to physically route water via aqueducts, dams, and reservoirs.

    • Gravity Matters: You’ll need to account for elevation; if your aqueduct is too steep, the water flows too fast; too shallow, and it won’t reach your citizens.
    • Dynamic Flooding: Heavy rains can lead to torrential downpours that actually flood your lowlands, potentially drowning your crops—and your Romans.

    2. Keeping the Gods Happy

    In Nova Roma, religion isn’t just flavour text—it’s survival. There are currently five Olympian deities (Jupiter, Ceres, Neptune, Vulcan, and Mars) who demand your attention.

    • Favour of the Gods: Build temples and complete “Divine Tasks” to earn Favour, which unlocks powerful boosts.
    • Divine Wrath: Neglect the temples, and you might find Jupiter tossing a literal lightning bolt at your granary. It’s a delicate balancing act of faith and infrastructure.

    3. Deep Logistics and Simulation

    The simulation goes right down to the individual citizen. Workers physically walk from their homes to their jobs. If you build your logging camp three miles from your residential district, your workers will spend their entire day commuting, leading to zero productivity and very grumpy plebeians.

    Early Access Details

    The game is currently available on PC (Steam, GOG, Epic, and Microsoft Store) and is also a “Day One” addition to PC Game Pass.

    FeatureDetails
    Price£24.99 ($29.99)
    Launch Discount20% off until April 9, 2026
    PlatformsPC, Steam Deck (Playable), Game Pass
    Key ModesSandbox and Story Mode

    TechMash Tip: Don’t rush your expansion. The community is already reporting that “Thirst” is the #1 city killer. Secure your water supply and gravity-fed aqueducts before you start inviting more immigrants to your new capital.

    What’s Next?

    Lion Shield has already teased what’s coming during the Early Access period. We can expect expanded Colosseum mechanics, including gladiator fights and the return of a cut chariot racing track. Further down the road, expect deeper political systems and barbarian threats to keep your standing army busy.

    If you’re looking for a city-builder that rewards careful planning and punishes hubris, Nova Roma is well worth the entry price. Just remember: build your temples early, or prepare for some very literal “acts of God.”

    Are you jumping into Nova Roma this week? Let us know in the comments if you’ve managed to build a functioning aqueduct yet!

    Find out more here – https://www.hoodedhorse.com/games/nova-roma

    #NovaRoma #citybuilding #LionShield #HoodedHorse #Kingdoms #Castles #games #gaming #gamers #history

  • ARC Raiders Flashpoint Gets An Update

    ARC Raiders Flashpoint Gets An Update

    The skies over Speranza just got a lot more crowded. Embark Studios has officially dropped the Flashpoint Update for ARC Raiders, and it’s the third major content expansion in what has been a blistering 2026 roadmap.

    Following January’s Headwinds and February’s Shrouded Sky, Flashpoint is here to tighten the screws on veteran Raiders while introducing some much-needed quality-of-life tweaks. If you haven’t ventured topside since the game’s launch late last year, now is the time to check your ammo and re-sync your sensors.

    Here is the breakdown of everything hitting the wasteland in the Flashpoint update.

    1. New Aerial Menace: The Vaporiser

    Just when you thought it was safe to sprint across the open Dam Battlegrounds, the Vaporiser has arrived. This is a new aerial ARC unit that travels in groups. Unlike the predictable flight paths of the smaller Fireflies, the Vaporiser is erratic and lethal, utilising a sustained laser beam attack that can melt through armour if you’re caught out of position.

    Pro Tip: Look for the new Energy weapons added in this update—they seem specifically tuned to strip the Vaporizer’s shielding.

    2. Shredders on the Loose

    The tank-like Shredders, which were previously contained within the Stella Montis underground, have broken out. You can now encounter these mechanical beasts across all maps, including the Spaceport and Buried City. This change significantly raises the stakes of “standard” runs, as a Shredder encounter can quickly turn a quiet loot trip into a fight for survival.

    3. High-Risk Map Condition: Close Scrutiny

    Flashpoint introduces a new map condition called Close Scrutiny. When this event is active, it spawns the ARC Assessor—a heavily guarded unit carrying high-tier progression components.

    The twist? Regular map loot is significantly reduced during this event. This effectively turns the map into a massive PvP magnet, funnelling every squad toward the Assessor. It’s a bold move by Embark to lean into the “Extraction” tension, forcing players to decide if the risk of a firefight is worth the reward.

    4. Expanding the Arsenal

    To counter the escalating ARC presence, Tian Wen has opened up two new toys for us to play with:

    • Canto SMG: A unique sub-machine gun that utilises Medium ammo—a first for its class, offering more stopping power than your standard light-calibre SMGs.
    • Dolabra Energy Shotgun: This is the star of the show. It features a variable focus, allowing you to switch between a wide defensive burst and a tight, concentrated beam of electricity.
    • Surge Coil: A new placeable deployable that shocks nearby enemies. It’s essentially a repeating “Jolt Mine,” perfect for holding down extraction points while you wait for the mule.

    5. Better Living in Speranza (QoL)

    Embark has finally listened to the community regarding the friction in the base camp.

    • Streamlined Crafting: You can now recycle, refine, and purchase missing materials directly from the crafting menu. No more jumping through three different screens just to see if you have enough scrap for a scope.
    • Supercharging Scrappy: You can now feed specific food items (like Apricots or Mushrooms) to Scrappy the rooster. This influences what types of loot he prioritises gathering for you while you’re away.
    • Loadout Priority: A major backend change—players who bring in their own gear (rather than going “naked”) are now prioritised for fresh server instances, rewarding those who are willing to risk their high-tier equipment.

    The Verdict

    The Flashpoint update feels like a “bridge” to the massive Riven Tides expansion coming in April, but it’s a beefy bridge nonetheless. The addition of the Vaporiser and the wandering Shredders makes the world feel more alive—and much more dangerous.

    Raiders, what are your thoughts on the new Vaporiser? Is it a fair fight, or are the skies getting too cluttered? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://epic.gm/arc-raiders

    #ARCRaiders #multiplayer #extractionshooter #EmbarkStudios #UnrealEngine5 #games #gaming #gamers #scifi #combat

  • Get Your Head Banging: Brutal 80’s Sci-Fi Platformer ‘ChainStaff’ Hits All Platforms April 8

    Get Your Head Banging: Brutal 80’s Sci-Fi Platformer ‘ChainStaff’ Hits All Platforms April 8

    If you miss the days when video games felt like a fever dream inspired by a heavy metal album cover, you’re in for a treat. Mommy’s Best Games—the chaotic minds behind Pig Eat Ball and Serious Sam Double D XXL—has officially announced that their latest project, ChainStaff, is set to drop on April 8, 2026.

    Led by Nathan Fouts (formerly of Insomniac Games), the studio is bringing a “brutal 80s sci-fi” aesthetic to modern hardware. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, prepare for a gore-soaked trip through a world mutated by the mysterious “Star Spores.”

    One Button, Infinite Carnage

    The heart of the game is, unsurprisingly, the ChainStaff. This isn’t just a spear; it’s a Swiss Army knife of destruction. Using a streamlined one-button control scheme, you’ll transform your weapon on the fly:

    • Spear: Slice through alien drones and spear enemies from a distance.
    • Grappling Hook: Swing across treacherous chasms with 80s-action-hero flair.
    • Shield: Slam it into the ground to block incoming projectiles from screen-filling bosses.

    The goal? Fight your way through 10 wild levels to get a parasitic alien off your own head.

    “Grotesque” Upgrades and Moral Dilemmas

    ChainStaff isn’t just a mindless shooter; it features a dark, choice-based upgrade system. As you find stranded soldiers, you’re faced with a “hardcore” decision:

    1. Rescue them to unlock human-tech upgrades and aim for a better ending.
    2. Devour their organs (yes, really) to fuel your alien parasite and unlock visceral, “grotesque” mutations.

    A Masterpiece of Metal

    Visually, the game looks like it was ripped straight off a 1978 Judas Priest vinyl. The hand-drawn art is paired with a blistering soundtrack by Deon van Heerden (Broforce, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef), ensuring your ears will be ringing just as much as your thumbs will be aching.

    Release Details at a Glance

    • Release Date: April 8, 2026
    • Platforms: PC (Steam), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
    • Developer: Mommy’s Best Games
    • Genre: Action-Platformer / SHMUP hybrid

    If you’re looking for a game that doesn’t hold your hand and embraces the weird, bloody side of retro gaming, keep an eye on the digital storefronts this April.

    Are you planning to save your fellow soldiers, or are you going full alien for those organ-based upgrades?

    Find out more here – https://chainstaffgame.com/

    #MommysBestGames #NathanFouts #ChainStaff #alien #mutant #games #gaming #gamers