TECHMASH

Category: Games

  • Booting Up the Horror: 90s-Inspired Digital Mystery ‘Desktop Explorer’ Confirms July Release Date

    Booting Up the Horror: 90s-Inspired Digital Mystery ‘Desktop Explorer’ Confirms July Release Date

    The Summer Game Fest hype train is officially leaving the station, and it’s already delivering some massive wins for indie horror fans. Announcing today during the Latin American Games Showcase: SGF Edition, developer Recurring Dream revealed that their highly anticipated retro-inspired, eerie point-and-click mystery, Desktop Explorer, is officially arriving on July 17 for PC and Mac via Steam.

    If you love digging through vintage operating systems, solving fragmented puzzles, and uncovering deeply unsettling digital secrets, this is one timeline you won’t want to clear from your cache.

    What is Desktop Explorer?

    In Desktop Explorer, you inherit an old, bulky 90s PC from your uncle. To your surprise, it boots up, but tucked away inside the outdated software is a letter tasking you with investigating a missing person’s case.

    Your gateway to the truth? A cryptic, pre-installed puzzle game that gives the project its name.

    To solve the mystery, you’ll have to rummage through abandoned user profiles, dig into corrupted applications, read through old chat logs, and play classic built-in computer games. The aesthetic perfectly captures that liminal, nostalgic tech vibe—but underneath the pixelated charm lies a heavy, psychological horror narrative.

    Backed by Indie Royalty

    If the premise alone doesn’t hook you, the powerhouse team backing the project certainly will. Desktop Explorer is co-funded by Outersloth (the massive indie fund launched by Among Us creator Innersloth) alongside Casey Yano, the co-founder of Mega Crit (Slay the Spire). With that kind of creative backing, expectations are understandably sky-high for this retro nightmare.

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    Can’t wait until July? You don’t have to. Ahead of the upcoming Steam Next Fest, Recurring Dream has dropped a free playable demo right now on Steam. It gives players a chance to explore the opening chapter, test out classic OS tools, and solve the first 10 puzzles to get a taste of the eerie atmosphere.

    TechMash Tip: Grab your headphones for this one. The demo features a brilliantly nostalgic, unsettling soundtrack filled with old-school computer whirs and clicks that elevate the tension beautifully.

    More News Coming This Week

    The showcase hype doesn’t stop here. Desktop Explorer is also locked in to make an appearance during Fellow Traveller’s Story-Rich Showcase.

    • When: June 6 at 10 AM PT / 6 PM BST.
    • What to expect: A deeper dive into the narrative and mechanics of this digital mystery.

    Make sure to head over to Steam, try the demo, and hit that wishlist button ahead of its July 17 launch!

    #IndieGames #DesktopExplorer #HorrorGaming #SGF2026 #SteamNextFest

  • Dark Rituals and Autobattles: Order Automatica Haunts the ID@Xbox Summer Showcase

    Dark Rituals and Autobattles: Order Automatica Haunts the ID@Xbox Summer Showcase

    The shadows are lengthening, the gears are turning, and an eerie mechanical hum is filling the air. If you tuned into the recent ID@Xbox Indie Selects Summer Edition showcase, you likely caught a glimpse of something wonderfully sinister.

    Order Automatica, the highly anticipated dark auto-battler, officially took centre stage—and it’s safe to say the mysterious rituals are about to begin.

    Enter the Machine Age of Dark Magic

    Developed by the twisted geniuses at New Beings and published by the indie champions at better. publishing, Order Automatica is not your average strategy game. It strips away the colourful, bright aesthetics often found in the auto-battler genre and replaces them with a grim, atmospheric world governed by arcane machinery and occult rites.

    In Order Automatica, players assemble a grotesque syndicate of mechanised minions and cultist constructs. Your job? Program their behaviours, position them strategically, and watch them execute your dark will in automated, high-stakes combat.

    Watch the Brand-New Trailer

    To celebrate its feature in the ID@Xbox showcase, the developers dropped a gorgeous, spine-chilling new trailer. It gives players a deeper look into the game’s grimdark aesthetic, its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and the complex tactical layers awaiting those brave enough to command the automatons.

    Check out the eerie vibe and tactical depth on display:

    “The ritual requires precise calibration. One wrong gear, one misplaced rune, and the machine turns on its master.”

    Play the Demo on Xbox Today!

    Can’t wait to start your own mechanical cult? You don’t have to.

    Xbox players can dive into the darkness right now. A brand-new playable demo is officially live on the Xbox Store, allowing you to get a hands-on feel for the game’s unique blend of strategy, resource management, and haunting atmosphere.

    Whether you are a seasoned auto-battler veteran or a sucker for a great gothic sci-fi aesthetic, this is one demo you shouldn’t sleep on. Download it today, test your strategies, and prepare yourself for the full ritual.

    Find out more here

    #OrderAutomatica #IDatXbox #IndieGames #XboxGaming #AutoBattler

  • Solo Studio, Six Figures: Battle Waves: Mobile Smashes 100K Downloads in First Week

    Solo Studio, Six Figures: Battle Waves: Mobile Smashes 100K Downloads in First Week

    The mobile gaming market is notoriously tough to crack, especially for solo developers competing against massive studios with endless marketing budgets. But every now and then, a true indie gem breaks through the noise.

    Enter Battle Waves: Mobile, the debut title from solo developer Gabriel Langlois of Gabriel’s Games. Just seven days after launching for free on iOS and Android, this fast-paced, real-time deck-building card-battler has officially crossed a major milestone: 100,000 downloads on Google Play worldwide.

    Securing a six-figure download count in its first week is a massive win for a single-person studio, proving that compelling gameplay loops still reign supreme.

    Why Is Battle Waves: Mobile Exploding?

    If you haven’t jumped into the fray yet, Battle Waves: Mobile masterfully blends the tactical strategy of a card-driven deck-builder with the chaotic, fast-paced intensity of an auto-battler.

    The game operates on a deceptively simple loop: Outsmart. Outbuild. Outbattle. Players assemble custom decks from various fantasy factions, carefully managing resources in real-time to deploy waves of minions. The goal? Counter the enemy’s oncoming forces and smash their base before they can destroy yours.

    The game has struck a chord with both solo and competitive players by offering:

    • Deep Faction Synergies: Dozens of card combinations that reward strategic experimentation.
    • Ranked PvP: Global leaderboards where players can test their deck-building skills against real opponents.
    • An Endless Campaign: A beefy five-act single-player campaign featuring an infinite New Game Plus mode.

    Winning Over the Community

    The success isn’t just limited to Google Play, either. Over on the iOS App Store, five-star reviews have been pouring in, with a particularly strong reception leading the charts in the United States, France, and Germany.

    What makes this milestone even more impressive is how the developer is handling the sudden influx of players. Instead of sitting back to celebrate, Gabriel’s Games has already rolled out its first major wave of post-launch updates. Acting directly on community feedback, the solo dev has patched four of the most-reported launch issues, tuned combat balance, and polished the user interface.

    “Launch week was intense in the best way,” Gabriel Langlois said regarding the milestone. “I wanted to stay close to players and make the game a little better every single day… Crossing 100,000 downloads is incredible, but what I’m proudest of is that the game is already stronger than it was on day one.”

    It’s that kind of dedication that turns a viral launch into a long-term community hit. With a rock-solid foundation, rapid developer support, and a rapidly growing player base, Battle Waves: Mobile is definitely a title to watch in the mobile esports and strategy scenes.

    Battle Waves: Mobile is available to download right now for free on the App Store and Google Play.

    #BattleWavesMobile #IndieDev #MobileGaming #DeckBuilder #AndroidGames

  • Building Giants, Piece by Piece: Why Model Kit Studio is Our Next Cosy Gaming Obsession

    Building Giants, Piece by Piece: Why Model Kit Studio is Our Next Cosy Gaming Obsession

    There is something deeply therapeutic about the click of plastic pieces coming together, the steady stroke of a paintbrush, and the final, satisfying snap of a completed model. But let’s be honest: the hobby can get expensive, your living room table quickly turns into a hazard zone of stray plastic clippings, and spilling a bottle of enamel paint is a tragedy no one wants to relive.

    Enter developer Spooky Rabbits. They are handing us the ultimate digital hobby bench with Model Kit Studio, a relaxing model-building simulator set to launch on Steam in 2027. And trust us—this is about to become a paradise for mecha enthusiasts and cosy gamers alike.

    The Ultimate Digital Hobby Bench

    Model Kit Studio isn’t just a simple puzzle game; it’s a fully realised, immersive simulation of the model-building experience. The game strips away the stress of the real-world hobby while keeping every ounce of the satisfaction.

    Here is what you can look forward to when you step into the studio:

    • Clip, Trim, and Assemble: Experience the tactile joy of building complex mecha models from scratch. Follow step-by-step instructions to snip parts from the sprue, clean up the edges, and assemble intricate joints.
    • A Masterclass in Painting: Want to stick to the classic anime colour scheme? Go for it. Want to give your giant robot a pastel pink, retro-vaporwave aesthetic or a battle-scarred, weathered metal look? The extensive painting toolkit—complete with airbrushes, fine detail brushes, and weathering effects—lets your creativity run wild.
    • Strike a Pose: Once your mechanical masterpiece is complete, the fun doesn’t stop. Model Kit Studio features an advanced articulation and posing system, allowing you to manipulate every joint. Set your mecha up in an epic, gravity-defying action pose or a sleek, museum-ready stance.
    • The Perfect Photo Op: Place your finished build into custom dioramas, adjust the lighting, choose your camera angles, and snap studio-quality photographs to share with the community.

    Why We’re Hyped

    As much as we love Gunpla and sci-fi modeling, finding the time, space, and budget for massive builds can be tough. Model Kit Studio captures that hyper-focused “flow state” of crafting, backed by a soothing soundtrack and beautiful visuals. It’s all the zen, with zero cleanup.

    Don’t Wait Until 2027—Play It Today!

    While the full game won’t officially launch until 2027, Spooky Rabbits is giving us an early taste of the workshop.

    The Model Kit Studio playtest is officially live on Steam right now. You can download it today, grab your virtual nippers, and start building your very first mecha. Head over to Steam, opt into the playtest, and get a head start on designing your dream digital shelf.

    Are you ready to build something awesome?

    Find out more here

    #ModelKitStudio #MechaGaming #CozyGames #SteamGames #IndieDev

  • Brave the Tempest: Stormforge Announces Public Playtest and Drops Stunning New Trailer

    Brave the Tempest: Stormforge Announces Public Playtest and Drops Stunning New Trailer

    The survival crafting genre is about to get a serious jolt of magical energy. Roboto Games, the brilliant minds behind the highly anticipated fantasy open-world survival crafter Stormforge, has officially announced that its first public playtest will kick off this July.

    If you’ve been itching to test your mettle against a world literally being torn apart by mystical weather, your time has come.

    To make the announcement even sweeter, the studio unveiled a gorgeous new gameplay trailer during the Women-Led Games Showcase (part of the Summer Game Fest lineup). The trailer gave fans a dazzling look at Stormforge’s vibrant, cel-shaded art style, deadly new biomes, and the terrifyingly chaotic elemental storms that define the game.

    Check out everything we know so far about the upcoming playtest and why this title needs to be firmly at the top of your Steam wishlist.

    Surviving the Squall: What is Stormforge?

    Stormforge drops up to eight players into a procedurally generated high-fantasy world overrun by malevolent, magical storms. These aren’t just moody skyboxes with a bit of rain; the tempests in Stormforge are living, breathing hazards.

    We’re talking about tornadoes that literally rip buildings apart and hurl rocks, trees, and enemies through the air, and brutal dust storms that blind you while draining your health. But where there is danger, there is power. Players must venture directly into the eyes of these storms to harvest the rare, magical resources needed to craft top-tier gear and build fortified bases.

    ? Quick Stats: 
• Players: 1–8 player co-op (or solo play)
• Available Skills: 100+ unlockable abilities
• Release Window: Early Access in 2026
• Playtest Window: July 2026

    Play It Your Way: Class-Blending Combat

    One of the most exciting reveals alongside the trailer is Stormforge’s incredibly flexible class system. You’ll start your journey as a classic Warrior, Mage, or Ranger. However, as you explore the world of Sorana and defeat formidable bosses, you’ll unlock entirely new classes.

    Instead of locking you into a rigid role, Roboto Games is giving players total freedom. You can mix and match skills from any unlocked tree to create wild, hybrid playstyles. Want to play a sneaky Warrior with stealth mechanics? Or a Mage who crushes crowd control with a heavy jump attack? The choice is entirely yours.

    “Giving players the freedom to decide how to play Stormforge has been our top priority since the very beginning. If you would like to play as a warrior with sneaking abilities, you can… You can mix and match abilities and skills from your classes, and play Stormforge your way.” — Mathilde Pignol, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Roboto Games

    What to Expect in the July Playtest

    Roboto Games has confirmed that the upcoming July playtest will offer a meaty chunk of gameplay (roughly 5 to 10 hours, or even more if you get hopelessly addicted to the base-building mechanics).

    Testers will get a first-hand look at:

    • 8-Player Multiplayer Co-op: Team up with your squad to divide and conquer the storm-ravaged landscape.
    • Terrifying New Flora & Fauna: Keep an eye out for magically enhanced predators like Mistwolves, which can phase into a mist-like state to ambush you.
    • Extreme Weather: Face off against three distinct types of item-hurling, base-destroying tornadoes.
    • Epic Boss Battles: Test your hybrid builds against two challenging boss encounters.

    How to Sign Up

    Ready to brave the storm? Registration for the public playtest is live right now. Head over to the Stormforge Steam Page and hit the “Request Access” button to throw your hat in the ring for the July build.

    Don’t forget to wishlist the game to stay up to date ahead of its planned Steam Early Access launch!

    #Stormforge #RobotoGames #SurvivalCrafting #CoOpGaming #IndieGames

  • The Clock is Ticking: Hell Clock Strikes PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Drops ‘Cursed War’ This July!

    The Clock is Ticking: Hell Clock Strikes PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Drops ‘Cursed War’ This July!

    Action RPG fans, synchronise your watches. The diabolical, fast-paced roguelike ARPG Hell Clock finally has an official console release date. Developers Rogue Snail and publisher Mad Mushroom have announced that the highly acclaimed “Exile-like” will officially launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 14, 2026.

    But that’s not all. In a massive double-drop, the game’s highly anticipated first major expansion, Cursed War, is launching on the exact same day across consoles and Steam.

    If you’ve been waiting to take this dark, historical hack-and-slash on the go or to your living room setup, your time has officially come.

    What is Hell Clock?

    For the uninitiated, Hell Clock took the PC gaming world by storm with its unique premise and breakneck speed. Billed as a love letter to Path of Exile and Diablo, but packed into digestible, high-octane roguelike runs, the game is a dark fantasy reimagining of 19th-century Brazilian history—specifically the War of Canudos.

    You play as Pajeú, a warrior trapped in a cursed purgatory, battling hordes of undead oppressors and demons. The catch? The literal “Hell Clock” is always ticking. You have to balance the risk of diving deeper for legendary loot against a strict time limit, crafting unstoppable builds from ancient relics and blessings before your time runs out.

    With an “Overwhelmingly Positive” community reception on Steam, it’s safe to say console players are in for an absolute treat.

    Welcome to the ‘Cursed War’ Expansion

    The console launch isn’t just a simple port; it’s arriving alongside Cursed War, a major expansion that expands the lore and takes players into the grim horrors of the war in Paraguay.

    The expansion is set to dramatically shake up the meta by introducing six brand-new skills to help you tear through the forces of Hell. Here is a sneak peek at what you’ll be adding to your arsenal:

    • Tupã’s Wrath: The ultimate ARPG “Spark” style skill. Zero aiming required—just flood the entire screen with chaotic, bouncing projectiles.
    • Jaguar Spear: A long-reach melee skill that pierces straight through enemy lines, perfect for crowd control.
    • Lead Sermon: Fires electrified projectiles that bounce between targets. Better yet, reloading brings a whole new “sermon” of destruction to your foes.
    • Holy Fire: A classic fireball archetype. Scale up your projectiles to ignite the screen and watch the demons burn.
    • Cilada: A tactical trap skill that immobilises enemies, inflicts severe debuffs, and sets them up for massive bleed damage.
    • Carcará Dive: Leap high into the air and slam down, dealing massive fire impact damage. It’s fantastic for both high mobility and heavy burst damage.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a hardcore Path of Exile veteran looking for a fresh, snappy alternative or a roguelike fanatic who loves the adrenaline of Hades, Hell Clock is tailoring itself to be a must-play this summer.

    Get ready to race against time. Hell Clock and the Cursed War expansion drop on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on July 14, 2026.

    Are you ready to face the demons of the past? Let us know in the comments below which build you’ll be crafting first!

    Find out more here

    #HellClock #ARPG #Roguelike #PS5 #XboxSeriesX

  • Penumbra in Your Pocket: Acclaimed Action-Platformer ‘Blue Fire’ Ignites on Android!

    Penumbra in Your Pocket: Acclaimed Action-Platformer ‘Blue Fire’ Ignites on Android!

    Great news for mobile gamers and indie fans alike! Robi Studios has officially announced that its critically acclaimed 3D action-platformer, Blue Fire, is out now on Android via Google Play.

    Originally making waves on PC and consoles, this dark fantasy adventure has been meticulously optimised for mobile devices. Whether you are a veteran of the desolate kingdom of Penumbra or a newcomer looking for a premium, console-quality challenge on the go, it is time to sharpen your blades.

    What is Blue Fire?

    If you haven’t yet experienced the hauntingly beautiful world of Blue Fire, think of it as a brilliant fusion of The Legend of Zelda’s exploration, Dark Souls-style high-stakes combat, and punishingly precise 3D platforming.

    As a nimble warrior navigating the fallen kingdom of Penumbra, you will:

    • Master the Art of Movement: Dash, double-jump, and wall-run through increasingly complex, hardcore platforming challenges.
    • Conquer the Voids: Discover abstract, hidden realms outside the main world that contain the game’s ultimate, high-reward platforming tests.
    • Slash Through Great Adversaries: Engage in fast-paced combat with distinct enemies and intense boss fights.
    • Adaptable Mobile Design: The Android port includes fully optimised touchscreen controls and performance refinements to ensure the tight gameplay loop feels completely natural on a smartphone.

    Backed by the Google Play Indie Games Fund, Robi Studios’ CEO and Creative Director Gabriel Rosa noted that while a mobile version wasn’t originally envisioned, the team was incredibly surprised by how fluid and satisfying the game felt to play on a phone during development.

    A Major Quality-of-Life Update for All Players

    The mobile launch isn’t the only thing to celebrate. Alongside the Google Play release, Robi Studios is rolling out a brand-new Quality-of-Life (QoL) update.

    This update introduces a variety of long-awaited improvements, tweaks, and refinements across the entire game, addressing community feedback and polishing mechanics the team has wanted to touch up since the original launch.

    Platform Note: The QoL update is live right now on the Android version, and PC players can expect the update to hit Steam in the near future.

    If you are ready to take on the hardcore trials of Penumbra from the palm of your hand, you can head over to Google Play right now to grab your copy.

    #BlueFire #MobileGaming #AndroidGames #IndieDev #GooglePlay

  • Master the Art of the Puppet Brawl: Efecto Studios Reveals ‘Bunraku’—Play It Free on Steam Right Now!

    Master the Art of the Puppet Brawl: Efecto Studios Reveals ‘Bunraku’—Play It Free on Steam Right Now!

    The curtains are pulling back, the lights are up, and a brand-new kind of chaos is coming to the multiplayer arena. Veteran Colombian independent developer Efecto Studios has officially pulled the wraps off their latest project: Bunraku.

    If you are tired of the same old cookie-cutter fighters and are looking for something with serious artistic flair and frantic energy, this is one to put directly onto your radar. Destined for Steam, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch 2, Bunraku blends fast-paced platform brawler mechanics with a gorgeous visual style deeply inspired by the ancient art of Japanese puppetry.

    What is Bunraku?

    Named after the traditional form of Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku places players in dynamic, shifting theatre arenas. But don’t expect a polite, quiet stage play. This is a high-octane multiplayer brawler where up to eight players can face off simultaneously—either via chaotic local couch play or online against rival puppeteers.

    The core gameplay centres around swift ninja dashing, precise parrying, and environmental mastery. Players can find scrolls scattered across the stage to trigger powerful Jutsu abilities, turning the tide of battle in a single, cinematic stroke.

    Key Features at a Glance:

    • Frantic Ninja Fights: One-hit-strike mechanics driven by precision dashing and split-second parries.
    • Up to 8-Player Chaos: Bring the whole squad with support for massive local or online PvP battles.
    • Traditional Aesthetics, Modern Pace: A striking visual style that treats the game arena like a shifting theatre stage.
    • Next-Gen Ready: In development for PC, PS5, and Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch successor.

    Play Bunraku for Free This Weekend!

    You don’t have to wait until launch to get your hands on the strings. Efecto Studios has just launched a free playtest on Steam, open from right now until June 14.

    Whether you want to test your reflexes against the community or grab some friends for a chaotic couch-gaming session, the theatre doors are officially open. Head over to the Bunraku Steam store page, click “Request Access,” and start mastering your inner battle puppeteer.

    Check Out the Game & Join the Discussion

    • Steam Store Page: Search for Bunraku on Steam to wishlist and join the playtest.
    • Developer: Efecto Studios

    #BunrakuGame #IndieDev #SteamPlaytest #Switch2 #GamingNews

  • Descend into Madness: Indie Roguelike ‘HELLEVATORS’ Drops Free Steam Demo on June 8th

    Descend into Madness: Indie Roguelike ‘HELLEVATORS’ Drops Free Steam Demo on June 8th

    If you’ve ever thought your daily commute was a nightmare, solo developer Kohl Meek is about to show you just how good you actually have it.

    Get ready to swap your Oyster card for a shotgun, because HELLEVATORS—a blistering, fast-paced bullet hell action-roguelike—is officially letting players board its infernal public transit system for the very first time.

    Next Stop: Bullet Hell

    In HELLEVATORS, Hell isn’t just a pit of fire; it’s a chaotic, ever-shifting transit network. Players will have to fight their way through waves of demonic entities, dodging a relentless barrage of projectiles while navigating the tight, claustrophobic confines of the underworld’s elevators and subway cars.

    As a roguelike, death is just part of the schedule. You can expect to die, upgrade your arsenal, and jump right back in for another frantic commute.

    Catch the Demo at Steam Bullet Fest

    The exciting news lands just ahead of Steam’s Bullet Fest, a week-long celebration of all things high-velocity and bullet-heavy running from June 8th through June 15th.

    • What: A free, playable public demo of HELLEVATORS.
    • When: Launching June 8th.
    • Where: Exclusively on Steam.

    This will be the first time the public can get their hands on the game’s tight mechanics and experience the adrenaline-fueled chaos firsthand.

    When is the Full Release?

    While the demo will give us a delicious, stress-inducing taste of the action this month, we’ll have to wait a little longer for the full itinerary. Kohl Meek has slated the full release of HELLEVATORS for Q4 2026.

    Judging by the premise, it looks well worth the wait for any fan of Enter the Gungeon, Vampire Survivors, or classic arcade bullet hells.

    TechMash Verdict: Mark your calendars for June 8th, head over to Steam, and make sure you don’t miss your stop. This is one public transit system you’ll actually want to get stuck in.

    Source

    #Hellevators #IndieGames #SteamBulletFest #BulletHell #PCGaming

  • Sugar Rush, Ammo Flush: ‘Sugar Madness’ Explodes Onto Meta Horizon Store Today!

    Sugar Rush, Ammo Flush: ‘Sugar Madness’ Explodes Onto Meta Horizon Store Today!

    Get your headsets charged and your reflexes dialled in, because a sweet new chaos has just dropped. Sugar Madness, the highly anticipated high-intensity VR shooter, officially launches today on the Meta Horizon Store.

    If you think a game named after confectionery is going to be a walk in the park, you’re in for a chaotic, adrenaline-fueled awakening.

    Solo Sweat or Co-op Chaos? You Choose.

    Sugar Madness isn’t here to hold your hand. The game thrusts players into a vibrant but lethal world where the action is relentless, and the room for error is absolute zero.

    Here is what you can expect when you dive in today:

    • Pulse-Pounding Solo Missions: Test your mettle against waves of unforgiving enemies. It’s just you, your blasters, and your physical endurance.
    • Tactical Co-op Play: Team up with friends where mindless shooting won’t cut it. To survive the sweet apocalypse, you’ll need real-time squad communication and synchronised strategy.

    Survival of the Quickest

    What sets Sugar Madness apart in a crowded VR shooter market is its emphasis on fluid movement and lightning-fast reactions.

    Pro Tip: Standing still is a death sentence. You’ll need to utilize full room-scale movement, dodging, ducking, and weaving through incoming fire while managing your ammunition and cooldowns.

    It’s the kind of game that doubles as a legitimate cardio workout. If you aren’t sweating five minutes into a match, you’re probably doing it wrong.

    Lock and Load

    The game is available right now. Whether you’re looking to top the global leaderboards by your lonesome or establish dominance with your ultimate co-op squad, Sugar Madness promises to be a staple in your VR rotation.

    Head over to the Meta Horizon Store today, grab your copy, and let us know in the comments below: How long did you survive your first run?

    Source

    #VRGaming #SugarMadness #MetaHorizon #VRShooter #CoOpGaming

  • Tiny Mice, Big Exorcisms: Odencat’s Mousebusters Scampers Onto Steam This June!

    Tiny Mice, Big Exorcisms: Odencat’s Mousebusters Scampers Onto Steam This June!

    Indie game fans and pixel art aficionados, look alive. The brilliant minds over at Odencat Inc. have just dropped some fantastic news: their hit “cute and spooky” horror adventure, Mousebusters, is officially making the leap to PC via Steam on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that perfectly balances charming aesthetics with eerie, supernatural vibes, this pint-sized thriller is about to take over your wishlist.

    What is Mousebusters?

    Imagine moving into a new apartment complex, only to immediately get transformed into a mouse. Rough start, right? But it gets weirder.

    In Mousebusters, you are tasked with teaming up with a squad of seasoned rodent ghost-hunters to save your eccentric human neighbours from the literal inner demons infecting their apartments. It’s a narrative-driven, point-and-click adventure wrapped in stunning, nostalgic pixel art.

    You’ll be sneaking around under the radar, finding clues, and zapping spooky spirits—all while trying to figure out how to get your human body back.

    Good News for Content Creators: Streaming Guidelines Announced

    Odencat knows how much the indie community relies on Let’s Plays and live streams, so they’ve graciously published their official streaming guidelines right alongside the release announcement.

    If you’re a streamer or YouTuber, here is what you need to know to stay in the clear:

    • Monetisation is A-OK: Both individual creators and corporate channels are fully permitted to stream the game and turn on monetisation.
    • Show the Whole Story: Unlike some studios that block the endgame, Odencat is letting you stream any and all parts of the game.
    • Keep it High Effort: The developers kindly ask that you add value to the footage. Raw, unedited playthroughs with no voiceover or commentary are a no-go.
    • Link Back: You are requested to include the URL to the Mousebusters website or prominently mention where your viewers can purchase the game.

    It’s refreshing to see a developer lay out such creator-friendly rules ahead of launch, making it incredibly easy for the community to rally behind the game.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Mousebusters will be available on Steam for $12.99 starting June 11, 2026. If you can’t wait until next week to start busting some ghosts, a free demo is available on their Steam page right now.

    Will you be picking up your proton pack (or whatever it is mice use) to save the apartment complex? Let us know in the comments!

    #Mousebusters #Odencat #IndieGames #SteamRelease #PixelArt

  • Unplug and Unwind: Cosy Puzzle Game ‘Hakoniwa Electric’ Drops a Shockingly Relaxing Steam Demo

    Unplug and Unwind: Cosy Puzzle Game ‘Hakoniwa Electric’ Drops a Shockingly Relaxing Steam Demo

    If your soul is crying out for a break from high-stakes battle royales and stressful competitive shooters, we have some fantastic news for you. Pop the kettle on, grab your favourite blanket, and get ready to zone out, because a gorgeous new indie title just landed on Steam.

    Solo indie developer ANETTAI has officially released the playable demo for Hakoniwa Electric—and it’s exactly the kind of wholesome, low-stress escape we need right now.

    What is Hakoniwa Electric?

    Hakoniwa is a Japanese term that translates to “box garden” or “miniature landscape,” and that’s precisely the vibe this game nails.

    Hakoniwa Electric is a cosy puzzle-exploration game where you are tasked with bringing a series of charming, diorama-like worlds to life. The core gameplay revolves around a beautifully simple concept: connecting electrical circuits to power up whimsical miniature landscapes.

    As you successfully route the power, the static, quiet dioramas begin to blink, buzz, and bloom with life. There are no ticking timers, no game-over screens, and zero pressure. It’s just you, some clever logic puzzles, and a deeply satisfying sense of calm.

    Why You Should Download the Demo Today

    Aside from the fact that it costs absolutely nothing to try, here is why Hakoniwa Electric deserves a spot on your Steam wishlist:

    • Solo-Dev Magic: There is something incredibly special about games crafted by a single vision. ANETTAI has poured immense love into the game’s aesthetic and mechanical design, and it shows.
    • Brain-Teasing, Not Brain-Melting: The puzzles are engaging enough to keep you hooked, but intuitive enough that you won’t need to look up a walkthrough every five minutes.
    • The Ultimate Cooldown Game: Featuring a soothing lo-fi soundtrack and soft, inviting visuals, it’s the perfect title to play at the end of a long workday or right before bed.

    Play It Right Now

    The playable demo is officially live and free to download on Steam. If you fall in love with its miniature worlds (and we have a feeling you will), don’t forget to hit that Wishlist button to support a talented solo developer!

    Ready to find your zen? Head over to Steam and search for Hakoniwa Electric to start playing today.

    Find out more here

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