TECHMASH

Category: Games

  • From Reality to Nightmare — Where Dolls Hang Draws Direct Inspiration from Mexico’s Island of the Dolls

    From Reality to Nightmare — Where Dolls Hang Draws Direct Inspiration from Mexico’s Island of the Dolls

    Steelkrill Studio, the team behind the acclaimed horror title The Backrooms 1998, has pulled back the curtain on the chilling real-world foundation of its upcoming psychological horror experience — Where Dolls Hang.

    This isn’t just another haunted story. The game draws its core inspiration from Isla de las Muñecas — the Island of the Dolls — an infamous, eerie location in Xochimilco, Mexico, where thousands of weathered, decaying dolls hang from trees, buildings, and branches across the island, creating one of the most unsettling real places on Earth.

    Where Fiction Meets a Haunted Reality

    The Island of the Dolls has fascinated and terrified visitors for decades. Originally the isolated home of a lone caretaker, the site became draped in dolls as an offering — and a supposed protection — after the tragic death of a young girl in the nearby canals. Today, it stands as one of Mexico’s most famous and forbidding landmarks, drawing brave visitors and ghost hunters alike.

    Rather than merely taking loose inspiration, Steelkrill Studio has built a tangible bridge between the real world and the game:

    • Dolls and objects in the game are modelled from actual photographs taken on the real island, giving every unsettling figure a genuine real-world counterpart
    • Hidden original photos are scattered throughout the game — spot one, and you’ll see the exact doll that inspired it, hanging in the real location
    • VHS tape sequences incorporate further real-world material, deepening the connection between what you play and what actually exists
    • The game does not simply replicate the island — it uses its atmosphere and legend as the foundation for an entirely new, terrifying narrative world

    What Is Where Dolls Hang?

    In this first-person psychological survival horror, you step into the shoes of a detective sent to investigate a remote location where people have been vanishing. What begins as a missing-persons case deepens into something far darker — and deeply personal — as you uncover secrets, explore waterlogged swamps by boat, and face the things that watch from the shadows.

    “They don’t just hang there. They look.”

    • Explore a living, hostile wilderness where dolls, mannequins, and unnatural figures appear where they shouldn’t
    • Gather evidence, examine scenes, and piece together the truth behind the disappearances — and your own connection to them
    • Navigate flooded waterways and isolated reaches of the island by boat
    • Survive the encroaching darkness as night falls and the atmosphere shifts from unsettling to terrifying

    Game Details

    Table

    TitleWhere Dolls Hang
    Developer / PublisherSteelkrill Studio
    GenrePsychological Survival Horror
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    Release Window2026
    InspirationIsla de las Muñecas, Xochimilco, Mexico

    Prepare yourself: some nightmares don’t come from imagination. They come from somewhere real. And now they’re waiting for you.

    Find out more here

    #WhereDollsHang #SteelkrillStudio #HorrorGames #PsychologicalHorror #SurvivalHorror #IslandOfTheDolls #IslaDeLasMuñecas #MexicanHorror #PCGaming #Steam #IndieHorror #techmash

  • Open Your Doors — Ultimate Pet Shop Simulator Demo Arrives September 25!

    Open Your Doors — Ultimate Pet Shop Simulator Demo Arrives September 25!

    Get ready to stock the shelves, welcome customers, and care for a whole host of adorable animals — Onivo Games and PlayWay SA have officially announced that the Ultimate Pet Shop Simulator demo will launch on September 25, 2026, exclusively on Steam!

    Step into the shoes of a brand-new business owner in this charming first-person simulation experience, where every decision shapes your shop’s success. From picking out your first fish tank to welcoming furry friends, you’ll build, manage, and grow the ultimate destination for pet lovers.

    What You’ll Do in the Demo

    • Sell a wonderful variety of pets — from colourful fish and chirping birds to playful cats and loyal dogs
    • Design your dream store — arrange displays, decorate every corner, and create a welcoming space customers will love visiting
    • Serve customers — help them find their perfect companion, answer questions, and keep everyone happy
    • Grow your business — manage stock, handle finances, expand your range, and watch your reputation spread
    • Care for your animals — keep your pets healthy, happy, and ready for their forever homes

    The demo gives you your first full hands-on taste of running your very own pet shop: set up your space, order supplies, stock your shelves, and start serving your first visitors — all from an immersive first-person perspective that puts you right behind the counter.

    Best of all? There are no restrictions on content creation — stream, record, and share your shop however you like, with no embargo or limitations!

    The Details

    Table

    Demo LaunchSeptember 25, 2026
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    DeveloperOnivo Games
    PublisherPlayWay SA
    Full ReleaseExpected Q1 2027
    Steam Page[store.steampowered.com/app/4823440](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4823440/Ultimate_Pet_Shop_Simulator/)

    Whether you’re an animal lover, a budding entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a relaxing, rewarding sim — mark your calendars: September 25 is the day your new adventure begins. The doors open soon — will you be ready?

    Find out more here

    #UltimatePetShopSimulator #OnivoGames #PlayWaySA #SimulationGames #SteamDemo #GamingNews #PetLovers #IndieGames #PCGaming #techmash

  • New Foes, New Power — Attack of the Astrals Demo Gets Major Expansion & Global Localisation!

    New Foes, New Power — Attack of the Astrals Demo Gets Major Expansion & Global Localisation!

    Hewer’s Workshop and Goblinz Publishing have unleashed a sweeping update to the Attack of the Astrals demo, available right now on Steam for all PC platforms — packed with fresh enemies, upgraded champions, a deadly new boss duo, and full support for players across the globe.

    What Is Attack of the Astrals?

    A gripping turn-based strategy roguelike where every move counts — and every move attacks. Build your team of three champions from a growing roster of heroes and villains, then march across the realm, liberating lands from encroaching Astral corruption. It’s a game where positioning, timing, and clever synergy between your chosen champions determine whether you prevail or fall.

    What’s New in This Update?

    This isn’t just a polish pass — it’s a massive expansion of everything the demo offers:

    Enemies & Threats

    • 4 brand-new Astral foes — each with distinct behaviours, patterns, and tactical demands
    • Dual boss encounters — face not one, but two bosses at the climax of every run; synchronised threats that will test your coordination and adaptability to the limit

    Champions & Progression

    • Expanded upgrade systems — discover and combine fresh passive abilities to tailor your trio to your preferred playstyle
    • Refined combat flow — smoother difficulty curve means fairer challenges, clearer progression, and more satisfying tactical depth from start to finish
    • Reworked movement & attacks — champions still unleash area strikes as they advance, but now with richer passive options to layer onto your strategy

    Play in Your Language

    The demo now speaks your language — fully localised into:

    • Chinese
    • French
    • German
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • English

    How It Plays — A Unique Twist on Tactics

    • Choose your trio — each run begins by picking three champions, each with unique movement patterns, attack shapes, and roles
    • Move = Attack — every time a champion advances, they automatically strike along their path; positioning is your most powerful weapon
    • Grow stronger together — unlock Scrolls, permanent Upgrades, and game-changing Summon abilities as you push deeper
    • The enemy evolves too — the Astral threat grows as you liberate territory; victory means the world gets harder, not just you

    Key Details

    Table

    DetailInfo
    DeveloperHewer’s Workshop
    PublisherGoblinz Publishing
    PlatformSteam — PC, Mac, Linux
    StatusDemo available FREE now, updated
    Full ReleaseTargeting Q4 2026
    PriceDemo = free; full game pricing TBA

    Dive In Today

    Whether you’re returning to test the new bosses and refined balance, or stepping onto the Astral battlefield for the first time, the expanded demo is ready and waiting. Download it free on Steam, wishlist it to stay notified, and keep your eyes here on Techmash as we approach the full launch later this year.

    The Astrals are gathering — assemble your champions and stand fast.

    Find out more here

    #AttackOfTheAstrals #HewersWorkshop #GoblinzPublishing #TurnBasedStrategy #Roguelike #TacticalGame #IndieDev #Steam #PCGaming #DemoUpdate #GamingNews #Techmash

  • The Abyss Reveals Its Secrets — Second Behind-the-Scenes Video for End of Abyss Surfaces!

    The Abyss Reveals Its Secrets — Second Behind-the-Scenes Video for End of Abyss Surfaces!

    The Abyss holds many secrets. Some, perhaps, should be kept hidden.

    Section 9 Interactive and Epic Games Publishing have lifted the veil further on their haunting atmospheric adventure End of Abyss, releasing the second official behind-the-scenes video — and it dives deep into the mysterious design, world-building, and hidden truths awaiting players when the game launches October 1, 2026.

    Where I Hide the Secrets — The New Developer Video

    Titled “Where I Hide The Secrets”, this second episode takes you inside the minds behind the game:

    • Mattias Ottvall (Co-founder, Section 9 Interactive) — design philosophy and core vision
    • Gustav Bunse (Environment Artist) — crafting the eerie, industrial depths of the facility
    • Robin Jansson (Level Designer) — guiding players through spaces that feel alive with hidden meaning
    • Isabella Norström (Game Programmer) — the systems that make exploration tense and rewarding

    Together, they unpack how every corridor, shadow, and silence in the Abyss has been crafted to draw you deeper — and keep you looking over your shoulder.

    What Lies Beneath

    End of Abyss casts you into a dark, isolated facility where the line between science and something far stranger begins to blur:

    • Atmospheric sci-fi horror — tension doesn’t just come from what you see, but what you sense
    • Carefully crafted exploration — environments tell stories; look closely, and the facility itself may reveal its purpose
    • Industrial yet organic — metal, concrete, and machinery that feels worn, lived-in, and faintly wrong
    • Something watches — the deeper you go, the clearer it becomes: you are not alone down here

    Release Details

    Table

    PlatformAvailability
    PlayStation 5Oct 1, 2026
    **Xbox Series XS**Oct 1, 2026
    PC (Epic Games Store)Oct 1, 2026

    From the team behind celebrated atmospheric adventures, End of Abyss promises to be an experience that lingers long after you surface.

    Will You Dare to Descend?

    The first behind-the-scenes video introduced the creators and the genesis of their vision. This second one shows how they built the world — and the secrets buried within it.

    Watch the video now right here on Techmash. Then prepare yourself: in just over two weeks, the Abyss opens for real. Some doors, once opened, cannot be closed again.

    Find out more here

    #EndOfAbyss #Section9Interactive #EpicGamesPublishing #BehindTheScenes #SciFiHorror #AtmosphericGame #IndieDev #PCGaming #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Ground War Goes Live — EVE Vanguard 24/7 Paid Alpha Launches November 10!

    Ground War Goes Live — EVE Vanguard 24/7 Paid Alpha Launches November 10!

    Fenris Creations has officially announced that EVE Vanguard, the highly anticipated extraction-adventure FPS set in the universe of EVE Online, will open permanent 24/7 paid alpha access starting Tuesday, 10 November 2026 — exclusively through the EVE Launcher on PC.

    What Is EVE Vanguard?

    Step onto the planetary frontlines of New Eden as a Warclone — a technologically immortal soldier dropping into high-risk extraction zones to secure resources, battle rival operators, and fight for control across hostile worlds. Your actions don’t just exist in isolation — they ripple outward, influencing the vast galaxy of EVE Online itself.

    • Extraction-adventure FPS — drop in, complete objectives, secure loot, and extract before you’re wiped out
    • Connected to EVE Online — enlist with New Eden’s empires and contribute to Factional Warfare campaigns
    • Persistent progression — build your loadout, unlock weapons, and grow stronger between deployments
    • Living development — shape the game as it evolves through ongoing alpha testing

    Key Launch Details

    Table

    DetailInformation
    Alpha BeginsTuesday, 10 November 2026
    Access24/7 — no more limited-time playtest windows
    PlatformPC — exclusively via EVE Launcher initially
    Steam Early AccessPlanned for Q3 2027 (beta phase)
    PricingTo be announced closer to launch

    What’s in the November Alpha?

    Building directly on feedback from July’s Operation Avalon playtest, this next phase brings major additions:

    • Three brand-new maps — fresh planetary battlegrounds to fight over
    • Overhauled new-player experience — smoother onboarding and story-driven introduction
    • Expanded weapon progression — deeper unlock trees and persistent gear advancement
    • Empire enlistment — align with the major factions of New Eden and impact the wider war
    • Refined combat — improvements to aiming, enemy AI, healing mechanics, and grenade handling

    Two Paths to Play

    Fenris Creations has outlined a split roadmap for the game:

    • Paid Alpha (Nov 10, 2026) — 24/7 access through EVE Launcher; ongoing updates throughout the development cycle
    • Steam Playtests — Additional limited-time, free sessions planned before full Early Access launch
    • Steam Early Access (Q3 2027) — Full release on Steam coincides with transition to beta phase

    From Space to Surface

    EVE Vanguard represents the long-awaited ground-war counterpart to EVE Online’s legendary space combat — a spiritual successor to the vision first seen in Dust 514, reimagined as a tense, tactical extraction shooter where every run matters and every extraction is a victory.

    Whether you’re an EVE veteran ready to bring the fight planetside or a newcomer drawn to high-stakes tactical FPS action, the war begins November 10.

    Watch for pricing and pre-order details coming soon — and wishlist now on Steam to stay notified.

    Find out more here

    #EVEVanguard #EVEOnline #FenrisCreations #FPS #ExtractionShooter #SciFi #PCGaming #AlphaAccess #NewEden #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Slimey Goes Global — ESDigital Games Takes Publishing Reins for Go Slimey Go!

    Slimey Goes Global — ESDigital Games Takes Publishing Reins for Go Slimey Go!

    Great news for platforming fans — ESDigital Games, the international video game publisher, has officially stepped in as worldwide publisher for the charming 2D precision platformer Go Slimey Go!, developed by Argentina-based Tembac and Chabbie Studio. The partnership paves the way for a full console launch alongside expanded global support.

    What Is Go Slimey Go!?

    Already delighting players on PC via Steam since December 2025, Go Slimey Go! casts you as Slimey — a tiny, determined slime on a heartfelt mission to reunite with friends for a long-overdue tea party. Traverse five beautifully handcrafted worlds, each packed with precision jumps, clever mechanics, and vibrant pixel-art visuals:

    • 5 unique worlds — 25 carefully built levels across fields, mountains, volcanoes, and beyond
    • Momentum-based platforming — master Slimey’s bouncy, fluid movement; bounce off enemies to reach new heights
    • Stress-free design — no lives counter, no timer, no distractions — just pure, focused platforming
    • Bouncy, energetic soundtrack — perfectly matched to the game’s upbeat tempo
    • Charming story — amidst a grand conflict between hero and villain, Slimey just wants to find their friends

    Coming to Consoles Worldwide

    Under ESDigital Games’ publishing umbrella, Go Slimey Go! is bound for all major home platforms:

    • Nintendo Switch
    • PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
    • Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S

    Exact release dates and pricing will be announced in the coming weeks. The game will also receive expanded localisation, global marketing, and distribution support to bring Slimey’s adventure to players everywhere.

    A Powerful Partnership

    This union combines the best of both worlds:

    • Tembac & Chabbie Studio — the creative hearts behind the game’s tight controls, warm art style, and joyful spirit
    • ESDigital Games — proven publishing reach, console expertise, and global marketing muscle to carry Slimey far beyond its PC home

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Go Slimey Go! to the ESDigital Games family,” the publisher shared. “This is a game with heart, craft, and endless charm — and we can’t wait to introduce Slimey to players across every platform.”

    Already a Hit on PC

    Since launching on Steam, Go Slimey Go! has earned glowing player reviews and captured hearts at home and abroad. It was nominated for multiple awards at Argentina’s EVA accolades and has been praised for its accessible yet satisfying gameplay that strikes the perfect balance between challenge and warmth.

    What’s Next

    • PC — available now on Steam
    • Consoles — coming soon to Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox
    • Wishlist now — follow the game on your preferred platform to catch the launch the moment it lands

    Slimey’s journey is just getting started — and the world is invited along for the ride.

    Find out more here

    #GoSlimeyGo #ESDigitalGames #Tembac #ChabbieStudio #IndieGame #Platformer #PixelArt #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #Steam #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Cosmic Chaos Unleashed — Spaceborn: Awakening Drops Blistering New Gameplay Trailer!

    Cosmic Chaos Unleashed — Spaceborn: Awakening Drops Blistering New Gameplay Trailer!

    Prepare to have your screens filled with starfire and enemies — solo developer Stathis Aposporis (founder of ProtoGames) has just premiered a brand-new gameplay trailer for Spaceborn: Awakening, the narrative-driven bullet-heaven roguelite hurtling toward Steam later this year.

    What Is Spaceborn: Awakening?

    Far more than just another horde-survival game, Spaceborn: Awakening wraps its white-knuckle combat inside a full-blooded sci-fi adventure:

    • Answer a mysterious distress signal from a derelict space station on the edge of the known universe
    • Face the corrupted armies of the Voss Praetor in waves that erupt from every direction
    • Uncover the truth behind the first Spaceborn — and decide the fate of the cosmos itself

    Where many roguelites treat story as window dressing, here the narrative drives your progression. Every run peels back another layer of the mystery, unlocking new abilities, characters, and possibilities as you go.

    Bullet Heaven Meets Deep Progression

    The trailer lays out exactly what players can expect — and it looks spectacular:

    • Screen-clearing firepower — unleash cascading shots, orbital strikes, and cosmic blasts that paint the void with destruction
    • Dynamic builds — weapons, Spaceborn abilities, and upgrades shift every run; commit to a playstyle and watch it evolve into something unstoppable
    • Persistent Awakening system — story progress unlocks permanent powers and expanded options for future attempts
    • Handcrafted vision — created by Stathis Aposporis, a developer with 12 years of AAA and indie experience, joined by collaborators for art and audio
    • Demo available now — try the current build free on Steam ahead of launch

    Watch It Now

    The fresh gameplay trailer shows combat in motion — from tense early encounters to late-game displays of overwhelming cosmic power. It’s fast, it’s vibrant, and it’s arriving later in 2026 exclusively on PC via Steam.

    Key Details

    Table

    DetailInfo
    DeveloperStathis Aposporis / ProtoGames
    PlatformSteam (PC)
    Release WindowLate 2026
    DemoAvailable now — search Spaceborn: Awakening on Steam
    WishlistLive today — add to stay notified on launch

    Awaken Your Power

    Whether you’re chasing the pure thrill of obliterating thousands of foes or digging into the secrets of the universe, Spaceborn: Awakening aims to satisfy on both fronts — and the new trailer proves it’s shaping up to be one of the most distinctive roguelites of the year.

    Head to Steam to wishlist now, grab the demo for a taste of the action, and keep your eyes right here for release date confirmation as soon as it lands.

    Find out more here

    #SpacebornAwakening #ProtoGames #StathisAposporis #BulletHeaven #Roguelite #IndieDev #SciFi #Steam #PCGaming #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Zero Cost, Zero Compromise — Phobos Down Goes Fully Free October 1st!

    Zero Cost, Zero Compromise — Phobos Down Goes Fully Free October 1st!

    Great news for shooter fans — Phobos Down, the sleek, minimalist sci-fi twin-stick shooter from solo developer FRACTiLE Games, is going 100% free starting October 1st, 2026. No ads, no microtransactions, no strings attached — just the full game, yours to keep.

    Free to All — Starting October 1st

    From next month, Phobos Down will be available at zero cost across Steam and Itch.io. The developer confirmed the change in a heartfelt announcement, noting that while sales were modest, the game is ready to find its widest possible audience:

    “Starting from October 1st, you get to play Phobos Down completely free. No ads, no in-app payments, just the game.”

    Want to Support the Dev? Buy Now at 75% Off

    If you’d like to show your appreciation and support future development, you can grab the game right now at a massive 75% discount:

    • Steam — available now at a reduced price
    • Itch.io — pay-what-you-want starting from just $1.49 USD

    The sale runs through September 30th — after that, the game becomes free for everyone. You can also simply wishlist the game on your preferred platform and download it for free once October arrives.

    What Is Phobos Down?

    Phobos Down strips the twin-stick shooter genre down to its clean, satisfying core:

    • Smooth, responsive twin-stick controls — refined and polished for instant enjoyment
    • Procedurally generated missions — every playthrough feels fresh and unpredictable
    • Customisable loadouts — tailor your weapons and gear to your playstyle
    • Weekly challenges + online leaderboards — compete with players worldwide
    • Play at your own pace — pause anytime, no relentless time pressure
    • ? Steam Deck optimised — perfect for portable play

    You step into the boots of a lone contractor sent to an uncharted planet to recover lost cargo — but the local wildlife has other ideas. It’s all about precision, movement, and that satisfying flow state only a well-tuned shooter can deliver.

    A Note from the Developer

    FRACTiLE Games shared the reasoning behind the shift: low sales meant maintaining commercial listing overheads wasn’t practical, but the game — and the developer — aren’t going anywhere.

    “I’m very thankful for the people who bought the game so far… I will not stop making games. Going forward, I’ll continue creating and releasing my work, often for free.”

    Your Choice

    Table

    OptionDetails
    Buy now75% off ? supports dev immediately
    Wait for freeOct 1st — download at no cost, forever
    WishlistGet notified when it goes free automatically

    Whether you jump in today to show some love or wait until next month, Phobos Down will be ready and waiting — polished, complete, and entirely yours.

    Find out more here

    #PhobosDown #FRACTiLEGames #FreeGame #TwinStickShooter #IndieDev #Steam #ItchIo #FreeToPlay #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Raise the Dead — Necrolord Rises in Conquest Dark’s Massive New Update!

    Raise the Dead — Necrolord Rises in Conquest Dark’s Massive New Update!

    Death is no longer the end. Eldritch Sword Games and publisher Mad Mushroom have unleashed a major update for Conquest Dark, the brutal sword-and-sorcery survivors-like that stormed into Early Access back in April 2025 — and the star of the show is none other than the Necrolord, a brand-new class that commands the dead to fight in your name.

    A haunting new trailer has also dropped, showcasing the class’s undead might — and it looks every bit as menacing as you’d hope.

    About Conquest Dark

    Launched into Steam Early Access on April 30, 2025, Conquest Dark plunged players into a grim, unforgiving world where humanity teeters on the brink of annihilation. Choose your class, face hordes of twisted foes, grow exponentially in power, and survive escalating waves of infernal pressure — all wrapped in a dark fantasy aesthetic that oozes atmosphere.

    “Over a dozen levels, five starting classes, deep build customisation, and global progression that makes every run stronger — this is survivors-like action with teeth.”

    Who Is the Necrolord?

    This isn’t just another spellcaster — the Necrolord is a master of life and death, raising armies of skeletal thralls, corrupting the living, and turning fallen foes into fresh fuel for your unholy crusade:

    • Summon Undead Legions — fill the screen with skeletons, wraiths, and abominations that fight and die for you
    • Life from Death — heal and empower yourself as your minions strike down enemies
    • Dark Rituals — sacrifice health for devastating bursts of necrotic power
    • Builds Around Corruption — stack curses, poison, and decay to melt through bosses and hordes alike

    More Than Just a New Class

    This update isn’t stopping at the Necrolord — it brings sweeping changes across the board:

    • New Runeword System — slot runes into abilities to unlock over 100 million possible combinations with unique global bonuses
    • Fresh Artefacts & Uniques — gear designed to support Necrolord and existing classes alike
    • Balance & Polish — refinements to difficulty curves, ability visibility, and bug fixes across the board

    Watch the Trailer Now

    The brand-new trailer lays out the Necrolord’s grim arsenal — see it in action right here on Techmash. Hint: expect lots of bones, plenty of curses, and zero mercy.

    Key Details

    • Platform — Steam (PC)
    • Status — In Early Access; full release expected ~April 2026
    • Price — Available now; update is FREE to all owners
    • Developer — Eldritch Sword Games
    • Publisher — Mad Mushroom

    Ready to Command?

    Whether you’re returning to the darkness or stepping into Conquest Dark for the first time, the Necrolord offers a completely fresh way to dominate the hordes. Your army waits — will you lead them to victory, or join them in death?

    Find out more here

    #ConquestDark #Necrolord #SurvivorsLike #IndieDev #EldritchSwordGames #MadMushroom #EarlyAccess #DarkFantasy #PCGaming #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Paddle Power — Hit Co-Op Chaos Paddle Paddle Paddle Launches on Nintendo Switch!

    Paddle Power — Hit Co-Op Chaos Paddle Paddle Paddle Launches on Nintendo Switch!

    Grab your friends, steady your nerves, and prepare for maximum mayhem — the viral paddle-rowing sensation Paddle Paddle Paddle is officially paddling onto Nintendo Switch! Publisher Assemble Entertainment and solo developer Mateo Covic (Zoroarts) have launched the game digitally today, September 17th, priced at just €4.99.

    What Is Paddle Paddle Paddle?

    Described as a brutally frustrating yet endlessly charming co-op boat adventure, this is the game that took PC by storm — selling over 287,000 copies on Steam since its 2025 debut and earning a nomination for Best Casual Game at the German Video Game Awards.

    The premise is beautifully, hilariously simple:

    • Row your way through a treacherous, lava-surrounded parkour course
    • Dodge swinging axes, unpredictable winds, slippery slopes, and devilish jumps
    • One-button gameplay per player — easy to pick up, nearly impossible to master
    • Play solo (control both paddles yourself) or with up to 4 players locally

    “The game will stay true to its PC counterpart with the ‘one-button’ gameplay — it will feel no different than when playing on PC. Although it has been greatly optimized to run even smoother, those improvements are also coming back to the PC version.”

    — Mateo Covic / Zoroarts

    Built Perfectly for Switch

    This isn’t just a port — it’s been tuned to shine on Nintendo’s hybrid console:

    • Fully optimised for both handheld and docked play
    • Optional touch controls for an extra layer of immersion
    • Supports single Joy-Con play — pass a controller to a friend instantly
    • Cross-compatible with your progress and play style from the PC edition

    Why It Blown Up

    Paddle Paddle Paddle isn’t just a game — it’s a phenomenon. Streamers and players worldwide fell in love with its:

    • Pure, unfiltered chaos — every run is different, every mistake is hilarious
    • Low barrier to entry — zero complex controls, just timing and teamwork
    • Highly addictive frustration — you’ll fail the same jump 27 times, then nail it and feel like a legend

    Pricing & Availability

    • Nintendo Switch eShop — available NOW, €4.99 (~£4.29 / $4.99)
    • PC (Steam) — continues to be available, with a free update bringing all Switch-side optimisations to desktop players
    • Languages — English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified & Traditional Chinese

    Ready to Paddle?

    Whether you’re reuniting with old friends or ruining new friendships, Paddle Paddle Paddle is the perfect pick-up-and-play party game — now truly portable. Dive in, keep your boat afloat, and remember: it’s always someone else’s fault when you hit the lava.

    Find out more here

    #PaddlePaddlePaddle #AssembleEntertainment #Zoroarts #MateoCovic #NintendoSwitch #IndieGame #CoOp #PartyGame #CasualGaming #Techmash #GamingNews

  • Gather Your Party — Spectra Unleashed: Soulbound: Online Opens First Eight-Player Raid!

    Gather Your Party — Spectra Unleashed: Soulbound: Online Opens First Eight-Player Raid!

    Independent studio Spiderware has officially opened the gates to Spectra’s Lair, the very first eight-player raid in pixel-art MMORPG Soulbound: Online — marking the biggest milestone yet in the game’s Early Access journey.

    A Milestone Eight Weeks in the Making

    The launch arrives exactly eight weeks after Soulbound: Online stepped into Steam Early Access on July 21st, following a steady stream of updates, polish, community-driven tweaks, and system refinements. Now, the team at Spiderware is ready to unleash the game’s most ambitious challenge yet.

    Who Is Spectra?

    Spectra the Necromancer is the first of the Anima — malevolent entities ruling over the game’s digital world, seeking to break through into ours. She waits in her lair, and stopping her won’t be something any hero can do alone.

    This is the game’s first encounter designed exclusively for eight players. There’s no solo path, no shortcut — every role matters, and coordination is your greatest weapon.

    How the Raid Works

    • Assigned Roles — Tank, Healer, and DPS: every player has a clear job to keep the group alive and deal damage
    • Manual Casting — success depends on timing your abilities by hand, not just raw gear score
    • Bullet-Heaven Mechanics — dodging patterns and positioning matter as much as your stats
    • Two Difficulties — step up as you master the fight

    Table

    ModeChallengeNotes
    NormalTwo players marked with Soul Bolts; manageable without voice commsUnlocks Hard Mode
    HardEveryone marked; faster pace; demands tight coordination and communicationExclusive legendary rewards & mount

    You’ve got 15 minutes per attempt — wipe and return as many times as you can within the window. If Spectra is nearly defeated when time expires, your group gets a final chance to finish her off.

    How to Enter

    • Complete the main story quest Tremors
    • Speak to Warden Odell in Lunar City
    • Finish the two-part introduction questline
    • Earn your Lunar Key to open the raid doors

    What You Can Earn

    • Tier 6 Necromancer-themed gear, including Legendary drops
    • Exclusive mount from Hard Mode only
    • New achievements to track your kills
    • Fast travel between major cities — also added in this update

    What’s Next

    Spiderware isn’t stopping here. This raid is the first of what promises to be an expanding world, with more Anima, deeper systems, and fresh adventures on the horizon as Early Access continues.

    Assemble your team, sharpen your weapons, and prove you have what it takes to stand against Spectra. The raid is open — are you ready?

    Find out more here

    #SoulboundOnline #Spiderware #SpectraRaid #MMORPG #PixelArt #IndieMMO #EarlyAccess #GamingNews #Techmash #PCGaming

  • Magic in Your Pocket: Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Lands Worldwide on Mobile!

    Magic in Your Pocket: Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed Lands Worldwide on Mobile!

    The magic of Wasteland is now wherever you go — THQ Nordic Mobile, in partnership with Disney & Pixar Games, Purple Lamp, and Snapshot Games, has officially launched Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed on iOS and Android devices today!

    Now Available — Download Today

    The beloved 3D platformer is available right now across the globe:

    • Apple App Store — iPhone & iPad
    • Google Play — Android smartphones & tablets

    This is the full, complete adventure — no cut content, no compromises, and no in-app purchases. Just Mickey, your magic brush, and the entire journey through Wasteland, optimised perfectly for touchscreens.

    Paint, Thinner, and Choice — In Your Hands

    Step into Mickey’s shoes as he stumbles into Wasteland — a stunning, forgotten realm where Disney’s most cherished but overlooked characters live, led by none other than Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Armed with a powerful magic brush, you shape the world itself:

    • Paint — restore broken paths, bring objects to life, and build bridges where none existed
    • Thinner — dissolve barriers, strip away obstacles, and reveal hidden routes
    • Your choices matter — every stroke influences the story, relationships, and how your adventure unfolds

    Originally remade by Purple Lamp for console and PC, this edition has been faithfully rebuilt by Snapshot Games specifically for mobile. Intuitive touch controls make painting, thinning, jumping, and dashing feel natural and responsive — as if the magic brush was always meant to be wielded with a swipe of your finger.

    Why You’ll Love It

    • Premium release — one purchase, full game, zero microtransactions
    • Touch-optimised gameplay — redesigned controls for smooth platforming and precise brushwork
    • The complete campaign — everything from the console and PC editions to portable
    • Stunning visuals — Wasteland shines bright on mobile displays
    • Deep, meaningful story — a heartfelt journey through Disney’s forgotten history

    About the Partnership

    This launch brings together an all-star team:

    • Disney & Pixar Games — guiding the magic and authenticity
    • Purple Lamp — creators of the award-winning Rebrushed remake
    • Snapshot Games — expert mobile adaptation
    • THQ Nordic Mobile — publishing and bringing it all to your device

    Grab Your Brush — Adventure Awaits!

    Whether you’re returning to Wasteland or visiting for the very first time, there’s never been a better moment to experience Mickey’s most imaginative adventure. Download Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed today and carry the magic wherever you go.

    We’ll have gameplay impressions, tips, and more right here at Techmash — stay tuned!

    Find out more here

    #EpicMickeyRebrushed #DisneyEpicMickey #THQNordicMobile #PurpleLamp #SnapshotGames #DisneyGames #MobileGaming #iOS #Android #Techmash #GamingNews