TECHMASH

Category: Games

  • Total W40K Chaos! Dawn of War IV Drops Explosive New Orks vs. Necrons 1v1 Battlefield Report

    Total W40K Chaos! Dawn of War IV Drops Explosive New Orks vs. Necrons 1v1 Battlefield Report

    Get ready, strategy commanders! Developer KING Art Games and publisher Deep Silver are taking strategy fans deep into the gritty, brutal multiplayer suite of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV.

    A brand-new video series of Battlefield Reports has just kicked off, giving gamers their most comprehensive look yet at high-level competitive play, advanced tactics, late-game unit scaling, and sheer tabletop-inspired carnage.

    Leading off this new three-part report series is an intense, late-game 1v1 Annihilation match featuring two fan-favourite factions: the unstoppable, green-skinned WAAAGH! of the Orks taking on the cold, ancient, undying legions of the Necrons.

    Advanced Strategies & High-Tier Chaos: What We Learned

    While previous gameplay teasers focused on the fundamentals, this latest Battlefield Report raises the stakes by demonstrating what happens when base-building, territory control, and massive army caps collide in the late game.

    Here are the key takeaways every RTS fan needs to know:

    • Massive Army Scaling & Unit Spam: Unlike the tighter squad-management focus of Dawn of War II, Dawn of War IV leans heavily into large-scale warfare reminiscent of the original classic. Expect to command over 15 to 20+ squads at once, making unit preservation, map control, and macro-economy management essential.
    • Orks vs. Necrons Dynamic: The matchup showcases the classic clash of playstyles. The Orks build momentum through raw numbers, swarming tactics, and brutal melee powerhouses like Mega Nobs. Meanwhile, the Necrons use territory-expanding Dominion ground effects, sturdy Canoptek constructs, and relentless auto-reinforcements to stall and wither down enemy forces.
    • Devastating Stratagems: High-tier abilities can completely turn the tide of war in seconds. Late-game stratagems offer cinematic destruction, wiping out entire clusters of infantry if a player fails to micro-manage unit positioning or anticipate superweapons.
    • Return of Sync Kills & Enhanced Combat Realism: KING Art Games (best known for Iron Harvest) has evolved the beloved “Sync Kill” mechanics with an updated Combat Director, bringing brutal, personalised melee finishing animations back to the battlefield.

    What’s Coming Next?

    This 1v1 Annihilation (Orks vs. Necrons) showdown is only the beginning. KING Art Games is releasing two additional Battlefield Reports shortly, which will dive into 2v2 Multiplayer action and team-focused Team Skirmish modes, giving players a complete preview of the competitive ladder before release day.

    With four playable factions at launch (Space Marines, Adeptus Mechanicus, Orks, and Necrons), cooperative campaign support, and the return of the beloved Last Stand mode, Dawn of War IV is shaping up to be the definitive modern Warhammer RTS experience fans have waited years to play.

    Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV launches on PC via Steam on December 3, 2026, with early access starting November 30 for Commander Edition buyers.

    What faction will you be maining in the multiplayer arena? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #DawnOfWar4 #Warhammer40k #KINGArtGames #DeepSilver #PCGaming #RTSGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Explosive Heads, High Stakes, and Filipino Folklore: Jester Under Pressure Is Coming to Steam!

    Explosive Heads, High Stakes, and Filipino Folklore: Jester Under Pressure Is Coming to Steam!

    Get ready for a visual novel experience where keeping the crowd entertained isn’t just about earning applause—it’s a matter of literal survival.

    Game developers Orca Martian Games and Viridian Software have officially announced that Jester Under Pressure, a captivating fantasy visual novel set in a vibrant Filipino-inspired archipelago, is officially heading to Steam!

    Originating as a standout entry in the beloved NaNoRenO visual novel game jam, Jester Under Pressure takes dark comedy, rich cultural mythos, and high-stakes choices to an entirely new level.

    A Royal Court Where Mistakes Are Fatal

    In Jester Under Pressure, players step into the colourful yet dangerous shoes of a royal jester serving a ruthless queen. In this tropical archipelago, the monarch rules with an absolute—and terrifying—iron fist: underperforming subjects are executed on the spot by having their heads exploded.

    No pressure, right?

    As the court’s entertainer, you must navigate high-tension comedic performances, complex political intrigue, and delicate personal relationships. Every joke, dialogue choice, and performance counts. One bad punchline could literally be your last.

    Inspired by Rich Filipino Culture and Mythos

    Beyond its darkly comedic and explosive premise, Jester Under Pressure shines through its rich world-building. Set against the backdrop of a fantasy archipelago heavily inspired by Filipino culture, history, and folklore, the game brings fresh, diverse representation to the visual novel genre. Players can expect unique aesthetic design, culturally rooted storytelling, and memorable characters.

    What’s New for the Steam Release?

    While the original game jam version captivated players with its unique premise and striking artwork, the full Steam release is expanding the experience significantly. Orca Martian Games and Viridian Software have confirmed that the enhanced Steam version will feature:

    • Brand-New Story Routes: Explore deeper narratives and shape the fate of the archipelago.
    • Multiple New Endings: Discover various outcomes depending on how well you handle the queen’s volatile temper.
    • An Expanded Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in fresh music tailored for every high-stakes moment.
    • Polished Visuals & Expanded Lore: More dialogue, character interactions, and world details than ever before.

    Wishlist It Today!

    If you love visual novels with deep choices, unique settings, and a healthy dose of dark humour, Jester Under Pressure should definitely be on your radar.

    Head over to Steam today to add Jester Under Pressure to your wishlist and keep up with the latest updates from Orca Martian Games and Viridian Software!

    Find out more here

    #JesterUnderPressure #IndieGames #VisualNovel #SteamGames #GamingNews #OrcaMartianGames #ViridianSoftware #FilipinoIndieGames #NaNoRenO #IndieGameDev #PCGaming #GamingCommunity #TechMash

  • Get Your Cranks Ready: Playdate Season Three Drops October 8 with 8 Mystery Games!

    Get Your Cranks Ready: Playdate Season Three Drops October 8 with 8 Mystery Games!

    The wait is officially over for fans of Panic’s delightful, crank-equipped handheld console! Announced during the latest Playdate Update showcase, Panic has confirmed that Playdate Season Three will officially launch on October 8.

    Pre-orders for the brand-new season are available right now for $39, and Panic is encouraging players to lock in their orders early. Securing your pre-order ensures you’ll get to experience the weekly game drops simultaneously alongside the rest of the global community—keeping the fun, collective sense of mystery alive as new titles unlock every week.

    What to Expect in Season Three

    Playdate’s season model delivers a curated, secretive library of games built specifically to take advantage of the device’s crisp black-and-white display and signature crank controller.

    Here is what’s in store for Season Three:

    • 8 Brand-New Games: Panic has put together another lineup of unique, inventive, and surprising titles from talented indie developers.
    • Delivered Over 4 Weeks: Starting October 8, players will receive two new games every week automatically delivered directly to their handhelds, wrapping up on October 29.
    • Shared Community Experience: Because games download weekly for everyone at the exact same time, the Playdate community gets to discover, discuss, and master each mysterious surprise together.

    The showcase gave fans a tantalising peek into the lineup, teasing titles that range from soulslike dungeon crawlers and quirky physics-based games to sequels of fan-favourite indie hits.

    Don’t Miss Out

    Whether you’ve been turning the crank since day one or you’re looking to dive back into your little yellow handheld, Season Three promises to deliver another round of top-tier micro-gaming experiences. Head over to the official Playdate store today to secure your pre-order for $39 before the drops begin on October 8!

    Find out more here

    #Playdate #PlaydateSeason3 #PanicInc #IndieGames #HandheldGaming #GamingNews #TechMash #CrankItUp #IndieGameDev #PlaydateUpdate

  • Masters of Deception, Rejoice! Jackbox Announces ‘Fakin’ It XL’ Standalone Release

    Masters of Deception, Rejoice! Jackbox Announces ‘Fakin’ It XL’ Standalone Release

    Get ready to test your poker face: one of Jackbox’s most legendary social deduction games is breaking free from the Party Pack format for a massive, feature-packed standalone upgrade.

    Your trustworthy pals at Jackbox Games today announced a standalone version of one of the all-time most popular games from its globally beloved Party Pack series: Fakin’ It XL, a lighthearted game where one fibber has to fool the room.

    Boasting brand-new content, quality-of-life updates, and modes empowering prevaricators to join in remotely, Fakin’ It XL’s antics are perfect, approachable-for-all fun for your next game night—wherever in the world your deceptive rivals may be.

    Originally debuting in The Jackbox Party Pack 3, the classic bluffing game has hosted over 50 million game sessions in recent years alone. Now, Jackbox is giving fanatical fibbers and casual casuals alike the definitive way to play.

    What’s New in Fakin’ It XL?

    If you’ve ever had to fake a point, pretend to agree with an opinion you didn’t read, or sweat profusely while everyone stares at you during game night, Fakin’ It XL is bringing back that chaotic magic—with double the size and double the trouble.

    Here is what gamers can look forward to when it launches:

    • XL-Sized Parties: No longer limited to small groups, Fakin’ It XL doubles player capacity, supporting up to eight players in a single game alongside brand-new avatar choices.
    • New Question Types & Rounds: Fresh hijinks-fueling question formats ensure even veteran players won’t see the bluffs coming.
      • Emojional Damage: Players must respond to a prompt using only emojis (e.g., “the best gift for your boss”), while the Faker is left guessing with only a broad category (like “an object”). Good luck explaining why a shoe is the perfect workplace present!
      • Thumb Luck: A rapid-fire opinion round where players vote thumbs up or thumbs down on topics like “Working from Home” or “Dogs in Costumes”. The Faker has to vote totally blind and justify their stance afterwards.
    • Enhanced Remote Play: Seamless online compatibility means you don’t all need to be on the same couch. New features allow your in-game avatar to perform physical actions for you during video calls, making long-distance deceit smoother than ever.

    Release Date & Platforms

    Fakin’ It XL is scheduled to launch on November 12 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S at a budget-friendly price point of $8.99, with Nintendo Switch releases following shortly after.

    Jackbox has also revealed cost-effective holiday bundles that include Fakin’ It XL alongside The Jackbox Party Pack 12 and Trivia Murder Party 3, making it easier than ever to host the ultimate gaming session later this year.

    Whether you’re a master manipulator or terrible at keeping a straight face, clear your schedule for November 12th—your next game night is about to get delightfully deceitful.

    Find out more here

    #JackboxGames #FakinItXL #GamingNews #PartyGames #GameNight #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #IndieGames #Techmash

  • Enter the Basement If You Dare: Kingsway Creator Unveils ‘Bad House’

    Enter the Basement If You Dare: Kingsway Creator Unveils ‘Bad House’

    If you spent hours organising mock Windows OS windows to slay monsters in Kingsway, get ready for another delightfully twisted spin on PC gaming formats. Solo developer Andrew Morrish, the creative mind behind Kingsway and Super Puzzle Platformer Deluxe, has officially partnered with indie publisher The Arcade Crew (Drop Duchy, Abyssus) to reveal Bad House—a genre-blending, auto-battling dungeon crawler coming to PC.

    The premise sounds simple enough: you’ve just moved into a brand-new home. The previous tenant left behind a few personal belongings, and management says they’re all yours to claim. There is, however, one catch… stay out of the basement.

    Naturally, you’re going to go down there anyway.

    What Lurks Beneath?

    Bad House pairs auto-battler mechanics with classic roguelike risk-and-reward extraction. Underneath your seemingly cosy new abode lies an ever-shifting, ever-expanding basement populated by demons, skeletons, bats, and other hostile entities.

    Here is what you can expect when you step into your new fixer-upper:

    • Strategic Auto-Battles: Combat happens automatically once you enter a room. Success depends entirely on your setup. You will combine character skills with weapons, spells, traps, bombs, and summons that you’ve strategically hidden around the environment to wipe out waves of enemies.
    • Diverse Playstyles: Choose from unique character builds suited to your preferred combat style. Swap between melee strikes and elemental magic with Blake, harness high-crit blood magic with Rory, or stalk through the shadows to poison targets with Lou.
    • High-Stakes Extraction: As you clear rooms and descend deeper into the basement, you’ll earn upgrades and unlock powerful abilities. But beware: the further you push, the deadlier the residents become. You can choose to gamble it all for legendary loot or extract early to safely bank your treasures in your upstairs storage box.
    • A Treasure Trove of Leftovers: From swords, shields, and body armour to amulets, rings, and magic wands, the previous tenant left an entire arsenal behind. Just don’t expect management to reimburse you if you lose your gear deep in the subterranean abyss.

    A Proven Indie Lineup

    With Andrew Morrish’s signature knack for innovative, systems-driven game design and The Arcade Crew’s stellar track record of publishing standout indie hits, Bad House is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing strategy titles on the horizon.

    PC players can look forward to exploring the mysteries of the basement when Bad House launches on Steam. Be sure to add it to your Steam wishlist and keep an eye out for an upcoming playable demo!

    Find out more here

    #BadHouse #AndrewMorrish #TheArcadeCrew #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #AutoBattler #Steam #IndieDev #TechMash

  • Gear Up, Bounty Hunters! Astral Bounty Hits Public Steam Demo Today

    Gear Up, Bounty Hunters! Astral Bounty Hits Public Steam Demo Today

    If you’re a fan of retro-inspired, fast-paced arcade action, Independent developer Weepel Games has exciting news for you. Today marks the official release of the public Steam demo for Astral Bounty, an upcoming single-player 2D arcade shoot ’em up (shmup) that promises high-octane gameplay and satisfying combat mechanics.

    What to Expect in the Demo

    The newly released demo puts players in the boots of space bounty hunter Chip Mulligan. Your mission? Descend from a freezing, desolate surface deep into the treacherous depths of a hostile mining complex.

    While a single level might sound brief, don’t let that fool you. The demo packs roughly 12 minutes of intense, demanding action featuring:

    • Hand-Built Enemy Formations: Every wave of enemy ships and hazards is meticulously designed to test your reflexes and tactical positioning—no randomised fluff here.
    • Earn as You Eliminate: Destroying hostiles nets you valuable credits as a reward for your bounty work.
    • In-Level Shop System: Spend your hard-earned credits mid-run at conveniently placed shops. Customise and upgrade your ship to build an increasingly destructive arsenal to handle escalating threats.

    Classic Arcade Vibe Meets Modern Design

    Astral Bounty blends classic bullet-dodging adrenaline with strategic roguelite/upgrade elements. Balancing survival with aggressive credit farming is key: do you play it safe, or push the limits to unlock high-tier weaponry before facing the next wave?

    Whether you’re a hardcore shmup veteran looking for a new high-score challenge or a casual gamer who loves classic arcade aesthetics, the Astral Bounty demo offers a bite-sized, action-packed preview of what Weepel Games has in store.

    Try It Today

    Head over to Steam right now to download the public demo, put Chip Mulligan to the test, and add Astral Bounty to your wishlist!

    Find out more here

    #AstralBounty #WeepelGames #IndieDev #SteamDemo #Shmup #ArcadeGaming #GamingNews #IndieGame #PCGaming #techmash

  • Sublight Prepares to Warp Into Steam Early Access with Complete Development Roadmap Revealed

    Sublight Prepares to Warp Into Steam Early Access with Complete Development Roadmap Revealed

    Get ready, space captains—Codebrew Software has officially set a launch date for its highly anticipated space bullet heaven roguelike, Sublight. Arriving on Steam Early Access on September 15th, this action-packed indie title combines the chaotic, dopamine-fueled survival of bullet heaven games with the tactical depth and scale of space-sim combat.

    Ahead of next week’s release, the developer has unveiled a full, multi-year content roadmap outlining everything players can expect as the game evolves.

    A Stellar Start: Over 26 Million Kills and Counting

    Sublight has already made a massive impression on players. Following its recent demo updates over the past six weeks, captains have racked up an incredible 26 million kills across more than 10,800 runs.

    Unlike typical bullet heaven games where you play as an agile character on foot, Sublight puts you in command of massive stellar warships. Combat relies heavily on positioning, physics, and managing weapon firing arcs across your vessel while fighting off relentless alien swarms and rogue rebel fleets.

    When the game enters Early Access on September 15th, players will get immediate access to a robust feature set, including:

    • 6 Fully Finished Levels and multiple unique boss fights.
    • 2 Enemy Factions to test your armada against.
    • 9 Playable Ships featuring distinct alternative loadouts.
    • 16+ Weapon Types (from shredding autocannons to piercing railguns) and dozens of passive upgrades.
    • Weekly Rotating Level Modifiers to keep every run unpredictable.

    What’s Next? The Full Early Access Roadmap Revealed

    Codebrew Software isn’t slowing down after launch day. To give fans a clear vision of the journey ahead, the full content roadmap detailing planned updates through late 2027 has been released:

    • Q4 2026: Introduction of a third enemy faction, brand-new playable ships and weapons, expanded build choices, and key balance passes.
    • Q1 2027: Specialised boss-drop weapons, high-stakes enemy flagship hunt missions, and fresh mission archetypes.
    • Q2 2027: A major Refreshed Campaign overhaul featuring an XCOM-style galactic threat map, connected narrative missions, expanded factions, and deep research trees.
    • Q3 2027: Community-Driven Content, allowing players to vote on upcoming ships, weapons, and builds via Discord polls, alongside official mod support and Steam Achievements.

    Prepare to Take the Helm

    Developed by independent UK studio Codebrew Software, Sublight emphasises strong community feedback, with daily developer engagement on Discord and active updates based on player suggestions.

    With its combination of deep warship customisation, satisfying wave-clearing gameplay, and a transparent multi-year post-launch plan, Sublight is shaping up to be one of the autumn’s most exciting indie space titles.

    Sublight launches into Steam Early Access on September 15th. You can try out the free demo and add the game to your Steam Wishlist today.

    Find out more here

    #Sublight #CodebrewSoftware #IndieGames #BulletHeaven #Roguelike #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGaming #GamingNews #SciFiGaming #SpaceSim #techmash

  • The Undead Rise in Kamona: Arena Breakout: Infinite Season 7 ‘Utopia’ Arrives September 16!

    The Undead Rise in Kamona: Arena Breakout: Infinite Season 7 ‘Utopia’ Arrives September 16!

    Get ready to check your gear, stock up on ammo, and watch your back. Developer Morefun Studios has officially announced that Arena Breakout: Infinite Season 7: Utopia will drop on September 16th, 2026.

    The upcoming update brings a massive overhaul to the tactical extraction shooter, introducing a bone-chilling biohazard threat, new survival-focused mechanics, fresh armaments, and long-awaited combat balance adjustments that the community has been begging for.

    A Biohazard Nightmare: Two Brand-New Zombie Modes

    Season 7 is completely reshaping Kamona’s high-stakes extraction loop by introducing undead threats into the mix. Whether you prefer cutthroat tactical PvPvE or co-op wave survival, Utopia has you covered with two distinct zombie modes:

    1. Infected Zone (PvPvE)

    The iconic extraction formula meets full-blown outbreak survival. Players will drop into biohazard-infested versions of Farm, Valley, and Airport, which feature six distinct types of zombies. You won’t just be hunting (or running from) rival Operators—you’ll need to navigate undead hordes while extracting high-value loot.

    • Two Difficulty Levels: Valley hosts the standard Infected Zone difficulty (equivalent to Lockdown), while Farm and Airport scale up to Heavy Infected Zone (Forbidden tier).
    • In-Zone Merchants: Meet specialised merchants inside the danger zone to sell miscellaneous scavenged goods on the fly for rare intel and high-value loot.
    • Emergency Missions & Containers: Complete exclusive timed objectives and hunt for unique containers during your runs.
    • Zombie Research Progression: Earn points during raids to unlock permanent abilities via an all-new out-of-match progression tree.

    2. Zombie Endless (PvE)

    If you want to blow off steam without worrying about getting sniped by an enemy Operator from 300 meters away, Zombie Endless is a pure PvE mode unlocking at Level 8. Set in the Airport map, players select their role, gear up, and fight to survive against increasingly aggressive zombie waves while buying on-the-spot weapon upgrades and skill boosts from mid-battle merchants.

    Community-Requested Combat Balance & Adjustments

    Beyond the biohazard chaos, Morefun Studios is tackling community feedback head-on. Season 7 delivers extensive combat rebalancing designed to refine firefights, including:

    • Reworked Weapon Dynamics: Effective weapon range and attachment performance are receiving major tuning.
    • Refined Mechanics: Headshot damage parameters and gear restrictions have been updated for fairer, more tactical combat.
    • Enhanced Post-Raid Feedback: Operators can now enjoy updated dog tag inspection animations, deeper end-game breakdown stats (detailing precise damage dealt vs. received in the final 30 seconds of a raid), and easier ways to share match highlights with friends.

    Mark Your Calendars

    With a blend of dark undead horror, brand-new weapon additions, dynamic in-zone merchant trading, and sweeping balance updates, Season 7: Utopia is shaping up to be one of the most game-changing updates in Arena Breakout: Infinite history.

    Gear up and prepare your squad—the biohazard outbreak goes live on September 16th, 2026.

    Find out more here

    #ArenaBreakoutInfinite #ABI #Season7Utopia #MorefunStudios #ExtractionShooter #GamingNews #PCGaming #FPSGames #ZombieSurvival #TechMash

  • Step Inside Masterpieces: CaTHaRSiS The last of atelier Brings Iconic Fine Art to Life on PC in 2026

    Step Inside Masterpieces: CaTHaRSiS The last of atelier Brings Iconic Fine Art to Life on PC in 2026

    Art appreciation is about to get a breathtaking interactive overhaul. Publisher Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab and solo developer Mana have officially announced CaTHaRSiS ~The last of atelier~, an introspective art adventure that lets players step through the canvas and physically explore some of history’s most celebrated paintings. Scheduled to launch on PC via Steam in 2026, this serene walking simulator transforms classic masterpieces into fully interactive 3D landscapes.

    Journey Beyond the Frame

    In CaTHaRSiS ~The last of atelier~, you step into the role of a nameless, blank-canvas entity awakening in a vast, empty white void with no memories or sense of self. Guided by a mysterious voice, you are drawn toward ten iconic masterpieces hanging in the silence. These artworks act as gateways into distinct alternate dimensions where human emotion and memories frozen in time can be explored firsthand.

    Rather than offering a static virtual gallery, CaTHaRSiS invites you to wander inside famous works by legendary artists, including:

    • Vincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night – Walk down the warm, amber-lit cobblestone streets of Arles.
    • Claude Monet’s Woman with a Parasol – Drift through sprawling, breeze-swept emerald meadows.
    • Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss – Immerse yourself in a glowing landscape of gilded romance and intricate patterns.

    Perspective shifts fluidly as you navigate these artistic realms, seamlessly transitioning between full 3D exploration, side-scrolling platforming, and tranquil boat rides across painted waters.

    Guided by Instinct and Wisdom

    You won’t have to piece together lost humanity alone. Along the journey, two animal companions aid your exploration:

    • The Wolf, embodying raw instinct and wildness, granting increased speed to cover expansive canvas landscapes.
    • The Owl, representing wisdom and reason, allowing you to take flight and gain a fresh, elevated vantage point over each masterwork.

    By combining the abilities of your companions, you can unlock deeper layers of each painting, gradually filling your empty heart with colour, light, and memory.

    Designed as a stress-free, contemplative experience, CaTHaRSiS features no time limits, no game-over screens, and no punishing mechanics. Instead, it invites players to soak in the atmosphere at their own pace.

    A Passion Project Powered by Unreal Engine

    Developed by solo creator Mana—winner of Epic Games’ Unreal Contest 5—CaTHaRSiS ~The last of atelier~ serves as their debut commercial title after joining Kodansha Game Creators’ Lab in early 2024.

    “One of the guiding principles for CaTHaRSiS was the ability to experience famous works in brilliant new ways,” said developer Mana. “Viewing them from within a reimagined interpretation of each scene, you’re able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and memories embedded in each painting, which offers an experience you can’t get by simply walking through a gallery or museum.”

    Wishlist Now on Steam

    CaTHaRSiS ~The last of atelier~ is slated to release on PC via Steam in 2026, featuring full language support in both English and Japanese. Gamers and art enthusiasts alike can already add the title to their Steam Wishlist to track updates leading up to launch.

    Find out more here

    #CaTHaRSiS #TheLastOfAtelier #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #Steam #UnrealEngine #KodanshaCreatorsLab #ArtInGames #IndieDev #TechMash

  • Get Ready for ‘Arcadevania’: Naula Studio Reveals Neo Geo Action Platformer Necro Pop

    Get Ready for ‘Arcadevania’: Naula Studio Reveals Neo Geo Action Platformer Necro Pop

    Retro gaming fans and modern platforming aficionados, take note! Independent developer Naula Studio has officially announced Necro Pop, an exciting new title that bridges the nostalgic golden age of arcade hardware with modern gaming convenience.

    Described by the developers as an “Arcadevania,” Necro Pop seamlessly blends the pick-up-and-play, high-octane action of classic 16-bit arcade games with deep dungeon exploration, unlockable character abilities, and highly replayable challenges.

    The headline twist? Necro Pop has been built from the ground up specifically for SNK’s legendary Neo Geo MVS arcade board and AES home console. However, modern gamers won’t be left in the dark—the game is also slated for a digital release across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam in 2027.

    Step Into the Land of Ghostreach

    In Necro Pop, players take control of Poppi, a spirited ghost fighting to save her world. An insidious dark corruption called The Gloam has spread across the realm of Ghostreach, capturing friendly spirits along the way.

    Everything changes when Poppi stumbles upon an ancient amulet that bestows her with a corporeal form. Armed with newly acquired physical abilities and magic, Poppi embarks on an action-packed quest to beat back The Gloam, navigate treacherous dungeons, and rescue her spectral companions.

    What Exactly Is an “Arcadevania”?

    Unlike traditional Metroidvanias, which can sometimes emphasise slow pacing and complex backtracking, Naula Studio’s self-titled “Arcadevania” genre focuses on speed, fluidity, and player agency.

    Necro Pop boasts a variety of combat and traversal mechanics:

    • Dynamic Combat: Slice away with sword strikes, charge up powerful heavy attacks, or cast destructive spells like fireballs.
    • Creative Movement: Navigate environments in style—blow bubbles to reach higher ground, master pogo jumps on top of enemies, or combine movement skills on the fly.
    • Minions & Magic: Call upon mysterious helper minions to turn the tide of battle.
    • Secrets & Progression: Free trapped ghostly NPCs who will share forgotten lore, grant game-changing powers, or unlock secret areas throughout Ghostreach.

    Built for 16-Bit Royalty

    For hardware enthusiasts, Necro Pop is a love letter to original arcade technology. Developing directly on the classic Neo Geo MVS/AES architecture allows Naula Studio to push vibrant, cartoon-inspired pixel art that feels straight out of nineties arcade cabinets, while utilising full sprite capabilities to create fluid animations and expressive boss encounters.

    For retro collectors, physical Neo Geo cartridges are set to ship alongside the digital releases, bringing authentic cartridge-based gaming back to life.

    Play the Demo Now!

    Can’t wait until 2027 to try it out? You don’t have to! Naula Studio has released a free playable demo on Steam, allowing PC players to experience the entire third level of the game right now. Additionally, attendees at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show will get a hands-on chance to play the game on the show floor.

    Whether you’re a retro cartridge collector or a modern indie enthusiast, Necro Pop is shaping up to be a standout addition to the action-platformer scene.

    Find out more here

    #NecroPop #Arcadevania #NaulaStudio #NeoGeo #IndieGames #RetroGaming #GamingNews #Steam #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #PixelArt #techmash

  • Roll the Dice, Face Your Demise: Supernatural Horror ‘Invokyr’ Hits Early Access This October

    Roll the Dice, Face Your Demise: Supernatural Horror ‘Invokyr’ Hits Early Access This October

    Tabletop gaming is about to get a terrifying digital makeover. Indie studio Ludogram has officially announced that its upcoming multiplayer horror adventure, Invokyr, will launch into Steam Early Access on October 8th, 2026.

    Blending supernatural horror with the unpredictable mechanics of a cursed board game, Invokyr traps players inside an ever-changing nightmare where survival depends as much on the roll of the dice as it does on quick reflexes and team cooperation.

    Step Into a Cursed World – In Invokyr, players enter a dark, haunting universe driven by a sinister board game. Every run promises a fresh layer of dread: each turn and die roll alters the environment, spawns horrific monsters, and triggers unexpected environmental hazards or supernatural events. Whether you choose to brave the cursed world solo or team up with friends in multiplayer, no two playthroughs will ever play out the same way.

    The game’s dynamic board mechanics force players to constantly adapt their strategies. One moment you might be searching for safe haven, and the next, a bad roll could plunge your party into a fight for your lives against relentless cosmic horrors.

    Voice Acting Royalty: Amelia Tyler as the Game Master – Adding to the game’s tense atmosphere is an incredible lead vocal performance. Amelia Tyler—best known for her standout narrative work in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Hades II—lends her iconic voice to Invokyr’s mysterious Game Master.

    Tyler’s character acts as both a guide and a puppet master, orchestrating the board, mocking your failures, and manipulating your journey as you navigate each perilous run. Having a narrative talent of her calibre leading the experience promises a deep, unsettling immersion that will keep gamers on the edge of their seats.

    Prepare for the Roll – With its blend of multiplayer horror, roguelike board mechanics, and top-tier voice acting, Invokyr is shaping up to be a must-play title for horror and tabletop fans alike this spooky season.

    Mark your calendars for October 8th, 2026, grab your luckiest charm, and get ready to roll for your life.

    Find out more here

    #Invokyr #Ludogram #GamingNews #HorrorGames #IndieGames #EarlyAccess #AmeliaTyler #PCGaming #MultiplayerHorror #TabletopHorror #techmash

  • Wire It, Launch It, Try Not to Crash It: In Control: Rocketry Is Coming to Steam

    Wire It, Launch It, Try Not to Crash It: In Control: Rocketry Is Coming to Steam

    If you’ve ever looked at complex space simulators and thought, “This is great, but I wish I could actually wire the control panel myself,” publisher Maximum Entertainment and developer Electromechanical Softworks have heard your calls.

    Announced today that In Control: Rocketry is a brand-new spaceflight simulator headed to PC via Steam. The title promises to take hands-on gameplay to an uncompromising new level, giving players complete oversight of an orbital journey—from the structural engineering of the rocket down to the literal circuitry inside the cockpit.

    Built on realistic physics and propulsion systems, the game asks players one simple, daunting question: Could you actually fly this thing?

    More Than Just Kerbal Engineering

    While space fans are no strangers to assembling fuel tanks, thrusters, and capsules, In Control: Rocketry takes customisation a massive step further. Customising your vessel isn’t just about weight distribution and staging; you’ll also have to build and wire the actual instrument panels used to steer and monitor your spacecraft.

    By connecting sensors, inputs, and outputs, you create the functioning systems that keep your craft airborne. Because the panel components are Turing complete, there is always a logical solution to be found—assuming your wiring skills are up to scratch!

    Once your custom rocket and dashboard are prepped, you take the pilot’s seat. Flying requires dynamic control:

    • Manual Steering: Work the panels you wired yourself to navigate and maintain flight paths.
    • Realistic Orbital Mechanics: Plot real-world orbital trajectories to explore a custom, Earth-like solar system.
    • Resource & Life Support Management: Balance fuel, power, and—on crewed missions—life support systems to keep your astronauts alive.

    Explore, Mine, or Just Build for Fun

    The game offers a progression system where successful missions unlock genuine rocket parts and advanced panel components, letting you venture farther into the solar system. You’ll be able to land on strange alien worlds, solve unique environmental puzzles, or even redirect and mine asteroids for crucial resources.

    If you aren’t in the mood to stress over life support or complex mission parameters, In Control: Rocketry also features a dedicated Sandbox Mode. Here, players are free to experiment with wild rocket designs, test out bizarre wiring setups, or simply enjoy the spectacle of a gloriously chaotic launchpad crash.

    Launch Info

    Whether you’re an aerospace enthusiast, a hardware nerd, or a simulation fanatic looking for your next addiction, In Control: Rocketry is shaping up to be a standout addition to the genre.

    In Control: Rocketry is set to launch on PC via Steam. You can head over to Steam today to add the title to your wishlist and keep up with development updates!

    Find out more here

    #InControlRocketry #SpaceFlightSim #IndieGames #Steam #PCGaming #Gamers #GamingNews #SimulationGames #SpaceGames #MaximumEntertainment #techmash