Techmash

Category: Games

  • I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition will launch on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on 14th May

    I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition will launch on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on 14th May

    Brace yourselves, horror fans. Meridiem Games has officially confirmed that the nightmare is coming to your shelf sooner than expected.

    While the digital version of the isometric survival horror hit I Hate This Place recently clawed its way onto platforms in late January, collectors have been waiting for the definitive physical release. Today, Meridiem locked in the date: I Hate This Place: Elena’s Edition will launch for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on May 14, 2026.

    What’s in the Box?

    Inspired by the Eisner Award-nominated comic series by Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin, this special edition isn’t just a disc in a case. Meridiem is leaning hard into the “80s comic book” aesthetic with a package designed for the true fans of Rutherford Ranch:

    • Physical Copy of the Game (PS5 or Nintendo Switch)
    • Special Effect Cover: Featuring unique treatment to make the comic-style art pop.
    • Secret Letter from Elena: A narrative deep-dive that adds more lore to the game’s unsettling mystery.
    • Artbook: Showcasing the bold, punchy colours and character designs that define the game’s visual identity.

    Survive the Ranch

    If you missed the digital launch, I Hate This Place puts you in the boots of Elena as she navigates a world where the rules of reality have unravelled. It’s a “craft-focused” survival experience, meaning you’ll spend your days scavenging resources and upgrading your campsite, and your nights praying your flashlight batteries hold out.

    Pro-Tip: Many of the twisted creatures at Rutherford Ranch hunt by sound. Brute force is a one-way ticket to a shallow grave—stealth and misdirection are your only real friends.

    Quick Facts

    FeatureDetails
    Physical Release DateMay 14, 2026
    PlatformsPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
    GenreIsometric Survival Horror
    PriceApproximately £27.99 / $36.99

    Whether you’re a fan of the original Skybound comic or just a survival horror junkie looking for a fresh, stylised challenge, May is looking a lot more “horrifying” in the best way possible.

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

    #Meridiem #IHateThisPlaceElenasEdition #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #RockSquareThunder #BrokenMirrorGames #Feardemic #SkyboundEntertainment #IHateThisPlace #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Breach the Objective: Rainbow Six Mobile is Finally Here!

    Breach the Objective: Rainbow Six Mobile is Finally Here!

    The wait is officially over. Today, Ubisoft announced that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Mobile has completed its global rollout and is now available for download on iOS and Android devices worldwide.

    After years of development, technical tests, and a successful soft launch in regions like Latin America and Canada, the tactical intensity of the Rainbow Six franchise has finally been optimised for the palm of your hand.

    Tactical Siege, Reimagined for Mobile

    Rainbow Six Mobile isn’t just a port; it’s a standalone experience built from the ground up for mobile gamers. It brings the high-stakes, 5v5 tactical shooter gameplay that made Rainbow Six Siege a global phenomenon to your smartphone, focusing on precision, strategy, and environmental destruction.

    What to Expect at Launch:

    • Destructible Environments: Just like on PC and console, you can breach walls, floors, and ceilings to create new tactical advantages.
    • Iconic Operators: Choose from a roster of over 20 Operators at launch, including fan-favourites like Ash, Mute, and Dokkaebi, each equipped with their signature gadgets.
    • Classic & New Maps: Navigate legendary locales like Bank, Border, Clubhouse, and Oregon, or explore mobile-exclusive maps like Restaurant and Summit.
    • Fast-Paced Modes: Engage in classic Bomb matches, or try the mobile-optimised Bomb Rush and Team Deathmatch for quicker sessions.

    Season 1 is Live: Operation Sand Wraith

    Ubisoft is hitting the ground running by launching the game’s first global season, Operation Sand Wraith, alongside the worldwide release.

    The headline feature of the season is the arrival of the new Operator, Deimos. A methodical hunter, Deimos brings his unique DeathMARK Tracker ability to the field, allowing him to lock onto a single enemy and force a tense, one-on-one duel. The season also introduces a desert-inspired visual overhaul and a new battle pass packed with exclusive cosmetics.

    Getting Started

    Whether you’re a Siege veteran looking for “Siege on the go” or a newcomer to the franchise, the game features an in-depth onboarding tutorial to help you master the basics of drones, barricades, and tactical breaching.

    Technical Note: To jump into the action, you’ll need a device running at least iOS 13.0 or Android 9. The game is free-to-play with optional in-app purchases for cosmetics and early operator unlocks.

    Ready to join the squad? Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store to download Rainbow Six Mobile today and start your climb through the ranks.

    Find out more here – http://www.rainbowsixmobile.com

    #Ubisoft #TomClancy #RainbowSixMobile #freetoplay #tactical #firstpersonshooter #mobilegame #RainbowSix #iOS #Android #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – First Playable Demo Available Now!

    Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – First Playable Demo Available Now!

    Sharpen your quills and prepare your finest pigments—the wait is finally over. Yaza Games, the brilliant minds behind the award-winning Inkulinati, have just released the first playable demo for Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts.

    If you’ve ever looked at a medieval manuscript and thought, “This needs more snails in plate armour,” or “Why isn’t there a dog playing a lute here?”—this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

    What is Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts?

    In this cosy, creative sandbox, you step into the shoes of a medieval scribe. Your task is to run a flourishing manuscript workshop, fulfilling eccentric commissions for a kingdom obsessed with gossip, glory, and the occasional plague.

    Unlike its predecessor Inkulinati, which focused on turn-based strategy, Scriptorium is a pure celebration of art and humour. It’s a relaxing space where you can let your imagination run wild using assets inspired by authentic 12th–14th-century marginalia.

    What’s in the Demo?

    The demo, launched as part of Steam Next Fest (February 2026), offers a generous taste of the full Scribe experience:

    • Story Mode Snippet: Take over your uncle’s workshop and begin your journey as either the Pious Nun or the Gallant Knight. You’ll handle real commissions, trying to satisfy the bizarre tastes of your prestigious patrons.
    • Sandbox Mode: Total creative freedom. Access a library of over 300 hand-drawn assets (from the 1000+ planned for the full release) and decorate your parchment without the pressure of clients.
    • Pigment Creation: Experience the “alchemy of art” by growing flowers and gathering ingredients to mix your own colours—including the highly coveted gold leaf.
    • Workshop Decoration: Spend your hard-earned coin to customise your workspace with furniture, tapestries, and even a tiny dragon pet to keep you company.

    Why You Should Play It

    The charm of Scriptorium lies in its “no right, no wrong” philosophy. Whether you want to create a historically accurate masterpiece or a chaotic medieval meme, the game provides the tools to do so.

    The art style is breathtakingly authentic, capturing the vibrant colours and peculiar proportions of actual medieval works. Plus, the humour is delightfully “period-accurate”—expect plenty of cartoon bottoms and horses with human faces, just as the original monks intended.

    How to Play

    The Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts demo is available for free right now on Steam.

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: Full version coming later in 2026
    • Developer: Yaza Games
    • Publisher: Mythwright

    Don’t forget to wishlist the game if you enjoy the demo—it helps the developers immensely as they head into the final stretch of production!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/4zAB5

    #YazaGames #Mythwright #medievalmanuscriptworkshop #ScriptoriumMasterofManuscripts #SteamNextFest #artworks #playabledemo #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Soar Into the Unknown: The ATMOSFAR Demo is Live!

    Soar Into the Unknown: The ATMOSFAR Demo is Live!

    The clouds are calling, Vagabonds. After months of breathtaking trailers and sky-high anticipation, the first playable demo for ATMOSFAR has officially landed on Steam.

    As part of the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, developer Apog Labs and publisher SHUEISHA GAMES are finally letting us take the stick of a “Wasp” and explore the gravity-defying wonders of planet Tycos. If you’ve been craving a survival experience that replaces the typical “grimy forest” with “infinite azure horizons,” this is your moment.

    What Awaits You in the Caligo Cays?

    The demo isn’t just a brief tutorial; it’s a vertical slice of the game’s opening hours set in the Caligo Cays, a stunning archipelago of floating islands. Here’s what you can get your hands on today:

    • Pilot the Utility Wasp: Get a feel for the game’s signature flight physics. The Wasp is nimble, responsive, and essential for navigating the verticality of Tycos.
    • The Art of Scavenging: Comb through the ruins of a collapsed colony to find scrap. In ATMOSFAR, your engineering skills are just as important as your piloting.
    • Weather the “Firesky”: Survival isn’t just about fuel and oxygen. You’ll have to navigate treacherous atmospheric conditions, including the deadly Firesky phenomenon that can turn a routine flight into a fight for survival.
    • A Taste of the Cloud Cruiser: While the demo focuses on early exploration, you’ll get a glimpse into the mobile airbase lifestyle that defines the full game’s loop.

    Why You Should Download It Today

    Steam Next Fest (running from February 23 to March 2) is the perfect time to “try before you buy,” but ATMOSFAR stands out for its sheer scale. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the sense of depth and lighting as you break through cloud layers is something you truly have to see on your own monitor to appreciate.

    Whether you’re playing solo or planning to eventually squad up in the 4-player co-op mode, this demo provides the perfect baseline for the odyssey ahead.

    How to Play

    1. Head over to the ATMOSFAR Steam Page.
    2. Click the “Download Demo” button.
    3. Prepare for takeoff.

    The full game is slated for a Steam Early Access launch later in 2026, so playing the demo now is the best way to provide feedback to the devs and help shape the future of Tycos.

    Find out more here – https://shueisha-games.com/en/

    #ApogLabs #ShueishaGames #ATMOSFAR #SteamNextFest #SurvivalGame #IndieGame #EarlyAccess #scifi #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames

  • All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    The world has been swallowed by a deadly, ever-shifting fog, and the only way to survive is to keep moving. Hooded Horse and Mad Cookies Studio are thrilled to announce that their post-apocalyptic roguelike deckbuilder, Fogpiercer, is officially picking up speed as it races toward the Steam Next Fest (February 23 – March 4, 2026).

    Forget what you know about traditional card games. In Fogpiercer, your train isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your deck. As you navigate a branching wasteland, every carriage you add and every upgrade you secure determines the tactical tools at your disposal.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    Whether you’re a veteran of the tracks or a first-time stowaway, the updated demo landing for Steam Next Fest features a massive cargo haul of new content:

    • Meet Your Drivers: Choose between two distinct leaders, Monica and Pan. Each comes with a unique set of cards and special abilities that drastically change your tactical approach.
    • The Harpoon Carriage: This brand-new addition allows for fresh synergies, letting you snag and manipulate the battlefield in ways that turn the environment into your greatest ally.
    • Tactical “Shunting”: Experience the “true joy of artillery.” It’s not just about direct damage; it’s about using the blast force to shove enemies into canyon walls, environmental hazards, or even into each other.
    • Global Accessibility: The demo now supports 16 languages, ensuring survivors from all over the world can join the journey.

    Your Train, Your Strategy

    Success in the fog requires more than just a heavy engine. You’ll need to meticulously manage your Action Points each turn to outmanoeuvre the hordes of “unreasonably angry” bandits.

    “In the harsh world of Fogpiercer, the train is the deck. Each carriage holds a unique set of cards, and new cards are added through upgrades and purchasing extra carriages.”

    Do you build a defensive fortress with shield-heavy carriages, or a high-octane glass cannon bristling with miniguns? With over 170 cards and a deep roguelite meta-progression layer, no two runs will ever feel the same.

    Join the Journey

    The Steam Next Fest event runs until March 4, 2026, but the tracks don’t end there—the updated demo will remain live after the event concludes, giving you plenty of time to master the rails before the full release later this year.

    Ready to pierce the fog? Wishlist Fogpiercer on Steam now and download the demo to see if you have what it takes to reach the end of the line.

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

    #HoodedHorse #MadCookiesStudio #Fogpiercer #steam #pcgames #SteamNextFest #postapocalyptic #roguelike #deckbuilder #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Sweet Dreams and Dark Mysteries: Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale Arrives March 3!

    Sweet Dreams and Dark Mysteries: Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale Arrives March 3!

    Get ready to step into a world where hand-drawn charm meets heart-wrenching mystery. Happinet is thrilled to announce that the story-rich adventure Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale will officially launch on PC via Steam on March 3, 2026.

    Developed by the passionate duo at Quillo Entertainment, this debut title is the flagship of the Happinet Indie Collection. It’s a journey that balances “sugar-coated” whimsy with a deep, emotional narrative that explores the duality of memory and identity.

    What is Apopia?

    In Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale, you play as Mai, a young girl who finds herself lost in a vibrant, cartoon-inspired world. But beneath the colourful surface of the rabbit kingdom, “Yoghurt,” lies a darker reality. To find her way home, Mai must bridge the gap between this playful fantasy and the shadowy “Dark World” of her own fractured memories.

    Key Features to Look Forward To:

    • Brain Over Brawn: Forget traditional combat. You’ll outsmart enemies and overcome obstacles through clever puzzles and high-energy minigames.
    • A World of Duality: Experience two distinct layers of gameplay—whimsical exploration in the Fantasy World and psychological challenges in the Dark World.
    • Playable Companions: You won’t just play as Mai. Take control of a cast of quirky characters, including the trouble-making cat Nico and the fallen princess Moly.
    • 90s Animation Aesthetic: The game features a stunning, hand-drawn art style reminiscent of classic 90s cartoons, brought to life with over 100 bespoke animations.
    • Rhythm & Flow: Experience emotional climaxes through unique, rhythm-game-inspired sequences that heighten the story’s most pivotal moments.

    Try the Demo During Steam Next Fest!

    Can’t wait until March? You don’t have to! Starting today, Apopia: Sugar Coated Tale is participating in Steam Next Fest (running through March 2).

    The free demo features the game’s prologue chapter, allowing you to meet the colourful residents of Yogurt and experience the first collision of light and dark. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the mystery before the full story unfolds.

    Launch Details:

    • Release Date: March 3, 2026
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Price: $14.99 / €14.79 / £12.79
    • Developer: Quillo Entertainment

    Prepare for the Journey

    Whether you’re a fan of character-driven indies or just looking for a world you can get lost in (and play as a cat!), Apopia promises an adventure that is as honest as it is joyful.

    Wishlist the game on Steam now to stay updated on the launch and ensure you’re ready to help Mai find her utopia this March!

    Find out more here – https://apopia.happinet-games.com

    #Apopia #Happinet #adventure #ApopiaSugarCoatedTale #PC #Steam #indiegame #demogames #QuilloEntertainment #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The straw, the sticks, and the bricks are ready—but is your team? WakaStudio are thrilled to announce that the Pigs and Wolf Public Demo is officially LIVE for the February 2026 Steam Next Fest!

    From February 23 to March 2, you can jump into our fresh, cooperative spin on the classic “Three Little Pigs” tale. Forget everything you knew about the bedtime story; this is a race for survival on four wheels.

    Build, Drive, Survive

    In Pigs and Wolf, you don’t just build a house; you build a moving wagon home. You and your friends must work together to fortify your mobile base while navigating a whimsical yet dangerous fantasy world.

    What to expect in the demo:

    • Co-op Chaos: Team up with friends in online co-op to manage resources and defenses.
    • Day/Night Cycle: Use the sunlight to gather materials and upgrade your wagon. When night falls, the wolf comes knocking.
    • Physics-Based Building: Every piece of your house matters. Dynamic destruction means one wrong move could leave you exposed!
    • A Moving Journey: You aren’t just sitting ducks. Navigate your house through unpredictable terrain to find your way back to the safety of the village.

    Event Details

    • What: Steam Next Fest February 2026 Edition
    • When: February 23 – March 2
    • Where: Available for free on our Steam Store Page

    The Developers Want Your Feedback!

    This demo is a huge milestone for the WakaStudio, and they want to hear from you. Whether it’s a bug you found or a feature you loved, your feedback helps us make the full game even better.

    “We wanted to create a multiplayer experience where fun is everything. Seeing players try to keep their wagon together while a wolf is literally huffing and puffing at their door is exactly the kind of joy we aim for.” — The WakaStudio Team

    Don’t wait until the wolf is at the door! Download the demo today, and if you enjoy the experience, add the game to your Steam Wishlist to stay updated on our journey toward full release.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/x99af

    #PigsAndWolf #WakaStudio #demogame #steamnextfest #survival #building #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #playabledemo #wolf

  • Wa Studio has officially launched the playable demo for Astrobuilder

    Wa Studio has officially launched the playable demo for Astrobuilder

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends deep economic simulation with the unpredictability of a living universe, this is your wake-up call.

    What is Astrobuilder?

    Set in the turbulent Neon River Galaxy, Astrobuilder isn’t just another space sim. It’s an AI-Native RPG where the universe evolves around you. You begin your journey aboard the Star of Reason, navigating a galaxy on the brink of collapse due to political unrest, shifting trade routes, and looming interstellar conflict.

    Key Features at a Glance

    • A Living Galaxy: Explore over 160 planets populated by more than 600 AI-driven NPCs.
    • Dynamic NPCs: Forget rigid scripts. Using a proprietary hybrid AI system, NPCs have their own memories, goals, and shifting loyalties.
    • Trade & Power: Rise from a rookie trader to a galactic tycoon, manipulating supply routes and influencing faction politics.
    • Tactical Combat: Engage in spaceship battles where the AI adapts to your moves, ensuring no two encounters feel the same.

    Why the “AI” Tag Matters Here

    We know “AI” can be a polarising word in gaming right now. However, Wa Studio—a team featuring veterans from industry giants like Tencent—is clear about their approach:

    “Astrobuilder uses human talent and artistry to build its world and game design, then uses AI NPCs to create a fully dynamic, persistent universe that reacts to the player.”

    Essentially, the AI isn’t replacing the creators; it’s replacing the “static-ness” of traditional NPCs to create emergent storytelling. Your choices don’t just trigger a different ending; they ripple through the economy and faction relationships in real-time.

    Play the Demo Today

    The demo is available right now on Steam for the duration of Next Fest. It offers a hands-on look at the core trading networks, faction politics, and the beginning of the narrative arc.

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Demo Window: Feb 23 – March 2, 2026
    • Full Release: Expected Q1 2026

    The Neon River Galaxy is waiting. Will you be the merchant who stabilises the economy or the rogue who sparks a galactic trade war?

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

    #WaStudio #playabledemo #Astrobuilder #scifi #strategy #RPG #SteamNextFest #AINative #spaceexploration #spacecraft #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Divine Intervention: Play the How to God Demo at Steam Next Fest!

    Divine Intervention: Play the How to God Demo at Steam Next Fest!

    The heavens have opened, and the wait is finally over. Steam Next Fest February 2026 is officially live, and with it comes the highly anticipated PC VR demo for How to God.

    Developed by the innovative team at Thoughtfish GmbH, How to God is a VR deity simulator that moves beyond simple city-building, giving you tactile, immersive control over a living, breathing world. Whether you want to be a nurturing guardian or a chaotic force of nature, the power is literally in your hands.

    What’s in the Demo?

    The Steam Next Fest demo gives you a generous first taste of divine life. You’ll step into the shoes of a novice deity and begin your journey through:

    • Civilisation Shaping: Construct everything from humble huts to grand temples. Your followers react to your every move—they’ll pray, build, or even strike depending on how you lead.
    • Creature Training: You aren’t alone. You’ll raise a unique, powerful creature that evolves based on your guidance. Reward it with treats or discipline it when it wanders off; its personality is a reflection of your own.
    • Elemental Alchemy: Mix materials like fire, water, and (yes) even villagers to discover new spells and resources.
    • Epic Quests: Follow branching storylines and face off against rival gods who dare to challenge your authority.

    Why You Should Play It Now

    Steam Next Fest is a limited-time celebration. You have from February 23 until March 2, 2026, to experience this demo before it vanishes back into the ether.

    “In How to God, you don’t just command the world—you lift it, shake it, pet it, and punish it. It’s the most tactile god game ever made for VR.”

    How to Get Started

    1. Head to Steam: Visit the How to God Steam Store Page.
    2. Download the Demo: Click the “Download Demo” button on the right-hand sidebar.
    3. Put on your Headset: Ensure your VR equipment is ready to go (PC VR/SteamVR compatible).
    4. Wishlist the Game: If you enjoy the demo, make sure to hit that Wishlist button to stay updated on the upcoming Early Access launch!

    Are you ready to claim your throne among the stars?

    Find out more here – https://www.thoughtfish.de

    #Thoughtfish #HowToGod #gaming #vrgaming #metaquest3 #quest3 #virtualreality #quest2 #metaquest2 #metaquest #MetaQuestVR #metahorizoncreatorprogram #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    The “Survivors-like” genre is about to get a serious injection of adrenaline. Ukrainian developer Pushka Studios and publisher Assemble Entertainment have officially pulled back the curtain on Grind Survivors, a high-octane action roguelite that promises to blend the addictive “one-more-run” loop of bullet-hell survival with the deep, dopamine-hitting progression of a looter-shooter.

    If you’ve ever felt like the genre needed more legendary loot and even bigger explosions, this is the title to keep on your radar.

    What is Grind Survivors?

    Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by demonic corruption, players step into the heavy-duty boots of a towering armoured demon hunter. Your mission is simple: survive endless swarms of hellspawn, grow exponentially stronger, and turn every demon you slay into a potential loot box.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    • Loot-Driven Combat: Unlike many games in the genre that focus solely on passive upgrades, Grind Survivors features procedurally generated weapons. We’re talking unique stats, affixes, and “origins” that can completely change your playstyle.
    • The Forge: High-stakes crafting is at the heart of the game. Between runs, you can head to The Forge to merge weapons, reroll stats, or risk destroying your gear in the pursuit of “game-breaking” power.
    • Diverse Biomes: From scorched cities to burning forests, you won’t just be fighting in an empty field. Each biome brings new threats and atmospheric, brutal visuals.
    • Endless Scaling: For those who think they’ve built the perfect slayer, the Infinity Mode offers a leaderboard-driven challenge where the enemies never stop getting tougher.

    A Debut with Pedigree

    While Grind Survivors is Pushka Studios’ first original title, the team is far from green. With years of experience in porting and co-development, they are channelling that technical expertise into a project that Kirill Mukhin of Pushka Studios describes as “more action, more chaos, more everything.”

    Assemble Entertainment, the award-winning publisher behind hits like Endzone and Roadwarden, is bringing this demonic carnage to PC and consoles in 2026.

    “Every weapon is a chance to break the game—in your favor.” — The Pushka Studios Team

    Join the Fight Early

    Can’t wait until 2026? You don’t have to. Steam Playtests have already been rolling out, allowing the community to help shape the balance of the game. Based on recent updates, the devs are already fine-tuning the difficulty curve and adding new weapon archetypes based on player feedback.

    Wishlist Grind Survivors on Steam today to stay updated on the next playtest phase!

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

    #PushkaStudios #AssembleEntertainment #action #roguelite #GrindSurvivors #playtest #steam #SteamNextFest #indiegames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    The heavens are about to get a lot more crowded—and a lot more chaotic. If you’ve been tracking SoulQuest, the high-octane 2D hack-and-slash from SoulBlade Studio, it’s time to sharpen your blade. As part of the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, a brand-new demo has dropped, and it’s finally giving us a taste of what the game’s title truly promises: a chance to fight the gods.

    A Widow’s Wrath Against Celtic Myth

    SoulQuest follows the story of Alys, a knight whose world is shattered when her husband, Gwydre, is taken by the gods. Refusing to accept a “divine verdict,” Alys embarks on a relentless journey through a world steeped in Celtic mythology. Her goal? To tear her husband’s soul back from the hands of Morrigan, the Goddess of Death.

    While previous builds showcased the game’s fluid movement, this latest demo takes the stakes to a celestial level.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    This isn’t just a rehash of old levels. SoulBlade Studio and publisher indie.io have packed this version with significant updates designed to test your mastery of their “stylish action” system:

    • The First God Boss Fight: For the first time, players can go toe-to-toe with a divine adversary. This encounter is designed to be the ultimate skill check, demanding precision parries and perfectly timed aerial combos.
    • A Brand-New Zone: Explore a lore-rich environment that takes place shortly after the game’s opening. It features new enemy types and tighter platforming challenges that bridge the gap between “traversal” and “combat.”
    • Stylish Combat Ranks: Taking a page from the Devil May Cry playbook, the demo introduces SS and SSS ranks. Chaining together diverse attacks, magic abilities, and ultimates is the only way to reach the top.
    • Dynamic Music: The soundtrack now reacts to the intensity of your performance, shifting as you transition from basic mobs to the epic boss encounter.

    Precision Platforming Meets 2D Mayhem

    What sets SoulQuest apart from your average Metroidvania is its focus on expressive combat. Alys isn’t just a tank in heavy armour; she’s incredibly mobile. The demo highlights her ability to use vertical surfaces for sliding and wall-jumping, which are just as vital for outmanoeuvring a god’s AOE attack as they are for finding hidden secrets in the environment.

    The pixel art is another standout. The “forgotten island” setting feels moody and oppressive, yet the combat animations are crisp and vibrant, making every slash of Alys’s sword feel impactful.

    How to Play

    The SoulQuest demo is live right now on Steam as part of Next Fest (running through March 2nd, 2026). With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release on PC and Nintendo Switch, this is likely the most polished look we’ll get before launch.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the “Abanus Wardrobe” feature in the demo—it’s a great way to customise Alys’s appearance and pets while you’re busy defying the afterlife.

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

    #SoulQuest #Kickstarter #2Daction #hackandslash #SoulBladeStudio #demogame #SteamNextFest #IndieFanFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Last Flag capture-the-flag shooter out in April

    The Last Flag capture-the-flag shooter out in April

    It’s official: the “not too sweaty” shooter of your childhood dreams finally has a release date.

    Night Street Games announced today that Last Flag, their quirky 5v5 capture-the-flag (CTF) shooter, will officially launch on April 14, 2026.

    Founded by brothers Dan and Mac Reynolds (of Imagine Dragons fame), the studio is aiming to reclaim the magic of neighbourhood games played in the woods at night—minus the actual poison ivy and plus a whole lot of 1970s game show style.

    Why “Last Flag” is Turning Heads

    While the market is crowded with “hero shooters,” Last Flag pivots away from the typical “deathmatch-with-a-flag” formula. Instead, it focuses on the literal hide-and-seek mechanics that make the classic game fun.

    Key Features at Launch:

    • The “Hide” Phase: At the start of every match, one player hides the flag while the rest of the team prepares. You have 60 seconds to find the perfect sneaky spot.
    • 70s Retro Aesthetic: The game is framed as a high-stakes televised competition hosted by the mysterious Victor Fex, complete with disco-era vibes and original music recorded on vintage gear.
    • Strategic Radar Towers: Teams battle over three towers (A, B, and C). Capturing them doesn’t just grant territory; it slowly eliminates areas on your minimap, narrowing down exactly where the enemy hid their prize.
    • A Roster of “Contestants”: At launch, you’ll have a colourful cast of characters with distinct kits, like Alejandro and his Bunker Buster Bazooka or Camila’s Quantum Entanglement Ray.
    • Short, Punchy Matches: Designed to be played in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect “one more round” game.

    Where and When Can You Play?

    The game is hitting PC first, with console players having to wait just a little longer.

    PlatformRelease Date
    PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)April 14, 2026
    PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|SLate 2026

    Pro Tip: You don’t actually have to wait until April to try it. An Open Beta is running now through March 2 as part of Steam Next Fest. If you play now, you can earn exclusive “Lunar Gold” skins that carry over to the full launch.

    The Vision: “Fun First”

    CEO Mac Reynolds notes that the game was inspired by the brothers’ adventures growing up. The goal was to build a competitive game that rewards strategy and exploration as much as it does twitch-reflex aiming.

    With a modest one-time purchase price and a promise that future contestants and maps will be included for free, Last Flag is positioning itself as a breath of fresh air in an era of microtransaction-heavy live services.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/lastflagonsteam

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