TECHMASH

Category: Gaming News

  • The Champ is Back! Rick Strowd Unleashes the Aggressor Style in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves Season 3

    The Champ is Back! Rick Strowd Unleashes the Aggressor Style in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves Season 3

    Fighting game fans, get your driving gloves and fight sticks ready! SNK CORPORATION has just dropped an absolute bombshell. The critically acclaimed fighting game FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves is officially kicking off its highly anticipated Season 3 on July 23, 2026.

    Trading out Season 2’s “Legends Unleashed” motif, Season 3 shifts into a darker, more dramatic gear with its overarching theme: “Destined for Revenge.” SNK has promised to completely reshape South Town’s competitive landscape with monthly DLC updates, adding fresh stages and a new fighter every single month for the next half-year.

    And who is leading this massive new wave? None other than the Native American boxing icon himself, Rick Strowd!

    The Return of the White Wolf of the Ring

    Making his grand return after debuting all the way back in 1998’s REAL BOUT FATAL FURY 2, Rick Strowd—known as the “White Wolf of the Ring”—is stepping out of the casino show-boxing circuit and back onto the world stage.

    Rick’s story this season takes a poignant turn. Driven by a desire to find a cure for his beloved wife Catherine, who has fallen ill to a mysterious sickness, Rick realises that the timing of her illness perfectly aligns with the kickoff of the new King of Fighters tournament. Sensing a dark conspiracy, the undisputed champ is taking his heavy-hitting fists directly to the KOF arena.

    A Brand New Technical Playstyle

    Don’t expect the same exact fighter from ’98, though. Rick has evolved into a hyper-technical powerhouse built for the modern competitive scene.

    • The Aggressor Style Stance: Rick’s new signature stance offers a lethal variety of follow-up mind games. He can easily mix up opponents with fast overheads, sneaky lows, and catch counters.
    • Plus-Frame Menace: Early gameplay previews show that Rick is built to get up close and personal, utilising incredible frame data to trap opponents under immense pressure.
    • Brain Over Brawn: While he still packs devastating power, his new tools force split-second decision-making and sharp reads, making him an absolute blast for high-level tactical players.

    What Else is Coming in Season 3?

    Rick Strowd is just the tip of the iceberg for Season 3’s stacked roadmap. SNK is rolling out monthly character drops to keep the roster fresh:

    • July 23: Rick Strowd
    • August: Duck King
    • September: Kim Kaphwan
    • October: Mystery Fighter!
    • November: Laocorn
    • December: Mystery Fighter!

    Alongside the new character roster, SNK is rolling out a massive Version 3.0.0 patch. This includes Ranked Match Phase 4 (resetting the Legendary Rates), simpler expert tutorials, and an incredibly useful Punish Hints feature in Training Mode to help you practice counter-attacking against specific characters.

    Even better? Starting with Season 3, SNK is making previous DLC characters available for individual purchase rather than locking them behind bundles, alongside a price adjustment for the all-inclusive Revenge Edition.

    Are you ready to step into the ring with Rick Strowd on July 23? Who do you think the mystery fighters are for October and December? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #FatalFury #CityOfTheWolves #RickStrowd #SNK #FightingGames #FGC #GamingNews #FatalFuryCotW #DestinedForRevenge

  • Magic: The Gathering Creator Teams Up With Indie Studio For Massive ‘Vanguard Exiles’ 1.0 Steam Launch!

    Magic: The Gathering Creator Teams Up With Indie Studio For Massive ‘Vanguard Exiles’ 1.0 Steam Launch!

    If you are a fan of deep strategic card games, tactical auto-battlers, or simply love a good indie success story, mark your calendars! Independent Australian game developer The Tea Division has officially announced that its highly anticipated strategic auto-battler, Vanguard Exiles, will launch into its full 1.0 version on Steam on February 4, 2027.

    But this isn’t just your standard indie release. The Tea Division has a secret weapon up its sleeve: Vanguard Exiles was designed in close collaboration with none other than Richard Garfield, the legendary game designer and creator of Magic: The Gathering.

    Here is everything you need to know about this upcoming strategic powerhouse.

    A Match Made in Strategy Heaven

    The Tea Division has been quietly brewing something special down under, but bringing Richard Garfield on board has catapulted Vanguard Exiles to the top of every strategy gamer’s wishlist. Garfield, whose brain gave us Magic: The Gathering, Netrunner, and KeyForge, brings decades of balance, depth, and innovative game mechanics to the project.

    By blending The Tea Division’s sharp indie vision with Garfield’s unmatched expertise in card and tabletop design, Vanguard Exiles promises to deliver an auto-battler experience that is both easy to pick up and incredibly deep to master.

    What is Vanguard Exiles?

    For those unfamiliar, Vanguard Exiles takes the fast-paced, addictive nature of the auto-battler genre and infuses it with high-stakes tactical decision-making. Players will recruit, position, and synergise a roster of unique exile units, outsmarting opponents in intense rounds of automated combat where pre-battle preparation is everything.

    With the 1.0 launch on the horizon, players can look forward to:

    • Refined Strategic Depth: Thanks to Garfield’s influence, expect intricate synergy webs, satisfying counter-play, and fewer victories left to pure RNG.
    • Full Release Polish: The 1.0 launch will bring a wealth of new content, including a robust roster of new characters, fully fleshed-out game modes, and competitive balance tweaks.
    • A Vivid World: Dive into a beautifully crafted universe where outcasts and exiles fight for survival and dominance.

    When Can You Play It?

    The wait is almost over. Vanguard Exiles officially drops on Steam on February 4, 2027. Whether you’re a veteran of Teamfight Tactics and Dota Underlords, or a card-game enthusiast looking for your next obsession, this collaboration is shaping up to be one of the first must-play titles of 2027.

    Make sure to head over to Steam to wishlist Vanguard Exiles today so you don’t miss the 1.0 drop!

    Are you excited to see what Richard Garfield and The Tea Division have cooked up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #VanguardExiles #TheTeaDivision #RichardGarfield #MagicTheGathering #AutoBattler #IndieGames #SteamRelease #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Set Sail for Danger: Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame Launches July 24!

    Set Sail for Danger: Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame Launches July 24!

    Action RPG fans, look alive! A dark, watery abyss is calling, and it’s time to prepare your builds for a treacherous new adventure. Grinding Gear Games has officially announced the upcoming expansion, Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame, launching on July 24 PDT.

    If you thought the mainland of Wraeclast was unforgiving, wait until you brave its haunted, turbulent oceans. Here is everything you need to know before you board The Sovereign and dive into the depths.

    The Lore: Captains, Curses, and Lost Charts

    In Curse of the Allflame, players will step away from the traditional shores and into the boots of a seafaring explorer. Your voyage is guided by two compelling new characters: the formidable corsair captain Valerie and her mysterious, cursed navigator Vesper.

    Together, you will hunt down and piece together scattered treasure charts left behind by bygone eras. Once assembled, these charts will grant you access to a legendary, heavily armoured vessel known as The Sovereign. From its deck, you will chart a course straight into the heart of a terrifying ocean abyss.

    Gameplay: Plunder the Abyssal Depths

    What lies beneath the waves? According to developers, players will descend into murky underwater depths, fighting off a new roster of aquatic nightmares and supernatural maritime horrors.

    Survival won’t be easy, but the rewards are more than worth the peril. As you navigate these deep-sea encounters, you will uncover highly valuable relics, unique currencies, and powerful items designed to shake up the current meta. But remember: the deeper you go, the more aggressive the curses become. You’ll need to balance your greed with your survival instincts if you want to make it back to the surface with your loot intact.

    Mark Your Calendars

    The countdown has officially begun. Clean up your inventory, finalise your league-starter plans, and get ready to face the tides.

    • Release Date: July 24, 2026 (PDT)
    • Platforms: PC & Consoles

    Will you conquer the curse, or will you be dragged down to the ocean floor? We’ll find out when the expansion drops later this week.

    Are you planning to league-start a maritime marauder or a seafaring witch? Let us know your build plans in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #PathofExile #PoE #CurseOfTheAllflame #GamingNews #ARPG #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming #Wraeclast #TechMash #Gaming

  • Bundle Up, Survivors: Post-Apocalyptic Frost Survival ‘Permafrost’ Delayed to October

    Bundle Up, Survivors: Post-Apocalyptic Frost Survival ‘Permafrost’ Delayed to October

    Hardcore survival fans will have to wait just a little bit longer to test their mettle against the brutal, endless winter of Permafrost. Development studio SpaceRocket Games and publisher Toplitz Productions have officially announced that the highly anticipated open-world survival game is being pushed back from its original summer release date of August 21, 2026.

    Survivors can now prepare to brave the sub-zero temperatures when the game launches on October 9, 2026.

    Why the Delay?

    While delays are always tough for eager players, the teams at SpaceRocket Games and Toplitz Productions are dedicated to ensuring that Permafrost delivers the deep, polished, and punishing experience that hardcore survival enthusiasts crave. The extra few weeks in development will allow the studio to fine-tune the game’s complex mechanics, optimise performance, and ensure the frozen wasteland is as immersive—and terrifying—as possible right out of the gate.

    What is Permafrost?

    Set in the wake of a catastrophic modern-day ice age, Permafrost drops players into a chillingly beautiful, yet utterly unforgiving open world where the temperature is a constant, deadly adversary.

    Unlike traditional survival games, Permafrost relies heavily on realism and adaptability. To stay alive in this sub-zero apocalypse, you will need to:

    • Manage Core Body Heat: Shelter, clothing, and fire are just as critical as food and water. Hypothermia is a constant threat.
    • Scavenge and Craft: Scour the ruins of a frozen civilisation for resources. Engineering life-saving tools, reinforcing shelters, and crafting lethal weaponry will determine whether you survive another night.
    • Face Lethal Dangers: It’s not just the weather trying to kill you. You’ll have to fend off aggressive, starved wildlife and hostile human factions who are just as desperate for resources as you are.
    • Make Grim Choices: Resource scarcity will force you to make difficult ethical decisions to ensure your own survival or the preservation of your community.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Though the delay means missing out on a late-August release, an October launch feels entirely appropriate. As the real-world autumn chill begins to set in, there will be no better time to shut the windows, grab a hot drink, and dive headfirst into a brutal digital winter.

    Keep your snow gear ready, survivors—Permafrost arrives on October 9, 2026!

    Find out more here

    #PermafrostGame #SurvivalGames #SpaceRocketGames #ToplitzProductions #GamingNews #HardcoreSurvival #PCGaming #GamingDelay #OpenWorldGames

  • Storm the Dardanelles: WW1 Game Series ‘Gallipoli’ Locks in August Release Date with Crossplay!

    Storm the Dardanelles: WW1 Game Series ‘Gallipoli’ Locks in August Release Date with Crossplay!

    Historical shooter fans, get your gear ready. BlackMill Games has officially announced that Gallipoli, the highly anticipated next instalment in their critically acclaimed WW1 Game Series, is set to deploy on August 20th.

    Following the footsteps of intense trench-warfare predecessors like Verdun, Tannenberg, and Isonzo, Gallipoli is moving the theatre of war to the gruelling, high-stakes Dardanelles Campaign.

    Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming launch.

    Battle Across All Platforms with Full Crossplay

    Whether you are a PC purist or a console commander, you won’t have to fight alone. BlackMill Games has confirmed that Gallipoli will launch simultaneously across a massive range of platforms:

    • PC via Steam, the Microsoft Store, and the Epic Games Store
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S

    Best of all? Full crossplay support is enabled from day one, meaning you can squad up or face off against your friends regardless of what system they are playing on.

    Authentic, Brutal, and Immersive

    The WW1 Game Series is renowned for its dedication to historical accuracy, authentic weaponry, and realistic squad-based tactics. Gallipoli promises to bring that same signature intensity to one of the First World War’s most devastating campaigns. Players can expect to experience the sheer scale of amphibious landings, unforgiving hillside charges, and tactical warfare between the Allied forces and the Ottoman Empire.

    Price and Launch Day Discounts

    When the game drops on August 20th, it will be incredibly budget-friendly. Gallipoli will have a standard retail price at a very reasonable €29.99 / $29.99 / £24.99.

    But it gets better: early adopters will be rewarded! BlackMill Games is offering a 25% launch discount, making it the perfect time to recruit your squad and jump straight into the action without breaking the bank.

    Will you be storming the beaches or defending the cliffs this August? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Gallipoli #WW1GameSeries #BlackMillGames #GamingNews #FPS #Crossplay #Steam #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #EpicGames #TechMash

  • Ghost Keeper 1.0 is Here! The Definitive Spooky Tactical Strategy Experience Launches Out of Early Access

    Ghost Keeper 1.0 is Here! The Definitive Spooky Tactical Strategy Experience Launches Out of Early Access

    The wait is officially over, ghost hunters and tactical strategists! After a highly successful Early Access period fueled by invaluable community feedback, the definitive Ghost Keeper experience has officially arrived.

    Developer Quest Craft’s visions have officially materialised with the launch of Ghost Keeper Version 1.0. If you thought the Early Access version was a thrilling, spooky tactical challenge, prepare yourself—the full release blows the doors wide open to a complete, hauntingly rich universe.

    Here is everything you need to know about the massive Version 1.0 update and why it’s time to jump back into the haunting grounds.

    The Complete Vision Realised

    Ghost Keeper’s journey through Early Access was shaped directly by its players. Thanks to a dedicated community reporting bugs, suggesting balance tweaks, and sharing their favourite strategies, the developers have spent months polishing the core mechanics. Version 1.0 represents the ultimate, complete vision of the game—smoother, deeper, and more atmospheric than ever before.

    Key Features in Version 1.0:

    • A Full Story Campaign: No more piece-by-piece progression. You can now experience the complete narrative from start to finish. Unravel the mysteries of the afterlife, command your spectral army, and see how the overarching plot unfolds in an immersive, beautifully written campaign.
    • Brand New Locations: Expand your haunting horizons! Version 1.0 introduces never-before-seen maps and environments. From eerie, decaying estates to structurally complex urban settings, each new location offers unique tactical advantages—and hidden dangers.
    • Fresh Ghosts and Formidable Enemies: Your supernatural roster just got a major upgrade. Summon entirely new classes of ghosts, each equipped with distinct abilities to terrify your targets. But beware: the living are fighting back with brand new enemy types designed to counter your spectral forces.
    • Expanded Tactical Challenges: If you thought you had the perfect strategy mapped out, think again. The full release introduces revamped mechanics and tougher tactical challenges that will force you to rethink how you deploy your ghosts, manage your fear resources, and outsmart the AI.

    Why You Should Play It Today

    Whether you are a veteran player who has been commanding the undead since day one of Early Access, or a newcomer looking for a fresh spin on the tactical strategy genre, Version 1.0 is the perfect jumping-on point. The game beautifully blends the cerebral depth of turn-based strategy with a wonderfully eerie, atmospheric aesthetic.

    Ghost Keeper Version 1.0 is available right now. Gather your spirits, hone your strategy, and prepare to deliver the ultimate scare!

    Have you jumped into Ghost Keeper 1.0 yet? Which new ghost is your favourite to deploy? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GhostKeeper #IndieGames #GamingNews #TacticalStrategy #PCGaming #GhostKeeperFullRelease #TechMash #Gaming #QuestCraft

  • From Punk Riffs to Retro Pixels: Jeff Rosenstock Guitarist Mike Huguenor Announces Debut Game Boy & PC Game!

    From Punk Riffs to Retro Pixels: Jeff Rosenstock Guitarist Mike Huguenor Announces Debut Game Boy & PC Game!

    If you’ve listened to any of Jeff Rosenstock’s anthemic tracks, or spun records from indie-punk staples like Hard Girls and Shinobu, you already know Mike Huguenor. Celebrated for his razor-sharp riffsmanship and iconic guitar tone, Huguenor has spent years pushing the boundaries of what six strings can do.

    Now, he’s pushing a few different buttons.

    In an awesome twist for both music fans and retro gamers, Huguenor has officially announced his debut video game: Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game!

    Scheduled to drop on August 20, the game serves as a playable, retro side-scrolling companion to his critically acclaimed 2025 sophomore solo album of the same name, arriving just in time to celebrate the record’s one-year anniversary.

    Here is everything you need to know about this incredibly unique DIY project.

    A Playable Love Letter to Indie Rock & Retro Gaming

    Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game is a 10-level side-scrolling adventure where each stage corresponds to a track from the original album. The game follows a musician protagonist on a quest to put on an unforgettable performance, and the levels lean heavily into the chaotic, unpredictable energy of life on the road.

    Players will face obstacles that range from the painfully relatable to the completely absurd:

    • The Mundane: Dealing with gear mishaps, like a guitar breaking right during equipment load-in.
    • The Supernatural: Fending off a ravenous horde of killer zombies using nothing but the sheer power of rock and roll.
    • The Finale: A climactic rhythm-game showdown where you finally take the stage for the ultimate gig.

    Huguenor, a self-taught programmer who hadn’t touched coding since messing around with HTML in the year 2000, built the game entirely by hand. He treated the development process with the exact same DIY punk ethos that defines his music career—balancing the coding desk while touring with Jeff Rosenstock and writing his upcoming literary debut, Elvis is Dead, I’m Still Alive: The Story of Asian Man Records.

    “I find the element of surprise to be really important in art,” Huguenor shared, explaining that the game’s unpredictable detours mirror the real-life problem-solving of a touring musician. He views the medium as “another format for narrative… like sliding another frame into a projector.”

    Expect plenty of nostalgic nods throughout the levels, with gameplay and visual design drawing inspiration from classics like Castlevania, EarthBound, old-school skateboarding games, and Frogger.

    Real physical Game Boy Cartridges?!

    For the ultimate collectors, this isn’t just a digital download. While the game will be readily available for PC players on Steam and itch.io, Huguenor is also releasing hand-assembled, limited-edition physical Game Boy cartridges!

    The rollout follows his newly founded imprint, Infinite Baffle Records, which recently launched a full 8-bit recreation of the album (Surfing the Web With the Alien: 8-Bit) to perfectly score your retro playthrough.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a devout fan of the San Jose punk scene, a lover of instrumental post-punk, or a retro gaming enthusiast looking to dust off your old handheld, this is a crossover you won’t want to miss.

    Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game launches on August 20. Head over to infinitebaffle.net to learn more, and get ready to shred your way through the apocalypse!

    Find out more here

    #MikeHuguenor #JeffRosenstock #SurfingTheWebWithTheAlien #RetroGaming #GameBoy #IndieGames #PunkRock #DIYGaming #SteamGames #ItchIo #InfiniteBaffle #TechMash

  • Shape the Future: Indie Gem ‘Emberville’ Ignites Steam Early Access This October!

    Shape the Future: Indie Gem ‘Emberville’ Ignites Steam Early Access This October!

    Gaming community, get your gathering gear and crafting tools ready! Independent developer Cygnus Cross has officially dropped a massive announcement: the highly anticipated survival-settlement builder Emberville is officially launching into Steam Early Access on October 27!

    Alongside the release date, Cygnus Cross treated fans to Emberville’s biggest gameplay reveal yet, giving us a deep dive into the beautiful, treacherous, and ever-shifting world we are about to inherit.

    Rebuild a Forgotten World

    In Emberville, players are tasked with a monumental mission: breathing life back into a forgotten realm. You’ll step up as the leader of a struggling settlement, guiding your people from the brink of collapse to a thriving, self-sustaining society. But this isn’t your average city-builder. The survival of your home relies entirely on your willingness to brave the unknown.

    Brave the Vitromotus

    At the heart of Emberville‘s unique gameplay loop is the Vitromotus—a mysterious, volatile anomaly that lies just beyond the safety of your borders. To secure the rare resources, forgotten technologies, and vital materials needed to upgrade your town, you must send brave expeditions directly into this shifting wilderness.

    Here’s the catch: every single expedition into the Vitromotus shapes the future. The choices you make, the dangers you overcome, and the relics you bring back will directly dictate how your settlement evolves. No two runs are identical, ensuring that your strategy must constantly adapt to the unpredictable environment.

    The Big Gameplay Reveal

    Today’s new footage showcases exactly what players can expect come October. The trailers highlight a stunning blend of atmospheric exploration, intricate base management, and high-stakes survival. We got a closer look at the settlement upgrade paths, resource-management mechanics, and a glimpse of the environmental hazards lurking within the Vitromotus itself.

    Cygnus Cross is clearly prioritising depth, player agency, and a striking artistic direction that makes the post-apocalyptic fantasy world feel both haunting and inviting.

    Why Early Access?

    Launching on Steam Early Access on October 27 allows Cygnus Cross to work hand-in-hand with the community. By jumping in early, players will have the unique opportunity to provide feedback, suggest features, and help sculpt Emberville into its final, polished form.

    Mark your calendars for October 27 and head over to Steam to wishlist Emberville today! Will you have what it takes to tame the Vitromotus and rebuild a world worth saving?

    Find out more here

    #Emberville #IndieDev #SteamEarlyAccess #CygnusCross #GamingNews #PCGaming #SurvivalGame #CityBuilder #IndieGames

  • Set Sail Into the Abyss: Steampunk Tactical Roguelite ‘Dead Weight’ Launches on Steam!

    Set Sail Into the Abyss: Steampunk Tactical Roguelite ‘Dead Weight’ Launches on Steam!

    Attention, tactical RPG fans and sky-faring pirates! After three long years of passionate development, indie developer Klukva Games (alongside publisher Spaghetti Cat) has officially launched their highly anticipated tactical roguelite, Dead Weight, on Steam!

    The game officially set sail on July 16th, 2026, at 18:00 CEST for $12.99 (with a special limited-time launch discount!).

    If you love the tight, cerebral positioning of Into the Breach and the deep character customisation of Final Fantasy Tactics, this is one indie gem you cannot afford to miss.

    What is Dead Weight?

    Dead Weight is a gorgeous, pixel-art tactical roguelite set in a fractured, Lovecraftian steampunk world. You take on the role of a sky pirate, commanding a flying airship to explore uncharted floating islands, hunt for valuable loot, and face off against rising, terrifying Ancient Gods.

    The game has been highly anticipated by the indie community, securing a spot in Steam’s top 400 most-wishlisted upcoming games with over 150,000 wishlists ahead of launch. Early Steam reviews are already sitting at a stellar “Very Positive” rating!

    Key Features That Make Every Run Unique:

    • Brain-Teasing Grid Combat: Much like Into the Breach, the battlefields in Dead Weight are tiny. This means every single step and positioning decision matters. You’ll need to use the environment to your advantage, pushing enemies off ledges, triggering hazards, and tricking monsters into attacking one another.
    • Choose Your Pirate: Play as one of four unique playable sky pirates, each with distinct skills and playstyles.
    • Deep Build Variety: With dozens of weapons, armour pieces, and a massive skill tree, you can craft highly customised character builds and upgrade your flying pirate ship to tackle whatever the heavens throw at you.
    • A Fractured World to Explore: Sail across three diverse regions, visiting dangerous floating islands while fighting off rival pirates, robots, goblins, and massive eldritch horrors.

    The Verdict

    For just $12.99, Dead Weight offers a mechanically rich, highly replayable, and visually striking strategy experience. Its blend of high-stakes roguelite loops, gorgeous pixel art, and intense tactical combat makes it the perfect next addition to your Steam library.

    Are you ready to defy the Ancient Gods and claim the skies?

    Head over to the Steam Page and grab Dead Weight today!

    Find out more here

    #DeadWeight #KlukvaGames #IndieGames #SteamReleases #TacticalRPG #Roguelite #Steampunk #PixelArt #GamingNews #IntoTheBreach

  • Clean Up in Aisle 666! Co-Op Puzzle Horror ‘Storebound’ Hits Version 1.0 Today

    Clean Up in Aisle 666! Co-Op Puzzle Horror ‘Storebound’ Hits Version 1.0 Today

    If you’ve ever felt a creeping sense of dread while navigating the endless, fluorescent-lit aisles of a giant department store, you are not alone. Independent developer Embers has officially tapped into that precise nightmare, announcing today that their highly-praised co-op puzzle horror title, Storebound, is leaving Early Access and launching its grand finale in Version 1.0.

    The doors to the ultimate accursed megastore are now fully open on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Grab your shopping carts (and your friends), because retail therapy is about to get terrifying.

    Welcome to the Megastore: What is Storebound?

    Storebound is a unique 1-3 player cooperative puzzle horror game that takes the mundane dread of retail and turns it into a supernatural, adrenaline-fueled struggle for survival.

    You and your teammates are trapped inside a sprawling, shape-shifting megastore that refuses to let its customers leave. To escape, you must decode the store’s twisted, non-linear logic, work together to solve complex puzzles, and—most importantly—avoid the terrifying, monstrous “After-Hours Assistance” provided by the mall’s resident abominations.

    With no combat to save you, your only weapons are your wits, spatial awareness, and direct communication.

    The Grand Finale: What’s New in Version 1.0?

    Having spent eight highly productive months in Early Access collaborating closely with their community, Embers is delivering a massive, polished package for the game’s full graduation. Here is what players can expect in the 1.0 release:

    • The Final Act (Episodes 5 & 6): The narrative arc is finally complete! While the first four episodes followed ordinary shoppers, the climax shifts perspective. In the brand-new Episodes 5 and 6, players step into the boots of a specialised corporate scientific team sent deep into the surreal, evolved depths of the store to study its anomalies.
    • The Ultimate Challenge: Episode 6 is so massive that developers have split it into a two-part grand finale, featuring the most complex puzzles and high-stakes teamwork gameplay yet.
    • Massive Technical Overhauls: Embers has implemented substantial quality-of-life updates based on community feedback. Version 1.0 includes mid-episode checkpoints, significantly improved multiplayer and lobby stability, brand-new Steam achievements, and highly requested visual adjustments like an FOV slider and graphics filters.

    A Special Grand Opening Discount

    To celebrate the official launch, Embers is offering a 20% discount on both Steam and the Epic Games Store for a limited time. If you already supported the game during its Early Access run, the final episodes are available today as a completely free update.

    For players who want to fully immerse themselves in the game’s eerie liminal spaces outside of playing, the game’s Official Soundtrack (featuring 23 spine-chilling tracks of atmospheric dread) and a 49-page Digital Art Book are also available for purchase on Steam.

    Do you have what it takes to survive the ultimate night shift? Form your squad, stay out of the employee-only sections, and try not to get lost in the frozen food aisle.

    Storebound Version 1.0 is out now on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

    Find out more here

    #Storebound #IndieGames #CoOpHorror #GamingNews #Embers #SteamGames #EpicGamesStore #PuzzleHorror #SurvivalHorror #PCGaming

  • Cute Meets Fast! KartRider Rush+ Launches Magical Princess Catch! Teenieping Collaboration Update

    Cute Meets Fast! KartRider Rush+ Launches Magical Princess Catch! Teenieping Collaboration Update

    Get ready to drift with a dose of pure magic! NEXON’s electrifying mobile racing game, KartRider Rush+ (KRR+), is officially teaming up with the incredibly popular animated adventure series, Princess Catch! Teenieping.

    This charming new title update brings the whimsical world of Teenieping fairies straight to the racetrack. If you’ve ever wanted to combine adrenaline-pumping, high-speed drifts with adorable royal fairies, your ultimate crossover has arrived!

    Here is everything you need to know about the magical update rolling out globally on iOS and Android.

    Meet the New Fairies, Karts, and Pets!

    The collaboration brings an abundance of themed items, custom karts, and magical companions inspired by the series.

    • Heartsping Speed Kart & Racer “Fancy Heart”: Ride in style with the signature Princess Catch! Teenieping fairy of love, Heartsping (also known as Hachuping), who debuts as a dazzling new Legendary Speed Kart. You can also race as the gorgeous new racer, Fancy Heart.
    • Dianaping Flying Pet: Take a high-flying companion onto the track with you to help boost your racing stats.
    • Coming July 30th – Eclipseping: The magic doesn’t stop there! Later this month, the Legend Princess Teenieping of seclusion, Eclipseping, will make her debut alongside her own Legendary Item Kart (Eclipseping Kart) and pet version.

    Smash Missions for Legendary Rewards

    To celebrate this enchanting crossover, NEXON is hosting a series of limited-time events running from now until August 19, 2026. By logging in and playing, you can grab some incredible permanent loot:

    • Collect Shards & Earn Permanent Items: Log in daily and win Multiplayer or Ranked Mode races to earn event shards. You can trade these shards for exclusive collaboration-themed gear, including the permanent Heartsping Driftmoji and Heartsping Aura (or Hachuping Skid/Aura).
    • Easy Login Bonuses: Just log in for three days to receive 5 Teenieping Wishing Stones. Keep the streak going for five days, and you’ll bag 5 Teenieping Outfit Dye Sprays (Costume Paints) to fully customise your look.
    • More Decals & Portraits: From July 23 to August 19, a second wave of missions will allow players to trade shards for a permanent Graceping Portrait or a special decal chest featuring four unique collaboration-themed decals.

    Join the Community for Exclusive Digital Merch

    NEXON is also hosting fun community events. If you verify your subscription to the official KartRider Rush+ YouTube channel, you will receive a custom Heartsping Profile Picture and an exclusive collaboration wallpaper.

    Plus, if you take a screenshot of your character wearing the new gear and upload it to the in-game gallery using the hashtag #TeeniepingCollab, you’ll unlock an Eclipse Profile Picture. Top-liked gallery posts will even be entered into a raffle for Google Play gift codes and real-world Teenieping merchandise!

    KartRider Rush+ is free to download on both Android and iOS. Head over to the App Store, update your game, and start drifting with the Teeniepings today!

    Are you excited to race with Heartsping? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    #KartRiderRushPlus #KRR #PrincessCatchTeenieping #CatchTeenieping #Nexon #MobileGaming #GamingNews #TeeniepingCollab #KartRider #Teenieping

  • Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Indie game fans and cat lovers, assemble! The wait is nearly over. London-based developer Beyond The Pixels and publisher Pixel Doors have officially locked in July 30, 2026, as the official 1.0 launch date for Astro Burn on both Steam and GOG.

    After months of collaborative fine-tuning during its highly active Early Access cycle, this colourful, retro-inspired “cute-’em-up” is finally ready to show off its ultimate, feature-packed definitive edition.

    Here is everything you need to know about this adorable yet delightfully chaotic space adventure!

    What is Astro Burn?

    If you ever wondered what happens when you cross classic side-scrolling shooters like Parodius and Pop’n Twinbee with modern bullet-hell intensity and a genetically enhanced cat, you get Astro Burn.

    The game follows Astro, a sassy space cat who was lured into experimental alien technology upgrades with the promise of delicious fish treats. Stranded far from home, Astro (alongside her chatty robotic companion AL) must blast through waves of absurd, screen-filling creature overlords to find a way back.

    A Community-Crafted Masterpiece

    The journey to the 1.0 launch has been nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to an incredibly passionate community, the game’s recent Kickstarter campaign blew past its goals, landing at over 150% funded.

    Because of this massive support, physical media collectors can look forward to a premium retro physical release (courtesy of 33 Games), complete with custom USB cartridges, cassette tape soundtracks, and exclusive lore-filled trading cards.

    Director HaZ Dulull and the development team have worked hand-in-hand with players—gathering feedback from Discord, Steam reviews, TwitchCon, and IGN Live—to elevate Astro Burn from a passion project into a highly polished, modern-retro masterpiece.

    What’s New in Version 1.0?

    The 1.0 update is absolutely packed with content, adjustments, and some of the most delightfully unhinged features we’ve seen in an indie game:

    • The Epic Conclusion: Guide Astro through Levels 8 and 9 to finally experience the end of her narrative campaign.
    • Couch Co-op & Competitive Play: Take on the alien hordes with a friend in local co-op across seven distinct levels.
    • Weaponised Snacks & Kitten Rescues: Standard bullets have been swapped out for delicious flying treats so you can defeat giant bosses (like PooBear on the Party Bus) with food! Plus, rescue lost kittens mid-run to trigger custom animations and score massive bonus points.
    • “Cat TV” & ASMR Modes: In one of the most unique additions yet, real-life cats can watch three specialised “Cat TV” channels on-screen. Meanwhile, humans can wind down between chaotic bullet-hell runs with a relaxing “ASMR Mode” featuring ambient ocean waves and cat purrs.
    • Speedrunner Paradise: Master the game with new high-risk “Speed Zones” (including a Turbo setting) and test out upgraded weapon spreads.
    • Steam Deck Verified: The game is fully optimised for on-the-go play on the Steam Deck and Valve’s Steam Machine, featuring highly readable custom fonts and localisation across eight new languages (including Japanese, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese).
    • “Meowcromatic” Mode: Originally designed as an accessibility color-blind option, this highly requested community favourite turns the game into a gorgeous monochrome homage to Mad Max: Fury Road – Black & Chrome Edition.

    Get Ready for Lift-off!

    Mark your calendars for July 30th! Whether you want to climb the leaderboards, save adorable kittens, or just let your real-life pet enjoy some Cat TV while you dodge neon lasers, Astro Burn promises an unforgettable, action-packed retro experience.

    Head over to Steam and GOG to wishlist the game today!

    Find out more here

    #AstroBurn #BeyondThePixels #PixelDoors #IndieGames #CuteEmUp #SpaceCat #RetroGaming #SteamGames #GOG #GamingNews