TECHMASH

Category: Gaming News

  • Unravel the Truth: ‘Sounds from Beyond’ Delivers a Chilling Graphic-Noir Mystery on iPhone

    Unravel the Truth: ‘Sounds from Beyond’ Delivers a Chilling Graphic-Noir Mystery on iPhone

    What happens when the person you love most vanishes, and your own memories are the one thing you can’t rely on?

    If you are a fan of immersive storytelling, gripping mystery, and atmospheric indie titles, there is a new title on iOS that deserves a spot on your home screen. Sounds from Beyond, an evocative new interactive novel created by brothers David and Carlos Marcano, is available now on the App Store for iPhone.

    A Haunting Narrative of Suspense and Deception

    At its core, Sounds from Beyond pulls players into a deeply personal psychological thriller. You follow a protagonist desperately searching for their missing fiancée—a quest hampered by a fractured mind and memories that cannot be trusted. Every step forward forces you to question what is real, what is fabricated, and what secrets lie buried in the shadows.

    Rather than relying on fast-paced action, the game builds an incredible sense of dread and mystery through rich artistic and audio presentation.

    A Masterclass in Atmospheric Design

    The Marcano brothers have crafted a multi-sensory experience that blurs the lines between a video game and an illustrated dark thriller novel:

    • Graphic-Noir Illustrations: The game features a striking, stylised visual aesthetic that complements its dark, suspenseful themes.
    • On-Screen Prose & Full English Narration: Every line of dialogue and description is crafted to draw you deeper into the mystery, heightened by full English voice narration.
    • Meaningful Choices: At critical narrative junctures, you decide how the protagonist responds. Your decisions shape the tone and direction of the investigation as you navigate a web of uncertainty.

    Free to Start, Complete Story Unlock

    In an era dominated by microtransactions and ad-heavy mobile titles, Sounds from Beyond offers a refreshing, player-friendly release model.

    Gamers can download and play Chapter One for free, allowing you to dive into the mystery and experience the opening hook with zero commitment. If you find yourself captivated by the story—and chances are, you will—a single one-time purchase unlocks the complete story, giving you seamless access to the entire journey without interruptions.

    Verdict: A Must-Play for Story-Driven Gamers

    Whether you are a fan of noir thrillers, interactive fiction, or simply love supporting passionate indie creators, Sounds from Beyond is a haunting experience you shouldn’t miss.

    Ready to trust your instincts—even when you can’t trust your mind? Sounds from Beyond is available to download today on the App Store for iPhone.

    Find out more here

    #SoundsFromBeyond #iOSGaming #IndieDev #MobileGaming #InteractiveFiction #GraphicNoir #MysteryGames #TechMash

  • Saddle Up, Explorers! Core Keeper Hits 6 Million Players and Unveils Massive Free Update ‘Riders of the Underground’

    Saddle Up, Explorers! Core Keeper Hits 6 Million Players and Unveils Massive Free Update ‘Riders of the Underground’

    It is time to dust off your pickaxes, polish your armour, and get ready for a brand-new way to navigate the deep, dark subterranean depths. Pugstorm and Fireshine Games have officially announced Riders of the Underground, a huge new free content update for their hit mining adventure, Core Keeper.

    Launching on September 21 across PC and consoles, this massive update promises to completely revolutionise how players explore, fight, and survive in the game’s rich, underground world.

    Saddle Up for a Whole New Adventure

    The headline feature of the upcoming Riders of the Underground update is the highly anticipated addition of mounts and rideable creatures. Players will finally be able to leap into the saddle and traverse the treacherous, sprawling caverns faster than ever before. Whether you are trekking through winding caves, fleeing dangerous boss encounters, or hauling back rare loot to your base, mounting up will add a fast-paced, exciting layer to your underground journeys.

    Alongside rideable companions, the update is set to deliver a treasure trove of fresh content:

    • New Mounts & Companions: Tame and ride unique subterranean beasts built to handle the subterranean terrain.
    • Expanded Biomes & Content: Discover new, uncharted areas filled with fresh resources, crafting materials, and secrets to unearth.
    • Formidable Enemies & Bosses: Test your gear and combat skills against terrifying new threats lurking in the dark.
    • QoL Improvements & Gear: Enjoy new weapons, armour sets, and quality-of-life enhancements designed to elevate both solo and co-op play.

    Best of all? The Riders of the Underground expansion is 100% free for all existing owners of the game across all platforms.

    A Subterranean Sensation: 6 Million Players Strong!

    The announcement of the new update comes alongside another monumental milestone: Core Keeper has officially passed 6 million players worldwide! Since its early success, Core Keeper has captured the hearts of adventure fans by blending the best elements of sandbox crafting, base building, farming, and action-RPG boss battles. Reaching 6 million players is a testament to Pugstorm’s dedicated post-launch support and the amazingly vibrant, passionate gaming community that continues to grow with every update.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a seasoned cave explorer with a fully fortified underground sanctuary or a newcomer looking to jump into one of indie gaming’s biggest success stories, there has never been a better time to dive in.

    Get your gear ready, call up your co-op crew, and prepare to ride out when Core Keeper: Riders of the Underground lands on September 21 for PC and consoles.

    Find out more here

    #CoreKeeper #RidersOfTheUnderground #Pugstorm #FireshineGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming #TechMash #SandboxGames #MiningAdventure

  • Code Your Victory: Raw Fury and Kakehashi Games Team Up for “Autologic” Dungeon Crawler Dungeon Automata

    Code Your Victory: Raw Fury and Kakehashi Games Team Up for “Autologic” Dungeon Crawler Dungeon Automata

    Indie publishing powerhouse Raw Fury and Tokyo-based publisher Kakehashi Games have officially announced a major co-publishing partnership with solo developer Medium-Rare Games to bring the highly anticipated indie title Dungeon Automata to gamers worldwide.

    Pioneering a brand-new subgenre coined as the “autologic,” Dungeon Automata offers an innovative, mind-bending twist on the classic dungeon crawler formula. Instead of directly controlling your party’s every swing and spell in real-time or turn-based combat, players are invited to take on the role of a master tactician—using visual, node-based logic programming to script their party of autonomous golems before sending them into the abyss.

    Program, Watch, and Master the Labyrinth

    Set in the perilous world of Syntaxia, Dungeon Automata challenges players to conquer handcrafted floors and climb to the summit of the enigmatic Tower of Corruption.

    The core loop revolves around trial, error, and logic optimisation:

    • Visual Node Programming: Connect logic nodes to craft customised AI blueprints for your golem party. Dictate who opens chests, how logic gates trigger healing spells, and how combat commands react to specific boss mechanics.
    • Hands-Off Execution: Once your scripts are set, send your party into the dungeon. From there, all you can do is sit back and watch your code play out in real-time across dangerous, trap-filled corridors.
    • Iterative Upgrades: Analyse where your code succeeded—and where your party met a catastrophic demise. Retrieve precious catalysts and new logic nodes to tweak physical stats, unlock fresh action commands, and fine-tune your automation setup for the next attempt.

    Complementing its deep tactical systems, the game features a gorgeous, expressive 8-bit retro pixel art style alongside a soundtrack composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage, Etrian Odyssey), bringing an iconic synth vibe to every run.

    Global Forces Joining Hands

    The partnership unites the expertise of Swedish indie staple Raw Fury (Kingdom, Sable, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley) and Japanese publisher Kakehashi Games, well-known for bridging the gap between Eastern developers and global audiences. Together, they aim to give developer Medium-Rare Games (@gunzee2) the spotlight this unique concept deserves.

    Whether you’re a hardcore fan of tactical RPGs, a programmer at heart, or an indie lover looking for something genuinely fresh, Dungeon Automata is shaping up to be a must-play puzzle RPG hybrid. A demo is currently available on Steam for PC players looking to test their logic against the tower’s lower floors.

    Find out more here

    #DungeonAutomata #IndieGames #GamingNews #RawFury #KakehashiGames #MediumRareGames #SteamGames #PCGaming #DungeonCrawler #Autologic #YuzoKoshiro #techmash

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Are Live for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis – Release Date Announced!

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Are Live for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis – Release Date Announced!

    The iconic adventurer Lara Croft is returning to where it all began, and Nintendo fans are getting a front-row seat. During the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, Amazon Game Studios, Crystal Dynamics, and Flying Wild Hog dropped a massive announcement: pre-orders are officially open on Nintendo Switch 2 for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis!

    This highly anticipated title is a complete, ground-up reimagining of the classic 1996 original Tomb Raider game that launched a global gaming phenomenon.

    Here is everything you need to know about Lara Croft’s next epic adventure.

    A Legendary Reimagining

    First released nearly three decades ago, the original Tomb Raider set the benchmark for 3D action-adventure games. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis aims to honor that legendary legacy while building a modern masterpiece from scratch.

    Developing in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics, Flying Wild Hog, and publisher Amazon Game Studios, the team is blending classic puzzle-solving, dangerous platforming, and ancient secrets with modern game design, cutting-edge graphics, and fluid combat mechanics. Players will once again join Lara as she hunts for the Scion of Atlantis, exploring breathtakingly remastered environments ranging from forgotten Peruvian ruins to hidden Grecian tombs.

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Are Open

    The standout highlight of the Nintendo Direct was the confirmation that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are officially live starting today.

    Gamers looking forward to Nintendo’s next-generation platform can now lock in their copy early, promising to deliver Lara’s journey with high-performance visuals and portable flexibility.

    Launch Date & Platforms

    Mark your calendars! Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is officially scheduled to launch on February 12, 2027.

    The game will feature a multi-platform release, ensuring fans across all current-gen systems can dive into the action on day one:

    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • PC (Steam)

    Whether you are a veteran fan who played the 1996 original on the PlayStation 1 or a newcomer ready to experience Lara Croft’s origin story for the very first time, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming events of 2027.

    Head over to the Nintendo eShop or your favorite retailer today to secure your pre-order!

    Find out more here

    #TombRaider #LegacyOfAtlantis #NintendoDirect #NintendoSwitch2 #LaraCroft #GamingNews #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Steam #CrystalDynamics #AmazonGameStudios #FlyingWildHog #Techmash

  • Nature Fights Back: Chaos Theory Games Announces Roguelike Autobattler Oaks vs Orcs

    Nature Fights Back: Chaos Theory Games Announces Roguelike Autobattler Oaks vs Orcs

    Forget everything you know about traditional kingdom builders where chopping down trees is step one. In the upcoming strategy title Oaks vs Orcs, the forest isn’t a resource to harvest—it’s your army.

    Indie developer Chaos Theory Games has officially revealed Oaks vs Orcs, a rogue-lite strategy auto-battler coming soon to PC via Steam. Blending tactical tile placement with automated, wave-based combat, the game challenges players to build, mutate, and adapt a living forest ecosystem to crush invading orc hordes.

    Interested commanders can jump into the battle early, as Steam playtest sign-ups and wishlist pages are live right now.

    Bending Rivers and Awakening Groves

    In Oaks vs Orcs, your core objective is simple: defend the Great Tree at all costs. However, how you achieve that goal is where the game’s strategic depth shines through.

    Players expand their territory across a tactical grid, positioning defensive structures, deploying nature-infused combat units, and carving out a winding river system. The river acts as the lifeblood of your war machine, carrying game-changing bonuses downstream and dictating which surrounding groves awaken to join the fight.

    As Nico King, Creative Director at Chaos Theory Games, explains:

    “In most kingdom builders, the forest is the first thing you clear. In Oaks vs Orcs, the forest is the kingdom. You bend the river and turn a tiny ecosystem into a living war machine. We love that contradiction: the more beautiful your kingdom becomes, the more dangerous it gets.”

    Over 100 Cards, Changing Seasons, and Broken Synergies

    Strategy gets granular between waves. With over 100 unique cards featuring structures, troops, and wild mutations, players can shape unpredictable builds—from overwhelming swarm tactics to powerhouse defensive chokepoints.

    To keep commanders on their toes, dynamic seasonal changes constantly reshape the terrain. Shifts in weather transform tile values and force players to evolve their strategies on the fly across 20 escalating waves, culminating in high-stakes boss battles.

    Key Features Include:

    • Autobattler Mechanics: Design your tactical layout, deploy your forces, and watch your living forest automatically battle incoming axes and armour.
    • Deep Rogue-lite Progression: Experiment with wild card combinations and mutations to discover game-breaking strategies on every run.
    • Dynamic River Mechanics: Shape the water’s path to route powerful buff chains and activate specialised grove tiles.
    • Evolving Environments: Adapt to changing seasonal effects that alter tile values and battlefield tactics.
    • Multiple Game Modes: Dive into multi-stage campaigns or test your endurance in Endless Mode featuring global leaderboards.
    • Twitch Integration: Streamers can connect with their community directly, allowing viewers to interact with gameplay mechanics live.

    How to Join the Playtest

    Whether you’re a fan of deckbuilders like Slay the Spire, tactical autobattlers like Teamfight Tactics, or innovative indie strategy titles, Oaks vs Orcs is shaping up to be a fresh, leafy entry in the genre.

    Oaks vs Orcs is currently listed as “Coming Soon” on Steam. You can head over to the official [Oaks vs Orcs Steam Page] today to add it to your wishlist and sign up for the upcoming public playtest to get early hands-on access.

    Find out more here

    #OaksVsOrcs #ChaosTheoryGames #IndieDev #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamGames #GamingNews #StrategyGames #Autobattler #Roguelike #techmash

  • Muzzled by Fear: Bone-Chilling Psychological Horror ‘JAWED’ Gets a Free Steam Demo on September 16

    Muzzled by Fear: Bone-Chilling Psychological Horror ‘JAWED’ Gets a Free Steam Demo on September 16

    Horror gamers, mark your calendars. Developer ReinerTheGod Games and publisher PlayWay SA have officially announced that a playable demo for their upcoming psychological horror title, JAWED, will be hitting Steam on September 16.

    If you’re a fan of unsettling atmospheres, deep emotional narratives, and heart-pounding survival mechanics, this is one playable teaser you won’t want to miss.

    Muzzled in Silence: What is JAWED?

    JAWED drops players into the shoes of Adam, a man consumed by grief and silent torture following the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée, Vivian. Just as he reaches his breaking point, new evidence surfaces suggesting that Vivian might still be alive.

    However, waking up to this ray of hope comes with a terrifying catch: Adam finds a literal steel muzzle clamped to his face. Trapped in a literal and metaphorical silence, Adam must navigate a nightmare world, confront the painful reality of his past relationship, and uncover the truth that could set him free—if it doesn’t destroy him first.

    Key Features to Expect in the Demo

    JAWED combines survival mechanics with deep-seated psychological terror. Here’s what gamers can look forward to when playing the demo:

    • Deep Psychological Terror: Explore heavy themes of grief, guilt, and broken relationships while uncovering the dark secrets behind Vivian’s disappearance.
    • Atmospheric Exploration: Venture through Adam’s claustrophobic apartment prison and eerie, dreamlike environments filled with clues and secrets.
    • Run, Hide & Fight: Face both physical monsters and mental manifestations. Players will need to use stealth, speed, and resourcefulness to survive the shadows.
    • Pulse-Pounding Sound Design: Featuring an original score, haunting soundscapes, and terrifying silence designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
    • Environmental Storytelling: Every item, note, and detail adds a layer to the mystery—piecing together what really happened before it’s too late.

    Mark Your Calendars for September 16

    With publisher PlayWay SA behind it—known for backing innovative titles across multiple genres—JAWED is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing indie horror releases of the year.

    The demo will be available for free on Steam starting September 16. Horror fans can head over to the official Steam store page today to add JAWED to their wishlist and prepare for the nightmare.

    Will you be checking out the JAWED demo when it drops? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #JAWED #JAWEDGame #HorrorGames #IndieHorror #SteamDemo #ReinerTheGodGames #PlayWay #PCGaming #GamingNews #PsychologicalHorror #TechMash #GamingCommunity

  • From RTS to Auto-Battler: Gate Project Pivots Vision into a Sci-Fi Party-Based RPG

    From RTS to Auto-Battler: Gate Project Pivots Vision into a Sci-Fi Party-Based RPG

    Independent solo developer TestOneDev has officially announced a massive update regarding the core direction of Gate Project. Moving away from its original concept as a 3D Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, Gate Project is pivoting into a party-based, sci-fi RPG auto-battler.

    A New Strategic Direction

    Pivoting mid-development is a bold move for any game project, but for a solo developer, it represents a focused effort to hone in on dynamic, engaging gameplay mechanics.

    While the initial vision centred on traditional 3D RTS mechanics—often requiring high APM (actions per minute) and grand-scale base management—the shift to a party-based auto-battler shifts the tactical weight to team composition, character synergies, and pre-battle preparation.

    What to Expect from the New Gate Project

    By blending party-based RPG progression with auto-battler strategy, Gate Project promises to deliver a fresh tactical experience set against a rich science-fiction backdrop:

    • Party-Based RPG Depth: Players can look forward to collecting, upgrading, and customising a diverse roster of sci-fi heroes, units, or constructs, each boasting unique skills and tech trees.
    • Tactical Auto-Battler Combat: Instead of micromanaging every order in real-time, victories will be earned through strategic positioning, element/ability synergies, and gear optimisation prior to engagement.
    • Sci-Fi Atmosphere: The core sci-fi narrative and world-building remain a central pillar, offering players an intriguing universe to explore as they build their ultimate combat squad.

    The Rise of Solo Sci-Fi Gems

    Indie gaming has continuously proven that some of the most innovative game design comes from solo creators willing to iterate until they hit the mark. By combining the addicting loop of auto-battlers with the strategic depth of party RPGs, TestOneDev is carving out an exciting niche for Gate Project.

    Stay tuned for upcoming playtests, gameplay trailers, and dev logs as TestOneDev pulls back the curtain on this revamped sci-fi venture.

    Find out more here

    #GateProject #TestOneDev #IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGame #RPG #AutoBattler #SciFiGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Step Into the Backrooms of Football: Soccer Job Sim ‘Kitman’ Drops Steam Demo on October 8!

    Step Into the Backrooms of Football: Soccer Job Sim ‘Kitman’ Drops Steam Demo on October 8!

    Forget key passes and top-corner screeners—it’s time to find out who the real hero of match day actually is. Indie developer Outlier has officially announced that the demo for Kitman, its hilarious and chaotic soccer-themed job simulator, will hit Steam on October 8, 2026.

    If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the shiny facade of modern football, Kitman gives you and up to three friends front-row seats to the locker room madness.

    What Is Kitman?

    In Kitman, you play as the ultimate unsung hero in the backrooms of a football club. While spoiled players complain and the manager stands clueless on the touchline, it falls on you to keep the entire operation from falling apart.

    Whether playing solo or teaming up with up to four players in co-op, your duties include:

    • Match Day Chores: Cleaning muddy boots, sewing up torn jerseys mid-match, mashing laundry buttons, and making sure the drinks are perfectly chilled.
    • Steering from the Shadows: When nobody is looking, sneak into the gaffer’s office to adjust the team’s tactical board, scout talent, and set the starting lineup to secretly secure victory.
    • Match Day Mayhem: Solving unexpected mishaps on the fly so your squad doesn’t step onto the pitch in their underwear.

    What’s Included in the Steam Demo?

    Following a massive alpha playtest that saw over 50,000 players step into the kit room, Outlier has incorporated a ton of community feedback for this upcoming demo. Key features making their way to the October release include:

    • Full Team Customisation: Create your own club with custom team names, acronyms, colour palettes, jersey patterns, and club crests.
    • Deeper Management Mechanics: Deeper tactical options and overhauled backroom strategy.
    • Reworked Match Day Tasks: Upgraded equipment, rebalanced tasks, and—yes—a newly fixed sewing minigame.
    • Quality of Life Upgrades: Full gamepad support and built-in voice chat for seamless co-op communication.

    Want to Play Early? Pre-Demo Playtest Coming Soon!

    Can’t wait until October 8? Outlier is hosting an exclusive pre-demo playtest running from September 17 to September 20.

    Players wanting to test their boot-polishing skills early can apply via player.gg by wishlisting Kitman on Steam and joining the official Outlier Discord channel.

    Get Ready for Match Day

    With its blend of deep strategy, physics-based simulator slapstick, and co-op antics, Kitman is shaping up to be one of the most unique indie releases on the horizon. Be sure to add Kitman to your Steam Wishlist today so you don’t miss the demo launch on October 8, 2026!

    Find out more here

    #Kitman #IndieGames #GamingNews #Steam #PCGaming #SoccerSim #JobSim #CoOpGaming #Techmash #OutlierGames

  • 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

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