TECHMASH

Category: Gaming News

  • World War Z “Limitless Strain” Update: New Mutators, Perks, and Xbox Play Anywhere Support!

    World War Z “Limitless Strain” Update: New Mutators, Perks, and Xbox Play Anywhere Support!

    The horde is getting smarter, meaner, and completely unpredictable. Saber Interactive has just dropped the highly anticipated Limitless Strain Update for World War Z, and it’s a massive free drop designed to push even the most veteran zombie-slaying squads to their absolute breaking point.

    Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, your standard survival strategies are about to be thrown completely out the window. Here is a breakdown of everything packed into this latest update.

    Watch the game trailer here

    Cross-Progression Just Got Better: Xbox Play Anywhere

    Before diving into the gameplay chaos, Microsoft ecosystem players have a major reason to celebrate. World War Z now officially supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

    If you own a digital copy of the game on the Microsoft Store for either Xbox or PC, you now get access to both versions at no extra cost. Even better? It supports full cross-saves, achievements, and universal access to all your purchased DLC, allowing you to switch between console and PC seamlessly.

    Game-Changing Chaos: 6 New Mutators

    If standard Swarm Engine madness wasn’t enough, the Limitless Strain update introduces six brutal new mutators. These are guaranteed to force your squad to rethink its loadout:

    • Lethal Fumes: Eliminating a Booster isn’t the end—they will now infect all nearby zombies post-death.
    • Still Alive (Private Lobbies Only): Think you’re good at crowd control? Zekes will only die from headshots.
    • Deafening Scream: The Screamer’s sound waves are now deafening at any distance on the map.
    • Power Cut: Say goodbye to your defences. Electric grids will completely shut down during waves.
    • Overheat: Stationary machine guns can now overheat, leaving you temporarily defenceless if you’re trigger-happy.
    • Copycat: Only one specific type of special zombie will spawn during an entire wave. Prepare for walls of Bulls or cloaks of Lurkers.

    Firepower Upgrades: 7 New Weapon Perks

    To help you counter the new threats, Saber has injected seven deadly new weapon perks into the game to let you customise your build even further:

    1. Triple Shot
    2. Home Stretch
    3. Dance Till The End
    4. (Un)natural Magnetism
    5. Bullets Cashback
    6. To Your Health
    7. Delayed Explosion

    Alongside these perks, Horde Mode has received a much-needed UI facelift. The store now uses clear colour coding to show why items are locked (like resource shortages), and the scoreboard now dynamically tracks the gold and blue coins you’ve earned for the current and upcoming waves.

    New Challenges & Custom Portrait Frames

    For the completionists out there, seven new Daily Challenges have been added specifically for Horde Mode challenge maps (including objectives like Goalkeeper, where you must protect the final gate from taking damage through 4 waves).

    Beating these milestones will help you unlock three brand-new custom portrait frames to flex in the lobby:

    • Among the Dead: Complete any chapter of The Walking Dead episode on Extreme difficulty without being pinned.
    • Ninja: Kill 1,000 unsuspecting zombies.
    • Head Hunter: Score 10,000 headshot kills.

    Premium DLC: Chibi Weapon Skins

    If you want to slay the undead with a bit of flash, two new premium weapon skin packs have launched alongside the update for £3.99 GBP / €4.99 EUR each:

    • Chibi Bunko Weapon Skin Pack: Vibrant, character-inspired skins for the 1911 Protector Pistol, TMP5 SMG, HAMR-17 Battle Rifle, ACW-20 Grenade Launcher, and RPG4.
    • Chibi Daniela Weapon Skin Pack: Flashy aesthetics for the Mini-21 Scout Rifle, Dunali SxS Shotgun, LAR Battle Rifle, BSS-2 Shotgun, and the SchreiTech Forest Warrior Chainsaw.

    Verdict: The Limitless Strain update proves that Saber Interactive is committed to keeping World War Z fresh, frantic, and punishingly fun. Grab your squad, update your game, and watch out for those over-heating turrets!

    Find out more here

    #WorldWarZ #WWZGame #LimitlessStrain #SaberInteractive #ZombieShooter #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #XboxPlayAnywhere #PCGaming #PlayStation #HordeMode

  • Wield the Beat: Alpha Nomos Drops Stunning New Gameplay Trailer

    Wield the Beat: Alpha Nomos Drops Stunning New Gameplay Trailer

    Indie studio RibCage Games has just dropped a brand-new gameplay trailer for their highly anticipated title, Alpha Nomos. If you’ve been craving a game that seamlessly blends the pulse-pounding precision of Hi-Fi Rush with the unpredictable, addictive loop of Hades, this is the title you need to put on your radar immediately.

    Check out the fresh trailer and see why music isn’t just a backing track in this world—it’s the absolute law.

    Combat Where the Soundtrack Is Your Weapon

    In Alpha Nomos, you step into the strings of Cello, a tiny puppet adventurer navigating a vibrant, melody-twisted world overrun by rogue, corrupted puppets. A mysterious force has silenced the world’s music, and it’s up to you to hack, slash, and orchestrate absolute chaos to bring the rhythm back.

    What sets this rhythm-action roguelite apart is its uncompromising “music-as-mechanic” philosophy. The developers didn’t just bolt a rhythm meter onto a standard action game; everything lives and breathes on the beat.

    Here is what makes Alpha Nomos strike a chord:

    • Rhythm-Driven Combat: Timing your attacks to the beat unlocks devastating combos and ramps up your damage. Missing a beat? The game plays a literal wrong note on purpose to let you know you’re out of tune.
    • Live-Recorded Musical Weapons: Forget standard swords and shields. You’ll be wielding instruments (like the mighty SaXword) where every sound has been recorded live by real musicians.
    • Audio-Effect Powerups: Roguelite runs will grant you powerups based on real-world audio effects like Reverb, Flanger, and Delay. These don’t just change your combat stats—they literally alter how your attacks sound.
    • Runs That Compose Themselves: Because every weapon and power-up alters the audio landscape, every single roguelite run generates a completely unique musical track based on how you play.

    “We didn’t want rhythm bolted on top of an action game; we wanted it to be the action. Every hit, every dodge, every upgrade lives on the beat.” > — RibCage Games

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    If the trailer whets your appetite, you won’t have to wait to get your hands on it. RibCage Games has released an updated, expanded demo on Steam featuring a tighter combat loop, new enemy encounters, and a chance to test out Cello’s rhythm-driven arsenal for yourself.

    The full game is slated for a Q3 2026 launch on PC, so head over to Steam, try the demo, and get it on your wishlist today!

    What do you think of the new trailer? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be playing the demo!

    Find out more here

    #AlphaNomos #RibCageGames #IndieGames #RhythmGame #Roguelite #GamingNews #SteamNextFest #PCGaming #TechMash #Gaming

  • Storm the Gorge: Honor of Kings Drops HOK Plus 2.0 with Desi Hero ‘Devara’ and Chaotic New Modes

    Storm the Gorge: Honor of Kings Drops HOK Plus 2.0 with Desi Hero ‘Devara’ and Chaotic New Modes

    The king of mobile MOBAs is shaking up the meta.

    Tencent has officially rolled out HOK Plus 2.0 (Season 15: The Grand Venture), marking the absolute biggest content overhaul of the year for Honor of Kings. Packed with a highly anticipated cultural crossover, massive mechanical overhauls, and some beautifully chaotic new ways to play, this update is a massive win for both veteran grinders and fresh-faced newcomers.

    Here is a breakdown of everything hitting the Gorge in the HOK Plus 2.0 update.

    Enter Devara: The Thunderous Deep Clash Laner

    The crown jewel of this update is Devara, a brand-new Clash Lane hybrid Fighter/Mage heavily inspired by traditional Indian culture and folklore.

    Devara isn’t your average frontline bruiser—he’s an absolute powerhouse who bends lightning to his will. His kit is designed for high burst damage, insane mobility, and sustained 1v1 duels.

    • Passive Mechanics: Actively building energy allows him to recast basic skills and imbue his next auto-attack with massive AoE magical damage.
    • The Ultimate Terrain-Trashing Dive: When Devara activates his ultimate, he gains complete crowd-control (CC) immunity, rises into the air, completely ignores map terrain (yes, you can float over walls), and rains down random lightning strikes on nearby targets.
    • Community Co-Creation: In an awesome nod to the community, local players helped shape the character through a voice co-creation campaign, meaning Devara features authentic Hindi voice lines voiced by industry veteran Sanket Mhatre.

    The Roster Expands: 3 Iconic AoV Heroes Join the Fray

    Devara isn’t invading the Gorge alone. Three legendary faces from Arena of Valor are crossing dimensions to officially join the matchmaking lineup, offering entirely new ways to dominate team fights:

    • Annette (Support/Roamer): The lovable Diviner is here to shake up the Roaming lane with wind-based crowd control and excellent team utility.
    • Lorion (Mage): The Nightmare Incarnate brings heavy zone-control and tactical positioning with his dark energy orb.
    • Florentino (Fighter): A high-skill-cap duelist with intricate dash mechanics and lethal swordplay, perfect for players looking to flex their micro-skills in the sidelanes.

    Unleash Chaos in ‘Super Flow Brawl 2.0’

    Looking for a break from intense ranked matches? The beloved arcade experience gets a massive overhaul with Super Flow Brawl 2.0. Designed to showcase fast-paced player strategy while turning the dial up on sheer fun, this mode introduces wild new talent paths and dynamic mid-match events.

    Prepare for absolute madness with features like:

    • Voice Damage: Literally talking into your microphone emits in-game soundwaves that damage enemies and heal allies based on your volume.
    • Quick-Signal Buffs: Sending standard quick-chat commands gives your team active boosts (e.g., signalling “Attack” triggers a team-wide Frenzy).
    • Pay to Win (In-Game Gold Only!): A hilarious new talent that lets you spend 1% of your current in-game gold stash to fire extra projectiles at your target.

    Quality of Life (QoL) Improvements

    Tencent hasn’t just focused on content; they’ve put major work into optimising the baseline experience for all devices, whether you’re playing on a flagship phone or a budget device.

    • Smaller Footprint: Redundant data has been trimmed, resulting in a much smaller overall download package and storage size.
    • Refined Controls: The team has fixed input buffers, removed joystick dead zones, and optimised skill-combo fluidness.
    • Smoother Onboarding: A new chapter-based guide system has been added to give new players clearer progression goals without feeling overwhelmed.
    • Lobby & Social Upgrades: Players can now enjoy regional-focused ranking systems and a sleek new Personal Gallery to show off their favourite skins.

    Don’t Miss “Peak Day” Rewards!

    To celebrate the launch, HOK is kicking off major in-game festivities leading up to Peak Day on June 27. Players logging in during the celebration window can snag a free community co-created Flowborn skin, thousands of limited-time token vouchers, and enjoy a limited-time trial where all heroes and eligible skins are completely free to use.

    Whether you are looking to master Devara’s thunderous kit, test out the reworks on characters like Sima Yi and Li Xin, or just scream into your mic to defeat enemies in Super Flow Brawl, there has never been a better time to jump back into the world’s most played MOBA.

    Have you tried Devara in the Clash Lane yet? Let us know your favourite build in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #HonorOfKings #HOKPlus #Devara #MobileGaming #MOBA #GamingUpdate #AoV #SuperFlowBrawl #TechMash

  • Kartboard Dash Locked In: Zatun Confirms July Early Access for PC and Mobile

    Kartboard Dash Locked In: Zatun Confirms July Early Access for PC and Mobile

    Independent game development studio Zatun has officially locked in the trajectory for its highly anticipated arcade racer. The studio confirmed this week that Kartboard Dash™ remains firmly on track to launch into Early Access across both PC and Mobile platforms in July 2026.

    The announcement follows hot on the heels of a fresh visual rebrand, with Zatun recently unveiling a bolder, more playful logo that mirrors the chaotic energy of the game’s unique DIY aesthetic.

    Crafting Chaos From Cardboard

    If you’ve been craving a racer that prioritises immediate, skill-based fun over hyper-realistic tyre wear simulation, Kartboard Dash wants your attention. The game transports players into vibrant, handcrafted cardboard-inspired worlds where tracks, karts, and props look like they’ve been meticulously fashioned from layered corrugated board and masking tape.

    But don’t let the charming, playful art style fool you—the competition under the hood is fierce.

    Key Features to Expect in Early Access:

    • Cross-Platform Multiplayer: PC and mobile players can go head-to-head instantly in a unified, crossplay matchmaking ecosystem.
    • Handcrafted Cardboard Tracks: Race through dynamic environments filled with sharp turns, hidden shortcuts, and massive ramps (including a recently teased Airport track built from sketch to 3D).
    • Unpredictable Lap Modifiers: To keep things chaotic, the final two laps of a race introduce random modifiers—like speed surges, bumper madness, and hazard trails—ensuring no two races play out the same way.
    • Deep Customisation: A growing roster of unique characters and collectable karts that players can fine-tune to match their specific racing style.

    “Every milestone has brought us closer to the experience we originally envisioned,” said the Kartboard Dash development team in a recent press statement. “We’re incredibly excited to see players finally jump into the world we’ve been building. The finish line is now in sight, and we can’t wait to share the official release date with the community.”

    The Road to July

    Zatun—an indie veteran studio with nearly two decades of development experience—is treating Kartboard Dash as a major milestone for its portfolio of original IP. Designed to follow a live-ops model, the free-to-play title will eventually feature seasonal content, rotating special events, and fresh rewards to give both casual and competitive players a reason to keep coming back.

    While the exact calendar day for the July drop is still being kept under wraps, Zatun has promised a steady stream of gameplay showcases, creator content reveals, and official launch updates over the coming weeks.

    PC players looking to secure their spot on the starting grid can already find the official Kartboard Dash Steam Page live to add the game to their wishlists ahead of next month’s launch.

    #KartboardDash #Zatun #IndieGames #ArcadeRacer #MobileGaming #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Echoes of the Past: Olivier Derivière Returns to Score Prequel ‘Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy’

    Echoes of the Past: Olivier Derivière Returns to Score Prequel ‘Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy’

    The dark, rat-infested, and beautifully tragic medieval universe of A Plague Tale simply wouldn’t sound the same without the genius of Olivier Derivière. Thankfully, fans won’t have to imagine it.

    The BAFTA-nominated French composer is officially returning to partner with Asobo Studio and publisher Focus Entertainment for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. Acting as an original story and prequel to the award-winning A Plague Tale: Innocence and A Plague Tale: Requiem, Resonance takes the franchise in a bold new direction—and its soundtrack is following suit.

    A New Hero, A Fresh Sound

    Set 15 years before the events of Requiem, Resonance shifts the spotlight away from Amicia and Hugo to focus on Sophia, the fierce young smuggler and plunderer fans fell in love with in the second game. On the run and determined to uncover her past, Sophia’s journey takes her away from mainland France to the mysterious Minotaur’s Island (Crete).

    Because the setting and gameplay are shifting toward a more action-oriented style—complete with a dual-timeline mechanic connecting the Middle Ages to ancient Minoan times—Derivière knew the music needed to evolve.

    “Resonance, although part of A Plague Tale universe, is a very different game and therefore needed a fresh musical approach without leaving the core emotions and musical traits of the franchise,” Derivière observed.

    Authenticity Through Language and Myth

    Known for his masterfully dynamic scores in South of Midnight, Dying Light 2, and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag – Freedom Cry, Derivière is pushing his signature neo-classical style even further. To capture the true emotional weight of the Mediterranean setting, he commissioned and recorded world-class native ensembles from Greece and Cyprus, recording entirely in their native languages.

    The upcoming score features a deeply contrasted, hauntingly beautiful lineup:

    • The Amalgamation Choir: A unique Cypriot-Greek choir made up of 20 female vocalists led by Vasiliki Anastasiou, providing a rousing, mythic backdrop.
    • Traditional Instrumentation: Intimate performances on the Yayl? tambur (a traditional bowed lute) by renowned musician Evgenios Voulgaris.
    • Bespoke Translations: The team painstakingly translated the game’s vocal tracks from French to the Cypriot language to maximise the emotional punch during key narrative beats.

    With ancient curses, puzzle-solving via light-manipulating Minoan spheres, and a terrifying mythical creature hunting Sophia from the shadows, the score promises to be an unforgettable psychological journey.

    When Can We Play (and Listen)?

    Asobo Studio is confidently standing its ground in a hyper-competitive year for gaming. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is locked in to launch on August 27th, 2026.

    The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S (including a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass). For the audiophiles out there, the Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Original Soundtrack will also drop on all major streaming and digital download platforms on launch day.

    Get your headphones ready; this is going to be a masterpiece.

    Are you excited to dive into Sophia’s backstory? Let us know your thoughts on the new musical direction in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #APlagueTale #ResonanceAPlagueTaleLegacy #OlivierDeriviere #AsoboStudio #FocusEntertainment #VGM #VideoGameMusic #GamingNews #XboxGamePass #PS5 #PCGaming

  • Uncover the Cosmic Horror: ‘Omen Exitio: Hunger’ Hits Steam This June

    Uncover the Cosmic Horror: ‘Omen Exitio: Hunger’ Hits Steam This June

    Get ready to step into a shadows-drenched alternate history. Publisher 2P Games and developer Tiny Bull Studios have officially announced that their highly anticipated visual novel, Omen Exitio: Hunger, is launching on Steam on June 25!

    Priced at an affordable $9.99 | €9.99 | £9.09, this title is a must-play for fans of cosmic horror, noir mysteries, and choice-driven narratives.

    A Lovecraftian Nightmare in the Roaring Twenties

    Set in a twisted, Lovecraftian 1927 version of New York, Omen Exitio: Hunger blends the aesthetics of the Roaring Twenties with the creeping, existential dread of Eldritch horrors.

    In this investigative gamebook, you won’t just be reading a story—you’ll be surviving it. Players are pulled headfirst into a gripping criminal case that weaves fictional cosmic terror together with real local history and folklore from 1920s New York.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Immersive Gamebook Mechanics: Your choices shape the narrative, steering your investigation toward salvation or absolute madness.
    • Authentic Historical Backdrop: Explore a meticulously stylised 1927 NYC, where real-world history collides with the occult.
    • Psychological Horror: Manage your character’s sanity as you dig into secrets that the human mind was never meant to comprehend.

    If you love deep narratives, striking art styles, and the unsettling atmosphere of H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos, make sure to add this to your Steam wishlist ahead of its June 25 release.

    Are you ready to face the hunger lurking beneath the streets of New York? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OmenExitio #OmenExitioHunger #IndieGames #GamingNews #Lovecraftian #VisualNovel #SteamGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Roll the Dice: Viractal Version 1.3.0 Brings Yggdra Union Crossover and Brutal New Challenges to Steam

    Roll the Dice: Viractal Version 1.3.0 Brings Yggdra Union Crossover and Brutal New Challenges to Steam

    Fans of tabletop strategy and tactical deckbuilding, it is time to assemble your party once more—and perhaps question their loyalty all over again. Developer and publisher STING has officially rolled out the massive Version 1.3.0 update for its hit board game RPG, Viractal: Will You Trust Your Party?, currently sitting at a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.

    This fifth major update opens up a gateway to another world, introducing a legendary tactical RPG crossover, a punishing new endgame stage, and an entirely new card mechanic that will fundamentally shift how you build your decks.

    Here is everything packed into the major Version 1.3.0 update.

    Sword Maiden Yggdra Joins the Fray

    The highlight of the 1.3.0 patch notes is undoubtedly Bahoko’s Otherworld Summoning Vol. 2. Game Master Bahoko has reached into the STING archives to pull a fan-favourite icon into the miniature world of Viractalia: Sword Maiden Yggdra from the classic tactical RPG Yggdra Union!

    Yggdra arrives as a fully playable character with a highly strategic, cooperative kit. She functions as a brilliant support-frontliner who scales directly with your team’s coordination:

    • The Union Mechanic: Yggdra’s unique ability increases her offensive power when her allies share the same elemental attributes. The tighter your team’s synergy, the harder she hits.
    • Tactics Cards: Fan-favourite skills from Yggdra Union have been beautifully reimagined as Skill Cards in Viractal.
    • The Ultimate Trump Card – Crusade: When things look grim, Yggdra can unleash her signature skill, which pools together the attack power of every single card in your party’s hand for one cataclysmic, game-ending strike.

    New Endgame Stage: Sky Harmonia+

    Think you’ve mastered the board? Think again. STING has introduced Sky Harmonia+, a brand-new, high-difficulty stage explicitly designed to test seasoned adventurers.

    Aside from scaling up the danger, this stage introduces the terrifying Ambush Tile mechanic. Enemies standing atop these special-colored pedestals will not wait for your turn to start—they will launch a devastating preemptive strike before the battle screen even loads. If you plan to survive Sky Harmonia+, meticulous deck management and defensive preparation are mandatory.

    Unleash High-Risk, High-Reward ‘Instant Cards’

    Version 1.3.0 fundamentally changes the rhythm of combat with an entirely new card classification: Instant Cards (marked by a distinct symbol).

    Unlike standard Skill Cards, Instant Cards cannot be upgraded, but they possess raw, unmitigated power far beyond normal cards. The catch? Once you play an Instant Card, it is permanently removed from your deck for the rest of the battle. This introduces an incredible layer of tactical flexibility. They serve as perfect “panic buttons” to bail you out of a desperate situation without permanently bloating your deck pool with high-cost cards for future turns.

    Balance Tweaks and Optimisation

    Alongside the fresh content, STING has dropped a handful of quality-of-life adjustments to make your runs smoother. The random ability acquisition system has been retuned to prioritise rewarding you with abilities you don’t already own, making build-crafting feel far more rewarding. Several underperforming cards—like Stonebone Gnaw+—have also received notable balance buffs.

    If you haven’t yet dived into Viractal’s brilliant blend of procedurally generated boards, tricky multiplayer social deduction, and satisfying card combat, there has never been a better time to grab your dice.

    Viractal: Will You Trust Your Party? Version 1.3.0 is live right now on Steam.

    Find out more here

    #Viractal #StingGames #YggdraUnion #SteamGames #BoardGameRPG #IndieGaming #Deckbuilder #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Get Ready for Battle: The Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo is Live Now!

    Get Ready for Battle: The Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo is Live Now!

    Great news for action RPG fans! Cygames has officially announced that the playable demo for their highly anticipated title, Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok, is now available across all platforms.

    If you’ve been itching to dive back into the Sky Realm, this is your chance to get a massive head start on the action before the full game officially drops.

    Play It Today, Own It This July

    The wait for the full adventure won’t be much longer. Endless Ragnarok is locked in for a global release on July 9, 2026.

    Cygames is ensuring no gamer gets left behind, launching the title across an impressive lineup of current and next-gen platforms. You’ll be able to pick up your blade on:

    • Nintendo Switch 2™
    • PlayStation® 5
    • PlayStation®4
    • PC (via Steam®)

    ESRB Rating: The game has officially been rated “T” for Teen, making it a perfect summer adventure for both veteran skyfarers and newcomers alike.

    What to Expect from the Demo

    While Cygames is keeping some surprises under wraps, the demo gives players a first-hand look at the game’s refined real-time combat mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and a teaser of the high-stakes narrative that awaits in Endless Ragnarok. Whether you prefer solo hacking and slashing or teaming up with friends, this demo is the perfect stress test for your skills.

    Head over to your platform’s digital storefront—be it the PlayStation Store, Steam, or the Nintendo eShop—and start downloading it today!

    Are you diving into the demo tonight? Which platform will you be playing on come July? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GranblueFantasy #EndlessRagnarok #Cygames #GamingNews #ActionRPG #PS5 #PlayStation4 #NintendoSwitch2 #SteamGaming #TechMash

  • Return to Grenmark: Pale Coins Drops Huge v1.1.3 Update with New Goblin Arena & Secret Paths

    Return to Grenmark: Pale Coins Drops Huge v1.1.3 Update with New Goblin Arena & Secret Paths

    If you’ve been looking for a reason to dive back into the brutal, beautifully handcrafted world of Grenmark, solo developer Lukas Irzl just handed it to you on a silver—or should we say pale—platter.

    Pale Coins, the gorgeous hand-pixelized soulslike action RPG that captured the hearts of old-school fantasy fans, has officially launched its v1.1.3 major update on Steam. Focused on making the game faster, more dynamic, and highly flexible right from the opening screen, this free update brings a massive haul of new content for both fresh players and hardened veterans.

    Here is a breakdown of why you need to boot up Steam and update your game immediately.

    1. Step Into the Goblin Arena

    Struggling to find early-game challenges to test your mettle? The new Goblin Arena has arrived. Tucked away in a cave near the starting area, this zone acts as a thrilling early-game gauntlet. It’s the perfect place to hone your combat prowess, rack up some early rewards, and test your builds against relentless waves of goblins before taking on Grenmark’s punishing main bosses.

    2. A Secret Underground Alternative Path

    For returning champions ready to start a fresh playthrough, the early game won’t feel like a simple repeat. Version 1.1.3 introduces a hidden, alternative underground route to progress the main story. This secret cavern system weaves beneath familiar landscapes, allowing you to bypass certain early areas and discover entirely new environmental secrets tucked away in the darker corners of the map.

    3. Faster, More Fluid Soulslike Combat

    The combat mechanics have received a major, community-requested overhaul. You can now use dodges as immediate follow-up actions right after an attack, keeping the flow of battle incredibly agile. Furthermore, dodging is now a default skill, and a brand-new, faster variant of the Grappling Hook has been introduced to help you zip across the environment and outmanoeuvre threats with newfound speed.

    4. Extra Loot & Quality of Life Features

    What’s a soulslike without sweet, unadulterated loot? The update drops brand-new items across the world for players to uncover (no spoilers here, you’ll have to find them yourself!).

    The update also brings several major quality-of-life adjustments, including:

    • Dodge Direction Settings: You can now toggle whether you want to dodge toward your mouse cursor or your current movement direction.
    • Expanded Controller Support: Full native support for PlayStation/DualShock controllers.
    • Input Buffering: Smoother attack and skill queuing to prevent dropped inputs during frantic fights.

    The Verdict: Whether you are stepping into Grenmark for the very first time or you’re a returning champion looking to uncover hidden lore, v1.1.3 makes Pale Coins feel smoother, faster, and more rewarding than ever.

    Pale Coins v1.1.3 is out now as a free update for all PC players on Steam.

    Find out more here

    #PaleCoins #Soulslike #PixelArt #IndieGames #RPG #SteamUpdate #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Ready to Spin? Dark Arcade Puzzler ‘Spinning Scarecrow’ Drops Fresh Demo for Steam Next Fest!

    Ready to Spin? Dark Arcade Puzzler ‘Spinning Scarecrow’ Drops Fresh Demo for Steam Next Fest!

    The line between a frantic arcade rush and a brain-melting puzzle game is about to get delightfully twisted. IV Productions, in partnership with Power Up Publishing, has officially announced that their darkly surreal title, Spinning Scarecrow, is stepping into the spotlight for the latest Steam Next Fest—and they’re bringing a freshly updated demo along for the ride.

    If you’ve been looking for something that challenges both your reflexes and your problem-solving skills, this is one indie showcase you won’t want to skip.

    What is Spinning Scarecrow?

    At its core, Spinning Scarecrow is a unique hybrid that refuses to fit neatly into a single box. It combines precision puzzle-solving with the high-energy, high-stakes momentum of fast-paced arcade action.

    But what truly sets it apart is its atmosphere. The game plunges players into a darkly surreal world design that is as mesmerising as it is unsettling. You aren’t just solving puzzles; you are navigating a hauntingly beautiful, stylised nightmare where every move requires absolute precision.

    What’s New in the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    While a version of the game has been teased before, this isn’t just a rehashed build. The developers have rolled out a freshly updated demo specifically tailored for Steam Next Fest. Players can expect:

    • Refined Mechanics: Tighter controls to match the demanding precision gameplay.
    • Polished Visuals: Enhanced atmospheric effects that make the surreal world pop.
    • A Deeper Taste of the Madness: A curated look at how the arcade pacing escalates alongside the puzzle complexity.

    Dive into the Nightmare Today

    Steam Next Fest is the ultimate playground for discovering your next favourite indie obsession, and Spinning Scarecrow is shaping up to be a major standout for fans of stylised, challenging gameplay.

    The demo is live right now on Steam. Head over, add it to your wishlist, and see if you have the precision to survive the spin.

    Find out more here

    #SpinningScarecrow #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #IVProductions #PowerUpPublishing #ArcadePuzzle #TechMash

  • Dodge the Bullets, Feel the Beat: Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost Drops DLC Song Pack 15!

    Dodge the Bullets, Feel the Beat: Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost Drops DLC Song Pack 15!

    Attention rhythm gamers and Touhou project fanatics! If your fingers haven’t already been thoroughly conditioned by the beautiful chaos of the Gensokyo realm, it’s time to stretch those wrists. The critically acclaimed rhythm bullet hell Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost has officially dropped its highly anticipated Extra Song Pack Vol. 15 DLC.

    Developed by UnknownX and published by Alliance Arts, this latest drop is officially live across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (with PS5 backwards compatibility), and PC via Steam.

    Whether you’re a veteran dodging danmaku in your sleep or a music lover vibing to epic synth-rock arrangements, this update is an absolute treat.

    What’s Waiting for You in Vol. 15?

    This isn’t just a minor update; Season 5 is kicking off with a massive bang. The 15th song pack injects 15 brand-new tracks into the game, expanding an already staggering library of music.

    Here is what you can expect when you load up the DLC:

    • Exclusive Touhou Originals: Dive into heavy-hitting original tracks, including “Because the Last One is Used to It ~ Stone Goddess” and “Reminiscence of Deer Hunting”.
    • A Brand-New Arrangement: Jam out to “Reach for the Moon, Immortal Metal,” a powerful, emotionally charged Fujiwara no Mokou-centred track masterfully crafted by Daisuke Kurosawa.
    • Enhanced Visuals: Community favourite track “Respec Fujin” now fully supports background video playback during gameplay, with plans from UnknownX to bring this feature to even more tracks down the line!
    • Fresh Faces: Put your reflexes to the test with two new characters to choose from as you navigate the chaos.

    Two Ways to Play: Kagura vs. Danmaku Mode

    If you haven’t jumped into Phantasia Lost yet, the game masterfully splits its gameplay to appeal to multiple styles of play.

    1. Kagura Mode: A classic, arcade-style rhythm experience. Choose between a 4-key or 6-key layout as notes fall down the screen to the beat of incredible Touhou fan-arrangements.
    2. Danmaku Mode: This is where the magic happens. It completely merges traditional bullet hell shoot-’em-up mechanics with rhythm gaming. You’ll be actively dodging waves of incoming projectiles while destroying targets strictly on the beat.

    Pro-Tip for completionists: If you love the game and want to save some cash, UnknownX has made a Season Pass Bundle (DLC 15-16) available right now, which gives you a 15% discount and guarantees you’ll be ready when Extra Song Pack Vol. 16 hits on August 12, 2026!

    Rebuild Gensokyo Your Way

    With over 68 tracks in the base game and a staggering total that passes 300+ songs once you factor in the DLC packs, Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost is the ultimate love letter to ZUN’s legendary universe. Take on Story Mode to team up with over 100 iconic Touhou characters, collect stat-boosting Mitama cards, and fix the crumbling world.

    The Extra Song Pack Vol. 15 is available now for $11.99 / €11.99. Grab your controllers, select your track, and we’ll see you on the leaderboard!

    Are you picking up Vol. 15 today? What’s your highest score in Danmaku mode? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TouhouProject #DanmakuKagura #PhantasiaLost #RhythmGames #BulletHell #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation4 #SteamGaming #GamingNews #UnknownX #AllianceArts #TechMash

  • Prepare for Pure Terror: PC Hit ‘Flesh Made Fear’ is Clawing Its Way to PS5 This Month!

    Prepare for Pure Terror: PC Hit ‘Flesh Made Fear’ is Clawing Its Way to PS5 This Month!

    If you have a weak stomach, you might want to look away now.

    Publisher Assemble Entertainment and solo developer Tainted Pact have officially announced that their critically acclaimed, blood-soaked survival horror experience, Flesh Made Fear, is officially making the jump to console. PlayStation 5 players, mark your calendars: the nightmare begins on 25th June 2026.

    Having already carved out a “Very Positive” reputation among horror fans on PC since its initial launch, this indie gem is finally ready to engross a whole new audience in its cleverly devised, retro-inspired madness.

    Check out what you need to know before stepping into the dark next week.

    What is Flesh Made Fear?

    If you miss the golden, pulse-pounding era of late-90s PlayStation horror, Flesh Made Fear is the love letter you’ve been waiting for. Deeply inspired by the original Resident Evil trilogy, the game masterfully blends classic PSX-era mechanics with terrifying modern innovations.

    You’ll step into the heavy boots of an elite operative in the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.). Your mission? Infiltrate a desolate, backwater town overrun by flesh-hungry infected and occult abominations to track down Victor “The Dripper” Ripper—a brilliant, but completely deranged former CIA scientist who has turned the region into his own personal, grotesque laboratory.

    Key Features PS5 Players Can Expect:

    • Classic Meets Modern: Experience the heart-stopping tension of traditional fixed camera angles seamlessly mixed with modern dynamic rail and follow cameras.
    • Two Playable Characters: Choose between Natalie (who boasts a larger inventory but less health) and Jack (a tanky powerhouse with limited storage space). Both offer distinct storylines and stats, drastically changing how you play.
    • Brutal Resource Management: Ammo is scarce, inventory slots are limited, and saves are finite. You’ll need to make every bullet count and strategically utilise safe rooms to survive.
    • A Beautifully Bloody B-Movie Aesthetic: Expect intricate puzzles, visceral up-close-and-personal combat (where even your combat knife is a vital survival tool), and some of the most exploding, gore-heavy body horror seen in the indie scene.

    “Conceived by California-based indie developer Michael Cosio (Tainted Pact), Flesh Made Fear delivers relentless suspense and a fresh dimension of terror that will leave fans craving more.”

    Dare to Survive

    Flesh Made Fear drops on the PlayStation Store on 25th June 2026 for €17.99 (UK pricing to be finalised, but expected around £14.99).

    If you think you have the stomach to survive Dr. Ripper’s mansion-turned-laboratory, turn off the lights, grab your DualSense controller, and get ready. This is one blood-soaked experience you absolutely cannot miss.

    Are you ready to face the nightmare on PS5, or will you let the flesh consume you? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #FleshMadeFear #PS5 #SurvivalHorror #IndieGames #AssembleEntertainment #TaintedPact #HorrorGaming #ResidentEvilVibes #GamingCommunity