TECHMASH

Category: Gaming News

  • The Final Chapter Awaits: Final Trailer Drops for Handmade Fantasy RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle

    The Final Chapter Awaits: Final Trailer Drops for Handmade Fantasy RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle

    If you’ve been craving a return to the golden age of tabletop gaming, your next obsession is right around the corner. Developer Digitalis Publishing and publisher 15 Industry have officially released the final pre-launch trailer for Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle—and it looks like an absolute dream for classic fantasy fans.

    Described as a “reading-style” fantasy adventure, the game heavily channels the spirit of The NeverEnding Story, tasking players with interacting with a living, breathing digital gamebook.

    Check out everything you need to know about this unique indie project ahead of its impending launch.

    Watch the Final Trailer

    The final trailer offers a stunning look at the gameplay highlights and the immaculate care poured into the title. It features atmospheric Japanese voice narration with English subtitles, perfectly setting the mood for a dark, choice-driven fantasy.

    A 100% Handmade Passion Project

    What makes Veritas Tales truly special is the incredible human story behind its development. The game is the brainchild of Yoshio Nishimura, a 30-year industry veteran who served as Chief of Background Art for the original Monster Hunter at Capcom before working on gorgeous Vanillaware classics like Odin Sphere, Dragon’s Crown, and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.

    Nishimura left the bustling studio life behind, moving to a remote Japanese mountain village to tend to fields and craft this game entirely on his own over the course of six long years.

    • No Generative AI: Every single one of the 300+ illustrations was meticulously drawn by Nishimura’s own hand.
    • Legendary Music: The soundtrack is composed by the legendary Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story), ensuring a sweeping, nostalgic auditory experience.
    • Pure Human Soul: The developers proudly state that the game “has a soul that can only be found in something truly handmade.”

    “Once you open this book, you are no longer just a reader.”

    Gameplay: Nostalgia Meets Modern Design

    Inspired by iconic gamebooks like GrailQuest, Sorcery!, and Fighting Fantasy, Veritas Tales blends visual novel storytelling with old-school RPG systems.

    You aren’t just reading passive text; you are actively shaping the narrative. As you turn the pages, you’ll roll dice, track your stats via an on-screen pencil and eraser UI, and make critical choices. Whether you want to charge in with a sword, talk your way out of a terrifying encounter, or completely ignore the danger and keep walking—the choice is entirely yours.

    FeatureDetails
    Playtime20+ Hours of core gameplay
    ReplayabilityHeavily branching paths with new outcomes on second playthroughs
    Text VolumeOver 15,000 words of rich story
    FrictionOld-school design means true danger; wrong choices can lead to sudden death!

    Launching Very Soon!

    If you want a taste of the magic early, a “Very Positive” rated demo is currently available on Steam, allowing you to play the first 30 minutes as either Havelock the warrior or Paneri the mage.

    The full digital gamebook opens its pages on July 8th (PT) / July 9th on PC via Steam. Head over to their Steam page, check out the trailer, and get your digital dice ready!

    Find out more here

    #VeritasTales #WitchOfTheDarkCastle #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamNextFest #Vanillaware #Gamebook #TabletopRPG #DigitalisPublishing #15Industry #RPG #HandcraftedArt

  • Beyond the Walls: Attack on Titan 3 Officially Announced for Next-Gen Consoles and Switch 2 This Winter!

    Beyond the Walls: Attack on Titan 3 Officially Announced for Next-Gen Consoles and Switch 2 This Winter!

    Get your Omni-Directional Mobility (ODM) gear ready, Scouts! KOEI TECMO America and developer Omega Force have officially blown the doors off the gaming world by announcing Attack on Titan 3. The long-awaited next instalment in the hit action franchise is slated for a worldwide release this winter.

    In what is shaping up to be the ultimate culmination of the series, players will get to experience the entire gripping saga from its Survey Corps beginnings all the way to its dramatic, earth-shattering conclusion.

    Next-Gen Combat and a Global Launch

    Built to take full advantage of current hardware, Attack on Titan 3 is dropping on a stellar lineup of platforms. Whether you’re a console enthusiast, a PC purist, or looking to hunt Titans on the go, they’ve got you covered. The game will release globally on:

    • PlayStation®5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • Nintendo Switch™ 2
    • PC Windows (via Steam®)

    Yes, you read that right—the Survey Corps is officially landing on Nintendo’s highly anticipated next-generation hardware!

    What We Know So Far: Gameplay & Features

    Omega Force is promising the most refined, fluid, and high-flying ODM combat the franchise has ever seen. The stakes have never been higher, and the Titans are smarter, more aggressive, and equipped with terrifying new behaviours that will push your survival instincts to the limit.

    Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

    • The Clash of the Nine Titans: For the first time in the core story progression of the game series, players will square off against—and potentially control—the catastrophic power of the Nine Titans.
    • Exterior Scouting Missions: Venture outside the safety of the walls! This new mode allows you to freely explore Titan territory, construct tactical supply bases, and reclaim humanity’s domain.
    • Resource Management: Survival requires ruthlessness. You’ll need to manage your gas and blades strictly while keeping your squad’s morale high during high-stakes expeditions.
    • Casual Mode: New to the series? A newly implemented Casual Mode will allow newcomers to swing right into the action without being overwhelmed by the steep learning curve of advanced aerial combat.
    • Anime Royalty Collaboration: To make things even sweeter, the game’s opening animation movie is being produced by MAPPA (the studio behind Attack on Titan: The Final Season), with legendary action animator Arifumi Imai returning to direct.

    Note: The MAPPA opening animation will be added to the game via a free post-launch update shortly after release.

    Prepare for the Final Showdown

    With a release window set for this winter (which pins its launch somewhere between December and February), the countdown to humanity’s final stand has officially begun. The game will feature original Japanese voice acting with localised text options in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.

    Keep your eyes locked onto TechMash for more updates, gameplay deep-dives, and an official release date as it drops!

    Are you ready to dedicate your heart once more? Let us know which platform you’ll be playing on in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #AttackOnTitan3 #AoT3Game #KoeiTecmo #OmegaForce #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #NintendoSwitch2 #Steam #GamingNews #AnimeGaming #TechMash

  • Katana Steel Meets Urban Noir: Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel Drops Global Alpha Demo on Steam

    Katana Steel Meets Urban Noir: Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel Drops Global Alpha Demo on Steam

    Indie action fans, it’s time to wake up and clear your schedules. If you’ve been craving a game that fuses the moody atmosphere of a classic graphic novel with tight, heavy-hitting combat, look no further. Theremin Interactive has officially unleashed the global Alpha Demo for their highly anticipated title, Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel, over on Steam.

    Billed as a 2.5D noir action-Metroidvania RPG, this title is building a wildly original universe that feels fresh, gritty, and unashamedly stylish.

    The Premise: Amnesia, Business Suits, and Werewolves

    In Legion of Judgment, you aren’t just exploring another generic fantasy dungeon. Instead, you step into the polished shoes of a katana-wielding, amnesiac businessman who possesses terrifying supernatural powers.

    The world has been quietly overtaken by a sinister werewolf guild. To survive and fight back, you have to lead a double life:

    • By Day: Play the role of a regular hotel CEO, managing and restoring a rundown establishment that secretly serves as the hideout for the Legion of Judgment.
    • By Night: Wage a brutal, lone-wolf war against the werewolf conspiracy, infiltrating realistic urban backdrops to harvest gear, earn income, and rebuild your legion.

    The catch? You’ve lost your memories and your powers. To get them back, you’ll have to literally delve inside your own head to explore a non-linear “Memory Palace.”

    What to Expect in the Alpha Demo

    Theremin Interactive has rolled out this initial Alpha Demo with a very specific goal: perfecting the core combat framework.

    The free demo offers about 20 minutes of breathless, non-stop side-scrolling action. While the full version will heavily feature the deeper RPG mechanics like the Memory Palace and the Hotel Management systems, the developer has intentionally stripped those back for the Alpha to ensure players can give focused, unfiltered feedback on the game’s core mechanics.

    Here is what you get to test out right now:

    • Belt-Scroller Meets Metroidvania: Experience a satisfying blend of classic beat-’em-up combat and tight 2.5D side-scrolling.
    • Deep Action Linkages: Put your reflexes to the test using advanced combat systems like animation cancelling, parrying, and spectacular swordplay against enemies armed with automatic weapons.
    • Play Your Way: Dive headfirst into a loud, chaotic brawl, or slip through the shadows as a silent assassin.

    Download and Wishlist Now

    The development team is actively looking for global player feedback to polish the final experience, making this the perfect time to get hands-on and help shape an ambitious indie title.

    The Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel Alpha Demo is available to download for free right now on Steam. Head over, slice up some bad guys, and don’t forget to hit that wishlist button to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #LegionOfJudgment #FallenAngel #IndieGames #Metroidvania #ActionRPG #SteamDemo #PCGaming #NoirGaming #ThereminInteractive #TechMash

  • Reclaim the Skies: Ace Combat 8 Takes Us on an Epic Journey Through Strangereal History

    Reclaim the Skies: Ace Combat 8 Takes Us on an Epic Journey Through Strangereal History

    Bandai Namco is gearing up to celebrate three decades of high-flying, adrenaline-pumping aerial warfare, and they are doing it in absolute style. Ahead of the highly anticipated launch of ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE this autumn, a brand-new trailer has just dropped, and it is a massive love letter to the franchise’s deep lore.

    Check out the official ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE | Strangereal Evolution Episode 3 trailer below, which chronicles the entire, winding history of the iconic fictional universe:

    Watch the Strangereal Evolution Episode 3 Trailer

    Decades of Conflict, One Connected World

    For the uninitiated, the Ace Combat series doesn’t take place on our Earth. Instead, it is set in Strangereal—a beautifully realised alternate world with its own distinct continents, geopolitics, and a history marred by massive, continent-spanning wars and terrifying superweapons.

    The Strangereal Evolution Episode 3 video serves as the ultimate retrospective. It meticulously traces the timeline from the very first ACE COMBAT games all the way up to the events of ACE COMBAT 7: Skies Unknown, walking fans down memory lane to look at the conflicts, the pilots, and the political shifts that have defined the skies.

    More than just a nostalgia trip, however, this episode bridges the gap between the past and the future, perfectly setting the stage for the narrative tapestry of ACE COMBAT 8.

    What Awaits Us in Wings of Theve?

    Set in the year 2029—ten years after the Lighthouse War of Ace Combat 7—the next chapter takes us back to the continent of Usea. The Federation of Central Usea (FCU) has fallen under a surprise attack by the Republic of Sotoa. With the nation invaded and the military shattered, hope rests on the shoulders of a silent protagonist stationed aboard the ageing aircraft carrier, FCU Endurance.

    After your flight leader Jan “Rex” Cope, is killed in action, you must assume his call sign—“Wings of Theve”—a name heavily embellished on social media as wartime propaganda to boost morale. It’s up to you to lead Joker Flight, live up to the legendary moniker, and reclaim your homeland.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Next-Gen Visuals: Built on Unreal Engine 5, featuring a new “Cloudly” system that renders dynamic, reactive weather environments (watch out for lightning and wind!).
    • Tactical Depth: Dogfights are more interactive than ever; you can now track visual indicators like contrails and engine smoke, and assign strategic roles to your squadron.
    • Immersive Storytelling: Cinematic cutscenes are told entirely from a first-person perspective to put you directly in the cockpit.

    Clear Your Runway for October

    Mark your calendars, aces! ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE is officially taking flight on October 2, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

    If you are a long-time fan, pre-ordering the game right now won’t just net you bonus aircraft—it also comes with a digital copy of the absolute classic, ACE COMBAT Zero: The Belkan War (2006).

    Are you ready to take to the skies and carry the mantle of the Wings of Theve? What’s your favourite moment from Strangereal history? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #AceCombat8 #WingsOfTheve #Strangereal #BandaiNamco #FlightSim #GamingNews #TechMash #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Steam

  • Cast a Line! Cosy Camper Adventure ‘Outbound’ Drops Its Massive Free Fishing Update Across All Platforms

    Cast a Line! Cosy Camper Adventure ‘Outbound’ Drops Its Massive Free Fishing Update Across All Platforms

    If your dream road trip involves parking a highly customizable, solar-powered camper van next to a peaceful lake and shutting out the noise of the world, we have some fantastic news for you.

    Developers Square Glade Games and publisher Silver Lining Interactive have officially released the first major content update for Outbound, their smash-hit cosy open-world exploration adventure. The highly anticipated Fishing Update is officially OUT NOW as a free download across all platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and next-gen Switch consoles!

    Check out what’s waiting for you on the open road below.

    Reel in the Good Vibes: What’s New?

    Following an incredibly successful launch in May that welcomed over a quarter of a million players, this free expansion expands on the game’s laid-back, sustainable rhythm without adding any unnecessary stress. Here is what you can expect when you boot up the update:

    • A Robust Fishing Ecosystem: You can now craft three distinct tiers of fishing rods to cast your line across the game’s colourful biomes. There are 32 unique, collectable fish species waiting to be discovered in the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
    • Build Your Own Aquarium: Caught an absolute beauty? Don’t worry about survival meters—the team specified that fish aren’t for food! Instead, you can craft 4 different types of Fish Tanks to display your prize catches right inside your mobile home.
    • Expanded Camper Customisation: Take your interior design to the next level. The update introduces 6 buildable sets of stairs (perfect for creating multi-level camper layouts) and 4 buildable doors so you can finally partition your van into cosy, private rooms.
    • New Spots to Explore: Keep an eye out for newly added fisherman’s huts and cabins scattered across the maps to kickstart your angling journey and track down your new blueprints.

    Whether you are exploring the utopian wilderness completely solo or embarking on an off-grid road trip with up to three friends in online co-op, this update gives you the perfect excuse to park up, slow down, and enjoy the scenery.

    Available Now!

    The Outbound Fishing Update is a completely free automatic download. You can jump right back into your existing save file or start a fresh journey to experience the new mechanics from scratch.

    Pack your bags, upgrade your solar panels, and get ready to catch ’em all from the comfort of your rooftop tent. See you on the road!

    Are you playing Outbound solo or in co-op? What does your dream camper van setup look like? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Outbound #CozyGaming #IndieGames #SquareGladeGames #SilverLiningInteractive #GamingNews #CoopGaming #CamperLife #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #Steam

  • Level Up Your Oche: Darts VR2: Bullseye Drops Massive XP System Update on Meta Quest

    Level Up Your Oche: Darts VR2: Bullseye Drops Massive XP System Update on Meta Quest

    Darts isn’t just a game of skill; it requires dedication and patience. And that’s exactly what the brand-new XP System Update delivers to Darts VR2: Bullseye fans today on Meta Quest.

    Developed by the VR pioneers at Gamitronics and brought to us by XR specialists Evolution Publishing, this massive progression update transforms how you step up to the dartboard. Whether you are a casual player or a VR darts purist, your time at the line is about to get a whole lot more rewarding.

    Reward Your Dedication: The 25-Level Progression Journey

    Gamitronics and Evolution Publishing have been listening closely to player feedback. The community wanted a deeper, more rewarding gameplay loop—and the dev team delivered.

    The centrepiece of today’s update is a fully realised 25-level progression system. Moving forward, every single throw matters. You’ll earn XP across the board whether you are flying solo, taking on a friend in competitive multiplayer, or trying out the game’s wilder arcade modes. Hit a single number? You get a steady trickle of XP. Nail a perfect 180? Watch your experience bar skyrocket.

    As you rise through the ranks to become a true Darts VR2: Bullseye master, you’ll unlock a massive haul of new content:

    • Customisation Overhaul: Quirky new dart designs, fresh avatars, and cosmetic player titles to flex your status.
    • Immersive Upgrades: Brand-new visual FX, custom voice packs, and striking new dartboard designs.
    • Prestige Achievements: Ultimate badges of honour that will require true skill, focus, and that signature darts patience to unlock.

    “We’ve been listening to player feedback and requests, asking for a more rewarding experience. That naturally led us to develop the XP progression system, unlocking new features and rewards the more you play. It’s an exciting addition that we can’t wait for players to enjoy. And this is just the start!” — Kevin Joyce, CEO of Evolution Publishing

    Play Your Way: From 501 to Zombie Waves

    If you haven’t jumped into Darts VR2: Bullseye yet, there has never been a better time. Building on nearly a decade of experience since Gamitronics’ original 2017 PCVR hit, this sequel features heavily overhauled, physics-based throwing mechanics that make every wrist flick and release angle feel beautifully true to life.

    But it’s not all serious pub tournaments. The beauty of Darts VR2 lies in its variety. You can grind your way through the 25 new XP levels by playing:

    • Traditional Formats: Master classic 501, Cricket variants, and Around the World.
    • Arcade Mayhem: Fight off literal waves of the undead with explosive projectiles in Zombie Mode, or test your focus under pressure in the high-speed Killstreak rhythm challenges.

    Out Now on Meta Quest (with More Platforms to Follow!)

    The XP System Update is live today for all Meta Quest users (supporting Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S) where the game is currently available in Early Access for £12.99 / $14.99.

    If you are playing on PlayStation VR2 or PCVR via Steam, don’t worry—Gamitronics has confirmed that this progression update is coming to your headsets very soon!

    Are you ready to claim your title as the ultimate virtual darts master? Step up to the oche, aim for that triple 20, and start levelling up today.

    Find out more here

    #TechMash #DartsVR2 #MetaQuest #Gamitronics #EvolutionPublishing #VRGaming #VirtualReality #VRCompanion #GamingUpdate #DartsVR

  • Nivalis Nights: Cyberpunk Life Sim Locks In September Release Date

    Nivalis Nights: Cyberpunk Life Sim Locks In September Release Date

    The neon-soaked streets of Nivalis are finally calling us back. Publisher 505 Games and independent developer ION LANDS (the brilliant minds behind Cloudpunk) have officially announced that their highly anticipated cyberpunk slice-of-life simulator, Nivalis Nights, will launch on Steam on September 29, 2026.

    If the name sounds slightly unfamiliar, that is because the game—previously known simply as Nivalis—has received a stylish title update alongside its brand-new release date trailer. For players looking to grab it elsewhere on PC, an Epic Games Store release is confirmed to follow at a later date.

    Check out the official breakdown of what to expect when you hit the rain-slicked pavement this fall.

    From Noodle Stands to Nightclubs

    In Nivalis Nights, you aren’t playing as a cybernetically enhanced mercenary out to save the world. Instead, you are just trying to make a living, find your footing, and thrive in a stunning, voxel-art metropolis that stretches from the ocean to the clouds.

    The game blends the cosy mechanics of management sims with a gritty, immersive cyberpunk atmosphere. You will start from incredibly humble beginnings and attempt to build a sprawling business empire.

    • Choose Your Hustle: Manage and grow unique businesses from the ground up, including noodle stands, hole-in-the-wall bars, ramen shops, and the city’s most exclusive nightclubs.
    • Supply Chain Management: Source your own ingredients directly from bustling waterfront marketplaces, or head down to the docks to grow and fish for your own stock.
    • A Living City: Navigate a realistic weather system and a world pushed to the brink by strict CorpSec crackdowns and a mysterious serial killer.

    Cosy Living Above the Clouds

    When you aren’t managing foot traffic or trying to legally (or illegally) sabotage your business rivals under the cover of a city-wide curfew, Nivalis Nights invites you to take things slow.

    Players can buy, customise, and decorate their dream apartments high above the smog. The game also promises a rich, character-driven narrative where you can explore hidden alleyways, chat with an eclectic cast of citizens, unlock deep stories, make lifelong friends, and potentially even find love.

    A Labour of Love Five Years in the Making

    The team at ION LANDS has been hard at work refining this ambitious simulation since its initial reveal back in 2021.

    “As an independent studio, developing this game meant overcoming hurdles we’ve never faced before, and we are incredibly grateful to our community for their patience over the last five years,” said Marko Dieckmann, Creative Director at ION LANDS. “Today, we are thrilled to finally lock in our official release date and cannot wait for players to dive in.”

    Nivalis Nights hits PC via Steam on September 29, 2026. Be sure to head over to the Steam page to add it to your wishlist today.

    Find out more here

    #NivalisNights #Cyberpunk #IONLands #505Games #LifeSim #IndieGames #Steam2026 #PCGaming #GamingNews #Cloudpunk

  • Build Your Ultimate Fighter: ‘Poly Fighter’ Hits the Montreal Comic Con Indie Zone This Weekend

    Build Your Ultimate Fighter: ‘Poly Fighter’ Hits the Montreal Comic Con Indie Zone This Weekend

    Get ready to step into the digital ring, Montreal! Local developer HeartLoop Games has officially announced that its highly anticipated debut title, Poly Fighter, will be fully playable at Montreal Comic Con 2026.

    Taking place from July 3–5 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the massive pop-culture celebration is playing host to some of the brightest minds in independent game development—and Poly Fighter is stepping up as a certified heavyweight in this year’s Indie Zone lineup.

    What is Poly Fighter?

    If you haven’t been keeping an eye on this one via Steam, Poly Fighter is a brilliant, single-player roguelike fighting game that completely flips the genre script.

    Instead of picking a veteran warrior who already knows every combo in the book, you start from the absolute bottom. Every time you defeat an opponent in tense, retro-arcade 1v1 duels, you get the chance to learn, adapt, and literally steal or upgrade moves to build your fighter’s style from scratch.

    Whether you want to construct a zoning tactician, a grappling powerhouse, or an aggressive rushdown menace, the game lets you build the ultimate, custom-tailored (and beautifully broken) fighter.

    Why We’re Hyped: It offers a pure, expressive arcade experience built entirely for solo play. No ranked online ladder anxiety, no toxic lobbies—just deep, rewarding systems that appeal to casual players and fighting game veterans alike. Plus, the low-poly 90s aesthetic and snappy animations look absolutely gorgeous in motion.

    Go Check Out HeartLoop Games

    What makes this showcase even sweeter is that HeartLoop Games is a homegrown Montreal studio, founded by a group of industry veterans dedicated to iterative, player-first game design.

    If you are attending the convention this weekend to catch the celebrity panels, the legendary Masquerade cosplay contest, or the comic book guest stars, make sure you take a detour to Floor 2’s gaming area. Head straight over to the Indie Zone, get your hands on the Poly Fighter demo, and meet the incredibly talented local team behind it. Who knows, you might even find your new favourite character (we’re looking at you, Muscle Horse).

    Montreal Comic Con runs from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026. If you can’t make it out to the Palais des congrès this weekend, you can still download the free demo and wishlist the game right now on Steam ahead of its late 2026 launch.

    Find out more here

    #PolyFighter #HeartLoopGames #MontrealComicCon #MTLComicCon #IndieGames #GameDev #FightingGames #FGC #Roguelike #TechMash

  • Build, Explore, Survive: Solo-Dev Gem ‘Settler’s Domain’ Brings Strategic Pixel Art Goodness to Steam

    Build, Explore, Survive: Solo-Dev Gem ‘Settler’s Domain’ Brings Strategic Pixel Art Goodness to Steam

    If there is one thing we love here at TechMash, it’s the sheer magic of indie games—especially those crafted by a lone developer pouring their heart, soul, and coding hours into something special. Enter rick, a solo developer who has spent the last two years building a gorgeous, thoughtful colony sim that strategy fans will definitely want to keep on their radar.

    Say hello to Settler’s Domain.

    Combining charming pixel graphics with deep, thoughtful, and rewarding strategic gameplay, Settler’s Domain tasks you with establishing and expanding a thriving colony in beautiful but unforgiving unknown lands.

    What is Settler’s Domain All About?

    At its core, Settler’s Domain is a strategy game about survival, exploration, and expansion. You begin with minimal resources and the ultimate goal of keeping your settlers alive while transforming a tiny camp into a bustling domain.

    But it’s not just a peaceful city builder—the world is alive, procedural, and full of both opportunity and danger.

    Key Features to Get Excited About

    • Deep Resource Management: Managing your ever-growing population is a delicate balancing act. More settlers mean more productivity, but they also bring a higher demand for housing, medicine, and food. Balancing your supplies—especially when the harsh winter hits and crops stop growing—is vital.
    • A Massive Tech Tree: With over 80 unique structures to build, you can research and unlock everything from basic tents to advanced medicine huts, quarries, and even a “jammery” to keep your colony thriving.
    • Exploration and Dynamic Diplomacy: You aren’t alone in these lands. As you clear away the unknown on the procedural map, you’ll encounter neighbouring settlements. It is entirely up to you how to handle them. Will you engage in peaceful diplomacy and forge trade agreements? Or will you choose hostility and annex them by force?

    Why Solo-Dev Projects Hit Different

    There is a distinct passion that shines through in solo-developed projects like this. Rick’s art style takes clear inspiration from classic GBA-era visuals, giving it an instantly nostalgic, cosy aesthetic that perfectly contrasts the intense, punishing tactical choices you have to make to survive. It’s got the micro-management charm of Banished blended seamlessly with the macro-exploration elements of classic 4X games.

    Release Date Update: After nearly two years of hard work, rick has officially announced that Settler’s Domain is launching on Steam on August 25, 2026.

    If you love city builders, colony sims, or classic RTS games, you can head over to Steam right now to try out the demo and add it to your wishlist. Supporting solo developers is what keeps the gaming industry fresh, and Settler’s Domain looks like it’s going to be an absolute gem.

    Are you going to build a peaceful trading empire or conquer the map? Let us know your strategy in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #SettlersDomain #StrategyGames #TechMash #GamingNews #SoloDev #PixelArt #CityBuilder #SteamGames #ColonySim

  • Get Ready to Turn Up the HEAT: World of Tanks: HEAT Season 1 “Lost Eden” Has Officially Arrived!

    Get Ready to Turn Up the HEAT: World of Tanks: HEAT Season 1 “Lost Eden” Has Officially Arrived!

    Wargaming is officially taking its tactical vehicle combat to the next level. If you thought the initial release of World of Tanks: HEAT was intense, get ready to crank things up a notch. Wargaming has officially launched Season 1, titled “Lost Eden,” dropping a massive payload of fresh content for its free-to-play tactical vehicle shooter across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Whether you’re a tactical mastermind or a frontline brawler, Season 1 brings a brand-new flavour of psychological warfare to the armoured battlefield. Here is a breakdown of everything rolling out of the garage.

    Meet Flair: The New Agent of Deception

    The headline of Season 1 is the introduction of Flair, a new Marksman-class Agent who wins battles by controlling information rather than just exchanging fire. She specialises in stealth, misdirection, and keeping the enemy guessing.

    • Passive Ability (Signature Masking): Keeps her completely hidden from enemy targeting and lock-on systems when her vehicle energy is high.
    • Ultimate Ability (Echo Proxy): Deploys a fully controllable duplicate vehicle. It’s the ultimate tool for setting up devastating ambushes, baiting out enemy cooldowns, and safely repositioning across the map.

    Two New Deception-Based Tanks

    Agent Flair doesn’t come empty-handed. Season 1 introduces two unique, experimental vehicles that double down on her stealthy playstyle—and the best part? Both can be earned for free through the Battle Pass track.

    • Leopard 2FK (ATGM Launcher): This beast fires steered anti-tank guided missiles, allowing you to hit enemies hiding behind partial cover. Even better, its Feign Death ability lets you disguise your tank as a piece of smoking battlefield wreckage while you continue to move. Combine that with Electro-Optical Jammers to ruin enemy targeting accuracy, and you have a ghost on the battlefield.
    • Leopard 2KST (Autoloader): Engineered for burst damage and escape, this tank features a 3-shell autoloader magazine. It utilises Active Camo to enter a completely cloaked state (though it emits a distinct electronic hum) and can drop an EMP Trap to slow down and damage pursuing enemies.

    New Map: New Eden

    The fight moves to a stunning and tactically diverse new biome: the New Eden Agricultural Complex. Set in a sprawling, deep desert, the map centres around the ruins of a forgotten megaproject.

    Tactically, it’s a playground for all playstyles. Giant, shattered biodomes and abandoned research facilities offer heavy cover and tight chokepoints for Assault and Defender roles, while the vast desert perimeter provides wide-open sightlines perfect for Marksmen looking to punish reckless positioning.

    The Season 1 Battle Pass: Your Rewards, Your Way

    Running from July 1 to September 2, the Season 1 Battle Pass features a single progression track where everyone can earn rewards just by playing matches and completing missions.

    However, Wargaming is shaking up the formula by introducing an optional Premium Battle Pass for 1000 HEAT-Coins. Rather than gating exclusive power behind a paywall, the Premium Pass grants total freedom: it allows you to unlock the rewards in any order you want. If there’s a specific skin or blueprint you want at the end of the track, you can grab it immediately once you have the points!

    What’s Next? Wargaming has also teased a dedicated Quality-of-Life update scheduled for mid-July, which will include a highly requested community feature: the ability to test drive any vehicle before you commit to buying it.

    Are You Ready to Roll Out?

    World of Tanks: HEAT has successfully bridged the gap between classic hero-shooters and gritty armoured warfare, and Lost Eden proves that Wargaming is committed to keeping the meta fresh, fast, and tactical.

    Season 1 is officially live right now. Log in, unlock Flair, master the New Eden sands, and let us know in the comments what you think of the new Premium Battle Pass system!

    Find out more here

    #WorldOfTanksHEAT #Wargaming #LostEden #FreeToPlay #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #PCGaming #TankShooter #TechMash #Gaming

  • Punching the Clock in Paradise: Satirical Dystopian Sim ‘Dystopicon’ Hits Steam This July!

    Punching the Clock in Paradise: Satirical Dystopian Sim ‘Dystopicon’ Hits Steam This July!

    If you’ve ever looked at your daily 9-to-5 grind and thought, “Well, at least I’m not trapped in a neon-soaked, corporate-mandated, soul-crushing dystopia,” a new indie game is about to challenge that comfort level.

    The Spanish independent studio Palitroque has officially announced that their highly anticipated satirical dystopian time-management life-sim, Dystopicon, is locking in its arrival date. Mark your calendars: you can officially clock into the corporate machine on Steam this July 27.

    Punch In, Survive, Repeat

    In Dystopicon, players are thrown into a beautifully grim world where time is your most precious resource and survival is a daily balancing act. Part life-simulator, part hectic time-management strategy, the game leans heavily into dark humor and satire to explore the absurdities of extreme bureaucratic societies.

    Whether you are managing your dwindling funds, navigating bizarre corporate mandates, or just trying to keep your character fed and sane, Dystopicon promises a frantic, funny, and thought-provoking experience.

    Check out the official teaser to get a glimpse of the corporate madness waiting for you:

    Launch Details & Early Bird Discount

    Palitroque is making it easy to join the workforce on day one. Dystopicon will launch at a base price of 7.99 USD, but early adopters can grab a promotion right out of the gate. The studio is offering a 15% discount during the first two weeks of launch, making it the perfect time to add it to your library.

    • Release Date: July 27
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Price: $7.99 USD (15% off for the first two weeks)

    Wishlist it now to ensure you don’t miss the shift!

    Find out more here

    #Dystopicon #IndieGames #Palitroque #SteamGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #DystopianSim #TechMash

  • Cosmic Horror Meets Management Simulation: Life & Shadow: Celestial Call – Prologue Launches July 10

    Cosmic Horror Meets Management Simulation: Life & Shadow: Celestial Call – Prologue Launches July 10

    Indie publisher PlayWay S.A. and developer Immeta Studios have officially announced that a free prologue for their upcoming psychological cosmic horror title, Life & Shadow: Celestial Call, is set to launch on Steam on July 10, 2026.

    Blending day-to-day resource management with a slowly mounting sense of dread, the game offers a unique twist on the survival horror genre.

    Check out what to expect from the isolated peaks of Mount Clearveil below.

    Answer the Call of the Stars

    In Life & Shadow: Celestial Call, players step into the shoes of an intern arriving at the isolated Mount Clearveil observatory. You were supposed to be welcomed by the brilliant Professor Elias, but the facility is completely silent, the equipment is scattered, and something is deeply wrong.

    The game tasks players with a strict day-and-night gameplay loop where science and madness constantly collide:

    • By Day: Manage the observatory’s systems. You’ll handle standard simulator tasks like analysing celestial data, maintaining old equipment, collecting trash, and even harvesting crops to keep the facility operational.
    • By Night: As darkness falls, the atmosphere shifts completely. Players must explore the unsettling depths beneath the basement, follow the trail of Professor Elias’s forbidden star rituals, and struggle to keep the lights on to maintain their sanity.

    What’s Included in the Free Prologue?

    The upcoming release on July 10 isn’t just a basic demo; it’s a dedicated introductory experience designed to give players a substantial look at the game’s mechanics and narrative tension.

    • 1.5 Hours of Story-Driven Gameplay: Dive straight into the tense opening act of the narrative.
    • Fully Functioning Save System: Progress saves every time your character sleeps, letting you face the escalating tension day by day.
    • Uncover the First Secrets: Take your first steps into the dark past of Dr. Elias and glimpse what lies beyond the stars.

    If you enjoy atmospheric indie horror that values pacing, environmental storytelling, and psychological unease over cheap jump scares, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

    Life & Shadow: Celestial Call – Prologue will be free to play on PC via Steam starting July 10. You can head over to Steam right now to check out the official page and add the main game to your wishlist.

    Find out more here

    #LifeAndShadow #CelestialCall #ImmetaStudios #PlayWay #IndieHorror #CosmicHorror #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamGames #TechMash

  • Your Decor, Your Destiny: Cozy Room Decorator ‘Momento’ Hits Consoles Today!

    Your Decor, Your Destiny: Cozy Room Decorator ‘Momento’ Hits Consoles Today!

    Cosy gaming fans, it’s time to clear some shelf space—both in your virtual rooms and on your real-world consoles. Following a massively successful, surprise shadow-drop on Steam earlier this month that left PC players entirely enchanted, the deeply emotional room decorator Momento is officially OUT NOW on consoles!

    Brought to life by the talented indie developers at Fat Alien Cat and Nomo Studio, alongside British publishing house Silver Lining Interactive, this heartfelt narrative puzzle game is ready to steal your heart on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

    Unpack a Lifetime of Choices

    If you loved the Zen-like organisation of Unpacking, Momento takes the concept a massive step further. It isn’t just about where things fit; it’s about what those objects mean to you.

    The game asks a beautiful, poignant question: What happens to the things we keep throughout our lives, and how do they shape who we become?

    You’ll start your journey in a nostalgic childhood bedroom, picking out toys and trinkets that represent your early dreams. As you progress through 17 beautifully crafted rooms, you’ll watch your environment evolve from adolescence to adulthood. Deciding whether to keep a telescope, an artist’s easel, or a football isn’t just a design choice—it subtly steers the protagonist’s career, relationships, and ultimate destiny.

    Key Features At A Glance

    • Narrative Decorating: Your environmental design directly dictates the branching narrative paths of the protagonist’s life.
    • Generational Growth: Experience a cosy, evolving atmosphere that seamlessly transitions from childhood clutter to adult living spaces.
    • Dual Play Styles: Dive into the emotional, puzzle-filled Story Mode, or unlock furniture to design completely unhindered in Creative Mode.
    • Hidden Depths: This isn’t just a static experience—interact with your surroundings, flip light switches, leaf through books, pet animals, and solve hidden environmental puzzles.

    Where to Buy (and a Bonus for Physical Collectors!)

    Momento is available to purchase digitally right now on the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Games Store.

    Physical Collectors Take Note: If you want to hold these memories in your hands, Silver Lining Interactive has announced that physical editions for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5 will launch on July 17th. You can pre-order your physical copy today via Silver Lining Direct or select local retailers!

    Whether you’re looking to unwind after a stressful day or looking for a narrative that will make you reflect on your own sentimental treasures, Momento is the perfect addition to your gaming library.

    Find out more here

    #CozyGaming #MomentoGame #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #FatAlienCat #NomoStudio #SilverLiningInteractive #TechMash

  • Secrets Beneath the Sands: Conan Exiles Enhanced Unveils Epic ‘Legacy of the Giant-Kings’ Story Arc

    Secrets Beneath the Sands: Conan Exiles Enhanced Unveils Epic ‘Legacy of the Giant-Kings’ Story Arc

    Exiles, ready your blades and prepare to descend into the deep. Following the massive success of Conan Exiles Enhanced—which recently pushed player counts to an impressive peak of nearly 48,000 concurrent survivors—Funcom has dropped a bombshell.

    In an exciting new partnership with Inflexion Games (the creative minds behind Nightingale), Funcom has officially announced Legacy of the Giant-Kings, an upcoming four-part narrative campaign. The best part? The entire story arc will be completely free for all players, stretching across a series of major content drops over the coming months.

    The ancient journey kicks off on July 21st. Here is what you need to know before stepping back into the brutal wastes of Hyboria.

    Step Into the Cyclopean Halls

    The narrative adventure begins deep beneath the Unnamed City. Guided by a mysterious new character named Akhamet, players will be urged to dig up the dark history and remains of the ancient Giant-Kings.

    This first chapter will challenge you to navigate grim sacrificial chambers and delve into the newly introduced Cyclopean Halls dungeon. Expect terrifying environmental hazards, rich new lore, and an incredibly formidable new boss encounter waiting for you in the depths.

    The Return of a Fan-Favorite Feature: Legendary Repair

    Funcom and Inflexion Games aren’t just offering new areas to explore; they are delivering on one of the community’s absolute biggest historical requests.

    Tucked away within the perils of the new dungeon lies a long-sought mechanic: Legendary Repair.

    What this means for your endgame: For the longest time, high-end Legendary weapons and armor were a finite luxury—once their durability shattered, they were essentially gone. With the arrival of the new update on July 21st, players will unlock a specialized system allowing them to fully restore their battle-worn high-end gear. This instantly makes the new dungeon an absolute must-visit location for veteran Exiles looking to preserve their rarest loot.

    Four Parts, One Massive Expanding World

    Originally launched in 2018, Conan Exiles has spent nearly a decade cementing itself as a powerhouse in the survival-crafting genre. This collaboration with Inflexion Games signals a bold new chapter for the game’s recent Unreal Engine 5 “Enhanced” overhaul.

    “We conceived this story arc and its gameplay during the development of the Enhanced Edition, and we’re thrilled to have brought it to life,” said Leah Summers, Head of Production at Inflexion Games.

    While the first chapter drops on July 21st, the remaining three chapters will roll out as free updates in the subsequent months, each promising to introduce deeper narrative threads, fresh challenges, and powerful rewards.

    Are you ready to uncover what stirs beneath the world, or will your bones be left to bleach in the Cyclopean Halls? Let us know your thoughts on the upcoming Legendary Repair system in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #ConanExiles #ConanExilesEnhanced #Funcom #InflexionGames #LegacyOfTheGiantKings #GamingNews #SurvivalGames #PCGaming #UE5