Techmash

Category: New Games

  • The Price of Blood: A Look at Crisol: Theater of Idols

    The Price of Blood: A Look at Crisol: Theater of Idols

    If you’ve ever felt like modern shooters make ammo a bit too easy to find, Crisol: Theater of Idols has a terrifying solution: your health is your magazine. Developed by Vermila Studios and published by the horror titans at Blumhouse Games, this first-person survival horror title is shaping up to be one of the most atmospheric releases of 2026. Set in “Hispania”—a nightmarish, early 20th-century reimagining of Spain—you play as Gabriel, a soldier on a divine mission to uncover why the Sun God has vanished.

    Key Features

    • Blood-Based Combat: There are no ammo crates here. To reload your weapons (like the “steampunky” shotgun or marksman rifle), Gabriel must physically sacrifice his own blood. This turns every gunfight into a high-stakes gamble—do you finish the enemy off, or do you save your health to survive the next room?
    • The Island of Tormentosa: A hauntingly beautiful setting filled with grand ruins and labyrinthine streets. The atmosphere is heavily inspired by Spanish folklore and religious iconography, trading generic zombies for creepy, life-sized wooden puppets and animated statues.
    • Resource Management: To regain your “ammo,” you must scavenge for syringes or—more macabrely—absorb blood from dead animals and environmental sources.
    • A “Soul-lite” Experience: While the game is challenging and emphasises risk-reward, the developers have included a wide range of accessibility options, allowing players to tweak damage intake and blood-cost mechanics.

    Why It’s Turning Heads

    Unlike many horror games that rely on jump scares, Crisol focuses on sustained dread. The sound of rain pattering on stone, the “molasses-like” movement that makes every encounter feel heavy, and the disturbing way enemies continue to crawl toward you even after losing limbs all contribute to a feeling of genuine vulnerability.

    Find out more here – https://www.blumhouse.com/games/crisol-theater-of-idols

    #CrisolTheaterofIdols #Crisol #TheaterofIdols #horror #action

    #BlumhouseGames #VermilaStudios #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Monster Train 2: Destiny of the Railforged arrives February 2nd

    Monster Train 2: Destiny of the Railforged arrives February 2nd

    It’s time to stoke the engines and prepare for another descent into the frozen depths. Monster Train 2: Destiny of the Railforged has officially arrived, and it manages to do the impossible: it makes the original’s tight, addictive loop feel like a mere warm-up.

    If you loved the vertical tower-defence-meets-deckbuilding chaos of the first game, here is why you’ll likely lose another 100 hours to the sequel.

    What’s New on the Tracks?

    • The “Railforged” Mechanic: You aren’t just defending a train anymore; you’re actively upgrading it. The new customisation system allows you to swap out room layouts and install “Engine Cores” that fundamentally change how your deck behaves.
    • Dual-Class Synergy 2.0: The clan combinations return, but with deeper “Cross-Pollination” cards that only unlock when you hit specific resonance levels between your primary and allied clans.
    • 3D Visual Overhaul: The jump to a stylised 3D engine makes the spells feel weightier and the gargantuan bosses even more intimidating as they loom over your top floor.
    • The Destiny Map: Instead of a linear path, you now navigate a shifting map where your choices impact the “Heat” level of the run—balancing high-reward treasures against increasingly brutal enemy buffs.

    Why It Hits Different

    The beauty of Monster Train has always been its “brokenness.” While other deckbuilders focus on incremental gains, this series wants you to find a way to do $10,000$ damage in a single turn. Destiny of the Railforged leans into that power fantasy even harder, giving you the tools to create truly monstrous combinations that feel like you’re cheating—until the Seraph-tier bosses show up to check your ego.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the new Clockwork Clan. Their ability to “Rewind” unit deaths can turn a disastrous turn into a flawless victory if you time your resource spending correctly.

    Find out more here – https://www.bigfangames.com/games/monster-train-2

    #MonsterTrain2DestinyoftheRailforged #MonsterTrain2 #DestinyoftheRailforged #monstertrain #DLC

    #BigFan #DevolverDigital #ShinyShoe #deckbuilder #PC #PlayStation #Xbox #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Assassin’s Creed joins The Division 2

    Assassin’s Creed joins The Division 2

    Whether you’re a fan of tactical cover shooters or the “Leap of Faith,” the streets of D.C. are about to look a lot more legendary. The Division 2 x Assassin’s Creed collaboration is officially live today, January 29, 2026.

    This crossover brings a touch of historical flair to the post-pandemic wasteland, allowing Agents to trade their tactical helmets for the iconic hoods of the Brotherhood.

    Event Details

    • Dates: January 29 – February 12, 2026
    • Format: A limited-time Event Pass featuring both Free and Premium tracks.
    • Progression: Earn Event Pass levels simply by playing the game and gaining Season XP.

    The Rewards

    The collaboration features outfits and cosmetics inspired by the franchise’s most beloved protagonists:

    • Legendary Outfits: Unlock gear sets modelled after Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway.
    • The Look: Both Ezio and Edward come with “Black” variant outfits for that extra stealthy, tactical vibe.
    • Customisation: Exclusive weapon skins, backpack trophies, and arm patches to complete your “Modern Assassin” loadout.
    • Free vs. Premium: The Edward Kenway outfits are available on the Free Track, while the Ezio Auditore outfits are reserved for the Premium Track.

    Why It Matters

    Seeing a Division Agent in a hooded robe wielding an assault rifle is definitely a “style choice,” but it’s a fun way to celebrate Ubisoft’s history as the game moves toward its 10th anniversary. If you want to run through the Dark Zone looking like a pirate or a Renaissance master, now is your chance—these rewards are only available for the next two weeks.

    Agent Note: Progress is tied to Season XP, so jumping into Priority Objectives and Journey Missions is the fastest way to climb the tracks!

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/news/ignt.57902/the-division-2-x-assassin-s-creed-collaboration

    #TheDivision2xAssassinsCreed #RPG #TheDivision2 #AssassinsCreed #TomClancy

    #PvP #Ubisoft #agents #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Getting To Know The Speedball League Game

    Getting To Know The Speedball League Game

    In the grim, neon-soaked future of 2138, there are no red cards—only body bags. If you’re looking to dominate the arena in Rebellion’s new Speedball (released January 2025), you’ll need more than just quick reflexes. You’ll need a manager’s brain and a brawler’s heart.

    Here is your essential guide to the Official Speedball League Mode, where rookies are forged into legends and 10 teams battle for the ultimate championship.

    1. The Long Game: Season Structure

    League Mode isn’t a one-off exhibition; it’s a gruelling season where 10 teams compete for the top spot.

    • The Squad: You can manage a roster of up to 18 players.
    • The Goal: Rise through the ranks by winning matches and accumulating points.
    • The Stakes: This is “no-holds-barred.” Players get tired, they get injured, and in the worst cases, they get replaced.

    2. Managing Your Roster: Beyond the Brawl

    Victory in the league is won in the locker room as much as on the pitch. You cannot play your star striker every single game—they will break.

    • Fatigue & Rotation: Each match drains your players. You must rotate your squad to manage fatigue and prevent long-term injuries.
    • Drafting: As the season progresses, you’ll need to draft new players to bolster your ranks or replace those who are “permanently unavailable.”

    Player Stats to Watch

    Every athlete has a unique profile. When building your lineup, look for:

    • Speed: Critical for wingers to hit the warp gates and grind rails first.
    • Shot Power: Necessary for those long-range goals and wall-panel ricochets.
    • Durability: The most underrated stat. If this is low, your player will spend more time in the infirmary than on the field.

    3. Traits: The X-Factor

    In the modern Speedball league, stats are only half the story. Each player comes with specific traits that can change the flow of a game:

    • Pyromaniac: Master of the arena’s flamethrower hazards.
    • Rioter: Increased damage and efficiency during visceral takedowns.
    • Star Shooter: Higher accuracy when aiming for those 2-point wall stars.

    4. Master the Arena Hazards

    League Mode introduces dynamic traps that can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

    • Grind Rails: Use these to zip across the arena and bypass defenders.
    • Warp Gates: Perfect for teleporting the ball (or yourself) to the opposite side for a surprise attack.
    • Environmental Traps: Throwing an opponent into a spinning hammer or a flamethrower doesn’t just feel good—it effectively removes them from the play.

    Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on the goal. In League Mode, points from hitting stars and multipliers can often outweigh a single goal. If the defense is tight, play the walls!

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

    #Speedball #PlaySpeedball #SpeedballGame #RetroGames #SpeedballLeagueMode

    #rebellion #sports #classicgames #newgames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice out on February 6th

    MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice out on February 6th

    The hype for MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice is officially hitting Plus Ultra levels! With the game launching on February 6, 2026, Bandai Namco has finally revealed the massive roster we’ll be playing with.

    This is the largest lineup in the franchise’s history, featuring 51 characters at launch (plus pre-order bonuses and upcoming DLC). It’s designed to cover the entire series timeline, including the heavy-hitting forms from the Final War Arc.

    The Roster Breakdown

    The roster is split into four main categories, ensuring every fan has their “main” ready to go:

    • U.A. High School (Class 1-A & 1-B): The game features the entire Class 1-A lineup (all 20 students!), plus heavy hitters like Mirio Togata, Nejire Hado, and Hitoshi Shinso.
    • Pro Heroes: The big guns are here, including Armoured All Might, Endeavour, Hawks, Mirko, and Best Jeanist.
    • The Villains: Play as the most dangerous versions of Tomura Shigaraki (All For One form), Dabi (Flame of Death), and the terrifying All For One (Rewind).
    • Wildcards: Expect to see fan-favourites like Lady Nagant, Gentle & La Brava, and even the “High End” Nomu.

    Launch & Pre-Order Specials

    • Total Launch Roster: 51 Playable Characters.
    • Pre-Order Bonus: Early unlock for All For One (Chaos) and Izuku Midoriya (Rising).
    • Season Pass: 5 additional characters confirmed for post-launch.

    What’s New?

    Beyond the roster, the game introduces a 3v3 tag-team system and the “Rising” mechanic, which boosts your Quirk’s power and speed mid-fight. If you’ve been waiting for a “Sparking! ZERO” style treatment for MHA, this looks like the one.

    Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).

    Find out more here – https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/my-hero-academia-alls-justice

    #MHA #MHAAJ #MYHEROACADEMIAAllsJustice #3Darenafighter #MYHEROACADEMIA

    #bandainamcoent #PS5 #Xbox #PC #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Return of the Twin Dolls: Why We’re Still Waiting for a Fatal Frame II Remake

    The Return of the Twin Dolls: Why We’re Still Waiting for a Fatal Frame II Remake

    While the gaming world has seen a massive resurgence in survival horror—thanks to the likes of Resident Evil and Silent Hill—one crown jewel of the genre remains trapped in the dark: Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly.

    Widely considered the pinnacle of the series, fans are clamouring for a modern remake that brings the hauntingly beautiful “Lost Village” into the 4K era. Here is why a remake isn’t just a want, but a necessity for horror enthusiasts.

    The Legacy of Minakami Village

    Originally released in 2003, Crimson Butterfly followed twin sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura as they wandered into a village vanished from the map. The game perfected the “Camera Obscura” mechanic, forcing players to look directly into the faces of terrifying spirits to survive.

    Why a Remake is Overdue

    While we received a “Wii Edition” remake in 2012, it didn’t quite hit the mark for everyone due to its motion controls and altered character models. A true, modern remake could offer:

    • Atmospheric Ray Tracing: Imagine the flickering lanterns and creeping shadows of the village rendered with realistic lighting.
    • Haptic Feedback: Using the PlayStation DualSense or high-end PC controllers to feel the “heartbeat” of a nearby ghost or the shutter click of the camera.
    • Expanded Lore: Much like the RE4 Remake, a new version could flesh out the tragic backstories of the Sae and Yae Kurosawa.

    Comparison: Original vs. Remake Potential

    Feature2003 OriginalModern Remake Potential
    GraphicsStandard Definition4K / 60 FPS / Ray Tracing
    ControlsFixed Camera / Tank-ishOver-the-shoulder / Fluid
    AudioStereo3D Spatial Audio (Binaural)
    Fear FactorPsychological / ScriptedDynamic AI / Stalking Ghosts

    A Note for the Purest: Part of the magic of Fatal Frame is its claustrophobic, grain-heavy aesthetic. Any remake would need to balance modern fidelity with that grimy, “found footage” feel that made the original so unsettling.

    Is it happening?

    As of 2026, Koei Tecmo has acknowledged the success of the Maiden of Black Water and Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remasters. While a full “ground-up” remake of Crimson Butterfly hasn’t been officially greenlit, the series’ pulse is stronger than it has been in a decade.

    The twins are waiting in the basement of the Osaka House; we just need the developers to open the door.

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

    #FATALFRAMEIICrimsonButterflyREMAKE #FATALFRAMEII #CrimsonButterfly #GameRemake #twinsisters

    #KOEITECMOAmerica #TeamNINJA #SILENTHILL #horror #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Hooked on the Singularity: A Look at ‘Black Hole Fishing’

    Hooked on the Singularity: A Look at ‘Black Hole Fishing’

    In the world of indie gaming, “absurd” is often a badge of honour. Black Hole Fishing, the upcoming incremental title from SDG Games and publisher Playsaurus, leans into this chaos with a premise that is as destructive as it is addictive: catching fish by throwing a literal black hole into a pond.

    Set for a full release on February 17, 2026, the game has already built a cult following through its demos on Steam and Itch.io. Here is why this “fishing” game is anything but traditional.

    Gameplay: Slurp, Stock, and Sacrifice

    The core loop of Black Hole Fishing is simple to learn but scales into cosmic proportions. Unlike traditional sims where you wait for a nibble, here you are the apex predator of physics.

    • The Singularity: You start by tossing a small black hole into the water. Instead of a hook and line, you use the gravitational pull of a singularity to “slurp” fish out of existence.
    • Fish Science: It isn’t just about volume; it’s about quality. You can breed, paint, and even inject fish with traits to maximise their profitability.
    • The Large Halibut Collider™: For those who take their aquatic research seriously, you can eventually operate a particle collider to discover “Quantum Sharks” and other exotic species.
    • Ponds All the Way Down: Once you’ve drained a pond dry, you simply consume the pond itself to discover another pond beneath it.

    The “Ethical” Incrementalist

    Developer Matthew (SDG Games) describes the title as an “absurd incremental game,” placing it in the same lineage as Cookie Clicker or Leaf Blower Revolution. The humour is dry and self-aware, featuring a “Fishy Business Magazine” that whispers to the player and prompts them to feed the singularity until it eventually consumes the planet—all in the name of progress.

    Development & Tech

    Built using the Godot engine, the game gained attention for its impressive custom vortex water shaders, which the developer spent over 30 hours perfecting. Despite the “low-poly” aesthetic, the game boasts a procedural engine capable of generating up to 2.5 septillion unique fish variants.

    FeatureDetails
    DeveloperSDG Games
    PublisherPlaysaurus
    Release DateFebruary 17, 2026
    PlatformsPC (Steam), Linux, Web (Demo)
    GenreIdle / Incremental / Simulation

    Whether you’re looking for a relaxing idle experience or a way to vent your frustrations on the fabric of reality, Black Hole Fishing offers a strangely satisfying dive into the void. Just don’t think too hard about where the fish go once they hit the event horizon.

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

    #BlackHoleFishing #fishing #fishingsim #IndieGame #IncrementalGame

    #SDGGames #Playsaurus #steam #blackhole #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Underground Garage is out now

    The Underground Garage is out now

    In the niche crossover of greasy-fingered engineering and high-octane street racing, Underground Garage has carved out a unique space. Developed by BeardedBrothers.games and published by astragon Entertainment, the game officially hit its 1.0 Full Release on January 27, 2026.

    It’s best described as the love child of Car Mechanic Simulator and Need for Speed, blending the zen-like precision of a workshop sim with the adrenaline of open-world illegal racing.

    From Junkyard Junkie to Street Legend

    The core of Underground Garage revolves around a compelling “garage to greatness” loop. You start as a mechanic working alongside your colleague, Deb, trying to rebuild a reputation after the mysterious disappearance of the garage’s original owner.

    • The Build: Unlike arcade racers, where you click “Upgrade Stage 1,” here you actually get under the hood. Every car is assembled from dozens of individual parts. You’ll raid junkyards, swap engines, and fine-tune every component from the suspension to the ECU.
    • The Maintenance: The 1.0 release introduced a realistic fluid system (oil, coolant, brake fluid) and a fuel octane system. Using the wrong fuel can actually cause engine knock and damage your hard work.
    • The Drive: Once your machine is street-legal (or street-illegal), you take it into a semi-open world. The game features 29 tracks and three primary modes: Practice, Time Attack, and Race.

    Key Features of the 1.0 Release

    The jump from Early Access to the full version was substantial, adding layers of depth that the community had been requesting for years:

    FeatureDetails
    Vehicle RosterExpanded to 20 cars, ranging from muscle cars to compacts.
    Engine Variety15 different engine types, including V10s and Boxer-style H6s.
    Betting SystemHigh-stakes 1v1 races where you can bet cash or even your pink slip.
    New TechAdded workstations for ECU hacking, battery diagnostics, and tire mounting.
    VisualsPowered by Unreal Engine, featuring realistic body damage and physics.

    The Verdict: Is It For You?

    If you’re the type of player who enjoys the “why” behind a car’s performance as much as the “how fast,” Underground Garage is likely your new obsession. It’s less about the glossy, untouchable supercars of Forza and more about the grit, oil, and pride of building a sleeper hit from a frame you found in a pile of scrap.

    Note: The game is currently available on PC (Steam), with console versions for PlayStation and Xbox having been a major part of the developer’s roadmap.

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

    #UndergroundGarage #cars #motorracing #sport #carmechanicsim

    #BeardedBrothersGames #AstragonEntertainment #pc #consoles #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Reigns: The Witcher coming to PC and Mobile next month

    Reigns: The Witcher coming to PC and Mobile next month

    In a surprise move that merges dark-fantasy grit with casual mobile gameplay, CD Projekt Red and Nerial (the creators of Reigns) have announced Reigns: The Witcher.

    Set to launch on February 25, 2026, this spin-off offers a stylistic, tongue-in-cheek detour from the heavy-hitting RPGs the franchise is known for. Here is what you need to know about Geralt’s latest “swipe-right” adventure.

    1. Dandelion Pulls the Strings

    Unlike the main series, where Geralt’s choices are “yours,” this game is framed through the unreliable narration of the bard Dandelion. He is recounting the White Wolf’s legendary exploits to a tavern audience—and he’s not afraid to embellish.

    Because the game is essentially a performance, the tone is lighter and more comedic. Your goal isn’t just to survive; it’s to help Dandelion tell a story so grand that it achieves “narrative immortality.”

    2. Gameplay: Choice by Swipe

    The core mechanic follows the classic Reigns formula. You are presented with narrative cards featuring allies, monsters, and moral dilemmas.

    • Swipe Left or Right: Every decision shifts the balance of four key pillars: Humans, Non-humans, Sorcerers, and Geralt’s own Witcher Path (his monster-hunting focus).
    • Balance is Life: If any meter becomes too full or completely empty, Geralt meets a “deliciously creative” end—anything from being eaten by a dragon to drowning in a vat of syrup.
    • Roguelite Progression: When Geralt “dies,” Dandelion simply starts a new ballad. Each run unlocks new “Inspirations,” cards, and songbooks that expand the story for your next attempt.

    3. Rhythm-Based Combat

    While Reigns is usually purely text-based, this version introduces a combat minigame. Described by the developers as a “Witcher fan-fiction simulator,” these sequences require you to swipe in rhythm to mimic Geralt’s “sword dance,” dodging and parrying attacks from ghouls and rotfiends.

    4. Familiar Faces

    Expect a star-studded cast of characters to pop up in Dandelion’s tall tales:

    • Yennefer and Triss: Usually offering high-stakes magical bargains.
    • Vesemir: Providing grizzled wisdom (or judging your choices).
    • Roach: Yes, the horse is there—and yes, things still get weird.

    Availability & Specs

    • Release Date: February 25, 2026
    • Platforms: PC (Steam), iOS, and Android
    • Vibe: A perfect “snackable” game for fans waiting for The Witcher 4.

    Find out more here – https://www.reignsgame.com/witcher

    #ReignsTheWitcher #Swords #Sorcery #PC #Mobile

    #Nerial #DevolverDigital #CDPROJEKTRED #appstore #googleplay #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Fear The Timeloop is launching soon on Steam

    Fear The Timeloop is launching soon on Steam

    The Premise: 15 Minutes to Live

    You step into the boots of Sheriff James Cooper, who awakens in a dilapidated, unfamiliar hospital. There’s just one problem: he is mortally wounded and bleeding out.

    • The Hook: You have exactly 15 minutes of real-time gameplay before James succumbs to his injuries.
    • The Reset: The moment you die—whether from blood loss or the monsters roaming the halls—the loop resets. You wake up in that same room, wounded, and the clock starts again.
    • The Goal: Break the cycle by uncovering the truth behind the hospital’s haunting residents and finding a way out before your time is up.

    Key Gameplay Features

    • Metroidvania Progression: While your physical items might reset, the knowledge and abilities you gain don’t. You’ll unlock new paths and shortcuts that make each subsequent run more efficient.
    • Branching Narrative: A dynamic dialogue system reacts to your choices. The path you take in one loop can significantly alter how characters interact with you in the next.
    • Atmospheric Combat: Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasises “classic” survival horror. Ammo is scarce, and the primary threats—mysterious cultist-like figures and bloodthirsty creatures—are designed to be avoided rather than mowed down.
    • Customizable Abilities: A flexible skill system allows you to tailor James’s survival traits to your specific playstyle, whether you prefer stealth or high-risk combat.

    Reception & Performance

    The game’s Prologue, which was released in mid-2025, garnered “Very Positive” reviews on Steam, with players praising its thick atmosphere and stressful time-management mechanics. Early feedback led the developers to overhaul the shooting mechanics and enemy AI for the full 2026 release, ensuring a more polished experience.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/77AWe

    #FearTheTimeloop #steam #Metroidvania #monsters #horror

    #TacoEaters #PlayWay #AI #survival #hospital #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Sword Hero Is Now Live On Kickstarter

    Sword Hero Is Now Live On Kickstarter

    The indie RPG scene has a new heavyweight contender. Sword Hero, developed by solo creator ForestWare, officially launched its Kickstarter campaign on January 27, 2026. In a testament to the community’s hunger for old-school design, the project smashed its initial funding goal of $35,000 in less than two hours.

    Here is what you need to know about this “Gothic-inspired”, ambitious open-world title.

    The Vision: A “Gothic-Like” Evolution

    Sword Hero is a love letter to the hardcore RPGs of the early 2000s, specifically the Gothic series. You play as “The Delver,” a nobody stranded on the quarantined island of Wes. Unlike modern titles that hold the player’s hand, Sword Hero treats you with refreshing indifference: the world does not scale to your level, and the wilderness is genuinely dangerous.

    Core Gameplay Features

    • Systemic Open World: A completely seamless island with no loading screens—even when entering caves or buildings.
    • Limb-Based Combat: Battles are tactical and visceral. You can target specific body parts to disable enemies, causing wounds, fractures, or full dismemberment.
    • Living NPCs: Characters follow strict daily routines and possess a “memory system.” If you commit a crime or help someone, they will remember and react accordingly.
    • Visible Progression: Your character’s growth is reflected physically. High strength increases muscle mass, while tough battles leave permanent scars or require prosthetic limbs.

    Campaign Status and Stretch Goals

    As of late January 2026, the campaign is in high gear. Having already doubled its base funding within the first day, the developer is eyeing stretch goals that include:

    • Expanded content and deeper faction questlines.
    • Enhanced visuals and professional animation support.
    • Refined systems for player-owned housing and businesses.

    “The world doesn’t slow down for you… survival depends on understanding how its systems interact.” — ForestWare

    Why It’s Trending

    The game has gained significant traction due to its “immersion-first” philosophy. Features like non-disappearing corpses, telekinetic magic based on physics, and the absence of “invisible walls” have positioned it as a bridge between the clunky charm of retro RPGs and the technical depth of modern simulations like Kenshi.

    Find out more here – https://www.swordherogame.com/ or here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itspossible/sword-hero

    #SwordHero #OpenWorld #RPG #Kickstarter #LivingWorld

    #DynamicCombat #Gothic #ForestWare #Crytivo #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Checking In: The Haunting Nostalgia of THE SPIRIT LIFT

    Checking In: The Haunting Nostalgia of THE SPIRIT LIFT

    Launched on January 27, 2026, THE SPIRIT LIFT is a stylised love letter to ’90s horror and tactical card gaming. Developed by prettysmart games, this “Ghostpunk” deckbuilder transports players back to a pixelated 1990s where a graduation party at the Vexington Hotel goes south, leaving a group of teenagers trapped in a supernatural elevator.

    The Premise: Rewind or Die

    The game follows a group of eight classic high school tropes—ranging from the tennis star and the jock to the goth artist—as they navigate 13 procedurally generated floors of a haunted hotel. The aesthetic is pure nostalgia: think CRT filters, low-poly 3D environments, and a soundtrack that feels ripped from a cult-classic VHS tape.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Unlike many deckbuilders that focus solely on abstract card play, THE SPIRIT LIFT incorporates light dungeon crawling. You move square-by-square through the hotel’s hallways, triggering random events and grid-based encounters.

    • Team-Based Synergy: You select a trio of investigators for each run. Your deck is a combined pool of cards based on those specific characters.
    • Tactical Combat: Battles use a shared pool of action points. You’ll use everyday ’90s items—disposable cameras to stun, slap bracelets for gear, and tennis rackets for defence—to fend off poltergeists and cryptids.
    • The “Trauma” System: A unique twist where negative cards (Trauma) are added to your deck by enemies. Unlike standard cards, these often have to be played multiple times to be “processed” and removed, forcing you to manage your team’s mental fatigue.
    • Meta-Progression: The Spirit Shop, run by a mysterious wolf-man named Dorian, allows you to spend “Spirit Points” earned during runs on permanent upgrades like increased health or extra gear slots.

    Why It Stands Out

    The game’s core loop—“Be Kind, Rewind”—is a nod to its roguelike nature. Death isn’t the end; it’s a “rewind” of the graduation night, allowing you to try different character combinations and uncover the hotel’s deeper lore. With over 200 cards and 90 pieces of gear, the strategic depth is significant, even if the “unlucky number 13” theme keeps every run tense and relatively fast-paced.

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

    #THESPIRITLIFT #retrogame #horror #deckbuilder #roguelike

    #prettysmartgames #pcgames #steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames