Techmash

Category: Online Games

  • Shipwrecked and Spellbound: The ‘Dark Cards of Candlewood’ Demo is Officially Here!

    Shipwrecked and Spellbound: The ‘Dark Cards of Candlewood’ Demo is Officially Here!

    The world of Candlewood is on the brink of an endless night, and unfortunately for you, your legendary deck just went down with the ship.

    If you’ve been craving a game that captures the “just one more turn” magic of modern roguelites but keeps the cosy, pixelated heart of a 90s JRPG, your wait is over. Developed by solo-dev Lunoland (Chris Smith) and published by Joystick Ventures, the demo for Dark Cards of Candlewood has officially landed on Steam, just in time for the 2026 Steam Next Fest.

    The Pitch: Loop Hero meets Final Fantasy VI

    Imagine waking up on a beach with nothing but a few basic cards and a town in shambles. That’s the setup. You aren’t just building a deck; you’re rebuilding a community. As you venture into randomised dungeons to reclaim your lost cards, you’ll recruit a party of misfits and funnel your spoils back into the town of Candlewood to unlock new perks and abilities.

    What Makes the Combat Different?

    The “deceptively simple” engine is what makes this game stand out. Most card games overwhelm you with a hand of ten cards and a dozen status effects. Dark Cards of Candlewood simplifies the moment-to-moment choice to a binary two-card system, but then adds layers of depth through:

    • Chain Attacks: Weave multiple cards together to create devastating combos.
    • Momentum & Timers: A speed-based system inspired by classic ATB (Active Time Battle) mechanics—faster characters act more often, and keeping your momentum high is key to survival.
    • Backpack Management: It’s not just about the cards; the items you draft into your limited inventory can be the difference between a successful run and another shipwreck.

    Inside the Demo

    Luno and the team haven’t held back for this preview. Here is what you can expect when you hit “Download” today:

    FeatureDetails
    ContentThe entire opening chapter of the story.
    Card PoolOver 150 unique cards to collect (of the 300+ planned for full release).
    Party MembersThe first 3 recruitable characters to test out synergies.
    Adventures4 distinct locations with increasing difficulty tiers.

    Pro-Tip: If you manage to beat the hardest adventure in the demo, head over to the official Discord—there’s a special role waiting for players who master the darkness early!

    No Microtransactions, Just Vibe

    In an era where digital card games are often synonymous with “booster pack subscriptions,” Dark Cards of Candlewood is taking a stand. Every card is earned through gameplay—drops, drafts, and crafting. It’s a pure, single-player experience designed by an indie developer who actually loves the genre.

    How to Play

    The demo is available right now on Steam. Whether you’re a veteran of Slay the Spire or someone who just misses the golden age of 16-bit adventures, Candlewood is worth the trip.

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

    #DarkCardsofCandlewood #roguelite #Lunoland #JoystickVentures #SteamNextFest #Luno #cardcollecting #JRPG #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames

  • Gear Up: Phantom Squad Hits Steam Daily Deal with Massive Updates!

    Gear Up: Phantom Squad Hits Steam Daily Deal with Massive Updates!

    Calling all tactical operatives! Super Rare Originals and developer Ctrl Freak are absolutely thrilled to announce that their high-stakes tactical shooter, Phantom Squad, has officially landed a Steam Daily Deal.

    If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to assemble your team and dive into the breach, this is it. This deal marks the game’s lowest price ever, but like a flashbang in a dark room, it won’t last long!

    More Than Just a Discount: The Journey Since Launch

    Since its release in July 2025, Phantom Squad hasn’t just sat still. Ctrl Freak has been hard at work following their post-launch roadmap, turning the game into a definitive top-down tactical experience. Whether you’re a lone wolf or a team player, there is a mountain of new content to explore:

    • Three New Game Modes: * T-Hunt: Classic tactical combat with a twist—randomised enemy and door placements ensure no two runs on familiar maps feel the same.
      • Hostage Rescue: High-pressure extractions where precision is the difference between a hero and a headline.
      • Bomb Defusal: Race against the clock to secure sites and neutralise threats under extreme duress.
    • Online Public Matchmaking: No squad? No problem. The newly implemented matchmaking system lets you jump into games with others. Choose between “Tactical” or “Action” focused groups to find the playstyle that fits your vibe.
    • Difficulty for Everyone: * Rookie Mode: Perfect for solo players or those looking to master gadgets and maps in a more forgiving environment.
      • Hardcore Mode: For the elite. Expect lethal enemies, zero room for error, and a mandatory requirement for tight communication.

    Strategy Meets Chaos

    For those new to the field, Phantom Squad is a 1-4 player tactical shooter that pays homage to the greats. It blends the frenetic, split-second decision-making of Hotline Miami with the deep, methodical planning of SWAT 4.

    With the A.C.E. system, you can use interactive blueprints to mark paths, highlight blind spots, and coordinate breaches in real-time. It’s all about the plan—until the first shot is fired and you have to adapt on the fly.

    Deploy Now!

    The Steam Daily Deal is live right now. Head over to the Phantom Squad Steam Page to grab the game at its best price yet and see why critics have called it a “stiff challenge for tactic-heads in the best way.”

    Pro Tip: Check out the free demo if you want to run a training op before committing to the full mission!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/b42sk

    #SuperRareOriginals #CtrlFreak #PhantomSquad #SteamDailyDeal #combat #tactics #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames

  • Mission Briefing: Get Ready for Puzzle Spy International!

    Mission Briefing: Get Ready for Puzzle Spy International!

    Strap on your go-go boots and polish your magnifying glass—Travel-Friendly Cake is officially bringing the swingin’ ’60s back to your screen. Their highly anticipated indie title, Puzzle Spy International, is set to launch on March 30, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a game that combines the wit of a Bond film with the brain-bending satisfaction of the Sunday crossword, your mission has arrived.

    A Retro-Cool Caper

    Developed by the Oakland-based husband-and-wife duo Michael and Talia Dashow, Puzzle Spy International isn’t just a game; it’s a vibe. You step into the stylish shoes of Agent Epsilon, tasked with tracking down a ring of diamond thieves across the globe.

    The game is a love letter to mid-century modern aesthetics. Expect:

    • Vibrant 1960s Art: Think bold colours, sharp silhouettes, and retro-future tech.
    • A Jazzy Soundtrack: Original spy-music scores that make every code-crack feel like a high-stakes heist.
    • Witty Banter: You aren’t just solving puzzles; you’re navigating conversations. Whether you’re interrogating suspects or engaging in a bit of “tactical flirting,” your choices shape the journey.

    Thinky Puzzles for Savvy Sleuths

    As the name of the studio suggests, this is “Travel-Friendly” entertainment—designed to be engaging whether you’re playing solo or collaborating with a partner on the couch. The developers were inspired by the social, variety-heavy challenges of Puzzled Pint and classic newspaper brainteasers.

    You won’t find generic “fetch quests” here. Instead, you’ll encounter:

    • Unique Logic Challenges: Every puzzle is a bespoke obstacle, from decoding cryptograms to discovering hidden rules.
    • No Frustration, All Fun: A robust hint system ensures that if you get stumped, you won’t stay stuck for long.
    • Collaborative Play: The team encourages players to grab a friend—different eyes see different clues, making it a perfect social experience.

    Join the Agency Early

    Can’t wait until March 30? You’re in luck. A standalone demo is currently live on Steam. It features a completely separate story and set of puzzles from the main game, making it the perfect “prelude” to whet your appetite without spoiling the main event.

    Puzzle Spy International was recently a finalist for Most Anticipated Game of 2026 at the Thinky Awards, and it’s easy to see why. It’s smart, it’s stylish, and it’s just the right amount of cheeky.

    Ready to accept the mission? Head over to the Steam page to play the demo and add it to your wishlist!

    Find out more here on Steam – http://s.team/a/3406690

    #TravelFriendlyCake #PuzzleSpyInternational #AgentEpsilon #spies #espionage #wordplay #logic #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #steam #demogames

  • The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    In an industry often dominated by high-octane spectacle and relentless pacing, Florent “Salty” Martinais is inviting players to take a deep breath.

    After months of dedicated development, Salty is thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on his debut title: What Surrounds Us. This isn’t just a game; it’s an atmospheric journey into the delicate relationship between a protagonist and their environment.

    A Vision of Atmosphere

    For Salty, the path to release has been one of meticulous craft. Known in the community for his keen eye for detail and tonal consistency, he has built What Surrounds Us to be an experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

    “I wanted to create something that felt lived-in,” Salty says. “A world where the silence speaks as loudly as the dialogue.”

    What to Expect

    While many details remain for the player to discover, the core pillars of the experience are clear:

    • Environmental Storytelling: Every shadow and discarded object tells a piece of a larger, haunting puzzle.
    • A Distinct Aesthetic: A hand-crafted visual style that balances beauty with a sense of underlying tension.
    • Reflective Gameplay: Mechanically, the game rewards those who slow down and observe rather than those who rush to the finish line.

    The Road Ahead

    This announcement marks a major milestone for Martinais. Moving from concept to a tangible, playable reality is a gruelling process for any developer, but the passion behind What Surrounds Us is evident in every frame.

    The debut of this project signals the arrival of a new voice in the indie scene—one that isn’t afraid to let the player sit in stillness.

    FeatureHighlight
    DeveloperFlorent “Salty” Martinais
    GenreAtmospheric Adventure / Exploration
    FocusNarrative depth and environmental immersion
    StatusOfficially Announced

    Stay Tuned

    As development enters its next phase, expect more deep dives into the mechanics and the lore that defines this world. Salty is just getting started, and if What Surrounds Us is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/P0yMi

    #FlorentSaltyMartinais #WhatSurroundsUs #SteamNextFest #playabledemo #puzzles #adventure #floraandfauna #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames

  • The Silence in the Cornfield: Why “They Are Here” is Every Ufologist’s Nightmare

    The Silence in the Cornfield: Why “They Are Here” is Every Ufologist’s Nightmare

    If you’ve ever looked up at a flickering light in the night sky and felt a sudden, inexplicable chill, They Are Here: Alien Abduction Horror is designed specifically to turn that chill into a full-blown panic attack. Developed by the husband-and-wife duo at DEKLAZON, this indie title has been simmering in the horror community for a few years, and with its full release slated for Q4 2026, the hype is reaching a fever pitch.

    Forget space marines and high-tech blasters. This is a game about the vulnerability of being human in the face of the truly “Other.”

    The Premise: A Journalist’s Worst Assignment

    You step into the boots of Taylor Fox, a journalist who arrives at Grayswood Farm to investigate reports of strange phenomena. The Sherman family has been seeing lights, their animals are losing their minds, and the children claim someone—or something—is watching them through the windows.

    What starts as a routine photo-report for a local paper quickly descends into a fight for survival. There is no combat here; you are armed only with:

    • A Flashlight: Your best friend and your worst enemy, cutting through the oppressive rural dark.
    • A Camera: To document the evidence… if you can stop your hands from shaking.
    • Your Instincts: Because when the blue light fills the room, running is usually the only option.

    Atmosphere Over Action

    The most striking thing about They Are Here is its DNA. DEKLAZON has cited classics like Signs, The X-Files, and Dark Skies as primary inspirations. You can feel it in the gameplay:

    1. The “Slow Burn” Terror: The game doesn’t rely on constant jump scares. Instead, it builds a thick, suffocating atmosphere of paranoia.
    2. Classic Grey Design: There is something deeply unsettling about the “Greys” in this game. They are lanky, bug-eyed, and move with a predatory stillness that makes your skin crawl.
    3. The Soundscape: The crackle of a walkie-talkie and the rustle of cornstalks are used to perfection, making you dread every sound that isn’t your own breathing.

    “I love alien stuff, and I cannot wait for more of this game. The sounds the aliens make are legitimately terrifying.” — Early Demo Player

    What to Expect in the Full Release

    While the Prologue (available on Steam) gave us a glimpse of a military encounter years prior to the main story, the full 2026 release promises to expand the scope significantly:

    • Multiple Locations: Move beyond the farmhouse to explore a mysterious military base and the surrounding woods.
    • Investigation Mechanics: Digging through notes, audio tapes, and VHS recordings to piece together a conspiracy that goes deeper than a simple abduction.
    • Platform Reach: Originally a PC-focused project, the game is now coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S via publisher PQube.

    Final Thoughts

    In a horror landscape often dominated by ghosts and slashers, They Are Here feels like a refreshing return to “cosmic” dread. It taps into that primal fear of being watched by something that doesn’t follow our rules. If you’re a fan of 90s sci-fi horror or just want a reason to never visit a farm again, this is one to keep on your radar for 2026.

    The truth isn’t just out there—it’s in the cornfield.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/3OQbgxU

    #DEKLAZON #TheyAreHere #aliens #ufo #scifi #horror #investigative #farm #classicscifi #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #abducted #closeencounters

  • The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The 2026 Convergence Games Showcase just gave us a deep dive into one of the most atmospheric indie titles on the horizon: Echoes of Mora. Developed by the Berlin-based all-female team at Selkies Interactive, this title is being described as the “emotional lovechild of Subnautica and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture.”

    If you missed the stream, here is the breakdown of the story and world revealed during the showcase.

    The Premise: A Village Lost to the Waves

    The story of Echoes of Mora centres on a tragedy already in motion. You play as an investigator diving into the depths of a mysterious lake that has swallowed a once-vibrant village. Your primary goal is to assist a young girl named Mora, whose brother disappeared near a “cursed violet lake” just before the waters rose.

    Key Story Elements Revealed:

    • The Sibling Bond: The emotional core of the game is Mora’s desperate quest to find her brother. You aren’t just a silent observer; you are her partner across time.
    • The Rising Tide: As the lake’s water level rises, the village is slowly obliterated. The showcase revealed that your actions might actually hold the key to averting the flood entirely.
    • The Echoes: These are time portals that allow you to witness the village before the tragedy. You’ll overhear villagers’ conversations, find hidden objects, and gather the clues necessary to understand what happened to the missing boy.

    Mechanics: Ripples Through Time

    The showcase emphasised that Echoes of Mora isn’t a “survival” game in the traditional sense—there are no oxygen meters to stress over. Instead, the focus is on narrative investigation.

    FeatureDescription
    Time-BendingUse “Echoes” to jump between the sunken present and the vibrant past.
    Shaping FateShare clues with Mora in the past to influence her decisions and the village’s future.
    VR ImmersionFeatures a natural, arm-based swimming mechanic (though it is fully playable on flatscreen too).
    Environmental PuzzlesSolve mysteries by interacting with the architecture of the village in both time periods.

    Why It’s Buzzing

    The trailer highlighted a “dreamy, simulated realism” style that contrasts the eerie, murky depths of the sunken ruins with the warm, sun-drenched beauty of the village’s past. By bridging these two eras, the game creates a haunting sense of nostalgia and urgency.

    “Every interaction in the past ripples forward. You aren’t just uncovering the truth; you’re deciding the ultimate fate of the village.” — Convergence Showcase Narrative Highlight

    Release Info

    Mark your calendars: Echoes of Mora is officially launching on April 29, 2026.

    It will be available on PC and PC-VR (supporting Meta Quest and SteamVR). If you can’t wait until April, a playable demo is currently available on Steam, covering about one-third of the game’s world, including the forest and Mora’s house.

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

    #SelkiesInteractive #underwateradventure #EchoesofMora #ConvergenceShowcase #playabledemo #Steam #PC #PCVR #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #VRGames #videogames

  • The Pendulum Swings Back: The Occultist Refines Its Terror for Steam Next Fest 2026

    The Pendulum Swings Back: The Occultist Refines Its Terror for Steam Next Fest 2026

    If you’re a fan of psychological horror that prioritises atmosphere over cheap jump scares, your February plans just got a lot more interesting. The Occultist, the highly anticipated first-person narrative thriller from DALOAR and Daedalic Entertainment, has returned to Steam Next Fest with a “refined and polished” demo that proves why it’s one of the most-watched horror titles of 2026.

    After making waves during the Steam Detective Fest earlier this year, the developers haven’t just rested on their laurels. This updated slice of the game reflects weeks of optimisation and fine-tuning, offering a smoother, even more unsettling look at the opening chapter of Alan Rebels’ journey.

    Who is Alan Rebels?

    In The Occultist, you don’t play a warrior or a typical survivalist. You play as Alan Rebels, a paranormal investigator with a unique, sombre calling: helping restless spirits cross over to the “other side.”

    His latest case is personal. It leads him to Godstone, a desolate British island abandoned since 1950. Once home to a macabre cult, Godstone is now a place where the air feels heavy with the weight of unburied secrets—and it’s where Alan’s father was last seen.

    Key Features: What’s New in the Refined Demo?

    The refined demo isn’t just a re-upload; it’s a focused showcase of the game’s core mechanics in their most polished state yet.

    • The Mystic Pendulum: This isn’t just a prop. The pendulum features five unique mechanics that allow Alan to interact with and modify the environment. Whether you’re revealing hidden symbols or uncovering blood-stained traces of the past, the pendulum is your lifeline.
    • A “Living” Environment: The developers released a new Dev Diary alongside the demo, detailing how they designed Godstone to feel “observant” and “hostile.” It’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling where every creaking floorboard suggests you aren’t as alone as you think.
    • Stealth over Combat: True to the “Occultist” identity, Alan avoids direct confrontation. The demo highlights the game’s stealth mechanics, emphasising vulnerability and the tension of slipping past entities that simply cannot be fought.
    • Unreal Engine 5 Visuals: The leap in fidelity is noticeable. The fog-drenched streets of Godstone and the hauntingly detailed interiors benefit from the latest optimisations, making this one of the most visually striking indie horror titles of the year.

    Why You Should Play It This Week

    Steam Next Fest (running from February 23 to March 2, 2026) is the perfect time to see if you have the stomach for Godstone’s mysteries. With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release, this is likely the last major update we’ll see before the final launch.

    “What begins as a careful investigation gradually escalates into psychological horror, where silence and the fear of being watched become as threatening as any supernatural entity.” — Daedalic Entertainment

    Ready to step into the fog? You can download the refined demo of The Occultist right now on its Steam Store Page.

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

    #DaedalicEntertainment #horror #DALOAR #TheOccultist #SteamNextFest #demogame #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #gameplay

  • The Workshop is Open Once Again: Bendy and the Ink Machine Enhanced Physical Edition Hits Nintendo Switch!

    The Workshop is Open Once Again: Bendy and the Ink Machine Enhanced Physical Edition Hits Nintendo Switch!

    The ink is flowing, the gears are turning, and the nightmare you thought you escaped is back for another round. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to return to the eerie, sepia-toned halls of Joey Drew Studios, the wait is officially over. Bendy and the Ink Machine is back with a brand-new Enhanced Physical Edition for the Nintendo Switch, and it’s a must-have for horror fans and collectors alike.

    Whether you’re a seasoned survivor of the Ink Demon or a curious newcomer ready to “believe,” this physical release brings more than just a cartridge—it brings a piece of indie horror history to your shelf.

    What’s New in the Enhanced Edition?

    This isn’t just a simple re-release. Joey Drew Studios and Silver Lining Interactive have teamed up to give this cult classic a significant facelift for 2026. This version is designed to leverage the Switch’s hardware for the most immersive experience yet.

    • Remastered Visuals: Experience the studio with improved graphics that make the ink look thicker and the shadows even more menacing.
    • Technical Optimisations: Say goodbye to stutter. This edition features performance tweaks for smoother gameplay in both handheld and docked modes.
    • The Complete Story: All five terrifying chapters are included on a single cartridge, from Henry’s first arrival in Moving Pictures to the pulse-pounding finale of The Last Reel.
    • Bonus Goodies: Physical copies (specifically through Silver Lining Direct) often include an exclusive collector’s pin and a digital download code for the official soundtrack, so you can take the haunting tunes of the Music Department with you anywhere.

    Why Physical?

    In an age of digital libraries, there is something uniquely satisfying about owning a physical copy of a game that defined a genre. For Bendy, the tactile nature of a physical box art fits the “vintage” aesthetic perfectly. Plus, with the recent news of the Bendy Double Pack (including The Dark Revival) coming later this May, starting your physical collection now is the best way to prepare for the full ink-drenched lineup.

    “Dreams come true, Henry. Dreams come true.” — Joey Drew

    Grab Your Axe

    The physical edition of Bendy and the Ink Machine is available now at major retailers like Argos and GameStop, as well as the Silver Lining Direct store.

    Don’t let the Ink Demon catch you empty-handed. It’s time to head back to where it all began, solve the puzzles, and uncover the dark secrets of the studio one more time. Just remember: Beware the Ink Demon.

    Find out more here – https://direct.silverliningint.com/search?q=ink+machine&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

    #SilverLiningInteractive #JoeyDrewStudios #BendyandtheInkMachine #physicaledition #NintendoSwitch #gamestop #argos #puzzles #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Get Into the Groove: GRIDbeat! Hackers its Way to Switch and Steam This March

    Get Into the Groove: GRIDbeat! Hackers its Way to Switch and Steam This March

    Ready to turn your hacking skills into a headline act? Acclaim and Ridiculous Games have officially announced that their neon-soaked rhythm dungeon crawler, GRIDbeat!, will be dropping on Nintendo Switch and Steam on March 26, 2026.

    Announced during The Mix: Indie Fan Fest, this isn’t your typical stroll through a digital mainframe. In GRIDbeat!, the music isn’t just a background track—it’s your heartbeat, your tactical advantage, and your only way out of the most fortified network on the planet.

    The Premise: Sync or Get Deleted

    You play as a high-stakes hacker who has just successfully breached Knoss.OS, a legendary corporate network. You’ve got the data, but the exit door has slammed shut. Now, you’re trapped in a sprawling digital labyrinth known as the Mainframe.

    To escape, you’ll need to outmanoeuvre security protocols, battle military-grade AI simulations, and avoid viral code—all while moving in perfect synchronisation with an electrifying soundtrack.

    Key Features to Watch For:

    • Beat-Based Dungeon Crawling: Every step, attack, and interaction is tied to the rhythm. If you miss a beat, you risk a total system shutdown.
    • Tactical Maze Exploration: Navigate data labyrinths filled with “Server Formats”—deadly hazards that can wipe a level clean if you aren’t careful.
    • Evolving Software Tools: Install powerful software upgrades and power-ups to unlock secrets and bypass system threats.
    • Cyber.Mind Boss Battles: Face off against massive AI gatekeepers in high-intensity rhythm showdowns that serve as the ultimate test of your timing.

    Can’t Wait Until March?

    If the wait until March 26 feels like an eternity, there’s good news. A free demo is currently available on Steam!

    The demo offers a substantial look at the game, featuring:

    • 9 Selectable Hackers to suit different playstyles.
    • 13 Stages, including Training Sims, Campaign levels, and even unlockable Challenge stages.
    • 3 Difficulty Modes to ensure that rhythm novices and beat-masters alike can find their flow.

    “GRIDbeat! is built around rhythm as a core mechanic. Every movement, every pulse, every enemy encounter is powered by an electric soundtrack.” — Jaime Bencia, Senior Producer at Ridiculous Games

    Mark Your Calendars

    Prepare to jack into the grid and let the music guide your escape. Whether you’re a fan of Crypt of the NecroDancer or you just love a good synth-wave aesthetic, GRIDbeat! is looking like a must-play for the Spring season.

    GRIDbeat! launches digitally on March 26, 2026, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/GRIDbeatYT

    #Acclaim #RidiculousGames #GRIDbeat #NintendoSwitch #Steam #hacker #KnossOS #music #demogame #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #gameplay

  • Drop the Needle: Wax Heads Brings the Cozy-Punk Vibe to PC and Consoles this May

    Drop the Needle: Wax Heads Brings the Cozy-Punk Vibe to PC and Consoles this May

    Dust off your turntables and get your crates ready! Wax Heads, the highly anticipated “cosy-punk” record shop simulator, has officially set its release date. Indie developer Patattie Games and publisher Curve Games have announced that the game will be spinning onto PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on May 5, 2026.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the corporate grind to work in a legendary (if slightly struggling) indie record store, this is the digital getaway you’ve been waiting for.

    What is “Cosy-Punk,” Anyway?

    Wax Heads carves out its own niche by blending the chill, low-stakes energy of a cosy sim with the edgy, hand-drawn aesthetic of a classic underground comic. You step into the shoes of the newest hire at Repeater Records, a shop run by Morgan—a former 80s rock star who’s had a messy falling out with her past.

    The gameplay is a satisfying mix of narrative deduction and puzzle-solving:

    • The Vibe Check: Customers come in with vague, emotional requests like, “I need something that sounds like a rainy Tuesday in London but with more distorted guitars.”
    • The Hunt: You’ll dig through bins, flip over LPs to check tracklists, and pore over liner notes to find the perfect match.
    • The World: With over 80 hand-drawn records and 60+ unique characters, every interaction feels like a piece of a larger story about community and the “underdog spirit.”

    Key Features to Watch For

    FeatureDetails
    Original Soundtrack30+ original songs created by the devs and their friends.
    Visual StyleA vibrant, “Scott Pilgrim-esque” comic book art style.
    Side GigsDesign gig posters, run stage lights, and even manage virtual pets.
    The JukeboxA fully interactive music system to set the mood while you work.

    Why We’re Excited

    In a world of digital streaming and infinite algorithms, Wax Heads is a love letter to the physicality of music. It’s about the joy of rummaging through a bin and finding that one life-changing album. It feels less like a management sim and more like a “detective game for music nerds.”

    “We want to celebrate and reignite the passion that is discovering music in a physical space. To recapture the joy of rummaging through albums… an album to cry to, a new band to call your own.”

    — Murray Somerwolff, Creative Director at Patattie Games

    Mark Your Calendars

    Wax Heads officially drops on May 5, 2026. Can’t wait that long? A demo is currently available on Steam, giving you a taste of the first few hours at Repeater Records.

    Whether you’re into Scandinavian metal or bubblegum pop, there’s a slot in the racks waiting for you.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/cT13M

    #WaxHeads #PatattieGames #CurveGames #PC #consoles #punk #shopsim #playabledemo #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Digging Into Magic: Assemble Entertainment and Half Soup Labs Announce Glintseeker Island

    Digging Into Magic: Assemble Entertainment and Half Soup Labs Announce Glintseeker Island

    Grab your pickaxe and prepare your backpack—there’s a new mystery waiting just beneath the surface. Assemble Entertainment has officially partnered with the indie visionaries at Half Soup Labs to bring you Glintseeker Island, a cosy mining adventure that blends nostalgic exploration with deep, strategic gameplay.

    If you’ve ever lost hours to the mines of Stardew Valley or felt the thrill of uncovering fossils in the Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Underground, Glintseeker Island is the game you’ve been dreaming of.

    A Mining Adventure with Heart (and Hammers)

    In Glintseeker Island, you play as a “Glintseeker,” an orphan explorer determined to uncover the secrets of a changing island. But this isn’t just about swinging a pickaxe until a rock breaks; it’s about strategic excavation.

    As you descend into procedurally generated caves, you’ll encounter a unique mining minigame. Each hit with your hammer reveals layers of rock, but be careful—the walls have a limited stability. One wrong move and the ceiling could come crashing down, burying your treasures before you can haul them to the surface.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • The Power of the Hammer: Your tools are your lifeline. Start with a basic pickaxe and unlock specialised tools like the Magnet Hammer to navigate biomes and solve puzzles.
    • Inventory Tetris: Bringing loot home is a puzzle of its own! You’ll need to manage a tile-based inventory system, carefully arranging artefacts and gemstones to fit as much as possible into your backpack.
    • Bosses and Biomes: Every 10 floors, you’ll face formidable bosses and ancient guardians. From lush underground forests to mysterious flooded biomes, each area offers new threats and even better rewards.
    • Village Restoration: Your journey isn’t just for profit. Use your finds to help the local blacksmith, trade with merchants, and complete quests to restore the island’s village to its former glory.
    • The Ultimate Question: Yes, you can pet the shadow dog.

    Why We’re Excited

    Assemble Entertainment has a long history of championing indie titles with unique souls, and Glintseeker Island is no exception. Half Soup Labs has crafted a world that feels both relaxing and rewarding, striking that perfect “cosy-but-engaging” balance.

    “We wanted to take the mining mechanics people love and turn them into a full-fledged adventure,” says the team at Half Soup Labs. “It’s about the curiosity of what’s behind the next wall and the satisfaction of bringing a heavy bag of treasure back to the village.”

    Join the Playtest!

    Can’t wait until the full release in 2027? You’re in luck. Alongside the announcement, a Steam Playtest is now live! You can jump into the caves today, test out the initial biomes, and help the developers shape the future of the island.

    Ready to start your descent? Add Glintseeker Island to your Steam Wishlist today and keep an eye out for more devlogs as we get closer to launch!

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

    #AssembleEntertainment #HalfSoupLabs #miningadventure #GlintseekerIsland #steam #playtest #2Dpixelart #mining #exploration #RPG #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • T-Pain is Dropping the Beat in My Singing Monsters: Welcome to the Clubbox!

    T-Pain is Dropping the Beat in My Singing Monsters: Welcome to the Clubbox!

    Get ready to turn up the volume, Monster-Handlers! In a move that absolutely nobody saw coming (but everyone is now obsessed with), Grammy Award-winning legend T-Pain is officially entering the Monster World.

    This isn’t just a quick cameo or a new hat for your Mammott. Big Blue Bubble has announced a massive collaboration that introduces a permanent new feature: The Clubbox, a brand-new virtual music club and concert space.

    Meet Your New Manager: Autotuna

    Leading the charge is a brand-new Lyrical Legendary Monster inspired by T-Pain himself, named Autotuna.

    Starting February 25th, 2026, Autotuna will take up residence as the manager of the Clubbox. Far from just standing there and looking cool, this monster will act as your host and guide through the game’s newest social and musical hub.

    Fun Fact: Autotuna is the second major artist-inspired Legendary to join the game recently, following the debut of bbli$zard (inspired by bbno$) on Cold Island.

    What is the Clubbox?

    The Clubbox is set to be a “dynamic and alive” virtual venue within My Singing Monsters. Here’s what we know so far:

    • Opening Acts: The club launches with a series of “opening acts”—fresh monster bands and unique arrangements that set the stage for bigger things.
    • The Headliner: T-Pain’s monster, Autotuna, is scheduled to make its debut as the club’s first official headlining act later this spring.
    • A New Way to Play: Big Blue Bubble is hinting that the Clubbox will offer “new ways to collect songs” and interact with performances, making the musical experience more immersive than a standard island loop.

    Why T-Pain?

    Aside from being the “King of Auto-Tune,” T-Pain is a massive gamer and a long-time supporter of creative tech. According to David Fardell, Marketing Director at Big Blue Bubble:

    “T-Pain’s talent and track record speak for themselves, but his dedication to growing as an artist and developing new talent around him connects with Monsters perfectly.”

    When Can You Join the Party?

    Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 25th. The update will be available across all platforms, including iOS, Android, Steam, and Amazon.

    Whether you’re a long-time breeder or a new player lured in by the “Buy U a Drank” energy, the Clubbox is shaping up to be the biggest vibe shift in the game’s history.

    Are you ready to see what Autotuna has in store? Let us know which Monster you want to see on stage next!

    Find out more here – https://bigbl.be/PlayMySingingMonsters

    #BigBlueBubble #TPain #Clubbox #MySingingMonsters #EG7 #virtualclubvenue #music #LyricalLegendary #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames