Techmash

Category: Sports

  • Verses the new kind of team-based competitive sport

    Verses the new kind of team-based competitive sport

    Yesterday, Seattle-based indie studio Superfuture Syndicate (SFS) pulled back the curtain on their debut title, and it’s safe to say they aren’t playing it safe.

    Meet Verses, a “hyper-kinetic aerial joust” that aims to mash together the white-knuckle speed of high-stakes racing with the technical precision of a fighting game. Led by industry veteran Samantha Kalman (whose resume includes heavy hitters like Apex Legends and Astroneer), SFS is positioning Verses as the next great competitive team sport.

    Here is everything we know about this neon-soaked, high-flying brawler.

    What Exactly is “Aerial Jousting”?

    Forget horses and lances. In Verses, players take to the skies in what the developers describe as a cross-genre hybrid.

    Imagine the momentum and tight cornering of a futuristic racer like F-Zero, but instead of just crossing a finish line, you are using that velocity to slam into opponents. It’s a team-based sport (supporting 1–4 players) that re-imagines medieval jousting for a high-tech spectator audience.

    Key Gameplay Pillars:

    • High-Speed Racing Mechanics: Movement is paramount. You’ll need to master flight paths and acceleration to gain the upper hand.
    • Fighting Game DNA: It’s not just about bumping into people; expect depth in how you engage, parry, and strike your opponents at 300 mph.
    • Team Synergy: Designed for competitive play, the game focuses on how small teams can coordinate their “jousts” to dominate the arena.

    The Minds Behind the Syndicate

    Superfuture Syndicate was founded in 2025 with a mission to “build a better world of play.” The team is small but mighty, featuring:

    • Samantha Kalman (CEO/Game Director): Known for the cult-hit musical puzzler Sentris and work on Astroneer.
    • Izaak Moody (Art Director): Bringing a distinct, vibrant aesthetic to the “superfuture” world.
    • Anthony Carboni: Hosting the “Superfuture Zone” podcast, which will document the game’s development every two weeks.

    “Verses is the right kind of risk for us to take because it’s already fun, but it doesn’t neatly fit in any established genre.” — Samantha Kalman

    How to Play Right Now

    While Verses is officially in pre-alpha, SFS is taking a highly transparent, community-driven approach to development. You don’t have to wait for a 2027 release date to see if the hype is real.

    PathBenefit
    SteamYou can wishlist the game now to track its progress toward a full release.
    PatreonJoining the Superfuture Syndicate Patreon grants immediate playtest access to the pre-alpha builds.
    PodcastSubscribe to Superfuture Zone for behind-the-scenes stories on how the game is being built.

    Why You Should Care

    The “indie-strial” complex is currently flooded with cosy sims and Soulslikes. Verses feels like a breath of fresh, high-altitude air. It’s rare to see a studio attempt a genuine “new genre,” and with the pedigree of the SFS team, the mechanical polish is likely to be top-tier even in these early stages.

    Whether you’re a fighting game enthusiast looking for more mobility or a racing fan who wants to punch their friends, Verses is a title you need to keep on your radar.

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

    #SuperfutureSyndicate #Verses #highspeedracing #scifi #fightinggame #sport #SFS #gameplay #Steam #wishlist #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • On Your Marks: The Sprint City Demo is Live on Steam!

    On Your Marks: The Sprint City Demo is Live on Steam!

    If you’ve ever felt the rush of a perfect line in SpeedRunners or spent hours perfecting your movement in a 2D platformer, today is your lucky day. Sprint City, the spiritual successor to SpeedRunners from the original creators at Second Stage Studio, has officially dropped its demo on Steam!

    The city streets are open, the grapples are primed, and the leaderboards are waiting for a new king of momentum. Here is why you need to drop everything and download it right now.

    What is Sprint City?

    Sprint City isn’t just a sequel; it’s an evolution. Set in a vibrant, solarpunk metropolis where wheels are a relic of the past, movement is the only currency that matters. You play as a Runagade, using a mix of wall-running, rail-grinding, and grappling to navigate a seamless, shared world.

    Demo Highlights: What Can You Play Today?

    The demo isn’t just a tiny slice; it’s a high-octane playground designed to give you a real taste of the “Runagade” life.

    • The Plaza District: Explore a central, lively section of the city filled with vertical routes and hidden shortcuts.
    • Clockout Mode: Experience the demo’s crown jewel—a high-stakes multiplayer mode where time is your health. Up to 8 players race; as soon as the leader finishes a lap, everyone else’s clock starts ticking down. If your timer hits zero, you’re out!
    • Time Trials: For the perfectionists. Practice your routes without the pressure of other runners and shave milliseconds off your personal best.
    • Create a Challenge: One of the coolest features—you can set a start and end point anywhere in the city and generate a unique code or URL to challenge your friends instantly.

    Why It Feels So Good

    The developers have been busy refining the physics based on recent playtests. The demo features:

    • Predictable Grappling: Reworked for better control on both gamepads and keyboards.
    • Visual Clarity: Non-grappable surfaces and route lines are clearer, so you can focus on your speed rather than wondering if a ledge is “solid.”
    • Social Connectivity: Jump into races with Steam friend invites or use the “yellow kiosks” scattered around the city to find matches.

    Pro Tip: If you want to master the city, treat every Clockout race like a Time Trial. Learning where to spam your grapple and where to conserve momentum is the difference between a podium finish and “Clocking Out” early.

    Join the Movement

    The demo is out just in time for Steam Next Fest, and the devs are hosting live streams and community challenges all week. Whether you’re a veteran of the original SpeedRunners or a newcomer looking for your next competitive obsession, the streets of Sprint City are calling.

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

    #SprintCity #SecondStageStudio #SpeedRunners #2DPlatformer #parkour #Gaming #EarlyAccess #SteamGames #Runagades #IndieGames #games #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Crew Motorfest: New Island! Aloha, Maui: A Whole New Playground!

    The Crew Motorfest: New Island! Aloha, Maui: A Whole New Playground!

    Buckle up, because the horizon just got a lot wider. If you thought O’ahu was the only playground in The Crew Motorfest, think again. Ubisoft has officially expanded the festival to the stunning shores of Maui, and it’s a total game-changer for the Year 2 experience.

    Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a competitive speedster, here is everything you need to know about the new island and why it’s worth the trip.

    Maui isn’t just a tiny add-on; it’s a massive, free expansion that adds over 100 square kilometres of terrain—roughly 50% of the size of the original O’ahu map. It features more than 470 km of new roads, ranging from tight, technical mountain passes to wide-open coastal highways.

    Iconic Landmarks to Visit:

    • The Road to Hana: One of the most famous drives in the world is here, featuring intense hairpins, waterfalls, and cliffside views that will test your drifting skills.
    • Haleakal? National Park: Take your off-roaders to the massive volcanic caldera. The scale is incredible, and the “volcanic plume” tech makes the atmosphere feel alive.
    • Bamboo Forests & Red Sand Beaches: The biomes here are distinct from O’ahu, offering a moodier, more lush aesthetic that looks stunning at 60 FPS.

    What’s New in the Season 5 Update?

    The arrival of Maui marks the start of Season 5, and with it comes a massive technical and content overhaul.

    • Seamless Travel: No loading screens here! You can travel between O’ahu and Maui via a new network of bridges or simply fly/sail across the channel.
    • The Chase Squad: This new premium PvE experience lets you join an elite tactical driving unit. Think high-stakes car chases with epic VFX and a custom soundtrack by Carpenter Brut.
    • Made in Japan Vol. 2: The fan-favourite JDM-themed playlist returns with a Maui twist, featuring neon-drenched night races and new rivals to beat.
    • Functional Rearview Mirrors: Finally! A long-requested community feature has arrived for PC and New-Gen consoles, making those high-speed overtakes much safer.

    The Tech Under the Hood

    Ubisoft Ivory Tower didn’t just add land; they upgraded the engine. Maui introduces New Road Banking, which makes curves feel more realistic and strategic. They’ve also overhauled the cloud and lightning systems, meaning those tropical storms over the volcano look more menacing than ever.

    Pro Tip: If you’re on PS5 Pro, the game now utilizes PSSR technology to hit a crisp 4K resolution at 60 FPS, making the lush vegetation and lighting effects pop like never before.

    Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

    The expansion to Maui is just the beginning of Year 2. Ubisoft has already teased Season 9 (March 2026), which is rumoured to bring a “playground island” south of the current map, featuring:

    • NASCAR Playlists and massive stadiums.
    • Track Forge: A brand-new mode allowing you to create and share your own custom racing lines.
    • Wilder Terrains: Think magnetic roads, speed boosters, and even roller coasters.

    Maui has breathed fresh life into Motorfest, proving that this festival is only getting bigger and louder. So, grab your favourite ride, hit the bridge, and we’ll see you on the Road to Hana.

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/the-crew/motorfest

    #Ubisoft #TheCrewMotorfestNewIsland #TheCrew #TheCrewMotorfest #cars #driving #motorfest #newgames #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Mario Tennis Fever game is available now on Nintendo Switch

    The Mario Tennis Fever game is available now on Nintendo Switch

    Whether you’re a veteran of the N64 days or a newcomer looking to break in your shiny new Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Tennis Fever (released February 12, 2026) is the high-energy, chaotic serve we’ve been waiting for.

    Developed by Camelot, this latest entry doesn’t just iterate on Mario Tennis Aces—it leans into the “fever” of the Mushroom Kingdom with a massive roster and a game-changing new mechanic. Here is everything you need to know about the most packed Mario Tennis game yet.

    The Game-Changer: Fever Rackets

    The heart of the experience is the new Fever Racket system. Gone are the days of just picking a character; now, you choose one of 30 unique rackets that grant special abilities. These aren’t just cosmetic—they change how you play:

    • Offensive Chaos: The Bullet Bill Racket turns the ball into a high-speed projectile that’s nearly impossible to return from the baseline.
    • Defensive Mastery: The Shadow Racket creates a double of your character, effectively covering twice as much ground.
    • Hazardous Play: Some rackets drop fire bars, volcanoes, or even ink on the opponent’s side to disrupt their positioning.

    The best part? If you’re a purist, you can turn these off for a “Simple Mode” match that relies purely on your slice, lob, and topspin skills.

    A Massive Roster (and Baby Waluigi!)

    Nintendo and Camelot went all out with 38 playable characters, the largest roster in the series’ history. The lineup includes:

    • The Icons: Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser (looking crisp with updated Switch 2 textures).
    • The Newcomers: The community has already fallen in love (or horror) with Baby Waluigi, who makes his debut alongside a full “baby-fied” cast.
    • Special Guests: Characters like Luma and various colours of Shy Guy and Yoshi round out a roster that feels truly “feature-complete.”

    Game Modes: From Towers to Wonder

    There is plenty to do once you finish the initial tutorials:

    1. Adventure Mode: A quirky story where Mario and friends are transformed into babies by mysterious monsters. While the campaign is short (around 3.5 hours), it’s a fun way to unlock characters and rackets.
    2. Trial Towers: A roguelike-lite mode where you climb successive floors of challenges and bosses. This is easily the most replayable solo content in the game.
    3. Mix It Up: This is where the Super Mario Bros. Wonder influence shines. You’ll play on courts featuring “Wonder Effects” that transform the match into a psychedelic, obstacle-filled dream realm.
    4. Online Ranked: A refined competitive system with smoother performance than previous entries, though local 4-player split-screen remains the “soul” of the game.

    At a Glance: Is it Worth the Buy?

    FeatureRatingVerdict
    Visuals8/10Clean 60 FPS, though more of an “ultra-HD” polish than a total revolution.
    Gameplay9/10Fever Rackets add a “fighting game” depth that is incredibly satisfying.
    Solo Content6/10Adventure Mode is a bit too short and tutorial-heavy for some.
    Multiplayer10/10The absolute gold standard for arcade sports games.

    Final Thoughts

    Mario Tennis Fever is a love letter to the GameCube era—wacky, over-the-top, and best played with a group of friends on the couch. While the single-player adventure might leave solo-focused gamers wanting more, the sheer variety of rackets and the massive roster make it an essential early title for any Switch 2 owner.

    Find out more here – https://ninten.do/6002tNB20

    #MarioTennisFever #NintendoSwitch #Mario #Nintendo #NintendoSwitchOnline #GameCube #retrogames #sports #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • From Myth to Motorfest: The Aston Martin Valhalla Has Arrived

    From Myth to Motorfest: The Aston Martin Valhalla Has Arrived

    The gates of O’ahu have just swung open for a new kind of god. As of February 4, 2026, the Aston Martin Valhalla has officially landed in The Crew Motorfest, bringing its Formula 1-inspired DNA to the tropical playground of Hawaii.

    If the Valkyrie was a scream of pure, track-focused insanity, the Valhalla is its more refined, yet equally lethal, younger sibling. Here is everything you need to know about the latest Hypercar to dominate the Summit.

    Performance Specs: The Numbers of a Legend

    In the world of Motorfest, the Valhalla sits comfortably at the top of the Hypercar category. It isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s about the surgical precision of its hybrid powertrain.

    • Engine: 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 + Triple Electric Motors
    • Power: $1,079 \text{ PS}$ (Total Combined Output)
    • 0–100 km/h: 2.5 Seconds
    • Top Speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
    • Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Front-Axle Torque Vectoring

    Why It’s a Game Changer

    What makes the Valhalla stand out in the current meta is its Active Aerodynamics. In Race Mode, the rear wing adjusts dynamically to provide over 600kg of downforce. In-game, this translates to a car that feels “glued” to the asphalt during high-speed technical sections, like the winding roads of the Pali Coast.

    Unlike some tail-happy hypercars, the Valhalla utilises its electric motors for Torque Vectoring, meaning you can get on the power much earlier when exiting corners without losing the rear end.

    How to Get It

    The Valhalla is currently featured in the “When Engineering Becomes Myth” weekly rotation. You can pick it up in two ways:

    1. The Shop: Available for 284,750 CC (Crew Credits) as part of a limited-time bundle.
    2. Customisation: The bundle often includes unique vanities like the Bifrost Voyager Smoke and F1R3 Nitro, perfectly matching the car’s Norse-inspired aesthetic.

    Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Saturday Grand Race modifiers! This week features a “No Collision” modifier specifically for Aston Martin vehicles, making it the perfect time to test the Valhalla’s raw pace without the chaos of a 28-player pile-up.

    Final Verdict

    The Aston Martin Valhalla isn’t just another addition to your garage; it’s a statement. It bridges the gap between the raw power of traditional internal combustion and the instant response of EV technology. Whether you’re chasing a Platinum rank in the Summit or just cruising the Waikiki beachfront, the Valhalla is the new gold standard for sophistication and speed.

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/the-crew/motorfest

    #TheCrewMotorfest #Ubisoft #TheCrew #AstonMartin #Valhalla

    #cars #motorracing #motorsport #driving #racetracks #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Wait for the Ring is Finally Over for Undisputed

    The Wait for the Ring is Finally Over for Undisputed

    If you’ve been itching for a true boxing sim, Undisputed is the first major licensed boxing title in over a decade to finally step into the ring. Whether you’re a technical counter-puncher or a total brawler, this game is aiming to reclaim the throne once held by Fight Night.

    Why it’s making noise right now:

    PS Plus Monthly Game: As of today, February 3, 2026, Undisputed is officially available for PS Plus Essential subscribers! If you’ve been on the fence, now is the perfect time to download it for free and test your chin.

    The Roster: We’re talking 70+ licensed fighters. You can go toe-to-toe as legends like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson, or current kings like Tyson Fury, Canelo Álvarez, and Terence Crawford.

    Authentic Physics: This isn’t an arcade button-masher. With over 60 individual punches, revolutionary footwork mechanics, and a “Loose Movement” toggle, it’s all about stamina management and ring generalship.

    What to expect:

    Deep Career Mode: Start as an amateur and work your way up to becoming the Undisputed Champion.

    Next-Gen Visuals: Realistic facial deformation, progressive sweat, and bone-jarring damage that actually shows as the rounds go on.

    The Verdict: While critics have pointed out some “growing pains” with online stability and AI quirks, the community consensus is clear: it’s the most authentic boxing experience we’ve had in years.

    “Developer Steel City Interactive has finally given boxing fans the simulation they’ve been waiting for since 2011.”

    Are you ready to lace up? Whether you’re on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC, the squared circle is calling.

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

    #Undisputed #BecomeUndisputed #RuletheRing #Boxing #BoxingGame

    #SteelCityInteractive #PLAION #UndisputedChampion #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Wreckfest 2 New Content Update

    Wreckfest 2 New Content Update

    Buckle up, wreckers! Content Update #05 for Wreckfest 2 has officially arrived, and it’s bringing a heavy dose of mud and metal to the track.

    Whether you’re a precision racer or a demolition enthusiast, this update is packed with new ways to cause chaos. Here are the highlights:

    New Rides

    • Grandstar: A classic American minivan. It might look like it’s for school runs, but it’s surprisingly durable for a banger race.
    • Phaser: A sleek, agile Asian coupe that’s perfect for weaving through the carnage—if you can keep it in one piece.

    New Track: Moorfield

    Get ready to get dirty on Moorfield, an open farmfield track with a thick, muddy surface that affects your grip and builds up on your car as the race progresses.

    • Race Route: For those who want to test their sliding skills on a circuit.
    • Crash Route: Features three intersections designed specifically to force head-on collisions.

    Key Feature Updates

    • Challenges: 10 new bite-sized scenarios ranging from quick sprints to brutal derbies.
    • Multiplayer Cup Mode: A new, evolving competitive format for online servers.
    • Crap-it™ Upgrades: The livery tool now supports decal mirroring, grouping, and new fonts to make your rust-bucket look exactly how you want.
    • Enhanced Physics & Audio: Collisions feel heavier, and the new 120Hz force feedback (for DirectInput) makes every bump and grind more immersive.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on the new mud effect—cars now accumulate dirt dynamically based on the surface, making those photo-mode wrecks look even more authentic.

    Find out more here – https://wreckfest2.thqnordic.com

    #Wreckfest2 #CareerMode #motorsports #carracing #cars

    #THQNordic #BugbearEntertainment #sports #driving #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

  • 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

  • Gambonanza is having a Public Playtest now

    Gambonanza is having a Public Playtest now

    Forget everything you know about Grandmasters and silent libraries. Gambonanza, developed by solo indie creator Paul Giovannini (known online as Blukulélé), is what happens when you take the DNA of traditional chess and inject it with the chaotic, addictive energy of Balatro.

    Currently making waves in the indie scene with a public playtest on Steam (January 2026), this “chess roguelike” is a high-stakes reimagining of the world’s oldest strategy game.

    The Concept: Chess, But Broken

    In Gambonanza, you aren’t just trying to checkmate a King; you are trying to survive an onslaught. The game takes place on smaller, “snackable” boards where the stakes are higher and the traditional rules are meant to be bent—or shattered entirely.

    Key Gameplay Features

    • The “Gambit” System: With over 150+ rule-bending Gambits, you can customise your run. Want an army of bishops that can move through walls? Or the ability to make your enemy skip their turn three times in a row? The synergies are the heart of the game.
    • Board Evolution: You don’t just move on the tiles; you upgrade them. You can enchant squares to generate gold, turn them into traps, or add protective “blessings” to your pieces.
    • Dynamic Reserve: Unlike standard chess, you can store extra pieces “off-board” and deploy them at the perfect tactical moment to turn the tide of a losing battle.
    • Boss Challenges: Each run culminates in a face-off against unforgiving bosses that utilise unique, “unhinged” mechanics to test your strategy.

    A Vibe All Its Own

    The game features a vibrant retro pixel-art aesthetic complete with a nostalgic CRT filter, making it feel like a long-lost arcade cabinet from a 90s fairground. Between matches, players can even participate in luck-based mini-games inspired by Pachinko and Gachapon to earn game-changing upgrades.

    Availability & Release

    Originally slated for early 2026, the developer has recently expanded the scope of the project through a partnership with Stray Fawn and Sidekick Publishing.

    • Platforms: Simultaneously launching on PC (Steam) and Mobile (iOS/Android).
    • Next Milestone: A free demo is scheduled for the Steam Next Fest in late February 2026.

    Note: If you’re looking for a serious chess simulator, look elsewhere. Gambonanza is about building the most “broken” strategy possible and seeing how many rules you can snap before the board crumbles around you.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/ZA2cm

    #Gambonanza #chesssimulator #roguelike #Gambits #challenge #competition #StrayFawn #SidekickPublishing #PaulGiovannini #BlukuléléStudio #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • New game update for Trackmania out today

    New game update for Trackmania out today

    Today, January 27, 2026, marks one of the most significant milestones in the franchise’s history. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Trackmania Nations ESWC, Ubisoft Nadeo has released a major update that fundamentally reshapes the game’s competitive landscape and seasonal structure.

    Here is everything you need to know about the Trackmania 2026 Update.

    1. The Winter 2026 Campaign

    The new seasonal campaign has officially launched today, featuring 25 new tracks. However, this season introduces a massive shift in difficulty and purpose:

    • The Arrival of Black Tracks: For the first time, the “Black” difficulty tier (Tracks 21–25) is being used as the official proving ground for professional play.
    • International Identity: These expert-level tracks are visually themed after five countries: China, France, USA, Brazil, and Greece.
    • The Elite Cup: A new in-game competition, the “Elite Cup,” will run throughout the Winter and Spring seasons. Players will compete in 10 “Cups of the Week” on these Black tracks to earn a spot in major global tournaments.

    2. A New Era of Esports

    The biggest news accompanying this update is Trackmania’s entry into the world’s most prestigious stages. With the Trackmania World Tour taking a hiatus in 2026, the focus has shifted to two massive events:

    • Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026: Trackmania has been confirmed as the headline racing title for the EWC in Riyadh this August. 32 players will compete for a staggering $500,000 prize pool—the largest in the game’s history.
    • Esports Nations Cup (ENC): Announced yesterday, Trackmania will also be a core title in this country-vs-country tournament in November, featuring a $250,000 prize pool.

    3. Prestige Skins and Quality of Life

    Beyond the racing, the update brings several community-requested features:

    • Prestige Skins: New evolved car skins have been added, rewarding long-term players and those who achieve high ranks in the seasonal campaigns.
    • Technical Refinements: The update includes optimised startup times and improved graphics settings persistence, fixing long-standing issues with windowed-borderless modes.
    • The Path to Pro: An “open in-game qualifier” system has been integrated, meaning any player, regardless of professional status, can theoretically qualify for Riyadh directly through the game client.

    What’s Next?

    This update isn’t just a seasonal refresh; it’s a “watershed moment” for the community, as described by the Esports World Cup Foundation. By merging casual seasonal play with professional qualification, Nadeo has made the “pursuit of the perfect millisecond” more rewarding than ever.

    Find out more here – https://www.trackmania.com/news/8948

    #Trackmania #TrackmaniaGameUpdate #motorracing #driving #cars #racetracks #Ubisoft #games #gaming #gamers #videogames