TECHMASH

Tag: #ComingSoon

  • From Passion Project to Paris Games Week: The Rise of Secrets of the Burrow

    From Passion Project to Paris Games Week: The Rise of Secrets of the Burrow

    In the fast-paced world of indie development, “moving fast” usually means cutting corners. But for the three-person UK team at FOXBOY Productions, the last six months have been a masterclass in focused, high-octane ambition.

    Without a massive studio infrastructure or a publisher’s safety net, the team has just unveiled a fully playable vertical slice of their debut title, Secrets of the Burrow: Vixoria’s Quest. This 3D platformer isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the golden age of the genre—it’s a bold attempt to rewrite its mechanical DNA.

    Two Heroes, One Seamless Adventure

    At the heart of Vixoria’s Quest is the relationship between the rebellious Princess Vixoria and the begrudgingly loyal Sir Foxalot. While many games treat secondary characters as mere “AI luggage,” FOXBOY has implemented a seamless character-switching system that keeps both heroes relevant at all times.

    Key Traversal Features:

    • Cooperative AI Parkour: When you aren’t controlling one character, they don’t just stand around. The AI follows through complex parkour sequences with fluid, acrobatic intelligence.
    • Distinct Skillsets: Vixoria leads the way with agile, puzzle-solving finesse, while Foxalot brings the heavy-hitting utility needed to survive the fallen Kingdom of Sylvandell.
    • The “Disney” Aesthetic: Visually, the game feels like a 1990s animated classic brought to life in Unreal Engine 5.6, featuring painterly environments that range from waterfall basins to crystalline labyrinths.

    The RPM System: Combat with Momentum

    The standout feature of the vertical slice—and perhaps the game’s “X-factor”—is the RPM Combat System. FOXBOY is pitching this as a “signature” mechanic, unlike anything currently seen in 3D platforming.

    “Combat in Secrets of the Burrow revolves around the innovative RPM system, where maintaining momentum is everything.”

    Inspired by the tension of bullet-hell design, the RPM system requires players to dodge waves of projectiles and build kinetic energy through movement. As Sir Foxalot, you unleash a whirlwind spinning attack. The goal? Build your “RPM” to a fever pitch. If you collide with an obstacle or mistime a move, you lose that momentum. It’s a rhythmic, high-stakes loop of evasion and release that rewards mastery without alienating newcomers.

    The Road to 2027

    The journey from a three-person concept to a standout showcase at Paris Games Week is no small feat. Led by Creative Director Kevin Asla, Programmer Elliot Atkins-Turkish, and Animator Alex Thapar, the team has managed to condense years of “big studio” polish into a six-month development sprint.

    With a target release window of 2027 for PC and consoles, Secrets of the Burrow: Vixoria’s Quest is already proving that a clear vision and a bit of “woodland mischief” can go a long way.

    Want to see it in action? You can already find playtest walkthroughs appearing online, or head over to Steam to add this whimsical adventure to your wishlist.

    For the latest indie spotlights and deep dives into the UK dev scene, stay tuned to TechMash.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3729660

    #SecretsOfTheBurrow #FOXBOYProductions #IndieGame #ActionAdventure #3DPlatformer #CuteGame #UnrealEngine5 #IndieDev #PlatformerGame #PuzzlePlatformer #GameTrailer #ComingSoon

  • The Final Frontier of Flavor: Why You Need to be a Space Chef

    The Final Frontier of Flavor: Why You Need to be a Space Chef

    Tired of the same old farming and life-sim routines? Ready to trade your watering can for a net gun and your farmhouse for a customised space trailer? Then prepare your palate for Space Chef, the cosmic culinary adventure that’s about to blast off and redefine the cooking genre.

    Developed by Blue Goo Games and published by Kwalee, this title is more than just a kitchen simulator; it’s a three-course meal of an adventure, blending restaurant management, a light survival RPG, and a life sim into one wonderfully zany package.

    Hunt, Cook, Deliver: The Core Loop

    The premise is simple yet utterly compelling: you’re an aspiring chef in the Horseshoe Nebula, armed with just a humble space trailer and your Grandma’s cherished cookbook. Your goal? To become the greatest chef in the galaxy and thwart the rise of the evil Galactic Burger chain.

    The gameplay centres on a satisfying loop: Hunt, Cook, and Deliver.

    Phase 1: The Hunt (Survival RPG)

    Forget foraging for mundane carrots. Your first task is to venture out into the great unknown to gather ingredients that are often “surprisingly wriggly.”

    • Explore Alien Worlds: You’ll travel to at least five distinct planets, each with its own bizarre ecosystem. Imagine tracking down ingredients on the scorching desert world of Helios, or navigating the crystalline forests of Crystalia. These alien worlds are teeming with over 180 different creatures and exotic plants.
    • Action and Survival: Not everything is friendly. You’ll need to use your trusty net or a well-placed explosive to collect everything from a delicious-but-aggressive “Snapper” plant to a wriggling “Beefle.” You’ll also collect junk and rare resources to craft upgrades for your gear and spaceship.

    Phase 2: The Cook (Restaurant Management)

    Once you’ve survived the foraging trip, it’s time to get cooking in your personalized space-trailer!

    • Cosmic Creations: With over 100 alien ingredients, you can craft more than 140 delectable dishes. From simple “Beefle Skewers” to the legendary “Octoegg Surprise,” you’ll master a variety of kitchen equipment and, of course, discover your grandmother’s secret, interstellar recipes.
    • Customise Your Diner: Your space-trailer is your restaurant, and you can customise it completely. With over 150 furnishings and decorations, you have the freedom to design the galactic gourmet eatery of your dreams. You can even set your own menu, opening times, and choose your service style, including vegetarian and vegan options.

    Phase 3: The Deliver (Life Sim & Adventure)

    It’s not enough to cook great food—you have to get it to your hungry customers!

    • Navigating the Nebula: Hop on your space scooter and deliver your culinary creations, all while avoiding space hazards and fending off hungry space pirates looking to plunder your “bite-sized booty.”
    • Meeting the Locals: The Horseshoe Nebula is full of eccentric characters, from Zoe the scrap dealer to the “definitely-not-alien” barman Zlurka. Satisfy their unique cravings, take on side quests, and you might even find yourself on the path to romance! Your growing reputation and stellar ambience will draw customers to your sit-in restaurant, or you can keep the delivery service flexible for when adventure calls.

    A Delicious Genre Mash-Up

    What sets Space Chef apart is its ambition. It takes the familiar time-management and crafting mechanics of a cosy life-sim and injects them with a vibrant, 2D open-world action-adventure.

    Whether you’re exploring the jungle planet of Verdania at night to find a specific, rare fungus or frantically serving a queue of intergalactic patrons during the dinner rush, the game promises a diverse and engaging experience. Plus, with local couch co-op, you and up to three friends can share the stress and hilarity of running a stellar food empire together.

    Launching Soon!

    Mark your calendars! Space Chef is scheduled to launch on October 28, 2025, for PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    If your appetite is whetted, be sure to check out the developer, Blue Goo Games, and wishlist the game now. The galaxy’s hungry, chef—it’s time to fire up the grill and show them what cosmic cuisine is all about!

    Space Chef https://bit.ly/spacechefgame

    #SpaceChef #IndieGame #CookingGame #LifeSim #RPGGaming #ComingSoon #BlueGooGames #indiegames #cooking #games #gaming #gamers