TECHMASH

Tag: #demogame

  • Swarm Me minimalist survival game is now available on Steam

    Swarm Me minimalist survival game is now available on Steam

    Independent developer KBGS has officially unleashed its minimalist survival hit, Swarm Me, on Steam. Shifting the focus from raw firepower to tactical movement, this arena survival title challenges you to survive not by outgunning the horde, but by outthinking it.

    If you’re a fan of high-octane, “one-more-turn” indie gems, here is why Swarm Me needs to be on your radar.

    Weaponize the Arena

    The core hook of Swarm Me is a refreshing departure from the typical bullet-heaven formula. While you control a small drone, you aren’t just a walking turret. Instead, the arena itself is your greatest asset. The gameplay revolves around kiting swarms of up to 250 enemies into deadly environmental traps and hazards.

    Survival is a “chaotic puzzle” of timing. You have to manage a shared energy pool that powers both your health and your offensive capabilities, forcing you to make split-second decisions: do you spend energy to blast a path through, or save it to tank an inevitable hit?

    Key Features:

    Minimalist Mayhem: A clean, top-down design that prioritises flow and spatial awareness.

    Trap-Based Combat: Use the environment to thin the herd rather than relying solely on weapons.

    Customizable Modes: Choose between pure trap-based survival or “combat-assisted” gameplay with weapons enabled.

    Meta-Progression: A built-in “Bank” system allows you to store points between runs to purchase permanent drone upgrades and buffs.

    Steam Deck Ready: Designed for fast, smooth sessions—perfect for gaming on the go.

    High Stakes, High Rewards

    As the clock ticks, the swarm grows faster, denser, and significantly more aggressive. To survive the escalating waves, you’ll need to hunt for special items and unique one-time-use tools for crowd control. It’s a game of “bait and switch”—luring the drone horde into a choke point before triggering a trap that clears the screen in a satisfying explosion of pixels.

    Availability

    Swarm Me is available now on Steam. To celebrate the launch, KBGS is offering a 10% launch discount, making it the perfect time to jump in and start climbing the global leaderboards.

    Techmash Verdict: If you enjoy the frantic pacing of Vampire Survivors but want a game that rewards movement and environmental strategy over auto-firing builds, Swarm Me is a must-play.

    Find out more here on Stream – https://shorturl.at/f54g4

    #KBGS #SwarmMe #survival #indiedev #pcgaming #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Extreme Forklifting 3 coming to Steam Early Access on April 14th!

    Extreme Forklifting 3 coming to Steam Early Access on April 14th!

    Ready to embrace your inner warehouse worker? Whether you’ve been waiting a decade for the next shift or you’re just looking for the most specific simulation of the year, it’s time to clock in.

    Extreme Forklifting 3 is officially scheduled to drop into Steam Early Access on April 14th, 2026.

    Developed by the indie legend DevM Games—the brilliant mind behind the chaotic Moving Out series and Super Adventure Hand—this third instalment is taking the “Extreme” in its title very seriously. Forget boring industrial parks; we’re heading to a future where humanity is gone and the warehouse keys have been handed over to… giraffes.

    Why You Should Be Excited

    The Extreme Forklifting series has always been a bit of a cult phenomenon. After the first game unexpectedly topped the App Store charts years ago, fans have been clamouring for a modern, high-octane (well, high-propane) sequel.

    Here’s what you can expect when you jump into the driver’s seat this April:

    A World of Giraffes: In this physics-driven 3D platformer, you play as a forklift-certified giraffe. Why? Because the future belongs to those with the longest necks.

    Hybrid Gameplay: You aren’t just stuck behind the wheel. The game features a “hoof-to-wheel” mechanic where you’ll need to hop out of your vehicle to flip switches, navigate conveyor belts, and solve environmental puzzles.

    The Fleet: From nimble 3-wheel electric forklifts for tight corners to heavy-duty propane trucks and even drivable cranes, the variety of machinery is vast.

    Warehouse Fashion: Forget high-vis vests. You can customise your giraffe and your rig with scarves, stickers, spoilers, and rims.

    Early Access Details

    DevM Games is launching in Early Access to fine-tune the “late-game” challenges and expand the vehicle list based on player feedback.

    Pro Tip: If you can’t wait until April 14th, there is a free demo available right now on Steam that includes a taste of the warehouse chaos and a surprisingly stable crane-stacking level.

    Final Thoughts

    It’s been ten years since Extreme Forklifting 2, and the jump in quality is massive. If you enjoy the tactile, slightly frustrating joy of physics simulators like Getting Over It or the quirky charm of Octodad, this belongs on your wishlist.

    Extreme Forklifting 3 launches on Steam Early Access on April 14th. Keep it locked to TechMash for a full review once we’ve earned our certification!

    Find out more here – http://extremeforklifting.com/

    #DevMGames #ExtremeForklifting3 #forkliftoperator #warehouse #3Dsimulator #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Receives Massive “Greed & Glory” Early Access Update

    Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Receives Massive “Greed & Glory” Early Access Update

    The shop doors are open, the lanterns are lit, and the vaults are deeper than ever. Digital Sun and 11 bit studios have officially dropped the first major content update for Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, titled “Greed & Glory.” Since its Early Access debut in late 2025, fans of the merchant-roguelite hybrid have been clamouring for more ways to risk their necks (and their gold). This update delivers exactly that, expanding the 3D world of Tresna with new combat mechanics, punishing challenges, and much-needed shop upgrades.

    Master the Arts of HEX and High-Speed Combat

    The headline addition in this update is the introduction of HEX, a brand-new combat path. Unlike the direct physical prowess of previous builds, HEX allows Will to curse his enemies. This deals delayed, lingering damage that can actually spread to nearby foes—perfect for clearing out those crowded rooms in the deeper biomes.

    For those who prefer a more “run and gun” approach, the update also introduces the Blo-Blitz dual guns. You’ll need to complete a specific quest starting in Prison 2 to unlock the crafting recipe, but once you do, you’ll have access to some of the fastest, most mobile combat the sequel has seen yet.

    Step Into the Greed Colosseum

    If you think you’ve mastered the current dungeons, the Greed Colosseum is here to humble you. This is a new wave-based challenge mode that unlocks after defeating a biome boss.

    Escalating Difficulty: Face waves of enemies and mini-bosses.

    Higher Stakes: The further you go, the better the rewards, including legendary relics and rare boss materials.

    Risk vs. Reward: It pushes the “Moonlighter” philosophy to the limit—know when to cash out, or lose it all.

    Shopkeeping and “The 5th Key”

    It wouldn’t be Moonlighter without the hustle. The update expands the narrative with the 5th Key, continuing the mystery of the Endless Vault. Back in town, the shopkeeping experience has been deepened with:

    Shop Cosmetics: Ten new visual customisation options to make your storefront stand out.

    Expanded Skill Trees: New perks for the Witch (focusing on survivability) and K33P3R (improving shop utility).

    New Armor: The Nimbus Regalia adds a strategic twist—it grants a shield that, when broken, gives you a temporary 20% damage buff.

    Technical Polish & Steam Deck Love

    Digital Sun has been vocal about “going beyond the checklist” for Steam Deck optimisation. This patch includes a significant pass on stuttering and performance, ensuring that the transition from 2D pixel art to 3D isometric environments remains buttery smooth on handhelds.

    At a Glance: What’s New?

    New Combat Path: HEX (Damage-over-time and chain reactions).

    New Weapon: Blo-Blitz dual guns.

    New Mode: Greed Colosseum (Wave-based survival).

    Content: 20 new combat rooms and 10 shop cosmetics.

    Narrative: The 5th Key storyline expansion.

    Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is currently in Early Access on PC, with a full 1.0 release planned for later in 2026 across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Find out more here – http://re.11bits.com/4b5

    #DigitalSun #11bitstudios #Moonlighter2TheEndlessVault #Moonlighter2 #SteamEarlyAccess #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Sous Raccoon now features three of its planned four stages in Early Access

    Sous Raccoon now features three of its planned four stages in Early Access

    The kitchen is heating up! Novice Flow and Rising Tide Publishing have officially rolled out the “Wild Offering” update for Sous Raccoon, marking a major milestone in the game’s journey through Steam Early Access. With the addition of Stage Three, the chaotic culinary roguelike is now roughly 75% of the way to its highly anticipated 1.0 release.

    Welcome to the Enchanted Wilds

    The headline feature of this update is the introduction of Stage Three: The Enchanted Wilds. This isn’t just a new coat of paint; it’s the largest and most complex map added to the game yet. Set in a deep, ancient forest filled with tribal secrets, players will have to navigate more than just hungry customers and angry monsters.

    New Mechanics to Master:

    The Offering System: A high-stakes risk/reward mechanic. Players must honour a sacred statue with offerings. Neglect the spirits, and you’ll be slapped with a nasty curse; stay in their good graces, and you’ll earn powerful blessings to help survive the rush.

    Dimensional Holes: New teleportation points allow for quick shortcuts across the kitchen, but they can just as easily lead you into an ambush if you aren’t careful.

    Crumble Platforms: Stationary play is a death sentence here. These platforms vanish if you stand on them for too long, forcing Elmo the raccoon to stay light on his paws.

    New Faces in the Kitchen

    To help tackle the escalating difficulty, the update introduces two new Assistants that players can unlock and upgrade in the lobby:

    Mary (The Possum Mother): Designed as a reliable “meta” pick, Mary offers a versatile skill set that balances out the chaos of the later levels.

    Johny (The Bat Farmer): The go-to for players looking to maximise their economy. Johny specialises in gold-heavy strategies, making those expensive upgrades a bit easier to stomach.

    Of course, the pantry isn’t the only thing growing. Three new monster types—the Runner (Blueberry Clam), the Mage (Mage Squid), and the Caster (Wheat Mudskipper)—have joined the fray to ensure your customers never have a peaceful meal.

    The Road to 1.0

    With three out of the four planned stages now live, Novice Flow is laser-focused on the finish line. The developers have confirmed that the game is on track for a full 1.0 release in Q1 or Q2 of 2026.

    What’s next on the roadmap?

    A New Weapon System: Currently in active development and slated for the next major update.

    Stage Four: The final environment is currently in the design phase.

    Co-op Mode: The team is deep in R&D for a cooperative mode, aiming to ship it before the 1.0 launch to truly test the limits of your friendships.

    “Our team is fully dedicated to this project, and we guarantee that we will deliver the complete game as promised,” says the Novice Flow team. “The remaining time will be used to finish the final stage and add that last layer of polish.”

    Why You Should Play Sous Raccoon

    If you haven’t jumped in yet, Sous Raccoon is a unique blend of Overcooked-style chaos and Hades-style progression. You play as Elmo, a raccoon sous chef working under a literal Viking “Chef” with a hair-trigger temper. Your job? Serve food, defend your customers from monsters, and—if a customer unfortunately meets their end—dispose of the evidence before the health inspector (or the Chef) notices.

    Sous Raccoon is available now in Early Access on Steam.

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

    #NoviceFlow #RisingTidePublishing #SousRaccoon #roguelike #cookingmayhem #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • The New Frontier: Why “Mine or Burn” is Redefining Space Strategy

    The New Frontier: Why “Mine or Burn” is Redefining Space Strategy

    The incremental gaming genre has always been about the slow burn—watching numbers go up, unlocking the next tier of efficiency, and idling your way to greatness. But a new contender, Mine or Burn, has just hit the scene, and it’s effectively throwing a thermal detonator into that peaceful loop.

    The Core Loop: Beyond the Click

    At first glance, Mine or Burn gives you the familiar comfort of resource management. You start with a modest mining colony on a barren moon, extracting Helium-3 and Silicates. However, the “Incremental” tag is a bit of a Trojan horse.

    The game introduces a dual-resource economy that creates a constant state of tension:

    The Mine Path: Focusing on infrastructure, deep-core drills, and long-term sustainability.

    The Burn Path: Investing in propulsion and orbital weaponry to “reset” the progress of competitors in your sector.

    Why It’s a “High-Stakes Space Race”

    What sets Mine or Burn apart from games like AdVenture Capitalist or Cookie Clicker is the Global Heat Map. Every upgrade you purchase increases your thermal signature.

    If you mine too aggressively, you become a bright red dot on the radar of every other player. In a brilliant twist on prestige mechanics, “Burning” isn’t just a metaphor—you can literally sacrifice your own current progress to launch a kinetic strike on a leading player, stealing a percentage of their lifetime earnings to fuel your next “reincarnation.”

    “In Mine or Burn, your greatest asset isn’t your fleet of drones; it’s your ability to stay under the radar until you’re too big to fail.”Strategic Depth: The Tech Tree

    The game features a branching tech tree that feels more like a 4X strategy game ($e.g.$, Stellaris) than a simple idler.

    The Verdict

    Mine or Burn succeeds because it taps into the primal urge to compete. It takes the “number goes up” satisfaction of an incremental game and adds the “don’t touch my stuff” adrenaline of a multiplayer battler. It’s stressful, addictive, and visually striking with its minimalist, radar-style interface.

    Whether you’re a patient optimiser or a chaotic disruptor, the race for the galactic core is officially on. The only question is: will you leave behind a legacy of industry, or a trail of stardust?

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

    #HeavyPepper #MineorBurn #scifi #miningship #starsystem #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Fresh Out of the Oven: Pizza Slice Tosses onto PC This March

    Fresh Out of the Oven: Pizza Slice Tosses onto PC This March

    Attention all carb-connoisseurs and management sim fans! If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your desk job for a life of kneading dough and outsmarting the culinary mafia, your time has come. Pizza Slice, the charming and slightly chaotic pizzeria management simulator from Quest Craft and Gaming Factory, is officially making its way to PC.

    After a successful demo run that left players hungry for more, the full game is scheduled to launch on Steam on March 13, 2026.

    More Than Just a Cooking Sim

    Pizza Slice isn’t just about clicking a button to “make pizza.” It’s a love letter to 1960s-inspired New York culture, putting you in the shoes of Tonio, a young entrepreneur determined to restore his grandfather Stefano’s legacy.

    You’ll have to master every aspect of the business:

    Manual Craftsmanship: Knead the dough, chop fresh ingredients, and carefully balance toppings.

    Business Management: From cleaning the floors to shopping for supplies at the local bazaar, the success of the shop rests on your shoulders.

    The “Buzz”: Expand your seating, upgrade your kitchenware, and deal with the frantic energy of a lunch rush where three orders are already waiting and you’ve just run out of tomato sauce.

    A Dash of Humour and a Pinch of Danger

    Running a business in a romanticised NYC isn’t all sunshine and pepperoni. You’ll have to contend with:

    The Culinary Mafia: Mobsters roam the city, and while they might look intimidating, they were friends of your grandfather and might offer “favours” in exchange for a few side missions.

    Salty Rivals: Competitors will try to sabotage you with stink bombs or promote their shops right in front of your door.

    Health Inspections: One phone call can lead to a surprise sanitation check—keep those counters sparkling!

    Whether you want to follow the secret family cookbook or experiment with fish and pesto to see if the customers will bite, Pizza Slice looks to be the cosy (and occasionally sweaty) simulation we need this spring.

    Grab your apron—Tonio and his lazy cousin Alfonso are waiting for you at the table!

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

    #PizzaSlice #QuestCraft #GamingFactory #UltimateGames #food #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • The Countdown is On: Forge Your Fate in ‘Valor of Man’ This March

    The Countdown is On: Forge Your Fate in ‘Valor of Man’ This March

    If you’ve been scouring Steam for your next tactical obsession, keep your eyes on March 19, 2026. That is the day Legacy Forge and Numskull Games officially drop Valor of Man, a dark fantasy turn-based RPG that has been generating some serious heat during recent Steam Next Fests.

    Part Divinity, part Slay the Spire, and entirely brutal, this roguelite is aiming to prove that the “one more run” itch is just as strong in a party-based RPG format.

    What is Valor of Man?

    Set in a realm fractured by “ruin and revelation,” you lead a party of four champions against the Perpetual Cycle. While many roguelites focus on a single protagonist, Valor of Man puts the emphasis on squad synergy. You aren’t just clicking attack; you’re orchestrating a four-person dance of death across a grid-based battlefield.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    12 Hero Classes: From the heavy-hitting Berserker to the squishy but essential mages, you’ll have a dozen distinct classes to mix and match.

    The Reaction Mechanic: This is the game’s secret sauce. Every attack you make can trigger an enemy reaction, meaning positioning isn’t just about where you start your turn, but where you’ll end up after the enemy counters.

    Insane Variety: The full release promises 300+ abilities, 290 items, and 170 artefacts. With procedurally generated chapters, no two runs will feel the same.

    Steam Deck Ready: Great news for handheld fans—Legacy Forge has confirmed full controller support and Steam Deck optimisation for Day 1.

    “A grand RPG combat loop condensed into runs you can finish in a sitting.” — Legacy Forge

    Can Your Rig Handle the Valor?

    Despite its deep tactical layers and refreshed 3D hero models, Valor of Man is surprisingly lean on your storage.

    The Verdict So Far

    Early impressions from the February demo have been “Very Positive.” Players are praising the “reaction” system for adding a layer of chess-like strategy to the typical RPG formula. If you’re a fan of high-fantasy settings with a macabre twist, this needs to be on your wishlist.

    Valor of Man launches March 19th on PC via Steam.

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

    #LegacyForge #NumskullGames #ValorofMan #Fantasy #RPG #Roguelite #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • A New Breed of Hunger: Famished Demo Now Live on Steam and Itch.io

    A New Breed of Hunger: Famished Demo Now Live on Steam and Itch.io

    If you’ve been craving a horror experience that’s a little more “grotesque indie” and a little less “jump-scare factory,” it’s time to eat. British indie dev SlaughterWare—the mind behind the legendary The Insanity flash series—has officially unleashed the first playable demo for Famished.

    Set in the bleak, sun-baked sprawl of suburban Kansas, Famished isn’t just a game about being scared; it’s a descent into a very specific, very messy kind of madness.

    The Story: Meet Oatmeal Clutterbuck

    You play as Oatmeal, a bullied and intellectually impaired teenager living a life that was already pretty grim before the “guest” arrived. That guest is Whisperguts, an alien parasite that has taken up residence inside Oatmeal’s torso.

    As the parasite feeds, Oatmeal begins to feel a hunger that “normal” food can’t touch. You’ll navigate a world that feels like a distorted memory of the 90s, where the line between being a victim and becoming a predator starts to blur in the most cannibalistic way possible.

    What to Expect in the Demo

    The demo covers the opening chapter of Oatmeal’s transformation. Here’s what’s cooking:

    • Retro Vibes: The game uses a low-poly, PS1-style aesthetic that leans into the “uncanny valley” of early 3D horror.
    • Experimental Gameplay: Expect more than just walking and hiding. The demo features surreal mini-games, environmental puzzles, and a focus on psychological tension over traditional combat.
    • Dark Humour: In true SlaughterWare fashion, the horror is seasoned with a layer of pitch-black, surreal comedy. Think Stephen King meets Shenmue, but with significantly more viscera.
    • Cinematic Flair: Despite its indie roots, the game prioritises a cinematic feel with scripted sequences and a heavy, “80s-edge” soundtrack.

    “What begins as a simple, gnawing appetite slowly mutates into something far more disturbing… something else is feeding.” — SlaughterWare

    Why You Should Play It

    SlaughterWare (aka EvilKris) has been in the horror game for over 15 years. If you grew up playing high-effort Flash horror on NewGrounds, you know this developer understands how to build a lingering sense of dread without relying on cheap tricks. Famished feels like a passion project that’s been festering (in the best way) for a long time.

    How to Play

    The demo is free to download right now. The full game is slated for an Autumn 2026 release, so this is your chance to get in on the ground floor of the nightmare.

    Have you braved the Kansas suburbs yet? Let me know in the comments if Whispergut got the better of you!

    Find out more here on Steam –

    #SlaughterWare #Famished #psychological #StephenKing #SilentHill #PS2 #survival #horror #demogame #Steam #itchio #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The straw, the sticks, and the bricks are ready—but is your team? WakaStudio are thrilled to announce that the Pigs and Wolf Public Demo is officially LIVE for the February 2026 Steam Next Fest!

    From February 23 to March 2, you can jump into our fresh, cooperative spin on the classic “Three Little Pigs” tale. Forget everything you knew about the bedtime story; this is a race for survival on four wheels.

    Build, Drive, Survive

    In Pigs and Wolf, you don’t just build a house; you build a moving wagon home. You and your friends must work together to fortify your mobile base while navigating a whimsical yet dangerous fantasy world.

    What to expect in the demo:

    • Co-op Chaos: Team up with friends in online co-op to manage resources and defenses.
    • Day/Night Cycle: Use the sunlight to gather materials and upgrade your wagon. When night falls, the wolf comes knocking.
    • Physics-Based Building: Every piece of your house matters. Dynamic destruction means one wrong move could leave you exposed!
    • A Moving Journey: You aren’t just sitting ducks. Navigate your house through unpredictable terrain to find your way back to the safety of the village.

    Event Details

    • What: Steam Next Fest February 2026 Edition
    • When: February 23 – March 2
    • Where: Available for free on our Steam Store Page

    The Developers Want Your Feedback!

    This demo is a huge milestone for the WakaStudio, and they want to hear from you. Whether it’s a bug you found or a feature you loved, your feedback helps us make the full game even better.

    “We wanted to create a multiplayer experience where fun is everything. Seeing players try to keep their wagon together while a wolf is literally huffing and puffing at their door is exactly the kind of joy we aim for.” — The WakaStudio Team

    Don’t wait until the wolf is at the door! Download the demo today, and if you enjoy the experience, add the game to your Steam Wishlist to stay updated on our journey toward full release.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/x99af

    #PigsAndWolf #WakaStudio #demogame #steamnextfest #survival #building #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #playabledemo #wolf

  • Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    The heavens are about to get a lot more crowded—and a lot more chaotic. If you’ve been tracking SoulQuest, the high-octane 2D hack-and-slash from SoulBlade Studio, it’s time to sharpen your blade. As part of the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, a brand-new demo has dropped, and it’s finally giving us a taste of what the game’s title truly promises: a chance to fight the gods.

    A Widow’s Wrath Against Celtic Myth

    SoulQuest follows the story of Alys, a knight whose world is shattered when her husband, Gwydre, is taken by the gods. Refusing to accept a “divine verdict,” Alys embarks on a relentless journey through a world steeped in Celtic mythology. Her goal? To tear her husband’s soul back from the hands of Morrigan, the Goddess of Death.

    While previous builds showcased the game’s fluid movement, this latest demo takes the stakes to a celestial level.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    This isn’t just a rehash of old levels. SoulBlade Studio and publisher indie.io have packed this version with significant updates designed to test your mastery of their “stylish action” system:

    • The First God Boss Fight: For the first time, players can go toe-to-toe with a divine adversary. This encounter is designed to be the ultimate skill check, demanding precision parries and perfectly timed aerial combos.
    • A Brand-New Zone: Explore a lore-rich environment that takes place shortly after the game’s opening. It features new enemy types and tighter platforming challenges that bridge the gap between “traversal” and “combat.”
    • Stylish Combat Ranks: Taking a page from the Devil May Cry playbook, the demo introduces SS and SSS ranks. Chaining together diverse attacks, magic abilities, and ultimates is the only way to reach the top.
    • Dynamic Music: The soundtrack now reacts to the intensity of your performance, shifting as you transition from basic mobs to the epic boss encounter.

    Precision Platforming Meets 2D Mayhem

    What sets SoulQuest apart from your average Metroidvania is its focus on expressive combat. Alys isn’t just a tank in heavy armour; she’s incredibly mobile. The demo highlights her ability to use vertical surfaces for sliding and wall-jumping, which are just as vital for outmanoeuvring a god’s AOE attack as they are for finding hidden secrets in the environment.

    The pixel art is another standout. The “forgotten island” setting feels moody and oppressive, yet the combat animations are crisp and vibrant, making every slash of Alys’s sword feel impactful.

    How to Play

    The SoulQuest demo is live right now on Steam as part of Next Fest (running through March 2nd, 2026). With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release on PC and Nintendo Switch, this is likely the most polished look we’ll get before launch.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the “Abanus Wardrobe” feature in the demo—it’s a great way to customise Alys’s appearance and pets while you’re busy defying the afterlife.

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

    #SoulQuest #Kickstarter #2Daction #hackandslash #SoulBladeStudio #demogame #SteamNextFest #IndieFanFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • 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/

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  • 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