TECHMASH

Tag: #EastAfrica

  • Man the Cannons: Skull and Bones Y3S1 “Shattered Seas” Unleashes the Kraken (and the Galleon)

    Man the Cannons: Skull and Bones Y3S1 “Shattered Seas” Unleashes the Kraken (and the Galleon)

    The horizon is looking a lot more crowded. Ubisoft has officially dropped the launch trailer for Skull and Bones: Year 3 Season 1, “Shattered Seas,” and it’s clear they aren’t pulling any punches for the 2026 roadmap.

    If you thought the Indian Ocean was getting quiet, think again. With a massive focus on “Sails of Power,” Year 3 is introducing the kind of heavy-hitting content players have been requesting since day one.

    The Big One: The Galleon Finally Joins the Fleet

    The star of the trailer is undoubtedly the Galleon. As the game’s first true large-scale DPS ship, it brings a terrifying 40 gunports to the water. In a meta that has been dominated by smaller, agile vessels, the Galleon is a floating fortress designed to turn enemy fleets into splinters.

    New Features at a Glance:

    • Mythic Ascension: A new gear tier that allows you to push your favourite weapons and armour beyond previous limits.
    • The Mastery Tree: Over 500 nodes of seasonal progression to fine-tune your captain’s specialisations.
    • World Tier 3: Introducing “Rogue Storms” and “Brutal Tempest” difficulty levels for those who find the high seas a little too calm.

    New Threats: The Dragon and the Deep

    The trailer gives us a glimpse of the new seasonal boss and environmental hazards. We aren’t just fighting rival pirates anymore; the Shattered Seas update introduces dynamic weather patterns that can sink an unprepared ship faster than a broadside volley.

    The introduction of Seasonal Affixes means that elite enemies will now spawn with random buffs—think increased fire damage or reinforced hulls—forcing you to actually look at your loadout before engaging.

    2026: The Year of the Pirate?

    Ubisoft’s commitment to Skull and Bones into 2026 is impressive. Along with the Y3S1 launch, the trailer confirms:

    1. Steam Deck Verification: Play your pirate empire on the go with full optimisation.
    2. The “Junk” & “Fluyt”: Two more ship classes arriving later in the year.
    3. Faction Safeguard: A new defensive game mode to protect your hard-earned manufactories.

    “Year 3 isn’t just about more loot; it’s about more power. The Galleon changes the verticality of naval combat entirely.” — Ubisoft Developer Insight

    Verdict: Is it Time to Set Sail?

    With the Shattered Seas update, Skull and Bones feels like it’s finally hitting its stride. The addition of deeper RPG mechanics through the Mastery Tree and the sheer scale of the Galleon give veteran players a real reason to grind.

    Whether you’re a seasoned Kingpin or a fresh deckhand, Y3S1 is the perfect time to reclaim your territory.

    Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 is live now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Will you be upgrading to the Galleon, or are you sticking with your nimble Brigantine to outrun the new threats? Let us know over on our socials!

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/skull-and-bones

    #SkullandBones #action #adventure #Ubisoft #piracy #navalwarfare #EastAfrica #SoutheastAsia #17thcentury #techmash #n5dave #games #videogames #gamingnews #gamers #gaming

  • Seclusa the casual photography sim has arrived on Steam

    Seclusa the casual photography sim has arrived on Steam

    It’s time to trade in the high-octane action for a telephoto lens and a sunset over the savanna. Studio Niente has officially released Seclusa, their ultra-relaxing wildlife photography simulator, on Steam.

    Launched on February 16, 2026, the game has already garnered a “Very Positive” reception from players looking for a “low-stakes, high-vibes” experience.

    The Vibe: Safari, Simplified

    In Seclusa, you aren’t just a photographer; you’re a guest at a secluded East African safari lodge. Forget about health bars or ticking clocks. This is a point-and-click sandbox designed for unwinding.

    • Hand-Crafted Locations: Explore scenic overlooks near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
    • Dynamic Nature: Photograph wildlife under shifting lighting conditions and weather—from golden hour glows to moody rainstorms.
    • A “Slow Gaming” Experience: There is no “wrong” way to play. Sit by the fire, listen to the ambient sounds of the bush, or spend hours waiting for that perfect shot of a rare animal variant.

    Key Features

    • Upgradable Gear: Earn experience to unlock camera filters, lenses, and specialised abilities like the “Processing Mode” time-of-day slider.
    • Paka the Lodge Cat: Every cosy game needs a mascot. Meet Paka, the friendly resident feline whom you can pet, customise with different fur colours, and even dress in tiny hats.
    • Beyond the Lens: When you aren’t in the field, you can head back to the lodge to solve jigsaw puzzles using the actual photos you’ve taken or collect and trade over 180 unique wildlife cards.
    • The Compendium: Track your sightings and learn about the real-world biology of the animals you encounter, including lesser-known species like the African Wild Cat and the Martial Eagle.

    Launch Details

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Price: $12.99 USD
    • Launch Discount: If you grab it before March 3, 2026, you can snag it at 25% off ($9.74).
    • Steam Deck: The game is verified to run smoothly on Steam Deck, making it the perfect companion for a literal “cosy-up-in-bed” gaming session.

    Developer’s Note: Studio Niente (a two-person indie team) has already begun rolling out post-launch patches to add more wildlife animations and quality-of-life tweaks based on player feedback.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/L1KRf

    #StudioNiente #Steam #Seclusa #wildlifephotographer #safarilodge #EastAfrica #photos #wildlife #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames