TECHMASH

Tag: #FGC

  • Build Your Ultimate Fighter: ‘Poly Fighter’ Hits the Montreal Comic Con Indie Zone This Weekend

    Build Your Ultimate Fighter: ‘Poly Fighter’ Hits the Montreal Comic Con Indie Zone This Weekend

    Get ready to step into the digital ring, Montreal! Local developer HeartLoop Games has officially announced that its highly anticipated debut title, Poly Fighter, will be fully playable at Montreal Comic Con 2026.

    Taking place from July 3–5 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the massive pop-culture celebration is playing host to some of the brightest minds in independent game development—and Poly Fighter is stepping up as a certified heavyweight in this year’s Indie Zone lineup.

    What is Poly Fighter?

    If you haven’t been keeping an eye on this one via Steam, Poly Fighter is a brilliant, single-player roguelike fighting game that completely flips the genre script.

    Instead of picking a veteran warrior who already knows every combo in the book, you start from the absolute bottom. Every time you defeat an opponent in tense, retro-arcade 1v1 duels, you get the chance to learn, adapt, and literally steal or upgrade moves to build your fighter’s style from scratch.

    Whether you want to construct a zoning tactician, a grappling powerhouse, or an aggressive rushdown menace, the game lets you build the ultimate, custom-tailored (and beautifully broken) fighter.

    Why We’re Hyped: It offers a pure, expressive arcade experience built entirely for solo play. No ranked online ladder anxiety, no toxic lobbies—just deep, rewarding systems that appeal to casual players and fighting game veterans alike. Plus, the low-poly 90s aesthetic and snappy animations look absolutely gorgeous in motion.

    Go Check Out HeartLoop Games

    What makes this showcase even sweeter is that HeartLoop Games is a homegrown Montreal studio, founded by a group of industry veterans dedicated to iterative, player-first game design.

    If you are attending the convention this weekend to catch the celebrity panels, the legendary Masquerade cosplay contest, or the comic book guest stars, make sure you take a detour to Floor 2’s gaming area. Head straight over to the Indie Zone, get your hands on the Poly Fighter demo, and meet the incredibly talented local team behind it. Who knows, you might even find your new favourite character (we’re looking at you, Muscle Horse).

    Montreal Comic Con runs from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026. If you can’t make it out to the Palais des congrès this weekend, you can still download the free demo and wishlist the game right now on Steam ahead of its late 2026 launch.

    Find out more here

    #PolyFighter #HeartLoopGames #MontrealComicCon #MTLComicCon #IndieGames #GameDev #FightingGames #FGC #Roguelike #TechMash

  • Speed, Power, and Rice Balls: Bob Rolls Into TEKKEN 8 Season 3 at EVO 2026!

    Speed, Power, and Rice Balls: Bob Rolls Into TEKKEN 8 Season 3 at EVO 2026!

    EVO 2026 in Las Vegas has been absolutely unforgettable. Amidst the roaring crowds and high-stakes drama—where the legendary Arslan Ash put on an absolute masterclass to claim his historic eighth EVO championship title—Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe dropped a bombshell for fighting game fans.

    Get ready to clear the runway, because Bob is officially making his explosive return as the second playable character of TEKKEN 8 Season 3!

    The Return of the “Onigiri Saviour”

    For those who have been following the lore, Robert Richards has been through a lot since we last saw him. After recovering from a brutal assault by Bryan Fury that kept him out of The King of Iron Fist Tournament 7, Bob spent his hospital time dreaming up his own culinary masterpieces. Frustrated by bland hospital food, he created a wildly successful fast-food empire, eventually introducing the smash-hit “Bob’s Onigiri.”

    When Kazuya Mishima’s G Corp descended upon New York, Bob chose to use his food chains to aid those in need during the crisis. Armed with a fierce sense of justice and his self-proclaimed “perfect body,” the freshly dubbed “Onigiri Saviour” is trading his apron back for the battlefield to stop Kazuya and restore balance to the world.

    Check out his official gameplay presentation reveal below:

    Development Insider: Bob’s iconic stances, like United Step and Spinner Ball, are back and fully modernized for TEKKEN 8’s aggressive Heat System. He even brings a skateboard to his intro animations this time around!

    Speed, Power, and the “Perfect Body”

    If you thought Bob might have slowed down, think again. Bandai Namco has confirmed that he retains his iconic, deceptive blend of heavyweight power and lightning-fast agility.

    Here is what you can look forward to when he joins the roster:

    • Grounded Dominance: Bob excels at close-to-mid-range combat, utilising his massive frame for high-damage punishers.
    • Expanded Stances: Classic moves like Langue Washer and Cutting Coppa return, while Spinner Ball has been expanded with new options, including a devastating Heat Engager.
    • Comical, Hard-Hitting Flaunts: True to character, his Heat Smash and Rage Art feature the highly expressive, dynamic, and slightly comical animations fans love.

    Release Dates & Season Pass 3 Lineup

    Mark your calendars! Bob will roll onto the stage in late August:

    • Thursday, 20 August 2026: Early Access for Season Pass 3 holders.
    • Tuesday, 25 August 2026: General release for all players.

    Bob is the second fighter to arrive in Season Pass 3, following the elusive Kunimitsu. He will pave the way for the hefty marsupial Roger Jr. (with a formal trailer promised for EVO France!) and the ultimate guest fighter, Yujiro Hanma from the Baki series.

    Bonus: A New “TEKKEN! CARTOON” Series!

    As if a major character drop wasn’t enough, Bandai Namco also announced a brand-new “TEKKEN! CARTOON” series set to premiere on 10 July 2026. This bite-sized, stylised animated series will feature fan favourites like Paul, Yoshimitsu, Kazuya, Alisa, and Kuma in quick, expressive, and highly addictive under-one-minute episodes.

    TEKKEN 8 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

    Are you ready to main the Onigiri Saviour this August? Let us know your thoughts on Bob’s new look in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Tekken8 #BobTekken #Evo2026 #BandaiNamco #FGC #GamingNews #OnigiriSaviour #ArslanAsh #TekkenSeason3 #UKGaming

  • Classic Pixel Art Meets Rollback Netcode: Art of Fighting 3 R is Coming to Steam!

    Classic Pixel Art Meets Rollback Netcode: Art of Fighting 3 R is Coming to Steam!

    Fighting game fans and retro arcade purists, eat your hearts out. SNK Corporation has officially announced that THE PATH OF THE WARRIOR: ART OF FIGHTING 3 R is officially heading to PC via Steam.

    Dropping as part of SNK’s highly acclaimed NEOGEO Premium Selection label—which has been modernising classic arcade gems with top-tier features—this isn’t just a simple emulate-and-dump port. SNK is giving this 1996 masterpiece a massive glow-up.

    Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming revival of NEOGEO’s most visually stunning, distinct 2D fighter.

    What Does the “R” Stand For?

    When Art of Fighting 3 originally landed in arcades in 1996, it blew minds with its incredibly fluid, motion-captured sprite animation and unique juggle mechanics. It felt less like a traditional 2D fighter and more like a gorgeous, hybrid fighting experience.

    For this modern version, SNK reveals that the “R” stands for three distinct core concepts: Reignite, Retuned, and Revival. It is also a cheeky, well-deserved nod to the series’ iconic main characters, Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia.

    Brand New Content & Massive Gameplay Upgrades

    SNK isn’t just dusting off the old ROM. Art of Fighting 3 R is introducing sweeping changes to cater to both the nostalgic old-school crowd and the demanding modern competitive scene:

    • Two “New” Playable Fighters: In a massive twist, series icons King and Yuri Sakazaki—who were completely absent as playable characters in the original 1996 release—are making their official debut. They’ve been fully integrated with stylish new interpretations.
    • Rollback Netcode: Say goodbye to lag. SNK is implementing full rollback netcode alongside global matchmaking lobbies, making competitive online play seamless, responsive, and ready for tournament play.
    • Complete Rebalancing: Every single character on the roster has received balance adjustments to encourage deeper mind games, stronger defensive manoeuvres, and exciting offensive options.
    • Quality-of-Life Buffs: True to the NEOGEO Premium Selection standard, players can expect a completely revamped Training Mode to perfect those tight frame links, a quick-access VS Mode, Steam achievements, and a Gallery/Jukebox mode to appreciate that flawless 90s SNK pixel art and soundtrack.

    The Verdict: If you love fighting game history, pristine sprite work, or just want to catch people off guard with the game’s classic “Ultimate KO” system in smooth online matchmaking, this is one to wishlist immediately.

    While SNK has yet to announce an official release date or price point for the Steam version, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates. Grab your fight sticks, because South Town is calling again.

    Find out more here

    #ArtOfFighting3R #SNK #NEOGEO #FightingGames #FGC #SteamGaming #RetroGaming #RetroArcade #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Master the Elements: Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Pre-Orders Are Officially Live!

    Master the Elements: Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Pre-Orders Are Officially Live!

    Big news out of EVO! Gameplay Group International and Paramount Games Studio, in collaboration with Avatar Studios, have officially dropped the announcement fans have been waiting for: global pre-orders for AVATAR LEGENDS™: The Fighting Game are now officially live!

    If you have ever wanted to settle the ultimate “who would win” debate between a master airbender and a high-tier firebender using frame data and rollback netcode, your time has come.

    Whether you play on console or PC, the gates to the Four Nations are officially open for early entry:

    • PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: Digital copies are available for pre-order right now directly on the PlayStation®Store and Microsoft Store.
    • PC Players: You can secure your pre-purchase immediately on Steam.

    What to Expect: Expressive Bending Meets Competitive Footsies

    Avatar Legends™: The Fighting Game isn’t just a casual cash-in; it’s a beautifully realised, fast-paced 1v1 2D anime fighter. Boasting over 900 frames of gorgeous, hand-drawn animation per character, the game perfectly honours the aesthetic roots of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.

    Built for both casual fans and hardened EVO veterans, it features a star-studded 12-character launch roster, unique support-character mechanics (yes, you can call in Appa or Momo for an assist), a brand-new canon story mode, and—crucially for the fighting game community—proprietary rollback netcode with full cross-play support at launch.

    Pre-Order Bonuses: Gold Skins and Early Beta Access

    Securing your copy early doesn’t just show your hype—it grants some massive elemental perks:

    • Closed Beta Access: Pre-ordering guarantees your ticket into the upcoming Closed Beta, running from July 2nd to July 5th.
    • Exclusive Cosmetics: Unlock striking gold colour variants for Aang, Korra, Zuko, Katara, Toph, and Sokka.
    • The Ultimate Support Skin: Snag the exclusive Samurai Appa support character skin.

    Go Deluxe for the Year 1 Pass & Community Vote: Players who opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition will receive a digital artbook, the official soundtrack, unique HUDs, and the Year 1 Pass. The pass includes Bolin, Ty Lee, Lin Beifong, and Uncle Iroh.

    Better yet, Deluxe pre-orders grant exclusive access to a Community Vote later this summer to choose the final Year 1 DLC character from a powerhouse shortlist: Amon, Kuvira, King Bumi, Asami, or Tenzin.

    Release Dates and Pricing

    Mark your calendars because the hype train moves fast. AVATAR LEGENDS™: The Fighting Game officially launches digitally on July 23, 2026, for $29.99 / £24.99 (Standard Edition).

    For the collectors out there, a physical edition published by PM Studios is slated to arrive later this year, alongside a highly anticipated Nintendo Switch release.

    Head over to your platform’s storefront, lock in your pre-order, and prepare to master the elements!

    Which character are you maining on day one? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #AvatarLegends #TheFightingGame #EVO2026 #AvatarTheLastAirbender #LegendOfKorra #FGC #GamingNews #PreOrderNow #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox

  • Shadow of the Overlord: SNK Brings NINJA MASTER’S to Steam with Premium Upgrades!

    Shadow of the Overlord: SNK Brings NINJA MASTER’S to Steam with Premium Upgrades!

    Retro fighting game fans, it’s time to dust off your arcade sticks. SNK CORPORATION has officially announced that NINJA MASTER’S: The Scroll of the Ninja Emperor is making its way onto PC via Steam.

    The legendary 1996 weapon-based fighter is making its modern debut under SNK’s coveted NEOGEO Premium Selection label—a dedicated lineup curated by SNK and developed alongside emulation experts Code Mystics to give arcade classics the definitive, modern treatment they deserve.

    If you’ve been waiting to revisit the chaotic, war-torn realm of Jipangu, the wait is almost over. The game is officially available to wishlist on Steam right now for $19.99 / €19.99.

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see it in action:

    What Makes NINJA MASTER’S a Cult Classic?

    Originally hitting arcades in 1996, NINJA MASTER’S stands out as one of the most uniquely stylised and mechanically deep fighters of the NEOGEO era. Set in a dark, fantasy-infused feudal Japan, the game follows 12 fierce warriors—including historical tyrants and legendary shinobi like Sasuke, Kasumi, and the iconic bosses Ranmaru and Nobunaga—clashing for ultimate supremacy.

    The game’s defining mechanic is its seamless real-time weapon switching. At any point during a match, players can toggle between armed and unarmed combat. Pulling out your blade changes your reach, damage, and combo routes completely, demanding quick tactical adjustments mid-fight. Combined with an incredibly open-ended combo system, it remains a hidden gem that fighting game purists swear by.

    Modern Enhancements for the Fighting Game Community

    SNK isn’t just dropping a standard ROM on Steam; the NEOGEO Premium Selection edition is packed with major quality-of-life upgrades tailored for modern competitive play:

    • Rollback Netcode: Say goodbye to lag. The game features fully implemented, buttery-smooth rollback netcode for seamless online matches worldwide.
    • 9-Player Lobbies & Tournaments: Gather the crew. Online lobbies support up to nine players, complete with a built-in Tournament Mode that offers Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and League (Round Robin) formats.
    • A Robust Practice Mode: Perfect your execution with dedicated training tools, including adjustable game speeds to help you learn those intricate, multi-hit combo routes.
    • Bonus Features: Challenge yourself in Time Attack Mode, unlock unique profile icons via Steam Achievements, and browse rare character artwork and design materials in the new Gallery Mode.

    The NEOGEO Premium Selection Keeps Growing

    NINJA MASTER’S marks the latest classic to join SNK’s premium initiative, following the successful Steam releases of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 and World Heroes Perfect. It’s a fantastic era for retro preservation, ensuring these beautifully animated 2D sprites live on with the flawless online matchmaking they always deserved.

    Head over to Steam, hit that Wishlist button, and get ready to choose your style. Will you fight with the blade, or conquer with your bare fists?

    Find out more here

    #SNK #NinjaMasters #NeoGeo #RetroGaming #FGC #SteamGames #FightingGames #ClassicArcade #CodeMystics #PCGaming #TechMash