Tag: #Gameplay

  • Villainy is Survival: Corefun Studios Unveils Solar Echoes: Star Fated

    Villainy is Survival: Corefun Studios Unveils Solar Echoes: Star Fated

    The universe of Solar Echoes is expanding, but this time, you aren’t the hero. Corefun Studios has officially pulled back the curtain on its latest project, Solar Echoes: Star Fated, a top-down 2D open-world space Action-RPG that flips the script on traditional sci-fi adventures.

    Announced this week with a gritty debut trailer, Star Fated places players in the cockpit of a ship commanded by Asteron, a ruthless criminal who has just pulled off the heist of a lifetime. The catch? You aren’t just running from the law; you’re running from everyone.

    A Galaxy of Enemies

    In Star Fated, the “hero” is a hunted man. After stealing a mysterious alien artefact, Asteron finds himself in the crosshairs of every major power in the galaxy:

    The Black Stars: A powerful and vengeful crime syndicate.

    The Union Guard: The intergalactic law enforcement keeping the peace.

    Pirates & Bounty Hunters: Freelancers looking for the massive price on your head.

    Perhaps most interestingly, the danger isn’t just outside the hull. Your crew of six aliens was hired under false pretences—they don’t know who you really are yet. As the truth emerges, you’ll have to manage a crew that fears you as much as they rely on you for survival.

    Key Gameplay Features

    Corefun Studios is moving away from the visual novel style of The Star Legation and leaning into high-octane, real-time tactical combat inspired by classics like Starflight.

    Real-Time Ship Combat: Engage in top-down dogfights where your piloting skills are just as vital as your ship’s loadout.

    Deep Customisation: With over 750 equipment items, players can overhaul weapons, shields, engines, and armour using loot and scrap salvaged from destroyed enemies.

    A Living World: The galaxy reacts to your villainy. Raid a supply ship, and you’ll see those goods disappear from local stations. Your actions are tracked via news broadcasts, and NPC encounters branch based on your reputation.

    No Hand-Holding: Taking a cue from retro RPGs, there are no quest markers over NPCs. You’ll need to explore, listen, and piece together clues to find your next objective.

    “Star Fated is Asteron’s origin story — and the first time players get to experience the Solar Echoes universe from the criminal’s side.” — Andy Mitchell, Lead Developer at Corefun Studios.

    Release Outlook

    While the game is currently in early development, Corefun Studios has confirmed a target release window for late 2027 or early 2028. The title is slated for PC (Steam) and PS5, with a projected price point of £16.99 / $19.99.

    For fans of the Solar Echoes tabletop RPG or those who just want to see if they’re “bad enough to survive,” Star Fated is shaping up to be a unique, character-driven entry into the space RPG genre.

    You can wishlist Solar Echoes: Star Fated on Steam now to stay updated on its progress.

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

    #CorefunStudios #SolarEchoesStarFated #StarFated #SolarEchoes #IndieGame #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Skytail comes to Meta Quest Headsets On March 26th

    Skytail comes to Meta Quest Headsets On March 26th

    As we approach the end of March, the VR landscape is about to get a whole lot more majestic. Today, Coatsink (the team behind Jurassic World: Aftermath and Gang Beasts) has officially confirmed that their highly anticipated aerial adventure, Skytail, is launching on Meta Quest headsets on March 26th, 2026.

    If you’ve ever wanted to trade the rainy UK streets for a flight through the clouds on the back of a legendary bird, this is your ticket.

    The Story: A High-Flying Rescue Mission

    In Skytail, you live a peaceful existence among the clouds alongside your birdlike companion. However, that peace is shattered when “corrupted fiends” invade your home and steal your Skytail’s offspring.

    It’s a classic rescue setup, but with a vertical twist. You aren’t just a passenger; you are a protector. To get the youngsters back, you’ll need to master ancient telekinetic powers to fend off enemies and navigate the treacherous floating islands of this vibrant world.

    Telekinesis Meets Gesture Control

    What makes Skytail stand out in the crowded Quest library is its focus on gesture-based telekinesis. Instead of just pressing buttons, you’ll use elegant hand movements to:

    Crush and Tear: Rip apart enemy machines or creatures mid-air.

    Hurl Projectiles: Catch incoming fire and throw it back at the source for maximum impact.

    Interact with the World: From feeding your companion to solving environmental puzzles, the telekinetic gameplay feels like a natural extension of your hands.

    Supported Headsets

    The game is hitting the ground (or rather, the sky) running with support for the entire current Meta ecosystem:

    Meta Quest 3 & 3S (Optimised for the latest hardware)

    Meta Quest 2

    Meta Quest Pro

    “We’ve created a charming world for players to explore and a bunch of fun powers that really make the most of VR. Throwing monsters around is instantly satisfying!” — Richard Snowdon, Coatsink CEO

    Why You Should Be Excited

    Coatsink has a reputation for polished, personality-driven VR experiences. Early trailers suggest a visual style that is both “adorable” and “grand,” balancing the high-stakes action of aerial combat with the quiet moments of bonding with your mount.

    With the release date set for March 26th, you only have a few days left to clear some space in your “VR room” (and maybe warn the cat) before taking to the skies.

    Are you ready to harness the power of the ancients? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be picking this up on launch day!

    Find out more here – https://coatsink.com/games/skytail

    #coatsink #skytail #vrgames #meta #flying #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Scrubbing the Stars: Cleaner Company Brings Sci-Fi Sanitation to PC

    Scrubbing the Stars: Cleaner Company Brings Sci-Fi Sanitation to PC

    Move over, PowerWash Simulator—there’s a new mess in town, and it’s light-years away. Cleaner Company, the highly anticipated sci-fi co-op cleaning sim from developer Wildflame Studio and publisher Mythwright, has officially been announced for a 2026 release on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

    If you’ve ever looked at a derelict space station in a horror movie and thought, “Someone really needs to mop up that alien goo,” this is the game for you.

    Mops, Monsters, and Zero-G

    In Cleaner Company, you play as a member of the “Star Wipers,” an elite (and perhaps slightly underpaid) sanitation crew tasked with tidying up the messiest corners of the cosmos. Whether it’s an abandoned space station, an unexplored planet, or a ruined intergalactic restaurant, no job is too grisly for your mop.

    Key Features to Expect:

    4-Player Co-op: Join forces with up to three friends to tackle massive cleanup jobs. Teamwork is essential—especially when one of you is scrubbing the floors and the other is watching for “biological hazards.”

    Physics-Based Chaos: Managing debris and liquid spills is tricky enough on Earth, but doing it in low-gravity environments adds a whole new layer of tactical challenge.

    Hazardous Duty: You aren’t just cleaning up spilt coffee. You’ll be disposing of the “corpses of your predecessors” and dealing with dangerous lifeforms that haven’t quite vacated the premises yet.

    High-Tech Tools: Use an arsenal of specialised sci-fi gear to scrub, repair, and restore these environments. Collecting resources allows you to upgrade your equipment for even tougher jobs.

    A Mix of Zen and Survival

    While the core gameplay offers that “oddly satisfying” zen feeling we love from simulation games, Cleaner Company injects a healthy dose of survival horror and environmental storytelling. As you clear away the grime, you’ll uncover clues about what happened to the previous inhabitants—and why they left such a bloody mess behind.

    “Star Wipers, ready your mops! Start by tidying away the corpses of your predecessors.” — Official Game Description

    Release Details

    Cleaner Company is slated for a 2026 launch. While we don’t have a specific date just yet, the game is already making waves with its atmospheric trailer and a “Prologue” version that has given early players a taste of the cosmic janitor life.

    Techmash Verdict: If you love the co-op chaos of Lethal Company but wish there was more “cleaning up the evidence” involved, keep this one on your radar.

    Find out more here – https://mythwright.com/games/cleaner-company

    #CLEANERCOMPANY #DeepSpaceCoopCleaningSim #scifi #mythwright #WildflameStudio #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Duck Side of the Moon launching on PC & Nintendo Switch in May

    Duck Side of the Moon launching on PC & Nintendo Switch in May

    Move over, Neil Armstrong—there’s a new explorer in town, and he’s significantly more aerodynamic. Dutch indie studio Starbrew Games has officially announced that their cosy space adventure, Duck Side of the Moon, is set to launch on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and Nintendo Switch on May 7th, 2026.

    If you’ve ever felt like the daily grind was getting a bit too “heavy,” this game is designed to be the perfect counterweight. You play as Doug, an overworked duck astronaut who, after a mission goes sideways, finds himself crash-landed in a whimsical, neon-soaked corner of the galaxy.

    A Galaxy Built on Vibes

    Forget the high-stakes survival horror often associated with space; Duck Side of the Moon is all about the “cosy.” Your main objective? Turning a literal crash site into a home.

    The planet Doug lands on isn’t just a hunk of rock—it’s inhabited by Geodes, a race of sentient, disco-loving rocks who live to boogie. To get your ship back into the stars, you’ll need to help these chatty pebbles rediscover their groove through wholesome quests and exploration.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    Waddle & Fly: Explore a vibrant open world at your own pace—no timers, no stress.

    Space DIY: Mine rare minerals in glowing caves to craft gadgets and upgrade your ship.

    Customisation: Turn your spaceship into a sanctuary with couches and even basketball hoops. Plus, you can dress Doug in a variety of silly outfits and hats.

    The Quack Button: Yes, there is a dedicated button to quack at the local wildlife (and disco rocks).

    Why It’s On Our Radar

    Developed by a team of six graduates from the Netherlands, Duck Side of the Moon has already made waves in the indie scene. The Steam demo currently boasts a 100% “Very Positive” rating, with players praising its chilled-out atmosphere and charming art style. It’s a heartfelt story about finding a home and the importance of taking a break—something we could all probably use.

    “Maybe this break is exactly what Doug needs!” — Starbrew Games

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re looking to lounge on your sofa with the Nintendo Switch or explore on PC, you won’t have to wait long.

    If you can’t wait until May, the free demo is still available on Steam to give you a taste of the first island. It’s time to get your ducks in a row (or at least one duck in a spaceship).

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

    #StarbrewGames #DuckSideoftheMoon #spaceship #astronaut #moonlanding #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • In Their Shoes the mumblecore narrative game  launches on Steam

    In Their Shoes the mumblecore narrative game launches on Steam

    Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes RPGs or fast-paced shooters, sometimes the most compelling stories are the ones that happen in the quiet moments between the chaos. Today, independent Milanese studio We Are Muesli officially launches In Their Shoes, a “mumblecore” narrative game that trades grand quests for the intimate, messy, and beautiful reality of everyday life.

    Set against the backdrop of contemporary Milan, In Their Shoes invites you to step into the lives of seven different characters across 49 interactive “Moments.” Here is why this indie gem should be on your radar today.

    What is “Mumblecore” Gaming?

    Inspired by the film subgenre of the same name, mumblecore games focus on naturalistic acting, dialogue-heavy narratives, and the subtle nuances of interpersonal relationships. In In Their Shoes, the focus isn’t on saving the world—it’s about navigating a tense conversation with a boss, reconnecting with an old friend, or the quiet anxiety of a phone call to a partner.

    Key Features:

    7 Characters, 49 Moments: Each “Moment” lasts about five minutes, making it perfect for bite-sized play sessions or a deep-dive binge.

    The Timeline Puzzle: The story is a “fragmented diary.” You’ll need to collect biographical keywords and use narrative clues to reconstruct the overarching timeline across four seasons.

    Real-Time Stakes: While much of the game moves at your own pace, certain moments—like a goodbye as train doors are closing—feature timed choices that heighten the emotional tension.

    Stereotype Breaking: The game gently challenges assumptions around gender, culture, and lifestyle, offering a grounded look at identity in a modern city.

    Lo-Fi Atmosphere: Featuring a combinatory original soundtrack by Nicolò Sala (Wheels of Aurelia), the game’s aesthetic is built around presence and empathy rather than spectacle.

    Why You Should Play It

    In Their Shoes was an A MAZE. nominated project, and for good reason. It’s a rare type of game that rewards you for paying attention to the “small stuff.” By unlocking deeper inner thoughts for each character, you can revisit earlier moments with a new perspective, revealing how hidden motivations shape the choices we make.

    If you’re looking for a narrative experience that feels honest, human, and distinctively “now,” this is it.

    Availability

    In Their Shoes is available starting today, March 18, 2026, on Steam for Windows and Mac. To celebrate the launch, there is a limited-time discount, so it’s the perfect time to grab it for your collection.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/J5x3E

    #WeAreMuesli #InTheirShoes #mumblecore #narrativegame #Steam #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters — New System Trailer Breaks Down the “Super Action Soccer” Mechanics

    Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters — New System Trailer Breaks Down the “Super Action Soccer” Mechanics

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has just blown the whistle on a brand-new system trailer for CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS, and it’s looking like a total evolution of the arcade soccer formula we loved in Rise of New Champions.

    Developed by the team at TAMSOFT CORPORATION, this sequel is doubling down on the “Super Action Soccer” identity, trading realistic physics for the high-octane, gravity-defying spectacle of the classic anime and manga.

    What’s New on the Pitch?

    The latest trailer gives us a deep dive into the evolved battle system. Forget basic passes and headers; World Fighters is all about resource management, timing, and cinematic flair. Here are the core mechanics highlighted in the reveal:

    Max Actions: These are high-risk, high-reward power moves designed to dominate exchanges. Whether you’re on the offensive or defensive, a well-timed Max Action can completely change the momentum of a drive.

    The Chain System: Success breeds success. By stringing together successful dribbles, passes, and special actions, you build momentum that amplifies your shot power and significantly increases your charge speed.

    Super Moves: Every position gets the “Super” treatment. We’re talking character-specific Super Shots, Super Passes, Super Dribbles, and even Super Tackles for the defenders.

    Goalkeeper Tactics: Scoring just got more strategic. Goalkeepers now use a six-directional shot prediction system and stamina-based duels. You can even “break” a keeper’s defence, permanently reducing their stamina for the rest of the match.

    Miracle Actions: These are rare, dramatic comeback mechanics that capture the “never give up” spirit of Tsubasa Ozora himself, allowing for tide-turning plays when your back is against the wall.

    A Massive Roster and New Story

    While the gameplay is the star of this trailer, the scope of the game shouldn’t be overlooked. Bandai Namco has confirmed that World Fighters will feature:

    22 National Teams

    110+ Playable Characters

    150+ Unique Animated Moves

    The game is set to adapt the Battle of World Youth arc, which follows Japan’s quest for the U-20 World Cup title. Fans can also look forward to seeing the legendary Natureza finally make his appearance.

    “From breathtaking aerial shots to last-second miracle saves, every match is a cinematic battle of reflexes and strategy.” — Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    Release Details

    CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is sprinting toward a global release later in 2026. It will be available on almost everything: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (and reportedly Switch 2), and PC via Steam.

    Stay tuned to Techmash for more updates as we get closer to the kick-off!

    Find out more here on Bandai Namco – https://shorturl.at/jZtJw

    #BandaiNamcoEntertainment #CAPTAINTSUBASA #CAPTAINTSUBASA2WORLDFIGHTERS #footballbattlesystem #football #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Introducing ‘Scenic’: The Relaxing Pixel-Art Escape Room We’ve Been Waiting For

    Introducing ‘Scenic’: The Relaxing Pixel-Art Escape Room We’ve Been Waiting For

    In a gaming landscape often dominated by high-octane battle royales and stressful soulslikes, there is something profoundly satisfying about slowing down. That is exactly what developer Inblue Games is inviting us to do with their newly announced title, Scenic.

    A departure from the high-pressure “timer-ticking” tropes of the escape room genre, Scenic is an atmospheric, point-and-click puzzle game that trades panic for peace.

    A World Behind Every Door

    Scenic isn’t just one big escape; it’s a nonlinear collection of beautifully rendered “micro-worlds.” The game presents you with a series of independent rooms, each tucked away behind a different door.

    The beauty here lies in the freedom. If you find yourself stumped by a particular puzzle in a rainy, water-logged room, you don’t have to bang your head against the wall. You can simply walk out, try a night-themed room under the stars, or a sun-drenched space filled with shadow-play, and return when you’ve had a “eureka” moment.

    Gameplay: Focused Observation

    One of the most unique aspects of Scenic is its perspective. Most rooms are presented across four distinct frames, each depicting one side of a wall.

    Minimalist Design: By limiting the viewpoint, the puzzles feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

    Environmental Storytelling: Every object in the room is there for a reason. You’ll need to examine textures, light, and sound to uncover the reality-bending secrets hidden within.

    Metapuzzles: For the completionists among us, the game hints at optional “metapuzzles” that require you to gather clues from across multiple rooms to unlock the game’s deepest secrets.

    Why Pixel Art Still Rules in 2026

    There’s a reason why the “liminal space” aesthetic and pixel art go so well together. The lo-fi visuals leave just enough room for the imagination to fill in the gaps, creating a nostalgic yet slightly surreal atmosphere. In Scenic, the art style isn’t just a filter; it’s a tool used to create “boundless beauty” within tiny, four-walled spaces.

    “We aim to make beautiful games with intuitive gameplay,” says Inblue Games. Following the success of their previous title, Golden Arrow, Scenic looks set to be a masterclass in “cosy-logic.”

    Scenic is currently available to wishlist on Steam. If you’re looking for a digital retreat that challenges your brain without raising your blood pressure, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/IOd41

    #InblueGames #Scenic #pixelart #escaperoom #hiddensecrets #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • CODEX MORTIS: The AI-Made Game the Internet Told You to Hate

    CODEX MORTIS: The AI-Made Game the Internet Told You to Hate

    If you’ve been anywhere near Steam or gaming Reddit lately, you’ve likely seen the firestorm. Developed by solo dev Grolaf (under the publisher Crunchfest), CODEX MORTIS isn’t just another indie bullet hell. It’s a necromantic survival game with a massive asterisk: the developer claims it is 100% AI-generated.

    From every line of TypeScript code to the gothic sprites and the eerie background music, Grolaf says the entire project was “vibe-coded” into existence using LLMs like Claude and ChatGPT in just three months.

    Why the Internet is Fuming

    In a year where industry layoffs are still a raw nerve and “AI slop” has become the ultimate gaming insult, CODEX MORTIS landed like a grenade. The backlash was instantaneous:

    The “Asset Flip” Argument: Critics on Steam and Reddit have branded it a glorified tech demo, calling it a “slippery slope” toward a future where storefronts are flooded with soulless, prompt-engineered clones.

    The Authenticity Debate: Some devs have even accused Grolaf of “not being AI enough,” claiming a total novice couldn’t have handled the complex architectural logic (built on bitECS and Electron) without significant human intervention.

    The “Slop” Label: PC Gamer famously questioned its honour as a milestone for “slop everywhere,” sparking a wider debate on whether a game made without “the human touch” can ever truly have a soul.

    The Plot Twist: People are Actually Playing It

    Here’s the part the “antis” don’t want to hear: It’s working.

    Despite the “Mixed” reviews and the vitriol in the comment sections, the numbers tell a different story. During its demo phase, players stayed for an average of 71 minutes—over four times the industry average for indie demos.

    Streaming giant Asmongold even weighed in, calling the gameplay “pretty good” and predicting that AI-developed games are an inevitability that will eventually “do well.” It turns out that when you’re busy dodging waves of undead and theory-crafting synergies between five schools of dark magic, you care a lot less about who—or what—wrote the code.

    Innovation or Infection?

    Grolaf describes the process as giving a developer an “exoskeleton.” By using AI to handle the “mental exhaustion” of engine-less development, a solo creator was able to ship a fully playable, systems-driven game in a fraction of the usual time.

    Whether CODEX MORTIS is a landmark achievement or a warning sign remains to be seen. But as it prepares for its Early Access launch on March 26, 2026, one thing is certain: the era of “Vibe-Coding” is no longer a sci-fi concept. It’s on your wishlist.

    What do you think? Is CODEX MORTIS a creative breakthrough for solo devs, or is it the beginning of the end for “hand-crafted” gaming?

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/jDh6R

    #CRUNCHFEST #GROLAF #CODEXMORTIS #AIdevelopedgame #AI #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Blasting Into the Future: Super Alloy Crush Hits Steam Early Access This April

    Blasting Into the Future: Super Alloy Crush Hits Steam Early Access This April

    If you grew up with a controller in your hand and a blue robot on your screen, you’ll want to pay attention. Indie developer Alloy Mushroom has officially announced that their high-octane, Mega Man-inspired 2D roguelike brawler, Super Alloy Crush, is set to launch into Steam Early Access on April 8, 2026.

    Following a successful demo period earlier this year, the studio is ready to let players dive back into the frantic world of cosmic treasure hunting.

    What is Super Alloy Crush?

    Imagine the tight platforming and boss-slaying DNA of Mega Man X fused with the “just one more run” addiction of a modern roguelike. Set aboard the spaceship Ranger, you take control of two distinct Cosmic Hunters—Muu and Kelly—as they battle across planets in search of the ultimate treasure on Planet AE-38.

    Unlike its predecessor, Super Alloy Ranger, this latest entry shifts the focus toward a “head-on” combat system. Say goodbye to frustrating contact damage and hello to fluid, high-speed combos.

    The Cosmic Hunters

    Each character offers a completely different way to play:

    Muu (Unit-02): A close-combat specialist who uses energy claws to launch enemies into the air for devastating aerial juggles.

    Kelly: A tactical human warrior who favours ranged firearms and martial arts, perfect for those who like to control the battlefield from a distance.

    Key Features at Launch

    Alloy Mushroom isn’t holding back for the Early Access release. Players can expect:

    3 Full Story Chapters: Uncover the mysteries of the treasure planet.

    7 Major Bosses: Massive, screen-filling entities with their own “Overdrive” attacks.

    100+ Combat Skills: Use Chips and Tech Arts to customise your build—think infinite energy or multiple air-jumps.

    Local Co-op: Grab a friend and chain together explosive combo attacks.

    Multiple Game Modes: Including Story Mode, Battle Rush (the pure roguelike experience), and the Ultimate Challenge.

    Roadmap & Pricing

    The game will launch at $11.99 USD, but early birds can snag a 10% discount during the first two weeks. Alloy Mushroom has already promised at least four major free updates during the Early Access period, which will include new characters, the conclusion of the story, and even more “ghost” enemy types.

    “We believe working side-by-side with players is the best way to create an outstanding game,” says the developer. “Early Access lets us refine this high-energy experience with real feedback.”

    Super Alloy Crush looks like a love letter to 16-bit action fans, wrapped in a modern, replayable package. Be sure to wishlist it on Steam now so you’re ready for the April 8th drop!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/95Hrz

    #AlloyMushroom #SteamEarlyAccess #roguelike #brawler #SuperAlloyCrush #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • When Eras Collide: ‘Lost & Found’ Brings a Stunning Multi-Style Mashup to Steam

    When Eras Collide: ‘Lost & Found’ Brings a Stunning Multi-Style Mashup to Steam

    If you’ve ever looked at a modern indie game and thought, “I love the pixel art, but I wish it looked like a 3D collage made of old magazine clippings,” then solo developer ShaggyBearGames has heard your oddly specific prayer.

    The studio (led by Filipino animator and developer Kurt Reodica) has just officially announced Lost & Found on Steam. While the title might sound simple, the visual execution is anything but. This is a game that refuses to pick a lane, instead choosing to drag 2D, 3D, pixel art, and collage-style animation into one gorgeous, cohesive mess.

    A New Aesthetic: The Hybrid Style

    The standout feature of Lost & Found is its “unconventional” animation. By blending traditionally flat pixel art with 3D environments and collage textures, the game creates a “claymation-adjacent” feel that looks like a living scrapbook. It’s a bold move that sets it apart in a crowded Steam marketplace where “cosy” usually just means “soft pastels.”

    What’s the Story?

    Set in the year 2007, you step into the worn-out shoes of Rico, a laid-off artist who retreats from the city to his rural hometown of Luisiana. With the local economy struggling and his old hangout spots looking a bit worse for wear, Rico takes the only job available: working at the local Lost and Found office.

    But this isn’t just a “fetch quest” simulator. Here’s what we know about the gameplay:

    Investigative Mystery: You don’t just wait for people to claim their stuff. Rico has to track down the owners, but in Luisiana, people lie. You’ll need to listen to gossip, gather clues, and cross-reference stories.

    Consequences Matter: Returning a decade-old notebook or a lost wallet to the wrong person isn’t just a “try again” moment—it actually branches the narrative and affects the lives of the townsfolk.

    A World of Hundreds: Despite being a solo project, the game promises hundreds of unique characters to befriend (or distrust).

    Why We’re Watching This One

    TechMash readers know we have a soft spot for solo devs pushing boundaries. Kurt Reodica has already built a massive following (over 100k) for his animation work, and seeing that talent transition into a full-scale interactive mystery is exciting. It captures that specific 2007 nostalgia—the era of flip phones and transitional technology—while using 2026-level hybrid animation techniques.

    The Verdict: If you’re a fan of Night in the Woods or the investigative depth of Papers, Please, but want something that looks like it was cut out of a 90s indie zine, Lost & Found needs to be on your wishlist.

    Wishlist it Now

    You can find Lost & Found on its official Steam page right now. There’s no firm release date yet, but the announcement trailer is live and definitely worth a watch for the animation style alone.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/QMFT8

    #ShaggyBearGames #LostandFound #adventure #mystery #steam #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Eat the Rich (In a Card Game): Why All Will Rise is the Courtroom Drama We Need

    Eat the Rich (In a Card Game): Why All Will Rise is the Courtroom Drama We Need

    If you’ve ever looked at a news headline about a CEO’s tax “efficiency” and felt your blood pressure spike, indie developer Studio Gavel has the perfect digital outlet for your frustrations.

    Enter All Will Rise, a sleek, high-stakes courtroom deck-builder that trades fireballs and dragons for subpoenas and character assassination. It’s recently hit early access, and it’s already making waves for its sharp writing and even sharper mechanical bite.

    The Premise: Justice Isn’t Free (But Your Deck Is)

    In All Will Rise, you play as a scrappy, overworked public prosecutor tasked with bringing the world’s most untouchable “titans of industry” to justice. We aren’t talking about small-time shoplifters here; your targets are tech moguls, pharmaceutical kings, and oil barons who treat the law like a suggestion.

    The game is structured as a roguelike campaign. Each “run” involves building a case against a specific billionaire, navigating pre-trial discovery to find “Evidence” cards, and finally stepping into the courtroom for the ultimate showdown.

    How it Plays: Beyond the Objection

    If you’ve played Sledge the Spire or Balatro, the flow will feel familiar, but the “combat” is uniquely legalistic. Instead of health points, you’re managing Jury Favour.

    Evidence Cards: Your heavy hitters. These deal direct damage to the defendant’s “Credibility.”

    Rhetoric Cards: These provide “Defence” (blocking the billionaire’s high-priced lawyers from swaying the jury) or “Buffs” that make your future evidence more impactful.

    The “Objection!” Mechanic: A powerful interrupt system. If you time your Objection card correctly against a witness’s lie, you can trigger a “Perjury Chain,” doubling your damage for the turn.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the “Character Witness” cards. They might look weak early on, but stacking “Emotional Appeal” is the only way to bypass the “Ironclad NDA” armour that late-game bosses use.

    The Aesthetic: Sharp Suits and Dark Humour
    The art style is a gorgeous, minimalist take on noir—think heavy shadows, sharp lines, and a colour palette that feels like a rainy evening in London.

    But the real star is the writing. The dialogue from the billionaire antagonists is deliciously punchable. They’ll sneer at your “budget suit” while playing cards like “Lobbyist Intervention” or “Media Spin,” which shuffle “FUD” (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) cards into your deck to clog up your hand.

    Why It’s Worth Your Time

    All Will Rise succeeds because it gamifies a power fantasy that feels relevant. There’s a visceral satisfaction in playing a perfectly timed “Forensic Accounting” card to strip away a billionaire’s “Offshore Tax Haven” shield. It’s strategic, stylish, and carries a biting social commentary that most deck-builders shy away from.

    Final Verdict: If you’re a fan of Phoenix Wright but want the tactical depth of a modern roguelike, All Will Rise is a mandatory addition to your Steam library. It’s time to prove that no one is above the law—or a well-constructed deck.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/F6Qi9

    #SpeculativeAgency #AllWillRise #courtroom #deckbuilder #kickstarter #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Bow Before the Bug: Surreal ‘90s-Style Platformer ‘Obey the Insect God’ Launches April 10th

    Bow Before the Bug: Surreal ‘90s-Style Platformer ‘Obey the Insect God’ Launches April 10th

    If you grew up in the ‘90s, your gaming memories are likely haunted by a very specific, slightly unsettling aesthetic: digitised sprites. Think Mortal Kombat, Pit-Fighter, or the wonderfully weird Lethal Enforcers. There was a brief moment in time where “realistic” meant filming a person in front of a green screen and cramming them into a 16-bit world.

    Well, get ready to feel that uncanny valley itch all over again. Award-winning filmmaker Charles Davis and his studio, Chunkle Freaky’s Movies Games, have announced that their surrealist 2D action platformer, Obey the Insect God, is officially crawling onto PC on April 10th, 2026.

    A Retro-Fueled Fever Dream

    Obey the Insect God isn’t just a tribute to the past; it’s a full-on immersion into the “janky” charm of late-90s arcade tech. The game features characters created entirely from live-action video and photography of real actors (including Davis himself and his wife), collaged into a dark, bizarre fantasy world.

    The result is a visual style that feels like a lost Sega Saturn or 3DO gem discovered in a dusty attic.

    What to Expect in the Lair

    While the visuals are a throwback, the gameplay aims for a modern level of depth. Based on the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, the narrative follows a lone warrior descending into a cursed castle to face the eponymous Insect God.

    Key Features include:

    Brutal Combat: A combo-based fighting system that requires precision timing, blocking, and the mastery of unlockable abilities (like the recently revealed Power Sword).

    Non-Linear Exploration: The lair consists of over two dozen unique zones. Unlike traditional Metroidvanias, most traversal mechanics are available from the start, allowing you to explore the interconnected rooms at your own pace.

    Full FMV Experience: The story is brought to life with full voice acting and live-action performances, leaning hard into the eerie, surreal atmosphere.

    Indie Grit: Developed in the Godot engine by a small, dedicated team, the game manages to pull off high-resolution 1080p sprites that maintain that classic “scanned-in” feel without the hardware limitations of 1995.

    Coming Soon to Steam

    For those who can’t wait until April 10th to bow before their new chitinous overlord, a demo is currently available on Steam (and yes, it is Steam Deck verified for those who want to take the weirdness on the go).

    Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or the bizarre, mythological storytelling, Obey the Insect God looks set to be one of the most unique indie releases of the spring.

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

    #CharlesDavis #ChunkleFreakysMoviesGames #ObeytheInsectGod #2Daction #InsectGod #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames