TECHMASH

Tag: #Gaming

  • Gotta Go Fast! SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed Races into July Release

    Gotta Go Fast! SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed Races into July Release

    The era of grappling hooks and ruined friendships is officially entering the next generation. Publisher tinyBuild and developer Fair Play Labs (the minds behind Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl) have finally dropped the starting flag: SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed will officially launch this July 2026.

    The announcement, which arrived alongside a high-octane trailer during the ID@Xbox April Showcase, confirms that the sequel to the 2013 cult classic will be available on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

    Even better news for subscribers? It’s a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass for both PC and console.

    What’s New in the Sequel?

    While the original SpeedRunners was defined by its tight 2D mechanics and frantic four-player races, King of Speed is scaling everything up. Here is what we can expect when we hit the tracks this summer:

    • 8-Player Chaos: For the first time, you can now race against seven other rivals (local or online), doubling the screen-shrinking intensity.
    • Vibrant New Visuals: The game has moved to a high-definition style with 3D backgrounds, all while maintaining the 2D “retrofuture superhero” aesthetic inspired by the 1960s.
    • Refined Gameplay: Advanced techniques like slope jumping and wall grappling are back. Fair Play Labs has worked closely with original creators DoubleDutch Games to ensure the physics feel as snappy as fans remember.
    • Better Netcode: A major focus has been placed on improving the online experience to handle the increased player count without lag ruining your perfectly timed freeze ray.

    Platforms & Future Tech

    While the “Big Three” and PC are getting the game in July, tinyBuild also teased that the game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, making it one of the early competitive titles confirmed for Nintendo’s next-gen hardware.

    “SpeedRunners was the game that kickstarted tinyBuild’s publishing journey 12 years ago, and we are thrilled to breathe new life into this timeless franchise.” — Alex Nichiporchik, CEO of tinyBuild

    Can’t Wait Until July?

    If your grappling hook finger is already itching, a free demo is currently available on Steam. The developers have been actively patching the demo based on community feedback, recently balancing the speed and acceleration to find that “Goldilocks” zone between the original’s feel and the sequel’s new momentum.

    Whether you’re a veteran Falcon main or a newcomer looking to knock your friends off-screen, July is looking like a very fast month.

    Will you be picking this up on Game Pass or grabbing the Switch version for local sessions? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3183760

    #tinyBuild #FairPlayLabs #SpeedRunners2KingofSpeed #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • The sci-fi deckbuilding adventure Echo Generation 2 will release on May 27th

    The sci-fi deckbuilding adventure Echo Generation 2 will release on May 27th

    The portal to Maple Town might be closed, but the galaxy is wide open. Toronto-based indie veterans Cococucumber have officially announced that their highly anticipated sequel, Echo Generation 2, will warp onto PC and consoles on May 27, 2026.

    Revealed during a high-octane trailer at the latest ID@Xbox x IGN Showcase, the sequel takes the charming, voxel-art foundations of the 2021 original and blasts them into a cosmic, dimension-hopping odyssey.

    From Suburbs to Supernovas

    While the first game captured the Stranger Things-esque magic of being a kid in the 90s, Echo Generation 2 shifts the perspective to a more personal, high-stakes story. Players take on the role of Jack, an ex-special ops agent turned family man who finds himself trapped in a fractured reality.

    Jack isn’t alone, though. The sequel features a multi-perspective narrative spanning several character-focused chapters:

    • Annata Z: A mother searching for her child in a planetary wasteland.
    • Noliva & Strix: A bounty-hunting duo navigating a neon-soaked cyberpunk city.
    • Sister M: A psychic teenager (familiar to those who played the recent Steam demo) escaping a shadowy research facility.
    • Bulder: A mischievous extra-terrestrial creature looking for a way home.

    Shuffling the Deck: New Combat Mechanics

    The biggest departure for the sequel is the move from traditional turn-based RPG battles to a dynamic deckbuilding system. Cococucumber is promising a deep strategy with over 150 unique cards to collect.

    You’ll be able to nuke eldritch horrors with powerful card combos, summon quirky allies for assists, and manage shield buffs to survive the “Kaiju-sized” bosses the series is known for. It’s a bold evolution that adds a layer of tactical depth to the signature voxel-crunchy aesthetic.

    Key Features at a Glance:

    FeatureDetails
    Release DateMay 27, 2026
    PlatformsPC (Steam/Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming
    Game PassAvailable Day One for all subscribers
    Visual StyleEnhanced Voxel Art with 80s/90s sci-fi film inspiration
    SoundtrackAll-new cosmic synth score by Pusher

    Final Thoughts

    Cococucumber has a knack for blending nostalgia with modern polish—as seen in Riverbond and Ravenlok—but Echo Generation 2 looks to be their most ambitious project yet. By trading the “humble Maple Town” for a galactic scale, they’re leaning hard into the “sci-fi” half of the RPG genre.

    “Echo Generation 2 expands the world… into a galactic-wide sci-fi odyssey, a homage to our love for 80s and 90s sci-fi films,” says Vanessa Chia, co-founder of Cococucumber.

    Whether you’re in it for the tactical card synergies or just want to vibe to some 80s-inspired synth while fighting space gremlins, May 27th can’t come soon enough.

    You can wishlist Echo Generation 2 now on Steam and the Xbox Store.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/1115990

    #Cococucumber #scifi #deckbuilding #adventure #EchoGeneration2 #PC #Steam #Xbox #PC #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • Aggro Crab Sets a Date for Chaos: Crashout Crew Hits PC and Xbox This May!

    Aggro Crab Sets a Date for Chaos: Crashout Crew Hits PC and Xbox This May!

    Clock in and buckle up—Aggro Crab is about to make your workplace safety inspector have a total meltdown.

    Fresh off the massive success of PEAK (their record-breaking collab with Landfall) and the shell-shattering soulslike Another Crab’s Treasure, Seattle’s favourite “little guy” enthusiasts have finally dropped the release date for their next venture into corporate absurdity. Crashout Crew is officially launching on May 28, 2026, for PC and Xbox Series X|S.

    And for the budget-conscious movers out there: yes, it’s a Day One Xbox Game Pass title.

    What is Crashout Crew?

    If Going Under was a satirical jab at tech-startup culture, Crashout Crew is a full-blown physics-based riot centred on the world’s “most efficient” shipping warehouse: DE NILE SHIPPING.

    You and up to three friends (or soon-to-be enemies) take control of forklifts to fulfil increasingly unhinged orders. We’re talking about everything from standard boxes to anvils, explosives, and… primates? Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

    • Forklift Drifting: These aren’t your average warehouse vehicles. These forklifts come “tricked out” with boost and drift capabilities.
    • Physics-Based Nightmare: With over 20 types of volatile cargo, one wrong turn can turn a productive shift into a rain of meteors and fire.
    • Safety Violations: Want to make your shift harder? Add “Safety Violations” like faulty wiring or falling celestial bodies to modify the chaos.
    • The Stress Meter: Don’t actually “crash out.” If your stress levels peak from hitting walls or coworkers, your forklift will become an erratic, uncontrollable beast.

    From Game Jam to Game Pass

    Interestingly, Crashout Crew was born from the same internal game jam that produced PEAK. While half the studio worked on the climbing sensation that took over 2025, the other half has been perfecting this forklift-fueled mayhem.

    “It helps simulate that capitalist #grindset, only, you know, fun.” — Aggro Crab

    Release Details at a Glance

    FeatureDetails
    Release DateMay 28, 2026
    PlatformsPC (Steam/Windows), Xbox Series X/S
    Players1–4 Player Online Co-op
    SubscriptionDay One on Xbox Game Pass
    Playtime~8–10 hours for a full shift completion

    Whether you’re a fan of their sharp satirical writing or you just want to see how many explosive crates you can stack before everything goes south, Crashout Crew looks like the perfect remedy for the post-work blues.

    Are you ready to get forklift certified, or are you doomed to be buried under a pile of missed quotas? Let us know if you’ll be playing on Game Pass in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3583210

    #AggroCrab #CrashoutCrew #PC #Xbox #GamePass #forklift #IGNIDXboxShowcase #deliveries #videogames #gaming #gamers

  • It Started When an Alien Device Did What It Did: Ben 10 is Coming to Fortnite!

    It Started When an Alien Device Did What It Did: Ben 10 is Coming to Fortnite!

    Move over, Avengers—the wielder of the Omnitrix is finally making his way to the Island. After months of swirling rumours and “hero time” theories, Epic Games has officially confirmed that Ben 10 is the next major collaboration hitting Fortnite.

    If you grew up watching Ben Tennyson cycle through alien DNA to save the world, or if you’ve just been waiting for a skin that actually looks like it belongs in an intergalactic brawl, Friday is your day.

    Hero Time: Release Date and Launch Details

    Mark your calendars and set your alarms. The Fortnite x Ben 10 collaboration is scheduled to go live on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 8 PM ET (which translates to 1 AM BST on April 25 for our UK readers).

    Unlike some of the massive “mini-pass” events we’ve seen recently, this looks to be a focused Item Shop drop, though the teaser trailer has fans hoping for a few hidden surprises in the gameplay.

    What’s in the Omnitrix? (The Skins & Cosmetics)

    The collaboration appears to draw heavy inspiration from the Ben 10: Ultimate Alien era, featuring a cel-shaded art style similar to the recent Avatar and Dragon Ball crossovers. Here is what you can expect to find in the shop:

    • Ben Tennyson Outfit: The star of the show comes with his iconic green jacket.
    • Transformation Styles: This is the big one. Leaks and teasers confirm that Ben will have built-in transformation emotes, allowing him to shift into:
      • Heatblast (The Pyronite powerhouse)
      • Alien X (The near-omnipotent celestial being)
    • Gwen Tennyson Outfit: Ben’s cousin joins the fight, reportedly featuring her “Lucky Girl” magic/Mana effects as back bling or pickaxes.
    • Wildmutt Chompers: In one of the more unique cosmetic choices, we’re getting Fortnite Kicks (shoes) styled after the Vulpimancer, Wildmutt.
    • Additional Gear: Look out for Gwen’s Grimoire (Back Bling), Mana Orb pickaxes, and an Omnitrix Upgrade weapon wrap.

    Will There Be a Mythic?

    While Epic has been tight-lipped about gameplay items, the community is buzzing about a potential Omnitrix Mythic. Imagine a loot item that allows you to cycle through three different alien forms, each with a unique ability—Heatblast for fire damage, or perhaps XLR8 for a massive speed boost across the map.

    While not confirmed for this Friday’s drop, Epic has a history of adding Mythics a few days after the initial skin release to keep the momentum going.

    Why This is a Big Deal for TechMash Readers

    Fortnite has become more than just a Battle Royale; it is a digital museum of pop culture. Adding a Cartoon Network heavyweight like Ben 10 proves that Epic is leaning harder into the “Millennial and Gen Z nostalgia” market. For a franchise built on the concept of “transforming” to suit your environment, Ben 10 fits the Fortnite DNA perfectly.

    Are you dropping your V-Bucks on the Tennyson trio, or are you holding out for a Kevin 11 villain skin? Let us know in the comments!

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

    #BenandGwenTennyson #Fortnite #iconic #alientransformations #Suitup #action #epicgames #videogames #gamers #gaming #battleroyale

  • Golf With Your Friends 2 is coming this autumn

    Golf With Your Friends 2 is coming this autumn

    Ready your putters and prepare to lose some sleep (and possibly some friends). Team17 and Radical Forge have officially pulled back the curtain on the highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 indie phenomenon.

    Golf With Your Friends 2 is officially slated for a Fall 2026 release, and it’s bringing more than just a fresh coat of paint to the fairway.

    What’s New on the Green?

    The original Golf With Your Friends became a staple for chaotic Friday nights thanks to its 12-player lobbies and “anything goes” physics. The sequel looks to double down on that DNA while introducing several massive upgrades:

    • Chaos Mode: A brand-new mode designed for maximum unpredictability. Details are still being kept under wraps, but expect more power-ups and environmental hazards that turn a standard putt into a survival mission.
    • Level Editor 2.0: One of the biggest announcements is the revamped level editor. Not only are the tools more precise and powerful, but the editor is coming to consoles for the first time, featuring full cross-platform sharing.
    • New Courses & Mechanics: The game will launch with six brand-new courses, each featuring unique gameplay mechanics like gravity shifts and environmental traversal twists. We’ve already seen glimpses of a coastal Skate Park and a high-contrast Fire and Ice tundra.
    • Hole Explosions: A new cosmetic category! Now you can celebrate a clutch birdie with fiery blasts or confetti showers that erupt directly from the cup.
    • Free-to-Unlock Rewards: Moving away from confusing menus, GWYF2 introduces a transparent, 100% free reward system where you unlock hats, trails, and floaties simply by playing the game.

    Cross-Play & Platforms

    In a move that will please the entire community, full cross-platform multiplayer has been confirmed from day one. Whether you are on PC or the latest consoles, the 12-player lobbies will be more populated than ever.

    Confirmed Platforms:

    • PC (Steam)
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X/S
    • Nintendo Switch 2

    Why the Wait?

    While the game was originally teased for a 2025 Early Access window, developer Radical Forge opted to skip the Early Access phase entirely. The extra development time is being used to ensure a polished, “feature-complete” launch across all platforms simultaneously.

    “We’ve doubled down on everything that made the original a favorite… this is the only sane choice in crazy golf!” — Team17 Statement

    The TechMash Verdict

    If the first game was about testing friendships, the sequel seems intent on breaking them entirely. With the move to a more robust engine and the inclusion of the Level Editor on consoles, Golf With Your Friends 2 is shaping up to be the definitive party game of 2026.

    Stay tuned to TechMash.co.uk for more updates as we approach the Fall 2026 tee-off!

    Will you be the one sinking the hole-in-one, or the one resetting your ball for the tenth time? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://www.gwyf.golf

    #gwyf #GolfWithYourFriends2 #golf #RadicalForge #Team17 #GolfWithYourFriends #PC #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #videogames #gaming #gamers

  • Requiescat in Pace! For Honor’s Assassin’s Creed Crossover Returns for Year 10

    Requiescat in Pace! For Honor’s Assassin’s Creed Crossover Returns for Year 10

    Sharpen your hidden blades and prepare for a glitch in the Animus. To celebrate For Honor’s 10th Anniversary, Ubisoft has officially brought back its most iconic crossover: the For the Creed Throwback Event.

    The latest trailer just dropped, and it’s a nostalgic trip through the Leap of Faith, featuring some shiny new toys for 2026. If you missed the original 2018 run or the 2024 return, now is your chance to step back into the eternal war between Assassins and Templars.

    The Trailer Breakdown: Shadow and Steel

    The new trailer highlights the return of the Assassini e Templari game mode—a modified Dominion match where the stakes are significantly higher. Forget simple zone capturing; you’re here to draw out the commanders.

    • The Commanders: You’ll be facing off against (or protecting) legendary figures Ezio Auditore da Firenze and Cesare Borgia.
    • The Maps: Citadel Gate, River Fort, and Beachhead have all been given an Animus makeover, complete with glitch effects and Assassin/Templar banners.
    • The Drop: The iconic “Leap of Faith” drop attack animation is back for all heroes during the event. There’s nothing quite like plunging from a balcony to take out an unsuspecting Shugoki.

    New for 2026: Shadows and Valhalla Skins

    While it’s a “throwback” event, Ubisoft isn’t just recycling old content. The trailer revealed three massive new Hero Skins that tie into the wider Assassin’s Creed universe, specifically focusing on AC Shadows and AC Valhalla:

    HeroSkin NameInspiration
    ShinobiNaoe the SwiftAssassin’s Creed Shadows
    ShugokiYasuke the BraveAssassin’s Creed Shadows
    BerserkerEivor Wolf-KissedAssassin’s Creed Valhalla

    Pro Tip: These skins aren’t just cosmetic. They feature custom voice lines from the original actors. Naoe and Yasuke speak in their original Japanese dialogue, while Eivor’s lines are performed entirely in Icelandic.

    Loot and Rewards

    The Free Event Pass is live from April 23 to May 14. By simply playing the game, you can unlock:

    • 38 AC-themed weapons (including new ones for Shinobi and Shugoki).
    • Battle Outfits: Battle of Heroes, Valhalla Quest, and Animus Project.
    • Effects: The legendary Vitruvian Hero and Templar Synchronisation.
    • The “Requiescat in Pace” Execution: The classic hidden blade finisher is available in the shop, and for the first time, the new Hero Skins will use their signature weapons during universal executions.

    Final Thoughts

    With For Honor entering its tenth year, this event feels like a victory lap. Whether you’re a die-hard Assassin’s Creed fan or just want to see a Shugoki dressed as a Samurai-turned-Legionnaire, there is plenty here to keep the battlefields of Heathmoor busy.

    The event is live right now and runs until May 14, 2026. If you haven’t picked up the game yet, it’s currently 85% off on Steam as part of the Medieval Fest.

    Will you be fighting for the light, or serving the shadows? Let us know which new skin you’re maining in the comments!

    How do you feel about the new Assassin’s Creed Shadows skins being added to the For Honor roster?

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/for-honor

    #Ubisoft #ForHonor #AssassinsCreedShadows #TheFortheCreedThrowbackEvent #videogames #gaming #gamers

  • Norse Horrors and Giant Robots: Everything We Saw in the Totenreich Gameplay Trailer for Black Ops 7 Zombies

    Norse Horrors and Giant Robots: Everything We Saw in the Totenreich Gameplay Trailer for Black Ops 7 Zombies

    The wait is almost over, and the fog is finally lifting. Treyarch has just dropped the gameplay trailer for Totenreich, the next round-based Zombies map arriving with Season 03 Reloaded.

    If you’ve been missing that classic, eerie atmosphere of the early Black Ops days, this trailer is a love letter to the fans. From Norwegian fishing villages to the return of iconic lore, Totenreich (German for “Realm of the Dead”) looks set to be the most ambitious map in Black Ops 7 to date.

    Here is everything we spotted in the trailer.

    The Setting: A Town Frozen in Time

    Totenreich takes us to a remote Norwegian fishing town that has been swallowed by the Dark Aether. The trailer showcases a bleak, misty coastal landscape that immediately brings back memories of Call of the Dead.

    The map is built around a failed Group 935 experiment that ripped the island out of reality. We see players navigating narrow piers, a looming lighthouse, and what appears to be a derelict research facility. The verticality is striking, with the trailer showing off the new Soul Siphon mechanic, where players collect souls from the undead to power up map-wide defences.

    The Clash of Giants

    The “watercooler moment” of the trailer is undoubtedly the return of the Origins Giant Robots. However, they aren’t the biggest threat this time.

    The cinematic shows one of these massive mechanical sentinels being absolutely levelled by a new boss: an Ice Giant (Jötunn). This colossal Norse-inspired creature isn’t just for show; the trailer ends with a terrifying shot of the giant’s foot coming down on the crew—a direct nod to the iconic Origins opening.

    New Tools of Destruction

    Surviving the Norwegian frost requires some serious firepower. The trailer gave us a glimpse at:

    • The Jotunn Star: A new Wonder Weapon that seems to fire freezing projectiles or elemental bursts.
    • Wild Fire Field Upgrade: A blast of flame that clears the area while giving the player a movement speed boost—perfect for those tight coastal corridors.
    • The 1911 Returns: The legendary starting pistol is back, and yes, it still shoots explosive rounds once Pack-a-Punched (the “Mustang and Sally” energy is real).

    New Enemies: The Necropincer

    Beyond the standard shamblers, we saw the Necropincer in action. These agile, mutated threats seem designed to flush players out of camping spots, forcing you to keep moving through the “blood-red rain” that dynamically changes during rounds.

    Key Details at a Glance

    FeatureDetails
    Release DateApril 30, 2026
    LocationFoggy Norwegian Fishing Village
    Lore FocusGroup 935, Edward Richtofen’s Legacy
    New BossThe Ice Giant (Jötunn)
    Wonder WeaponJotunn Star

    “This place is my legacy. The result of that verdammt deal…” — Edward Richtofen

    Verdict: A Bridge to the Past

    Totenreich feels like Treyarch is finally merging the high-stakes gameplay of the Dark Aether saga with the gothic, mystery-heavy storytelling of the original Aether arc. With the return of Richtofen and direct nods to Black Ops 2, the Easter Egg hunters are going to have a field day with this one.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies – Totenreich launches April 30th as part of Season 03 Reloaded. Are you ready to face the frost, or will you be crushed under the weight of the Ice Giant? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://www.callofduty.com/uk/en

    #Totenreich #CallofDutyBlackOps7Zombies #fps #military #Activision #InfinityWard #Treyarch #SledgehammerGames #videogames #gaming #gamers

  • Raise the Black Flag: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced World Premiere Revealed!

    Raise the Black Flag: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced World Premiere Revealed!

    The “worst-kept secret in gaming” has finally sailed out of the fog. After years of whispers, leaked screenshots, and a fair bit of “wink-wink” from voice actor Matt Ryan, Ubisoft has officially unveiled Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.

    The world premiere trailer just dropped, and it’s more than just a fresh coat of paint on a 13-year-old classic. This is a full-scale remake built from the ground up on the latest evolution of the Anvil engine.

    A Caribbean Like Never Before

    The trailer opens with a stunning cinematic shot of the Jackdaw cutting through Caribbean waters that look terrifyingly real. Thanks to the same tech powering Assassin’s Creed Shadows, we’re seeing Raytraced Global Illumination (RTGI) and a complete overhaul of water physics.

    The tropical storms look more intense, the ship-to-ship boarding transitions are now completely seamless, and the lighting—especially when diving into underwater shipwrecks—is genuinely breathtaking.

    What’s New in the Resynced Edition?

    Ubisoft isn’t just giving us the same game with better textures. They’ve gone back to the drawing board to fix some of the original’s biggest “Anvil-era” headaches:

    No More Stealth Failures: Remember those frustrating tailing missions where one wrong step meant “Desynchronized”? Those have been reworked. Being spotted now triggers a dynamic reaction from targets rather than an instant game over.

    The Return of Matt Ryan: The legendary voice of Edward Kenway is back, having recorded brand-new dialogue and scenes, including more backstory on Edward’s wife, Caroline.

    New Officers & Pets: You can now recruit three brand-new Officers to your crew, each with unique questlines and combat abilities. And yes, you can finally have a cat or a monkey as a ship pet on the Jackdaw.

    Modernised Combat: The counter-kill rhythm of 2013 has been replaced with a more aggressive, fluid system featuring visceral new takedowns and a “Crouch-Anywhere” stealth mechanic.

    Release Date & Platforms

    Set your sights on the horizon: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launches on July 9, 2026.PlatformFeatures
    PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X60 FPS performance mode, 4K resolution, Haptic feedback.
    PC (Steam/Ubisoft Connect)DLSS 4.5 support, Raytracing, Ultra-wide support.
    Collector’s EditionIncludes an Edward Kenway figurine, a cloth map, and Kenway’s diary.

    “So let the Black Flag signal nothing but your allegiance to man’s natural freedoms.” — Edward Kenway

    Our Take

    While some might argue we’ve had enough remakes lately, Black Flag remains the gold standard for pirate fantasies. Seeing Havana, Nassau, and the open sea brought to life with 2026 technology is a tempting proposition for any fan of the creed.

    Are you ready to captain the Jackdaw again, or are you waiting for a brand-new setting? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://ubi.li/O5sQ5

    #AssassinsCreedBlackFlagResynced #ubisoft #AssassinsCreed #BlackFlag #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • Return to Jadame: The Temple Faction Official Full Reveal

    Return to Jadame: The Temple Faction Official Full Reveal

    The long-awaited revival of the king of turn-based strategy is nearly upon us. With Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era set to hit Early Access on April 30, 2026, developer Unfrozen and publisher Hooded Horse have pulled back the curtain on the cornerstone of the franchise: The Temple.

    For those who have spent decades perfecting their Castle builds in HoMM3, the Temple feels like a warm, albeit heavily armoured, homecoming. Set on the continent of Jadame, this faction represents the classic “holy knight” archetype—but with new tactical wrinkles that ensure it’s not just a relic of the past.

    The Roster: Divine Might and Disciplined Steel

    The Temple remains the go-to faction for players who value a balanced, sturdy army with strong ranged support and late-game powerhouses. Here is a look at the key units that define this faction:

    • Crossbowmen: The backbone of your early game. When upgraded, these marksmen can fire twice, making them lethal when paired with the right hero buffs.
    • Lightweavers: Magical support units that provide essential utility on the battlefield.
    • Gryphons: The iconic aerial unit returns with its signature mobility. Their “Take Flight” ability allows them to strike any unit on the board and return to their original position, bypassing counterattacks.
    • Priestesses: Specialised casters who scale in power based on the number of active buffs on your units.
    • Angels: The ultimate Tier 7 unit. Beyond their raw stats, they possess a unique synergy where they gain buffs from your Marksmen, creating a “chain” of power across your formation.

    Zenith: The Commander of Light

    While the Temple boasts 18 heroes to choose from, Zenith has emerged as the standout choice for the Early Access launch.

    Pro Tip: Zenith starts with Lightweavers in her army from Day 1. Her signature spell, Heavenly Blade, adds significant flat damage to your units—perfect for early-game clearing when cast on a stack of double-shot Crossbowmen.

    Faction Mechanics: The Art of the Buff

    The Temple’s playstyle revolves around synergy and sustain. Unlike the glass-cannon nature of the Dungeon or the swarm tactics of the Hive, the Temple thrives when its units stand together.

    • Buff Chaining: Many Temple units benefit from being positioned near one another or having active enchantments.
    • Tactical Resilience: While their melee units might lack the flashy tricks of the Schism or Necropolis, they are built to last. High defence and healing capabilities make them the hardest army to grind down in a long siege.

    Why It Matters

    Olden Era is positioning itself as a “back-to-roots” entry, heavily inspired by the mechanics of the legendary third game but modernised for 2026. With Jon Van Caneghem (the series’ original creator) serving as a creative advisor and a soundtrack by Paul Romero, the Temple reveal confirms that the soul of the series is intact.

    Whether you’re a veteran of the Erathian wars or a newcomer looking to lead a crusade across Jadame, the Temple offers a disciplined, powerful, and visually stunning entry point into this new era of Might and Magic.

    Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era launches on Steam and the Microsoft Store on April 30, 2026.

    Are you planning to lead the Temple’s holy crusade, or does the corruption of the Necropolis call to you more?

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3105440

    #HeroesofMightandMagic #OldenEra #TempleFaction #Reveal #steam #Unfrozen #HoodedHorse #Ubisoft #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • Victor’s Video Vault, a horror game set inside a 1995 video rental store

    Victor’s Video Vault, a horror game set inside a 1995 video rental store

    Stingbot Games, the California-based indie studio known for Keeper’s Toll, has officially pulled back the curtain on its most ambitious project yet. Prepare to clock into the graveyard shift from hell in Victor’s Video Vault, a first-person horror experience that transports players back to the neon-soaked, analogue world of 1995.

    For anyone who remembers the tactile satisfaction of browsing VHS shelves or the eerie quiet of a late-night rental store, this game is aiming right for the nostalgic jugular—with a reality-bending twist.

    The Premise: Be Kind, Rewind… or Die

    In Victor’s Video Vault, you play as a solitary night-shift employee at a local video rental shop. Your duties start simple enough: stock the shelves, assist the occasional customer, and prepare for closing. However, once the final customer leaves and the doors are locked, the routine evaporates.

    The game’s hook is as clever as it is terrifying: The final rental of the night rewrites reality. Depending on the film that just left the store, the environment begins to fracture and transform. The genre of the movie dictates the nightmare you’ll face, turning a grounded 90s setting into an unstable, unpredictable death trap where the store itself becomes the antagonist.

    Key Features to Watch For:

    • Dynamic Reality: The layout, physics, and behaviour of the store shift every night as the “video vault” breaks down.
    • Survival Investigation: You aren’t just hiding; you’ll need to solve environmental puzzles to figure out the shifting rules of your new reality to survive until morning.
    • Retro Aesthetic: Stingbot is leaning heavily into a “lo-fi” look, featuring hand-crafted pixel textures over low-poly models to perfectly capture that gritty, mid-90s atmosphere.
    • Deleted Scenes: As reality fractures, players can discover hidden rooms and “deleted scenes” that reveal the dark secrets lurking beneath the shop.

    A Love Letter to the Analogue Era

    There is something inherently spooky about old media—the tracking lines on a VHS tape, the muffled audio, and the physical labyrinth of plastic cases. Stingbot Games is tapping into the “analogue horror” trend that has exploded recently, but by adding a layer of procedural reality-shifting, they are offering something much more dynamic than a standard walking simulator.

    “Each night is shaped by the film that just left the building, transforming the environment into something unstable, unpredictable, and increasingly dangerous.” — Stingbot Games

    When Can We Play?

    While a specific release date hasn’t been nailed down just yet, Victor’s Video Vault is officially confirmed for PC. You can already find the game on Steam to add it to your wishlist and stay updated on the inevitable release of a gameplay trailer.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that captures the vibe of a 90s slasher mixed with the surrealism of Control, keep your eyes on this one. Just remember: there’s a stiff fee for returning a tape late… but that might be the least of your worries at Victor’s.

    Will you be checking out Victor’s Video Vault? Let us know in the comments if you miss the days of VHS or if you’re strictly a streaming fan!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4465580

    #StingbotGames #VictorsVideoVault #horror #videorentalstore #vhs #retro #videos #store #videogames #gamers #gaming #steam

  • Dive Into the Abyss: Frosthaven’s Final Early Access Update is Here

    Dive Into the Abyss: Frosthaven’s Final Early Access Update is Here

    The frozen wastes of the north just got a little more crowded—and a lot wetter. Arc Games and Snapshot Games have officially launched “Into the Abyss,” the third and final major content update for Frosthaven in Early Access.

    This update doesn’t just add a few bells and whistles; it completes the game’s primary narrative arc and sets the stage for the highly anticipated 1.0 full release. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to rally your mercenary company and head back to the Outpost, this is it.

    What’s Lurking Beneath the Biting Sea?

    The headline of this update is the brand-new Lurker Storyline. While the walls of Frosthaven have provided some sanctuary from the Algox and Unfettered, a new threat is stirring in the depths of the Biting Sea.

    An ancient, powerful artefact has begun projecting visions of unrest, calling out to anyone brave (or foolish) enough to find it. Players will now venture across 23 new quests, exploring two new biomes that take the tactical combat both above and below the icy waves.

    Two New Heroes Join the Roster

    To help you navigate these watery depths, two new playable classes have been added, each offering distinct tactical synergies:

    • Coral: A master of battlefield control. Coral channels the power of the tides to manipulate positioning, making them essential for managing crowded encounters.
    • Kelp: A lethal assassin that thrives in the shadows. Kelp specialises in high-burst damage and collects “trophies” from fallen foes to fuel their progression and power during a scenario.

    Quality of Life & Outpost Upgrades

    Snapshot Games hasn’t just focused on the “new”; they’ve spent a significant amount of time refining the core experience based on community feedback.

    FeatureDescription
    Brummix the PetThe final and most elusive pet. Finding this creature requires a keen eye for hidden traces.
    Calendar SystemA new way to track past and future gameplay events, making the passage of time in the Outpost feel more impactful.
    Town Hall ChallengesNine new challenges to bolster your town’s defenses and test your strategic mettle.
    Notification SystemStay updated on Outpost activity and events between quests without digging through menus.
    Blinkblade UpdatesFor the purists, optional settings now allow the Blinkblade’s card layout to match the original board game.

    The Path to 1.0

    With the “Into the Abyss” update, the digital adaptation of Isaac Childres’ massive board game is now content-complete regarding its major storylines. The focus now shifts toward final polishing, bug squashing, and technical optimisations as the team prepares to leave Early Access.

    Whether you’re a veteran of the tabletop original or a digital-first mercenary, there has never been a better time to see if you can survive the Biting Sea.

    Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the new “Advantage State” flow updates. The expanded descriptions make it much easier to understand exactly how your modifiers are interacting during those tense, game-deciding attacks.

    Frosthaven is available now on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

    Have you already unlocked Coral or Kelp? Let us know which new class is carrying your party through the Abyss!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2347080

    #ArcGames #SnapshotGames #FROSTHAVEN #IntotheAbyss #EarlyAccess #contentupdate #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • The Wolf is at the Door: Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Announce ‘The Blood of Dawnwalker’ Road to Launch Event

    The Wolf is at the Door: Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Announce ‘The Blood of Dawnwalker’ Road to Launch Event

    The wait is almost over. Rebel Wolves, the powerhouse studio formed by The Witcher 3 veterans, has officially teamed up with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. to pull back the curtain on their highly anticipated debut title. Mark your calendars: the Road to Launch Event stream is set for April 28, and it promises to be the deep dive fans have been starving for.

    What to Expect from the Stream

    After years of cryptic teasers and concept art, Rebel Wolves is ready to show us exactly what they’ve been building in the shadows. The 45-minute broadcast will be jam-packed with world-first reveals, including:

    The Official Release Date: We know it’s coming in 2026, but the stream will finally pin down exactly when we can start our journey.

    Open-World Gameplay: See the dark, 14th-century Carpathian Mountains in action. The studio will showcase how the “Dawnwalker” mechanics work—balancing human swordplay by day and vampiric powers by night.

    Brand New Story Trailer: Get a closer look at Coen, our protagonist, and the looming threat of the vampire lord Brencis in the region of Vale Sangora.

    PC System Requirements: For the “master race” gamers, the studio will outline exactly what hardware you’ll need to run this Unreal Engine 5 beast.

    A Dark Fantasy Pedigree

    There’s a reason the hype for The Blood of Dawnwalker is reaching a fever pitch. Rebel Wolves is led by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz (Game Director of The Witcher 3) and a team of industry veterans who know exactly how to craft a mature, choice-driven RPG.

    By partnering with Bandai Namco, the studio has secured the global publishing muscle needed to bring this “narrative sandbox” to players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    “We are getting closer and closer to the most important milestone in our four-year development journey,” says the Rebel Wolves team. “During the stream, you will not only get the start date of your adventure, but also see the gameplay changes we’ve implemented over the past months.”

    How to Watch

    The “Road to Launch” event will be available to stream globally. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes swordplay or vertical vampiric traversal, this is one you won’t want to miss.

    Date: April 28, 2026

    Time: 9:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM BST

    Where to Watch: Official Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco YouTube and Twitch channels.

    The stream will be hosted in English with multiple subtitle options, and the studio has confirmed it is “co-streaming friendly,” so expect your favourite creators to be reacting live alongside the community.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for a full breakdown of the reveals following the event!

    Are you planning to tune in, or are you waiting to see the first reviews before joining the pack?

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

    #RebelWolves #BandaiNamcoEntertainment #RoadtoLaunchEvent #RPG #TheBloodofDawnwalker #videogames #gamers #gaming