Techmash

Tag: #Gothic

  • Sword Hero Is Now Live On Kickstarter

    Sword Hero Is Now Live On Kickstarter

    The indie RPG scene has a new heavyweight contender. Sword Hero, developed by solo creator ForestWare, officially launched its Kickstarter campaign on January 27, 2026. In a testament to the community’s hunger for old-school design, the project smashed its initial funding goal of $35,000 in less than two hours.

    Here is what you need to know about this “Gothic-inspired”, ambitious open-world title.

    The Vision: A “Gothic-Like” Evolution

    Sword Hero is a love letter to the hardcore RPGs of the early 2000s, specifically the Gothic series. You play as “The Delver,” a nobody stranded on the quarantined island of Wes. Unlike modern titles that hold the player’s hand, Sword Hero treats you with refreshing indifference: the world does not scale to your level, and the wilderness is genuinely dangerous.

    Core Gameplay Features

    • Systemic Open World: A completely seamless island with no loading screens—even when entering caves or buildings.
    • Limb-Based Combat: Battles are tactical and visceral. You can target specific body parts to disable enemies, causing wounds, fractures, or full dismemberment.
    • Living NPCs: Characters follow strict daily routines and possess a “memory system.” If you commit a crime or help someone, they will remember and react accordingly.
    • Visible Progression: Your character’s growth is reflected physically. High strength increases muscle mass, while tough battles leave permanent scars or require prosthetic limbs.

    Campaign Status and Stretch Goals

    As of late January 2026, the campaign is in high gear. Having already doubled its base funding within the first day, the developer is eyeing stretch goals that include:

    • Expanded content and deeper faction questlines.
    • Enhanced visuals and professional animation support.
    • Refined systems for player-owned housing and businesses.

    “The world doesn’t slow down for you… survival depends on understanding how its systems interact.” — ForestWare

    Why It’s Trending

    The game has gained significant traction due to its “immersion-first” philosophy. Features like non-disappearing corpses, telekinetic magic based on physics, and the absence of “invisible walls” have positioned it as a bridge between the clunky charm of retro RPGs and the technical depth of modern simulations like Kenshi.

    Find out more here – https://www.swordherogame.com/ or here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/itspossible/sword-hero

    #SwordHero #OpenWorld #RPG #Kickstarter #LivingWorld

    #DynamicCombat #Gothic #ForestWare #Crytivo #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Lords of the Fallen II: The Umbral Apocalypse Rises

    Lords of the Fallen II: The Umbral Apocalypse Rises

    The veil is thinning, the blood is flowing, and the world of Mournstead is about to get a whole lot darker. Fans of the brutal, dual-realm action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen (2023), have reason to sharpen their blades as the sequel, Lords of the Fallen II, is officially on the horizon!

    Following its electrifying reveal at Gamescom 2025 and a jaw-dropping first look at gameplay at The Game Awards, here’s a deep dive into what we know about Hexworks and CI Games’ much-anticipated next chapter.

    A Century of Darkness: The Umbral Ending is Canon

    One of the most exciting revelations is the sequel’s setting: 100 years after the events of the first game. And, for those who delved deep into the lore, the developers have confirmed that the grim Umbral ending is canon.

    • The Umbral realm, the horrifying world of the dead, has utterly flourished.
    • Axiom, the realm of the living, is now suffering under the encroaching gloom.
    • The stakes are drastically higher, with the horrors of the dark slipping freely between worlds.

    As the new Lampbearer, you will once again explore both realms, but prepare for an even more gruesome, macabre, and expanded Mournstead.

    Brutality Redefined: Faster, Bloodier Combat

    The original Lords of the Fallen brought a fast and fluid pace to the Soulslike genre, and the sequel is ramping up the intensity. The developers at Hexworks have taken community feedback to heart, promising a game that is bolder, braver, and undeniably bloodier.

    Key Combat and Gameplay Enhancements:

    • Dismemberment System: Get ready for ultra-visceral combat. A new, dynamic dismemberment feature means you can literally tear enemies limb from limb, culminating in all-new, satisfying execution animations.
    • Faster and More Unforgiving: The combat system has been refined for quicker, more tactical battles, demanding even greater skill and precision from players.
    • Expanded Roster: Prepare for a significantly greater variety of enemies and truly spectacular, monstrous boss battles. The gameplay trailer offered a glimpse of colossal foes like the Heartroot Warden and the draconic Lingao, the Souring Storm.
    • Harness the Umbral: The signature dual-realm mechanic returns, allowing you to pass between Axiom and Umbral to uncover new pathways, secrets, and, of course, deadly new creatures.

    Next-Generation Co-op and Launch Details

    Built on the powerful Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen II is poised to deliver a massive visual upgrade alongside its technical improvements.

    FeatureDetail
    DeveloperHexworks
    PublisherCI Games
    Release Window2026
    PlatformsPS5, Xbox Series X
    MultiplayerFull shared-progression Co-op and optional PvP multiplayer will return, and reportedly ‘better’ than before.

    The developers have made it clear they are committed to building on the successful foundation of the 2023 title, incorporating all the community-celebrated updates and refinements.

    Our Verdict So Far

    Lords of the Fallen II is shaping up to be a true evolution of the franchise. By doubling down on the dual-realm mechanic, embracing a darker, more established lore, and injecting a brutal new layer of gore into the already-solid combat, it promises a Soulslike experience that stands apart. If you loved the challenge and gothic horror of the first game, prepare for an absolute feast in 2026.

    One world. Two realms. No mercy.

    Lords of the Fallen II – https://www.lordsofthefallen.com/

    #LordsoftheFallenII #PlayStation #combat #Xbox #pc #CIGames #Action #roleplayinggame #Hexworks #horror #gothic #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Delving into Darkness: A Look at the Necropolis of the Damned in Across the Obelisk

    Delving into Darkness: A Look at the Necropolis of the Damned in Across the Obelisk

    Across the Obelisk has captivated roguelike deck-building fans with its engaging combat, deep customization, and endless replayability. With numerous zones to explore and challenges to overcome, the developers have consistently added new content to keep the adventure fresh. One of the most impactful additions, and a personal favorite of mine, is the Necropolis of the Damned.

    This isn’t just another zone; it’s a significant expansion that plunges players into a grim, undead-infested wasteland, bringing new mechanics, enemies, and strategic considerations to the forefront. Let’s dive into what makes the Necropolis so compelling and often terrifying!

    A Bleak New Landscape

    From the moment you enter, the Necropolis sets a distinct tone. The visuals are appropriately somber – decaying structures, skeletal remains, and an oppressive, eerie atmosphere permeate every encounter.

    It feels genuinely like a place where hope has dwindled, and only the relentless march of the undead remains. This strong thematic presentation immediately draws you in and reinforces the new challenges ahead.

    Unearthing New Horrors: The Undead Faction

    The core of the Necropolis experience lies in its introduction of the Undead faction. These aren’t just reskinned enemies; they come with unique keywords and abilities that demand new strategies.

    • Reanimate: Many undead foes possess the “Reanimate” keyword, meaning they will return to life a certain number of times after being defeated, often with less health or different abilities. This forces you to think about sustained damage and target prioritization in a way that other zones don’t. Do you try to burst down a reanimating enemy multiple times, or focus on other threats that stay down for good?
    • Decay: Some undead apply “Decay” stacks, a nasty debuff that deals damage at the start of the affected character’s turn. This can quickly chip away at your health, putting pressure on your healers and defensive abilities.
    • Soul Harvest: Certain elite undead can “harvest” souls from fallen allies (or even your own heroes if you’re not careful!), gaining powerful buffs. This adds another layer of urgency to clear the board efficiently.

    These mechanics make encounters significantly more complex and rewarding. You can’t just rely on the same old strategies; you need to adapt your deck and playstyle to effectively combat the endless hordes.

    New Challenges and Rewards

    Beyond the standard encounters, the Necropolis offers unique events and elite battles that further test your mettle. You might stumble upon ancient crypts, confront powerful necromancers, or even face spectral dragons.

    Successfully navigating these challenges can yield powerful new cards, artifacts, and even unique blessings that can turn the tide of your run. The risk-reward balance feels perfectly tuned, making every decision impactful.

    Strategic Implications for Team Composition

    The Necropolis often forces players to reconsider their typical party compositions and card choices.

    • AoE vs. Single Target: While single-target burst can be great for taking down individual threats, the reanimate mechanic makes sustained AoE (Area of Effect) damage incredibly valuable for clearing out multiple revivifying enemies.
    • Heals and Cleanses: The prevalence of Decay means that healers and characters with cleanse abilities become far more important for mitigating constant health drain.
    • Silence/Stun: Disrupting powerful undead spellcasters or those with “Soul Harvest” can be crucial, making characters with silence or stun effects highly desirable.

    This encourages experimentation and provides a fresh challenge for veteran players who might have settled into comfortable meta strategies.

    Final Thoughts

    The Necropolis of the Damned is more than just an expansion; it’s a testament to the developers’ commitment to enriching the Across the Obelisk experience. It introduces a beautifully crafted, challenging, and strategically deep zone that truly feels like a distinct chapter in the game. If you haven’t ventured into its shadowed depths yet, gather your bravest heroes and prepare for a truly unforgettable (and unforgiving) journey. Just remember to pack plenty of holy water!

    Across the Obelisk – https://www.paradoxinteractive.com

    #AcrosstheObeliskNecropolisoftheDamned #dlc #AcrosstheObelisk #NecropolisoftheDamned #ParadoxInteractive #Paradox #gothic #obelisk #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Rolling the Bones for Glory: Why You Need to Try Die For The Lich

    Rolling the Bones for Glory: Why You Need to Try Die For The Lich

    Dark fantasy fans, roguelike aficionados, and anyone who appreciates a unique spin on a familiar genre—listen up! Die For The Lich, the turn-based roguelike from Monovoid and 2 Left Thumbs, is not just another deckbuilder; it’s a thrilling, dice-fueled journey into a gothic nightmare.

    If games like Slay the Spire and Dicey Dungeons got together and had a baby with the dark atmosphere of Darkest Dungeon or Bloodborne, this would be it. With its distinctive dice-building mechanics, the game manages to strike a perfect, chaotic balance between strategy and pushing your luck.

    The Dice-Deck Difference

    So, what makes Die For The Lich stand out? It swaps out the traditional “deck of cards” for a literal bag of magical dice and trinkets.

    Every turn, you roll your available dice, which have different faces and values. The core strategy revolves around pairing these dice rolls with your equipped weapons and armaments. Why? Because to activate the most powerful effects—the crucial Critical Values—you need to hit a specific dice total.

    This mechanic introduces a constant, exhilarating risk-reward calculation:

    • Do you commit a low-value die now to secure some defence, or hold out for a bigger roll that might unlock a devastating attack?
    • Do you visit the Dice Fusion table to customise your rolls, or seek out a Lucky Die for more reliability?

    This isn’t just about resource management; it’s about fate management. You are constantly gambling with your success, and the sheer chaos of the dice roll keeps every run feeling fresh and unpredictable.

    A World Shrouded in Shadow

    Beyond the clever mechanics, the game’s presentation is a feast for the eyes. It boasts a beautiful, moody, 16-bit pixel art style that perfectly captures the dark fantasy theme. You’ll venture through a land haunted by classic folklore creatures like the Strigoi and Vetala before you even get close to the ultimate goal: facing the King of the Undead, The Lich.

    The roguelike structure ensures that death is merely a temporary setback. You’ll unlock new gear, abilities, and characters by completing gruelling challenges, ensuring that every failed run is still progress toward a unique, stronger future attempt.

    Get Ready to Die… and Die Again

    The public demo, which introduced two distinct playable characters (The Undertaker and Dante), has already garnered an overwhelmingly positive reception from the community—a sure sign that Monovoid is onto something special.

    The good news? You don’t have to wait long to roll the dice yourself. Die For The Lich is planned to enter Early Access on November 10th, 2025.

    If you crave a challenging roguelike that forces you to think on your feet, adapt your strategy on the fly, and embrace the thrill of a high-stakes dice roll, then make sure to Wishlist Die For The Lich on Steam.

    Your strategic mind—and a little bit of luck—will be your only salvation against the Lich’s reign. Are you ready to embrace your fate?

    Die For The Lich https://www.monovoid.co/

    #DieForTheLich #games #gaming #gamers #steam #strategy #2LeftThumbs #roguelike #deckbuilder #dice #gameplay #gothic #demogame

  • CODE VEIN II: A Resurgent Thirst for Blood and Challenge

    CODE VEIN II: A Resurgent Thirst for Blood and Challenge

    The mists of anticipation are gathering, and the air is thick with whispers of a familiar, yet evolved, hunger. While not officially announced, the fervent hope for a CODE VEIN II continues to echo through the desolate streets of the post-apocalyptic world, and the community’s thirst for more blood-fueled action is as strong as any Revenant’s.

    The original CODE VEIN carved out its own unique niche in the action RPG landscape. It masterfully blended the challenging, deliberate combat of a Souls-like game with a distinctly anime-inspired aesthetic, a compelling narrative of survival, and a character customisation system that let players truly embody their inner vampiric warrior.

    So, what would a potential CODE VEIN II bring to the table? Let’s dive into the wish list of features and improvements that could elevate the sequel to legendary status.

    A Deeper Dive into the Lore

    The world of CODE VEIN is rich with tragedy, sacrifice, and the desperate struggle for survival against the horrors of the Thorns of Judgment and the Lost. A sequel could expand on this lore significantly.

    Imagine exploring new, untouched sectors of Vein, uncovering the mysteries of the Great Collapse even further, or perhaps even venturing beyond the Gaol of the Mists. What other factions of Revenants exist? Are there still pockets of uninfected humans, or even new types of horrors born from the collapsing world? The potential for expanding the narrative is immense.

    Evolved Combat and Blood Code Mechanics

    CODE VEIN’s combat was satisfying, but there’s always room for growth. A sequel could introduce:

    • New Weapon Types and Transformations: Imagine blood weapons that dynamically shift forms mid-combat, offering different attack patterns and Gifts.
    • Expanded Blood Code Synergy: Deeper mechanics for combining Gifts from different Blood Codes, allowing for even more intricate and personalised combat styles.
    • Environmental Interactions: More dynamic arenas with elements players can exploit, adding another layer of strategic depth to battles against the Lost.
    • Refined Companion AI and Interactions: While companions were a highlight, further refinement of their AI and more nuanced interactions in combat would be fantastic. Perhaps even companion-specific combo attacks!

    Unveiling New Blood Veils and Gifts

    The iconic Blood Veils were not just armour, but integral to combat, dictating drain attacks and Gift effectiveness. CODE VEIN II could introduce:

    • Transforming Blood Veils: Veils that visually and functionally change based on active Gifts or Blood Codes, offering a fresh aesthetic and tactical options.
    • “Ultimate” Gifts: Powerful, visually spectacular Gifts tied to specific Blood Codes that require charging or specific conditions to unleash, turning the tide of difficult boss battles.

    Even More Customisation Options

    One of CODE VEIN’s most beloved features was its robust character creator. A sequel could push this even further:

    • More intricate accessory placement and layering.
    • New body types and facial features.
    • Dyeable Blood Veils and weapons, allowing for true personalisation of one’s entire ensemble.
    • Personalizable “home base” or Mistle areas, offering a place to relax and show off your unique style.

    Challenging New Adversaries and Epic Bosses

    The Lost were diverse and terrifying, and the boss battles were truly memorable. CODE VEIN II would need to deliver on this front with:

    • More varied Lost types, each requiring unique strategies to overcome.
    • Multi-phase boss battles with dynamic changes in environment and attack patterns.
    • Lore-rich bosses that tie directly into the unfolding narrative, making each encounter feel impactful.

    The Return of the Mistle and Cooperative Play

    The cooperative multiplayer was a fantastic addition, allowing players to brave the horrors of Vein with a friend. This feature would undoubtedly return, hopefully with:

    • Seamless integration into the campaign.
    • Perhaps even dedicated co-op challenges or arenas.

    While an official announcement remains elusive, the potential for CODE VEIN II to build upon the strong foundation of its predecessor is undeniable. The thirst for challenging combat, deep customisation, and a compelling gothic anime aesthetic remains, and we eagerly await the day we can once again unsheathe our Blood Veils and fight for the future of Vein.

    What are your hopes for a CODE VEIN II? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

    CODE VEIN II https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/code-vein/code-vein-2

    #CODEVEINII #CODEVEIN #bandainamco #games #gaming #gamers #coop #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam #gothic #anime #rpg

  • Riddlewood Manor Wishlist On Steam Now

    Riddlewood Manor Wishlist On Steam Now

    Over and over again we have been warned not to mess with dolls and yet it seems there is always the one that finds a mysterious doll and then things start to go wrong. This is Riddlewood Manor and players will need to solve intricate puzzles, escape from rooms that are more than a challenge and then there is the doll that seems to be possessed by some sort of evil spirit. The Riddlewood Manor game is in development but it can be found on Steam for gamers to Wishlist.

    To find out more about the Riddlewood Manor game go to the official game website here http://www.riddlewoodmanor.com/ of go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/ffm0V

    #RiddlewoodManor #Steam #PCGames #Games #Gaming #Horror #PeanutButton #NewGames #Doll #Puzzles #Demons #Mystery #Gothic

  • Blasphemous coming mobile devices

    Blasphemous coming mobile devices

    The gothic horror game Blasphemous is coming to mobile devices with all of the DLCs included, so players will be able to indulge their love for the game no matter where they are, gaming knows no limits now and this game will definitely push players to the limit and beyond. The Blasphemous game is out now on Android and will be coming to iOS at the end of February.

    To find out more about the Blasphemous game go to the official game website here https://shorturl.at/ItwFR Download the game on iOS here https://shorturl.at/Zdwdc and for Android go here https://shorturl.at/ejUyK

    #Blasphemous #MobileGames #iOS #Android #Horror #DLC #Games #Gaming #Gamers #TheGameKitchen #Gothic #PlarformGames #Folklore

  • Vampire Survivors Gothic Horror Game

    Vampire Survivors Gothic Horror Game

    Sometimes there is nothing that can beat a classic game and Vampire Survivors is one of the best as it has that classic gaming look and it is available now on the Nintendo Switch, so you are getting the best of both worlds, vampires, monsters and survivors with that old style arcade game look to it.

    Vampire Survivors isn’t going to break the bank either currently you can pick it up for around £4 now at that price who wouldn’t want to give it a go, just think, classic game, vampires, monsters and survivors, can you handle all of this in one little package, well they do say that some of the best things come in small packages!

    Find out more about the Vampire Survivors game here; https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Vampire-Survivors-2401343.html

    #VampireSurvivors #NintendoSwitch #Vampire #Gothic #Horror #Game #RogueLite #Nintendo #Monsters

  • Wednesday Addams and Thing!

    We think that we know the story of the Addams Family, but how did they get to be the family that we all know? Well, maybe Wednesday can explain it all! Find out more https://media.netflix.com/en/only-on-netflix/81231974 @TechmashUK @Biz_Nooz #Biz_Nooz #TechmashUK #AddamsFamily #WednesdayAddams #Thing #Netflix #Gothic #Horror #Comedy #Wednesday #Addams