Techmash

Tag: #indiedev

  • The Ninja Joins the Fray: Kritter: Defend Together Launches Second Creator Beta!

    The Ninja Joins the Fray: Kritter: Defend Together Launches Second Creator Beta!

    If you’ve been following the chaotic, high-stakes world of Kritter: Defend Together, it’s time to lean in. LJF Games has officially kicked off its Second Creator Beta, and it’s a massive step forward for the co-op roguelite that everyone is trying to categorise (Is it tower defence? Action RPG? Bullet heaven? Yes to all).

    Fresh off the success of the “BattleChips” overhaul, this latest playtest isn’t just a small patch—it’s a content explosion featuring a brand-new class, a punishing boss, and deeper meta-progression.

    What’s New in the Second Creator Beta?

    The developers at LJF Games have been busy turning their “singing accent” into code, and the results are looking sharp. Here’s the breakdown of the biggest additions:

    • The Ninja Class: Move over, Defenders and Engineers. The Ninja has arrived, bringing high-mobility gameplay to the front lines. With kunai for long-range precision, a scarecrow to distract the hordes, and a dash attack that slices through enemies, this class is built for players who like to live on the edge.
    • The Act 2 Boss Premiere: Think you’ve mastered the game? The end of Act 2 is now live, featuring a multi-phase boss fight that the devs are calling the most “hardcore” encounter yet. Bonus: the soundtrack for this fight is being hailed as the best in the game so far.
    • Missions & Challenges System: Your post-run stats now mean something. With over 15 new quests, you can unlock rare BattleChips and new modules for the M.Ark hub based on how well you perform during your runs.
    • Deep Stat Tracking: For the theory-crafters out there, you can now analyse dozens of metrics at the end of each run to see exactly how efficient your build really was.

    The Road to Release: March 2026

    With over 10,000 wishlists and counting, the momentum for Kritter is reaching a fever pitch. The game is currently slated for a March 2026 release on Steam.

    This Creator Beta is more than just a preview; it’s a stress test for the systems that will define the full experience. From the “Mini M.Ark” lore database to expanded hardware support (including full UI prompts for Steam Deck, PlayStation, and Switch), LJF Games is polishing every corner of this “indie gem.”

    “We are a tiny team, and watching players try the game and gathering their feedback is the best way for us to shape Kritter into the next indie gem.” — Bastien, Co-founder & Lead Dev

    How to Get Involved

    If you’re a streamer or content creator looking to showcase some high-octane Ninja gameplay or take on the Act 2 boss, you can apply for a key directly by reaching out to contact@ljfgames.com or joining their official Discord.

    For everyone else, keep an eye on the Kritter: Defend Together category on Twitch to see how the top creators handle the new difficulty spikes.

    Find out more here – https://ljfgames.com/kritter/

    #LJFGames #KritterCreatorBeta #BattleChips #playtest #KritterDefendTogether #multiplayergames #indiegame #indiedev #steamgame #contentcreator #streamers

  • Something Wicked This Way Bakes: Cakey’s Twisted Bakery Hits Nintendo Switch

    Something Wicked This Way Bakes: Cakey’s Twisted Bakery Hits Nintendo Switch

    If you’ve ever looked at a frosted cupcake and thought, “I bet that thing wants to eat me,” your oddly specific intuition is about to be validated. Cakey’s Twisted Bakery, the stealth-survival horror hit from independent studio TinyMindz, has officially made its way to the Nintendo Switch today, February 12, 2026.

    After successful runs on PC and other consoles, this “sweet-and-scary” indie gem brings its unique brand of confectionery chaos to Nintendo’s handheld. Grab your flashlight and a rolling pin; it’s time to see what’s actually inside the oven.

    The Story: Sugar, Spice, and Everything… Morbid?

    In Cakey’s Twisted Bakery, the stakes are a bit higher than a burnt batch of cookies. You play as a young child searching for your missing brother, George, who disappeared somewhere within the neon-lit, sugar-coated halls of the local bakery.

    The twist? The secret ingredient isn’t love—it’s human meat. The bakery is run by a crew of mascot-style monsters who are as colourful as they are lethal.

    Key Gameplay Features

    The game isn’t just about running away; it’s about out-baking your pursuers. Here’s what you can expect:

    • Stealth-First Survival: Navigate through candy-colored corridors and dark storage rooms. You’ll need to hide under tables and inside crates to avoid the gaze of the bakery’s “staff.”
    • Bake to Fight Back: You aren’t totally defenceless. You’ll gather bizarre ingredients scattered throughout the levels to bake “Pies of Destruction.”
    • Colour-Coded Combat: Different monsters have specific weaknesses. You’ll need to match the right pie recipe to the right monster (like Cakey, Frostina, or Candy Bane) to stun or defeat them.
    • Procedural Elements: With varying ingredient placements and multiple endings, each playthrough offers a slightly different recipe for terror.

    Meet the “Staff”

    The character designs are a highlight here, blending the “mascot horror” aesthetic made famous by games like Five Nights at Freddy’s with a sugary, culinary theme.

    MonsterPersonality/Vibe
    CakeyThe “face” of the bakery. A crumbly nightmare with too many teeth.
    FrostinaA neon-pink terror that’s much less sweet than she looks.
    Candy BaneA fast-moving threat that will have you checking every corner.

    Why It’s Perfect for Switch

    At a file size of roughly 500 MB and a price point around $9.99, Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is the definition of a “bite-sized” horror experience. Most players can finish a run in about two hours, making it an ideal title for a late-night session under the covers.

    The Switch version, published by Ultimate Games S.A., brings the full experience to the handheld, allowing you to take the jump scares with you on the go—though we wouldn’t recommend playing it in a real bakery.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your flashlight battery. The bakery is darker than it looks, and the monsters are much faster than their doughy exteriors suggest.

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

    #CakeysTwistedBakery #survival #horror #stealth #action #adventure #arcade #indiedev #TinyMindz #UltimateGames #games #gaming #gamers #vidoegames

  • Northgale: The Nordic Kite-Flying Game Announced for Steam

    Northgale: The Nordic Kite-Flying Game Announced for Steam

    Harness the power of the Northern Wind and prepare for a journey where the only thing higher than the mountain peaks is your kite.

    Solo developer Myte Interactive has officially pulled back the curtain on Northgale, a cosy, physics-based exploration adventure that’s officially coming to Steam. Deeply rooted in Norwegian folklore and “hand-painted” aesthetics, this title is shaping up to be the digital equivalent of a warm cup of cocoa on a snowy day.

    The Story: Mending a Broken Spirit

    In Northgale, you aren’t just flying a kite for fun (though there’s plenty of that). You play as a traveller whose kite has been inhabited by a weakened Northwind—a godlike spirit fractured and cast down from its mountain throne.

    Your mission is a peaceful one:

    • Soar through breathtaking Nordic landscapes.
    • Restore the Northwind’s power by piecing together its spirit.
    • Heal a land thrown into chaos by uncontrolled elemental forces.

    Gameplay: Wind, Wings, and Whimsy

    Forget combat and high-stress timers. Northgale is built around the “cosy” philosophy, emphasising non-violent progression and environmental puzzle-solving.

    Key Features:

    • Physics-Based Flight: This isn’t just “press button to fly.” You’ll need to master the wind’s mechanics, using your kite to glide through fjords, clear paths, and manipulate ancient mechanisms.
    • Metroidvania-Style Progression: What begins as a simple glide will evolve. As you recover the Northwind’s power, you’ll unlock new flight abilities that allow you to reach previously inaccessible mists and peaks.
    • Gnome Rescue Missions: Scattered throughout the world are hidden gnomes waiting for a helping hand.
    • Homestead Restoration: Between flights, you can return to your ruined homestead. By gathering resources on your journey, you can rebuild your sanctuary, watching it transform from a broken ruin into a thriving haven.
    • Full Customisation: Look good while you soar. You can find hidden dyes and patterns across the map to tailor your protagonist’s look.

    A Love Letter to Norway

    The game is a solo project by John Hauge, based in Norway. The influence is clear in every frame: from the lush valleys and misty forests to the creatures inspired by authentic Scandinavian myths. The visuals aren’t just “inspired” by Norway; they are a hand-painted tribute to the region’s natural beauty.

    “The world is your puzzle. Solve wind-based challenges and navigate treacherous terrain… without ever drawing a weapon.” — Myte Interactive

    How to Play

    While a firm release date hasn’t been set yet, the momentum is building. The game made a splash during the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, and the official reveal teaser is currently making waves on IGN and YouTube.

    Find out more here – https://myteinteractive.no/en/northgale

    #Northgale #MyteInteractive #Kites #NorwegianFolklore #Steam #CozyGames #IndieDev #Exploration #Gaming #WholesomeGames #KiteGliding #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Protect the Pit new Demo

    Protect the Pit new Demo

    If you’ve been looking for a tower defence game that swaps generic knights for gritty, subterranean chaos, the Protect the Pit demo is officially calling your name.

    It’s a refreshing take on the genre that focuses as much on resource management as it does on tactical placement. Here’s the lowdown on why you should give it a download.

    The Premise

    In Protect the Pit, you aren’t just building towers; you’re defending a central excavation site—The Pit—from relentless waves of underground horrors. It’s dark, it’s atmospheric, and it feels like a mix between Dungeon Keeper and modern rogue-lite builders.

    Key Features in the Demo

    • Verticality Matters: Unlike flat-map defenders, the terrain here is your best friend (or your worst enemy).
    • Dynamic Pathing: The enemies aren’t mindless drones; they’ll find the weakest link in your perimeter if you aren’t careful.
    • The Upgrade Loop: The demo gives a solid taste of the tech tree, allowing you to specialise in high-damage ballistics or elemental crowd control.

    Why It’s Worth Your Time

    The demo does a great job of balancing the “chill” vibes of a builder with the frantic “oh no” moments when a swarm breaks through. It’s polished, the sound design is incredibly crunchy, and the learning curve is gentle enough to get you hooked in about ten minutes.

    Pro Tip: Don’t cluster all your heavy hitters at the entrance. In the current demo build, splash damage is king—spread your AOE towers to maximise the “choke points.”

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

    #ProtectthePit #steam #demogame #towerdefence #monsters

    #TomDaly #IndieDev #incrementalclicker #maze #trees #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • New gameplay for Crushed in Time

    New gameplay for Crushed in Time

    The world of Crushed in Time isn’t just dangerous—it’s disappearing. Explore stunning landscapes, solve mind-bending temporal puzzles, and uncover the truth behind the fracture before the walls of time close in for good.

    History is written by the survivors. Are you one of them?

    The past is collapsing, the future is uncertain, and you’re caught right in the middle. In Crushed in Time, every second counts, and every choice could be your last.

    Will you master the timeline, or will you be crushed by it?

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

    #CrushedInTime #DrawMeAPixel #SciFi #Survival #TimeTravel #IndieDev #GamingCommunity #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam

  • BrawlMart Cleanup on Aisle 4!

    BrawlMart Cleanup on Aisle 4!

    BrawlMart is officially taking “grocery runs” to a whole new level. It’s physics-based, it’s chaotic, and it’s the most fun you’ll have in a shopping cart without getting kicked out of a real store.

    Grab 3 friends, pick your cart, and prepare to brawl. You will never look at a supermarket in the same way again.

    Players can find out more about the BrawlMart game on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/3467660/BrawlMart/

    #BrawlMart #AsaLongino #steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #Gaming #Multiplayer #IndieDev

  • Howling Hamster Entertainment releases demo for Sub-Species

    Howling Hamster Entertainment releases demo for Sub-Species

    Get ready to dive deep! Howling Hamster Entertainment has officially released the playable demo for Sub-Species, and it’s time to see if you have what it takes to survive the subterranean depths.

    Check out the details below:

    Why You Need to Play the Demo

    • Immersive Atmosphere: Experience the tension of a world buried beneath the surface.
    • Unique Mechanics: Get a first-hand look at the tactical gameplay and survival elements.
    • Shape the Game: Your feedback during this demo phase helps the devs polish the final experience!

    About Sub-Species

    Sub-Species is an atmospheric survival horror/action title that challenges players to navigate claustrophobic environments filled with biological terrors. It’s gritty, it’s intense, and it’s finally ready for a test drive.

    “The depths are calling. Will you answer, or will you become part of the ecosystem?”

    Play it Now!

    The demo is available for download on https://Sub-Species.com or https://store.steampowered.com/app/3779120/SubSpecies/

    Grab your gear, watch your back, and let us know what you think in the comments!

    #SubSpecies #HowlingHamster #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #IndieDev #GamingNews #HorrorGaming #SurvivalGames #GameDemo

  • Victory is for the bold. Survival is for the Vultures

    Victory is for the bold. Survival is for the Vultures

    THE HUNT BEGINS.

    Team Vultures is proud to announce our newest title: Vultures – Scavengers of Death.

    The world is a wasteland, and only the ruthless survive. Will you rise to the top of the food chain, or become just another carcass in the sand?

    Stay tuned for gameplay reveals and release dates. The feast is coming…

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/bqtn4

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #VulturesScavengersofDeath #TeamVultures #ScavengersOfDeath #IndieDev #GamingNews #Survival

  • DIVE IN: Scrap Daddies is NOW LIVE in Early Access!

    DIVE IN: Scrap Daddies is NOW LIVE in Early Access!

    The wait is over, Scrappers! It’s time to grab your gear, round up the crew, and plunge into the beautiful, chaotic depths of Scrap Daddies, officially available now on Steam Early Access!

    The world is underwater, and New Tortuga is counting on YOU. Whether you’re a lone wolf or rolling with a full squad of 6, the mission is simple: Get in. Get the scrap. Get out alive.

    What’s waiting for you in the depths?

    • Slapstick Co-op Chaos: Teamwork makes the dream work—until someone accidentally triggers a base-wide fire.
    • High-Stakes Extraction: Hunt for vital Power Cells and fill your pack with scrap. But remember: if you don’t make it back to the sub before the clock hits zero, you lose it all!
    • Deep-Sea Upgrades: Use your trusty Ripsaw to tear through wreckage and turn that junk into epic gear and powerful skill upgrades.
    • Environmental Hazards: From toxic slimes to crumbling hallways, every raid is a fresh fight for survival.

    Join the Community

    The developers are building this game with you. Early Access is just the beginning, and they want your feedback to help shape the future of New Tortuga.

    Grab it on Steam for $9.99 USD and start your first raid today!

    Find out more here –

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #ScrapDaddies #EarlyAccess #CoopGaming #LooterShooter #IndieDev #NewRelease #SteamGames #OtherOcean

  • Can you find Polka?

    Can you find Polka?

    Lidlocks is proud to announce their newest game: Finding Polka! A cosy, wordless adventure about memories, friendship, and the bond between a girl and her dogs.

    • Hand-drawn ballpoint pen art
    • A “fun in every step” world to explore
    • Releasing Q3 2026!

    While Wormventures was all about point-and-click puzzles, Finding Polka is a “heartfelt walking simulator” focused on discovery and wordless emotion. It’s a passion project drawn with ballpoint pens and filled with the same quirky charm you’ve come to expect from Lidlocks.

    Don’t let this piece of the past slip away—head over to Steam to watch the trailer and add it to your Wishlist today!

    Find out more here – https://lidlocks.jp/

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #FindingPolka #CozyGames #WishlistWednesday #IndieDev #NewGame #WalkingSimulator #Lidlocks

  • Your Kingdom. Your Legacy. Your Loop.

    Your Kingdom. Your Legacy. Your Loop.

    The Cycle Begins: Kingdom Loop demo is LIVE!

    Are you ready to build an empire that stands the test of time? We are thrilled to introduce Kingdom Loop, the latest strategy experience from RootGame!

    In Kingdom Loop, every decision counts. Balance your resources, defend your borders, and master the “Loop” to ensure your kingdom thrives through the ages.

    Build. Defend. Repeat. Whether you’re a casual strategist or a hardcore tactician, there’s a place for you in the realm. Join thousands of players and start your legacy today!

    Find out more here – https://ult.ink/KingdomLoopDemo

    #RootGame #UltimateGames #KingdomLoop #RootGame #StrategyGaming #IndieDev #GamingCommunity #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Swing hard. Run fast. Survive the course. Super Battle Golf!

    Swing hard. Run fast. Survive the course. Super Battle Golf!

    GOLF JUST GOT LETHAL!

    Tired of quiet courses and polite clapping? Super Battle Golf by Brimstone is officially taking over! This isn’t your grandfather’s Sunday round—it’s a high-speed, physics-based brawl where your swing is your weapon.

    Why you need to play:

    • Combat meets Clubs: Outrun your opponents and sabotage their shots.
    • Fast-Paced Mayhem: No waiting for turns—just pure, chaotic racing to the hole.
    • Epic Power-ups: Use the environment (and your arsenal) to secure the win.

    Grab your friends and see who’s actually the king of the green.

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

    #SuperBattleGolf #BrimstoneGames #orointeractive #golf #IndieDev #BattleGolf #GamingCommunity #sports #games #gaming #gamers #videogames