TECHMASH

Tag: #IndieGames

  • Craft on the Fly, Extract, Repeat: Expendabots Unveiled at Future Games Show!

    Craft on the Fly, Extract, Repeat: Expendabots Unveiled at Future Games Show!

    The Future Games Show: Summer Showcase just dropped a major bombshell for co-op horror fans. Independent developer Collision Games and acclaimed publisher Blue Brain Games (the masterminds behind The House of Da Vinci series) have officially pulled back the curtain on Expendabots—a frantic, 4-player co-op horror extraction game that promises to test your nerves and your teamwork.

    If you love high-stakes extraction loops, clunky robotic protagonists, and atmospheric dread, this is one title you need on your radar.

    Welcome to the Custody Zone

    In an alternate universe, the Custody Zone is a forbidden archipelago sealed off from civilisation. It’s a beautifully handcrafted, procedurally generated nightmare filled with abandoned facilities, unstable machinery, and technology that defies explanation.

    To salvage what’s left, the mega-corporation Nullshore Consortium sends in the Expendabots—disposable, clunky robotic units engineered to dive into the dark, scavenge for valuable relics, and get the heck out before the island is lost entirely.

    But you aren’t alone out there. The Zone’s ancient defence systems are still highly active, and the terrifying entities patrolling the halls react to both sight and sound.

    Check out the core features revealed at the showcase:

    • Frantic 1-4 Player Co-op: Team up with friends or go it alone on PC and Mac via Steam.
    • On-the-Fly 3D Printing: Each Expendabot carries a portable 3D printer on its back. Scavenge raw materials mid-run to fabricate vital survival gear, emergency power cells, or decoys to lure threats away.
    • Deadly Proximity Chat: Communication is key, but be careful—the enemy NPCs can hear you screaming over the proximity mic.
    • Heart-Pounding Respawn System: In Expendabots, you are replaceable, but the mission isn’t. If a teammate falls, you can physically harvest their “heart” and carry it to a massive 3D printer to spawn them into a shiny new chassis.
    • Procedural Peril: Featuring 5 distinct dungeon types, no two expeditions into the Custody Zone will ever lay out the same.

    High Stakes, No Refunds

    What sets Expendabots apart is its distinct blend of charmingly clunky robotic design with genuinely tense, atmospheric horror. The progression system revolves around upgrading your robotic limbs, unlocking new abilities and mechanics to survive deeper dives into the facilities.

    It’s all about the risk vs reward: do you stay a few minutes longer to loot one last room, or do you extract with your squad before the island collapses?

    Wishlist Now!

    Following its stellar world premiere, Expendabots is officially available to wishlist on Steam. If you are ready to assemble your squad of scrap-metal heroes, head over to their official page, check out the debut trailer, and prepare for a wild, chaotic extraction experience.

    What do you think of the Expendabots reveal? Let us know if your squad will be diving into the Custody Zone in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Expendabots #CollisionGames #BlueBrainGames #FutureGamesShow #CoOpGames #HorrorGames #ExtractionShooter #IndieGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Crash the Yokai Party: Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke Gets a Physical PS5 Release This July!

    Crash the Yokai Party: Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke Gets a Physical PS5 Release This July!

    Physical game collectors and retro enthusiasts, clear some space on your shelves! Funbox Media Ltd has officially announced that they are bringing the vibrant, chaotic world of Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke to the PlayStation 5 in a physical edition.

    Mark your calendars: this physical release is set to drop across Europe and the Americas on July 31, 2026.

    If you love nostalgic pixel art, chaotic bullet-hell action, and quirky Japanese folklore, this is one launch you won’t want to skip.

    What is Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke?

    Originally released digitally by Eastasiasoft and developed by Super16bits, Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke is a side-scrolling bullet-hell shoot-’em-up (SHMUP) that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

    The premise is simple but hilarious: Every year, the spirits and monsters of Japan take to the streets to celebrate the Hyakki Yagy? (the Night Parade of the Hundred Yokai). But this year? They intentionally didn’t invite the rowdy Oni twins. Naturally, the only logical response is to crash the party and completely ruin it!

    Key Features:

    • Playable Yokai Heroines: Take control of four beautiful pixel-art characters—including the sweet-loving Blue Oni Sister and the hot-headed Red Oni Sister—each featuring their own distinct companion assistant (and yes, beachwear variants!).
    • Retro Bullet-Hell Action: Battle your way through 5 chaotic, yokai-infested levels.
    • Massive Boss Fights: Face down giant, screen-filling bosses at the end of every stage.
    • Accessible Fun: With gorgeous 16-bit retro aesthetics and an infinite continue system, it’s a blast for hardcore arcade veterans and SHMUP newcomers alike.

    A Packed 3-in-1 Disc: The Bonus Games!

    Funbox Media Ltd isn’t just giving us a standard physical release; they are packing the disc with incredible value. To complement the main game, the physical edition includes two fantastic bonus games right on the disc:

    1. Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 – Ninpo Blast: A fast-paced, retro vertical shoot-’em-up where you’ll fight off swarms of mythical insect baddies using shurikens, bombs, and hoverbikes. It features permanent weapon upgrades and online leaderboards for the ultimate arcade chase.
    2. Overpowered 1 – Mars Infestation: Ready for a change of scenery? Jump into the year 2050 in this top-down, twin-stick sci-fi shooter. Exterminate aggressive alien threats on Mars using over-the-top firepower, fluid pixel art animations, and a pumping soundtrack.

    “This release celebrates not only a wonderful main title, but also includes two fantastic bonus games that showcase diverse gameplay styles. It’s a great value package and a must-have for collectors.” — Funbox Media Ltd

    Final Thoughts

    In a digital-first era, physical releases like this are a true love letter to collectors. By bundling a beautiful side-scrolling SHMUP with a vertical ninja-themed shooter and a twin-stick sci-fi survival game, Funbox Media is offering massive arcade variety in one single box.

    Keep your eyes peeled for pre-orders at your favourite retailers ahead of the July 31, 2026, launch date!

    Are you planning to add this to your PS5 physical collection? Which character are you choosing first? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #PS5 #PhysicalGames #TwilightParade #SHMUP #BulletHell #RetroGaming #FunboxMedia #IndieGames #Yokai #TechMash

  • Burn Rubber Early: Throttle Trace Drops a Surprise Playable Demo on Steam!

    Burn Rubber Early: Throttle Trace Drops a Surprise Playable Demo on Steam!

    The engines are roaring, the tyres are smoking, and the starting line is officially open. MicroProse and Unordered Games have just announced that a playable demo for their highly anticipated racer, Throttle Trace, is officially live on Steam for everyone to experience right now.

    If you’ve been itching for a racing game that perfectly balances high-octane speed with precision control, your weekend plans just sorted themselves out.

    What is Throttle Trace?

    For the uninitiated, Throttle Trace isn’t just another lap-around-the-track simulator. Developed by Unordered Games and published by the legendary strategy and simulation giants at MicroProse, this title aims to bring a fresh, adrenaline-fueled perspective to the racing genre.

    Think tight corners, heart-pounding drift mechanics, and tracks designed to test both your reflexes and your tactical racing lines. With MicroProse backing the project, you can bet there’s a deep appreciation for mechanical detail and satisfying gameplay loops underlying every single drift.

    What to Expect in the Steam Demo

    The developers aren’t just giving us a glorified benchmark test; this is a proper taste of the tarmac. By downloading the demo today, you’ll get to experience:

    • Responsive Handling: Get a feel for the game’s distinct physics engine.
    • Immersive Tracks: Tear through meticulously designed environments that demand your full attention.
    • A True Stress Test: Push your own limits (and your PC’s frame rates) before the full launch.

    How to Play: You don’t need a special beta key or a pre-order code. Simply head over to the Steam store, search for Throttle Trace, and hit the “Download Demo” button to get behind the wheel immediately.

    Why This Collaboration Matters

    MicroProse has been on an absolute tear lately, resurrecting the spirit of classic PC gaming while championing innovative indie talent. By partnering with Unordered Games for Throttle Trace, they are signalling a bold step into high-speed action. This demo is a statement of confidence—they want players to feel the weight of the cars and the rush of the race firsthand because they know the gameplay speaks for itself.

    Go grab your controller (or configure your wheel), head over to Steam, and lay down some rubber. Once you’ve set your best lap time, drop a comment below and let us know if Throttle Trace is living up to the hype!

    Find out more here

    #ThrottleTrace #MicroProse #UnorderedGames #SteamDemo #PCGaming #RacingGames #GamingNews #TechMash #IndieGames

  • Escape the Abyss: Dark Action-RPG ‘Lostbound’ Hits Steam Next Fest with a Brand-New Playable Demo

    Escape the Abyss: Dark Action-RPG ‘Lostbound’ Hits Steam Next Fest with a Brand-New Playable Demo

    The highly anticipated Steam Next Fest is officially here, running from June 15–22, and indie game fans have a major new title to add to their radar. Developer Tenkarider, alongside publisher Tambù Digital, has announced that their striking action-RPG roguelite, Lostbound, is participating in the event with a thrilling, freshly updated playable demo.

    If you are a fan of dark, tactical roguelites where every single decision dictates your survival, this is one demo you cannot afford to skip this week.

    Outrun the Hand, Manage Your Steps

    In Lostbound, the ground beneath your feet is your greatest asset—and your biggest liability. Set in a decaying world being aggressively consumed by a living entity of darkness known as The Hand, the game blends classic action-RPG combat with unpredictable roguelite mechanics.

    The core twist? Every movement leaves a permanent mark on the world map. Retrace your steps too frequently, and The Hand will physically erase the path behind you. As narrow corridors and safe routes vanish into the Abyss, your journey becomes a tense, calculated race against time and geography.

    What’s Inside the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    Tenkarider and Tambù Digital have loaded this updated demo with a substantial amount of content to give players a true taste of the abyss. Here is what you can expect when you download it this week:

    • The Opening Region: Take your first steps into a crumbling reality and experience the baseline tension of Lostbound’s exploration loop.
    • Two Distinct Modes: Choose between Adventure Mode or Campaign Mode, giving you different ways to tackle the story and its procedural elements.
    • Dungeon Diving: Risk entering dangerous, pitch-black dungeons to hunt for game-changing artefacts and weapon types before nightfall claims you.
    • Build Customisation: Experiment with diverse item synergies, multiple weapons, and permanent meta-progression upgrades fueled by gathering Dark Matter.

    Behind-the-Scenes Developer Broadcasts

    In addition to the hands-on demo, the development team will be hosting a special Steam Broadcast throughout the week. Players can tune in directly on the Steam page to watch live gameplay, gain insights into the dynamic procedural generation systems, and chat with the creators.

    Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelite Fans

    Lostbound stands out in a crowded genre by making the map itself a predatory force. It demands smart resource management, flawless routing, and an appetite for risk.

    The Lostbound demo is available to download for free right now on Steam. Dive into the abyss, test your survival instincts, and don’t forget to hit that Wishlist button if you manage to escape The Hand!

    Interested? Check out the official trailer on the Lostbound Steam Page.

    #IndieGames #SteamNextFest #Lostbound #GamingNews #Roguelite #ActionRPG #Tenkarider #TambuDigital #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Get a Grip! Heave Ho 2 Swings Onto PC and Nintendo Consoles This July

    Get a Grip! Heave Ho 2 Swings Onto PC and Nintendo Consoles This July

    If you and your friends haven’t finished arguing over who ruined your last couch co-op session, it’s time to patch things up. Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Le Cartel are absolutely buoyant to announce that Heave Ho 2—the highly anticipated sequel to the smash-hit, physics-based party game—is bounding onto PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16 for a wallet-friendly $9.99.

    More Hands, More Chaos, and Online Play!

    The original Heave Ho won our hearts by tasking up to four players with a simple, yet agonisingly funny goal: grab onto each other, stretch, swing, and absolutely do not fall to your death.

    Heave Ho 2 takes that brilliant, slapstick formula and cranks the dial to eleven. The headline feature this time around? Online multiplayer support. For the very first time, you’ll be able to take the absolute pandemonium of your living room couch and bring it online to test friendships across the globe.

    What’s New in Heave Ho 2?

    Le Cartel isn’t just serving up a re-skin. The sequel introduces a whole host of gravity-defying upgrades:

    • Eight Wild Themed Worlds: From the floaty mechanics of weightless space to absolute cookery chaos in the kitchen, each world introduces unique hazards.
    • Fresh Mechanics and Gadgets: Players can expect new scenarios that require pushing, pulling, shooting, and squeezing through fiendish obstacles.
    • Nintendo Switch GameShare Support: Switch 2 players can take advantage of local or online GameShare, meaning only one person needs to own the game to share the madness with up to three additional players.

    Try the PC Demo Right Now

    Can’t wait until July 16 to start dangling over a bottomless void? You’re in luck. A playable demo is live right now on Steam, giving you a taste of the precise timing and terrible teamwork that awaits.

    Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party night experience or just want a reason to scream at your friends via Discord, Heave Ho 2 is shaping up to be the summer’s essential multiplayer title. Grab your copy on PC or Nintendo consoles this July for just $9.99!

    Are you ready to lose your grip all over again? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #HeaveHo2 #DevolverDigital #LeCartel #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #SteamGames #PCGaming #CoOpGaming #PartyGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • God of War Pedigree Meets Retro Carnage: Gunstoppable Blasts Onto PC and Xbox This August!

    God of War Pedigree Meets Retro Carnage: Gunstoppable Blasts Onto PC and Xbox This August!

    If you’ve been craving an adrenaline-soaked, high-octane alternative to the standard crop of modern live-service shooters, CAGE Studios is cooking up exactly what you need.

    Gunstoppable, the highly anticipated momentum-based, fast-paced roguelite boomer shooter, has officially locked in its release date. Mark your calendars: the game is breaking out the big guns on PC via Steam and Xbox consoles on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

    The pedigree behind this absolute riot of a game? It’s led by a former God of War developer who is trading mythological hack-and-slash action for brutal, retro-inspired firearm ballet.

    Speed Equals Destruction: How It Plays

    In Gunstoppable, physics are your best friend—and your deadliest weapon. The team at CAGE Studios has built a movement philosophy where the speed limit is completely non-existent. The faster you move, the harder you hit. To survive the bullet-hell barrages waiting for you, you’ll need to master a fluid kinetic toolkit:

    • Slide & Wall-Run: Keep your momentum flowing across cyberpunk cityscapes and underwater prisons.
    • Grapple & Rail-Grind: Sling yourself into danger or escape tight corners in the blink of an eye.
    • Time-Bending Parries: Deflect incoming chaos and slow down time to shatter clusters of enemies at once.

    Every death makes you stronger, giving you the classic, addictive roguelite loop wrapped in a pristine 90s FPS aesthetic.

    Over-The-Top Customisation: “If It Sounds Broken, It Is”

    True to its boomer shooter roots, the arsenal in Gunstoppable leans heavily into pure, unadulterated absurdity. Players can dual-wield completely mismatched, game-breaking weapon combinations. Want to stack upgrades that turn a standard shotgun into a cascading flamethrower? Go for it. Want to turn literal bananas into tactical nukes? The developers actively encourage it.

    Topple Billionaires, Save the World

    You aren’t just blowing up rogue robots for the sake of it. You play as a finely tuned killing machine embarking on a capitalist-toppling quest to save your sister and take down evil, war-profiteering CEO billionaires.

    Because it’s a high-stakes, one-way revenge trip, your character decides to do what any reasonable hero would do in 2026: livestream the entire rampage to the world. As you pull off stylish takedowns against eccentric bosses (like “Johnny Jetpack” and literal fame-hungry nepo babies), your in-game view count skyrockets, inspiring citizens worldwide to rise up against their oppressors.

    Fun Fact: The voice cast features an extra layer of internet culture—viral “Okay Boomer” meme creator Neekolul joins the fully-voiced story campaign, bringing a wonderfully meta touch to a literal “boomer shooter.”

    PC & Xbox Launch Details

    Gunstoppable launches on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. PC players can already head over to Steam to add the game to their wishlists to prepare for launch discounts, while console players can get ready to rumble on Xbox Series X|S.

    The game is highly optimised, even boasting a “Potato Mode” in the graphics settings so you can chase triple-digit framerates regardless of your rig.

    Are you ready to turn the tables on the architects of endless brutality? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be wishlisting this one!

    Find out more here

    #Gunstoppable #BoomerShooter #FPS #IndieGames #GamingNews #Steam #Xbox #CAGEStudios #Roguelite #RetroGaming #TechMash

  • From Vikings to the Cosmos: Shiro Games Launches Multiplayer Sandbox ‘SpaceCraft’ Into Early Access

    From Vikings to the Cosmos: Shiro Games Launches Multiplayer Sandbox ‘SpaceCraft’ Into Early Access

    The brilliant minds behind Northgard, Wartales, and Farever are officially trading medieval axes and tactical mercenaries for Faster-Than-Light drives and industrial laser drills. Bordeaux-based studio Shiro Games has just launched its highly anticipated multiplayer space sandbox, SpaceCraft, into Steam Early Access!

    If you’ve ever wanted to build an interstellar corporate empire with your mates while managing complex automation logistics, this might just be your next gaming obsession.

    What is SpaceCraft?

    At its core, SpaceCraft is a massive, open-world sci-fi adventure that seamlessly blends deep-space exploration with heavy industrial automation. Shiro Games describes it as their most ambitious project yet—and looking at the scale, it’s easy to see why.

    Starting out in the resource-rich Solar Alpha system, players are tasked with establishing a thriving interplanetary corporation. You’ll design and pilot fully modular starships that can transition seamlessly between deep-space travel and planetary landings.

    Once your boots (or landing gears) are on the ground, the real work begins: surveying alien worlds, deploying heavy machinery to extract raw materials, and establishing sprawling logistics networks to move your cargo across the galaxy.

    Key Features at Early Access Launch:

    • A Massive Universe: Explore multiple sectors, hundreds of star systems, and thousands of unique planets.
    • Modular Ship Building: Fully customise your fleet with cutting-edge upgrades tailored for combat, heavy hauling, or deep-space exploration.
    • Industrial Automation: Use autonomous drones, massive cargo hauliers, and specialised machinery to automate your resource production lines.
    • Player-Driven MMO Economy: Trade high-value blueprints, craft advanced ship components, and manage supply chains in a living, shared universe.
    • Corporate Collaboration: Form or join Corporations with other players to coordinate massive planetary operations and dominate the galactic market.

    “SpaceCraft is by far the most ambitious game we’ve ever created,” says Nicolas Cannasse, CEO of Shiro Games. “Our goal was to build a universe that feels both accessible and limitless, a true sandbox where players can explore, industrialise, collaborate, and shape their own stories among the stars.”

    The TechMash Verdict: Factorio Meets Elite Dangerous?

    Shiro Games has a phenomenal track record when it comes to depth and mechanics. Northgard mastered RTS survival, while Wartales perfected gritty tactical management. Bringing that same analytical, rewarding gameplay loop to a multiplayer space sandbox is an incredibly exciting prospect.

    By leaning heavily into the MMO aspect, SpaceCraft sets itself apart from pure single-player or co-op builders. You are sharing this galaxy with thousands of other pioneers, meaning competition for the most resource-dense asteroid belts and prime planetary real estate will be fierce.

    Pricing and Availability

    SpaceCraft is available right now on PC via Steam Early Access for £24.99 ($29.99 / €29,99). To celebrate the launch, Shiro Games is offering a 10% introductory discount for the next two weeks.

    The studio expects the game to remain in Early Access for at least six months to fine-tune mechanics, add more sectors, and implement community feedback before the 1.0 release.

    Will you be heading into the stars solo as a freelance trader, or assembling a mega-corporation with your friends? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SpaceCraft #ShiroGames #SteamEarlyAccess #SciFiGaming #SpaceSandbox #IndieGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Buggin’ Out! 90s Shmup Legend ‘Apidya Special’ Buzzes Onto Consoles and PC This August (Pre-Orders Open!)

    Buggin’ Out! 90s Shmup Legend ‘Apidya Special’ Buzzes Onto Consoles and PC This August (Pre-Orders Open!)

    Get your flight sticks and reflexes ready, retro fans, because one of the most unique shoot-’em-ups of the Amiga golden era is officially making a modern comeback!

    ININ Games has announced that pre-orders are now officially open for Apidya Special. Developed by Team Apidya, this modern revival of the beloved 1992 insectoid classic is set to swarm PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on August 25, 2026.

    From Amiga Icon to Modern Marvel

    For the uninitiated, Apidya wasn’t your typical 90s sci-fi shooter. Instead of piloting a sleek starship through deep space to blast alien armadas, players were shrunk down and cast as Ikuro, a man transformed into a deadly honeybee on a fierce quest to save his bride from an evil sorcerer.

    You swapped lasers for stingers and fought through beautifully detailed, bio-organic worlds filled with hyper-aggressive wasps, giant spiders, and mutated pond life. It stood out for its incredible art style, tight mechanics, and a legendary, pumping chiptune soundtrack by Chris Huelsbeck.

    What to Expect in the ‘Special’ Edition

    While ININ Games is keeping some of the finest details under wraps, Apidya Special promises to bring the sting back with a host of modern upgrades:

    • Pixel-Perfect Enhancements: Beautifully preserved retro aesthetics optimised for modern 4K displays and handheld screens alike.
    • Quality-of-Life Features: Expect modern staples like rewind features, save states, and customizable controls to help you survive the brutal, old-school difficulty.
    • Cross-Platform Launch: Whether you prefer the portability of the Switch, the raw power of the PS5 and Xbox, or the classic feel of a PC setup, you won’t be left behind.

    Secure Your Nest: Pre-Order Details

    With the release date locked in for August 25, 2026, digital pre-orders are rolling out across the PlayStation Store, Xbox Game Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam.

    If you’re a fan of classic Kaiko and Team17-era Amiga gems, or just a shmup enthusiast looking for a unique flavour of bullet-hell, this is one revival you don’t want to miss.

    Are you ready to buzz back into battle? Head over to your platform’s storefront to lock in your copy today!

    Find out more here

    #ApidyaSpecial #ININGames #RetroGaming #Shmup #AmigaClassic #GamingNews #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Build Big, Fall Hard: Chaotic Co-Op Sim ‘Salvation Denied’ Drops Free Steam Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest

    Build Big, Fall Hard: Chaotic Co-Op Sim ‘Salvation Denied’ Drops Free Steam Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest

    If you and your gaming crew think your communication skills are rock solid, indie developer Firevolt and publisher Digital Vortex Entertainment are about to put that theory to the ultimate test.

    The duo has officially released a free playable demo for Salvation Denied on Steam. Even better? The game has already locked in a prime spot for the upcoming Steam Next Fest, kicking off on June 15.

    If you’ve been looking for the next great multiplayer game to test your friendships, this might just be it.

    What is Salvation Denied?

    Salvation Denied is a chaotic, physics-driven co-op construction simulator for 1–4 players. Working as a crew of mischievous little yellow construction robots on a hostile alien world, you are tasked with assembling massive experimental structures for a mysterious, fanatical employer. The catch? Only your employer knows what these structures are actually for, and the planet really, really wants to destroy them.

    Unlike traditional building games, where physics are mostly cosmetic, everything in Salvation Denied has actual weight and inertia. One poorly reinforced beam, an overloaded support, or a split-second bad decision can cause your entire multi-story masterpiece to come crashing down in spectacular fashion.

    Check out the gameplay breakdown below:

    FeatureWhat to Expect
    Player Count1–4 players (Solo or Online Co-op)
    CommunicationChaotic proximity voice chat for frantic coordination
    Tools & GadgetsGravity guns, foam guns, jetpacks, and massive construction vehicles
    The ThreatActive, real-time environmental disasters like meteor showers and acid rain

    Play Two Massive Missions in the Demo Right Now

    Following feedback from an open playtest earlier this year, Firevolt completely overhauled the game’s locations and character mechanics to deliver a robust slice of gameplay for the demo. Instead of just a basic tutorial, the Steam demo features two full missions to give you a true taste of the architectural anarchy:

    • Mission 1: “Signal to Orbit” – Your objective is simple on paper: build a base of any shape or size high enough so an antenna can catch a signal. Your real enemy? Trying not to get flattened by incoming meteor showers while you build.
    • Mission 2: “Shield Breaker” – A newly added mission that ups the ante. Teams must level support heights across a massive canyon, drive heavy damper cores to power a mega impulse cannon, and destroy three security towers to breach an energy barrier.

    To help you manage the madness, the demo lets you pilot heavy machinery like The Fatboy—an all-in-one bulldozer, shredder, and 3D printer that can recycle debris into useful building blocks (or accidentally tear your own base apart if you aren’t careful).

    “Every piece of feedback went straight into this demo… We reworked the characters, overhauled the locations, and added a whole new mission with a mega impulse cannon. At some point, we really had to stop and actually ship it.” > — Ajven Pabiarzhyn, Creative Director at Firevolt

    Steam Next Fest & Beyond

    The free demo is fully localised in 14 languages and is available to download right now on PC. You can jump in today to practice your engineering skills before the game takes centre stage at Steam Next Fest on Monday, June 15.

    While PC players get the first crack at the chaos, console players won’t be left out in the cold for too long. Salvation Denied is scheduled for a full release on PC in Fall 2026, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions locked in for 2027.

    Head over to Steam, grab your hard hat, fire up the proximity chat, and see how long your structures can hold!

    Find out more here

    #SalvationDenied #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Insert Coin: Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Demo Drops on PC!

    Insert Coin: Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Demo Drops on PC!

    Remember the neon glow, the cacophony of electronic beeps, and the distinct smell of carpet that hadn’t been vacuumed since 1994? If you spent your childhood hoarding quarters and chasing high scores, it’s time to relive the glory days—but this time, you’re the boss.

    A playable demo for Retro Arcade Shop Simulator officially landed on PC on June 11, giving tycoon and nostalgia fans a taste of what it takes to build a coin-operated empire.

    From Empty Floor to Neon Paradise

    Retro Arcade Shop Simulator isn’t just about playing games; it’s about the art of the hustle. The demo lets you step into the shoes of an arcade entrepreneur, transforming a stark, empty venue into the ultimate hangout spot.

    Here is a glimpse of what you can buy, place, and manage in the demo:

    • Classic Arcade Cabinets: Line the walls with retro fighters, pixelated platformers, and scrolling shooters.
    • Table Sports: Bring the competition with classic air hockey tables.
    • Skill Games: Test your customers’ aim with basketball shooting machines.
    • Immersive Chases: Install high-octane driving simulators to keep the adrenaline pumping.
    • The Crown Jewel: A fully working bowling area to maximise your shop’s footprint and revenue.

    Strategy Behind the Nostalgia

    It’s not all just neon lights and chiptunes. To keep the lights on, you’ll need to manage your layout for optimal foot traffic, keep your machines repaired, and balance the books. Do you invest early in a flashy driving simulator, or do you fill the floor with reliable retro cabinets to build up your bankroll? The choice is yours.

    TechMash Take: Tycoon simulators live and die by their atmosphere, and Retro Arcade Shop Simulator seems to nail the aesthetic perfectly. It’s a love letter to the 80s and 90s arcade culture wrapped in a modern management loop.

    Grab the Demo Today

    The demo is available now on PC. Fire up your Steam client, grab a snack, and get ready to build the arcade of your dreams. Just don’t forget to empty the coin hoppers!

    Find out more here

    Have you played the demo yet? What was your go-to game back in the arcade glory days? Let us know in the comments below!

    #RetroArcadeShopSimulator #ArcadeTycoon #PCGaming #GamingNews #RetroGaming #IndieGames #SimulationGames #TechMash

  • Go Big or Go Medieval: County of Fortune Demo Lands on Steam Ahead of Next Fest!

    Go Big or Go Medieval: County of Fortune Demo Lands on Steam Ahead of Next Fest!

    City-builders are great, but have you ever looked at your bustling little town and thought, “I want more. I want the whole kingdom”?

    Well, you are in luck. Publisher Aquila Interactive and developer Nepos Games have officially dropped the highly anticipated free demo for County of Fortune onto Steam! Launching just ahead of Steam Next Fest, this demo gives strategy fans an early taste of a city-builder operating on a completely different scale.

    Not Just a City—An Entire County

    If you’ve played Nepos Games’ previous work, you know they love depth. With County of Fortune, they are zooming out. Instead of micromanaging a single market square, you step into the shoes of a lokator—a medieval coloniser and noble steward. Your task? To build, connect, and govern an entire living, breathing region.

    Here is what sets this grand-scale builder apart:

    • Regional Logistics: You aren’t just laying down roads; you are weaving trade networks across rivers, mountain passes, and varied biomes. Where you place a settlement matters just as much as what you build inside it.
    • A “Second Game” of Politics: Once your towns start growing, the human element takes over. Settlements are run by named mayors with unique traits, all belonging to rival noble houses. You’ll have to navigate regional politics and shifting migrant cultures to keep your county thriving.
    • Procedural Growth: Watch villages organically grow from tiny hamlets into sprawling cities with procedurally generated buildings filling in your grids.

    Play the Demo Today!

    The County of Fortune demo is live on Steam right now. It arrives as the perfect appetiser ahead of Steam Next Fest, giving strategy buffs plenty of time to master the medieval economy, manage fickle mayors, and map out their ideal territories.

    Whether you want to build a peaceful, interconnected trade paradise or a patchwork of proud, competing noble houses, the foundation of your empire starts today.

    Head over to Steam, download the demo, and don’t forget to hit that wishlist button to support the developers!

    Source – https://s.team/a/3204330

    #CountyOfFortune #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamNextFest #CityBuilder #StrategyGames #NeposGames #AquilaInteractive #TechMash #GamingNews

  • Mind the Data Gap: ‘Subway Builder’ Brings Hyperrealistic Transit Sim to Steam This July

    Mind the Data Gap: ‘Subway Builder’ Brings Hyperrealistic Transit Sim to Steam This July

    If you’ve ever sat on the London Underground or the New York Subway thinking, “I could design a radically better network than this,” your time to prove it is officially around the corner.

    Publisher Borough Studio has announced that Subway Builder, the indie darling that has transit nerds and city-planning gamers completely hooked, is officially pulling into the Steam station on July 17, 2026.

    Already praised by PC Gamer as a “sleeper hit,” this isn’t your average casual tycoon game. It is a hyperrealistic, data-driven simulation that turns public transit into a beautiful, chaotic science.

    Real Data, Real Commuters, Real Headaches

    What sets Subway Builder apart from standard city builders is its absolute obsession with authenticity. Developed by a powerhouse indie team (including Colin Miller, EJ Fox, and Curran Kelleher), the game doesn’t just guess where people want to go—it knows.

    The game uses real-world census, transportation, and geographic data from major metropolitan areas across the UK and US.

    • The Passenger Engine: Millions of NPC commuters are generated using genuine Census and Redistricter data.
    • Smart AI Pathfinding: Commuters navigate your custom-built lines using the same complex pathfinding algorithms used by the navigation apps on your smartphone.
    • The Gravity Model: The game assigns homes, workplaces, and commute times based on real distributions. Your passengers will realistically weigh up the cost, travel time, number of transfers, and even the value of their own time before choosing whether to take your train or drive.

    Whether you’re trying to fix the bottleneck at a simulated London Victoria or setting up a light-rail system in Manchester, every decision matters. If a train is delayed or a platform gets overcrowded, your digital commuters will get frustrated and find a different way to work.

    What’s New for the Steam Launch?

    Currently available in a direct-play version via their website, the upcoming Steam launch on July 17 signifies the game’s official “Full Release.”

    To celebrate hitting the platform, Borough Studio has confirmed that a brand-new, highly requested map will be added to the roster: Los Angeles. LA will join an already expansive list of available UK and US cities, including:

    UK Metropolitan AreasUS Metropolitan Areas
    London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, NewcastleNew York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and more

    Players will have to navigate realistic engineering constraints, choosing between expensive deep-level tunnels, cut-and-cover methods, or elevated viaducts while avoiding existing building foundations and complex geography.

    The Verdict So Far

    The simulation community is already buzzing. FastCompany described it as “like ‘SimCity’ but for transit nerds,” while popular YouTube creator City Planner Plays noted, “I love that the engineering constraints and the actual aspects you have to think about—they’re there.”

    Whether you want to build a sprawling heavy metro network inspired by the NYC Subway R211 stock or a sleek light-rail system, Subway Builder gives you the literal blueprints to the city.

    Get ready to manage the rush hour. You can wishlist Subway Builder on Steam right now ahead of its July 17 departure.

    Source – https://www.subwaybuilder.com/

    #SubwayBuilder #BoroughStudio #TransitSim #GamingNews #SteamRelease #IndieGames #CityBuilder #PCGaming #TechMash