TECHMASH

Tag: #IndieGames

  • Drift Into the Discount: Cult Indie Hit ‘Parking Garage Rally Circuit’ Skids Onto Nintendo Switch!

    Drift Into the Discount: Cult Indie Hit ‘Parking Garage Rally Circuit’ Skids Onto Nintendo Switch!

    Retro arcade racing fans, it is time to start your engines and warm up those tyres. Polish indie publisher Pineapple Works and brilliant American solo-developer Walaber have officially dropped their cult hit, Parking Garage Rally Circuit, onto the Nintendo Switch!

    Even better? It’s hitting the eShop alongside its brand-new European Tour DLC and a sweet -15% launch discount to kick off the high-speed celebrations.

    Retro Vibes Meet Precision Drifting

    If you miss the golden, low-poly era of 90s Sega Saturn arcade racers mixed with addictive Mario Kart physics, this is your next gaming obsession. The premise is as gloriously simple as it is chaotic: tight, precision rally racing held across re-purposed, multi-story parking structures in major cities.

    With incredibly snappy controls, dynamic “smash-into-things” physics, and a thrilling ska soundtrack, it’s a brilliant love letter to retro gaming that will have you hooked on beating your best time-trial records.

    What’s Included in the Switch Launch?

    • The Base Game: Race through uniquely challenging parking garages across the USA, dodging obstacles like falling rocks and sudden power cuts.
    • The European Tour DLC: Expand your global racing footprint with all-new international multi-story circuits right out of the box.
    • Seamless Leaderboards: Beat the gold trophies and automatically download ghost cars of rivals just ahead of you for that “just one more round” addiction.
    • Multiplayer Action: Dust off your controllers and relive the glory days with 2-4 player split-screen multiplayer.

    TechMash Verdict: Parking Garage Rally Circuit is a pure, unadulterated hit of nostalgic dopamine. Designed beautifully by a solo developer, its tight drifting mechanics and frantic pacing make it an absolute perfect fit for the portable Switch lifestyle.

    Grab the Deal Before It’s Gone!

    The game and its expansion DLC are now globally available as a digital download on the Nintendo eShop. Don’t wait around on the starting line—head over and secure your -15% launch discount today!

    Find out more here

    #ParkingGarageRallyCircuit #NintendoSwitch #IndieGames #RetroRacing #ArcadeRacer #Walaber #PineappleWorks #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Wield the Beat: Alpha Nomos Drops Stunning New Gameplay Trailer

    Wield the Beat: Alpha Nomos Drops Stunning New Gameplay Trailer

    Indie studio RibCage Games has just dropped a brand-new gameplay trailer for their highly anticipated title, Alpha Nomos. If you’ve been craving a game that seamlessly blends the pulse-pounding precision of Hi-Fi Rush with the unpredictable, addictive loop of Hades, this is the title you need to put on your radar immediately.

    Check out the fresh trailer and see why music isn’t just a backing track in this world—it’s the absolute law.

    Combat Where the Soundtrack Is Your Weapon

    In Alpha Nomos, you step into the strings of Cello, a tiny puppet adventurer navigating a vibrant, melody-twisted world overrun by rogue, corrupted puppets. A mysterious force has silenced the world’s music, and it’s up to you to hack, slash, and orchestrate absolute chaos to bring the rhythm back.

    What sets this rhythm-action roguelite apart is its uncompromising “music-as-mechanic” philosophy. The developers didn’t just bolt a rhythm meter onto a standard action game; everything lives and breathes on the beat.

    Here is what makes Alpha Nomos strike a chord:

    • Rhythm-Driven Combat: Timing your attacks to the beat unlocks devastating combos and ramps up your damage. Missing a beat? The game plays a literal wrong note on purpose to let you know you’re out of tune.
    • Live-Recorded Musical Weapons: Forget standard swords and shields. You’ll be wielding instruments (like the mighty SaXword) where every sound has been recorded live by real musicians.
    • Audio-Effect Powerups: Roguelite runs will grant you powerups based on real-world audio effects like Reverb, Flanger, and Delay. These don’t just change your combat stats—they literally alter how your attacks sound.
    • Runs That Compose Themselves: Because every weapon and power-up alters the audio landscape, every single roguelite run generates a completely unique musical track based on how you play.

    “We didn’t want rhythm bolted on top of an action game; we wanted it to be the action. Every hit, every dodge, every upgrade lives on the beat.” > — RibCage Games

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    If the trailer whets your appetite, you won’t have to wait to get your hands on it. RibCage Games has released an updated, expanded demo on Steam featuring a tighter combat loop, new enemy encounters, and a chance to test out Cello’s rhythm-driven arsenal for yourself.

    The full game is slated for a Q3 2026 launch on PC, so head over to Steam, try the demo, and get it on your wishlist today!

    What do you think of the new trailer? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be playing the demo!

    Find out more here

    #AlphaNomos #RibCageGames #IndieGames #RhythmGame #Roguelite #GamingNews #SteamNextFest #PCGaming #TechMash #Gaming

  • Kartboard Dash Locked In: Zatun Confirms July Early Access for PC and Mobile

    Kartboard Dash Locked In: Zatun Confirms July Early Access for PC and Mobile

    Independent game development studio Zatun has officially locked in the trajectory for its highly anticipated arcade racer. The studio confirmed this week that Kartboard Dash™ remains firmly on track to launch into Early Access across both PC and Mobile platforms in July 2026.

    The announcement follows hot on the heels of a fresh visual rebrand, with Zatun recently unveiling a bolder, more playful logo that mirrors the chaotic energy of the game’s unique DIY aesthetic.

    Crafting Chaos From Cardboard

    If you’ve been craving a racer that prioritises immediate, skill-based fun over hyper-realistic tyre wear simulation, Kartboard Dash wants your attention. The game transports players into vibrant, handcrafted cardboard-inspired worlds where tracks, karts, and props look like they’ve been meticulously fashioned from layered corrugated board and masking tape.

    But don’t let the charming, playful art style fool you—the competition under the hood is fierce.

    Key Features to Expect in Early Access:

    • Cross-Platform Multiplayer: PC and mobile players can go head-to-head instantly in a unified, crossplay matchmaking ecosystem.
    • Handcrafted Cardboard Tracks: Race through dynamic environments filled with sharp turns, hidden shortcuts, and massive ramps (including a recently teased Airport track built from sketch to 3D).
    • Unpredictable Lap Modifiers: To keep things chaotic, the final two laps of a race introduce random modifiers—like speed surges, bumper madness, and hazard trails—ensuring no two races play out the same way.
    • Deep Customisation: A growing roster of unique characters and collectable karts that players can fine-tune to match their specific racing style.

    “Every milestone has brought us closer to the experience we originally envisioned,” said the Kartboard Dash development team in a recent press statement. “We’re incredibly excited to see players finally jump into the world we’ve been building. The finish line is now in sight, and we can’t wait to share the official release date with the community.”

    The Road to July

    Zatun—an indie veteran studio with nearly two decades of development experience—is treating Kartboard Dash as a major milestone for its portfolio of original IP. Designed to follow a live-ops model, the free-to-play title will eventually feature seasonal content, rotating special events, and fresh rewards to give both casual and competitive players a reason to keep coming back.

    While the exact calendar day for the July drop is still being kept under wraps, Zatun has promised a steady stream of gameplay showcases, creator content reveals, and official launch updates over the coming weeks.

    PC players looking to secure their spot on the starting grid can already find the official Kartboard Dash Steam Page live to add the game to their wishlists ahead of next month’s launch.

    #KartboardDash #Zatun #IndieGames #ArcadeRacer #MobileGaming #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Uncover the Cosmic Horror: ‘Omen Exitio: Hunger’ Hits Steam This June

    Uncover the Cosmic Horror: ‘Omen Exitio: Hunger’ Hits Steam This June

    Get ready to step into a shadows-drenched alternate history. Publisher 2P Games and developer Tiny Bull Studios have officially announced that their highly anticipated visual novel, Omen Exitio: Hunger, is launching on Steam on June 25!

    Priced at an affordable $9.99 | €9.99 | £9.09, this title is a must-play for fans of cosmic horror, noir mysteries, and choice-driven narratives.

    A Lovecraftian Nightmare in the Roaring Twenties

    Set in a twisted, Lovecraftian 1927 version of New York, Omen Exitio: Hunger blends the aesthetics of the Roaring Twenties with the creeping, existential dread of Eldritch horrors.

    In this investigative gamebook, you won’t just be reading a story—you’ll be surviving it. Players are pulled headfirst into a gripping criminal case that weaves fictional cosmic terror together with real local history and folklore from 1920s New York.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Immersive Gamebook Mechanics: Your choices shape the narrative, steering your investigation toward salvation or absolute madness.
    • Authentic Historical Backdrop: Explore a meticulously stylised 1927 NYC, where real-world history collides with the occult.
    • Psychological Horror: Manage your character’s sanity as you dig into secrets that the human mind was never meant to comprehend.

    If you love deep narratives, striking art styles, and the unsettling atmosphere of H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos, make sure to add this to your Steam wishlist ahead of its June 25 release.

    Are you ready to face the hunger lurking beneath the streets of New York? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OmenExitio #OmenExitioHunger #IndieGames #GamingNews #Lovecraftian #VisualNovel #SteamGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Return to Grenmark: Pale Coins Drops Huge v1.1.3 Update with New Goblin Arena & Secret Paths

    Return to Grenmark: Pale Coins Drops Huge v1.1.3 Update with New Goblin Arena & Secret Paths

    If you’ve been looking for a reason to dive back into the brutal, beautifully handcrafted world of Grenmark, solo developer Lukas Irzl just handed it to you on a silver—or should we say pale—platter.

    Pale Coins, the gorgeous hand-pixelized soulslike action RPG that captured the hearts of old-school fantasy fans, has officially launched its v1.1.3 major update on Steam. Focused on making the game faster, more dynamic, and highly flexible right from the opening screen, this free update brings a massive haul of new content for both fresh players and hardened veterans.

    Here is a breakdown of why you need to boot up Steam and update your game immediately.

    1. Step Into the Goblin Arena

    Struggling to find early-game challenges to test your mettle? The new Goblin Arena has arrived. Tucked away in a cave near the starting area, this zone acts as a thrilling early-game gauntlet. It’s the perfect place to hone your combat prowess, rack up some early rewards, and test your builds against relentless waves of goblins before taking on Grenmark’s punishing main bosses.

    2. A Secret Underground Alternative Path

    For returning champions ready to start a fresh playthrough, the early game won’t feel like a simple repeat. Version 1.1.3 introduces a hidden, alternative underground route to progress the main story. This secret cavern system weaves beneath familiar landscapes, allowing you to bypass certain early areas and discover entirely new environmental secrets tucked away in the darker corners of the map.

    3. Faster, More Fluid Soulslike Combat

    The combat mechanics have received a major, community-requested overhaul. You can now use dodges as immediate follow-up actions right after an attack, keeping the flow of battle incredibly agile. Furthermore, dodging is now a default skill, and a brand-new, faster variant of the Grappling Hook has been introduced to help you zip across the environment and outmanoeuvre threats with newfound speed.

    4. Extra Loot & Quality of Life Features

    What’s a soulslike without sweet, unadulterated loot? The update drops brand-new items across the world for players to uncover (no spoilers here, you’ll have to find them yourself!).

    The update also brings several major quality-of-life adjustments, including:

    • Dodge Direction Settings: You can now toggle whether you want to dodge toward your mouse cursor or your current movement direction.
    • Expanded Controller Support: Full native support for PlayStation/DualShock controllers.
    • Input Buffering: Smoother attack and skill queuing to prevent dropped inputs during frantic fights.

    The Verdict: Whether you are stepping into Grenmark for the very first time or you’re a returning champion looking to uncover hidden lore, v1.1.3 makes Pale Coins feel smoother, faster, and more rewarding than ever.

    Pale Coins v1.1.3 is out now as a free update for all PC players on Steam.

    Find out more here

    #PaleCoins #Soulslike #PixelArt #IndieGames #RPG #SteamUpdate #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Ready to Spin? Dark Arcade Puzzler ‘Spinning Scarecrow’ Drops Fresh Demo for Steam Next Fest!

    Ready to Spin? Dark Arcade Puzzler ‘Spinning Scarecrow’ Drops Fresh Demo for Steam Next Fest!

    The line between a frantic arcade rush and a brain-melting puzzle game is about to get delightfully twisted. IV Productions, in partnership with Power Up Publishing, has officially announced that their darkly surreal title, Spinning Scarecrow, is stepping into the spotlight for the latest Steam Next Fest—and they’re bringing a freshly updated demo along for the ride.

    If you’ve been looking for something that challenges both your reflexes and your problem-solving skills, this is one indie showcase you won’t want to skip.

    What is Spinning Scarecrow?

    At its core, Spinning Scarecrow is a unique hybrid that refuses to fit neatly into a single box. It combines precision puzzle-solving with the high-energy, high-stakes momentum of fast-paced arcade action.

    But what truly sets it apart is its atmosphere. The game plunges players into a darkly surreal world design that is as mesmerising as it is unsettling. You aren’t just solving puzzles; you are navigating a hauntingly beautiful, stylised nightmare where every move requires absolute precision.

    What’s New in the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    While a version of the game has been teased before, this isn’t just a rehashed build. The developers have rolled out a freshly updated demo specifically tailored for Steam Next Fest. Players can expect:

    • Refined Mechanics: Tighter controls to match the demanding precision gameplay.
    • Polished Visuals: Enhanced atmospheric effects that make the surreal world pop.
    • A Deeper Taste of the Madness: A curated look at how the arcade pacing escalates alongside the puzzle complexity.

    Dive into the Nightmare Today

    Steam Next Fest is the ultimate playground for discovering your next favourite indie obsession, and Spinning Scarecrow is shaping up to be a major standout for fans of stylised, challenging gameplay.

    The demo is live right now on Steam. Head over, add it to your wishlist, and see if you have the precision to survive the spin.

    Find out more here

    #SpinningScarecrow #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #IVProductions #PowerUpPublishing #ArcadePuzzle #TechMash

  • Prepare for Pure Terror: PC Hit ‘Flesh Made Fear’ is Clawing Its Way to PS5 This Month!

    Prepare for Pure Terror: PC Hit ‘Flesh Made Fear’ is Clawing Its Way to PS5 This Month!

    If you have a weak stomach, you might want to look away now.

    Publisher Assemble Entertainment and solo developer Tainted Pact have officially announced that their critically acclaimed, blood-soaked survival horror experience, Flesh Made Fear, is officially making the jump to console. PlayStation 5 players, mark your calendars: the nightmare begins on 25th June 2026.

    Having already carved out a “Very Positive” reputation among horror fans on PC since its initial launch, this indie gem is finally ready to engross a whole new audience in its cleverly devised, retro-inspired madness.

    Check out what you need to know before stepping into the dark next week.

    What is Flesh Made Fear?

    If you miss the golden, pulse-pounding era of late-90s PlayStation horror, Flesh Made Fear is the love letter you’ve been waiting for. Deeply inspired by the original Resident Evil trilogy, the game masterfully blends classic PSX-era mechanics with terrifying modern innovations.

    You’ll step into the heavy boots of an elite operative in the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.). Your mission? Infiltrate a desolate, backwater town overrun by flesh-hungry infected and occult abominations to track down Victor “The Dripper” Ripper—a brilliant, but completely deranged former CIA scientist who has turned the region into his own personal, grotesque laboratory.

    Key Features PS5 Players Can Expect:

    • Classic Meets Modern: Experience the heart-stopping tension of traditional fixed camera angles seamlessly mixed with modern dynamic rail and follow cameras.
    • Two Playable Characters: Choose between Natalie (who boasts a larger inventory but less health) and Jack (a tanky powerhouse with limited storage space). Both offer distinct storylines and stats, drastically changing how you play.
    • Brutal Resource Management: Ammo is scarce, inventory slots are limited, and saves are finite. You’ll need to make every bullet count and strategically utilise safe rooms to survive.
    • A Beautifully Bloody B-Movie Aesthetic: Expect intricate puzzles, visceral up-close-and-personal combat (where even your combat knife is a vital survival tool), and some of the most exploding, gore-heavy body horror seen in the indie scene.

    “Conceived by California-based indie developer Michael Cosio (Tainted Pact), Flesh Made Fear delivers relentless suspense and a fresh dimension of terror that will leave fans craving more.”

    Dare to Survive

    Flesh Made Fear drops on the PlayStation Store on 25th June 2026 for €17.99 (UK pricing to be finalised, but expected around £14.99).

    If you think you have the stomach to survive Dr. Ripper’s mansion-turned-laboratory, turn off the lights, grab your DualSense controller, and get ready. This is one blood-soaked experience you absolutely cannot miss.

    Are you ready to face the nightmare on PS5, or will you let the flesh consume you? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #FleshMadeFear #PS5 #SurvivalHorror #IndieGames #AssembleEntertainment #TaintedPact #HorrorGaming #ResidentEvilVibes #GamingCommunity

  • Bigger Numbers, Brighter Worlds: Planet Harvester: Incremental Odyssey Drops a Free Steam Demo!

    Bigger Numbers, Brighter Worlds: Planet Harvester: Incremental Odyssey Drops a Free Steam Demo!

    If you are a fan of watching small numbers turn into absurdly massive ones while relaxing to a vibrant aesthetic, your next gaming obsession has arrived. Developer Galysh Company has officially released a playable demo for Planet Harvester: Incremental Odyssey on Steam, just in time for players looking to scratch that satisfying itch of endless progression.

    Blending the addictive loop of incremental clickers with full 3D, low-poly space exploration, this cosy simulation might just be the ultimate “just five more minutes” game of the year.

    Drive, Harvest, Upgrade, Repeat

    Planet Harvester sets you loose in the cosmos behind the wheel of a planetary crawler. Your humble beginnings? A vehicle equipped with nothing but a massive saw blade and a dream.

    The core gameplay loop is beautifully simple but deeply engaging:

    • Explore Unusual Worlds: Cruise through beautifully crafted low-poly planets. You aren’t just mining grey rocks—you’ll be exploring everything from a neon-soaked Cyberpunk desert to a literal Candy planet dripping with sweets.
    • Chew Through Resources: Drive over everything in sight to harvest materials unique to each planet.
    • The Massive Upgrade Tree: Take your hard-earned haul back to base to unlock an extensive upgrade tree. Boost your crawler’s speed, power, capacity, and nitro, or unlock automated helpers like mining drones.
    • Go Full Sci-Fi: As you advance, you’ll swap your simple saw blade for high-tech tools like lasers, rockets, cannons, and lightning, discovering powerful tool synergies that make clearing maps incredibly satisfying.

    A Cosy Twist on the Idle Genre

    What makes Planet Harvester: Incremental Odyssey stand out is its commitment to being a relaxing, cosy experience. The vibrant visuals, paired with distinct soundtracks for each planet, offer a laid-back atmosphere. It is the perfect game to unwind with after a long day, letting you active-play when you want to pilot the crawler, or sit back and let your drone fleet do the heavy lifting while you watch your personal home island transform into a cosy retreat.

    Developer Note: “The demo version of our game is now available! I’d be really happy to hear your thoughts and feedback — it means a lot to us. Have a great time playing!” — Galysh Company

    How to Play the Demo Today

    The full version of Planet Harvester: Incremental Odyssey is scheduled to launch on July 13, 2026. However, you don’t have to wait until next month to start your resource-gathering empire.

    The free demo is available right now on PC via Steam. Keep in mind that the developer highly recommends playing with a controller (with native support for DualSense and DualShock via Steam Input) for the smoothest piloting experience.

    Head over to the Planet Harvester: Incremental Odyssey Steam Page, download the demo, and start watching those numbers climb! Don’t forget to hit that “Wishlist” button if you want to support the indie studio ahead of the July release.

    Are you a fan of incremental games? What planet are you looking forward to harvesting first? Let us know in the comments below!

    #PlanetHarvester #IncrementalGames #IndieGames #SteamDemo #CozyGaming #Idler #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Jump, Jive, and Jazz-Smack: Spanky “Bat-a-Swing” Hits Kickstarter with a Groove-Heavy PC Demo!

    Jump, Jive, and Jazz-Smack: Spanky “Bat-a-Swing” Hits Kickstarter with a Groove-Heavy PC Demo!

    If you’ve been waiting for a game that blends the chaotic fun of 3D platformers with the irresistible, toe-tapping energy of electro swing, your time has officially come. Italian indie studio Green Flamingo has just launched the Kickstarter campaign for their debut commercial action-platformer, Spanky “Bat-a-Swing”—and it’s already shaping up to be an absolute showstopper.

    To celebrate the launch, a playable demo is live on PC right now, giving players a chance to find their tempo, grab a baseball bat, and start smacking enemies to the beat.

    Check out why this rhythm-fueled rebellion needs to be on your radar.

    Welcome to Metronopolis: Where Rhythm is Law

    In Spanky “Bat-a-Swing,” you’re dropped into Metronopolis, a vibrant city that has fallen under the absolute control of the power-hungry Mayor Metrognome. Under his tyrannical reign, every citizen, street, and trap must move and live to a strict, non-stop musical tempo.

    Enter Spanky: a short-tempered, highly inventive bat who has absolutely had it with the noise. Modifying his oversized ears into powerful, audio-reversal cannon speakers, Spanky sets out to fight sound with sound. Equipped with his trusty bat, he’s on a mission to ascend to the top of the Metrotower and put an end to Metrognome’s musical madness once and for all.

    Every Fight is a Dance

    What makes Spanky “Bat-a-Swing” stand out from standard platformers is its living metronome environment. Enemies lunge on the downbeat, platforms hop on the upbeat, and traps snap in perfect synchronisation.

    While you have the freedom to move off-tempo, the game truly shines when you sync your movements to the original electro swing soundtrack. Maintaining a steady rhythm rewards you with massive, high-scoring attack combos, turning every level into a beautifully choreographed performance.

    Features to Get Excited About:

    • Vintage 1930s Cartoon Flair: Gorgeous hand-animated, 1930s-inspired aesthetics reminiscent of timeless classics like Cuphead or classic Steamboat-era cartoons.
    • Three Diverse Districts: Explore distinct areas like Morguetone (a spooky graveyard district), Blue Vines (a jungle filled with exotic wildlife), and Nova Nubla (a high-tech industrial centre).
    • Multi-Phase Boss Battles: Fight larger-than-life district guardians—like the eight-legged DJ Cobwebb in his mausoleum club or the glittering opera-star monkey Maestro Bonobotti—in battles where tracks and phases shift dynamically.
    • Tons of Collectables: Track down hidden gold, secrets, and vinyl records to build up your playlist on the at-home, in-game music player.

    Try the Demo and Back the Project Today!

    Green Flamingo’s Kickstarter is officially open, offering a variety of excellent reward tiers for backers—ranging from digital copies and exclusive digital comics to physical boxes, figurines, and even limited-edition vinyl soundtracks.

    If you want to test your rhythm before you pledge, head over to Steam right now to download the free PC demo. It features the first four levels of the graveyard district and culminates in an epic showdown against DJ Cobwebb.

    The game is currently slated for PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox platforms. Don’t skip a beat—go groove through the demo, add it to your wishlist, and help fund this incredibly stylish indie gem on Kickstarter!

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #SpankyBatASwing #GreenFlamingo #ElectroSwing #RhythmGame #SupportIndies #PCGaming #GamingNews #Kickstarter #3DPlatformer #CupheadVibes

  • Grilling Politicians for Sport: Sanuk Games Reveals Interactive Talk Show Game ‘In the Hot Seat’

    Grilling Politicians for Sport: Sanuk Games Reveals Interactive Talk Show Game ‘In the Hot Seat’

    Ever sat through a political broadcast or a fiery interview and wished you could shout at the TV, “Wait a minute, that completely contradicts what you said five minutes ago!”?

    Well, indie studio Sanuk Games is giving you the moderator’s microphone.

    The veteran studio has officially announced “In the Hot Seat,” a brand-new political comedy game heading to PC and consoles. Billed as an interactive talk show simulator, this unique title strips away the usual political jargon and tasks you with holding fictional, larger-than-life presidential candidates accountable to their very own words.

    Meet the Candidates

    The election is looming, and your job is to guide your fellow citizens to vote wisely. To do that, you’ll need to tear down the spin from three distinct presidential hopefuls representing very different (and very wild) political ideologies:

    • Claris Niamara (The National Party): A hardline candidate who builds her platform on blaming immigrants and minorities for the nation’s struggles.
    • Alberto Carnella (The People’s Party): A populist firebrand who pits the working class against capitalists and claims law enforcement only exists to protect private wealth.
    • Orvin Ruyis (The Center Union): The sitting incumbent president who tries so desperately to play the middle ground and compromise that he ultimately ends up alienating absolutely everyone.

    Spot the Fallacy, Win the Debate

    The gameplay mechanics look to blend investigative point-and-click logic with detective puzzle elements. As the interview unfolds, you won’t just sit back and listen. You will actively pick apart the candidates’ stances in real-time.

    Did they just make two statements that completely contradict one another? Point it out! Are they flip-flopping on something they said at the start of the interview? Dig through the interview history! Are they straying from factual reality? Cross-reference their claims with the in-game encyclopedia! Did they use a textbook logical fallacy to dodge a difficult question? Call them out on it!

    No Real-World Agenda Here: While the game dives into highly mature and sensitive topics—from culture wars to civil disobedience—Sanuk Games notes that the title takes place in an entirely fictional universe with no real-world nations or religions. It aims to tackle heavy issues with light-hearted, non-partisan comedy rather than pushing an agenda.

    Development with a Solo Twist

    If the developer’s name sounds familiar, it’s because Sanuk Games has been delivering arcade and indie experiences for over two decades. Interestingly, the studio has adapted to recent industry shifts; founder Yan Marchal is handling “In the Hot Seat” as a solo development project.

    The game uses AI tools to assist with generating background art, props, music, and voiceover elements, while ensuring that the core of the game—the script and intricate writing—is entirely human-crafted. Players looking for a casual playthrough can lean on a built-in hint and reveal system, while hardcore logic fans can disable assistance to solve the conversational puzzles entirely on their own.

    Platforms and Availability

    While an exact release date and price tag have yet to be locked in, In the Hot Seat is officially “coming soon.” It is currently confirmed for release on Steam, PlayStation 5, and is pending approval for Xbox Series X|S.

    You can already check out the official trailer on YouTube or head over to the Steam and PlayStation stores to add it to your wishlist.

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #InTheHotSeat #SanukGames #IndieGames #PCGaming #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #GamingCommunity #TechMash

  • Two Players, One Mech: Knifing Mantis Unveils Chaos-Driven ‘Split Circuit Arena’

    Two Players, One Mech: Knifing Mantis Unveils Chaos-Driven ‘Split Circuit Arena’

    If your co-op gaming sessions don’t involve enough screaming, arguing, and unintentional sabotage, indie developer Knifing Mantis has just the antidote. The studio has officially unveiled Split Circuit Arena, an early-stage, physics-driven co-op arena combat game heading to PC via Steam—with official Steam Deck support locked in as a development target.

    Forget sweaty competitive metas and toxic matchmaking. Split Circuit Arena is a PvE experience entirely built around shared chaos, communication, and completely uncoordinated mechanical warfare.

    Two Drivers, One Wheel (Literally)

    The central hook of Split Circuit Arena is beautifully simple yet deliberately infuriating: two players must pilot a single combat robot together.

    Instead of splitting roles by driver and gunner, the controls are split right down the middle of the machine. One player commands the left side of the robot (including its wheel and left-mounted weapons), while the other player has sole control over the right side.

    Want to drive in a straight line? You and your partner need to apply the exact same amount of gas. Want to turn left? Your partner needs to back off while you accelerate. Want to jump or execute an attack? You both need to hit the button at the exact same millisecond. Even the most basic navigation turns into a frantic boardroom meeting in the middle of a warzone.

    Pure Physics-Driven Mayhem

    Once you manage to move, you’ll have to survive. The game dumps players into hostile arenas to face off against smart, aggressive AI-controlled rival bots.

    Rather than relying on artificial stats or gear scores, combat is entirely physics-driven. Players will have to coordinate in real time to ram, shove, flip, and smash through opponents. The environment itself is just as lethal, packed with hazards like rotating weapons, slamming traps, and fire pits that you can either push your enemies into, or accidentally drive yourself into because your partner panicked.

    Couch Co-Op and Handheld Play

    Knifing Mantis is building the game with flexibility in mind. Players will be able to team up locally for classic couch co-op or connect online to test the limits of their friendships remotely.

    Crucially for handheld enthusiasts, the developers have already stated that Steam Deck support is a core target for development, meaning you’ll be able to take this beautifully uncoordinated death machine on the go.

    The project is currently in its early prototype stage, with the dev duo continuing to refine the physics, damage models, enemy behaviour, and level hazards. If you want to check out the initial trailer or add the game to your wishlist, the official Steam page is live now.

    Find out more here

    #SplitCircuitArena #KnifingMantis #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #SteamDeck #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Clock In, Pray Hard: Satirical Deckbuilder ‘PrayPal’ Turns Divine Intervention into a Corporate Nightmare

    Clock In, Pray Hard: Satirical Deckbuilder ‘PrayPal’ Turns Divine Intervention into a Corporate Nightmare

    If you’ve ever looked at your corporate HR handbook and thought, “Wow, this feels like an eternity in purgatory,” then we have some good news. Well, “good news” depending on how much you love dark humour, roguelike deckbuilders, and crushing bureaucratic dread.

    Publishers GCORES PUBLISHING and developer Yith Game have officially announced PrayPal—a satirical roguelike deckbuilder where faith isn’t a spiritual journey; it’s a monetised KPI.

    According to the official press release, the teams are “thrilled (and legally obligated by HR to say they are thrilled)” to bring this divine corporate nightmare to life.

    Welcome to Heaven, Inc.

    In PrayPal, you aren’t fighting monsters for glory. You are navigating the ultimate corporate ladder: the afterlife.

    Instead of traditional mana or energy, you’ll be managing Divine Capital. Your cards aren’t magic spells—they are bureaucratic mandates, prayer subscriptions, and HR-approved miracles. Want to smite a rival department? That’s going to require three rounds of approvals and a synergy meeting.

    Key Features to Sync About:

    • Synergise Your Deck: Build a deck of “Miracle Manifestos” and “Compliance Clauses” to survive tactical turn-based grid encounters.
    • Corporate Roguelike Progression: Every run changes as you climb the corporate celestial ladder. Fail your performance review, and it’s back to the mailroom (or worse, the mortal realm).
    • Dark Satirical Humour: A sharp, witty critique of modern corporate culture, microtransactions, and tech-bro jargon, all wrapped in a beautifully polished indie aesthetic.

    Capitalise on the Trailer

    The developers have dropped a teaser that perfectly captures the aesthetic: a mix of clean, sterile corporate UI and chaotic, god-tier bureaucracy. Check it out to see how your next quarterly review might just determine the fate of your soul.

    Whether you’re a fan of Slay the Spire or just someone who has answered one too many emails that “could have been a meeting,” PrayPal looks to be a hilariously bleak addition to your Steam wishlist.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for a definitive release date and hands-on impressions. Until then, remember to log your hours, optimise your prayers, and circle back with us later.

    Find out more here

    #PrayPal #IndieGames #Roguelike #Deckbuilder #GCORES #YithGame #GamingNews #TechMash #PCGaming #Satire #SteamGames

  • Nostalgia on the Workbench: Y2K Repair Sim ‘ReStory’ Hits Steam This Summer

    Nostalgia on the Workbench: Y2K Repair Sim ‘ReStory’ Hits Steam This Summer

    Indie publisher tinyBuild and developer Mandragora have officially announced that ReStory, the highly anticipated, cosy electronics repair simulator set in Y2K-era Japan, will launch on PC via Steam this summer.

    If you’ve been looking for a new gaming obsession that perfectly blends tactile, satisfying gameplay with a heavy dose of turn-of-the-millennium nostalgia, this is one to put on your radar.

    Check out the official Steam Next Fest trailer below to see the game’s distinct aesthetic in action:

    Turn-of-the-Millennium Tinkering

    ReStory transports players back to the mid-2000s, placing you in charge of a quaint, easygoing tech repair shop nestled in an urban Japanese setting. The core gameplay revolves around the strangely therapeutic process of bringing vintage electronics back to life.

    You will spend your days carefully unscrewing, cleaning, soldering, and reassembling a massive variety of nostalgic gadgets from the era, including:

    • Retro Gaming Gear: Take apart classic video game consoles and handhelds. Thanks to an official partnership with Atari, you’ll even get to restore licensed hardware like the Atari 2600 and Jaguar.
    • Millennial Tech: Fix up classic flip phones, chunky digital cameras, portable music players, home appliances, and virtual pets.
    • The Hunt for Parts: Need a specific component to finish a job? Boot up a beautifully recreated, old-school, in-game web browser to scour the internet for rare spare parts.

    Deep Customisation and Branching Stories

    It isn’t just about turning screws and clearing out dust bunnies. ReStory weaves a rich, non-linear narrative into your daily workflow. Every piece of tech brought into your shop belongs to a unique customer with their own background.

    As you interact with a memorable cast of characters, the choices you make will directly influence a branching storyline. You might find yourself uncovering secrets hidden on a former gangster’s old mobile phone, or helping a lovestruck student figure out how to approach their crush.

    Additionally, the developers have introduced an airbrush drawing tool and custom colour palettes, allowing you to completely repaint and customise hardware to create one-of-a-kind tech skins before handing them back to your clients.

    Play the Steam Next Fest Demo Right Now

    The game has already built massive momentum ahead of its release, amassing over 400,000 wishlists and welcoming more than 300,000 players during its initial playtest phases.

    If you don’t want to wait until the official summer launch window to get your hands dirty, a brand-new, expanded demo is live right now as part of Steam Next Fest. The demo features a first look at the new customisation tools as well as the “Patento BS”—a new in-game handheld gadget heavily inspired by one of gaming’s most legendary dual-screen portables.

    Head over to the ReStory Steam Store Page to download the demo and add it to your wishlist today.

    #ReStory #tinyBuild #Mandragora #CozyGames #SimulationGames #Y2KTech #RetroGaming #IndieGames #SteamNextFest #PCGaming

  • Saturday Morning Cartoons Meet Co-op Chaos: Good Heavens! Drops a New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Saturday Morning Cartoons Meet Co-op Chaos: Good Heavens! Drops a New Steam Next Fest Demo

    If you miss the days of waking up early, pouring a giant bowl of sugary cereal, and parking yourself in front of bizarre, brightly animated Saturday morning cartoons, you are in for a massive treat.

    Nowhere Studios has officially unleashed a brand-new Steam Next Fest demo for their highly anticipated upcoming fantasy survival craft RPG, Good Heavens! Blending gorgeous, expressive 2D animation with deep mechanics and an absolute refusal to take itself seriously, this is one indie title you need to put on your radar immediately.

    Don’t Starve Together Meets Thank Goodness You’re Here!

    How do you describe Good Heavens!? Imagine the rich, accessible, and delightfully chaotic co-op survival loop of Don’t Starve Together, then inject it with the surreal, laugh-out-loud British humour of Thank Goodness You’re Here! You play as the “Chosen Ones”—or, you know, you can just entirely ignore the prophecy if you feel like it. Dropped onto the fractured, floating islands of Xant-Rar by a god named Rar (who can barely hold his own realm together), you and up to seven friends are tasked with saving the world. Or, more accurately, building an epic citadel, beating up “kitbashed” creatures like pigeon-deer and fox-salmon, and finding the nearest tavern to avoid doing any actual work.

    Unlike survival games that force you to obsessively babysit hunger and thirst meters, Good Heavens! focuses heavily on progression, exploration, and outright experimentation.

    What’s Waiting for You in the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    The newly updated demo gives players a massive, blissful taste of what life in this imperfect paradise will look like when the full game hits Early Access in August 2026.

    Here is what you can get stuck into right now:

    • Explore the First Biome: Once your spaceship lands, you are free to explore, harvest resources, and meet the bewildered locals.
    • Try Out Six Tech Trees: Level up your character using Warfare, Trickery, Sorcery, Homesteading, Exploration, and Influence (perfect for building your own cult of personality).
    • Build Your Settlement: Claim a patch of land, build workshops and farms, and decorate your space to turn a podunk hamlet into a thriving citadel.
    • Raid Dungeons: Team up to take down formidable bosses guarding high-tier loot.

    Play the Demo Today!

    The Steam Next Fest is the perfect excuse to gather your gaming crew, download the Good Heavens! demo, and start causing some beautifully animated, procedurally generated chaos.

    Head over to Steam, download the free demo, and make sure to hit that wishlist button to support Nowhere Studios ahead of their August launch!

    Play the Demo & Wishlist:Good Heavens! on Steam

    #GoodHeavensGame #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #PCGaming #CoOpSurvival #SurvivalRPG #NowhereStudios #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Flip, Nudge, and Destroy: Roguelike Pinball Sensation ‘Cult of PiN’ Locks In August Release Date

    Flip, Nudge, and Destroy: Roguelike Pinball Sensation ‘Cult of PiN’ Locks In August Release Date

    Move over Balatro and Peglin—there is a new heavy-hitting indie synergy addiction on the horizon, and it’s taking us straight back to the golden era of arcade cabinets and Windows 3D Pinball (Space Cadet).

    Independent developer KennyMakesGames has officially announced that Cult of PiN, the highly anticipated arcade pinball roguelike, will launch globally on Steam on August 10th, 2026. The announcement drops alongside an explosive new Release Date Trailer showcasing the game’s chaotic, high-intensity gameplay.

    Check out the official Release Date Trailer below:

    Pinball Physics Meets Modern Deckbuilding

    If you think this is just your standard high-score chaser, think again. Cult of PiN flips the classic genre on its head by turning pinball tables into battlefields. Instead of simply keeping the ball alive for points, your ball deals actual damage to the bumpers it strikes.

    Your goal? Demolish the handcrafted 3D tables, shatter cursed bumpers, and survive intense, gravity-defying showdowns against biomechanical Boss Bumpers.

    The real magic happens between rounds. Over a successful public demo campaign that has already captured the attention of over 120,000 players, the game has proven that its rogue-lite mechanics are incredibly deep. Players can draft from an expanding pool of over 130 unique upgrades, Glyphs, and Blessings to scale their damage multipliers into absolute absurdity.

    Key Features At A Glance:

    • True Build Synergy: Mix and match over 100 Glyphs to create game-breaking combos that turn your ball into a weapon of mass destruction.
    • 8 Playable Balls: Master distinct mechanics, specialised passive abilities, and powerful “Rituals” to trigger table-wide chaos.
    • Hand-Crafted 3D Tables: Discover 4 beautifully stylised, hand-drawn tables featuring hidden bonus zones, unique layouts, and unpredictable table mutations.
    • High-Intensity Sessions: Designed for quick 15-to-20-minute runs across 7 distinct difficulty levels, keeping the gameplay loop endlessly fresh.

    Play Anywhere: Full Steam Deck & Cross-Platform Support

    In a massive win for handheld gaming enthusiasts, KennyMakesGames has confirmed that Cult of PiN will launch with full native support for PC, Mac, Linux, and the Steam Deck.

    The game has been completely optimised for high-framerate portability, featuring native controller mapping and smooth performance built precisely with the Steam Deck in mind. Whether you are nudging your ball on a desktop or flipping targets on your morning commute, the tactile satisfaction travels with you.

    Pricing and Availability

    Cult of PiN will officially hit Steam on August 10th, 2026, for an incredibly reasonable $14.99 / £11.79 / €12.75. Even better news for early adopters: the game will feature a 15% discount during its launch week.

    If you can’t wait until August to start smashing tables, you can head over to Steam right now to try out the newly updated, heavily localised public demo and add the game to your wishlist.

    Find out more here

    #CultOfPiN #IndieGames #SteamDeck #GamingNews #Pinball #Roguelike #PCGaming #MacGaming #LinuxGaming #TechMash

  • Tiny Wheels, Big Secrets: Co-Op Adventure ‘WheelMates’ Drops Updated Demo Ahead of September PC Launch!

    Tiny Wheels, Big Secrets: Co-Op Adventure ‘WheelMates’ Drops Updated Demo Ahead of September PC Launch!

    If you’ve ever looked at your living room furniture and thought, “I could definitely do a sick flip off that bookshelf,” developer Firevolt has the perfect game for you.

    Revealed during the Future Games Show, the highly anticipated co-op adventure WheelMates has officially locked in its PC release date. Ready a fresh set of batteries, because this miniature, micro-sized journey is zooming onto Steam on Monday, 7 September.

    Even better news? You don’t have to wait until autumn to get behind the wheel. To celebrate Steam Next Fest, Firevolt has just deployed a freshly updated demo that you can download and play right now.

    Go Off-Road, Indoors!

    In WheelMates, you and a player-two answer a distress call from an eccentric, mysteriously missing scientist. The catch? The only way to navigate his massive, puzzle-filled home laboratory is by piloting a pair of tiny RC cars.

    This isn’t a racing game—it’s a true, collaborative physics playground inspired by classic RC games like Re-Volt and modern co-op masterclasses. You’ll need to work in tandem to drop vases from the kitchen table, whiz under the sofa, and turn mundane household appliances into epic stunt ramps.

    Co-Op over Competition: WheelMates features zero timers and no pressure to rush. It’s entirely focused on shared problem-solving, letting you and your co-driver uncover the house’s mysteries at your own preferred pace.

    What’s New in the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    Firevolt has listened closely to player feedback, packing this latest demo with massive quality-of-life upgrades:

    • Steam Deck Support: The demo now features full Steam Deck optimisation, making it absolutely perfect for a couch co-op night with a friend.
    • Upgraded Driving & Camera Controls: Expect much smoother handling options to make your RC car drift exactly the way you want, plus new camera controls (including a free camera) for a better view of the great indoors.
    • The Journal Feature: A brand-new story tracker that logs the clues you scan and collect throughout the house, helping you piece together the mystery of the professor’s whereabouts.

    Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

    As you delve deeper into the house—exploring the Kitchen, Garage, and Backyard—you’ll unlock wild experimental gadgets. From rope-swinging winches to magnetic wheels that let you drive upside down on metal surfaces, the game slowly unfolds into a miniature Metroidvania.

    Best of all, when the full game launches on 7 September, it will feature a Friends Pass—meaning only one of you needs to own the game for both of you to play online together.

    Head over to Steam, grab a partner, and test drive the updated demo today!

    Find out more here

    #WheelMates #Firevolt #SteamNextFest #FutureGamesShow #CoOpGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamDeck #TechMash