TECHMASH

Tag: #IndieGames

  • Unmasking the Hype: Why Steam is Obsessed with Verho – Curse of Faces

    Unmasking the Hype: Why Steam is Obsessed with Verho – Curse of Faces

    If you are a fan of old-school dungeon crawlers, unforgiving atmosphere, and punishing combat, you’ve likely noticed a certain dark fantasy title dominating your Steam recommendations lately. Developed by Polish indie studio Kasur Games and brought to life by publisher CobraTekku Games, Verho – Curse of Faces has quietly become one of the most talked-about cult hits in the indie RPG space, earning a stellar “Very Positive” rating from players.

    Here is why this atmospheric gem is captivating gamers and why you need to step into the grim world of Yariv.

    The Ultimate Tribute to King’s Field and 92-Era Gaming

    For years, fans of FromSoftware’s precursor to Dark Souls—the legendary King’s Field series—have been starved for a true spiritual successor. Verho – Curse of Faces steps beautifully into that void.

    Rather than chasing modern photorealism, the developers deliberately embraced a low-poly, 32-bit aesthetic. With its raw textures and eerie, claustrophobic level design, the game perfectly captures the nostalgic, oppressive charm of the original PlayStation 1 era. It’s a love letter to the 90s that relies on atmospheric tension rather than cheap jump scares.

    A World Where Faces Equal Death

    The narrative hook of Verho is as compelling as it is bleak. The world of Yariv has been ravaged by the Curse of Faces, a catastrophic phenomenon where revealing one’s bare face results in instant death. To survive, humanity hides behind unique, crafted masks.

    Flex your Playstyle with Dynamic Masks

    In a brilliant gameplay twist, your masks aren’t just for survival—they dictate your entire build. Verho completely ditches rigid class restrictions in favour of total freedom:

    • The Melee Juggernaut: Don heavy armour masks to tank hits and deliver brutal, slow-swinging strikes.
    • The Agile Duelist: Swap to lightweight masks built for speed, parrying, and quick counter-attacks.
    • The Mighty Mage: Channel devastating elemental spells to keep the horrors of Yariv at a distance.

    Because you can switch up and specialise your character on the fly, the build variety gives the game massive replay value, something Steam reviewers have praised heavily.

    From PC Cult Hit to Consoles

    Having already taken Steam by storm with regular content expansions—including a massive New Game Plus update—the dark fantasy RPG is about to reach a whole new audience.

    Mark your calendars: Verho – Curse of Faces is officially coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on July 30, 2026.

    The console launch will land alongside a brand-new content update, meaning there has never been a better time to discover what lies beneath the mask. If you’ve been looking for a challenging, retro-fueled dark fantasy nightmare to lose yourself in, your quest ends in Yariv.

    Verho – Curse of Faces is available now on PC via Steam and GOG, with console versions launching later this month for £20.99 / $24.99.

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #IndieGames #RPG #DarkFantasy #VerhoCurseOfFaces #RetroGaming #SteamGames #TechMash

  • The Nightlings Are Coming! Farever’s First Major Update Hits Steam Early Access on July 15

    The Nightlings Are Coming! Farever’s First Major Update Hits Steam Early Access on July 15

    Get ready, adventurers. If you thought the vast open world of Farever was already a beautiful, dangerous playground, things are about to get a whole lot darker.

    Shiro Games has just announced that the first major update for their hit online multiplayer action RPG is officially dropping on Wednesday, July 15. Titled ‘The Nightling Invasion,’ this massive content drop promises to push your survival and combat skills to their absolute limits on PC via Steam Early Access.

    Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when the shadows creep into Farever next week.

    Welcome to the Dark Side: What’s New?

    Shiro Games isn’t holding back for its first major milestone. ‘The Nightling Invasion’ is set to expand the game’s lore and mechanics significantly, giving both solo players and tight-knit guilds plenty of reasons to gear up.

    1. A Treacherous New Area to Explore

    Prepare to venture into a completely new, high-risk zone overrun by the mysterious Nightlings. Expect haunting vistas, unique environmental hazards, and a dense atmosphere where danger lurks behind every corner. Moving through this territory will require a mix of stealth, strategy, and brute force.

    2. All-New Gameplay Mechanics

    To survive the invasion, players will have access to freshly implemented mechanics designed to shake up the current meta. While Shiro Games is keeping some surprises close to its chest, players can look forward to new ways to interact with the environment, specialised combat tactics, and potentially new progression paths to help counter the darkness.

    3. Daunting Challenges & Boss Fights

    What’s an action RPG update without some epic loot and the terrifying bosses guarding it? ‘The Nightling Invasion’ introduces brutal new enemy variants and challenging public events that will force players to cooperate if they want to make it out alive.

    TechMash Verdict: Shiro Games has a stellar track record of listening to their community during Early Access phases. This first major update looks like a massive step forward in fleshing out Farever’s endgame content and keeping the world feeling alive, dynamic, and suitably punishing.

    How to Play

    Farever is currently available on PC via Steam Early Access. If you already own the game, the update will download automatically on Wednesday, July 15. If you haven’t jumped into this gorgeous fantasy world yet, now is the perfect time to grab your copy, rally your friends, and prepare for the storm.

    Are you ready to face the invasion, or will you let the darkness consume you? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #Farever #ShiroGames #SteamEarlyAccess #ActionRPG #PCGaming #TheNightlingInvasion #IndieGames #TechMash

  • No-Clip into Portable Panic: Escape the Backrooms Drops Terrifying Launch Trailer for Nintendo Switch 2!

    No-Clip into Portable Panic: Escape the Backrooms Drops Terrifying Launch Trailer for Nintendo Switch 2!

    The liminal space phenomenon that has already terrified millions on PC and home consoles is officially going portable. Publisher Secret Mode, alongside developers Fancy Games and Blackbird Interactive, has surprised horror fans by launching Escape the Backrooms on the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2!

    To celebrate, they’ve dropped an ominous new launch trailer that perfectly sets the dreary, buzzing mood of Level 0. Check out what to expect from this portable nightmare below.

    Watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Trailer:

    What is Escape the Backrooms?

    If you’ve been living under a rock (or just haven’t stumbled into the deeper corners of internet creepypastas), Escape the Backrooms is a 1-4 player co-op horror exploration game. Based on the viral lore and Kane Pixels’ iconic found-footage series, players accidentally “no-clip” out of reality and find themselves trapped in an endless maze of unsettling, empty spaces.

    From yellow-walled corridors with buzzing fluorescent lights to hauntingly quiet indoor pools and chaotic birthday spaces, you’ll have to explore over 30 unique levels to find a way out.

    Pure Parity & Cross-Play on Switch 2

    Late ports can sometimes feel like a downgraded afterthought, but that is absolutely not the case here. The Switch 2 hardware allows Escape the Backrooms to retain its realistic, immersive graphics and dreary atmosphere perfectly on a handheld device.

    Even better? Full Cross-Play Support. Secret Mode has introduced a brand-new cross-platform lobby code system with this release. This means you can squad up on your Switch 2 and instantly join your friends playing on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S. With the game recently surpassing a massive milestone of 4 million console players, you won’t have any trouble finding a crew to wander with.

    Key Features Coming to the Switch 2 Version:

    • Proximity Voice Chat: Communication is key, but be careful—the entities lurking in the dark can hear your real-time mic chat. If you wander too far from your friends, your voice will fade, leaving you completely isolated.
    • 30+ Lore-Accurate Levels: Navigate through beautifully eerie environments, solve light puzzles, and manage your sanity with Almond Water.
    • Terrifying Entities: Learn the unique AI mechanics of “Smilers,” “Skin Stealers,” and “Hounds” if you want to make it out alive.
    • Nightmare Mode: Think you’re a Backrooms expert? This mode ups the ante by making a single teammate’s death trigger a full, brutal restart.

    Price and Availability

    Escape the Backrooms is available right now on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop for an absolute steal at just £9.99 / €12.99.

    Whether you want to play solo in the dark or gather three friends for some cross-play panic on the couch, the yellow halls are calling. Just try not to lose your sanity around the party table in Level Fun!

    Are you brave enough to take the Backrooms on the go, or are you too afraid of what’s waiting in the dark? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #HorrorGaming #EscapeTheBackrooms #NintendoSwitch2 #Switch2 #CoOpHorror #IndieGames #Creepypasta #SecretMode #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Stardew Valley Meets Wednesday Addams: Moonlight Peaks Drops Hauntingly Cosy Launch Trailer for Nintendo Switch 2

    Stardew Valley Meets Wednesday Addams: Moonlight Peaks Drops Hauntingly Cosy Launch Trailer for Nintendo Switch 2

    Cosy gaming is taking a walk on the dark side, and we are absolutely here for it. If you’ve ever wished Stardew Valley had a bit more bite or that Animal Crossing let you turn into a bat, your hyper-specific wish has just been granted.

    The highly anticipated supernatural life-sim Moonlight Peaks has officially dropped its spectacular launch trailer, and it looks like an absolute dream (or should we say nightmare?) running on the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Check out the launch trailer below and get ready to trade your standard turnips for some serious gothic charm.

    Eternity Awaits: What is Moonlight Peaks?

    Developed by Little Chicken Game Company and published by Marvellous Europe, Moonlight Peaks puts you in the velvet shoes of a vampire trying to carve out a peaceful, compassionate life. The catch? Your sceptical vampire father thinks a life of peace is impossible for the undead. It’s up to you to prove him wrong.

    Instead of your standard farming simulator, Moonlight Peaks leans heavily into its spooky, magical setting. Here is what you can look forward to:

    • Magical Agriculture: Forget corn and wheat; you’ll be cultivating mystical, glowing crops and tending to supernatural livestock under the cover of night.
    • Gothic Sanctuary: Transform an old, abandoned cottage into a beautifully eerie, haunted estate. The customisation options look incredibly deep and beautifully gothic.
    • Vampiric Powers & Spells: Embrace your inner creature of the night! You can unlock ancient abilities, brew magical potions, expand your grimoire of spells, and even shapeshift to explore the town.
    • Supernatural Dating Scene: Moonlight Peaks is inhabited by seven major paranormal clans. With 24 unique characters, you can form close friendships or pursue eternal love with local werewolves, witches, and merfolk.

    Quick Tip: Just make sure you get back into your coffin before the sun comes up!

    A Premium Experience on Nintendo Switch 2

    While the game is also launching on PC and the original Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer showcases just how stunning this game looks on Nintendo’s upgraded hardware. The moody lighting, glowing magical flora, atmospheric fog, and smooth performance really make the town of Moonlight Peaks pop off the screen.

    If you prefer physical media for your collection, Marvellous Europe also confirmed that a physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will be hitting shelves across Europe on August 28, 2026. It will retail for £44.99 and includes an exclusive collectable sticker sheet alongside a digital soundtrack.

    Drop Into the Demo Today!

    Can’t wait to sink your fangs into the full game? A free demo is currently available on the Nintendo eShop. It gives you a great taste of character creation, the magical mini-games, and a look at the newly announced “J-Anime Style” character portraits drawn by popular Japanese artists.

    Moonlight Peaks is the perfect mix of eerie aesthetics and wholesome, relaxing gameplay. It’s exactly the kind of game we love to curl up with on a rainy evening.

    Are you ready to live your best vampire life on the Switch 2? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be picking this one up!

    Find out more here

    #MoonlightPeaks #NintendoSwitch2 #CozyGaming #VampireLifeSim #IndieGames #GamingNews #TechMash #Switch2Games

  • Desk Job Derby: Kartboard Dash Turns Your Office Supplies into Weapons of Chaos

    Desk Job Derby: Kartboard Dash Turns Your Office Supplies into Weapons of Chaos

    We’ve all had those days at the office. You’re staring at a spreadsheet, your coffee is lukewarm, and you secretly wish you could hurl a stapler at your boss or launch a rubber band barrage across the cubicles.

    Well, the indie developers at Zatun heard your silent corporate screams. Get ready to trade your ergonomic chair for a motorised cardboard box, because the ultimate workplace racing riot is officially on the horizon in the new game Kartboard Dash.

    The Premise: The Cubicle is Your Racetrack

    Kartboard Dash is a chaotic, fast-paced arcade kart racer that takes place entirely within the confines of a sprawling, highly detailed corporate office. The tracks weave through cluttered desks, dangerous breakrooms, treacherous copy machine corridors, and the dreaded executive boardroom.

    You play as various stressed-out office archetypes—from the overworked intern to the power-tripping middle manager—all racing for the ultimate prize: getting your weekend PTO approved.

    The Arsenal: Desktop Warfare

    What sets Kartboard Dash apart from your standard kart racer is its brilliant, hilarious weaponry. Forget red shells and banana peels; this game turns standard-issue stationery into tools of absolute destruction.

    • The Stapler Shotgun: Blast a spread of heavy-duty staples to spin out rivals right before the finish line.
    • The Rubber Band Slingshot: Snare the racer ahead of you and slingshot past them using pure kinetic tension.
    • The Hot Coffee Slick: Blind your opponents or make them slide uncontrollably across the polished linoleum floors.
    • The Post-it Note Smoke Screen: Plaster a rival’s screen with neon sticky notes to completely block their view.

    High-Octane Customization

    Half the fun is building your ride. Players start with a basic cardboard Amazon delivery box and can unlock upgrades using “Company Credits” earned during races.

    Want to attach rolling office chair wheels for better drifting? Do it. Want to strap a leaf-blower to the back for a nitrous boost? Go right ahead. You can even customise your driver with ridiculous corporate attire, from coffee-stained ties to full business-casual armour.

    Why It’s on Our Radar

    Aside from the relatable and funny concept, the game features incredibly tight drifting mechanics, satisfying physics, and an absolute banger of a lo-fi/synth-wave soundtrack that mimics elevator music on steroids.

    With both 4-player local split-screen and online multiplayer, Kartboard Dash is shaping up to be the perfect party game to play with your actual coworkers after hours. Just try not to take the grudges back to the real office on Monday.

    Final Verdict (For Now)

    Kartboard Dash takes the mundane dread of a 9-to-5 and injects it with pure, unadulterated adrenaline. It’s colourful, frantic, and wonderfully petty. Keep your eyes peeled on Steam and consoles for this one—it’s time to clock in and freak out.

    Are you ready to turn your cubicle into a crash course? Let us know in the comments which office supply you’d use as a weapon!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #Zatun #KartboardDash #IndieGames #KartRacer #TechMash #OfficeHumor #GamingCommunity #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming

  • Míster Jagger’s Surreal Horror-Comedy OH DEMON! Fix My TV Is Coming to PS5

    Míster Jagger’s Surreal Horror-Comedy OH DEMON! Fix My TV Is Coming to PS5

    It’s time to prepare your eyes, your minds, and your television sets. Selecta Play has officially announced that it will be publishing OH DEMON! Fix My TV—the bizarre, viral hit from legendary Spanish content creator, streamer, and internet phenomenon Míster Jagger—on PlayStation 5 later this year!

    Following its wildly discussed, surreal debut on PC earlier this year, console players are finally getting their chance to experience one of the most uniquely unhinged indie games of 2026.

    What on Earth is OH DEMON! Fix My TV?

    If you are familiar with Míster Jagger’s internet presence, you already know to expect the unexpected. Developed alongside Melt, the game takes a completely mundane household chore and spirals it into absolute, supernatural chaos.

    The premise is delightfully absurd: an elderly woman named Encarnita has a broken television set. Naturally, instead of calling a repairman, she decides to summon a demon from the underworld (you) to fix it.

    What follows is a first-person adventure that seamlessly blends genuine psychological horror with unpredictable, laugh-out-loud comedy. As you try to fix Encarnita’s TV, you are thrust into dream-logic puzzles, impossible shifting geometry, and terrifying chase sequences involving entities from beyond.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • The Gaze Mechanic: A standout feature where your literal gaze alters the environment around you—turning on lights, uncovering hidden clues, and revealing secret passages.
    • Absurdist Horror-Comedy: A tonal rollercoaster that switches from creepy, tense atmospheres to surreal, laugh-out-loud comedy in the blink of an eye.
    • Immersive Audio & Soundtrack: A highly atmospheric soundscape specifically designed to ramp up the tension during the game’s more chaotic segments.

    Physical and Exclusive Collector’s Editions Confirmed!

    Selecta Play isn’t just dropping this on the PlayStation Store digitally; they are going all out for fans of physical media.

    OH DEMON! Fix My TV will be getting a physical Standard Edition, as well as a highly anticipated Collector’s Edition. This premium version will be exclusive to GAME and is being designed specifically as an “auteur piece” for hardcore fans of Míster Jagger’s distinctive creative universe.

    The Verdict: If you’re tired of the same old cookie-cutter horror tropes and want an indie title that takes massive creative risks, this is your next obsession. It’s strange, it’s grotesque, and it’s deeply memorable.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for the official release date drop as soon as Selecta Play locks it in!

    Are you ready to fix Encarnita’s TV, or are you too scared of what’s lurking behind the screen? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OhDemonFixMyTV #MisterJagger #PS5 #SelectaPlay #IndieGames #GamingNews #HorrorComedy #PlayStation5 #TechMash

  • The 1996 Retro Illusion That’s Capturing the Indie Scene

    The 1996 Retro Illusion That’s Capturing the Indie Scene

    At first glance, Sparky Rush: Purrils in Pawsville! Looks like just another childhood game from 1996. You boot it up expecting the familiar, comforting warmth of a classic 16-bit or early 32-bit era platformer. You play as Sparky, a bright-eyed, heroic dog on a seemingly wholesome mission to save his kidnapped friends from the clutches of mischievous felines.

    The vibrant pixel art, the bouncy chiptune soundtrack, and the simple “jump-and-collect” mechanics immediately trigger a wave of pure Saturday-morning-cartoon nostalgia.

    But don’t let the bright colours and wagging tails fool you. As you dig deeper into Pawsville, you’ll quickly realise that Sparky Rush is masking something much more brilliant, challenging, and modern beneath its retro hood.

    A Nostalgia Trip with a Modern Twist

    What starts as a straightforward rescue mission rapidly evolves. The developers have masterfully used the “90s mascot platformer” aesthetic as a canvas for subverting player expectations.

    While the controls feel as tight and responsive as the best games of the era, the level design introduces clever, mind-bending puzzles and modern physics mechanics that simply wouldn’t have been possible on a 1996 console. The “Purrils” you are fighting against aren’t just simple AI enemies with basic patrol patterns; they employ clever tactics that will force you to rethink your approach to every stage.

    Why It’s Worth Your Time

    • Deceptive Depth: The narrative and world-building take unexpected turns. What starts as a simple “save your friends” plot drops subtle clues and lore that hint at a much larger, surprisingly engaging world.
    • Pixel-Perfect Execution: The art style isn’t just a cheap retro filter. It features gorgeous, fluid animations and a dynamic lighting system that breathes life into Pawsville.
    • The “Just One More Try” Factor: The difficulty curve is perfectly tuned. It respects the challenging nature of 90s gaming without the frustrating, unfair lives-system limitations of the past.

    Sparky Rush: Purrils in Pawsville! is a brilliant love letter to the golden age of gaming, wrapped in modern sophistication. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast looking to recapture the magic of 1996 or a modern gamer looking for a tight, inventive platformer, Sparky’s adventure is absolutely worth the download.

    Have you explored the secrets of Pawsville yet? Let us know your thoughts on this deceptive retro gem in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SparkyRush #PurrilsInPawsville #IndieGames #RetroGaming #GamingNostalgia #Platformer #TechMash #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming

  • Command Three, Survive Thousands: Luminas: Parasite Reign Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    Command Three, Survive Thousands: Luminas: Parasite Reign Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    The indie roguelite scene is about to get a massive dose of magical chaos. Athens-based developer SOTO Game Studio has officially announced that its highly anticipated debut title, Luminas: Parasite Reign, will launch into Steam Early Access on July 24th, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a fresh spin on the “bullet heaven” horde-survivor genre, this voxel-art adventure is definitely one to add to your wishlist.

    When Vampire Survivors Meets Pokémon Strategy

    While the market has seen plenty of single-character auto-shooters recently, Luminas: Parasite Reign shakes up the formula by throwing party-based tactical squad building into the mix. Instead of controlling a solitary lone wolf, you’ll lead a team of up to three supernatural, magical creatures—known as Luminas—simultaneously.

    Your mission? Defend the vibrant, voxel world of Solaris Land from an onslaught of corrupting, monstrous parasites.

    Key Features Landing in Early Access:

    • Build Your Dream Team: Choose from 8 distinct Luminas at launch (including adorable powerhouses like Pyropeep the dragon and Shelly the turtle).
    • Synergy & Combos: With 64 unique elemental spells and over 90 items of treasure to equip, you can craft specific archetypes—from glass-cannon DPS squads to tanky, unkillable support builds. Certain Lumina pairs can even combine their abilities to unleash secret, devastating combo attacks.
    • Deep Meta-Progression: Each creature features its own dedicated skill tree, allowing you to fine-tune your playstyle between runs.
    • Control the Corruption: The Early Access launch features 3 distinct biomes and 8 unique bosses. Once you master the basics, you can jack up the “Corruption” levels to alter gameplay rules, expand enemy rosters, shift camera perspectives, and push your skills to the absolute limit.

    “We’re a small team of three friends working at an independent digital agency in Greece… Born from a mix of curiosity, late-night design talks, and a shared love for roguelites.” > — SOTO Game Studio

    Steam Deck Ready on Day One

    Great news for handheld gamers: SOTO Game Studio has confirmed that Luminas: Parasite Reign is already fully optimised for the Steam Deck. Handheld playtesters have reported a locked, buttery-smooth 90 FPS with perfectly scaled UI text.

    The developer notes that player feedback during the Early Access phase will actively shape the road map—directly influencing future modes, maps, new Luminas, and boss mechanics.

    Mark your calendars for July 24th, head over to Steam, and get Luminas: Parasite Reign wishlisted today!

    Find out more here

    #LuminasParasiteReign #SOTOGameStudio #IndieGames #SteamEarlyAccess #Roguelite #BulletHeaven #HordeSurvivor #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamDeck

  • From PC to PlayStation and Xbox: Viking Frontiers Brings Open-World Survival to Consoles This Week

    From PC to PlayStation and Xbox: Viking Frontiers Brings Open-World Survival to Consoles This Week

    The long boats are hitting new shores! If you’ve been looking for a reason to unleash your inner Jarl on the big screen, your prayers to Odin have officially been answered.

    Viking Frontiers, the ambitious open-world title that first challenged PC players to conquer the brutal northern wilderness, is finally making its grand debut on next-gen consoles.

    Get your axes ready: the game officially launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 9.

    What is Viking Frontiers?

    Developed by independent Polish studio BLUM Entertainment (and brought to consoles by Wildlands Interactive), Viking Frontiers isn’t your standard, run-of-the-mill survival game. It is a massive, multi-genre hybrid that brilliantly mashes together:

    • Deep RPG mechanics to build your legacy and skills.
    • Immersive simulation features like hunting, crafting, and enduring harsh weather.
    • Strategic settlement management to expand your village from a few ragged tents into a fortified fortress.

    You take on the role of a leader thrust onto an unknown, unforgiving shore after a series of unfortunate events. The ultimate goal? Ensure the survival, growth, and glory of your newly founded Viking clan.

    Manage, Build, and Raid

    Survival in Viking Frontiers requires a delicate balance of brains and brawn. As the Jarl, you aren’t just fighting off the elements and wild beasts—you are responsible for the actual livelihood of your clansmen. You will need to manage your village’s laws, dictate daily activities, handle resource allocation, and maintain living conditions.

    Whether you decide to prioritise the path of a hunter, a master builder, a pious priest, or a ruthless raider is entirely up to you.

    Survival tip: The northern wilderness is unyielding. Watch the weather, keep your people fed, and remember: survival is the only thing that matters.

    Console Launch Details

    Already a hit for those playing on PC, console gamers can now get in on the action with dedicated optimisations for next-gen hardware.

    • Release Date: July 9
    • Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (and currently available on PC)
    • File Size: Highly optimised (sitting at a lightweight ~3.7 GB on Xbox Series X|S)

    If you’re ready to guide your people to safety and glory, head over to the PlayStation Store or Xbox Marketplace to grab your copy when it drops this Thursday.

    Are you going to be picking up Viking Frontiers on console this week? Let us know your survival strategy in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #VikingFrontiers #XboxSeriesX #PS5 #PCGaming #SurvivalGames #RPG #IndieGames #TechMash

  • Robospiders Assemble! Wall World 2 Completes Current-Gen Console Rollout with Xbox Series X|S Release

    Robospiders Assemble! Wall World 2 Completes Current-Gen Console Rollout with Xbox Series X|S Release

    Independent developer and publisher Alawar has officially announced that Wall World 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S, completing its highly anticipated current-generation console rollout. Following its previous launches on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, the addictive mining roguelite sequel can now be played across all major modern hardware platforms.

    If you loved the unique blend of vertical exploration, resource management, and frantic tower defence in the 2023 original, it’s time to hop back into your giant mechanical spider and scale the mysterious Wall once again.

    What is Wall World 2?

    For the uninitiated, Wall World 2 tasks players with piloting a heavily armed robospider across an endless, vertical world. The gameplay loops shift between two thrilling phases:

    • Deep-Dive Mining: Leave your mobile base in your upgraded exosuit to burrow into procedurally generated depths, searching for valuable resources, strange anomalies, and lost technological blueprints.
    • Tactical Defence: Race back to the surface before the timer hits zero to fend off aggressive, relentless waves of hostile, nightmarish creatures aiming to tear your robospider apart.

    What’s New in the Sequel?

    Wall World 2 doesn’t just re-tread old ground—it digs significantly deeper.

    • Expanded Biomes: Navigate through entirely new, ever-changing environments filled with unique weather conditions and secrets.
    • Deeper Progression: Customise both your personal exosuit and your massive mobile battle station with an array of new weapons, automated turrets, and gadgets.
    • Unravel the Lore: Meet strange new characters in the sphere city and piece together what truly lies on the other side of the Wall’s unseen depths.

    Platform Availability Note: Along with the native Xbox Series X|S version, Xbox gamers can also take advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere support, allowing cross-progression and cross-buy functionality between Xbox consoles and PC.

    Whether you’re a returning pilot or a newcomer looking for a fresh, atmospheric tactical roguelite to sink your teeth into, Wall World 2 is officially ready for deployment on your Xbox dashboard.

    Wall World 2 is available to purchase right now on the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam.

    Find out more here

    #WallWorld2 #Alawar #XboxSeriesX #Xbox #GamingNews #IndieGames #Roguelite #XboxPlayAnywhere #TechMash #Gaming #ConsoleGaming

  • Groceries, Guns, and Gore: Quarantine Market Simulator Launches July 10!

    Groceries, Guns, and Gore: Quarantine Market Simulator Launches July 10!

    Simulation games have put us in the shoes of everything from power washers to goat herders, but the latest announcement from Arafkan Games and publisher PlayWay SA is bringing something beautifully chaotic to our PCs. Get ready to dust off your spiked clubs and perfect your customer service smile, because Quarantine Market Simulator is officially opening its gates on July 10!

    If you’ve ever thought working retail was a nightmare, this game is about to show you what a real challenge looks like.

    The Ultimate Post-Apocalyptic Side Hustle

    Set in a gritty, post-apocalyptic world, Quarantine Market Simulator places you in charge of one of the very last operating markets inside a heavily fortified quarantine zone. Society may have collapsed, but people still need their canned beans, toilet roll, and survival supplies.

    The game blends first-person management mechanics with high-stakes survival elements. You aren’t just scanning items; you are the thin line between a thriving community hub and total outbreak devastation.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Manage Your Market: Keep the post-apocalyptic economy flowing by stocking shelves, organising inventory, and managing your prices to maximise profits.
    • Quarantine Control: Not everyone is fit to shop. You’ll need to check customer temperatures at the door. If someone has a fever, they might be infected. Do you turn them away, or take a shady bribe and let them sneak in? The choice (and risk) is yours.
    • Store Security: Shoplifting hits a bit harder when society has collapsed. Catch thieves trying to raid your register and use a spiked baseball bat to “restore order” and recover your cash.
    • Defend the Colony Walls: When a massive threat approaches the colony, you’ll drop the scanner and pick up the heavy artillery. Hop onto the defence line and operate a minigun to tear through zombie-themed raids before they breach the walls.

    The TechMash Verdict: PlayWay SA has a massive track record for publishing incredibly addictive simulators, and teaming up with Arafkan Games for a mashup of Supermarket Shriek meets Left 4 Dead looks like pure indie gold. It’s a brilliant twist on the tycoon genre that requires equal parts business savvy and trigger-finger reflexes.

    Quarantine Market Simulator launches on PC via Steam on July 10. Will you run a clean, safe establishment, or let a few infected slip through for the right price? Wishlist it now and get ready to open for business!

    Find out more here

    #QuarantineMarketSimulator #IndieGames #GamingNews #PlayWay #ArafkanGames #SimulationGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Hook, Line, and Upgrade: Piisu Inc. Announces ‘Fish Them All!’ and Pre-Registration Is Live!

    Hook, Line, and Upgrade: Piisu Inc. Announces ‘Fish Them All!’ and Pre-Registration Is Live!

    Indie game fans and casual clicker addicts, get your virtual fishing rods ready. Developer Piisu Inc. has officially announced pre-registration for their upcoming mobile title, Fish Them All!, and it promises to turn a simple day on the water into a delightfully absurd, fast-paced obsession.

    Slated for release on July 20, 2026, this free-to-play indie title isn’t your traditional, slow-paced simulator. Instead, it pairs charming pixel art with addictive incremental mechanics, challenging players with one massive, gloriously chaotic goal: catch all 10 million fish in the sea.

    Check out the gameplay breakdown below and find out how you can secure your spot on the boat early.

    The Gameplay Loop: Simple, Fast, and Absurdly Scaleable

    At its core, Fish Them All! is a light, short-form incremental progression game designed to be completed in just a few hours. But don’t let the short completion time fool you—the momentum builds fast.

    • Bite-Sized Rounds: Each fishing run takes only 30 to 60 seconds. You drop a hook using simple three-button controls, snag whatever is swimming beneath your boat, and reel them in.
    • A Sprawling Skill Tree: Spend your hard-earned fishing cash to upgrade your movement speed, enlarge your hook, and increase the number of fish you can pull up at once.
    • Automated Fishing Crews: As you progress, things get delightfully unhinged. You can eventually unlock automated gathering helpers—including divers, drones, and even UFOs—to vacuum up the ocean’s population.

    From standard sardines to rare coelacanths and sharks, the game thrives on the sheer satisfaction of watching an impossibly large number (10 million!) steadily plummet to zero.

    A Polished Indie Project with a Familiar Face

    Piisu Inc. has emphasised that while Fish Them All! is small in scale, it is incredibly polished. The team focused heavily on creating responsive animations, satisfying user interfaces, and incredibly tight pacing to ensure players walk away feeling like they just experienced a genuinely nice, complete package.

    Longtime mobile gamers might also recognise the game’s protagonist: Jellyfish Funya. Funya hails from Piisu Inc.’s flagship smartphone title Fushigina Ikimono Funyamorake, which has been running for over 11 years. Now, this cute mascot is taking a break from their usual antics to captain a fishing vessel. (And don’t worry—you don’t need to know the original game to dive right into this one!).

    Pre-Register Today!

    If you love pixel art, numbers that go up rapidly, and the idea of using aliens to harvest seafood, you can pre-register right now using the official store links below:

    Get ready to clear out the ocean when the game drops for free on July 20!

    Find out more here

    #FishThemAll #PiisuInc #MobileGaming #IndieGames #AppStore #GooglePlay #GamingNews #PixelArt #IncrementalGames #CasualGaming

  • Shhh… It’s Console Time! Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence Lands on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    Shhh… It’s Console Time! Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence Lands on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    If you’ve been craving a bite-sized, atmospheric mystery that throws it back to the golden age of 90s graphic adventures, it’s time to put your sleuthing hat on.

    Following a successful stint on PC, developer Making Enemies and publisher DevilishGames have officially brought their dark, pixel-art point-and-click thriller, Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence, to consoles!

    You can now unravel the secrets of the abbey on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

    What is Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence?

    The game puts you in the shoes of William, a young and impulsively curious writer desperate for a brilliant plot to kickstart his literary career. His hunt for inspiration leads him to a secluded, moody island monastery.

    Once known for its beautiful, echoing choirs, the abbey has fallen completely silent. Following the mysterious madness of its former abbot, the monks have taken a strict, permanent vow of silence. But what starts as a quiet retreat for William quickly spirals into something much darker. Beneath the cold stone walls lies a disturbing secret that was never meant to see the light of day.

    Check out the eerie vibe in the official trailer below:

    Why You Should Play It

    • 90s Retro Vibe: Built using the PowerQuest engine, it embraces detailed, moody 2D pixel art and inventory-based environmental puzzles that feel straight out of a classic LucasArts or Sierra title.
    • A Focused, Intense Experience: No filler here. The game is designed as a short, punchy narrative adventure lasting between 1 to 3 hours—perfect for a single, atmospheric evening of gaming.
    • Immersive Audio: Since the monks won’t talk to you, the narrative relies heavily on a haunting, orchestral soundtrack composed by Antonio Vozmediano.
    • Multi-Language Support: Playable in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Catalan, Basque, and Galician.

    Whether you want to solve puzzles on the go with the Nintendo Switch or enjoy the gloomy landscapes on your next-gen setup, this indie gem is well worth your time. Grab your copy on your preferred console store today and break the silence!

    Find out more here

    #ScholarAdventure #MysteryOfSilence #IndieGames #PointAndClick #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #DevilishGames #MakingEnemies #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Watch Your Back: Critically Acclaimed Survival Horror MAZEBOUND Drops Massive Hardcore Update on Steam

    Watch Your Back: Critically Acclaimed Survival Horror MAZEBOUND Drops Massive Hardcore Update on Steam

    Indie developer and publisher Absam Studios has announced a major update to MAZEBOUND, its critically acclaimed survival horror hit on Steam. If you thought navigating the game’s relentless, procedurally generated labyrinth was stressful before, things are about to get a whole lot more brutal.

    For the uninitiated, MAZEBOUND delivers a frantic and unforgiving gameplay experience. Stranded with nothing but a towering wall ahead and the sea at your back, you are trapped in a nightmare maze with no option but to hunt, gather, and run to survive—either entirely alone or with friends in online co-op.

    But as the developers prominently warn: You’re not the only one watching, and you’re not the only one starving.

    Enter the Maze—If You Dare

    The headline addition to this major update is the highly anticipated Hardcore Mode, a punishing new way to play specifically designed for veteran players seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. In this mode, every choice carries massive weight, and a single mistake will cost you everything.

    Here is a breakdown of what awaits you in the updated maze:

    • Permadeath Is Live: If you die, your run is over. Period.
    • Hardcore Leaderboards: See how your survival times stack up against the most fearless runners globally.
    • New Nighttime Dangers: The maze becomes significantly more hostile after dark, and all safety doors now slam shut at night in Hardcore Mode.
    • Scarcer Resources: Hunger depletes at a much faster rate, and there are fewer Waystones to rely on.
    • New Monsters: Terrifying new twisted entities have been added to the maze, and the spawning behaviour of existing creatures has been heavily adjusted.
    • Exclusive Rewards: Players who manage to beat the brutal Hardcore Mode will unlock a brand-new axe and a fresh Steam achievement.

    Race for the $1,000 Solo Cash Prize

    To celebrate the launch of Hardcore Mode, Absam Studios is hosting an official Hardcore Solo Competition with a $1,000 USD prize pool.

    The top 20 players who secure a spot on the Hardcore solo leaderboard by July 30th at 10 AM PDT will win Steam Gift Cards, with the ultimate survivor taking home the first-place grand prize of $250. Note that for transparency, any winning runs clocked under two hours will require video proof to claim the reward.

    Whether you’re looking to test your grit against the new permadeath mechanics or want a piece of that prize pool, there’s never been a better time to jump back in. MAZEBOUND is available right now on PC via Steam.

    Find out more here

    #MAZEBOUND #AbsamStudios #SurvivalHorror #IndieGames #SteamGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #PCGaming