TECHMASH

Tag: #IndieGames

  • Tokyo Stories Finds a New Home: Happinet to Publish Drecom’s Haunting Pixel-Art Adventure

    Tokyo Stories Finds a New Home: Happinet to Publish Drecom’s Haunting Pixel-Art Adventure

    The wait for one of the most visually striking indie titles of the decade is entering a new chapter. Happinet Corporation has officially announced that it will publish Tokyo Stories under its acclaimed Happinet Indie Collection label.

    Originally announced in 2022, the project is a collaborative effort planned and produced by Drecom Co., Ltd., with development support provided by CharacterBank Inc. This new partnership with Happinet marks a significant milestone, moving the game into a “new phase of development and promotion” as it surpasses a massive 50,000 wishlists on Steam.

    A World Left Behind

    Tokyo Stories is a 3D adventure game defined by its “pixel art meets 3D” aesthetic—a melancholic, neon-soaked visual style that has captivated the indie scene since its first reveal.

    The game is set in a vanishing Tokyo, a deserted metropolis where the inhabitants have mysteriously disappeared. Players take on the role of Suzu, a young woman who enters the city to find her best friend, Yuno, who vanished without a word. Along the way, they encounter a nameless young man hiding a dark secret.

    Key Gameplay Elements:

    • Atmospheric Exploration: Navigate iconic but empty Tokyo landmarks to find narrative fragments.
    • Surreal Puzzles: Experience a shifting reality as segments of the city begin to collapse or transform.
    • Intertwining Narratives: Piece together the truth behind why the city is empty and why Yuno left.

    The Happinet Indie Collection

    By joining the Happinet Indie Collection, Tokyo Stories joins a roster dedicated to bringing unique, high-quality experiences from around the globe to a wider audience. Happinet’s backing provides the resources necessary to polish this ambitious title as it heads toward an eventual release on PC via Steam.

    Play it at BitSummit PUNCH

    If you’re lucky enough to be in Kyoto this month, you won’t have to wait much longer to see the game in action. Tokyo Stories will be a headline feature at BitSummit PUNCH (May 22–24, 2026).

    Attendees will be able to play an early demo at the Happinet booth, which will feature a custom layout designed to immerse visitors in the game’s lonely, beautiful world.

    Quick Facts:

    • Title: Tokyo Stories
    • Publisher: Happinet Corporation
    • Developer: Drecom Co., Ltd. (Support: CharacterBank Inc.)
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: TBA
    • Genre: 3D Action Adventure

    Tokyo Stories continues to be one of our most anticipated indie titles of 2026. Its blend of mystery, nostalgia, and cutting-edge pixel tech is exactly what the “Happinet Indie Collection” was made for.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates as we approach BitSummit!

    Find out more here – https://tokyo-stories.info/

    #HappinetCorporation #TokyoStories #HappinetIndieCollection #indiegames #Drecom #CharacterBank #BitSummit #techmash #n5dave #gamingnews #gamers #gaming

  • Rhythm Meets Tactics: Wardrum is Now Available on Steam!

    Rhythm Meets Tactics: Wardrum is Now Available on Steam!

    If you’ve ever wished your tactical RPGs had a bit more “thump,” then today is your lucky day. Wardrum, the highly anticipated tactical rhythm roguelite from Mopeful Games (the team behind Fashion Police Squad) and publisher Team17, has officially marched onto Steam!

    In a world where “off-beat magic” has corrupted the land, it’s up to you to lead a band of warriors and sync your strategy to the primal beat of the tribal wardrum. It’s a genre-bending mix that feels like a modern, darker evolution of the Patapon spirit, blended with deep turn-based grid combat.

    Keep the Beat, Save the Land

    The gameplay in Wardrum is all about precision. Every move—from basic attacks to powerful spells—requires you to follow specific rhythm patterns.

    • Tactical Rhythm Combat: Plan your moves on a grid, then execute them in time with the music to maximise damage and unleash critical hits.
    • A Diverse Warband: Choose from characters like the Warrior, Assassin, and Summoner, each with unique rhythm patterns and branching ability paths.
    • Roguelite Progression: Every run is randomised with different biomes (forests, swamps, deserts), hazards, and weather effects like “Rhythmstorms” that can mess with your timing.
    • Custom Rhythm Chains: Collect Rhythm Stones during your journey to forge your own custom abilities at the forge.

    Not Just for Rhythm Pros

    Worried you have two left feet? Mopeful Games has included a range of accessibility options. You can adjust the rhythm difficulty to Easy Mode, which makes the timing windows more forgiving and less punishing for missed beats, allowing you to focus more on the tactical positioning.

    Check Out the Launch Trailer

    If you want to see the game in action (and hear those banging tribal tracks), check out the official launch trailer below:

    The Verdict: Wardrum is a refreshing take on the tactical genre. The combination of “one-more-run” roguelite addiction and the visceral satisfaction of landing a “Perfect” hit on the beat makes it a must-play for indie fans this May.

    You can grab Wardrum on Steam right now. Are you ready to find your groove?

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2680670

    #Wardrum #MopefulGames #Team17 #IndieGames #Steam #RhythmGame #TacticalRPG #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Grey Alien announces launch date for Forbidden Solitaire

    Grey Alien announces launch date for Forbidden Solitaire

    Prepare your floppy drives and clear your hard disk space, because a long-lost digital nightmare is finally resurfacing. Grey Alien Games and Night Signal Entertainment have officially pulled back the curtain on the release date for their highly anticipated 90s-inspired dungeon horror, FORBIDDEN SOLITAIRE.

    Accompanying a brand-new trailer that drips with CRT static and FMV dread, the developers have confirmed that the “cursed” 1995 CD-ROM will be unleashed on Steam and GOG on April 30, 2026.

    A Cursed Relic of 1995

    If you’ve ever felt a chill while browsing a thrift store bargain bin, Forbidden Solitaire is the game that validates those fears. The premise is peak “lost media” creepypasta: it’s 2019, and you’ve just found a cryptic CD-ROM that was pulled from shelves decades ago due to a mysterious controversy.

    Naturally, you install it.

    What follows is a descent into a digital hellscape where card-slashing mechanics meet survival horror. Developed by the veterans at Grey Alien Games (Ancient Enemy, Regency Solitaire) in collaboration with the twisted minds behind Home Safety Hotline, the game features:

    • Card-Slashing Combat: Visceral solitaire-based gameplay where you fight for your life.
    • 90s FMV Aesthetic: Authentically crunchy 3D renders and compressed video that capture the mid-90s PC gaming era.
    • The Watchful Eye: Purchase upgrades from a “friendly” eye embedded in the dungeon walls.
    • Malignant Jokers: Game-changing cards that can either save your run or doom your soul.

    The New Launch Trailer

    The latest trailer gives us the best look yet at the game’s “horror Balatro” vibes. It showcases the unsettling mix of high-stakes card play and the claustrophobic atmosphere of an abandoned FPS server. As PC Gamer aptly described it, it’s “solitaire if you could cheat by shoving gems into your hand because an eyeball told you to.”

    Check out the trailer below to see the 256-colour-mode madness in action:

    [!IMPORTANT] Launch Details:

    • Release Date: April 30, 2026
    • Platforms: Steam and GOG
    • Launch Price: $15.99 (with a 10% launch week discount)

    The Verdict So Far

    With a demo that recently sat at the top of the Steam charts, the hype for Forbidden Solitaire is reaching a fever pitch. It’s a rare crossover that appeals to both strategy card game fans and hardcore horror enthusiasts who miss the experimental weirdness of the early CD-ROM era.

    Will you be brave enough to finish the game, or will you follow the developer’s warning to “uninstall before it’s too late”?

    Forbidden Solitaire launches April 30th. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

    For more indie horror news and retro-tech deep dives, stay tuned to TechMash.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3414580

    #GreyAlienGames #NightSignalEntertainment #ForbiddenSolitaire #horror #analoghorror #horrorgames #indiegames #darkfantasygaming #homesafetyhotline

  • Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    The “Survivors-like” genre is about to get a serious injection of adrenaline. Ukrainian developer Pushka Studios and publisher Assemble Entertainment have officially pulled back the curtain on Grind Survivors, a high-octane action roguelite that promises to blend the addictive “one-more-run” loop of bullet-hell survival with the deep, dopamine-hitting progression of a looter-shooter.

    If you’ve ever felt like the genre needed more legendary loot and even bigger explosions, this is the title to keep on your radar.

    What is Grind Survivors?

    Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by demonic corruption, players step into the heavy-duty boots of a towering armoured demon hunter. Your mission is simple: survive endless swarms of hellspawn, grow exponentially stronger, and turn every demon you slay into a potential loot box.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    • Loot-Driven Combat: Unlike many games in the genre that focus solely on passive upgrades, Grind Survivors features procedurally generated weapons. We’re talking unique stats, affixes, and “origins” that can completely change your playstyle.
    • The Forge: High-stakes crafting is at the heart of the game. Between runs, you can head to The Forge to merge weapons, reroll stats, or risk destroying your gear in the pursuit of “game-breaking” power.
    • Diverse Biomes: From scorched cities to burning forests, you won’t just be fighting in an empty field. Each biome brings new threats and atmospheric, brutal visuals.
    • Endless Scaling: For those who think they’ve built the perfect slayer, the Infinity Mode offers a leaderboard-driven challenge where the enemies never stop getting tougher.

    A Debut with Pedigree

    While Grind Survivors is Pushka Studios’ first original title, the team is far from green. With years of experience in porting and co-development, they are channelling that technical expertise into a project that Kirill Mukhin of Pushka Studios describes as “more action, more chaos, more everything.”

    Assemble Entertainment, the award-winning publisher behind hits like Endzone and Roadwarden, is bringing this demonic carnage to PC and consoles in 2026.

    “Every weapon is a chance to break the game—in your favor.” — The Pushka Studios Team

    Join the Fight Early

    Can’t wait until 2026? You don’t have to. Steam Playtests have already been rolling out, allowing the community to help shape the balance of the game. Based on recent updates, the devs are already fine-tuning the difficulty curve and adding new weapon archetypes based on player feedback.

    Wishlist Grind Survivors on Steam today to stay updated on the next playtest phase!

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

    #PushkaStudios #AssembleEntertainment #action #roguelite #GrindSurvivors #playtest #steam #SteamNextFest #indiegames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • On Your Marks: The Sprint City Demo is Live on Steam!

    On Your Marks: The Sprint City Demo is Live on Steam!

    If you’ve ever felt the rush of a perfect line in SpeedRunners or spent hours perfecting your movement in a 2D platformer, today is your lucky day. Sprint City, the spiritual successor to SpeedRunners from the original creators at Second Stage Studio, has officially dropped its demo on Steam!

    The city streets are open, the grapples are primed, and the leaderboards are waiting for a new king of momentum. Here is why you need to drop everything and download it right now.

    What is Sprint City?

    Sprint City isn’t just a sequel; it’s an evolution. Set in a vibrant, solarpunk metropolis where wheels are a relic of the past, movement is the only currency that matters. You play as a Runagade, using a mix of wall-running, rail-grinding, and grappling to navigate a seamless, shared world.

    Demo Highlights: What Can You Play Today?

    The demo isn’t just a tiny slice; it’s a high-octane playground designed to give you a real taste of the “Runagade” life.

    • The Plaza District: Explore a central, lively section of the city filled with vertical routes and hidden shortcuts.
    • Clockout Mode: Experience the demo’s crown jewel—a high-stakes multiplayer mode where time is your health. Up to 8 players race; as soon as the leader finishes a lap, everyone else’s clock starts ticking down. If your timer hits zero, you’re out!
    • Time Trials: For the perfectionists. Practice your routes without the pressure of other runners and shave milliseconds off your personal best.
    • Create a Challenge: One of the coolest features—you can set a start and end point anywhere in the city and generate a unique code or URL to challenge your friends instantly.

    Why It Feels So Good

    The developers have been busy refining the physics based on recent playtests. The demo features:

    • Predictable Grappling: Reworked for better control on both gamepads and keyboards.
    • Visual Clarity: Non-grappable surfaces and route lines are clearer, so you can focus on your speed rather than wondering if a ledge is “solid.”
    • Social Connectivity: Jump into races with Steam friend invites or use the “yellow kiosks” scattered around the city to find matches.

    Pro Tip: If you want to master the city, treat every Clockout race like a Time Trial. Learning where to spam your grapple and where to conserve momentum is the difference between a podium finish and “Clocking Out” early.

    Join the Movement

    The demo is out just in time for Steam Next Fest, and the devs are hosting live streams and community challenges all week. Whether you’re a veteran of the original SpeedRunners or a newcomer looking for your next competitive obsession, the streets of Sprint City are calling.

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

    #SprintCity #SecondStageStudio #SpeedRunners #2DPlatformer #parkour #Gaming #EarlyAccess #SteamGames #Runagades #IndieGames #games #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together – New Trailer Reveals Multiplayer Chaos and Culinary Mastery

    Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together – New Trailer Reveals Multiplayer Chaos and Culinary Mastery

    It’s time to sharpen your knives and prep your stations—the heat is officially turning up! Big Cheese Studio has just dropped a brand-new gameplay trailer for Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together, giving us our most in-depth look yet at the highly anticipated sequel.

    While the original game was a solo masterclass in physics-based culinary mayhem, this trailer confirms that the kitchen is no longer a lonely place. Here is everything we learned from the latest reveal.

    What’s New in the Kitchen?

    The trailer highlights a significant jump in depth and realism, moving beyond just “flipping burgers” to a full-scale restaurant management experience.

    1. Multiplayer: The Star of the Show

    True to its subtitle, Better Together introduces online co-op. The trailer showcases players:

    • Dividing and Conquering: One chef handles the grill while another preps the salad and plates the dishes.
    • Shared Responsibility: Work together to manage high-pressure orders or, let’s be honest, engage in legendary food fights when things get too stressful.
    • Sandbox Fun: You can invite friends to your private apartment or sandbox mode just to experiment with ridiculous recipes.

    2. The Blueprint System

    One of the standout features revealed is the Blueprint System. This isn’t just about following instructions anymore; it’s about creative freedom.

    • Design your own signature dishes from scratch.
    • Refine recipes over time to suit your customers’ evolving tastes.
    • Add your unique creations to your restaurant’s permanent menu.

    3. Living Restaurant Experience

    The game is evolving into a more holistic simulation. You aren’t just a cook; you’re a restaurateur.

    • Dynamic Guest AI: Customers now have specific moods and personalities. Their feedback on your presentation and speed will directly affect your restaurant’s prestige.
    • Operational Management: You’ll need to track ingredient availability, prep for rush hours, and maintain your equipment to avoid literal kitchen nightmares.

    Career Progression and Customisation

    The trailer also gave us a glimpse into the life of a chef outside the kitchen. You can now fully customise your character—from tattoos and hairstyles to professional outfits—and retreat to a personal apartment to unwind after a long shift.

    As you rise from a humble burger joint to a world-class culinary laboratory, you’ll unlock:

    • Advanced Skills and Perks: Specialised techniques to help you master heat and timing.
    • Mastery Seals: Earn these by taking on challenges from the International Academy of Master Chefs.

    “Cooking Simulator 2 is about cooking as an experience you can enjoy your way—either solo or together.” — Krzysztof, Big Cheese Studio.

    Release Date and Platforms

    Mark your calendars! The wait is almost over.

    DetailInformation
    Official Release DateMarch 31, 2026
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    DeveloperBig Cheese Studio
    Key ModesSingle-player, Online Co-op, Sandbox

    If you haven’t already, you can wishlist the game on Steam now to stay updated on the final stretch of development. Whether you’re in it for the professional prestige or the absolute chaos of a kitchen fire, March can’t come soon enough!

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

    #CookingSimulator2 #SimulationGames #CoopGames #IndieGames #CookingGames #steam #BigCheeseStudio #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest Coming To Steam

    Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest Coming To Steam

    Ready to trade your keyboard for a pitchfork? The Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest is officially on the horizon, and Toplitz Productions is inviting you to help shape the future of Green Thorn Valley.

    Here is everything you need to know to get your hands on the soil before the official Early Access launch later this year:

    Playtest Schedule

    • Start Date: February 12, 2026 (4:00 PM CET)
    • End Date: February 23, 2026 (9:00 AM CET)

    What’s in the Harvest?

    This isn’t just a tech demo—it’s a deep dive into the rural life simulation that fans of the first game loved. In this playtest, you can:

    • Renovate & Build: Take that run-down family farm and restore it to its former glory.
    • Generational Farming: Use equipment ranging from vintage 1960s classics to modern high-tech machinery.
    • Community Life: Meet neighbours, complete side quests, and even explore romantic interests.
    • Diverse Activities: Try your hand at beekeeping, forestry, and livestock management alongside traditional crop farming.

    How to Join

    1. Head over to the Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Steam Page.
    2. Look for the “Join the Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest” box.
    3. Click “Request Access.”
    4. Keep an eye on your inbox! The developers are adding participants in waves to gather as much feedback as possible.

    Pro Tip: The devs are looking for active feedback to fine-tune the balancing before the Early Access release. If you find a bug or have a suggestion, make sure to head to their Discord or Steam forums!

    Find out more here – https://bit.ly/WishlistFarmersDynasty2

    #farmersdynasty #playtest #farmingsimulator #simulationgames #indiegames

    #farmersdynasty2 #UMEOStudios #ToplitzProductions #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Insider Trading! Can You Outsmart the Market?

    Insider Trading! Can You Outsmart the Market?

    The game is a roguelike deckbuilder where you play as a maverick trader attempting to manipulate stock prices without crashing the market.

    The secret is out—Naiive Studio is officially launching Insider Trading on Steam this February 18, 2026!

    Forget the legal fees; this is a high-stakes roguelike deckbuilder where you are the market mover.

    Manipulate Prices: Use 120+ cards to pump, crash, and exploit the charts.

    Risk vs. Reward: Grow your wealth to hit targets, but push too hard and the market will collapse on you.

    Unique Synergies: Combine “pills” and perks to create wild combos and legendary runs.

    It’s all the adrenaline of Wall Street with zero per cent of the jail time.

    Wishlist it now on Steam: Insider Trading

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

    #IndieGames #Roguelike #InsiderTrading #GamingNews #NaiiveStudio

    #business #shares #trading #traders #stockmarket #wallstreet #AlmostReadyGamesFund #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • MECHBORN 90s mech anime merges with Greek mythology

    MECHBORN 90s mech anime merges with Greek mythology

    Protect Earth, pilot god-forged titans, and crush the Kaiju threat!

    The wait is almost over. MECHBORN, the highly anticipated roguelike deckbuilder from Turtle Juice and Curve Games, has officially been revealed for a late 2026 release!

    Blending the nostalgic vibes of ’90s mech anime with the epic scale of Greek mythology, this isn’t your average card battler. In MECHBORN, your Mech IS your deck. Customising your machine with different parts directly changes your available moves and strategy.

    Why we’re hyped:

    • The Conveyor Belt System: Forget a standard hand of cards. Your abilities move along a conveyor belt, making positioning and timing just as vital as the cards you play!
    • 12 Unique Pilots: Each pilot brings their own backstory and powerful active skills that can turn the tide of a Kaiju invasion.
    • Adaptive Exploration: No fixed paths here. Navigate three massive continents freely—just keep an eye on your fuel!
    • Legendary Mechs: Choose from three distinct god-forged models: Original, Spartan, or Olympian.

    Whether you’re looking for deep strategy or just want to see giant robots punch giant monsters, MECHBORN is shaping up to be a must-play in 2026.

    Coming to: PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and the new Nintendo Switch 2!

    Can’t wait? A pre-alpha demo is live right now on itch.io! Go test your synchronisation levels today.

    Find out more here – https://turtle-juice.itch.io/mechborn

    #Mechborn #Deckbuilder #MechAnime #TurtleJuice #CurveGames #IndieGames #Roguelike #GamingNews2026 #KaijuBattle #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Killing Stone Launching on Steam next month

    The Killing Stone Launching on Steam next month

    CAN YOU OUTSMART THE DEVIL?

    Get ready to lose your soul (or save a family’s) in The Killing Stone, the upcoming 17th-century folk horror deckbuilder from the creators of The Blackout Club and BioShock leads!

    Set in the frozen Arctic Circle, you play as a Maven of the dark arts, investigating a deadly generational curse. This isn’t just a card game—it’s a ritual bargain for the souls of the Svangård family.

    Why we’re obsessed:

    Dual Scripts: Play the entire game in authentic 17th-century English or modern prose!

    Star Cast: Featuring the incredible Emma Gregory (Baldur’s Gate 3) and Liam O’Brien (Critical Role) as the Devil himself.

    Tactile Gameplay: Beautiful 3D figurines, ritual contracts, and a high-stakes “Reserve System.”

    Mark your calendars: Launching on Steam February 18, 2026!

    Try the Demo now on Steam: https://shorturl.at/TjKzr

    #TheKillingStone #Horror #QuestionGames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #IndieGames #Deckbuilder #GamingNews

  • Embark on a Journey Through the Ark

    Embark on a Journey Through the Ark

    Prepare to lose yourself in the mesmerising world of MIO: Memories in Orbit!

    Step into the metallic shoes of MIO, a nimble robot awakening in the Ark—a colossal, decaying space station drifting through the cosmos. Once a flourishing technological marvel, it is now overgrown with bioluminescent flora and malfunctioning machines.

    Why you need to play this:

    • Fluid Metroidvania Action: Master a unique movement system that feels like poetry in motion. Dash, grapple, and fly through sprawling, interconnected environments.
    • A Hauntingly Beautiful World: Explore breathtaking hand-drawn visuals that blend sci-fi machinery with organic wonder.
    • Uncover the Mystery: Why did the Ark fall silent? Face off against over 30 mechanical bosses and 150+ enemy types to reclaim the station’s memories.
    • Customisation: Enhance MIO’s abilities with diverse modifiers to suit your playstyle.

    The Ark is dying… and only you can save its legacy.

    Wishlist now on: Steam | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X/S | Nintendo Switch

    Find out more here – https://www.focus-entmt.com/en/games/mio-memories-in-orbit

    #MIOMemoriesInOrbit #Metroidvania #SciFi #DouzeDixièmes #FocusEntertainment #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #GamingCommunity #NewRelease #IndieGames

  • The Tides of Tomorrow will be launching in April

    The Tides of Tomorrow will be launching in April

    The Tides are shifting… and they’re coming this April!

    From the visionary team at DigixArt (creators of the award-winning Road 96) comes a bold new adventure: Tides of Tomorrow.

    Set on the beautiful but dying ocean planet of Elynd, you are a Tidewalker searching for a cure to the “Plastemia”—a terrifying disease turning life into plastic.

    Update: The team is taking a little extra time to polish this massive world. Mark your calendars for the new release date: April 22, 2026!

    In the meantime, you can dive into the free demo on Steam right now to get a taste of the stunning visuals and branching story.

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

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #TidesOfTomorrow #DigixArt #Road96 #GamingNews #IndieGames #AdventureGaming #THQNordic