TECHMASH

Tag: #Metroidvania

  • STONE, SOUL, AND SWORD — GRIME II COMES TO NINTENDO SWITCH & SWITCH 2 NOVEMBER 26

    STONE, SOUL, AND SWORD — GRIME II COMES TO NINTENDO SWITCH & SWITCH 2 NOVEMBER 26

    The beautifully haunting metroidvania sequel is heading to Nintendo’s family of consoles. UK publisher Kwalee and independent studio Clover Bite have confirmed that Grime II will launch digitally on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 across the UK and worldwide on November 26, 2026, bringing its surreal, stone-born world to handheld and docked players alike.

    And that’s not all — the announcement arrives alongside a major free content update for all platforms, meaning every version of the game just got bigger.

    THE WORLD THAT STONE BUILT — WHAT IS GRIME II?

    For those new to the series, Grime burst onto the scene in 2021 — a dark, atmospheric metroidvania where you play as the “Formless,” a being born from a mysterious mask who absorbs enemies to grow stronger. Its defining mechanic? Destroy foes, absorb their essence, and use their own attacks against them. It was haunting, clever, and deeply memorable — earning widespread critical praise and a fiercely loyal fanbase.

    Grime II expands that vision into something even stranger and more ambitious:

    • A vast, interconnected world of bizarre, organic architecture — think towering pillars, cavernous cathedrals, and bioluminescent depths
    • Evolved combat where timing, absorption, and form-shifting remain at the core
    • New abilities, traversal options, and hidden paths that reward thorough exploration
    • A story that delves deeper into the mysteries of the Mask, the Void, and the fate of the world itself

    “A FINAL CODA” — FREE UPDATE ARRIVES ON ALL PLATFORMS

    Whether you’re playing on Nintendo consoles, PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S, a substantial free update lands alongside the Switch release — and it’s a big one:

    A Final Coda — Story Conclusion

    • An entirely new area unlocked after beating the main campaign
    • Resolves the lingering story thread left hanging since the original Grime
    • Features punishing platforming sections designed to test every skill you’ve mastered

    Boss Rematch System

    • Revisit and refight any defeated boss whenever you wish
    • Perfect your strategies, try different builds, or just enjoy those spectacular encounters again

    All of this — including the new story chapter — is included at no extra cost on Switch, Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    RELEASE DETAILS

    DetailInfo
    TitleGrime II
    DevelopersClover Bite
    PublisherKwalee
    Switch ReleaseNovember 26, 2026
    PlatformsNintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 — full feature parity
    PriceAvailable now for pre-order via Nintendo eShop
    Free Update“A Final Coda” — live across all platforms Nov 26

    A brand-new trailer showcasing the game’s eerie landscapes and fluid combat is also live now — giving Switch players their first proper look at what awaits beneath the stone.

    THE TECHMASH TAKE

    Grime was one of those quiet gems that everyone who played it swore by — and Grime II has already proven itself a worthy follow-up on other platforms. Bringing it to both Switch and Switch 2 simultaneously is a smart move too: play it handheld on the go, or docked on your TV with crisp performance.

    With a full story epilogue and boss replay mode thrown in for free on every platform, this is the perfect time to dive in — whether you’re returning to see how it all ends, or stepping into this mesmerising world for the very first time. The mask awaits — will you absorb the world, or let it crumble around you?

    Find out more here: Grime II

    #GrimeII #CloverBite #Kwalee #Metroidvania #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #IndieGame #Soulslike #Platformer #AFinalCoda #FreeUpdate #GamingNews #TechMash

  • MINES, MALACHITE, AND 8-BIT MYSTERY — DEMIDOFF CORP PICO DIGS IN AS FREE PICO-8 PROLOGUE DECEMBER 14

    MINES, MALACHITE, AND 8-BIT MYSTERY — DEMIDOFF CORP PICO DIGS IN AS FREE PICO-8 PROLOGUE DECEMBER 14

    Before the towers rise and the mountains stir, there is the mine. And before the legend, there is the journey that started it all.

    Targem Games — the studio behind a string of beloved indie adventures — has announced Demidoff Corp PICO, a free retro prologue crafted entirely within the legendary PICO-8 fantasy console, offering players a compact, charming, and completely free glimpse into the world of their upcoming Ural-themed metroidvania Demidoff Corp. It digs into the backstory of the game’s furry protagonist — and it lands on Steam on 14 December 2026.

    TALE OF THE FURRY AGENT — THE PROLOGUE

    Demidoff Corp PICO is more than a demo — it’s a prequel chapter. You step into the paws of the game’s retired royal agent, the hero of the full adventure, on a mission that unfolds before the main story begins. Something is stirring in the mines beneath the Ural Mountains: creatures are turning feral, malachite veins are glowing with unnatural light, and the silence of the deep is broken.

    Your mission is straightforward but dangerous:

    • Explore twisting mine tunnels rendered in exquisite 8-bit miniature
    • Collect malachite — the precious resource that powers progress and unlocks paths
    • Battle corrupted creatures that skitter and lurk in the dark
    • Uncover the first hints of the corruption that will spread across the region in the full game

    Every swing of your pickaxe, every foe defeated, and every glint of malachite collected sets the stage for the larger adventure to come.

    PIXELS, PICO-8, AND PERFECTION — THE VISION

    Demidoff Corp PICO was built from the ground up inside the PICO-8 fantasy console — a platform celebrated for its strict creative constraints: 128×128 resolution, 16 colours, and a sprite limit that forces designers to distil their vision down to its purest form.

    The result is a game that doesn’t just mimic the look of 1980s classics — it was built the same way:

    • Tight, readable pixel art that bursts with personality
    • Snappy, responsive controls designed for quick runs and replayability
    • Chiptune audio that echoes the golden age of 8-bit adventure
    • A complete, self-contained story that you can finish in one sitting

    “It’s not just nostalgia,” the Targem team explained. “PICO-8 taught us to be economical — to tell a whole story with very little. That focus shines through in everything the prologue does.”

    FROM THE DEPTHS TO THE MOUNTAINS — WHAT LIES AHEAD

    Demidoff Corp PICO is the opening act. The full Demidoff Corp, arriving in 2027, expands into a sprawling atmospheric metroidvania inspired by Ural folk tales:

    Demidoff Corp PICO (Prologue)Demidoff Corp (Full Game)
    Compact mine-focused explorationVast interconnected world — forests, lakes, factories, mountains
    PICO-8 128×128 / 16-colour retroRicher 2D hand-crafted aesthetic
    Small set of abilitiesDeep unlockable skill tree and traversal powers
    Prequel story — the first signs of troubleFull narrative — uncover Demidov’s secret and face ancient evil
    Free — 14 Dec 2026PC — 2027
    Steam wishlist open nowSteam page live — add to your list

    In the full game, you’ll venture beyond the mines into dense forests, icy peaks, and the shadow of Demidov’s sprawling industrial complex — all while uncovering why the region’s wildlife has turned hostile and what ancient power has been awakened beneath the earth.

    WISHLIST NOW — FREE, FOREVER

    Demidoff Corp PICO is completely free — no cost, no microtransactions, no strings attached. It launches on Steam 14 December 2026, and you can add it to your wishlist today to be notified the moment it unlocks.

    Whether you’re here for the charming 8-bit adventure or to get the very first foothold in one of next year’s most intriguing metroidvanias — the mines are open.

    Grab your lantern. Watch your step. The Ural Mountains are waking up.

    Find out more here: Demidoff Corp PICO

    #DemidoffCorpPICO #DemidoffCorp #TargemGames #PICO8 #RetroGaming #Metroidvania #IndieDev #UralFolklore #PixelArt #FreeGame #Steam #PCGaming #Techmash

  • SHADOWS OF THE PAST — CATHEDRAL: CROW’S CURSE STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT ENDIX EXPO

    SHADOWS OF THE PAST — CATHEDRAL: CROW’S CURSE STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT ENDIX EXPO

    The world of Cathedral is opening its doors once more. Swedish indie studio Decemberborn Interactive is showcasing the gameplay trailer for Cathedral: Crow’s Curse, the eagerly anticipated prequel to their beloved 2019 open-world adventure, at ENDIX Expo — and the team is there in person to meet fans.

    WHERE AND WHEN — FIND THEM AT BOOTH #16

    ENDIX Expo, the free multiplayer gaming convention running 6–8 November, is the stage for the new reveal:

    • Booth #16 — 3rd Floor — catch the exclusive gameplay trailer on display throughout the event
    • Meet the developers: Saturday 7 November & Sunday 8 November, 8–9 PM GMT — the Decemberborn Interactive team will be on hand to chat, answer questions, and share more about the project

    A PREQUEL SHROUDED IN DARKNESS

    Cathedral: Crow’s Curse returns to the same rich, mysterious universe as the original — but turns back the clock to tell a darker, grittier story. Players step into the role of Crow, a Shade Sentinel first introduced as an NPC in Cathedral, now the protagonist of his own journey:

    • Uncover the hidden history of the Shade Sentinel order
    • Explore cursed forests, ancient ruins, and unexplored regions of the world
    • Piece together the events that set the stage for the original game
    • Experience a tone that leans deeper into shadow, secrecy, and forgotten truths

    REFINED COMBAT, RICHER EXPLORATION

    Building on the foundation that won the original a devoted cult following, Crow’s Curse evolves the formula:

    • Precision-focused combat — parry, dodge, and strike with carefully timed attacks; brute force won’t always be the answer
    • Stealth mechanics — slip past patrols, strike from the shadows, and choose when to fight and when to vanish
    • Seamless interconnected world — redesigned for smoother navigation, with handcrafted pixel art that has grown richer and more detailed
    • Side quests & deeper lore — beyond the main story, help those who wander the dark and uncover secrets the original tale never revealed
    • Expanded audio — a shift toward more orchestral music alongside the series’ signature atmospheric sound

    COMING 2027 — DEMO AVAILABLE NOW

    The full game is slated for release in 2027, heading to PC via Steam and GOG, with plans for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. A playable demo is already live on Steam, available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Swedish — giving fans an early taste of Crow’s journey right now.

    Decemberborn Interactive, based in Helsingborg, Sweden, has taken extra time to refine the experience — and with fresh eyes on gameplay at ENDIX, the wait is feeling very worthwhile.

    Find out more here: Cathedral Crows Curse

    #CathedralCrowsCurse #CathedralGame #Techmash #DecemberbornInteractive #ENDIXExpo #ActionAdventure #Metroidvania #PixelArt #IndieGame #PCGaming #NintendoSwitch

  • Face What Haunts You — Evard The Hermit: Through Fears Is Out Now, Free Demo Available

    Face What Haunts You — Evard The Hermit: Through Fears Is Out Now, Free Demo Available

    Independent developer Ljuros has officially released Evard The Hermit: Through Fears, a deeply atmospheric 2D action-adventure set in a haunting medieval world. Alongside the full game, a free playable demo is available right now on Steam — step into Evard’s shoes and face your fears before you buy.

    The Gift and the Curse

    Evard carries a unique, heavy burden: he can absorb the fears and phobias of others. But this power comes at a devastating cost — his own mind fills with other people’s terrors, crowding out his memories and threatening to consume him.

    “I take their fear… but it becomes mine.”

    Uncover the mystery of his origins, explore a sprawling, interconnected medieval world, and hunt down the sources of fear that plague the land — and Evard himself.

    What to Expect

    • Metroidvania-style exploration — a vast, hand-crafted medieval realm with hidden paths, locked areas, and secrets waiting to be unearthed
    • Meaningful combat — precise swordplay, dodging, and timing over button-mashing; every encounter feels weighty and dangerous
    • Fear as a mechanic — face phobia-themed challenges and manifestations that twist the world around you
    • Rich, emotional story — a narrative journey about memory, identity, and what it means to carry the weight of others
    • Gorgeous hand-drawn visuals — detailed environments and character animation that breathe life into every shadowed corner

    Try Before You Dive — Free Demo Live Now

    Curious? The Steam demo is available immediately:

    • Experience the opening chapter of Evard’s journey
    • Test the combat and movement
    • Get a feel for the world and tone
    • Your progress doesn’t carry over — but your resolve will

    Release Details

    DetailInfo
    CreatorLjuros (Roman Gritsuk) — solo independent developer
    PlatformPC — Steam
    Full GameOut Now
    DemoFree — live right now
    Genre2D Action-Adventure / Metroidvania
    LanguagesEnglish, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Simplified & Traditional Chinese
    Steam Page[store.steampowered.com/app/2148120](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2148120/Evard_The_Hermit_Through_Fears/)

    A Solo Labour of Love

    Built entirely by one developer, Evard The Hermit: Through Fears is a deeply personal project — one that mirrors its protagonist’s solitary journey. From the haunting score to the hand-painted backgrounds, every element has been crafted with care and purpose.

    “Face the fear. Find yourself.”

    Download the demo today — it costs nothing to begin. And if Evard’s story speaks to you, the full journey is waiting.

    Find out more here: Evard The Hermit Through Fears

    #EvardTheHermit #ThroughFears #Ljuros #IndieDev #SoloDev #Metroidvania #ActionAdventure #Steam #FreeDemo #Medieval #PCGaming #Techmash

  • Rewrite Reality — Nonolith Emerges with Stunning Gameplay Trailer at The MIX Showcase

    Rewrite Reality — Nonolith Emerges with Stunning Gameplay Trailer at The MIX Showcase

    The NONOLITH consumes you.

    Trapped inside an ancient, living structure where nothing is fixed and every wall can be reshaped, you hold unimaginable power — you just haven’t realised it yet. Solo developer Justcamh and publisher Inner Pocket have debuted a brand-new gameplay trailer for Nonolith during The MIX Fall Showcase, pulling back the curtain on one of the most intriguing puzzlers arriving on PC via Steam this Q4 2026.

    The Prison That Bends to Your Will

    You awaken within the Nonolith — a vast, mysterious organism of stone and light where every tile, platform, and barrier is yours to command. Copy it. Paste it. Move it. Rotate it. Destroy it. From the very first moment, you wield the tools to reshape the world around you entirely.

    There are no gradual unlocks, no gated abilities, no artificial barriers — the full extent of your power is yours from the start. The challenge isn’t gaining new skills; it’s seeing the possibilities that have been there all along. Build bridges where none existed. Dig tunnels through solid ground. Rearrange the architecture to reveal hidden chambers. The world doesn’t just have puzzles — the world is the puzzle, and you hold every piece.

    Nine Worlds — Your Path, Your Order

    Nonolith spans nine distinct worlds, each brimming with secrets — and you can tackle them in any order you choose. This isn’t a straight line; it’s a sprawling, interconnected labyrinth where progress is defined by curiosity rather than sequence.

    What looks like a simple platform on your first visit might reveal itself as a lever, a key, or a doorway when viewed through a new lens. The trailer showcases the game’s signature “metroidbrainia” design — where familiar mechanics suddenly click into entirely new uses, and a trick you learn in one corner rewires how you see the entire structure.

    Escape Is Only the Beginning

    Breaking free from the Nonolith isn’t the end — it’s the first milestone. The truly dedicated will find that beneath the surface lies a deeper, more complex web of mysteries:

    • Game-spanning puzzles that connect worlds across the entire structure
    • Hidden interactions between mechanics you thought you understood
    • World-shattering secrets that reveal the terrifying truth of what the Nonolith actually is

    Master the structure completely, and the Nonolith itself will bow to your will. Multiple endings await — some just out of reach, others hidden in the darkest corners of the labyrinth.

    Beautiful, Accessible, and Ready to Try Now

    Nonolith delivers striking minimalist pixel art paired with a haunting, atmospheric soundtrack composed by Clockmaker — all wrapped in a package designed to be welcoming as well as wonderful:

    • Demo available now on Steam — play before you decide
    • Full controller support + keyboard-only option
    • Localised into 11 languages — English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese-Brazil, Russian, and Simplified Chinese
    • Runs almost anywhere — just 100 MB storage space; supports Windows, macOS, and SteamOS + Linux
    • Steam Achievements, Cloud Saves, and Family Sharing included

    The Walls Are Waiting — Will You Bend Them?

    Nonolith isn’t just about solving puzzles — it’s about realising how much power you’ve held all along. When every piece of the world is yours to move, the only real limit is your imagination.

    Wishlist Nonolith on Steam, download the free demo, and watch the trailer from The MIX Showcase now. The structure has waited eons for someone to understand it. Will you be the one to rewrite it?

    More Info: Nonolith

    #Nonolith #IndieGame #PuzzlePlatformer #Metroidvania #TheMIXShowcase #Steam #IndieDev #Exploration #PixelArt #GamingNews

  • Loops, Leaps & Lost Time — Echo Weaver Weaves Its Way Onto All Platforms!

    Loops, Leaps & Lost Time — Echo Weaver Weaves Its Way Onto All Platforms!

    Time is your currency, secrets are your upgrades, and the timeline is unravelling. Developer Moonlight Kids, alongside publisher Akupara Games are thrilled to announce that Echo Weaver — the breathtaking time-loop metroidvania — is available right now across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Game Pass, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Microsoft Store.

    The launch trailer has debuted today, following the Weaver — the last of their kind — as they race, leap, and flow through a world where reality itself threatens to rewind at any moment.

    A World Unspun — The Gilded Ruin Awaits

    Once a paradise, the Gilded Ruin now hangs in fragile fragments, held together only by fraying threads of time. You are the final Weaver, bound to a mysterious, reality-bending glaive, and tasked with piecing together not just what happened — but why. Who — or what — is the Congregation? And how did a shining utopia collapse into broken echoes?

    This isn’t a story of grinding stronger to smash through walls. This is a journey of understanding: what you learn matters more than what you loot.

    Knowledge Is Power — The “Metroidbrainia” Revolution

    Echo Weaver reimagines the metroidvania blueprint, and developer Moonlight Kids calls it a “metroidbrainia” — and here’s why:

    • No gear, no level-ups, no stat boosts — your only upgrades are the secrets you uncover and the truths you grasp
    • Learn the ability, master the moment — the game doesn’t gate you behind unlocks. If you figure out how to do something, you can do it. Discover a technique early? Use it early
    • Choreography over reaction — success isn’t about lightning-fast reflexes alone. It’s about rhythm, memorisation, and finding the perfect flow through shifting hazards. Master the pattern, and you’ll glide through danger as if you’re dancing

    Time Is The Resource — Spend It Wisely

    The loop itself is your lifeline — and it’s finite:

    • Gather echoes to extend your remaining time
    • Spend time to heal, trade with denizens, or unlock hidden paths and sealed chambers
    • Rewind & retry — when the clock runs out, you return to the start, but everything you’ve learned stays with you. The map knowledge, the shortcuts, the enemy tells — you are the permanent progress

    Each loop brings you closer to perfection. Memorise the ruin’s pulse. Anticipate its twists. Make every run tighter, swifter, more complete.

    Launch Details

    TitleEcho Weaver
    DeveloperMoonlight Kids
    PublisherAkupara Games
    ReleaseOut Now — October 8, 2026
    PlatformsPS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Steam/Epic/GOG/MS Store)
    Day OneIncluded with Xbox Game Pass
    Style2D Hand-drawn Metroidvania / Time-Loop Exploration
    RatingE10+ / PEGI 7

    The Loop Begins

    The timeline is fraying, the Congregation’s shadow lengthens, and you are the last thread holding it all together. Every cycle brings clarity. Every secret reshapes the path.

    Run. Learn. Master. Repeat until the world is whole.

    More Info – Echo Weaver

    #EchoWeaver #MoonlightKids #AkuparaGames #Metroidvania #TimeLoop #IndieGame #XboxGamePass #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5 #PCGaming #LaunchDay #Techmash

  • Folklore, Frost, and Fur — Demidoff Corp: A Souls-Like Metroidvania Born of Ural Legend!

    Folklore, Frost, and Fur — Demidoff Corp: A Souls-Like Metroidvania Born of Ural Legend!

    Deep in the mist-shrouded forests and frozen mines of the Urals, ancient tales stir once more. Veteran development studio Targem Games — creators of Crossout and Star Conflict — has officially unveiled Demidoff Corp, an atmospheric 2D metroidvania that blends punishing souls-like combat with the rich, seldom-seen folklore of Russia’s Ural Mountains.

    A Land of Smoke, Magic, and Mystery

    The story unfolds in a fictional historical era where the great Ural foundries belch smoke day and night — but something far darker is spreading alongside the industrial smog: a mysterious magical plague. You play as a retired, furry royal agent, called back from a quiet life to unravel the secret at the heart of the feared Demidov estate.

    Venture into a sprawling, interconnected world inspired by the timeless folk tales of Pavel Bazhov — author of The Malachite Box — and the real-life dynasty of industrialist Nikita Demidov:

    • Descend into ice-choked mine tunnels and forgotten shafts
    • Traverse ancient, enchanted forests where trees seem to watch your step
    • Cross subterranean lakes holding things better left undisturbed
    • Infiltrate the Demidov stronghold — where the plague began, and where the truth waits

    Souls-Blades and Spells — Mechanic Meets Myth

    Demidoff Corp brings the sharp, unforgiving rhythm of souls-like design to hand-crafted 2D exploration:

    FeatureDetails
    CombatPrecision-driven encounters, stamina management, and punishing boss fights that demand patience and pattern recognition
    ExplorationVast, non-linear metroidvania map — unlock new abilities to reveal hidden paths, secret chambers, and shortcuts
    InspirationDrawn directly from authentic Ural folk tales, creatures, and traditions
    ArtHand-crafted atmospheric 2D visuals steeped in wintry, industrial, and mythic tones
    ReleasePlanned for first half of 2027
    PlatformSteam page live now — wishlist to track development

    From Makers of Crossout to Myth-Makers

    Targem Games steps away from vehicular combat and online action to craft something deeply personal: a game rooted in their own cultural heritage. Every creature, every name, every shadow is born from the stories passed down through generations across the Ural region — making Demidoff Corp as much a cultural journey as a gaming one.

    “We wanted to share the tales we grew up with,” the team shared in the announcement. “Stories of mistresses of the copper mountain, stone flowers, and creatures hidden in the deep taiga — now they walk the screen.”

    Wishlist Now — Step Into the Tale

    The Steam page is live right now. Add Demidoff Corp to your wishlist and be among the first to explore a world where folklore and industry collide — and where a single retired agent might stand between a sleeping evil and a waking nightmare.

    Find out more here

    #DemidoffCorp #TargemGames #Metroidvania #SoulsLike #UralFolklore #IndieDev #2DGame #CrossoutDev #FolkloreGaming #Techmash

  • Flame, Fall, Forge — Nocturnal 2 Ignites Steam November 10th!

    Flame, Fall, Forge — Nocturnal 2 Ignites Steam November 10th!

    Light your Eternal Flame and ready your blade! Indie studio Sunnyside Games is thrilled to announce that Nocturnal 2, the blazing Metroidvania sequel to the acclaimed side-scrolling platformer, will launch on PC via Steam on November 10th, 2026.

    Return to the Flame — and the City of Ytash

    Step into the boots of Ardeshir, bearer of the Eternal Flame, and descend into the sunken, shrouded metropolis of Ytash — a sprawling, interconnected city plunged into darkness. Where the first Nocturnal followed a more linear path, this sequel embraces the full metroidvania spirit: every new ability unlocks previously unreachable paths, inviting you to return to familiar districts and uncover their deepest secrets.

    • Fire is your weapon and your key — wield flame in combat, light torches to banish the dark, and burn away obstacles to reveal hidden routes
    • Hand-drawn beauty — inspired by Persian architecture, with sweeping underground depths and towering heights rendered in vivid, atmospheric detail
    • Fast, fluid combat — quick strikes, evasive rolls, and fiery special moves keep encounters sharp and satisfying
    • Revisit, rediscover, reveal — the map unfolds as you grow; no corner stays blocked forever
    • Secrets await — multiple endings and hidden lore reward thorough exploration

    Price & Launch Bonus

    Nocturnal 2 will be priced at €9.99 / $9.99 / £7.99, with a 10% launch discount available in the first days after release.

    Table

    DetailInfo
    DeveloperSunnyside Games
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    Release DateNovember 10, 2026
    Price€9.99 / $9.99 / £7.99
    Launch Offer10% off at launch
    GenreMetroidvania / Action-Adventure

    Add to Your Wishlist Today

    The Eternal Flame is waiting — head to Steam now to wishlist Nocturnal 2 and be ready when the gates of Ytash open next month.

    Find out more here

    #Nocturnal2 #SunnysideGames #Metroidvania #IndieDev #Steam #PCGaming #FlameBearer #NocturnalSeries #TechMash

  • Polished Before Pursuit — Drinkbox Studios’ Blighted Moves to 2027!

    Polished Before Pursuit — Drinkbox Studios’ Blighted Moves to 2027!

    Acclaimed indie powerhouse Drinkbox Studios — creators of Guacamelee!, Severed, and Nobody Saves the World — has confirmed that their psychedelic Western action-RPG Blighted will now launch in 2027, moving beyond its previously planned fall 2026 window. The team shared the news alongside a fresh developer deep dive into the game’s sprawling, interconnected world.

    Why the Extra Time? Simply — Excellence

    In their fourth official Blighted devlog, Drinkbox’s Josh Davis was refreshingly straightforward:

    “The team has been working hard (and growing!) but we feel we still need a bit more time to polish and tune the game before launch. With this in mind, we’ve decided to shift our release to 2027.”

    No drastic overhaul, no fresh content sprawl — just careful tuning, thoughtful polish, and the belief that players deserve the finest version of the experience possible. The studio reassures fans: one more exciting dev update is still planned before 2026 wraps.

    Fresh World — New Details Revealed

    Alongside the release adjustment, the team pulled back the curtain on how Blighted’s Metroidvania-style world actually works:

    Watcher’s Peak — Your Home Amidst the Chaos

    Your permanent hub and safe haven. Here, you can:

    • Rest at the last living Memory Tree
    • Bring upgrade items to permanently strengthen your character
    • Invite NPCs you meet out in the world — they’ll settle in, support your upgrades, and share their stories

    Memory Trees — Checkpoints with Character

    Scattered throughout the sprawling handcrafted levels, these aren’t just fast-travel nodes — they’re places to reflect, upgrade, customise your gear, and chart your next destination. Shortcuts open permanently as you grow stronger.

    Abilities — Navigate What Once Blocked You

    True to Metroidvania design, paths initially sealed — gaps too wide, doors too strange — open permanently as you acquire new abilities. The example revealed: Power Parry — once purely combat-focused, now also lets you traverse environmental hazards, rewriting which routes you can blaze through on every subsequent playthrough.

    Freedom of Exploration

    Even on your first run, you choose which level to tackle next. Stuck somewhere? Switch areas entirely — Blighted respects your pace and curiosity.

    Platforms & Outlook

    • Release Window: Sometime in 2027
    • Confirmed Platforms: PC (Steam) + Nintendo Switch 2
    • More News: Another winter devlog before year’s end; fuller updates throughout 2027
    • Comfort: Co-op supported — both online and shared-screen local

    Worth the Wait

    From the Toronto studio responsible for some of indie gaming’s most vibrantly unforgettable experiences, Blighted promises another bold journey — one now arriving when truly ready. The wait, Drinkbox assures, will be worthwhile.

    Find out more here

    #Blighted #DrinkboxStudios #IndieGame #Metroidvania #ActionRPG #Guacamelee #NobodySavesTheWorld #NintendoSwitch2 #PCGaming #Techmash

  • Uncover the Secrets of Rao: Hand-Drawn Metroidvania ‘Fallen Tear: The Ascension’ Hits 1.0 This September!

    Uncover the Secrets of Rao: Hand-Drawn Metroidvania ‘Fallen Tear: The Ascension’ Hits 1.0 This September!

    Gaming fans, mark your calendars! Independent developer Winter Crew Studios has officially announced the full 1.0 release date for its critically acclaimed hand-drawn Metroidvania, Fallen Tear: The Ascension.

    After launching into Early Access in March 2026 and quickly earning a coveted “Very Positive” rating on Steam, the story-driven epic is set to make its complete debut on September 16th, 2026.

    Whether you’ve been following the game since its early stages or are looking for your next captivating adventure, here is everything you need to know about this upcoming full release.

    What is Fallen Tear: The Ascension?

    Fallen Tear: The Ascension is a story-rich, classic 2D Metroidvania set in the vast and ruined world of Rao. Players step into the shoes of Hira, a young boy searching for the truth of his forgotten past while fighting to restore balance to a world threatened by ancient, corruptive forces.

    What sets Fallen Tear apart from the crowd?

    • Stunning Hand-Drawn Visuals: Every environment, enemy, and character is meticulously crafted with traditional hand-drawn animation, bringing fluid combat and breathtaking landscapes to life.
    • Deep Narrative & Dynamic Companions: As Hira travels through Rao, he meets a diverse cast of companions—known as Fated Bonds—who unlock unique abilities, shape the story, and alter combat strategies.
    • Classic Metroidvania Exploration: Expect interconnected biomes, hidden secrets, challenging boss fights, and rewarding back-tracking as Hira unlocks new traversal mechanics.

    Pricing and Launch Discount Details

    When Fallen Tear: The Ascension launches its 1.0 version on Steam this September 16th, it will be priced at:

    • USD: $24.99
    • EUR: €24.99
    • GBP: £21.99

    To celebrate the official launch and transition out of Early Access, Winter Crew Studios is offering a 10% launch discount for the first 14 days post-release. If you’ve had this one on your Steam wishlist, the launch window will be the perfect time to grab it at a deal!

    From Early Access Success to Full Release

    Transitioning out of Early Access in just six months speaks to the dedication of Winter Crew Studios and the incredible community support behind the game. Player feedback during the Early Access period has helped refine combat encounters, polish performance, and flesh out Hira’s complete journey.

    With “Very Positive” user reviews already under its belt, the full 1.0 launch promises to deliver the complete, definitive experience with all remaining story chapters, end-game content, and refined gameplay loops.

    Ready to Ascend?

    If you’re a fan of rich narratives, hand-drawn art styles, and tight Metroidvania gameplay, Fallen Tear: The Ascension is definitely one to keep on your radar. Head over to Steam today to add it to your Wishlist ahead of the September 16th launch!

    Find out more here

    #FallenTearTheAscension #WinterCrewStudios #Metroidvania #IndieGame #Steam #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieDev

  • Break the Loop: Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Hits Consoles & PC This October!

    Break the Loop: Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Hits Consoles & PC This October!

    Get ready to tangle with time itself! Developer Moonlight Kids and publisher Akupara Games have officially announced that their upcoming time-loop Metroidvania, Echo Weaver, is launching on October 8.

    The game will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2.

    Accompanying the announcement is a brand-new release trailer showcasing the game in action. Players will take control of Weaver, a nimble protagonist tasked with navigating a fractured world where reality is constantly shifting and time is always running out.

    Check out the trailer highlight and see what makes Echo Weaver one of the most intriguing indie releases of the year!

    What is Echo Weaver?

    In Echo Weaver, you step into the shoes of Weaver—a hero equipped with impressive traversal abilities who must jump, glide, and race through a shattered timeline. But there’s a catch: the timeline threatens to rewind at a moment’s notice, forcing you to master both speed and strategy to progress.

    Key highlights of what to expect include:

    • Time-Loop Metroidvania Mechanics: Learn from every reset! Use knowledge gained from past loops to unlock new pathways, solve environmental puzzles, and defeat formidable foes.
    • Fluid Traversal: Combine jumping, gliding, and momentum-based movement to navigate intricate environments before the temporal clock resets.
    • A Shattered Timeline: Explore a hauntingly beautiful, broken world filled with mysterious lore, hidden secrets, and dynamic world states.
    • Next-Gen & Handheld Ready: Fully optimised to take advantage of current-gen hardware on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, alongside PC and Nintendo’s Switch 2.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a fan of atmospheric indie platformers or love the high-stakes thrill of time-manipulation gameplay, Echo Weaver is shaping up to be a must-play experience this autumn.

    Echo Weaver releases on October 8 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2. Wishlist it today on your preferred platform to stay updated!

    Find out more here

    #EchoWeaver #MoonlightKids #AkuparaGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #Metroidvania #PS5 #Xbox #Switch2 #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Katana Steel Meets Urban Noir: Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel Drops Global Alpha Demo on Steam

    Katana Steel Meets Urban Noir: Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel Drops Global Alpha Demo on Steam

    Indie action fans, it’s time to wake up and clear your schedules. If you’ve been craving a game that fuses the moody atmosphere of a classic graphic novel with tight, heavy-hitting combat, look no further. Theremin Interactive has officially unleashed the global Alpha Demo for their highly anticipated title, Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel, over on Steam.

    Billed as a 2.5D noir action-Metroidvania RPG, this title is building a wildly original universe that feels fresh, gritty, and unashamedly stylish.

    The Premise: Amnesia, Business Suits, and Werewolves

    In Legion of Judgment, you aren’t just exploring another generic fantasy dungeon. Instead, you step into the polished shoes of a katana-wielding, amnesiac businessman who possesses terrifying supernatural powers.

    The world has been quietly overtaken by a sinister werewolf guild. To survive and fight back, you have to lead a double life:

    • By Day: Play the role of a regular hotel CEO, managing and restoring a rundown establishment that secretly serves as the hideout for the Legion of Judgment.
    • By Night: Wage a brutal, lone-wolf war against the werewolf conspiracy, infiltrating realistic urban backdrops to harvest gear, earn income, and rebuild your legion.

    The catch? You’ve lost your memories and your powers. To get them back, you’ll have to literally delve inside your own head to explore a non-linear “Memory Palace.”

    What to Expect in the Alpha Demo

    Theremin Interactive has rolled out this initial Alpha Demo with a very specific goal: perfecting the core combat framework.

    The free demo offers about 20 minutes of breathless, non-stop side-scrolling action. While the full version will heavily feature the deeper RPG mechanics like the Memory Palace and the Hotel Management systems, the developer has intentionally stripped those back for the Alpha to ensure players can give focused, unfiltered feedback on the game’s core mechanics.

    Here is what you get to test out right now:

    • Belt-Scroller Meets Metroidvania: Experience a satisfying blend of classic beat-’em-up combat and tight 2.5D side-scrolling.
    • Deep Action Linkages: Put your reflexes to the test using advanced combat systems like animation cancelling, parrying, and spectacular swordplay against enemies armed with automatic weapons.
    • Play Your Way: Dive headfirst into a loud, chaotic brawl, or slip through the shadows as a silent assassin.

    Download and Wishlist Now

    The development team is actively looking for global player feedback to polish the final experience, making this the perfect time to get hands-on and help shape an ambitious indie title.

    The Legion of Judgment: Fallen Angel Alpha Demo is available to download for free right now on Steam. Head over, slice up some bad guys, and don’t forget to hit that wishlist button to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #LegionOfJudgment #FallenAngel #IndieGames #Metroidvania #ActionRPG #SteamDemo #PCGaming #NoirGaming #ThereminInteractive #TechMash