TECHMASH

Tag: #Metroidvania

  • 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

  • Double the Danger, Double the Realms: Aggelos 2 Officially Locks In August 2026 Release Date!

    Double the Danger, Double the Realms: Aggelos 2 Officially Locks In August 2026 Release Date!

    Retro gaming fans, it is time to stretch those platforming fingers. Publisher PQube has officially dropped the news we’ve all been waiting for: Aggelos 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2D action-platformer, has locked in its release date for 27th August 2026!

    If you loved the 8-bit-inspired charm of the original Wonder Boy-style adventure, prepare yourself. The sequel is stepping things up with gorgeous 16-bit pixel art and an ambitious new dual-realm mechanic that is set to completely redefine the game’s exploration and combat.

    Here is everything you need to know about where, when, and how you can play it.

    How to Buy: Physical vs. Digital Editions

    PQube is ensuring that no matter how you prefer to build your gaming library, you are covered. Whether you are a hardcore physical collector or a digital-only minimalist, Aggelos 2 is arriving on virtually every major platform.

    Physical Release

    For the physical collectors who love having a box on the shelf, boxed editions will launch on:

    • PlayStation 5
    • Nintendo Switch

    Digital Release

    If you prefer immediate access at midnight, digital editions will hit storefronts across:

    • PC (Steam)
    • PlayStation 5 & PlayStation 4
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One

    What’s New in Aggelos 2?

    The sequel returns players to the Kingdom of Lumen, but the stakes are significantly higher. The Army of Darkness is on the verge of defeating the gods, forcing you—the highest order of angels—to embrace your dark side to survive.

    • The Dual-Realm Mechanic: The standout feature of Aggelos 2 is its parallel world design. You will explore two massive, overlapping maps—one of Light and one of Darkness—using portals to shift between them in real-time.
    • Angel vs. Demon Forms: Shifting realms also means shifting your playstyle. Your Angel form offers a disciplined, defensive, and strategic approach to combat. Meanwhile, your newly awakened Demon form is blisteringly fast, hyper-aggressive, and loaded with dark powers.
    • Massive Metroidvania Upgrades: Expect 13 colossal bosses to conquer, a dual combat system that rewards quick reflexes, and plenty of classic progression unlocks—like flight, dashes, and wall grabs—to uncover hidden paths and secrets.

    Check Out the New Trailer

    Alongside the release date announcement, PQube dropped a brand-new gameplay trailer showing off the lightning-fast combat and incredibly fluid platforming. If the vibrant 16-bit aesthetic doesn’t pull you in, the promise of intense, precise side-scrolling action definitely will.

    Mark your calendars for 27th August 2026—this looks like it’s going to be an absolute must-play for Metroidvania fans this summer.

    Source – https://pqube.co.uk/games/aggelos-2/

    #Aggelos2 #PQube #Metroidvania #IndieGames #RetroGaming

  • Dragon Loop: Gorgeous Time-Loop Metroidvania Gets Nintendo Switch Physical Release This June

    Dragon Loop: Gorgeous Time-Loop Metroidvania Gets Nintendo Switch Physical Release This June

    Indie game publishers Leoful and developer Happy Player have announced that the hand-drawn, time-bending Metroidvania Dragon Loop is officially locking in a physical release for the Nintendo Switch.

    Physical game collectors and handheld adventurers can get their hands on a boxed copy starting June 11, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a fresh, gorgeous side-scroller to add to your physical Switch library, this one deserves a spot on your radar. Catch the newly released physical edition trailer below to see it in action:

    Escaping the 5-Day Loop

    In Dragon Loop, you step into the shoes of Xi, a young girl trapped in a strict five-day time loop. Alongside her reliable companion Ouro, Xi must navigate a vast, beautifully hand-drawn world to recover her lost memories and break the cycle before disaster strikes.

    Unlike traditional roguelikes, where a reset means losing everything, Dragon Loop treats time as a strategic resource. You map out your journeys using an in-game Time Map, opening up new worldlines to see how events and landscapes subtly alter depending on the day.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • Turn Bosses into Summonable Spirits: Defeating the game’s unique bosses allows you to turn them into valuable allies. You can summon Explosive Spirits for raw firepower or Persistent Spirits to aid you over time, both of which can be upgraded.
    • Multipurpose Metroidvania Tools: Hidden throughout the world are rare Pearls that unlock unique traversal tools—such as magnetic boxes, spiky pufferfish, and a vacuuming whale spirit. Each tool pulls double duty in both exploration and combat.
    • Fast-Paced, No-Contact-Damage Combat: The combat relies heavily on speed and synchronisation between Xi and Ouro. An integrated “X-Rating” system rewards smooth play by boosting your combat power, and crucially, there is no contact damage from enemies, encouraging aggressive, fluid positioning.

    Retail & Pre-Order Details

    Pre-orders for the physical edition are going live at online and brick-and-mortar retailers, with initial availability confirmed across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and wider Southeast Asian markets, alongside global import availability for international collectors.

    The physical cartridge will feature robust language support, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, and Spanish.

    Media & Creator Opportunities

    Leoful has indicated they are actively looking to connect with the global gaming community ahead of the launch. The publisher is open to inquiries regarding review keys, developer interviews, and coverage opportunities from media outlets and content creators worldwide.

    If you are a writer, streamer, or content creator looking to cover the launch of Dragon Loop

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2059210

    #Leoful #NintendoSwitch #DragonLoop #timeloop #metroidvania #techmash #n5dave #videogames #gamingnews #games #gamers #gaming

  • Chilling Out: Radiant Bear Games Unveils First Trailer for ‘Defrost’

    Chilling Out: Radiant Bear Games Unveils First Trailer for ‘Defrost’

    The indie scene has a knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary, and Radiant Bear Games is the latest to prove it. The studio has officially dropped the first trailer for their upcoming title, Defrost, a 3D third-person “fridge-metroidvania” that looks as charming as it is bizarre.

    Set inside the sprawling, icy caverns of a kitchen appliance, Defrost puts you in the shoes of a tiny hero navigating a world that is literally melting away.

    A World in Flux

    The core hook of Defrost lies in its environment. Most exploration games feature static maps, but in the fridge, temperature is everything. The trailer highlights a world that evolves in real-time:

    • Dynamic Pathways: As the ice melts, new shortcuts and areas are revealed, while others might become submerged or inaccessible.
    • A Tiny Perspective: From giant jars of pickles to towering cartons of milk, the scale turns everyday groceries into epic landmarks.
    • Strange Inhabitants: The fridge isn’t just home to leftovers. You’ll encounter a cast of quirky NPCs—strange food-based characters who may need your help (or can be completely ignored if you’re in a rush).

    Gameplay & Mechanics

    While the setting is cold, the gameplay looks fluid. Radiant Bear Games describes the title as an exploration-heavy adventure with light combat and a heavy focus on movement.

    FeatureDetails
    Genre3D Third-Person Exploration / Metroidvania
    MovementUnlockable abilities like climbing, double-jumping, and more.
    ProgressionCollect coins to upgrade your tiny hero’s gear and reach new heights.
    ObjectiveDiscover the mystery behind why the fridge is defrosting before it’s too late.

    Why You Should Watch

    The trailer (which you can check out on the official Radiant Bear Games YouTube channel) showcases a vibrant, stylised art direction that balances “atmospheric mystery” with “Saturday morning cartoon.” It’s clear that the physics-based world plays a huge role, allowing players to use the environment in creative ways to solve puzzles and traverse the melting landscape.

    “Defrost mixes exploration, light combat, and simple progression in a unique setting. Fight, help strange characters survive, and use the world in creative ways.”

    Availability

    There is no firm release date yet, but Defrost is currently listed on Steam for PC. If you want to get a head start on the thaw, the developers have confirmed a playable demo is planned for the near future.

    Stay tuned to Techmash for more updates on this “cool” indie project as we get closer to launch!

    What’s the strangest setting you’ve ever explored in a video game? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4568940

    #RadiantBearGames #Defrost #3DGame #exploration #demo #meltingfridge #metroidvania #games #gaming #gamers

  • Retro Revival: Annalog Crushes First Stretch Goal on Kickstarter

    Retro Revival: Annalog Crushes First Stretch Goal on Kickstarter

    The golden age of the NES isn’t just a memory—it’s a thriving playground for modern developers. The Retro Room Games, in collaboration with developer mdsteele, has officially announced that their ambitious new Metroidvania, Annalog, has successfully cleared its first major stretch goal on Kickstarter just days after launching.

    For those who missed the initial buzz, Annalog isn’t just a “retro-style” game; it’s a brand-new title built specifically for vintage NES hardware.

    A Post-Apocalyptic Puzzle-Platformer

    Annalog invites players into a sprawling, mysterious world where technology has long since fallen into ruin. As you navigate the 13 distinct regions, you aren’t just jumping over pits and fighting bosses—though there are eight massive ones to keep your heart racing. The core hook lies in a free-form programming system.

    Players can reprogram abandoned machinery to solve puzzles, meaning there’s no single “correct” way to progress. Whether you prefer tight platforming or outsmarting the environment with logic, Annalog adapts to your playstyle.

    What the First Stretch Goal Means

    With the first stretch goal officially unlocked, the project is moving beyond a simple digital release. The funding ensures:

    Enhanced Physical Editions: The “Complete-in-Box” (CIB) treatment is getting even better, with higher-quality materials for the physical NES cartridge and printed manual.

    Expanded Content: Additional polish and potential features (as teased by the developers) are now locked in, ensuring this is one of the most robust indie NES releases to date.

    “Annalog represents years of dedication, built piece by piece in spare moments,” says developer mdsteele. “It’s about craftsmanship, ownership, and keeping retro gaming alive through games made with care.”

    Tech Specs for the Purists

    Despite being a new release in 2026, Annalog respects the limitations of the original 8-bit hardware while pushing it to the limit:

    Zero Sprite Flicker: A polished engine ensures a smooth experience even on original consoles.

    Battery-Backed Saves: No tedious passwords here—automatic saving between every room.

    Open Source: In the spirit of the community, the source code is freely available for those who want to see how the magic happens.

    How to Get Involved

    The campaign is still live, and with the first goal down, the eyes are now on the next milestones, which include a CD release of the original soundtrack and even more in-game lore pages.

    If you’re a fan of physical media, pixel art, or just want to see what the NES can do in 2026, you can head over to the Annalog Kickstarter page to secure your copy.

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

    #TheRetroRoomGames #mdsteele #Kickstarter #Annalog #Metroidvania #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames