Techmash

Tag: #Monsters

  • Delve Into the Depths: UNDERDEEP Launches Crowdfunding This Valentine’s Day

    Delve Into the Depths: UNDERDEEP Launches Crowdfunding This Valentine’s Day

    Forget the chocolates and roses—this February 14, 2026, the real heart-pounding action is happening underground. Indie studio Hakony has officially announced the launch of its crowdfunding campaign for UNDERDEEP, a gritty dungeon RPG that aims to bridge the gap between old-school challenge and modern convenience.

    Whether you’re a hardcore cartographer or a busy gamer who loves a good loot grind, UNDERDEEP is shaping up to be your next obsession. Here is everything you need to know about the descent.

    What is UNDERDEEP?

    Set in the shadows of a royal capital where a mysterious, monster-infested dungeon has suddenly appeared, UNDERDEEP casts you as an adventurer seeking fortune and fame—or perhaps just trying to survive the darkness.

    The game is a Dungeon RPG (DRPG) that utilises a unique blend of manual strategy and idle mechanics. It’s designed to be “idle-friendly,” meaning your character can continue their expedition even when you’re away, making it a perfect fit for the “busy adventurer.”

    Key Features at a Glance:

    • Deep Job System: Start as a “Newbie” and evolve into specialised roles like Warrior, Rogue, Ruler, or Crafter.
    • Strategic Mapping: Exploration is the core. The game automatically records your path, but success relies on your ability to place custom markers and note key locations.
    • The Karma System: Your choices matter. Every action in the dungeon affects your karma, shifting your character toward the light or into the abyss.
    • Massive Loot Table: Over 500 unique items to find, equip, and customise.
    • Asynchronous Multiplayer: You aren’t alone in the dark. You’ll occasionally encounter “ghosts” of other players’ characters, allowing for low-pressure social interactions.

    Why Crowdfund Now?

    While the game is already slated for a PC (Steam) release in 2026, the crowdfunding campaign (beginning February 14) is about more than just a pre-order.

    Hakony has expressed a desire to “recapture the spark of imagination” found in classic RPGs. The funds will help polish the game’s unique monochromatic-meets-vibrant visual style and potentially expand the asset library with professional creators if stretch goals are met.

    Backer Rewards to Watch

    If you decide to pledge, you aren’t just getting a Steam key. Early details suggest some enticing perks for early supporters:

    1. Early Access: Play the full game 3 days before the official public release.
    2. Personalised Gear: Certain tiers allow you to create a one-of-a-kind Utility item with your chosen name, exclusive to your account.
    3. Digital Goodies: Expect the standard array of digital soundtracks and artbooks that showcase the game’s “gritty fantasy” aesthetic.

    Technical Details

    • Developer: Hakony
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Languages: Supports 11 languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish.
    • Price Point: Planned for approximately $6.50 – $13.00 USD, making it a very accessible entry into the genre.

    Final Thoughts

    In an era of high-octane action, UNDERDEEP feels like a love letter to the era of graph paper and careful planning, updated for the 2026 gamer. If you’ve ever missed the feeling of truly mapping a world, this is one campaign you shouldn’t sleep on.

    Will you seize your destiny, or be consumed by the darkness?

    Find out more here:

    Kickstarter – https://shorturl.at/aWF42

    Steam – https://shorturl.at/cyCDx

    #UNDERDEEP #Dungeon #RPG #PC #Steam #Hakony #kickstarter #crowdfunding #monsters #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Monsters and Me! Die horribly. Laugh about it.

    Monsters and Me! Die horribly. Laugh about it.

    Whether you’re talking about the viral indie-folk vibes of Of Monsters and Men, the cosy-creepy children’s books by Cort Lane, or the literally released yesterday video game Monsters and Me (Feb 10, 2026), one thing is clear: we are obsessed with the things that go bump in the night.

    But why? Why do we keep inviting monsters into our headphones, our bookshelves, and our consoles?

    1. The Monsters We Hear: Finding the “Little Talks”

    If you’re here because you’ve been blasting Of Monsters and Men’s new album, All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, you know they’ve always treated “monsters” as metaphors for the ghosts we carry.

    Their 2026 tour (kicking off tonight in Dublin!) is a reminder of their central theme: the monster is rarely an enemy. In songs like “Dream Team,” the monster is the vulnerability we try to hide—the “inner dialogue” of someone bouncing between extreme confidence and immense dread. We love them because they make our private shadows feel like a stadium anthem.

    2. The Monsters We Play: The New Digital Roommates

    If you just downloaded Monsters and Me on PC (released Feb 10, 2026), you’re stepping into a different kind of relationship. Modern gaming has shifted from “slay the beast” to “live with the beast.”

    In these stories, the monster represents:

    • The “Other”: Learning to communicate with something that doesn’t look like us.
    • Personal Growth: Often, the monsters level up as you do, acting as a mirror of your own progress.
    • A Safety Valve: Let’s be honest—sometimes it’s just fun to have a 10-foot-tall furry friend to handle the “government conspiracies” and “shadowy figures” the game throws at you.

    3. The Monsters We Are: The Mirror Effect

    The most profound take on “Monsters and Me” isn’t about creatures under the bed; it’s about the ones in our heads. As Guillermo del Toro famously said, “Accepting that you are a monster gives you the leeway to not behave like one.”

    When we engage with monster stories—whether it’s Frankenstein or a modern Netflix series—we are really looking for permission to be messy. Humans are complicated. We have sharp edges. By calling those parts “monsters” and then befriending them, we actually become more human.

    The takeaway? Don’t try to lock the monster out. Whether it’s a song, a game, or a feeling, the “monster” is usually just the part of you that’s waiting to be understood.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/D4188

    #MonstersandMe #arcade #shooter #GhettoCo #indieio #PC #Steam #GOG #horror #monsters #mutants #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • New demo offers first look at the Survivors Guild

    New demo offers first look at the Survivors Guild

    It’s time to see if you have what it takes to survive the collapse. The Survivors Guild demo is officially live, offering a gritty first look at its unique blend of tactical strategy and base management.

    Here’s why you should keep this one on your radar:

    High-Stakes Strategy – Every decision carries weight. Whether you’re scavenging for scrap or engaging in turn-based combat, the game emphasises resource scarcity and meaningful consequences. You aren’t just playing a hero; you’re managing a community on the brink.

    Build, Adapt, Survive – The demo showcases the core loop of:

    Exploration: Venturing into procedural environments where the loot is good, but the risks are higher.

    Guild Management: Upgrading your home base and keeping your survivors’ morale (and stomachs) full.

    Tactical Depth: Using the environment to your advantage in tight, grid-based encounters.

    Atmospheric Vibe – The art style perfectly captures that “beautifully bleak” post-apocalyptic aesthetic. It’s moody, immersive, and manages to feel fresh in a crowded genre.

    The Verdict: If you’re a fan of Darkest Dungeon or XCOM, this demo is a mandatory play. It’s polished, challenging, and leaves you wanting just one more turn.

    Check out the demo now on Steam and start rebuilding society from the ashes.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://s.team/a/3736070

    #SurvivorsGuild #demogame #survivors #onlinecoop #JRPG

    #Quickstraw #steam #monsters #survival #battlefield #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Protect the Pit new Demo

    Protect the Pit new Demo

    If you’ve been looking for a tower defence game that swaps generic knights for gritty, subterranean chaos, the Protect the Pit demo is officially calling your name.

    It’s a refreshing take on the genre that focuses as much on resource management as it does on tactical placement. Here’s the lowdown on why you should give it a download.

    The Premise

    In Protect the Pit, you aren’t just building towers; you’re defending a central excavation site—The Pit—from relentless waves of underground horrors. It’s dark, it’s atmospheric, and it feels like a mix between Dungeon Keeper and modern rogue-lite builders.

    Key Features in the Demo

    • Verticality Matters: Unlike flat-map defenders, the terrain here is your best friend (or your worst enemy).
    • Dynamic Pathing: The enemies aren’t mindless drones; they’ll find the weakest link in your perimeter if you aren’t careful.
    • The Upgrade Loop: The demo gives a solid taste of the tech tree, allowing you to specialise in high-damage ballistics or elemental crowd control.

    Why It’s Worth Your Time

    The demo does a great job of balancing the “chill” vibes of a builder with the frantic “oh no” moments when a swarm breaks through. It’s polished, the sound design is incredibly crunchy, and the learning curve is gentle enough to get you hooked in about ten minutes.

    Pro Tip: Don’t cluster all your heavy hitters at the entrance. In the current demo build, splash damage is king—spread your AOE towers to maximise the “choke points.”

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

    #ProtectthePit #steam #demogame #towerdefence #monsters

    #TomDaly #IndieDev #incrementalclicker #maze #trees #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Ghost Keeper game is now in Early Access

    The Ghost Keeper game is now in Early Access

    Just in time for the spooky cravings of 2026, Ghost Keeper has officially materialised into Steam Early Access as of January 28. If you’ve ever felt that the “scare-ees” get all the spotlight in horror games, this is your chance to play the “scar-er.”

    Developed by Quest Craft, this reverse-horror strategy title is being hailed as the spiritual successor to the 2003 cult classic Ghost Master. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect from this Victorian-era haunting sim.

    Become the Master of Scares

    In Ghost Keeper, you aren’t running from the monsters; you’re commanding them. Set against a gritty, 19th-century English backdrop, your goal is to reclaim territories from pesky humans by scaring them senseless—or, if they’re particularly stubborn, taking more “permanent” measures.

    Key Features in Early Access:

    • A Ghastly Roster: Take control of 7 unique minions, ranging from classic ghosts to demonic beasts, each with specialised abilities.
    • Victorian Sandboxes: Launching with 6 hand-crafted locations (like Phineas’ Manor and the Cemetery) that serve as complex tactical puzzles.
    • The Brotherhood of Light: It’s not all easy haunting. You’ll have to outsmart “legally distinct Victorian Ghostbusters” who will try to vacuum up your crew.
    • Sandbox Mode: Once you finish the initial story missions, you can dive back into any location with total freedom to experiment with your scares.

    Why It’s Worth Your “Essence”

    The game strikes a delicate balance between grotesque humour and tactical depth. You aren’t just clicking on people; you’re setting up chain reactions—like flickering lights to lure a human to a fuse box, only to have a water pipe burst and deliver a shocking surprise.

    Early Access Note: The developers plan to stay in Early Access for about a year to refine mechanics and add more maps and monsters based on player feedback. It’s currently priced at $12.99, with plans for the price to increase as more content is added toward the 1.0 release.

    Find out more here – https://gamingfactory.pl/

    #GhostKeeper #SteamEarlyAccess #monsters #haunting #demons

    #QuestCraft #Victorian #Brotherhood #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Fear The Timeloop is launching soon on Steam

    Fear The Timeloop is launching soon on Steam

    The Premise: 15 Minutes to Live

    You step into the boots of Sheriff James Cooper, who awakens in a dilapidated, unfamiliar hospital. There’s just one problem: he is mortally wounded and bleeding out.

    • The Hook: You have exactly 15 minutes of real-time gameplay before James succumbs to his injuries.
    • The Reset: The moment you die—whether from blood loss or the monsters roaming the halls—the loop resets. You wake up in that same room, wounded, and the clock starts again.
    • The Goal: Break the cycle by uncovering the truth behind the hospital’s haunting residents and finding a way out before your time is up.

    Key Gameplay Features

    • Metroidvania Progression: While your physical items might reset, the knowledge and abilities you gain don’t. You’ll unlock new paths and shortcuts that make each subsequent run more efficient.
    • Branching Narrative: A dynamic dialogue system reacts to your choices. The path you take in one loop can significantly alter how characters interact with you in the next.
    • Atmospheric Combat: Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasises “classic” survival horror. Ammo is scarce, and the primary threats—mysterious cultist-like figures and bloodthirsty creatures—are designed to be avoided rather than mowed down.
    • Customizable Abilities: A flexible skill system allows you to tailor James’s survival traits to your specific playstyle, whether you prefer stealth or high-risk combat.

    Reception & Performance

    The game’s Prologue, which was released in mid-2025, garnered “Very Positive” reviews on Steam, with players praising its thick atmosphere and stressful time-management mechanics. Early feedback led the developers to overhaul the shooting mechanics and enemy AI for the full 2026 release, ensuring a more polished experience.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/77AWe

    #FearTheTimeloop #steam #Metroidvania #monsters #horror

    #TacoEaters #PlayWay #AI #survival #hospital #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Terrorbytes: A Glimpse into the Digital Darkness

    The gaming world is no stranger to horror, but every now and then, a game emerges that truly burrows under your skin and sets up camp. “Terrorbytes” is one such game, a chilling descent into digital dread that leaves you questioning not just the game’s reality, but your own.

    From the moment you boot up “Terrorbytes,” you’re not just playing a game; you’re entering a meticulously crafted digital nightmare. The premise is deceptively simple: you’re a data recovery specialist, tasked with retrieving corrupted files from abandoned, ancient computer systems. What you quickly discover, however, is that these aren’t just corrupted files – they’re fractured echoes of forgotten horrors, each byte a whisper of a past tragedy.

    The genius of “Terrorbytes” lies in its atmosphere. It’s a masterclass in psychological horror, foregoing cheap jump scares for a slow, suffocating build of dread. The visuals are a grainy, lo-fi marvel, reminiscent of early computer graphics, yet they manage to convey a sense of unease that modern hyper-realistic graphics often struggle to achieve. The sound design is equally brilliant – static whispers, distorted voices, the unsettling hum of old machinery – all conspire to create a soundscape that is both oppressive and strangely inviting.

    One of the most innovative aspects of “Terrorbytes” is its unique approach to narrative. Instead of explicit exposition, the story unfolds through fragmented data logs, corrupted images, and cryptic messages found within the systems. You piece together the horrifying events that led to the systems’ abandonment, uncovering a narrative that is as disturbing as it is compelling. It’s a game that respects your intelligence, allowing you to connect the dots and construct your own understanding of the terror.

    But be warned: “Terrorbytes” is not for the faint of heart. It delves into themes of isolation, technological paranoia, and the fragility of the human mind when confronted with the unknown. There are moments of genuine terror, not from monsters leaping out of the shadows, but from the unsettling realization of what you’re uncovering, and the lingering question of what might be watching you.

    If you’re a fan of horror that prioritizes atmosphere and psychological depth over gore and cheap thrills, then “Terrorbytes” is an absolute must-play. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters aren’t flesh and blood, but lines of code, lurking in the digital darkness. Just be prepared to leave your lights on for a while after you’ve logged off.

    Have you dared to delve into the depths of “Terrorbytes”? What were your most chilling moments? Share your experiences in the comments below!

    Terrorbytes on Steam – https://shorturl.at/hbBTc

    #Terrorbytes #Treetop #coop #survival #pcgames #steam #monsters #puzzles #teamwork #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight – A Moonlit Tale of Curse and Combat

    Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight – A Moonlit Tale of Curse and Combat

    There are a lot of great indie games out there, but few manage to blend beautiful, dark aesthetics with incredibly tight combat as well as Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight. This 2D action-platformer—often lovingly referred to as a “Momodora-vania”—is the fourth instalment in the Momodora series, and a true standout in the Metroidvania genre.

    If you’re looking for a challenging, emotionally resonant, and visually stunning experience, then pull up a chair and let’s delve into the cursed Kingdom of Karst.

    A Priestess’s Sombre Journey

    The game follows Kaho, a young priestess from the village of Lun. A spreading curse has gripped the land, and her desperate quest takes her to the once-majestic, now decaying, city of Karst. Her only hope is to seek out the demented Queen, who is believed to be the source of the blight.

    • Dark Souls Storytelling: Much like its ‘Souls-like’ inspirations, the narrative is not delivered through lengthy cutscenes. Instead, the deeper, more tragic lore is uncovered through cryptic dialogue with eccentric NPCs and detailed descriptions of the items you collect. Every artefact tells a story of a kingdom’s slow descent into madness.
    • A Beautifully Grim World: The pixel art is arguably the game’s greatest strength. It is fluid, meticulously detailed, and perfectly captures the sombre, gothic atmosphere. From flooded ruins to eerie bell towers and desolate city streets, the world is a masterclass in atmospheric design.

    Action-Focused and Unforgiving Combat

    Don’t let Kaho’s cute, priestess appearance fool you; this game is a true test of skill and patience.

    Combat Mechanics

    Kaho wields a magical maple leaf for powerful melee combos and a bow for ranged attacks. The combat is heavily focused on timing and positioning:

    • Dodge Roll Mastery: Your dodge roll is your best friend. It grants a crucial moment of invulnerability, and mastering its timing is essential for surviving the game’s brutal difficulty.
    • Simple but Deep: You don’t have a huge arsenal of weapons, but Kaho’s core moveset is incredibly responsive and satisfying to master. Success is less about levelling up stats and more about player skill.

    Intense Boss Battles

    The boss fights are the true highlight. They demand your full attention, with complex, clearly-telegraphed patterns that you must learn and counter. Defeating a formidable boss after multiple attempts is a rewarding, fist-pumping triumph.

    Is It a Metroidvania? Yes, but a Focused One.

    Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight fits the Metroidvania mould but is often described as a more “bite-sized” experience than sprawling epics like Hollow Knight.

    While you will explore a large, interconnected map and find secret paths, the number of new traversal abilities you unlock is minimal. This keeps the focus firmly on the action and platforming challenges, making it a very tightly-paced adventure. If you prefer a game that respects your time but still delivers a high-quality Metroidvania experience, this is it.

    A Quick Note on “Reverie in The Moonlight”

    It’s worth noting that a new indie game simply titled “Reverie in the Moonlight” has also appeared recently! Developed by room6, this is a different kind of challenge—an action roguelike where you use adorable stuffed animals (plushies!) to fight off monsters. If you’ve finished Momodora and are looking for another moonlit challenge, this “plushie hell” is a fresh new take on the indie scene.

    Final Verdict on Momodora

    Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a powerful indie gem that offers gorgeous visuals, a melancholy story told through subtle environmental hints, and an exhilarating combat system. It’s challenging, rewarding, and a must-play for fans of 2D action games.

    Have you played Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight? What was your favourite boss fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

    Reverie in The Moonlight on Steam – https://shorturl.at/otGEE

    #ReverieinTheMoonlight #Room6 #plushiehell #actiongame #monsters #soundtrack #Momodora #2dplatformgame #roguelike #Metroidvania #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Decktamer: Where Roguelike Deckbuilding Meets Monster-Catching Mayhem

    Decktamer: Where Roguelike Deckbuilding Meets Monster-Catching Mayhem

    Tired of the same old card-slinging roguelikes? Then strap in, because Decktamer is about to throw your rulebook into the Abyss. This isn’t just another deckbuilder; it’s a brilliant, brutal fusion of strategic card combat and the moral dilemmas of a creature-collector, all wrapped up in a gripping roguelike package.

    Recently released by Horizon Edge and Assemble Entertainment, Decktamer has immediately carved out its own unique, terrifying niche. Here’s why you need to dive into the Abyss and tame a few monsters yourself.

    Your Deck Is Alive: The Core Mechanic

    The central, thrilling twist in Decktamer is simple yet profound: every card in your deck is a living monster.

    Forget spells, weapons, or items—your power comes from the bizarre, mutated creatures you capture in the Abyss. This fundamentally changes the strategy of the deckbuilding genre:

    • Tame or Terminate: When you defeat an enemy, you face a choice: kill it for a one-time reward, or attempt to tame it and add its card to your deck. This constant, high-stakes choice is the heartbeat of the game.
    • Independent Action: Unlike many card games where you spend energy to use a card, your monsters act on their own every single turn. You need to plan your moves not just for this turn, but for a sequence of actions from your little team of terrors. Timing, positioning, and anticipating who moves when are all crucial.
    • Permadeath Stings: In true roguelike fashion, if one of your beloved creatures falls in battle, it is gone forever. Every defeat feels like a genuine loss, making you weigh the risk of every engagement and every deck synergy you create.

    Mutate and Conquer: The Art of Synergy

    The Abyss is a strange place, and the creatures within have adapted with equally strange abilities. Decktamer rewards deep experimentation through its mutation and fusion mechanics.

    As you delve deeper, you’ll find ways to transfer abilities (or “talents”) from one creature to another, creating entirely custom, devastating hybrids.

    Hot Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with bizarre combinations! A monster with a high-damage attack paired with a defense-shredding talent from a completely different species can turn a mediocre card into a run-winning powerhouse.

    Building your strategy in Decktamer isn’t about collecting the objectively “best” cards; it’s about crafting the most effective, one-of-a-kind team through calculated risk and mutation.

    The Unforgiving Abyss: A True Roguelike Challenge

    Decktamer is not for the faint of heart. Its difficulty demands critical thinking and adaptation on every floor of the procedurally generated Abyss.

    The permanent loss of creatures is a constant shadow, forcing a level of caution and tactical depth that revitalises the deckbuilder format. New runs mean new creature combinations, new events, and new moral quandaries, ensuring that mastery comes not from memorisation, but from pure, tactical brilliance.

    If you love:

    • The high-risk, high-reward nature of a roguelike.
    • The deep strategic layer of a turn-based deckbuilder.
    • The thrill of collecting and customising a team of unique monsters.

    …then stop reading and start downloading. Decktamer is the game you’ve been waiting for. Your conscience might not survive the descent, but your tactical mind will thank you.

    Have you already delved into the Abyss? What’s the wildest monster fusion you’ve managed to create? Let us know in the comments!

    Would you like me to create a short guide on an optimal starting strategy for new Decktamer players?

    Decktamer https://lnk.bio/AssembleEntertainment

    #Decktamer #roguelike #deckbuilder #monsters #indiegame #assembleentertainment #Abyss #HorizonEdge #horror #prhound #games #gaming #gamers

  • Digimon Story Time Stranger

    Digimon Story Time Stranger

    It is time to get your Digimon back into action, so climb on board and let’s get into this latest adventure. The Digimon Story Time Stranger is ready and waiting (well, it can be pre-ordered) for players and the digital monsters on another epic journey across the magical lands, which Digimon will you choose this time? The Digimon Story Time Stranger adventure will be launching on the 3rd of October for PlayStation, Xbox and PC via Steam.

    To find out more about the Digimon Story Time Stranger game, go to the official game website here https://shorturl.at/NuzVS

    #DigimonStoryTimeStranger #Digimon #TimeStranger #games #gaming #gamers #anime #rpg #monsters #bandainamco #PlayStation #Xbox #Steam #pcgames #digitalmonsters

  • The Guiding Spirit coming to Steam next year

    The Guiding Spirit coming to Steam next year

    This is the Guiding Spirit role-playing game, where players create the type of hero that they want to play, control and guide them through the thousands of storylines in this very interesting game. This world has lots of characters, some are good and the others are totally evil. This is a very complex role-playing game that is going to challenge players to the extreme. The Guiding Spirit will be coming to Windows PC via Steam in 2026.

    To find out more about The Guiding Spirit, go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/7TfVz

    #TheGuidingSpirit #games #gaming #DiceImpact #rpg #newgames #death #rebirth #newlife #monsters #AI #mystery #heroes #personality #survival #spells #magic

  • Midnight Mayhem coming on June 3rd on Steam

    Midnight Mayhem coming on June 3rd on Steam

    As the title of this game might suggest, Midnight Mayhem is a horror multiplayer game that you might want to play with your friends, as it is a matter of survival and you are going to need as much backup as possible in order to get through to the end. The Midnight Mayhem game will be launching on the 3rd of June.

    To find out more about the Midnight Mayhem game, go to the official game website here https://shorturl.at/2JGNn or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/IDh7H

    #MidnightMayhem #games #gaming #horror #survival #pvp #monsters #GradientGames #IGN #coopgame #steam #pcgames #multiplayer #gameplay #gametrailer #newgames