TECHMASH

Tag: #MorbidMetal

  • Shaping the Machine: A Deep Dive into Ekku in Morbid Metal

    Shaping the Machine: A Deep Dive into Ekku in Morbid Metal

    The long-awaited wait is over. As of April 8, 2026, SCREEN JUICE and Ubisoft have officially unleashed Morbid Metal into Steam Early Access. If you’ve been following this stylish hack-and-slash roguelite, you know it’s all about the “techno-ballet”—the seamless, mid-combat shapeshifting between distinct AI forms.

    While Flux is your agile starter and Vekta provides long-range control, there is one character that has quickly become a fan favourite for those who prefer “heavy metal” over “finesse”: Ekku.

    Who is Ekku?

    Unlocked during your journey through the first biome, the Sublime Garden, Ekku is a striking contrast to the high-speed blinking of Flux. Described as a “steel-bodied AI samurai,” Ekku is defined by raw power, physical presence, and a massive, engine-driven cleaver that looks like it could split a skyscraper.

    The Playstyle: Weight and Impact

    If Flux is a scalpel, Ekku is a sledgehammer. Playing as Ekku requires a shift in mindset:

    • Slower, Deliberate Strikes: You won’t be zip-zooming across the arena as easily, but every hit carries immense weight and stagger potential.
    • Area of Effect (AoE): His sweeping attacks are perfect for clearing out waves of smaller machines that threaten to overwhelm you.
    • The Heavy Hitter: Ekku excels at breaking through enemy defences and dealing massive “posture” or shield damage, making him essential for boss encounters.

    Mastering the Shapeshift Combo

    The magic of Morbid Metal isn’t just playing as one character; it’s the transition. Because shapeshifting is instant, Ekku becomes the “anchor” of your most devastating combos.

    Pro Tip: Try launching a group of enemies into the air with Flux’s rapid strikes, then mid-air, swap to Ekku to perform a crushing overhead slam. The impact not only deals massive damage but creates a shockwave that sets up your next character transition.

    Why Ekku Matters in the Roguelite Loop

    In the gritty, dystopian world of Morbid Metal, every “iteration” (run) is a test of adaptability. As you progress, you’ll find Protocols and Corpora (upgrades) that can further augment Ekku’s kit:

    • Impact Buffs: Increase the radius of his ground slams.
    • Defensive Shards: Since Ekku is a larger target, look for upgrades that grant temporary armour or health-on-kill to keep your momentum going.

    The Verdict: A Heavyweight Champion

    Ekku represents the “Oomph” in Morbid Metal’s combat loop. While the game is still in Early Access—meaning the developers are actively looking for feedback on balancing and enemy variety—the core feel of playing as Ekku is already incredibly polished.

    Whether you’re exploring the fractured temples of the Sublime Garden or pushing into the dilapidated cityscapes of the second biome, Ekku is the powerhouse you’ll want in your arsenal.

    Have you managed to survive a full run with Ekku yet, or are you sticking to the speed of Flux? Let us know in the comments below!

    Morbid Metal is available now on Steam. Requirements: Windows 10, Intel i5/i7, and at least a GTX 1650 (though an RTX 3070 is recommended for those 4K 60FPS techno-vibes).

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/S3TeN

    #MorbidMetal #hackandslash #roguelite #scifi #ubisoft #ekku #screenjuice #games #gaming #gamers #robots #battles #combat

  • Morbid Metal Major Demo Update: The Simulation Evolves

    Morbid Metal Major Demo Update: The Simulation Evolves

    The wait is over, Operators. SCREEN JUICE and Ubisoft have just dropped a massive update to the Morbid Metal demo, and it’s much more than a simple coat of paint. Whether you’re a veteran of the “Sublime Garden” or a newcomer looking to test your mettle, this update introduces fundamental shifts to how you play, progress, and prepare for the upcoming Early Access launch.

    From a complete economic overhaul to a dedicated space for mastering your shapeshifting combos, here is everything you need to know about the latest build.

    1. New Languages: A Global Simulation

    Accessibility is at the heart of this update. To ensure players worldwide can navigate the UI and dive deep into the lore of the Neural Nexus, the demo now supports multiple new languages. Joining the existing roster are:

    • Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, and Italian
    • Japanese, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), and Korean
    • Polish, Turkish, Russian, and Ukrainian

    Now, you can experience the high-octane action in your preferred language without missing a single beat of the Operator’s instructions.

    2. The Emporium & Run Economy

    One of the most significant mechanical additions is the Emporium. During your runs, you will now earn Tokens—a temporary currency specific to your current iteration.

    How it works: Spend your hard-earned Tokens at the Emporium to purchase HP refills, new Routines (per-run buffs), and vital character upgrades.

    Pro-tip: Spend them wisely! These Tokens vanish the moment your run ends. Every purchase is a gamble on your survival for the next sector.

    3. The Training Area: Master Your Shift

    Tired of getting your style rank tanked because you missed a transformation timing? The new Training Area is your sanctuary. This safe zone allows you to:

    • Experiment with Real-Time Shapeshifting between characters like Flux, Ekku, and the newcomer, Vekta.
    • Practice frame-perfect Dodge Counters.
    • Develop the most “Stylish” air-juggles without the threat of a giant robot crushing you into the dirt.

    4. New Playable Character: Vekta

    The roster expands with the introduction of Vekta, the Operator’s rebellious creation. Vekta brings a completely different flavour to the combat:

    • Ranged Combat: Wields precise shurikens to control the battlefield from a distance.
    • Methodical Playstyle: Unlike Flux’s speed or Ekku’s raw power, Vekta is about space management and unforgiving precision.

    5. Expanding the World: New Biomes & Bosses

    The simulation is getting bigger. The update introduces the Steel Sanctuary, a sprawling, neon-lit city of rusted ambition that you’ll encounter after conquering the Sublime Garden.

    • Verticality: Improved layouts in the Sublime Garden now feature more platforming and vertical combat opportunities.
    • The Gatekeeper: Prepare to face Saru, a relentless machine boss built for raw pressure. If you can’t adapt to his leap slams and fist shots, your run ends here.

    Refined Meta-Progression

    Beyond the runs, the Neural Nexus has been deepened. You can now unlock permanent upgrades through Protocols and Corpora, ensuring that even if you die (and you will), you come back sharper, faster, and more lethal than before.

    Play the Demo Now

    The Morbid Metal demo update is live on Steam. If you haven’t wishlist the game yet, now is the time—the full jump into Early Access is just around the corner.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/B66mL

    #MorbidMetal #SCREENJUICE #Ubisoft #NeuralNexus #DemoGame #GameUpdate #scifi #AI #steam #pcgames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Shapeshifting Chaos: Diving into the Morbid Metal Playtest!

    Shapeshifting Chaos: Diving into the Morbid Metal Playtest!

    The digital arena is buzzing, and it’s all thanks to the recent playtest for Morbid Metal, the upcoming hack ‘n’ slash action roguelite from developer SCREEN JUICE and publisher Ubisoft. After tearing through the demo myself, I can confidently say this game is an absolute rush of high-octane, cyberpunk-infused combat!

    If you missed the hype, Morbid Metal is a fast-paced action game where the core mechanic revolves around real-time shapeshifting between multiple unique characters. You’re not just switching weapons; you’re fundamentally changing your combat style, and chaining these transformations is the key to mastering the brutal, semi-procedurally generated levels.

    Here’s a breakdown of what makes this playtest a must-try experience.

    1. Combat That Sings: The Shapeshifting Synergy

    The immediate takeaway from the demo is the sheer fluidity and style of the combat. It’s a blend that feels inspired by games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, all wrapped up in a dark, neon-soaked future.

    The playtest gave us access to two characters, each a polar opposite:

    • Flux: The nimble, razor-fast katana wielder. Perfect for quick strikes, air combos, and evasion.
    • Ekku: The heavy-hitter, slow but devastating. His powerful glaive strikes land with a satisfying thud and is great for breaking shields.

    The magic happens when you realise you can swap characters mid-combo. Starting an air juggle with Flux and instantly switching to Ekku for a massive slam attack is incredibly satisfying. It transforms every encounter into a high-speed, choreographed dance of destruction. The combat is genuinely addictive, forcing you to think strategically about synergy, not just button-mashing.

    2. A Solid Roguelite Foundation

    Beyond the flashy combat, Morbid Metal plants itself firmly in the roguelite genre. The loop is immediately recognisable:

    • Clear rooms and waves of enemies.
    • Collect upgrade cards to enhance your characters, boosting damage, abilities, or even adding new mechanical quirks.
    • Die, and it’s all gone.

    However, the game adds a brilliant layer of complexity with the upgrades. Since you’re building out two characters at once (and eventually up to four in the full game), you’re constantly looking for upgrades that not only benefit the individual but also synergise with the other members of your squad. Do you go all-in on Flux’s speed, or balance it with Ekku’s raw power?

    The addition of the high-risk, high-reward “Deal with the Devil” statues further spices up the run, offering massive buffs paired with equally crippling debuffs.

    3. Style and Atmosphere

    Visually, Morbid Metal nails its cyberpunk aesthetic. The environments are a stunning mix of futuristic tech and atmospheric decay. The character designs—sleek, expressive robotic warriors—are a feast for the eyes.

    It’s a game that doesn’t rely on deep, verbose lore (at least in this slice), and that’s okay. Morbid Metal is all about the spectacle, handing you a ridiculously stylish sword and saying, “Be cool. Don’t die.”

    Early Impressions: A Recipe for Success

    The Morbid Metal playtest is more than just a promising demo; it’s a confident proof-of-concept for a deeply engaging action system. While minor things like camera behaviour and combat readability could see polish, the foundation is rock-solid.

    If you’re a fan of stylish action games, high-speed combat, or a roguelite loop that keeps you coming back for “just one more run,” you absolutely need to have Morbid Metal on your radar.

    Morbid Metal is slated to launch into Early Access soon. Get ready to shapeshift, slaughter, and try to survive just one more time.

    Morbid Metal Playtest https://screen-juice.com/

    #MorbidMetalPlaytest #MorbidMetal #Playtest #games #gaming #gamers #steamearlyaccess #hacknslash #roguelite #SCREENJUICE #Ubisoft