TECHMASH

Tag: #NPC

  • Breaking Reality in 1970s San Francisco: Yerba Buena Gameplay Overview

    Breaking Reality in 1970s San Francisco: Yerba Buena Gameplay Overview

    If you’ve ever felt like the world around you was a bit… glitchy, you’re going to feel right at home in Yerba Buena. Developed by Mad About Pandas and published by Focus Entertainment, this upcoming puzzle-platformer is less about following the rules of physics and more about rewriting them with a heavy dose of 70s flair.

    With the game set to launch on May 26, 2026, we’re diving into exactly how this psychedelic trip plays out.

    The Premise: An NPC’s Awakening

    You play as Barb, a relatable, unassuming young woman living in an alternate-reality 1976 San Francisco. The twist? This version of the City by the Bay is actually an abandoned video game world. When a mysterious “glitch” begins to tear the fabric of her reality apart—and a dangerous biker gang starts causing havoc—Barb has to step up and transition from background character to hero.

    The Core Mechanic: The Oscillator

    The heart of Yerba Buena’s gameplay is a “technomagical” device called the Oscillator. Forget simple jumping or shooting; this tool introduces a “Copy and Paste” mechanic that is genuinely fresh for the genre.

    • Copy Traits: You can point the Oscillator at an object to capture its physical properties or movement vectors.
    • Paste Reality: You then apply those traits to something else in the environment.

    Example: See a speeding car? Copy its momentum and paste it onto a park bench to send it flying through a barricade. Or, copy the bounciness of a trampoline and apply it to a dining table to reach a high-up fire escape.

    As you progress, the Oscillator gains even weirder abilities, such as capturing the property of “vapour” to turn solid walls into intangible mist, allowing Barb to walk right through them.

    Groovy Visuals Meet Glitchy Subspaces

    The art style is a standout, leaning heavily into a stylised, graphic-novel aesthetic that captures the iconic fashion and architecture of the 1970s. However, as the “glitch” takes hold, the world shifts into surreal, psychedelic subspaces—like a pocket-dimension amusement park—where the puzzles become increasingly mind-bending.

    Gameplay Quick-Facts

    FeatureDetails
    Release DateMay 26, 2026
    PlatformsPC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S
    DeveloperMad About Pandas
    Core LoopPhysics manipulation, environmental puzzles, 3D platforming
    Demo StatusAvailable Now on Steam (approx. 90–120 mins of gameplay)

    Final Thoughts

    While the narrative leans into some bizarre, meta-commentary territory (including bosses who can literally “reload a save” when you defeat them), the sandbox potential of the Oscillator is what has us excited. It’s a “break the rules” kind of game that rewards creativity over platforming precision.

    If you want to see if you have what it takes to save the “game,” the Yerba Buena demo is live on Steam right now, and your progress will carry over to the full release next month.

    Are you ready to stop being an NPC? Let us know your thoughts on the “Copy and Paste” mechanics in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2330110

    #MadAboutPandas #FocusEntertainment #YerbaBuena #SanFrancisco #NPC #Steam #Barb #games #gaming #gamers

  • The Nameless Hero Returns: The Original Gothic Trilogy is Coming to Consoles!

    The Nameless Hero Returns: The Original Gothic Trilogy is Coming to Consoles!

    It’s a massive year for RPG fans. While all eyes have been on the upcoming Gothic 1 Remake (set to drop on June 5, 2026), THQ Nordic has just dropped a bombshell for those who prefer their classics served raw and uncut.

    The original Gothic Trilogy—the series that defined “euro-jank” charm and immersive open-world design—is officially making its way to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One later this year.

    A Staggered Release for the Classics

    Rather than dropping all three at once, THQ Nordic is giving us a summer-to-winter roadmap of classic RPG goodness. If you’ve been a PC-only fan for two decades or missed out on the Nintendo Switch ports, here is when you can mark your calendars:

    TitleRelease DatePrice
    Gothic ClassicJuly 28, 2026£24.99 / €29.99
    Gothic II Complete ClassicSeptember 29, 2026£24.99 / €29.99
    Gothic 3 ClassicNovember 24, 2026£24.99 / €29.99

    Pro Tip: If you’ve already pre-ordered the Gothic 1 Remake, check your library—you should have immediate access to Gothic Classic as a digital pre-order bonus!

    What to Expect: HD Visuals and Modern Controls

    Let’s be real: the original Gothic games are legendary, but their control schemes were… unique. To make these titles playable on modern hardware, THQ Nordic and Alkimia Interactive have implemented:

    • Native Gamepad Support: No more wrestling with a keyboard-only layout from 2001.
    • Upgraded UI: Tailor-made interfaces for console screens.
    • Performance Boosts: Higher resolution textures and smoother frame rates, while keeping that distinct, gritty “boxy” aesthetic intact.
    • The Full Experience: Gothic II includes the massive Night of the Raven expansion, while Gothic 3 finally brings the sprawling mainland of Myrtana to consoles for the first time ever.

    Why This Matters

    For the uninitiated, the Gothic series is famous for its “tough love” approach. You start as a nobody in a convict colony, and unlike modern RPGs, the world doesn’t care about you. If you walk into the wrong woods at level 1, a Scavenger will end your journey.

    It’s a world where NPCs have daily routines, factions actually matter, and your progression from a weakling to a powerhouse feels earned. It’s the DNA that inspired games like The Witcher and Elex.

    Are you ready to return to the Barrier, or will this be your first time hearing “Welcome to the Colony”? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://gothic-game.com

    #Gothic #ReturnToTheColony #THQNordic #horror #npc #rpg #colony #games #gaming #gamers #AlkimiaInteractive

  • Mornin’! A Nice Day For A Fishing RPG Adventure!

    Mornin’! A Nice Day For A Fishing RPG Adventure!

    If you’re a fan of the hilarious web series Epic NPC Man by Viva La Dirt League (VLDL), or just someone who enjoys a charming retro-style RPG with a unique twist, then you need to cast your line toward Nice Day For Fishing!

    This game is more than just a fishing minigame tacked onto an adventure—it’s a full-fledged role-playing experience where the simple life of fishing becomes the ultimate battle to save the world.

    Who is Baelin, and Why is He Saving the World?

    For the uninitiated, the world of Nice Day For Fishing is the pixelated realm of Azerim, a loving spoof of classic fantasy RPGs created by VLDL. Our hero is Baelin, the humble fisherman of Honeywood, famous for his perpetually cheerful and concise greeting: “Mornin’, nice day for fishing, ain’t it!”

    When the actual heroes of Azerim mysteriously vanish, it’s up to Baelin—suddenly reprogrammed to accept quests and level up—to step out of his NPC role and become the hero. His task? Defend Honeywood from a fishing-related threat, naturally!

    Gameplay: Not Your Average Fishing Trip

    Forget the calm, casual casting of line you might be used to. Nice Day For Fishing features an engaging blend of RPG progression and rhythmic fishing combat.

    • Epic Fishing Battles: Battles take place under the water. You control your lure, using precision timing and magic spells to battle aquatic adversaries. It’s less about waiting for a bobber to dip and more about strategic engagement with challenging fish.
    • Upgrade and Customize: As you progress, you’ll upgrade Baelin’s gear. Your fishing rod is your weapon, your boat is your steed, and your hat is your armor. You can mix and match gear to focus on attack damage, defense, or utility, creating a Baelin build that suits your playstyle.
    • Explore and Rebuild: Explore the enchanting lands of Azerim, from the Honeywood forest to the Azerim coast. You’ll fulfill quests, save locals, and gather resources to rebuild the town of Honeywood, unlocking new equipment and quests from the newly returned merchants.

    A Love Letter to VLDL Fans

    This game is absolutely packed with references and inside jokes that fans of Epic NPC Man will adore. Familiar faces like Greg the Garlic Farmer and Bodger the Blacksmith are all here, with their signature quirks playing a central role in the quest lines. Bodger is, of course, constantly losing his grandfather’s hammer, and Baelin is the only one who can help!

    While the game is an absolute delight for VLDL veterans, newcomers can still enjoy the humorous writing and solid, retro-inspired gameplay. The jokes land even if you don’t know the source material, and you might just find yourself heading to YouTube to catch up on the Epic NPC Man series after playing!

    Final Cast

    Nice Day For Fishing is a charming, funny, and surprisingly deep adventure game. It perfectly captures the heart and humor of the VLDL skits while delivering a unique and addictive fishing-focused RPG experience. Whether you’re a long-time adventurer in Azerim or a curious newcomer, you’ll find plenty to love in this pixelated adventure.

    Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, and GeForce Now.

    Have you played Nice Day For Fishing? Which VLDL reference was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

    Nice Day For Fishing – https://nicedayforfishing.com/

    #NiceDayForFishing #fishing #sports #fish #npc #fantasy #action #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #SilverLiningInteractive #FusionPlay #Team17Digital #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Wall World 2: Climbing Higher on the Endless Wall

    Wall World 2: Climbing Higher on the Endless Wall

    The endless, mysterious expanse of the Wall is calling once again! Developed by Alawar, Wall World 2 has arrived on PC via Steam (released November 11, 2025), and it promises to expand on every thrilling aspect that made the original mining roguelite such a cult hit. If you enjoyed piloting your heavy-duty, cannon-toting robospider, preparing for frantic nighttime defence, and delving into the Wall’s dark secrets, this sequel is an absolute must-play.

    A Familiar Core, A Massive Expansion

    For those new to the series, Wall World blends three addictive genres: Roguelite, Tower Defence, and Mining/Exploration. You pilot a massive, customizable robospider tank across the endless vertical surface of a massive, ancient Wall.

    The core loop is back, but layered with new depth:

    1. Exploration & Mining (Daytime): You stop your robospider at crumbled entrances and descend into the procedurally generated mines in your smaller exosuit. You dig, manage a tight inventory, and extract vital resources and blueprints.
    2. Defence (Nighttime): When you break back out onto the surface, hordes of aggressive, monstrous critters swarm your robospider. You use its mounted arsenal to defend your lifeline, managing your limited ammunition and temporary run-based upgrades.
    3. Upgrade & Progression: The resources you haul back are used for both temporary combat boosts and permanent upgrades to your exosuit and robospider—a signature roguelite progression that makes every failed run feel worthwhile.

    What’s New in Wall World 2?

    The sequel takes the best parts of the original and makes them bigger, deeper, and more personal.

    1. The Sphere City Hub

    Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of the Sphere City hub area. Between expeditions, you return to a small settlement where you can:

    • Interact with NPCs: New characters offer side quests, reveal deeper lore, and provide an added layer of narrative context.
    • Customise: You can now swap out your robospider’s legs for new movement types (like tank treads!) and fine-tune your loadout, giving you much more control over your playstyle.
    • The Bar: Even grabbing a drink at the bar offers temporary stat buffs for your next dive, adding a nice element of ritual and preparation before you head back into the Wall.

    2. Battle on All Fronts

    The combat is much more dynamic. Enemies now lurk inside the mines as well as on the surface, turning your careful digging runs into tense battles for survival. The waves are nastier, with more enemy types approaching from every angle, making the tower defence elements feel sharper and more challenging.

    3. Deeper Mysteries and Biomes

    The mysteries surrounding the Wall and the ‘Hole’ at its core are expanded upon. You’ll venture into a wider array of biomes, each with new environmental hazards and strange anomalies. Finding hidden logs and lost artefacts helps piece together the history of this enormous, pixelated world.

    Final Verdict: The Ultimate Digging War Machine

    Wall World 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes, expands, and deepens a proven formula. Developer Alawar has clearly listened to what players loved about the first game and delivered a sequel that feels more robust, more personal, and more rewarding.

    If you’re a fan of roguelites that blend frantic action with strategic resource management, or if you just love the idea of piloting a giant mechanical spider tank, it’s time to suit up and start climbing. The Wall is calling—will you answer?

    What are your first impressions of Wall World 2? Let me know what your favourite new upgrade is!

    Wall World 2 – https://alawar.com/games/wall-world-2

    #WallWorld2 #Alawar #pcgames #steam #mining #exploration #survival #roguelite #combat #SphereCity #NPC #strategy #tactics #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • It’s a Fight for Furvival! Why Super Animal Royale is the Cutest Battle Royale Around

    It’s a Fight for Furvival! Why Super Animal Royale is the Cutest Battle Royale Around

    Tired of the same old battle royale grind? If you’re looking for a fresh, frantic, and surprisingly adorable take on the genre, look no further than Super Animal Royale! Developed by Pixile Studios, this top-down 2D shooter pits up to 64 players—all genetically modified “Super Animals”—against each other in a frantic “fight for furvival” across an abandoned safari park.

    The Basics: Cute Meets Chaos

    At its core, Super Animal Royale delivers the intense, last-one-standing gameplay you expect from a battle royale, but with a unique twist:

    • Top-Down, Fast-Paced Action: The 2D top-down perspective makes the gameplay incredibly accessible and easy to jump into. Matches are quick, punchy, and require a surprising amount of tactical thinking, especially with the game’s line-of-sight system that creates a “fog of war” in the tall grass and behind structures.
    • The Super Animals: Forget generic soldiers—here, you’ll parachute in as a Super Fox, Super Cat, Super Panda, or one of hundreds of other adorable, customizable creatures. The juxtaposition of cute, cuddly animals wielding machine guns and katanas is a huge part of the game’s charm!
    • Unique Movement: Beyond running and rolling, you can hop into Hamster Balls for fast transport and protection, or even ride a giant Emu to peck your way to victory!

    More Than Just Mayhem: The Expanding “Super Animal World”

    While the brutal battle royale mode is the main event, the world of Super Animal Royale is constantly growing and offers more to explore.

    Recently, the game announced its biggest content expansion since launch: Super Animal World. This massive, free update is adding a whole new dimension to the game, focusing on a more relaxed, social experience:

    • A New Social Hub: Inspired by the social atmosphere of pre-game lobbies, this expansion creates a peaceful, MMO-inspired space where players can hang out, connect, and make friends without immediately shooting each other.
    • “Cosy” Activities: Need a break from the violence? You can now try out new activities like fishing, bug catching, and even organised Hamster Ball races!
    • Quests and Lore: The Social Hub is also introducing NPC-driven quests and a deeper look into the island’s secret lore, providing a new way to experience the story of the abandoned safari park.

    This expansion offers a fantastic contrast, allowing you to relax and explore the world between the adrenaline-pumping fights.

    Why You Should Drop in for “Furvival”

    Super Animal Royale is a brilliant mashup that appeals to a wide audience. It’s a free-to-play title available on virtually every major platform (PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S) and boasts full cross-play, meaning you can team up with friends no matter what they play on.

    Whether you’re a battle royale veteran looking for a fresh challenge or a newcomer intimidated by the complexity of other games, Super Animal Royale is definitely worth checking out. It’s a hilarious, addictive blend of wholesome visuals and surprisingly strategic, frenetic combat.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your umbrella and prepare for the drop—the fight for furvival awaits!

    Super Animal World – https://animalroyale.com

    #SuperAnimalWorld #SuperAnimalRoyale #PixileStudios #npc #mmo #gameupdate #crossplatform #battleroyale #battles #freegames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Morning! It’s a Nice Day for Fishing on Xbox!

    Morning! It’s a Nice Day for Fishing on Xbox!

    If you thought fishing games were just about a bobber and a gentle tug, think again. Nice Day for Fishing, the pixel-art RPG adventure from the creative minds behind the YouTube comedy group Viva La Dirt League (VLDL), has cast its line onto Xbox, and it’s a surprisingly deep, hilarious, and action-packed experience.

    Forget chill, laid-back angling—this is fishing… with a full-blown RPG combat system.

    From Humble NPC to Heroic Adventurer

    The game stars Baelin, the humble fisherman NPC from VLDL’s popular Epic NPC Man series. When the real heroes of the world of Azerim mysteriously vanish and an evil force threatens the land, Baelin suddenly finds himself with new, Adventurer-like powers. It falls to him to defend and rebuild the town of Honeywood, all while sticking to his humble, repeatable script of offering a cheerful, “Morning! Nice day for fishing, ain’t it!”

    The game’s charm is immediately evident, blending a classic 2D pixel-art aesthetic with the signature meta-humour and lovable characters VLDL fans know and love.

    Epic Fishing Battles: Your Rod is Your Weapon

    This is where Nice Day for Fishing completely flips the script. The core gameplay loop involves Epic Fishing Battles that feel more like a boss fight than a minigame.

    • Combat System: Once a fish bites, the battle begins! You’ll use timing, attacks, blocks, and even magic spells to chip away at the fish’s health bar. These aren’t just easy catches; fish fight back, reversing the line and forcing you to master parries and defensive manoeuvres.
    • Boss Fish: Be wary of the true deep-sea monsters! These formidable foes have distinct attack phases and patterns that will genuinely test your RPG combat skills.
    • Gear & Upgrades: Your fishing gear is your armoury. Your Rod is your weapon, your Boat is your steed, and your Hat is your armour. You’ll constantly upgrade your equipment and unlock new spells by completing collections for the mighty Fishing God, allowing you to tailor Baelin’s build to your preferred fighting style.

    Rebuilding Honeywood and Exploring Azerim

    The adventure isn’t confined to the water. As you complete quests and defeat fish, you’ll dredge valuable resources from shipwrecks to help rebuild Honeywood. Upgrading the town’s buildings unlocks new merchants, better equipment, and more quests, providing a satisfying sense of progression and community contribution.

    You’ll explore the vibrant lands of Azerim, from the Honeywood forest to the deepest parts of the coast, encountering familiar faces and plenty of hilarious, referential dialogue along the way. Be warned: a lot of the early-game quests involve a fair amount of backtracking—a deliberate, tongue-in-cheek nod to the repetitive nature of classic MMO fetch quests that VLDL loves to poke fun at.

    Final Thoughts: Is it Worth the Plunge?

    For fans of Viva La Dirt League, Nice Day for Fishing is a must-buy love letter packed with in-jokes, iconic characters, and the group’s signature wit. Even if you’ve never watched an Epic NPC Man video, this is a unique, funny, and surprisingly deep RPG that offers a fresh take on the fishing genre.

    While some players find the early quest structure a little slow or repetitive, the satisfying combat, constant feeling of progression, and laugh-out-loud writing more than make up for it. It’s an adventure that will keep you entertained for hours.

    It’s a nice day for fishing, ain’t it? Go grab your rod and save Azerim!

    Nice Day for Fishing – https://nicedayforfishing.com/

    #NiceDayforFishing #Xbox #fishing #team17 #npc #bossfish #rpg #adventure #sports #Baelin #FusionPlay #competition #VivaLaDirtLeague #VLDL #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Bot Colony _redux Riot Gameplay Trailer

    Bot Colony _redux Riot Gameplay Trailer

    In the Bot Colony _redux gameplay trailer, players will see what it is like to become immersed in a sci-fi world where robots and AI are there to answer questions and take commands. This game bridges the gap between AI, robots and humans, not always for the better, but there is no stopping it now. The Bot Colony _redux game will be launching later on this year.

    Bot Colony _redux official game website https://botcolony.com/

    Bot Colony _redux on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/3613080/Bot_Colony__redux/

    #BotColonyredux #BotColony #redux #riot #gameplay #gametrailer #npc #games #gaming #gamers #newgames #AI #northside #scifi #adventure #robots #robotics

  • Reaper Actual FPS coming soon

    Reaper Actual FPS coming soon

    The wonderful island of Marova, once a place for tourists, is now a war zone following the civil war. This is the Reaper Actual game, where players find themselves in a relentless battle where tactics play a major part in surviving, securing a base, finding resources, forging alliances and conducting raids on the enemy. This game is still in development, but players can take part in the play testing.

    To find out more about the Reaper Actual game, go to the official game website here reaperactual.com or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/SaRc6

    #ReaperActual #survival #island #games #gaming #gamers #newgames #gameplay #fps #pvp #DistinctPossibilityStudios #OpenWorldPersistentShooter #npc #DigitalWarfare #civilwar

  • Nice Day for Fishing coming to Steam Next Fest

    Nice Day for Fishing coming to Steam Next Fest

    You might think that going fishing could be a very relaxing pastime, however, if you go fishing on the Nice Day for Fishing game it is full of adventure and exciting times, catching a fish has never been so full of interesting stories. The good news is that you don’t have to take our word for it as a Nice Day for Fishing will have a demo arriving on the Steam Next Fest until the 3rd of March.

    To find out more about the Nice Day for Fishing game go to the official game website here https://shorturl.at/Mgtgt or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/HUUU6

    #NiceDayforFishing #Team17 #NewGames #GameDemo #SteamNextFest #Games #Gaming #NPC #Steam #Fishing #RPG #Forest #Lakes #Rivers

  • Can You Become A Bermuda Survivor

    Can You Become A Bermuda Survivor

    There are many mysteries surrounding the Bermuda Triangle and now with this new game the Bermuda Survivor players will be placed into a whole world of mystery, exploration, gun battles and with a little bit of fear thrown in for good measure. The is yet to be released but there is a game demo that will be made available at the Steam Next Fest on the 24th of February.

    To find out more about the Bermuda Survivor game go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/Aiezg

    #BermudaSurvivor #AwakenRealms #GameDemo #Games #Gaming #Steam #Maps #NewGame #BermudaTriangle #Mystery #NPC