TECHMASH

Tag: #pcgames

  • Hexroads: Kingdom Building Meets Roguelite Survival – Arriving Q4 2026

    Hexroads: Kingdom Building Meets Roguelite Survival – Arriving Q4 2026

    Strategy fans, mark your calendars. Independent developer Ivan Konorkin has officially pulled back the curtain on Hexroads, an ambitious blend of real-time strategy and roguelite mechanics, set to launch on PC in the final quarter of 2026.

    If you’ve ever felt that traditional RTS games lack that “just one more run” addictive quality, Hexroads is looking to fill that gap. By combining the macro-management of a kingdom builder with the unpredictable nature of a roguelite, it promises a fresh take on a classic genre.

    Build by Day, Survive by Night

    The core loop of Hexroads centers on a high-stakes day/night cycle. Your success depends on how effectively you can balance expansion with defense:

    • Kingdom Management: During the daylight hours, you’ll focus on capturing new lands, routing your armies, and establishing essential infrastructure.
    • Roguelite Progression: Each dawn brings new quests, random perks, and unique challenges that ensure no two “runs” or sessions feel the same.
    • The Survival Element: As darkness falls, the focus shifts to defending your borders against escalating threats.

    Strategic Depth & Faction Play

    It isn’t just about clicking faster than the enemy. Hexroads emphasizes diplomacy and magic to give players more tools in their arsenal. You’ll be able to:

    • Cast Spells: Use powerful magic to turn the tide of battle or bolster your kingdom’s growth.
    • Faction Relationships: Develop deep (and potentially volatile) relationships with other factions that can lead to lucrative alliances or devastating wars.

    Tech Specs & Launch Details

    For those looking to jump in early, a playable demo is currently planned for late summer 2026, giving us a taste of the hex-based chaos before the full Q4 release.

    Despite its strategic depth, the game appears relatively accessible in terms of hardware. Here are the current minimum specs for the PC version:

    ComponentMinimum Requirement
    OSWindows 10 64-bit
    Processor64-bit Dual Core
    Memory8 GB RAM
    GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580
    Storage1 GB available space

    “Hexroads blends streamlined RTS strategy with replayable roguelite runs… new quests and perks each dawn.” — Official Steam Description

    Our Take

    The “solo-developer” success stories of recent years have set a high bar, and Hexroads seems to have the right ingredients to follow suit. The mix of kingdom building and rogue-like variability is a compelling hook for strategy enthusiasts who want more than just static campaigns.

    Hexroads is currently available to wishlist on Steam. Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates as we get closer to the summer demo!

    Are you a fan of the growing trend of mixing RTS with other genres, or do you prefer your strategy games more traditional?

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4616940

    #Hexroads #IvanKonorkin #steam #pcgames #rts #strategy #roguelite #videogames #gaming #gamers

  • New Cyberpunk Horror: Lolight Games Unveils ‘ESCAPE THE EXOMOON’

    New Cyberpunk Horror: Lolight Games Unveils ‘ESCAPE THE EXOMOON’

    The indie horror scene is about to get a neon-soaked, terrifying upgrade. Lolight Games has officially pulled back the curtain on their latest project, ESCAPE THE EXOMOON, a first-person cyberpunk survival horror title that looks set to test both your reflexes and your morals.

    Set on the desolate, abandoned space colony of Opus, the game puts you in the boots of Ky—the last known survivor of the EXO CORP. facility. If the isolation doesn’t get you, the malfunctioning security tech and the shadows lurking in the ventilation shafts certainly will.

    Survival is a Choice (With Consequences)

    What sets ESCAPE THE EXOMOON apart from your standard jump-scare simulator is the heavy emphasis on narrative depth and cybernetic modification. As Ky, you aren’t a super-soldier; you’re a survivor.

    The gameplay loop is built around three core pillars:

    • Hack: Manipulate the facility’s dying infrastructure to turn security drones and cameras against your pursuers.
    • Hide: Stealth is your best friend. The creatures stalking the halls of Opus are faster and stronger than you.
    • Fight: When all else fails, the V-Volt Electric Pistol provides a last line of defence—but ammo is a luxury you rarely have.

    The Twist: You can upgrade Ky with powerful cybernetic augmentations, but they come at a cost. Overclocking your body leads to “humanity loss,” manifesting as paranoia, dissociation, and apathy, which directly alters how the story unfolds and which choices remain available to you.

    A Voice in the Dark

    The plot kicks off when Ky, on the verge of giving up, receives a transmission from a security drone. A mysterious voice offers a deal: find her in the depths of the facility, and she might just have the key to getting off this rock.

    As you descend from the harsh, frozen surface of the exomoon into the derelict industrial heart of the colony, you’ll uncover the dark secrets that led to EXO CORP.’s collapse. Are you saving a survivor, or unlocking something that should have stayed buried?

    Key Features at a Glance:

    FeatureDetails
    GenreCyberpunk / Survival Horror
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    Core MechanicsHacking, Stealth, Resource Management
    NarrativeChoice-driven with multiple endings
    AtmosphereImmersive first-person exploration

    Wishlist Now

    While we don’t have a firm release date yet, ESCAPE THE EXOMOON is already making waves for its atmospheric art style and the unsettling promise of its “humanity” mechanic.

    If you’re a fan of System Shock vibes or the tense exploration of Alien: Isolation, this is one to keep on your radar. You can head over to Steam right now to add it to your wishlist and stay updated on the latest development logs from Lolight Games.

    Will you escape with your humanity intact, or will the exomoon claim what’s left of your soul?

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4574850

    #LolightGames #ESCAPETHEEXOMOON #fps #cyberpunk #horror #PCgames #wishlist #Steam #scifi #games #gaming #gamers

  • Redbeak Games launches public playtesting for Roguebound Pirates

    Redbeak Games launches public playtesting for Roguebound Pirates

    Ahoy, landlubbers and salty dogs! If you’ve been itching to trade your office chair for a captain’s quarters, it’s time to sharpen your cutlass. Redbeak Games—the Finnish solo powerhouse behind the Mortal Glory series—has officially dropped the anchor on public playtesting for Roguebound Pirates.

    Starting today, April 14, 2026, you can jump onto Steam and get a first-hand look at what happens when you mix classic naval combat with the glorious chaos of an action roguelike.

    Your Ship is Your Inventory (Literally)

    We’ve all played pirate games, but Roguebound Pirates takes “customisation” to a wonderfully absurd level. Forget simple stat upgrades; in this game, your inventory IS your ship. Borrowing a page from the Tetris-style inventory management book, you’ll be fitting weapons, gadgets, and mythical relics into your ship’s layout. How you organise your gear determines your firepower and survivability. Want to focus on “historical accuracy”? Redbeak Games jokes that it’s a feature—but only if your history books include:

    • Gatling Cannons for rapid-fire devastation.
    • Giant Axes (comically large, of course) for when things get personal.
    • Rocket Boosters because sometimes the wind just isn’t fast enough.

    Key Features to Watch Out For:

    • Deep Synergies: It’s not just about what you carry; it’s about how they work together. Combine weapons to create “game-breaking” builds.
    • Base Building: Every pirate needs a place to stash their loot. You’ll be able to build and expand your own pirate base to grow your influence.
    • High Replayability: With procedural elements, different ship types, and varying objectives, no two runs across the sea will feel the same.

    How to Join the Playtest

    The public playtest is live right now on Steam. Redbeak Games has confirmed that this version offers a few hours of intense action, giving players a solid taste of the core loop before the full release planned for Q4 2026.

    “My goal is to make a fun, easy-to-approach and highly replayable pirate adventure… the game doesn’t take itself too seriously,” says developer AuroDev.

    Why You Should Hop In Early:

    Redbeak Games is a one-person studio, meaning your feedback during this playtest actually carries weight. Whether you’re finding bugs or suggesting a new type of ridiculous harpoon, now is the time to help shape the final voyage.

    Ready to set sail? Head over to the Roguebound Pirates Steam Page and hit the “Request Access” button to start your career as a pirate legend.

    For more indie spotlights and the latest in PC gaming, stay tuned to TechMash.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3327000

    #RedbeakGames #publicplaytesting #RogueboundPirates #Steam #pirates #pcgames #games #gaming #gamers

  • From the Creator of Terra Nil: Crux Games Unveils City-Builder Deckbuilder ‘Combolands’

    From the Creator of Terra Nil: Crux Games Unveils City-Builder Deckbuilder ‘Combolands’

    The indie scene is about to get a lot more “synergistic.” Crux Games, the South African duo featuring Sam Alfred (the designer behind the BAFTA-nominated hit Terra Nil), has officially announced their latest project: Combolands.

    Part city-builder, part roguelike deckbuilder, Combolands is a spiritual and literal evolution of the viral Itch.io hit Tiny Towns, which racked up over 100,000 views. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you mashed SimCity with the high-stakes addiction of Balatro, this is it.

    Your Cards are Buildings, Your Map is the Deck

    In Combolands, you aren’t just managing resources; you’re playing a hand. The game flips the traditional deckbuilder on its head—instead of a deck of spells or attacks, you’re growing a town across a series of handcrafted islands.

    Key Gameplay Mechanics:

    • Cascading Combos: Carefully place buildings to trigger massive chain reactions and unlock game-breaking synergies.
    • Guild System: Choose from a variety of guilds, each offering unique strengths, drawbacks, and exclusive buildings.
    • The Capital: Between runs, return to your capital city to spend earnings on permanent unlocks, including new buildings, relics, and council members.
    • Endless Archipelago: Once you’ve conquered the handcrafted islands, the game opens up into a procedurally generated “Maelstrom” mode for infinite replayability.

    A Pedigree of Relaxation and Strategy

    Sam Alfred and Skye Scott of Crux Games have a knack for making complex systems feel satisfying and tactile. While Terra Nil was about restoring nature, Combolands seems focused on the pure, dopamine-hitting satisfaction of a perfectly placed tile.

    The team is also getting a helping hand from Landfall (the folks behind Content Warning and Totally Accurate Battle Simulator), suggesting the game will have that extra layer of indie polish and charm.

    Try the Demo Today

    The announcement didn’t come empty-handed. Crux Games has released a brand new demo on Steam as of April 13, 2026. The demo features:

    • Three playable guilds (out of seven planned for the full release).
    • One handcrafted island to conquer.
    • 40 unique “heirlooms” to discover.

    “Combolands is a deckbuilder where instead of a deck, you’re growing a town. Settle islands, trigger cascading combos, and build a city for the ages.” — Crux Games

    Combolands is currently slated for a PC release, with no firm date yet, but the Steam page is live for wishlisting. If you’re a fan of strategic depth or just looking for your next “one more turn” obsession, this is definitely one to watch.

    Are you ready to break the game with the perfect city layout? Check out the trailer and download the demo on Steam now!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/4075620

    #CruxGames #Combolands #SkyeScott #SamAlfred #pcgames #steam #deckbuilder #TinyTowns #games #gaming #gamers

  • Blast Off: SpaceSlog Hits Steam Early Access This April!

    Blast Off: SpaceSlog Hits Steam Early Access This April!

    The wait for sci-fi management fans is nearly over. Produno Games Studios has officially confirmed that its ambitious colony sim, SpaceSlog, will be warping into Steam Early Access on April 17th.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the gritty survival of RimWorld with the tactical ship management of FTL, this is one to keep on your radar.

    What is SpaceSlog?

    SpaceSlog isn’t just another base-builder. It puts you in command of a crew drifting through the unforgiving void of space. You aren’t just building a static outpost; you are maintaining a living, breathing starship (or station) that serves as your only protection against the vacuum.

    Key features to look forward to:

    • Modular Ship Building: Design your vessel from the hull up. Every wall, power conduit, and life-support vent is under your control.
    • Crew Management: Your survivors aren’t just numbers. They have personalities, needs, and—most importantly—the ability to panic when things go sideways.
    • Dynamic Systems: Experience realistic atmospheric simulation. A breach in the hull isn’t just a UI notification; it’s a life-threatening emergency as oxygen vents into space.
    • Tactical Combat: Defend your ship from pirates and environmental hazards using integrated weapon systems and crew positioning.

    The Road to Early Access

    Produno Games Studios has been transparent throughout the development process, focusing on deep systems and emergent gameplay. By launching in Early Access, the team aims to use player feedback to fine-tune the complex balance between survival and expansion.

    “SpaceSlog is a passion project built on the idea of true player agency in a sci-fi setting. Early Access is the next logical step to ensure the systems we’ve built resonate with the community.”

    Why You Should Care

    The “Space Colony” genre is crowded, but SpaceSlog stands out by focusing on the technical reality of space travel. You have to manage power grids, thermal regulation, and gas expansion. It’s a “slog” in the best way possible—a challenging, rewarding journey where every successful jump to a new system feels earned.

    Mark your calendars:

    • Game: SpaceSlog
    • Developer: Produno Games Studios
    • Platform: Steam (PC)
    • Release Date: 17th April

    Wishlist it now on Steam to stay updated on the launch price and upcoming patch notes. Will your crew thrive among the stars, or will they become just another piece of floating debris? We’ll find out on the 17th!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2133570

    #ProdunoGamesStudios #SpaceSlog #earlyaccess #Steam #scifi #pcgames #games #gaming #gamers

  • Heating Up: Melon Sandbox Drops Explosive New Lava Update

    Heating Up: Melon Sandbox Drops Explosive New Lava Update

    If you thought the chaos in Melon Sandbox had reached its boiling point, think again. The team at PlayDucky has just turned the temperature all the way up with their latest “fiery” update, introducing a mechanic the community has been clamouring for: Liquid Lava.

    With over 150 million downloads and a reputation for being the ultimate digital playground for ragdoll destruction, this update (Version 35.0) isn’t just a cosmetic coat of paint. It’s a total overhaul of environmental physics that adds a dangerous new layer to your experiments.

    What’s New in the Lava Update?

    The headline feature is, of course, the molten rock. But how does it actually change the game? Here’s the breakdown of the most “incendiary” additions:

    • Two New Meteoric Maps: * The Volcano Map: A vertical challenge where players must navigate flimsy physics to reach the summit. Watch out for Lava Bombs falling from the sky that can turn your meticulously built contraptions into scrap metal in seconds.
      • The Lava Pool Map: A flat, treacherous arena featuring deep pits of molten heat. It’s the perfect setting for testing which materials can withstand extreme temperatures—and which ones melt into pixels.
    • Realistic Heat & Density Physics: Lava in Melon Sandbox isn’t just “red water.” It has high density and searing heat that slowly impacts items. You can actually watch vehicles and artillery sizzle, lose structural integrity, and eventually incinerate.
    • Lava Tiles in the Editor: For the creators out there, the Map Editor now includes lava tiles. You can mix these with water and acid tiles to create the ultimate elemental gauntlet.

    Turn Your Creativity Into Cash

    One of the most impressive parts of the Melon Sandbox ecosystem in 2026 is the UGC (User-Generated Content) storefront. This update makes it even easier for modders to monetise their “red-hot” designs.

    Did you know? In 2025, PlayDucky paid out over $1M USD to its community creators. By building custom maps with these new lava tiles and uploading them to the storefront, you can earn Mells (in-game currency) that translates into real-world payouts.

    Why We’re Excited

    Melon Sandbox has always thrived on the “What if?” factor. What if I drop a tank into an acid pit? What if I build a bridge out of C4? By adding lava, the developers have given us a new variable that behaves differently from anything we’ve seen before. The way smoke rises from the craters even affects flyovers, meaning your aviation experiments just got a lot more complicated.

    Whether you’re a veteran “Melon-ist” or a newcomer looking to cause some pixelated mayhem, there has never been a better (or hotter) time to jump in.

    The update is live now on iOS, Android, and via your browser.

    For more of the latest mobile gaming news and sandbox updates, keep it locked to TechMash.

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

    #PlayDucky #MelonSandbox #Physics #Experiments #ios #android #pcgames #games #gaming #gamers

  • The Shadows of Tombwater Is Available Now on PC

    The Shadows of Tombwater Is Available Now on PC

    Dust off your revolvers and prepare your psyche for a trip to the frontier of madness. The Shadows of Tombwater, the highly anticipated 2D Wild West Soulslike from developer Moth Atlas and publisher Midwest Games, has officially launched today on PC.

    If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Bloodborne had a head-on collision with A Link to the Past in a cursed mining town, this is the answer.

    A Town Drowned in Eldritch Madness

    Set in the decaying streets of Tombwater, you step into the spurs of a lone gunslinger searching for a missing friend, Sheriff Elliott Flintwood. This isn’t your standard spaghetti western; the town’s thriving silver mines have unearthed something ancient and terrible. The residents haven’t just moved away—they’ve been consumed by a creeping madness that turns men into monsters.

    Key Features: Survival on the Frontier

    • Top-Down Soulslike Combat: Experience the punishing, methodical combat of the Souls genre from a nostalgic 2D perspective.
    • Gunslinging and Sorcery: With over 50 weapons and 40 spells, you can build your character to be a traditional sharpshooter, a heavy-hitting soldier, or an Occultist wielding dark magic.
    • The Madness Meter: It’s not just your health you need to watch. The environment and enemies will push your “Lucidity” to the brink, forcing you to manage your sanity to survive.
    • Massive World: Explore 16 unique biomes—from scorched scrublands to claustrophobic mines—and face off against 25 gruesome bosses that will test your reflexes and your resolve.
    • Deep Crafting: Utilise an “Apothecary” system to brew tonics and explosives from materials scavenged in the Wilds.

    Choose Your Archetype

    Before you head into the shadows, you’ll need to pick your path. The game offers several distinct starting classes:

    ClassPrimary FocusStarting Gear Highlights
    GunslingerPrecision & SpeedHigh-damage revolver with the fastest fire rate.
    SoldierDurability & MeleeDragoon Saber and high Strength/Life stats.
    OccultistMagic & SanityRune Knife and high resistance to Madness.
    TinkererCrafting & UtilityStarts with multiple consumables and high Alchemy.
    SpellbladeHybridA balance of melee strength and utility spells.

    Direct Storytelling in a Dark World

    While many Soulslikes rely solely on item descriptions for lore, Tombwater leans into a more direct narrative. As you explore, you’ll encounter “puddles of blood” that act as windows into the past, showing you the events that led to the town’s downfall. You’ll also experience flashbacks that flesh out your character’s history, making your journey feel personal rather than just a crawl through a graveyard.

    Now Available on PC

    Developed by Max Mraz (creator of Ocean’s Heart and the Bloodborne demake Yarntown) and Jake Wagner, The Shadows of Tombwater is the result of four years of dedicated development.

    The game is available now on Steam and GOG for $24.99 (approx. £19.99), with a limited-time 20% launch discount. If you’re looking for a challenge that smells like gunpowder and old leather, the gates of Tombwater are open.

    TechMash Tip: If you’re a Steam Deck user, Tombwater is a perfect fit for handheld play, offering that “one more run” gameplay loop that’s hard to put down.

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/aT8Xj

    #MidwestGames #MothAtlas #Tombwater #2D #WildWest #Soulslike #games #gaming #gamers #horror #pcgames #steam

  • Control the Elements: Tactical RPG “Never’s End” Drops New PC Demo

    Control the Elements: Tactical RPG “Never’s End” Drops New PC Demo

    If you’ve been craving a tactical RPG that offers more than just the standard “move-and-attack” grid, it’s time to head over to Steam. Hypersect, the indie studio led by former Bungie Lead Sandbox Engineer Ryan Juckett, has officially released the first public demo for Never’s End on PC.

    This isn’t your typical fantasy romp. Set in a world on the brink of an apocalypse known as “The Never,” the game blends high-stakes possession mechanics with a deeply simulated environmental combat system that makes the battlefield as dangerous as the enemies themselves.

    The World is Your Weapon

    The standout feature of Never’s End is its groundbreaking elemental magic system. Unlike most RPGs, where a fireball just deals damage, magic here follows physical principles.

    In the new PC demo, players get a first taste of heat manipulation. By shifting temperature across the grid, you can create emergent tactical opportunities:

    Create Wind: Move heat to generate gusts that knock enemies off cliffs or kick up dust clouds for cover.

    Flash Freeze: Drop the temperature to trap foes in ice or solidify water tiles.

    Change the Weather: Manipulate the local atmosphere to summon fog, rain, or snow, altering visibility and movement.

    Sacrifice and Possession

    Forget recruiting a band of merry heroes. In Never’s End, you play as an undying warrior spirit that must possess local townsfolk to fight.

    “Every companion you gain, another life is lost.”

    These “vessels” come with randomised traits and professional backgrounds (like Farmers or Blacksmiths) that dictate their stats and combat roles. It adds a layer of dark morality and strategic depth: do you use a villager’s life for a quick power boost, or try to keep them alive against the encroaching darkness?

    A Pedigree of Quality

    The game’s aesthetic and sound are just as impressive as its mechanics. Hypersect has assembled a powerhouse team to bring this 3D pixel-art world to life:

    Character Design: Masayoshi Nishimura (Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy).

    Music: A five-hour evolving soundtrack by Doseone (Enter the Gungeon).

    Direction: Ryan Juckett (formerly of Bungie/Destiny).

    If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics or Divinity: Original Sin, this is one to keep on your radar. The level of interactivity promised here is rare for the genre, turning every encounter into a complex, satisfying puzzle.

    Find out more here – https://www.neversendgame.com

    #NeversEnd #RPG #Hypersect #pcgames #ps5games #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Chivalry Reborn: Why Legends of the Round Table is the Arthurian RPG We’ve Been Waiting For

    Chivalry Reborn: Why Legends of the Round Table is the Arthurian RPG We’ve Been Waiting For

    Forget the glossy, high-fantasy reimagining of King Arthur you’ve seen a thousand times. If you’ve ever wanted to step directly into the pages of a 13th-century illuminated manuscript—complete with the grit, the glory, and the rigid code of honour—your time has come.

    Developed by Montreal-based Artifice Studio, Legends of the Round Table is set to launch on March 31, 2026. This isn’t just another turn-based strategy game; it’s a “faithfully medieval” deep dive into the heart of chivalry.

    A Living, Breathing Manuscript

    The first thing that hits you is the visuals. The developers didn’t just go for “old-looking” graphics; they collaborated with specialists to use authentic medieval painting techniques. The result is a game that looks like a tapestry in motion.

    • Hand-Painted Art: Every environment and character is rendered using the colours, dyes, and styles available to 13th-century scribes.
    • Period Soundtrack: The atmosphere is anchored by live performances of lutes and harps, featuring the haunting, authentic vocals of Anne Azéma.

    Tactical Combat with a Chivalric Twist

    In most RPGs, “honour” is a flavour text. Here, it’s a core mechanic. The turn-based combat moves away from the typical power fantasy and forces you to think like a knight of the realm.

    1. Mounted Excellence: Unlike many RPGs where knights are just “infantry with more armour,” this game prioritizes horseback combat and thunderous lance charges.
    2. Mercy and Ransoms: You aren’t just a killing machine. You can choose to spare defeated foes for ransom—a historically accurate way for knights to fund their estates—or execute them at the cost of your reputation.
    3. Permanent Stakes: Death is final. When a knight falls, they are gone, leaving their seat at the Round Table empty for the next generation.

    Your Choices, Your Legend

    While you’ll lead icons like Lancelot, Gawain, and Percival, they aren’t static heroes. They age, evolve traits based on your decisions, and eventually leave a legacy behind.

    “We wanted to move away from the typical RPG power fantasy and instead focus on the medieval ideals of knights driven by honor and moral duty.” — Yan Pepin, Director

    Whether you’re negotiating with mercenaries over a cup of wine or deciding the fate of a traitor, every choice feeds into your Glory points, influencing your ability to gather troops for the “Great Battles” that define the era.

    Why You Should Care

    If you loved the narrative weight of The Banner Saga or the historical immersion of Pentiment, Legends of the Round Table is aiming for that same sweet spot. It’s a game where you don’t just play through a story; you author a chronicle.

    Upon finishing, the game even hints at a feature where you can see the “book” of your unique adventures—a digital testament to your choices, romances, and tragedies.

    Legends of the Round Table arrives on Steam on March 31, 2026.

    Find out more here – https://linktr.ee/ArtificeStudio

    #ArtificeStudio #medieval #RPG #LegendsoftheRoundTable #LotRT #games #gaming #gameplay #demogames #gamers #videogames #history #legend #steam #pcgames

  • The “No Bullsh*t” FPS: Everything You Need to Know About Wraith Ops

    The “No Bullsh*t” FPS: Everything You Need to Know About Wraith Ops

    If you’ve been feeling a bit burnt out by modern shooters filled with neon skins, confusing battle passes, and movement that feels like everyone is on roller skates, Wraith Ops (formerly Project Wraith) is calling your name. Published by Team17 and developed by Grassrootz Studio, this game is a deliberate “back-to-basics” love letter to the golden era of tactical shooters like Battlefield 3 and early Call of Duty.

    The message from the devs is loud and clear: Pure infantry action. No gimmicks.

    Core Philosophy: A Return to Form

    Wraith Ops isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s trying to fix it. The game is built on a “community-first” foundation, emphasising tactical depth over monetisation. Here is what you won’t find:

    • No Battle Passes or FOMO-driven grinds.
    • No immersion-breaking cosmetics (you won’t see any pink bunny suits here).
    • No Loot Boxes or pay-to-win mechanics.

    Key Features & Gameplay

    The game focuses on snappy gunplay and objective-based combat. It’s gritty, atmospheric, and prioritises skill.

    FeatureDetails
    ArsenalOver 60 weapons at launch with realistic ballistics.
    CustomizationDeep weapon attachment system and authentic military gear.
    Damage ModelFast Time-to-Kill (TTK) where headshots are lethal and rewarded.
    ClassesThree distinct roles: Assault, Specialist, and Heavy.
    WeatherA dynamic weather system that can change the flow of a match instantly.

    Game Modes

    While the game supports larger-scale tactical play, it also offers tighter, competitive experiences:

    • Overlord (12v12): Large-scale, objective-driven warfare.
    • Arena (6v6): A high-stakes, one-life mode recently featured in the Steam Next Fest demo.
    • Gun Game & Team Deathmatch: Classic modes for those who want pure shooting practice.

    Release Date & Platforms

    After years of development and a successful rebranding in 2025, the finish line is in sight.

    Planned Launch: March 12, 2026

    Platform: PC via Steam

    The developers recently released an updated demo featuring three maps—Airfield, Mall, and Submarine—boasting nearly 900 bug fixes and tweaks based on community feedback. If you missed the demo, you can still head over to Steam to wishlist the game and keep an eye on the next playtest.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/o8jAS

    #GrassrootzGames #WraithOps #ProjectWraith #combat #tactics #battles #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #steam #pcgames

  • All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    The world has been swallowed by a deadly, ever-shifting fog, and the only way to survive is to keep moving. Hooded Horse and Mad Cookies Studio are thrilled to announce that their post-apocalyptic roguelike deckbuilder, Fogpiercer, is officially picking up speed as it races toward the Steam Next Fest (February 23 – March 4, 2026).

    Forget what you know about traditional card games. In Fogpiercer, your train isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your deck. As you navigate a branching wasteland, every carriage you add and every upgrade you secure determines the tactical tools at your disposal.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    Whether you’re a veteran of the tracks or a first-time stowaway, the updated demo landing for Steam Next Fest features a massive cargo haul of new content:

    • Meet Your Drivers: Choose between two distinct leaders, Monica and Pan. Each comes with a unique set of cards and special abilities that drastically change your tactical approach.
    • The Harpoon Carriage: This brand-new addition allows for fresh synergies, letting you snag and manipulate the battlefield in ways that turn the environment into your greatest ally.
    • Tactical “Shunting”: Experience the “true joy of artillery.” It’s not just about direct damage; it’s about using the blast force to shove enemies into canyon walls, environmental hazards, or even into each other.
    • Global Accessibility: The demo now supports 16 languages, ensuring survivors from all over the world can join the journey.

    Your Train, Your Strategy

    Success in the fog requires more than just a heavy engine. You’ll need to meticulously manage your Action Points each turn to outmanoeuvre the hordes of “unreasonably angry” bandits.

    “In the harsh world of Fogpiercer, the train is the deck. Each carriage holds a unique set of cards, and new cards are added through upgrades and purchasing extra carriages.”

    Do you build a defensive fortress with shield-heavy carriages, or a high-octane glass cannon bristling with miniguns? With over 170 cards and a deep roguelite meta-progression layer, no two runs will ever feel the same.

    Join the Journey

    The Steam Next Fest event runs until March 4, 2026, but the tracks don’t end there—the updated demo will remain live after the event concludes, giving you plenty of time to master the rails before the full release later this year.

    Ready to pierce the fog? Wishlist Fogpiercer on Steam now and download the demo to see if you have what it takes to reach the end of the line.

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

    #HoodedHorse #MadCookiesStudio #Fogpiercer #steam #pcgames #SteamNextFest #postapocalyptic #roguelike #deckbuilder #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Frog Holm demo game is out now

    Frog Holm demo game is out now

    Whether you’re a fan of “cosy” gaming or just love a good mystery with an amphibious twist, there’s a new buzz in the indie world that’s worth hopping into. Frog Holm—the latest project from Berlin-based Ostend Games—is shaping up to be one of the most charming narrative adventures of 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the tranquillity of island life with the intrigue of a “whodunnit” (or “whodugit”), here is everything you need to know about your next digital getaway.

    What is Frog Holm?

    Released in early 2026, Frog Holm puts you in the webbed feet of Filip, a young frog who leaves the hustle and bustle of the city to return to his ancestral home. His mission? To inherit and run the family pub.

    However, the “cosy” vibe is quickly met with a layer of mystery. Shortly after Filip arrives, a local resident goes missing, and it’s up to you to talk to the locals, explore the surrounding islands, and figure out what’s really going on in the archipelago.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • Pub Management: You aren’t just a detective; you’re a bartender. You’ll master over 20 unique cocktail recipes to keep the locals happy.
    • Exploration: By day, you explore a series of handcrafted islands, each with its own secrets and “traces of the past.”
    • Narrative Mystery: The game is a focused experience (roughly 3–4 hours), making it perfect for a rainy afternoon session.
    • Resource Gathering: You’ll forage for fresh ingredients across the islands to create your signature froggy drinks.

    The Vibe: Cosy Meets Curious

    The “Holm” in the title is a nod to the Old Norse word for a small island (common in places like the Shetlands or Orkney). This setting provides a perfect backdrop for the game’s atmosphere:

    1. The Art Style: Expect lush, atmospheric 3D environments that feel both intimate and slightly eerie.
    2. The Community: The islands are inhabited by a “quirky but tight-knit” cast of characters, each with their own hidden tensions and stories to tell.
    3. The Soundscape: With options for stereo and surround sound, the game emphasises the “quiet moments”—the lapping of water, the clinking of glasses, and the ambient sounds of nature.

    Why You Should Play It

    In a world of massive open-world RPGs that take 100 hours to finish, Frog Holm is a breath of fresh air. It’s a narrative-focused experience that values depth over length. It’s also the second title from Ostend Games, following their success with Desktop Fishing, proving they have a knack for turning simple concepts into deeply engaging worlds.

    Developer Note: The game contains “humorous depictions of tobacco and alcohol consumption”—it’s a pub, after all!

    How to Get Started

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: March 16, 2026 (Demo available now!)
    • System Requirements: Most modern laptops can handle it—you only need about 4GB–6GB of RAM and a basic dedicated graphics card.

    If you’re ready to trade your city shoes for some flippers and solve an island mystery, Frog Holm is waiting for you.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/9EADN

    #OstendGames #FrogHolm #archipelago #islandlife #PC #Steam #demogame #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #steam #pcgames