TECHMASH

Tag: #platformer

  • The New Frontier: Why “Mine or Burn” is Redefining Space Strategy

    The New Frontier: Why “Mine or Burn” is Redefining Space Strategy

    The incremental gaming genre has always been about the slow burn—watching numbers go up, unlocking the next tier of efficiency, and idling your way to greatness. But a new contender, Mine or Burn, has just hit the scene, and it’s effectively throwing a thermal detonator into that peaceful loop.

    The Core Loop: Beyond the Click

    At first glance, Mine or Burn gives you the familiar comfort of resource management. You start with a modest mining colony on a barren moon, extracting Helium-3 and Silicates. However, the “Incremental” tag is a bit of a Trojan horse.

    The game introduces a dual-resource economy that creates a constant state of tension:

    The Mine Path: Focusing on infrastructure, deep-core drills, and long-term sustainability.

    The Burn Path: Investing in propulsion and orbital weaponry to “reset” the progress of competitors in your sector.

    Why It’s a “High-Stakes Space Race”

    What sets Mine or Burn apart from games like AdVenture Capitalist or Cookie Clicker is the Global Heat Map. Every upgrade you purchase increases your thermal signature.

    If you mine too aggressively, you become a bright red dot on the radar of every other player. In a brilliant twist on prestige mechanics, “Burning” isn’t just a metaphor—you can literally sacrifice your own current progress to launch a kinetic strike on a leading player, stealing a percentage of their lifetime earnings to fuel your next “reincarnation.”

    “In Mine or Burn, your greatest asset isn’t your fleet of drones; it’s your ability to stay under the radar until you’re too big to fail.”Strategic Depth: The Tech Tree

    The game features a branching tech tree that feels more like a 4X strategy game ($e.g.$, Stellaris) than a simple idler.

    The Verdict

    Mine or Burn succeeds because it taps into the primal urge to compete. It takes the “number goes up” satisfaction of an incremental game and adds the “don’t touch my stuff” adrenaline of a multiplayer battler. It’s stressful, addictive, and visually striking with its minimalist, radar-style interface.

    Whether you’re a patient optimiser or a chaotic disruptor, the race for the galactic core is officially on. The only question is: will you leave behind a legacy of industry, or a trail of stardust?

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

    #HeavyPepper #MineorBurn #scifi #miningship #starsystem #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Fresh Out of the Oven: Pizza Slice Tosses onto PC This March

    Fresh Out of the Oven: Pizza Slice Tosses onto PC This March

    Attention all carb-connoisseurs and management sim fans! If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your desk job for a life of kneading dough and outsmarting the culinary mafia, your time has come. Pizza Slice, the charming and slightly chaotic pizzeria management simulator from Quest Craft and Gaming Factory, is officially making its way to PC.

    After a successful demo run that left players hungry for more, the full game is scheduled to launch on Steam on March 13, 2026.

    More Than Just a Cooking Sim

    Pizza Slice isn’t just about clicking a button to “make pizza.” It’s a love letter to 1960s-inspired New York culture, putting you in the shoes of Tonio, a young entrepreneur determined to restore his grandfather Stefano’s legacy.

    You’ll have to master every aspect of the business:

    Manual Craftsmanship: Knead the dough, chop fresh ingredients, and carefully balance toppings.

    Business Management: From cleaning the floors to shopping for supplies at the local bazaar, the success of the shop rests on your shoulders.

    The “Buzz”: Expand your seating, upgrade your kitchenware, and deal with the frantic energy of a lunch rush where three orders are already waiting and you’ve just run out of tomato sauce.

    A Dash of Humour and a Pinch of Danger

    Running a business in a romanticised NYC isn’t all sunshine and pepperoni. You’ll have to contend with:

    The Culinary Mafia: Mobsters roam the city, and while they might look intimidating, they were friends of your grandfather and might offer “favours” in exchange for a few side missions.

    Salty Rivals: Competitors will try to sabotage you with stink bombs or promote their shops right in front of your door.

    Health Inspections: One phone call can lead to a surprise sanitation check—keep those counters sparkling!

    Whether you want to follow the secret family cookbook or experiment with fish and pesto to see if the customers will bite, Pizza Slice looks to be the cosy (and occasionally sweaty) simulation we need this spring.

    Grab your apron—Tonio and his lazy cousin Alfonso are waiting for you at the table!

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

    #PizzaSlice #QuestCraft #GamingFactory #UltimateGames #food #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • The Countdown is On: Forge Your Fate in ‘Valor of Man’ This March

    The Countdown is On: Forge Your Fate in ‘Valor of Man’ This March

    If you’ve been scouring Steam for your next tactical obsession, keep your eyes on March 19, 2026. That is the day Legacy Forge and Numskull Games officially drop Valor of Man, a dark fantasy turn-based RPG that has been generating some serious heat during recent Steam Next Fests.

    Part Divinity, part Slay the Spire, and entirely brutal, this roguelite is aiming to prove that the “one more run” itch is just as strong in a party-based RPG format.

    What is Valor of Man?

    Set in a realm fractured by “ruin and revelation,” you lead a party of four champions against the Perpetual Cycle. While many roguelites focus on a single protagonist, Valor of Man puts the emphasis on squad synergy. You aren’t just clicking attack; you’re orchestrating a four-person dance of death across a grid-based battlefield.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    12 Hero Classes: From the heavy-hitting Berserker to the squishy but essential mages, you’ll have a dozen distinct classes to mix and match.

    The Reaction Mechanic: This is the game’s secret sauce. Every attack you make can trigger an enemy reaction, meaning positioning isn’t just about where you start your turn, but where you’ll end up after the enemy counters.

    Insane Variety: The full release promises 300+ abilities, 290 items, and 170 artefacts. With procedurally generated chapters, no two runs will feel the same.

    Steam Deck Ready: Great news for handheld fans—Legacy Forge has confirmed full controller support and Steam Deck optimisation for Day 1.

    “A grand RPG combat loop condensed into runs you can finish in a sitting.” — Legacy Forge

    Can Your Rig Handle the Valor?

    Despite its deep tactical layers and refreshed 3D hero models, Valor of Man is surprisingly lean on your storage.

    The Verdict So Far

    Early impressions from the February demo have been “Very Positive.” Players are praising the “reaction” system for adding a layer of chess-like strategy to the typical RPG formula. If you’re a fan of high-fantasy settings with a macabre twist, this needs to be on your wishlist.

    Valor of Man launches March 19th on PC via Steam.

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

    #LegacyForge #NumskullGames #ValorofMan #Fantasy #RPG #Roguelite #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Delayed but Determined: REPLACED Shifts Release to April 14th

    Delayed but Determined: REPLACED Shifts Release to April 14th

    Sad Cat Studios and Thunderful have officially announced a short delay for their highly anticipated cyberpunk action platformer, REPLACED. Originally slated for a March 12 release, the game is now scheduled to launch on April 14, 2026.

    While a delay is never the news fans want to hear, the developers emphasised that the decision was made to ensure the final product lives up to the community’s high expectations.

    Key Highlights of the Announcement

    • New Release Date: April 14, 2026.
    • Reason for Delay: The team is utilising the extra four weeks for a “final layer of polish,” focusing on stability and performance based on feedback from the recent Steam demo.
    • Status of the Game: Sad Cat Studios confirmed that the game is “technically finished,” but as a small team working on their debut title, they want to ensure a “polished and stable” day-one experience.
    • The Demo is Still Live: If you haven’t played it yet, the Steam Demo remains available for those who want a taste of the gritty, 2.5D world of Phoenix-City.

    From the Developers

    In a heartfelt statement, Sad Cat Studios shared:

    “As a small team working on our very first title, we’ve poured everything we have into this project… Reaching this final stretch has shown us that we need just a few more weeks to ensure the experience is exactly what you deserve.”

    The studio noted that the response to the Steam demo was “overwhelming in the best way possible,” and that player feedback is directly helping them make the final tweaks that will make the full game “shine.”

    What to Expect from REPLACED

    For those new to the project, REPLACED is a narrative-driven 2.5D platformer set in an alternate 1980s America. You play as R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body, fighting to survive in a world ravaged by nuclear catastrophe and corporate greed.

    The game has garnered massive attention for its stunning “pixel-cinematic” art style and “free-flow” combat inspired by the Batman: Arkham series.

    REPLACED will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, and will be a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/l49hb

    #SadCatStudios #Thunderful #cyberpunk #REPLACED #PC #Xbox #action #platformer #scifi #combat #apocalypse #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames

  • ChainStaff coming to PC and consoles in April

    ChainStaff coming to PC and consoles in April

    Get your grappling hooks ready! ChainStaff, the high-octane action platformer from Mommy’s Best Games, has officially locked in its release date.

    Inspired by 80s sci-fi and classic heavy metal album covers, this “brutal” side-scroller puts you in the shoes of a mutant with an alien parasite literally fused to your head. Your primary tool is the titular ChainStaff—a versatile weapon that shifts between a spear, shield, and grappling hook at the touch of a button.

    Quick Intel:

    Release Date: April 8, 2026

    Developer: Mommy’s Best Games (led by Nathan Fouts, veteran of Insomniac and Serious Sam)

    Platforms: PC (Steam), PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

    Soundtrack: A blistering metal score by Deon van Heerden (Broforce)

    Key Features

    One-Button Versatility: Master the shifting mechanics to slice through alien “Star Spores,” block incoming fire, or swing across 10 hand-drawn levels.

    Grotesque Decisions: Encounter fallen comrades and make a choice—rescue them for human tech or harvest their organs to fuel your alien mutation.

    Classic Challenge: Think Mega Man X meets Bionic Commando with a modern, fluid feel.

    Endless Replayability: Featuring multiple endings, branching tech trees, and a New Game+ mode.

    “The grappling hook mechanics are smooth as silk… the ability to change the ChainStaff into a spear, shield, or bridge with a single button should give players a new type of challenge!” — Nathan Fouts, Director

    Pre-orders are live now on most console storefronts. If you’re a fan of high-speed retro action and grotesque sci-fi aesthetics, this is one to keep on your radar for April!

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

    #chainstaffgame #chainstaff #HeavyMetal #SciFi #Platformer

    #MommysBestGames #mutant #alien #SuperSoul #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Dream Logic and Deep Emotion: Diving into “As I Began to Dream”

    Dream Logic and Deep Emotion: Diving into “As I Began to Dream”

    Get ready to step into a world woven from grief and imagination. “As I Began to Dream,” the upcoming puzzle-platformer from developer Strayflux, isn’t just a game—it’s an emotional journey through a visually stunning dreamscape. If you’re looking for a title that mixes clever mechanics with a heartfelt narrative, this is one you need on your radar.

    A Journey Through the Limbo of Grief

    At the heart of the game is Lily, a young girl tragically dealing with the loss of her parents. She finds herself trapped in a mysterious dream world—a kind of limbo where she must confront and navigate the manifestations of her past trauma.

    Her only companion? Her adorable, flying turtle friend, Flippy! Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, seeking acceptance and peace within this beautifully melancholic realm.

    The Core Story: Lily and her flying turtle, Flippy, must face past trauma and navigate grief by controlling the environment of their dream world.

    The Art of Manipulation: Gameplay Mechanics

    What makes “As I Began to Dream” truly unique is its central gameplay mechanic: environment manipulation. Lily possesses a unique power that allows her to:

    • Swap: Exchange the positions of different blocks or sections of the world.
    • Rotate: Turn entire segments of the environment.
    • Move: Shift platforms and puzzle elements around.

    These powers are key to solving the game’s intricate environmental puzzles. You’ll need to think outside the box (or inside the dream!) to restructure the world, creating new pathways and overcoming obstacles. This mechanic not only provides a fresh challenge but also beautifully mirrors Lily’s internal struggle to process and re-frame her experiences.

    Hand-Drawn Beauty and Atmospheric Sound

    Visually, the game is a feast for the eyes. Strayflux has crafted the world with a gorgeous hand-drawn aesthetic that gives every scene a soft, almost painterly quality. Each dream world Lily visits is distinct, reflecting different aspects of her life and trauma.

    Complementing the visuals is a peaceful, almost melancholy soundtrack, featuring over 20 original tracks. This rich audio-visual experience ensures that players are fully immersed in Lily’s emotional and mysterious world.

    Why You Should Be Excited

    • Innovative Puzzles: The swap and rotate mechanic offers a fresh take on the puzzle-platformer genre.
    • A Deeply Emotional Story: It tackles themes of grief, trauma, and acceptance with sensitivity and depth.
    • Stunning Art Direction: The rich, hand-drawn visuals are captivating and memorable.
    • Cosy Companion: Who doesn’t want an adventure with a flying turtle?

    “As I Began to Dream” is shaping up to be more than just a game; it’s an interactive piece of art that promises to tug at your heartstrings while stimulating your mind.

    “As I Began to Dream” is expected to be released on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch on November 19-20, 2025. A free demo is often available on Steam for those who want a sneak peek!

    Have you tried the demo or wishlisted the game? Let me know what you think about this unique puzzle mechanic in the comments below!

    As I Began to Dream – https://softsourcepublishing.com

    #AsIBegantoDream #Strayflux #SoftSource #puzzle #dreams #platformer #mysteriousdreamworld #portals #pcgames #steam #nintendoswitch #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • SISMO Games’ SKINWALKER: A Father’s Desperate Bargain in the Face of the Unspeakable

    SISMO Games’ SKINWALKER: A Father’s Desperate Bargain in the Face of the Unspeakable

    In the vast and often unsettling landscape of horror games, true innovation can be hard to find. Yet, every so often, a title emerges that promises to twist familiar tropes into something genuinely fresh and profoundly unsettling. Such is the case with SKINWALKER from SISMO Games, a title poised to deliver a unique blend of action, horror, and moral quandary.

    Published by the renowned Team17, SKINWALKER isn’t just another monster hunt; it’s a deeply personal journey into the heart of darkness, where the lines between hero and monster are irrevocably blurred.

    The Ultimate Sacrifice: A Gripping Premise

    The core narrative of SKINWALKER immediately grabs you. Players take on the role of a desperate father. His daughter is terminally ill, and conventional medicine offers no hope. In a last, desperate gamble, he enters into a pact with a formidable, captive creature: a Skinwalker. The bargain is simple, yet horrifyingly complex: the creature will cure his daughter, but in return, it demands its freedom. And to achieve that freedom, the father must become an extension of the beast itself.

    This isn’t just a story about good versus evil; it’s about the lengths a parent will go to for their child. It explores the terrifying question: what kind of monster would you become to save the one you love?

    Two Forms, Two Worlds: Gameplay That Demands Adaptability

    What truly sets SKINWALKER apart is its innovative gameplay mechanic that forces players to master two distinct forms:

    1. The Human Form:
      • Vulnerability: As a human, you are fragile and exposed. This is your form for stealth, exploration, and investigation. You’ll need to carefully navigate environments, gather resources, and uncover secrets without drawing unwanted attention.
      • Strategic Planning: This form emphasises tactical thinking. Every step, every decision, carries weight, as direct confrontation is often a death sentence.
    2. The Beast Form (The Skinwalker):
      • Raw Power: This is where the visceral, hack-and-slash action comes into play. Once you transform, you become a force of nature—agile, brutal, and capable of tearing through enemies.
      • Moral Weight: This is not a power fantasy without consequence. The very act of transforming and using this monstrous strength will likely have repercussions, both for the narrative and for the protagonist’s soul.

    The constant alternation between these two forms promises a dynamic gameplay loop. One moment you’re carefully observing your surroundings, the next you’re unleashing hell. It’s a dance between stealth and savagery, vulnerability and power, that will keep players on edge.

    Choices That Haunt You: The Narrative’s Dark Heart

    SISMO Games has indicated that the choices made within the game, particularly who you choose to kill in your beast form, will directly influence the narrative and lead to different endings. This isn’t just about good or bad choices; it’s about shades of grey.

    • Are you a precise instrument of the Skinwalker’s will, dispatching only those necessary for its freedom?
    • Or does the power corrupt, leading you down a path of indiscriminate violence?

    These are the kinds of questions that will linger long after you’ve put the controller down, making SKINWALKER less about surviving a monster and more about confronting the monstrous within.

    A Horrifyingly Beautiful World

    While details about the specific environments are still emerging, expect a world that is as atmospheric as it is dangerous. The horror in SKINWALKER looks to be more than just jump scares; it’s the profound unease of a world where ancient evil lurks, and where one man’s love for his daughter pushes him to unimaginable extremes.

    If you’re seeking a game that blends intense action with profound moral choices and a truly unsettling premise, keep your eyes peeled for SISMO Games’ SKINWALKER. It promises to be a haunting experience that will challenge your perceptions of what it means to be human—and what it means to be a monster.

    Skinwalker https://skinwalker-game.com/

    #Skinwalker #SismoGames #Team17 #games #gaming #gamers #Hacknslash #action #platformer #pc #xbox #playstation #horror

  • VR Giants: A Colossal Co-op Adventure You Need to Play

    VR Giants: A Colossal Co-op Adventure You Need to Play

    VR gaming is constantly looking for new ways to connect players, and one game has mastered the art of asymmetrical co-op: VR Giants. This inventive puzzle platformer doesn’t just put you in a virtual world; it makes you and a friend two sides of a singular, epic journey.

    Two Players, Two Worlds, One Goal

    At its heart, VR Giants is a two-player cooperative game with a fantastic twist:

    • The VR Player is Goliath, the Giant: Towering over the world, the VR player uses their body (yes, their actual body movement!) to act as a living part of the level. You’ll lift, shield, and create bridges with your hands and limbs to help your small companion. It requires active movement, making it a truly physical VR experience.
    • The Screen Player is David, the Tiny Hero: Controlled via a standard gamepad on the same PC (or through online features like Steam Remote Play Together), the screen player is agile and vulnerable. David’s job is to navigate the level, dodge environmental hazards like spikes and fire, collect coins, and, most importantly, activate switches to summon and move Goliath to new play areas.

    The core gameplay loop is a delightful blend of physical action and classic platforming. Goliath might have to hold his hand steady to create a temporary platform for David, or use his massive body as a shield against falling rocks. David, in turn, is the key to progress, collecting the necessary items and opening the way for the giant.

    The Magic of Asymmetrical Design

    What makes VR Giants truly special is the inherent contrast in roles. It’s a brilliant solution to the age-old problem of “VR isolation” where a friend can only watch you play. Here, the non-VR player is just as crucial, creating a hilarious and genuinely collaborative experience.

    Communication is paramount. You can’t just silently stomp your way through a level as Goliath; you need to coordinate with David, who has the ‘eyes on the ground’ perspective.

    The game takes you through diverse biomes—from icy landscapes to scorching lava caves—each introducing new mechanics. You even get different forms for Goliath, such as a Temporary Goliath who only exists as long as the button is held, or a Fire Goliath made of lava who must avoid touching David or any flammable wood objects! This adds layers of creative puzzle-solving to the adventure.

    A Must-Try for Co-op Fans

    With its original concept, engaging puzzles, and strong focus on teamwork and trust, VR Giants has been winning over players since its Early Access debut on Steam. Now, with its upcoming release on Meta Quest (allowing both players to potentially be in VR!), the adventure is set to become even more immersive.

    If you’re looking for a fresh, fun, and truly cooperative gaming experience to share with a friend, sibling, or partner, VR Giants is a colossal recommendation! Grab a friend, step into your respective roles, and get ready for one of the most inventive co-op platformers in recent memory.

    VR Giants https://vrgiants.com/

    #VRGiants #vr #vrgames #metaquest #games #gaming #gamers #RisaInteractive #coop #puzzle #platformer #adventure

  • Rogue Worlds free to play game launching on Steam

    Rogue Worlds free to play game launching on Steam

    If you are looking for some tactical, roguelite, platform and a bit of chaos thrown in for good measure, then the Rogue Worlds might be the game that you have been waiting for. This is a free-to-play game and players must get through each level by whatever means possible in order to conquer the Rogue Worlds, which will be launching on Steam on the 14th of May.

    To find out more about the Rogue Worlds game, go to the official game website here https://cognitiveforge.com/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/6mXRV

    #RogueWorlds #games #gaming #newgames #steam #scifi #Tactical #Roguelite #platformer #CognitiveForge #INDIEIO #academy #experiment #timespacecontinuum #indiegames

  • The Wind’s Path is now out on Steam

    The Wind’s Path is now out on Steam

    There is a new world to explore in The Wind’s Path game where players can control the wind in this top-down platform game. More than just controlling the wind players can fly to different worlds to find ruined civilisations, modern cities and much more, each world has its good and bad points. The ultimate goal is to work with an alchemist to find the lost shards that could cause a disaster. The Winds Path is available now on Steam.

    To find out more about The Wind’s Path game go to the official game website here https://endless-project.itch.io/winds-path or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/jfL3o

    #TheWindsPath #Steam #itchio #steamnextfest #games #gaming #EndlessProjectGames #platformgames #newgames #platformer #indiegame #godotengine #gameplay #steamdeck

  • Bionic Bay release date pushed back

    Bionic Bay release date pushed back

    The players waiting for the launch of the Bionic Bay game might be a little bit disappointed to hear that the release has been pushed back. However, it is not a disaster as the game will now be launching on the 17th of April, which is not a long way off and there will be a playable demo coming out on Steam soon. Bionic Bay is a science fiction platform game where players take on the role of a scientist trapped in a mysterious biomechanical world.

    To find out more about the Bionic Bay game go to the official game website here https://www.bionicbaygame.com or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/ct0Ow

    #BionicBay #Games #Gaming #NewGames #SciFi #Platformer #Mureena #PsychoflowStudio #DemoGame #PlayableDemo #Steam #BionicBayOnline #GameTrailer

  • INAYAH Life after Gods Play the demo now

    INAYAH Life after Gods Play the demo now

    Get into the strange world of INAYAH Life After Gods a hand-drawn 2D platform game that will blow player’s minds and push their gaming skills to the very limit! This is one of those games that is going to become the addictive game for players everywhere. The INAYAH game will be coming soon to PC and it will be launching on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation later this year.

    To find out more about the INAYAH game go to the official game website here https://www.inayahgame.com

    #INAYAH #GameDemo #INAYAHLifeAfterGods #LifeAfterGods #Games #Gaming #GameDev #IndieGame #metroidvania #platformer #ExoGenesis #PC #NintendoSwitch #Xbox #PlayStation