Techmash

Tag: #PlayableDemo

  • All Aboard! Unrailed 2: Back on Track is Steaming Toward a Full Launch

    All Aboard! Unrailed 2: Back on Track is Steaming Toward a Full Launch

    If you’ve ever experienced the frantic, friendship-testing chaos of laying down train tracks while the locomotive is already moving, you know that Indoor Astronaut doesn’t just make games—they make “organised mayhem.”

    After a wildly successful run in Steam Early Access, the Zurich-based studio has officially announced that Unrailed 2: Back on Track is preparing to leave the station for its full 1.0 release. Fresh off the heels of yesterday’s Nintendo Indie World Showcase, we finally have a clear roadmap for when this co-op gem will hit consoles.

    What’s New in the Sequel?

    While the core “don’t let the train crash” loop remains as addictive as ever, Unrailed 2 isn’t just a simple paint job. Indoor Astronaut has rebuilt the experience from the ground up to be deeper, faster, and much more customizable.

    Roguelite Progression: Unlike the first game, you can now permanently upgrade your character and your engine. Each failed run earns you rewards that make your next attempt a little less… explosive.

    Boss Fights & Biomes: The world is now split into distinct biomes, each ending with a daunting boss encounter. It’s no longer just about the terrain; you’ll have to defend your tracks from massive creatures and environmental hazards.

    Terrain Conductor Mode: This is the big one for the creative types. You can now build your own custom maps and share them with the community, ensuring the “endless” mode truly lives up to its name.

    8-Player Versus: For those who think four players aren’t chaotic enough, the sequel introduces a frantic 4v4 mode to see which crew is the ultimate rail-laying machine.

    The Performance Leap

    One of the most impressive feats Indoor Astronaut has pulled off is the technical overhaul. In their latest Update #6, the team transitioned to Godot 4.5.1, implementing full multithreading.

    For the tech-heads: the game now simulates the world on a separate CPU thread from the rendering, meaning even older hardware (like an integrated Intel HD 5000) can maintain a smooth 60 FPS. This optimisation is a clear sign that the studio wants Unrailed 2 to be playable on everything from high-end PCs to the most portable of handhelds.

    TechMash Tip: If you own a Nintendo Switch, there is a free playable demo available on the eShop right now. It includes the first biome and a boss fight, plus local 4-player co-op so you can test your friendships for free.

    Final Thoughts

    Indoor Astronaut has managed to take a simple, “one-more-track” concept and evolve it into a robust, content-rich sequel. Whether you’re playing solo with bots or diving into the 8-player madness, Unrailed 2: Back on Track is shaping up to be the definitive co-op experience of 2026.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for our full review when the 1.0 update pulls into the station this May!

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

    #IndoorAstronautStudio #NintendoIndieWorldShowcase #SteamEarlyAccess #Unrailed2BackonTrack #playabledemo #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – First Playable Demo Available Now!

    Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – First Playable Demo Available Now!

    Sharpen your quills and prepare your finest pigments—the wait is finally over. Yaza Games, the brilliant minds behind the award-winning Inkulinati, have just released the first playable demo for Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts.

    If you’ve ever looked at a medieval manuscript and thought, “This needs more snails in plate armour,” or “Why isn’t there a dog playing a lute here?”—this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

    What is Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts?

    In this cosy, creative sandbox, you step into the shoes of a medieval scribe. Your task is to run a flourishing manuscript workshop, fulfilling eccentric commissions for a kingdom obsessed with gossip, glory, and the occasional plague.

    Unlike its predecessor Inkulinati, which focused on turn-based strategy, Scriptorium is a pure celebration of art and humour. It’s a relaxing space where you can let your imagination run wild using assets inspired by authentic 12th–14th-century marginalia.

    What’s in the Demo?

    The demo, launched as part of Steam Next Fest (February 2026), offers a generous taste of the full Scribe experience:

    • Story Mode Snippet: Take over your uncle’s workshop and begin your journey as either the Pious Nun or the Gallant Knight. You’ll handle real commissions, trying to satisfy the bizarre tastes of your prestigious patrons.
    • Sandbox Mode: Total creative freedom. Access a library of over 300 hand-drawn assets (from the 1000+ planned for the full release) and decorate your parchment without the pressure of clients.
    • Pigment Creation: Experience the “alchemy of art” by growing flowers and gathering ingredients to mix your own colours—including the highly coveted gold leaf.
    • Workshop Decoration: Spend your hard-earned coin to customise your workspace with furniture, tapestries, and even a tiny dragon pet to keep you company.

    Why You Should Play It

    The charm of Scriptorium lies in its “no right, no wrong” philosophy. Whether you want to create a historically accurate masterpiece or a chaotic medieval meme, the game provides the tools to do so.

    The art style is breathtakingly authentic, capturing the vibrant colours and peculiar proportions of actual medieval works. Plus, the humour is delightfully “period-accurate”—expect plenty of cartoon bottoms and horses with human faces, just as the original monks intended.

    How to Play

    The Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts demo is available for free right now on Steam.

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: Full version coming later in 2026
    • Developer: Yaza Games
    • Publisher: Mythwright

    Don’t forget to wishlist the game if you enjoy the demo—it helps the developers immensely as they head into the final stretch of production!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/4zAB5

    #YazaGames #Mythwright #medievalmanuscriptworkshop #ScriptoriumMasterofManuscripts #SteamNextFest #artworks #playabledemo #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The straw, the sticks, and the bricks are ready—but is your team? WakaStudio are thrilled to announce that the Pigs and Wolf Public Demo is officially LIVE for the February 2026 Steam Next Fest!

    From February 23 to March 2, you can jump into our fresh, cooperative spin on the classic “Three Little Pigs” tale. Forget everything you knew about the bedtime story; this is a race for survival on four wheels.

    Build, Drive, Survive

    In Pigs and Wolf, you don’t just build a house; you build a moving wagon home. You and your friends must work together to fortify your mobile base while navigating a whimsical yet dangerous fantasy world.

    What to expect in the demo:

    • Co-op Chaos: Team up with friends in online co-op to manage resources and defenses.
    • Day/Night Cycle: Use the sunlight to gather materials and upgrade your wagon. When night falls, the wolf comes knocking.
    • Physics-Based Building: Every piece of your house matters. Dynamic destruction means one wrong move could leave you exposed!
    • A Moving Journey: You aren’t just sitting ducks. Navigate your house through unpredictable terrain to find your way back to the safety of the village.

    Event Details

    • What: Steam Next Fest February 2026 Edition
    • When: February 23 – March 2
    • Where: Available for free on our Steam Store Page

    The Developers Want Your Feedback!

    This demo is a huge milestone for the WakaStudio, and they want to hear from you. Whether it’s a bug you found or a feature you loved, your feedback helps us make the full game even better.

    “We wanted to create a multiplayer experience where fun is everything. Seeing players try to keep their wagon together while a wolf is literally huffing and puffing at their door is exactly the kind of joy we aim for.” — The WakaStudio Team

    Don’t wait until the wolf is at the door! Download the demo today, and if you enjoy the experience, add the game to your Steam Wishlist to stay updated on our journey toward full release.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/x99af

    #PigsAndWolf #WakaStudio #demogame #steamnextfest #survival #building #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #playabledemo #wolf

  • Wa Studio has officially launched the playable demo for Astrobuilder

    Wa Studio has officially launched the playable demo for Astrobuilder

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends deep economic simulation with the unpredictability of a living universe, this is your wake-up call.

    What is Astrobuilder?

    Set in the turbulent Neon River Galaxy, Astrobuilder isn’t just another space sim. It’s an AI-Native RPG where the universe evolves around you. You begin your journey aboard the Star of Reason, navigating a galaxy on the brink of collapse due to political unrest, shifting trade routes, and looming interstellar conflict.

    Key Features at a Glance

    • A Living Galaxy: Explore over 160 planets populated by more than 600 AI-driven NPCs.
    • Dynamic NPCs: Forget rigid scripts. Using a proprietary hybrid AI system, NPCs have their own memories, goals, and shifting loyalties.
    • Trade & Power: Rise from a rookie trader to a galactic tycoon, manipulating supply routes and influencing faction politics.
    • Tactical Combat: Engage in spaceship battles where the AI adapts to your moves, ensuring no two encounters feel the same.

    Why the “AI” Tag Matters Here

    We know “AI” can be a polarising word in gaming right now. However, Wa Studio—a team featuring veterans from industry giants like Tencent—is clear about their approach:

    “Astrobuilder uses human talent and artistry to build its world and game design, then uses AI NPCs to create a fully dynamic, persistent universe that reacts to the player.”

    Essentially, the AI isn’t replacing the creators; it’s replacing the “static-ness” of traditional NPCs to create emergent storytelling. Your choices don’t just trigger a different ending; they ripple through the economy and faction relationships in real-time.

    Play the Demo Today

    The demo is available right now on Steam for the duration of Next Fest. It offers a hands-on look at the core trading networks, faction politics, and the beginning of the narrative arc.

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Demo Window: Feb 23 – March 2, 2026
    • Full Release: Expected Q1 2026

    The Neon River Galaxy is waiting. Will you be the merchant who stabilises the economy or the rogue who sparks a galactic trade war?

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

    #WaStudio #playabledemo #Astrobuilder #scifi #strategy #RPG #SteamNextFest #AINative #spaceexploration #spacecraft #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    In an industry often dominated by high-octane spectacle and relentless pacing, Florent “Salty” Martinais is inviting players to take a deep breath.

    After months of dedicated development, Salty is thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on his debut title: What Surrounds Us. This isn’t just a game; it’s an atmospheric journey into the delicate relationship between a protagonist and their environment.

    A Vision of Atmosphere

    For Salty, the path to release has been one of meticulous craft. Known in the community for his keen eye for detail and tonal consistency, he has built What Surrounds Us to be an experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

    “I wanted to create something that felt lived-in,” Salty says. “A world where the silence speaks as loudly as the dialogue.”

    What to Expect

    While many details remain for the player to discover, the core pillars of the experience are clear:

    • Environmental Storytelling: Every shadow and discarded object tells a piece of a larger, haunting puzzle.
    • A Distinct Aesthetic: A hand-crafted visual style that balances beauty with a sense of underlying tension.
    • Reflective Gameplay: Mechanically, the game rewards those who slow down and observe rather than those who rush to the finish line.

    The Road Ahead

    This announcement marks a major milestone for Martinais. Moving from concept to a tangible, playable reality is a gruelling process for any developer, but the passion behind What Surrounds Us is evident in every frame.

    The debut of this project signals the arrival of a new voice in the indie scene—one that isn’t afraid to let the player sit in stillness.

    FeatureHighlight
    DeveloperFlorent “Salty” Martinais
    GenreAtmospheric Adventure / Exploration
    FocusNarrative depth and environmental immersion
    StatusOfficially Announced

    Stay Tuned

    As development enters its next phase, expect more deep dives into the mechanics and the lore that defines this world. Salty is just getting started, and if What Surrounds Us is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/P0yMi

    #FlorentSaltyMartinais #WhatSurroundsUs #SteamNextFest #playabledemo #puzzles #adventure #floraandfauna #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames

  • The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The 2026 Convergence Games Showcase just gave us a deep dive into one of the most atmospheric indie titles on the horizon: Echoes of Mora. Developed by the Berlin-based all-female team at Selkies Interactive, this title is being described as the “emotional lovechild of Subnautica and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture.”

    If you missed the stream, here is the breakdown of the story and world revealed during the showcase.

    The Premise: A Village Lost to the Waves

    The story of Echoes of Mora centres on a tragedy already in motion. You play as an investigator diving into the depths of a mysterious lake that has swallowed a once-vibrant village. Your primary goal is to assist a young girl named Mora, whose brother disappeared near a “cursed violet lake” just before the waters rose.

    Key Story Elements Revealed:

    • The Sibling Bond: The emotional core of the game is Mora’s desperate quest to find her brother. You aren’t just a silent observer; you are her partner across time.
    • The Rising Tide: As the lake’s water level rises, the village is slowly obliterated. The showcase revealed that your actions might actually hold the key to averting the flood entirely.
    • The Echoes: These are time portals that allow you to witness the village before the tragedy. You’ll overhear villagers’ conversations, find hidden objects, and gather the clues necessary to understand what happened to the missing boy.

    Mechanics: Ripples Through Time

    The showcase emphasised that Echoes of Mora isn’t a “survival” game in the traditional sense—there are no oxygen meters to stress over. Instead, the focus is on narrative investigation.

    FeatureDescription
    Time-BendingUse “Echoes” to jump between the sunken present and the vibrant past.
    Shaping FateShare clues with Mora in the past to influence her decisions and the village’s future.
    VR ImmersionFeatures a natural, arm-based swimming mechanic (though it is fully playable on flatscreen too).
    Environmental PuzzlesSolve mysteries by interacting with the architecture of the village in both time periods.

    Why It’s Buzzing

    The trailer highlighted a “dreamy, simulated realism” style that contrasts the eerie, murky depths of the sunken ruins with the warm, sun-drenched beauty of the village’s past. By bridging these two eras, the game creates a haunting sense of nostalgia and urgency.

    “Every interaction in the past ripples forward. You aren’t just uncovering the truth; you’re deciding the ultimate fate of the village.” — Convergence Showcase Narrative Highlight

    Release Info

    Mark your calendars: Echoes of Mora is officially launching on April 29, 2026.

    It will be available on PC and PC-VR (supporting Meta Quest and SteamVR). If you can’t wait until April, a playable demo is currently available on Steam, covering about one-third of the game’s world, including the forest and Mora’s house.

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

    #SelkiesInteractive #underwateradventure #EchoesofMora #ConvergenceShowcase #playabledemo #Steam #PC #PCVR #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #VRGames #videogames

  • Drop the Needle: Wax Heads Brings the Cozy-Punk Vibe to PC and Consoles this May

    Drop the Needle: Wax Heads Brings the Cozy-Punk Vibe to PC and Consoles this May

    Dust off your turntables and get your crates ready! Wax Heads, the highly anticipated “cosy-punk” record shop simulator, has officially set its release date. Indie developer Patattie Games and publisher Curve Games have announced that the game will be spinning onto PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on May 5, 2026.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the corporate grind to work in a legendary (if slightly struggling) indie record store, this is the digital getaway you’ve been waiting for.

    What is “Cosy-Punk,” Anyway?

    Wax Heads carves out its own niche by blending the chill, low-stakes energy of a cosy sim with the edgy, hand-drawn aesthetic of a classic underground comic. You step into the shoes of the newest hire at Repeater Records, a shop run by Morgan—a former 80s rock star who’s had a messy falling out with her past.

    The gameplay is a satisfying mix of narrative deduction and puzzle-solving:

    • The Vibe Check: Customers come in with vague, emotional requests like, “I need something that sounds like a rainy Tuesday in London but with more distorted guitars.”
    • The Hunt: You’ll dig through bins, flip over LPs to check tracklists, and pore over liner notes to find the perfect match.
    • The World: With over 80 hand-drawn records and 60+ unique characters, every interaction feels like a piece of a larger story about community and the “underdog spirit.”

    Key Features to Watch For

    FeatureDetails
    Original Soundtrack30+ original songs created by the devs and their friends.
    Visual StyleA vibrant, “Scott Pilgrim-esque” comic book art style.
    Side GigsDesign gig posters, run stage lights, and even manage virtual pets.
    The JukeboxA fully interactive music system to set the mood while you work.

    Why We’re Excited

    In a world of digital streaming and infinite algorithms, Wax Heads is a love letter to the physicality of music. It’s about the joy of rummaging through a bin and finding that one life-changing album. It feels less like a management sim and more like a “detective game for music nerds.”

    “We want to celebrate and reignite the passion that is discovering music in a physical space. To recapture the joy of rummaging through albums… an album to cry to, a new band to call your own.”

    — Murray Somerwolff, Creative Director at Patattie Games

    Mark Your Calendars

    Wax Heads officially drops on May 5, 2026. Can’t wait that long? A demo is currently available on Steam, giving you a taste of the first few hours at Repeater Records.

    Whether you’re into Scandinavian metal or bubblegum pop, there’s a slot in the racks waiting for you.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/cT13M

    #WaxHeads #PatattieGames #CurveGames #PC #consoles #punk #shopsim #playabledemo #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The wait is over—the Obsidian Moon playable demo is officially LIVE!

    The wait is over—the Obsidian Moon playable demo is officially LIVE!

    Step into a world of shadows, mystery, and fast-paced combat/atmospheric puzzles. We’ve been working hard to bring this vision to life, and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on it.

    We want to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your favourite moments or any feedback you have. Let’s make this journey even better together.

    “Steam Detective Fest felt like the perfect moment to let players get their hands dirty,” said Yannis Antonakakis, Game Director at Lost Cabinet Games.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/ryWO8

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #ObsidianMoon #IndieDev #GamingNews #PlayableDemo #IndieGame #LostCabinetGames #SteamDetectiveFest

  • The Mars Attracts game demo is here

    The Mars Attracts game demo is here

    The aliens are here and once again they are causing havoc for the earthlings in Mars Attracts the theme park management game with an alien twist. Those Martians are setting up a theme park where the humans that have been abducted will now be the star attractions for the visitors to the park. Players are in charge of the park, they must make money and in order to do so they will need to come up with new attractions so the humans must be pushed to their limits and beyond, The Mars Attracts playable demo is available now and the game will be released in Early Access on Steam in 2025.

    To find out more about the Mars Attracts game go to the official game website here https://www.marsattracts.com/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/hTxRZ

    #MarsAttracts #Mars #games #gaming #gamedemo #steam #playabledemo #earlyaccess #themeparkmanagement #Outlier #scifi #martians #aliens #ufo #invasion #newgames

  • 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

  • Rise of Elements is now live on Kickstarter

    Rise of Elements is now live on Kickstarter

    The first game from the Wicked Fox Games studio the Rise of Elements can be found on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter where it has already seen some action from interested people who have pledged to help the project reach its target. The game is what we would call a role-playing game with puzzles and a choice of champions. Of course the great thing about pledging on Kickstarter is that you get perks and the more that you pledge the better the perk is, so what are you waiting for?

    To find out more about the Rise of Elements game go to the official game website here wickedfoxgames.com or go to the games page on Kickstarter here https://shorturl.at/cJMV2

    #RiseofElements #WickedFoxGames #Crowdfunding #RPG #PuzzleGame #PlayableDemo #Steam #PvP #Games #Gaming #Kickstarter #TrishaHershberger