TECHMASH

Tag: #Playstation

  • Milestone launches free demo for Screamer, the arcade racing game

    Milestone launches free demo for Screamer, the arcade racing game

    If you miss the days of high-octane, loud, and unapologetic arcade racers, Milestone has some fantastic news for you. The Italian developer—mostly known for their simulation heavy-hitters like Ride and MotoGP—has officially released a free playable demo for Screamer, its neon-soaked, anime-infused combat racing game.

    Whether you play on console or PC, you can jump into the cockpit right now. The demo is available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via both Steam and the Epic Games Store).

    What is Screamer?

    For the veteran gamers out there, the name might ring a bell. Screamer is a radical modern reboot of the classic 1995 MS-DOS arcade racer. However, Milestone has ditched traditional retro styling in favour of a gorgeous, futuristic 1990s anime aesthetic (with cutscenes handled by the legendary Polygon Pictures) and mixed it with heavy vehicular combat.

    Set in the cyberpunk-esque city of Neo Rey, drivers compete in a brutal tournament where cars are fitted with something called the ECHO system. This mysterious tech turns racing into a literal fight, forcing players to juggle offensive and defensive mechanics while drifting around corners at breakneck speeds.

    What’s Included in the Free Demo?

    Milestone isn’t just giving us a simple time-trial. The free demo gives players a meaty taste of the early events of the main Tournament mode. Here is what you can expect:

    • Welcome to Neo Rey: Take your first laps through the bright, neon-lit streets of the Neo Rey tracks.
    • Single & Team Races: Experience both traditional solo placement matches and the chaos of Team Races, where protecting your allies and taking down rivals is just as important as crossing the finish line first.
    • The ECHO Combat System: Get hands-on with the game’s core mechanics. You’ll manage Sync to trigger your Boost and Shields, build up Entropy to unleash violent, combat-style Strikes, and max out your meters to trigger Overdrive—giving you temporary invincibility and instant-KO power on contact.
    • The Twin-Stick Handling: Test out Screamer’s unique handling model, which uses the left stick to steer and the right stick to drift, allowing for highly tactical, aggressive slides.

    Please Note: Only a select handful of characters, modes, and tracks are accessible in this trial version. Additionally, Milestone has confirmed that save data from the demo will not transfer over to the full game, so treat this purely as a proving ground to test your skills!

    Where to Download

    The Screamer demo is live right now. You can grab it directly from your platform’s respective digital storefront:

    • PlayStation 5: PlayStation Store
    • Xbox Series X|S: Xbox Games Store
    • PC: Steam / Epic Games Store

    If you’ve been looking for a game that plays like a glorious cross between WipEout, Blur, and a late-night Crunchyroll marathon, this is definitely one demo you shouldn’t pass up. Download it today and see if you have what it takes to survive the tournament!

    Have you taken the Screamer demo for a spin yet? Let us know your thoughts on the twin-stick drifting mechanics in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://bit.ly/PLAION_UK_YT

    #Milestone #freedemo #Screamer #arcade #racinggame #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam #techmash #gamingnews #videogames #games #gamers #gaming

  • ARK: Survival Ascended Drops Premium ‘Fantastic Tames Season 1’ Pack alongside Free Spider TLC

    ARK: Survival Ascended Drops Premium ‘Fantastic Tames Season 1’ Pack alongside Free Spider TLC

    Survivors, get ready to expand your stables. Studio Wildcard has officially launched Fantastic Tames Season 1, a brand-new premium creature pack for ARK: Survival Ascended.

    The pack is available right now across PC (Steam & Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for £8.39 / $9.99.

    Rather than just dropping a single dinosaur, this premium pack introduces three highly unique, mythical anomalies that defy nature to give your tribe game-changing tactical abilities. Here is everything you need to know about what’s available today and what’s coming later this year.

    Meet the Burrowbuck (Available Today!)

    Bounding into the game first is the Burrowbuck, a swift, rabbit-like creature designed entirely around guerrilla warfare, map control, and brilliant misdirection.

    If you are a solo player or part of a small tribe looking to stay off the radar, this is your new best friend. Key abilities include:

    • Underground Dens: Carve out hidden, bunker-like underground sanctuaries to hide your base or gear.
    • Gateway Tunnels: Open temporary portals for rapid, long-distance travel to quickly reposition or escape a bad fight.
    • Dust Clouds & Hazards: Kick up blinding dust clouds to disorient pursuers and leave behind concealed hazards for anyone foolish enough to follow.

    The Rest of Season 1 (Coming Later in 2026)

    Purchasing the Season 1 pack also guarantees you access to two massive frontline and stealth tames dropping later this year:

    • Cerberax (Q3 2026): A monstrous, three-headed frontline beast built for coordinated multi-rider combat. Up to three passengers can control individual heads, chaining together elemental attacks (fire, electricity, and corrupting force) into massive combo attacks.
    • Enigmasaur (Q4 2026): The ultimate master of disguise. This shadow-veiled creature can observe nearby animals, steal their forms, and instantly mimic their exact appearance and unique abilities.

    Free Bonus: The Araneo TLC Update Is Live!

    Even if you aren’t picking up the premium pack today, everyone gets a massive upgrade. Voted into development by the community during the Extra Life charity livestream, the classic Araneo spider has received a complete overhaul.

    No longer just a minor nuisance skittering on the cave floors, the Araneo is now the ARK’s premier ambush predator:

    • Wall & Ceiling Climbing: Fully revamped animations allowing spiders to scale walls, ceilings, and naturally spawn clinging to high ground.
    • Web-Line Descents: Drop vertically from shadows onto unsuspecting prey.
    • Web Ziplines & Grappling: Create traversable web paths across terrain or use web tethers to pull smaller targets into your jaws (or pull yourself toward larger ones).
    • The ‘Webbed’ Buff: Ranged attacks can toggle between damage or Torpor focus, applying a stacking debuff that cripples enemy movement, slows attack speeds, and stops sprinting/jumping entirely at maximum stacks.

    TechMash Verdict: ARK: Survival Ascended continues to make great use of Unreal Engine 5’s tech, and adding entirely unique gameplay mechanics like underground tunneling and multi-passenger elemental combat breathes fresh air into the meta.

    Fantastic Tames Season 1 and the free Araneo TLC patch are live right now. Grab your gear, update your client, and go claim the high ground!

    Find out more here – http://playark.com

    #StudioWildcard #FantasticTames #ARKSurvivalAscended #PC #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox #playark #techmash #n5dave #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #gamingnews

  • Back to the Boroughs: The Division 2 Drops Hype ‘Battle for Brooklyn’ Celebration Teaser

    Back to the Boroughs: The Division 2 Drops Hype ‘Battle for Brooklyn’ Celebration Teaser

    Agents, lock and load. It is time to secure your gear and head back to where the collapse originally began—well, almost.

    Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft have just unleashed a surprise “Battle for Brooklyn” Celebration Teaser Trailer for Tom Clancy’s The Division 2. Marking exactly one year since the game’s highly anticipated Brooklyn DLC expansion dropped in May 2025, this anniversary event promises to breathe some chaotic new life into the tactical looter-shooter.

    Whether you’re a hardened veteran who has been farming exotics for years or an agent looking for a reason to reactivate, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming celebration running from May 21 through June 4.

    What’s Packed into the Celebration Event?

    The new teaser trailer gives a fast-paced look at a city still very much on the edge, teasing fresh endgame challenges and plenty of tactical loot. Far from just a simple retrospective, the celebration brings tangible changes and rewards to the map.

    Here is the breakdown of what is dropping over the two-week event:

    1. The Brooklyn Celebration Event Pass

    Running for the duration of the event, a brand-new, Brooklyn-inspired Event Pass will be active. All agents can progress through the pass naturally by simply playing the game and earning Season XP.

    • The Loot: You’ll be able to unlock exclusive cosmetics, including outfits inspired by notorious New York bosses and factions like the LMB Boss, Danvers, the Cleaners Boss, and the infamous Rat Queen.
    • Premium Track: If you have 1,000 Premium Credits burning a hole in your stash, you can opt into the premium track for extra cosmetic rewards.

    2. A Deadly New Threat: The Phoenix Hunter

    Think Brooklyn is safe just because you cleared the mini-campaign last year? Think again. The teaser confirms that starting May 26, strange audio anomalies and new enemy activity have been detected beneath the city streets. Agents who dare to investigate will come face-to-face with a terrifying new Stalker: the Phoenix Hunter. Defeating this threat at the climax mission will reward players with the brand-new Whiplash Exotic Pistol, complete with a unique custom skin.

    3. The “Corrosive Shell” Global Event

    Starting May 26, things are going to get highly volatile. A new Global Event called Corrosive Shell will take over, fundamentally changing how you engage hostile factions:

    • Enemy factions will be protected by a purple aura called a Corrosive Shell, which deflects standard bullet damage.
    • To shatter the shell, you must hit them with Status Effects (Bleed, Burn, Blind, Ensnare, or environmental hazards).
    • Breaking the shell triggers a corrosive explosion. If you land the finishing blow on a corroded enemy, you will trigger Corrosive Momentum, granting a massive buff: +50% Weapon Damage, +25% RPM, +25% Status Effect speed, and +50% Reload Speed for 10 seconds.

    A Perfect Excuse to Re-Enter the Dark Zone

    When the Battle for Brooklyn expansion originally launched, it brought a lot of nostalgic charm but faced a somewhat mixed reception on Steam due to punishing solo balancing. This anniversary celebration looks like Massive’s way of refining the experience, offering powerful gameplay-loop modifiers like Corrosive Momentum to give players an absolute power trip.

    Alongside the in-game event, Ubisoft is also running a Twitch Drops campaign from May 21 to May 28, meaning you can score extra vanity items just by watching your favourite Division 2 streamers take on the new content.

    TechMash Verdict: With The Division 3 confirmed to be somewhere on the horizon, updates like this prove Massive Entertainment isn’t letting D.C. or New York fall anytime soon. Grab your squad, stack your Status Effect builds, and go hunt that Phoenix.

    The Division 2: Battle for Brooklyn Celebration event is live right now across PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S via backward compatibility).

    Are you ready to face the Phoenix Hunter, or has your Agent permanently retired from the field? Let us know your builds for the Corrosive Shell event in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/the-division/the-division-2

    #TomClancy #TheDivision #MassiveEntertainment #Ubisoft #PC #PlayStation #Xbox #techmash #n5dave #gamingnews #gamers #videogames #games #gaming

  • Kusan: City of Wolves coming to PC and Consoles July 30th

    Kusan: City of Wolves coming to PC and Consoles July 30th

    If you’ve been itching for a high-octane top-down shooter caked in neon, synth, and absolute brutality, lock your calendar for July 30, 2026.

    Publisher PQube and Korean indie developer CIRCLEfromDOT have officially announced that Kusan: City of Wolves is launching digitally for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch. For collectors who prefer their carnage tangible, physical boxed editions will also be hitting store shelves for the PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

    The Plot: A City-Grade Atomic Threat

    Set in the rain-soaked, neon-noir underworld of Kusan, players step into the combat boots of Jin, a former soldier turned veteran gun-for-hire. Jin’s latest job has just elevated from high-risk to catastrophic: he must protect Haru, a young girl who has been fitted with a city-grade atomic weapon.

    To save her and stop a conspiracy that threatens to reduce the entire metropolis to ash, Jin will have to cut a bloody swath through the city’s most ruthless, corrupt factions and criminal enterprises.

    [The Premise] -> Jin (Ex-Soldier) must protect Haru (Girl with an atomic weapon) 
              -> Fight through the corrupt neon-noir underworld of Kusan
              -> Launching July 30, 2026

    Gameplay: Hotline Miami Meets Cyberpunk Martial Arts

    At first glance, Kusan: City of Wolves wears its Hotline Miami inspirations proudly on its sleeve—complete with an anthropomorphic flair (featuring a panther-man protagonist with a robotic fist) and a blistering top-down perspective. However, Kusan differentiates itself by stepping up the mechanical depth.

    Rather than relying purely on scavenged weapons and one-hit-kill luck, Kusan gives players an incredibly versatile toolkit designed for aggressive, stylish performance.

    Key Combat Features:

    • The Quantum Blade & Prosthetic Fist: Dash through tightly designed arenas and slice through foes with lightning-fast sword strikes, or turn them into paste with your heavy-hitting mechanical arm.
    • Precision Gunplay: Chain gunfire seamlessly into your melee combos. Every bullet counts in this universe, and precision is rewarded over blind spraying.
    • Parries and Split-Second Dodges: Deflection and high-speed movement are core to survival. Time your parries perfectly to turn an enemy’s aggression against them.
    • 54 Hand-Crafted Stages: The game features 54 intense stages across multiple story chapters, each filled with skill-based challenges and environmental puzzles.

    A Sizzling Graphic Novel Presentation

    What truly makes Kusan: City of Wolves stand out is its aesthetic. The story is told through beautifully illustrated comic book cutscenes that boast heavy hip-hop energy and raw graphic novel grit.

    Better yet, these cutscenes don’t break the pacing. They transition seamlessly back into the top-down gameplay, keeping your adrenaline pumping as the electronic soundtrack pushes you from one arena to the next.

    Are you ready for the challenge? Perfectionists and high-score chasers can look forward to mastering the game’s ranking system, aiming for those elusive, flawless S-Ranks on every single stage.

    Play the Demo Today

    Can’t wait until July 30? You don’t have to go into the underworld completely blind. A free playable demo is currently available right now on PC via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox, allowing you to test your reflexes and sharpen your blade ahead of the mid-summer launch.

    Kusan: City of Wolves drops on July 30, 2026. Keep your eyes on TechMash for our full review closer to launch!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/1714510

    #CIRCLEfromDOT #PQube #KusanCityofWolves #PC #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #techmash #n5dave #gamingnews #games #videogames #gamers

  • Floating Islands and Flying Dragons: Driftland: The Magic Revival is Coming to Xbox and PS5

    Floating Islands and Flying Dragons: Driftland: The Magic Revival is Coming to Xbox and PS5

    Strategy fans, it’s time to look to the skies. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on a deep, unique fantasy strategy game without being chained to a PC desk, your patience is about to pay off.

    The acclaimed title Driftland: The Magic Revival is finally making its grand leap to current-gen consoles. Developed by the talented Polish indie studio Star Drifters (and brought to consoles via Ultimate Games S.A.), this innovative strategy gem is set to land very soon.

    Mark your calendars: Xbox Series X|S players can dive in on May 22, followed shortly by a PlayStation 5 release on June 12.

    What is Driftland: The Magic Revival?

    Already a favourite on PC with a highly respectable Steam rating, Driftland is not your run-of-the-mill strategy game. It elegantly mashes together three distinct genres: Real-Time Strategy (RTS), 4X empire-building, and god game mechanics.

    The game is set in a fractured fantasy world that has been utterly devastated by a catastrophic war between ancient mages. What’s left of the planet isn’t a solid continent, but a vast collection of floating islands drifting aimlessly through the sky.

    You step into the shoes of a powerful Mage Overlord. Starting with just a single castle on a tiny realm, your ultimate goal is to rebuild a thriving empire, restore balance to the shattered world, and wipe out anyone standing in your way.

    +-------------------------------------------------------------+
|                     DRIFTLAND AT A GLANCE                   |
+------------------------------+------------------------------+
| Developer: Star Drifters     | Genre: RTS / 4X / God Game   |
+------------------------------+------------------------------+
| Xbox Launch: May 22          | PS5 Launch: June 12          |
+------------------------------+------------------------------+

    Key Features to Get Excited About

    • Reshaping the World: Thanks to your immense magical powers, you aren’t just adapting to the terrain—you are actively moving it. Players can physically pull floating islands closer, connect them to expand their territory, and terraform the landmasses to suit their economy.
    • No More Tedious Micromanagement: If you hate babysitting individual units, Driftland has a refreshing solution. Instead of direct control, you set general goals and priorities for your units (like warriors, archers, and mages), and they will dynamically act on their own to achieve them.
    • Dragon Riders: Forget standard cavalry. In Driftland, your troops can tame and ride a variety of flying beasts, including massive dragons, leading to spectacular aerial warfare.
    • Deep Magic-Based Economy: Managing resources is tightly bound to a robust magic system, ensuring that your spellcasting and empire management go hand-in-hand.

    Optimized for Console Comfort

    Historically, adapting complex 4X and RTS games to a controller can be a clunky nightmare, but Driftland is uniquely suited for the transition. Because the core gameplay relies on setting high-level goals rather than frantic click-heavy micro-management, navigating the floating islands with a gamepad promises to be smooth and intuitive. Furthermore, the Xbox version is fully optimised for 4K Ultra HD and even includes keyboard and mouse support for those who prefer the classic layout.

    Whether you are looking to conquer the story-driven campaign or lose hours in custom skirmish modes, Driftland: The Magic Revival brings a genuinely fresh flavour of strategy to consoles.

    Keep your eyes on the digital storefronts—Xbox Series X|S players can start reshaping the world this week on May 22, while PS5 players can join the magical fray on June 12!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/718650

    #DriftlandTheMagicRevival #StarDrifters #RTS #4Xstrategy #godgame #Xbox #PlayStation #PC #techmash #n5dave #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #gamingnews

  • No Headset Required: Polyarc Announces ‘Moss: The Forgotten Relic’ for PC and Consoles

    No Headset Required: Polyarc Announces ‘Moss: The Forgotten Relic’ for PC and Consoles

    Great news for fans of gorgeous, narrative-driven adventure games: you will no longer need a VR headset to experience one of the most celebrated indie franchises of the last decade.

    Multi-award-winning independent studio Polyarc has officially dropped a teaser trailer for Moss: The Forgotten Relic. This brand-new, hand-crafted fantasy adventure is set to bring the critically acclaimed Moss universe to traditional “flatscreen” PCs and consoles for the very first time.

    Check out the official teaser announcement below to get your first look at this reimagined fable.

    The Definitive Moss Experience, Reimagined

    For the uninitiated, Moss tells the epic and heartfelt tale of Quill, a young, fiercely determined mouse with dreams of greatness. Up until now, her journey has been exclusively locked behind virtual reality headsets.

    Moss: The Forgotten Relic changes the game by uniting the narratives of both Moss and Moss: Book II, along with the Twilight Garden DLC, into a single, seamless, and beautifully enhanced experience.

    What is “Twofold” Gameplay?

    What made Moss a VR masterpiece was its dual-perspective gameplay, and Polyarc is ensuring that magic transitions perfectly to standard displays. Players will engage in “Twofold” gameplay:

    • Control Quill: Guide the tiny hero through environmental puzzles, platforming challenges, and tight, tactile combat.
    • Play as the Reader: Act as a giant, watchful guardian directly interacting with the living storybook world—moving massive obstacles, altering the environment, and aiding Quill from a god-like perspective.

    “Our team has a deeply personal connection with the world and characters of Moss,” says Danny Bulla, Co-Founder and Design Director at Polyarc. “With The Forgotten Relic, we’re excited to invite players into Quill’s journey to share the wonder, mystery, and heart at the center of Moss.”

    New Features Built for PC and Consoles

    Polyarc hasn’t just ported the game over; they’ve completely overhauled the mechanics to ensure it feels native to controllers and monitors.

    Modernised, platform-specific visual enhancements and optimised performance targets.What’s New in The Forgotten Relic
    Cinematics & CameraBrand-new handcrafted cutscenes and an intelligent “Smart Follow Camera” system designed for traditional screens.
    Visual PerformanceModernized, platform-specific visual enhancements and optimized performance targets.
    AccessibilityA brand-new “Skip Combat” option, perfect for players who prefer to focus solely on the atmospheric story and diorama-like puzzles.
    AudioThe return of the enchanting, award-winning orchestral soundtrack by acclaimed composer Jason Graves.

    When and Where Can You Play It?

    Boasting more than 160 awards and nominations, the Moss franchise is a verified modern indie classic. Bringing this world to traditional gaming platforms opens the door for millions of new players to fall in love with Quill’s story.

    Moss: The Forgotten Relic is slated for a Summer 2026 launch. It will be released on:

    • PC (Steam) — You can officially wishlist the game today!
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • Nintendo Switch (and the heavily anticipated Switch 2)

    Polyarc has noted that additional details will be revealed next month during IGN Live (June 6–8), so keep your eyes peeled for more gameplay footage and an exact release date soon.

    Are you excited to jump into the world of Moss without a headset, or are you a returning VR veteran looking to experience Quill’s journey all over again? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3914860

    #Polyarc #MossTheForgottenRelic #fantasy #adventure #PC #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #techmash #n5dave #videogames #gamingnews #gamers #games #gaming

  • Forging a Masterpiece: Blades of Fire Version 2.0 Out Now on the Epic Games Store!

    Forging a Masterpiece: Blades of Fire Version 2.0 Out Now on the Epic Games Store!

    The team at MercurySteam and 505 Games has officially unleashed Blades of Fire Version 2.0. For PC players who have been hacking, slashing, and carefully hammering out their destiny on the Epic Games Store, this massive, free title update drops a treasure trove of endgame content, brutal new challenges, and brilliant quality-of-life improvements.

    If you haven’t yet stepped into the boots of Aran de Lira—the last warrior capable of forging true steel in a dark fantasy world where metal turns to stone—there has literally never been a better time to jump in.

    Here is everything you need to know about what’s waiting for you at the anvil.

    What’s New in Version 2.0?

    MercurySteam has clearly been listening to the community. Version 2.0 builds beautifully on the game’s methodical, soulslike-adjacent combat and deep forging system, giving veteran smiths plenty of reasons to get back to work.

    1. New Game Plus & Titanium Difficulty

    Think you’ve mastered the deliberate, unforgiving weight of your custom blades? Think again.

    • New Game Plus: Restart Aran’s journey with your endgame progression and stats intact. To keep you on your toes, enemies now scale dynamically to your health, and you can uncover 27 exclusive NG+ forge statues to unlock brand-new weapon parts and skins.
    • Titanium Difficulty: This is for the true masochists. Enemies get an aggressive health and armour boost, a 20% damage hike, and bosses are rebalanced with incredibly strict timing-based mechanics. Recklessness will be punished.

    2. The Anvil Trials & Arcana Spells

    If you ever wanted to replay some of the game’s spectacular boss encounters without starting a whole new run, Boss Revival Mode (The Anvil Trials) is here. Face off against defeated story bosses in time-limited arena combat featuring fresh, upgraded boss mechanics.

    Beating these trials rewards you with medals that you can cash in with your companion, Adso. In return, he’ll grant you Arcana—ancient spells that apply powerful passive buffs directly onto your forged weapons, adding an entirely new layer to combat strategy.

    3. Elements Transmutation

    Tired of grinding for that one specific material to finish your dream build? The new Transmutation system allows you to directly convert your excess materials into any other resource at the forge, provided Aran has already discovered it during his travels.

    4. Graphic Upgrades & Crucial Features

    • NVIDIA DLSS4 Support: Experience smoother framerates and stunning visual fidelity while slicing through Queen Nerea’s abominations.
    • Expanded Gore: Enjoy richer death and mutilation variations, alongside smoother animation transitions for punchier combat.
    • Photo Mode: Capture the game’s gorgeous, melancholic dark fantasy vistas.
    • Full Key Remapping: PC players rejoice—mouse and keyboard controls are now fully remappable.

    The Best Feature of All: Yes, the rumors are true. You can finally pet the Ox in Version 2.0. Priorities, right?

    Grab the Free Add-Ons on Epic Games Store

    To celebrate this milestone, Epic Games Store players can also grab a suite of excellent digital goodies entirely for free as entitlements on the store page:

    • The Adventurer Pack: Unlocks the exclusive Iron Paladin and Lord of Steel outfits for Aran, the unique “Hammer Head” part for the Hyssop weapon, and bonus forging materials.
    • Digital Artbook: A stunning look behind the scenes at MercurySteam’s creature and world design.
    • Original Soundtrack: 20 incredible, sweeping tracks by award-winning composer Óscar Araujo.

    Verdict: Time to Return to the Anvil

    Blades of Fire has always stood out thanks to its unique mechanic, where you don’t just find loot—you commit to crafting it, physically hammering out the blade’s length, weight, and edge quality in a forging minigame.

    With Version 2.0, the game refines its pacing, adds crucial endgame replayability, and fixes several minor optimisation gripes from its initial launch. Head over to the Epic Games Store, download the free update, and go show Queen Nerea what true steel feels like.

    Have you braved the new Titanium difficulty yet? What’s your go-to weapon build? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://bladesoffire.com/en/

    #BladesofFire #action #adventure #MercurySteam #PlayStation #PC #Xbox #505Games #DigitalBros #techmash #n5dave #games #gaming #gamingnews #videogames

  • Marvel Rivals Season 8 Is Live: Cyclops and Devil Dinosaur Smash Into ‘Sins of Alchemax’

    Marvel Rivals Season 8 Is Live: Cyclops and Devil Dinosaur Smash Into ‘Sins of Alchemax’

    NetEase Games is keeping its foot firmly on the accelerator. Just as players were wrapping their heads around the chaos of Season 7, Marvel Rivals has officially dropped Season 8: Sins of Alchemax.

    The explosive new trailer gives us a gorgeous look at a high-stakes corporate conspiracy, brilliant comic-book narrative nonsense, and a couple of highly anticipated heroes joining the roster. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, prepare your hype meters—things are about to get wild in Nueva York (and Lower Manhattan).

    Check out the official trailer below, and let’s dive into everything coming in Season 8!

    The Story: Time Plagues and the “Punch Dimension”

    The narrative setup for Sins of Alchemax picks up right where the conflict with Mayor Fisk left off. While the Gilded Saint managed to purge the Time Plague from Lower Manhattan, the root of the problem is still pulsing over at the Alchemax Headquarters.

    The sinister mega-corporation is currently shielded by a mysterious crimson Chronovium forcefield. In true, glorious comic book fashion, this barrier is fueled by an extradimensional source of pure kinetic force. The twist? Alchemax has captured Moon Girl and Cyclops, using the X-Men’s leader as a literal battery because his optic blasts tap into the “Punch Dimension.”

    New Heroes: A Leader and a T-rex

    The biggest news out of the Season 8 trailer is the confirmation of two brand-new playable characters.

    • Devil Dinosaur (Vanguard): Sneakily teased back in Season 6 inside the Museum of Contemplation, the giant red dinosaur is finally breaking free. He joins the roster at launch as a massive, aggressive Vanguard (tank) hero. His kit is built around brute force, crowd control, and leaving enemies with bleeding status effects. His Ultimate transforms him into an unstoppable charging monster that can scatter enemy formations like bowling pins. (Bonus points: The lore confirms Moon Girl is in the story, but on the battlefield, even characters like The Punisher can hitch a ride on Devil Dinosaur!)
    • Cyclops (Strategist/Duelist): Scott Summers is officially entering the fray! Fresh off his massive pop-culture renaissance, the X-Men’s tactical leader has been highly requested since the game launched. According to developer roadmaps, Cyclops is slated to arrive just a bit later in the mid-season Season 8.5 update.

    New Maps and Esports Pushes

    Season 8 isn’t just about expanding the roster; it’s completely shifting the competitive landscape.

    • Alchemax Headquarters Map: Dropping on May 28th, this new Doom Match battleground takes players straight into the heart of the corporate beast. Expect high verticality and NetEase’s signature destructible environments as you fight to uncover Alchemax’s darkest secrets.
    • New York: Lower Manhattan Map: A fresh competitive arena is arriving to shake up the map rotation.
    • Marvel Rivals Ignite Stage 1: The esports scene is getting a massive injection of adrenaline. Starting May 21st, the preseason is officially over, and Stage 1 kicks off with a staggering $650,000 prize pool.

    Project: Heroic Age Battle Pass

    Alongside the seasonal narrative, the Season 8 Battle Pass—titled Project: Heroic Age—is now live. It features 10 brand-new, elite cyberpunk and high-tech cosmetics for fan-favourite heroes, including Black Widow, The Thing, Angela, Hela, Namor, and the newcomers.

    Marvel Rivals Season 8: Sins of Alchemax is officially live right now as a free-to-play title on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store).

    Are you maining Devil Dinosaur to stomp your way through the ranks, or are you saving your units for Cyclops’ arrival in Season 8.5? Let us know your thoughts on the trailer in the comments below!

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

    #SinsofAlchemax #MarvelRivals #Marvel #freetoplay #heroshooter #NetEaseGames #MarvelGames #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam #techmash #n5dave #gamingnews #videogames #games #gaming

  • Rock ‘n’ Roll Management RPG ‘ROCKBEASTS’ Snags Prestigious Tribeca Festival Nomination

    Rock ‘n’ Roll Management RPG ‘ROCKBEASTS’ Snags Prestigious Tribeca Festival Nomination

    Independent Polish studio LICHTHUND has hit a high note this week, announcing that their upcoming title, ROCKBEASTS, has been officially selected for the 2026 Tribeca Festival Games Program.

    Often seen as a bridge between high-concept cinema and interactive media, the Tribeca Festival is one of the most significant stages for narrative-driven entertainment. Being chosen as one of only 12 official selections worldwide, ROCKBEASTS is now eligible for the prestigious Tribeca Games Award—an honour previously held by indie darlings like Sable and Venba.

    What is ROCKBEASTS?

    Described as a “management-RPG with a grunge soul,” ROCKBEASTS transports players back to an alternative 1990s America. You take on the role of a band manager, steering a group of anthropomorphic animal musicians through the gritty, often brutal reality of the music industry.

    The game isn’t just about picking setlists; it’s about surviving the lifestyle. You’ll need to:

    • Manage Egos & Budgets: Balance the fragile temperaments of your artists while keeping enough cash for gear repairs and tour fuel.
    • Navigate the Narrative: Written by Jakub Szama?ek (the acclaimed writer behind The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077), the story promises a deep dive into the comedy and drama of the “sell-out” culture.
    • Relive the 90s: The visuals pay homage to the MTV era, specifically drawing inspiration from 90s animation icons like Beavis and Butt-Head and Daria.

    Soundtracked for Success

    It wouldn’t be a music RPG without a killer soundtrack. ROCKBEASTS features 17 original tracks inspired by the likes of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains. The music is performed by the band vgbt.pl, whose work has already earned nods from influential critics like The Needle Drop.

    “It’s a great reminder that there is still plenty of space in the market for ambitious and original independent games,” said Rafa? Zaremba, co-CEO & Executive Producer at LICHTHUND. “We’re incredibly excited that the organisers… have recognised the artistic direction of our game.”

    Where to Play It

    For those lucky enough to be in Manhattan this summer, ROCKBEASTS will have a playable demo at Pier 57 from June 10th to June 14th as part of the festival’s games gallery.

    For the rest of us, the road to superstardom begins soon. ROCKBEASTS is published by Team17 and is scheduled for release in 2026 on:

    • PC (Steam)
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • Nintendo Switch

    You can wishlist the game now on Steam to keep track of its journey from the garage to the main stage.

    Are you ready to deal with the drama of a grunge band, or would you rather stick to the safe side of the stage?

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

    #LICHTHUND #ROCKBEASTS #RPG #rocknrollband #TribecaFestival #PC #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #techmash #n5dave #gamingnews #videogames #gamers #gaming #games

  • Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters Kicks Off This August – Pre-Orders Now Live!

    Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters Kicks Off This August – Pre-Orders Now Live!

    Get your cleats ready! Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has officially announced that CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS will launch on August 28, 2026.

    The follow-up to the hit Rise of New Champions is bringing the high-octane “Super Action Soccer” back to consoles and PC, and it’s looking bigger and flashier than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the manga or just love over-the-top sports action, this looks like the summer blockbuster the pitch has been waiting for.

    From Continental Rivalries to the World Stage

    The new story trailer, which dropped alongside the announcement, sets the stage for Tsubasa Ozora’s most ambitious journey yet: the World Youth Championship.

    Players will guide Japan through gruelling qualifying rounds against powerhouse regional rivals like Thailand, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and China. Should you survive the qualifiers, the world stage beckons, featuring legendary encounters against giants like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Sweden.

    What’s New in World Fighters?

    Bandai Namco isn’t just rehashing the old playbook. World Fighters introduces several gameplay evolutions:

    • Massive Roster: Over 110 playable characters and 22 national teams.
    • Tactical Duels: A brand-new “Goalkeeper vs. Shooter” system makes blocking shots more strategic, allowing players to counter jaw-dropping super shots with meticulous timing.
    • Cinematic Flair: More than 150 new cutscenes highlight the iconic special moves on the pitch.
    • Original Oversight: The storylines have been supervised by the series creator, Yoichi Takahashi, ensuring an authentic experience for fans of the World Youth arc.
    • Legendary Sound: Tadayoshi Makino returns as sound composer with over 100 energised tracks, including the fan-favourite anthem “Moete Hero.”

    Pre-Order Details & Special Editions

    Digital pre-orders are officially open for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). If you’re looking to grab some extras, here is how the editions stack up:

    EditionKey Contents
    StandardBase Game + Pre-order Bonus Pack (2026 Japan Kit)
    DeluxeBase Game + Season Pass (3 DLC Character Packs) + Black Ball Customization
    UltimateEverything in Deluxe + 5 Additional Uniforms + Exclusive UI Themes

    Pro Tip: Pre-ordering any edition grants early access to the Brazil Youth Team and the “Moete Hero” BGM tracks!

    Launch Dates by Platform:

    • PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S: August 27, 2026
    • PC via Steam: August 28, 2026

    CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is shaping up to be the ultimate anime soccer experience. Are you ready to lead Japan to world glory?

    For more updates, keep it locked to TechMash.co.uk or visit the official Bandai Namco website.

    Will you be picking up the Ultimate Edition for those exclusive kits, or are you just here for the story? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://bnent.eu/CT2-preorder

    #BandaiNamcoEntertainment #CAPTAINTSUBASA2WORLDFIGHTERS #soccer #football #sports #events #techmash #n5dave #games #gamingnews #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch #PC

  • Patlabor Returns: Pre-orders Live for “The Case Files” on PS5

    Patlabor Returns: Pre-orders Live for “The Case Files” on PS5

    Mech fans, it’s time to suit up. Good Smile Company has officially opened pre-orders for the physical edition of Mobile Police Patlabor: The Case Files. Scheduled for a Summer 2026 launch on PlayStation 5 and PC, this marks a massive return for a franchise that has been largely quiet in the gaming world since the PSP era.

    Whether you’re a veteran of Special Vehicles Section 2 or a newcomer to the world of Labours, this 3D action title is shaping up to be a love letter to the series’ iconic history.

    Dual Perspectives and Iconic Mechs

    Mobile Police Patlabor: The Case Files isn’t just a simple retelling. The game allows players to experience the story from two very different angles:

    • Main Missions: Step into the boots of the SV2 to uphold the law.
    • Another Side Missions: Switch sides and play from the perspective of the forces opposing them.

    The roster is a “who’s who” of legendary mechs. You’ll be able to pilot over 20 different Labors, including the classic AV-98 Ingram, the menacing Type J9 Griffon, and the sleek Type Zero. If you want to hone your skills outside of the story, the Simulator Mode offers dedicated shooting exercises and Labour-versus-Labour combat.

    Physical Edition & Collector’s Bonuses

    For the collectors among us, the physical PS5 release comes with some serious perks:

    • First-Print Bonus: A physical soundtrack CD featuring 30 tracks, including the new theme “The Case Files” composed by the legendary Kenji Kawai.
    • Special Edition: This limited-quantity version includes an exclusive MODEROID Griffon (the Case Files Colour Ver.) model kit. This “White Griffon” variant is exclusive to the game and can only be secured via the Good Smile Company Online Shop.

    Trailer and Tech Specs

    Good Smile also dropped a new promotional trailer showcasing a revamped UI and a first look at the Simulator Mode in action.

    FeatureDetails
    PlatformsPlayStation 5, PC (Steam)
    Release WindowSummer 2026
    Genre3D Action
    Language SupportEnglish, Japanese, Chinese (Simp/Trad), Korean
    Mechanical DesignSupervised by Yutaka Izubuchi

    “Labors were developed for industry, but where there is technology, there is crime. The Special Vehicles Section 2 is the only thing standing between Tokyo and mechanical chaos.”

    If you prefer your gaming digital, you can already head over to Steam to add the game to your wishlist. For those after that limited-edition model kit, you’ll want to move fast—pre-orders for the Special Edition are open now but are strictly limited in quantity.

    Are you ready to pilot the Ingram again, or are you joining the ranks of the tactical opposition?

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3275400

    #GoodSmileCompany #MobilePolicePatlaborTheCaseFiles #PlayStation #PC #techmash #n5dave #videogames #gamers #gaming #games

  • Retro Revamp: Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark Hits PS4 and Switch this Summer!

    Retro Revamp: Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark Hits PS4 and Switch this Summer!

    Big news for the shmup community! Clear River Games, the specialists in bringing retro gold to modern hardware, has officially announced that Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark is heading to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on 29th August 2026.

    Developed by the emulation wizards at M2, this collection celebrates the “Shark” series from the legendary Japanese studio Toaplan—the games that essentially defined the vertical-scrolling shooter genre as we know it.

    What’s in the Box?

    This isn’t just a simple port; it’s a comprehensive archive of some of the most influential arcade shooters ever made. The base collection features six versions of these classic titles:

    • Flying Shark (Arcade – Worldwide version)
    • Sky Shark (Arcade – US version)
    • Hisho Same (Arcade – JP version)
    • Fire Shark (Arcade – Worldwide version)
    • Same! Same! Same! (Arcade – JP version)
    • Same! Same! Same! (Arcade – JP 2-Player version)

    Modern Features for Classic Gameplay

    While Toaplan games are notorious for their “rock-hard” difficulty, Clear River Games and M2 are making sure everyone can enjoy the carnage. The collection includes:

    • Super Easy Mode: Perfect for newcomers who want to experience the thrill without the game-over screen every thirty seconds.
    • Arcade Challenge & M2 Gadgets: For the veterans, these tools provide visual alerts for power-ups and “black spots,” helping you finally chase that elusive 1CC (One Coin Clear).
    • Online Leaderboards: Prove your worth against pilots globally.

    Bonus DLC and Physical Releases

    If six games aren’t enough, a DLC pack will also be available, adding seven additional titles, including the beloved arcade platformer Wardner and various console ports for the NES and SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive.

    In a fantastic move for collectors, Clear River Games has confirmed that a physical retail release will launch on the same day as the digital version.

    Pro Tip: If you already own any previous Toaplan Arcade Garage release, you’ll be able to download the 1991 match-five puzzler Teki-Paki for free!

    Whether you’re a grey-haired arcade veteran or a curious newcomer, 29th August is looking like a busy day for your thumbs. Keep it locked to TechMash for more retro updates!

    Are you planning to pick this up on Switch for portable play, or PS4 for the big screen experience?

    Find out more here – https://clearrivergames.com/toaplan-arcade-garage-flying-fire-shark.html

    #ClearRiverGames #retrogames #ToaplanArcadeGarage #FlyingFireShark #retroshootemup #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #techmash #n5dave #gamingnews #videogames #gamers #gaming