TECHMASH

Tag: #RetroGaming

  • Get Ready to Form Geppy-X! Bliss Brain Drops Hype Countdown Trailer Ahead of Worldwide Launch

    Get Ready to Form Geppy-X! Bliss Brain Drops Hype Countdown Trailer Ahead of Worldwide Launch

    Mecha fans and retro gamers, synchronise your watches! Bliss Brain has officially kicked off the final week of anticipation by releasing a spectacular 7-day countdown trailer for 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X.

    This cult-classic 1999 PlayStation treasure is finally breaking out of its Japan-exclusive vault. It is officially launching worldwide on July 16, 2026, bringing its high-flying, retro-infused side-scrolling shooter madness to every major modern platform.

    Check out everything you need to know about this fully remastered, playable anime broadcast before it drops.

    A Playable 70s Anime Experience Sourced From Master Tapes

    Geppy-X isn’t just a video game that takes style cues from old-school giant robots—it is structurally built like an authentic 1970s super robot television broadcast. When you play, you will experience the complete retro TV package: opening theme songs, commercial breaks, mid-episode eyecatches, and “next time on…” previews.

    Originally spanning a massive four discs back on the original PS1, this remastered edition from Bliss Brain and developer Implicit Conversions has been meticulously preserved.

    • Betacam Master Tape Audio & Video: Digitised directly from the original production tapes.
    • 24 Frames Per Second: The beautifully hand-drawn animations have been fully restored to their original broadcast fluidity.
    • Classic vs. Modern Toggle: In a massive win for video game preservation, you can seamlessly swap between the newly upscaled HD animation and the raw, untouched original movie versions.

    Three Forms, No Mercy: The Gameplay Breakdown

    At its core, Geppy-X is a fast-paced 2D arcade side-scrolling shoot-’em-up. To defend Earth from the invading Space Demon Empire, you will take control of three young pilots operating a transforming mecha. Success relies on switching between three distinct tactical forms in real-time:

    Mid-Season Evolution: True to the tropes of 70s anime, the machine will undergo a mid-game evolution into the devastating Geppy-XX, unlocking entirely new weapon sets!

    Modern Features Meet Legendary Voice Talent

    While the original arcade challenge remains intact, Bliss Brain has added essential modern quality-of-life upgrades to make piloting a breeze:

    • Rewind Function to fix minor slip-ups.
    • Quick Save and Rapid Fire options.
    • CRT Filters for that authentic, glowing cathode-ray tube nostalgia.

    To top it all off, the game features voice work from legendary late-90s voice actors (including Akira Kamiya and Sh? Hayami) and a roaring soundtrack with original recordings by classic anime theme artists like Hironobu Kageyama and Isao Sasaki.

    Launching Everywhere July 16!

    Whether you want to challenge the movie-style boss rush mode, unlock alternate timeline scenarios, or just blast through the campaign, the definitive version of 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X lands on July 16, 2026.

    You can grab it next week on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, the Microsoft Store, and PC via Steam.

    Are you ready to defend Earth? Let us know in the comments below which Geppy form you’ll be maining!

    Find out more here

    #GeppyX #BlissBrain #RetroGaming #MechaAnime #SuperRobot #GamingNews #Shmup #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #Xbox #Steam

  • Unmasking the Hype: Why Steam is Obsessed with Verho – Curse of Faces

    Unmasking the Hype: Why Steam is Obsessed with Verho – Curse of Faces

    If you are a fan of old-school dungeon crawlers, unforgiving atmosphere, and punishing combat, you’ve likely noticed a certain dark fantasy title dominating your Steam recommendations lately. Developed by Polish indie studio Kasur Games and brought to life by publisher CobraTekku Games, Verho – Curse of Faces has quietly become one of the most talked-about cult hits in the indie RPG space, earning a stellar “Very Positive” rating from players.

    Here is why this atmospheric gem is captivating gamers and why you need to step into the grim world of Yariv.

    The Ultimate Tribute to King’s Field and 92-Era Gaming

    For years, fans of FromSoftware’s precursor to Dark Souls—the legendary King’s Field series—have been starved for a true spiritual successor. Verho – Curse of Faces steps beautifully into that void.

    Rather than chasing modern photorealism, the developers deliberately embraced a low-poly, 32-bit aesthetic. With its raw textures and eerie, claustrophobic level design, the game perfectly captures the nostalgic, oppressive charm of the original PlayStation 1 era. It’s a love letter to the 90s that relies on atmospheric tension rather than cheap jump scares.

    A World Where Faces Equal Death

    The narrative hook of Verho is as compelling as it is bleak. The world of Yariv has been ravaged by the Curse of Faces, a catastrophic phenomenon where revealing one’s bare face results in instant death. To survive, humanity hides behind unique, crafted masks.

    Flex your Playstyle with Dynamic Masks

    In a brilliant gameplay twist, your masks aren’t just for survival—they dictate your entire build. Verho completely ditches rigid class restrictions in favour of total freedom:

    • The Melee Juggernaut: Don heavy armour masks to tank hits and deliver brutal, slow-swinging strikes.
    • The Agile Duelist: Swap to lightweight masks built for speed, parrying, and quick counter-attacks.
    • The Mighty Mage: Channel devastating elemental spells to keep the horrors of Yariv at a distance.

    Because you can switch up and specialise your character on the fly, the build variety gives the game massive replay value, something Steam reviewers have praised heavily.

    From PC Cult Hit to Consoles

    Having already taken Steam by storm with regular content expansions—including a massive New Game Plus update—the dark fantasy RPG is about to reach a whole new audience.

    Mark your calendars: Verho – Curse of Faces is officially coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on July 30, 2026.

    The console launch will land alongside a brand-new content update, meaning there has never been a better time to discover what lies beneath the mask. If you’ve been looking for a challenging, retro-fueled dark fantasy nightmare to lose yourself in, your quest ends in Yariv.

    Verho – Curse of Faces is available now on PC via Steam and GOG, with console versions launching later this month for £20.99 / $24.99.

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #IndieGames #RPG #DarkFantasy #VerhoCurseOfFaces #RetroGaming #SteamGames #TechMash

  • Wario, Puzzles, and Nostalgia: Nintendo Classics Drops Major July 2026 Update!

    Wario, Puzzles, and Nostalgia: Nintendo Classics Drops Major July 2026 Update!

    The summer heat isn’t the only thing sizzling this July. Nintendo has just dropped its latest bi-monthly Nintendo Classics update for Nintendo Switch Online (NSO), and if you are a fan of handheld retro goodness, you are in for an absolute treat.

    Whether you’re playing on your trusty original Switch or rocking the glorious new Nintendo Switch 2, this month’s drop leans heavily into Game Boy nostalgia, a massive win for Wario fans, and a double dose of puzzle addiction.

    Let’s break down everything that just landed on the service!

    Game Boy Library (Standard NSO Tier)

    For standard NSO subscribers, three distinct flavours of portable history have been added today. There is an absolute heavyweight headlining this trio:

    Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

    Forget being the side antagonist—1994 was the year Wario officially stole the spotlight. While technically a “threequel” to Super Mario Land, this game threw Mario to the wayside and established Wario as a greedy, shoulder-bashing antihero. You’ll explore Kitchen Island, hunt down hidden treasure chests, and use power-ups like the Jet Pot and Dragon Pot to secure enough gold to build a massive castle. Thanks to this update, the Switch ecosystem is officially the definitive home for Wario fans.

    The Sword of Hope II

    If you’re looking for a deep, retro RPG fix, Kemco’s 1992 classic is a fascinating addition. It’s a traditional, first-person dungeon-crawler RPG wrapped in an old-school adventure game format. It’s got a bit of that classic 90s jank, but it’s a stellar piece of history for true RPG completionists.

    Fortified Zone

    Ever wondered what The Legend of Zelda would look like if you swapped Link’s Master Sword for an assault rifle? Jaleco’s Fortified Zone is a top-down, action-packed shooter where you navigate a massive military complex, swap characters on the fly, and blast through waves of enemies. It’s snappy, tough, and oddly addictive.

    Game Boy Advance Library (NSO + Expansion Pack Tier)

    For those on the Expansion Pack tier, Nintendo has resurrected a legendary handheld double-feature that is bound to destroy your free time.

    Dr. Mario & Puzzle League

    Technically two incredible games in one cartridge, this GBA relic features gorgeous spritework and perfectly refined puzzle gameplay. On one hand, you get the vitamin-dropping, virus-busting chaos of Dr. Mario. On the other hand, you get the frantic, block-swapping intensity of Puzzle League (perfectly optimised for handheld play). Consider this a public health warning: your battery life will suffer because of this drop.

    (Bonus note: If you happen to be playing on a Japanese account, Nintendo swapped this double-pack out for AlphaDream’s cult-classic GBA RPG, Tomato Adventure—the literal predecessor to the Mario & Luigi series!)

    The Verdict: A Great Summer for Retro Heads

    Following the hype of Donkey Kong 64 hitting the N64 app recently, this handheld-focused July drop balances the library beautifully. While we are still patiently waiting for Nintendo to drop the next batch of GameCube titles for the Switch 2, filling out the Game Boy and GBA libraries with top-tier gems like Wario Land keeps the NSO value proposition incredibly high.

    The update is live right now. Update your apps, dust off your digital cartridges, and let us know in the comments which one you’re booting up first!

    Find out more here

    #Nintendo #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #RetroGaming #WarioLand #GameBoy #GBA #NintendoClassics #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Do a Barrel Roll! Tetris 99 55th MAXIMUS CUP Takes Flight with Star Fox Cross-Over

    Do a Barrel Roll! Tetris 99 55th MAXIMUS CUP Takes Flight with Star Fox Cross-Over

    If you thought the battle royale chaos of Tetris 99 couldn’t get any more intense, it’s time to check your radar. Nintendo has officially dropped the gameplay trailer for the Tetris® 99 – 55th MAXIMUS CUP, and this time, the iconic puzzle arena is crossing streams with the legendary Star Fox franchise!

    The latest trailer gives us a hyper-focused look at the high-stakes world of competitive puzzling, proving that survival in the arena requires both the reflexes of an elite pilot and the cold calculation of a tactical mastermind.

    Check out everything you need to know about the upcoming event below.

    The 55th MAXIMUS CUP Gameplay Trailer Breakdown

    The new trailer highlights the brutal, fast-paced momentum management that defines Tetris 99 at a competitive level. Visually, the event features striking, bright Tetrimino colours biting into a darker, space-themed arena backdrop designed to keep your focus locked in. The sound design completely leans into the crossover, matching line clears, garbage sends, and player eliminations with crisp, classic Star Fox audio cues.

    The core takeaway from the footage is a major emphasis on strategic aggression. It isn’t just about clearing your own board anymore; the trailer demonstrates how top-tier players will need to deliberately target opponents, timing their garbage lines to disrupt rivals and force devastating chain reactions.

    Event Details & How to Unlock the Star Fox Theme

    The goal of the 55th MAXIMUS CUP is simple: play online, survive, and collect points. Once you accumulate 100 event points, you will permanently unlock a custom Star Fox theme featuring exclusive artwork, music, and custom-designed Tetriminos.

    • Start Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00 AM PT / 3:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM BST
    • End Time: Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT (July 14 at 2:59 AM ET)
    • Requirement: An active Nintendo Switch Online membership and an internet connection.

    TechMash Tip: You don’t need to be a esports pro to get the reward! Points are awarded based on your final placement in each match. While a victory royale will net you the theme immediately, simply consistently participating over the weekend will steadily push your point total to 100.

    Whether you are a seasoned Tetris 99 veteran or a Star Fox fan looking to expand your collection of crossover designs, this weekend’s cup promises to be a disciplined test of precision, sequencing, and adaptability under pressure. Fire up your Switch, clear your queue, and get ready to defend the Lylat System… one block at a time.

    What do you think of the new Star Fox crossover theme? Let us know your high scores in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Tetris99 #MaximusCup #StarFox #NintendoSwitch #GamingNews #NintendoSwitchOnline #Tetris #RetroGaming #TechMash

  • The 1996 Retro Illusion That’s Capturing the Indie Scene

    The 1996 Retro Illusion That’s Capturing the Indie Scene

    At first glance, Sparky Rush: Purrils in Pawsville! Looks like just another childhood game from 1996. You boot it up expecting the familiar, comforting warmth of a classic 16-bit or early 32-bit era platformer. You play as Sparky, a bright-eyed, heroic dog on a seemingly wholesome mission to save his kidnapped friends from the clutches of mischievous felines.

    The vibrant pixel art, the bouncy chiptune soundtrack, and the simple “jump-and-collect” mechanics immediately trigger a wave of pure Saturday-morning-cartoon nostalgia.

    But don’t let the bright colours and wagging tails fool you. As you dig deeper into Pawsville, you’ll quickly realise that Sparky Rush is masking something much more brilliant, challenging, and modern beneath its retro hood.

    A Nostalgia Trip with a Modern Twist

    What starts as a straightforward rescue mission rapidly evolves. The developers have masterfully used the “90s mascot platformer” aesthetic as a canvas for subverting player expectations.

    While the controls feel as tight and responsive as the best games of the era, the level design introduces clever, mind-bending puzzles and modern physics mechanics that simply wouldn’t have been possible on a 1996 console. The “Purrils” you are fighting against aren’t just simple AI enemies with basic patrol patterns; they employ clever tactics that will force you to rethink your approach to every stage.

    Why It’s Worth Your Time

    • Deceptive Depth: The narrative and world-building take unexpected turns. What starts as a simple “save your friends” plot drops subtle clues and lore that hint at a much larger, surprisingly engaging world.
    • Pixel-Perfect Execution: The art style isn’t just a cheap retro filter. It features gorgeous, fluid animations and a dynamic lighting system that breathes life into Pawsville.
    • The “Just One More Try” Factor: The difficulty curve is perfectly tuned. It respects the challenging nature of 90s gaming without the frustrating, unfair lives-system limitations of the past.

    Sparky Rush: Purrils in Pawsville! is a brilliant love letter to the golden age of gaming, wrapped in modern sophistication. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast looking to recapture the magic of 1996 or a modern gamer looking for a tight, inventive platformer, Sparky’s adventure is absolutely worth the download.

    Have you explored the secrets of Pawsville yet? Let us know your thoughts on this deceptive retro gem in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SparkyRush #PurrilsInPawsville #IndieGames #RetroGaming #GamingNostalgia #Platformer #TechMash #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming

  • Shhh… It’s Console Time! Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence Lands on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    Shhh… It’s Console Time! Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence Lands on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    If you’ve been craving a bite-sized, atmospheric mystery that throws it back to the golden age of 90s graphic adventures, it’s time to put your sleuthing hat on.

    Following a successful stint on PC, developer Making Enemies and publisher DevilishGames have officially brought their dark, pixel-art point-and-click thriller, Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence, to consoles!

    You can now unravel the secrets of the abbey on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

    What is Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence?

    The game puts you in the shoes of William, a young and impulsively curious writer desperate for a brilliant plot to kickstart his literary career. His hunt for inspiration leads him to a secluded, moody island monastery.

    Once known for its beautiful, echoing choirs, the abbey has fallen completely silent. Following the mysterious madness of its former abbot, the monks have taken a strict, permanent vow of silence. But what starts as a quiet retreat for William quickly spirals into something much darker. Beneath the cold stone walls lies a disturbing secret that was never meant to see the light of day.

    Check out the eerie vibe in the official trailer below:

    Why You Should Play It

    • 90s Retro Vibe: Built using the PowerQuest engine, it embraces detailed, moody 2D pixel art and inventory-based environmental puzzles that feel straight out of a classic LucasArts or Sierra title.
    • A Focused, Intense Experience: No filler here. The game is designed as a short, punchy narrative adventure lasting between 1 to 3 hours—perfect for a single, atmospheric evening of gaming.
    • Immersive Audio: Since the monks won’t talk to you, the narrative relies heavily on a haunting, orchestral soundtrack composed by Antonio Vozmediano.
    • Multi-Language Support: Playable in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Catalan, Basque, and Galician.

    Whether you want to solve puzzles on the go with the Nintendo Switch or enjoy the gloomy landscapes on your next-gen setup, this indie gem is well worth your time. Grab your copy on your preferred console store today and break the silence!

    Find out more here

    #ScholarAdventure #MysteryOfSilence #IndieGames #PointAndClick #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #DevilishGames #MakingEnemies #GamingNews #TechMash

  • The “Forgotten Cousin” of Metal Slug Returns: Biomechanical Toy Blasts Onto Modern Consoles!

    The “Forgotten Cousin” of Metal Slug Returns: Biomechanical Toy Blasts Onto Modern Consoles!

    If you miss the golden age of 90s arcades—when pixel art reigned supreme, cabinet audio blasted at maximum volume, and action heroes exuded pure, unfiltered attitude—then we have some incredible news for you.

    QUByte Interactive, in an exciting partnership with retro pioneers Bleem! (and Piko Interactive), has officially announced that they are rescuing a legendary, long-lost 1995 run-and-gun arcade classic from dead hardware and bringing it straight to modern platforms.

    Get ready to reload your weapons, because Biomechanical Toy (QUByte Classics) is making its triumphant return on July 16, 2026!

    The Rare Cult Gem Escapes the 90s

    Originally developed by Zeus Software and released by the Spanish arcade giant Gaelco in 1995, Biomechanical Toy hit arcades exactly one year before Metal Slug reshaped the genre forever. Because of that timing, it became a highly prized, rare cult gem rather than a global household name. But for those in the know, its explosive rhythm, ultra-expressive pixel art, and unique rescue mechanics made it an absolute masterpiece.

    Now, thanks to the QUByte Emulation Engine, this definitive version perfectly preserves that original arcade adrenaline while giving it a major 21st-century upgrade.

    The Story: You play as Inguz, a tough-as-nails action hero sporting serious 90s ponytail-and-sunglasses energy. Your mission? Blast through 6 surreal, vibrant worlds to recover a stolen Magic Pendulum from the criminal mastermind, Scrubby, and stop his relentless biomechanical army of toys gone rogue.

    Arcade Action with Modern Enhancements

    While the core, punishingly detailed gameplay remains intact, QUByte and Bleem! are packing this release with crucial quality-of-life features that today’s gamers expect:

    • Rewind Feature: Made a fatal mistake? Instantly rewind time to correct your steps.
    • Save States: No need to burn through virtual quarters. Save and load your progress anywhere.
    • Authentic CRT Screen Filters: Relive the look and feel of sitting right in front of a vintage arcade cabinet.
    • The Digital Museum: Dive into an exclusive in-game Gallery featuring original development concept art and jam out to the retro soundtrack via the built-in Jukebox.

    Launch Details

    Mark your calendars! Biomechanical Toy officially launches on July 16, 2026.

    • Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
    • Price: $9.99 USD (with regional pricing applied across UK/EU storefronts).
    • Launch Deal: Keep your eyes peeled for a 15% discount active during the first 7 days post-release.

    Whether you’re a die-hard retro enthusiast or a fan of frantic side-scrollers looking for your next challenge, this is one piece of gaming history you won’t want to miss. Head over to your platform’s storefront and add it to your wishlist today!

    Find out more here

    #BiomechanicalToy #RetroGaming #QUByteClassics #Bleem #ArcadeGames #RunAndGun #MetalSlugFans #90sGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Shhh… ‘Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence’ Brings its Dark Secrets to Consoles on July 3

    Shhh… ‘Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence’ Brings its Dark Secrets to Consoles on July 3

    If you are a fan of retro aesthetics, creeping suspense, and the golden age of 90s point-and-click gaming, you are in for a treat this summer. Publisher DevilishGames and developer Making Enemies have officially announced that their atmospheric indie hit, Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence, is breaking its PC boundaries and heading to major consoles on July 3.

    Whether you play on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S, you will soon be able to dive into this bite-sized psychological mystery from the comfort of your couch.

    Check out what to expect from this haunting narrative journey below!

    Uncover the Secrets of a Silent Abbey

    In this first instalment of the Scholar Adventure series, players step into the shoes of William, a young and impulsively curious writer desperate for a brilliant premise to launch his debut novel. His quest for literary inspiration leads him to a secluded, rocky island housing a remote monastery.

    Once a place filled with beautiful songs of worship, the abbey has been plunged into total hush after its former abbot went mad and imposed a strict, absolute vow of silence on all the monks. What starts as a peaceful retreat for William quickly spirals into a dark, unsettling investigation. Within these cold stone walls lies a deeply buried secret—one that was never meant to be uncovered.

    Retro Vibes and Dark Humour

    Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence is a love letter to the classic graphic adventures of the 1990s. The game beautifully blends:

    • Atmospheric Pixel Art: Detailed, gloomy environments that perfectly capture a sense of isolation and dread under a full moon.
    • Intricate Soundscapes: A solemn, orchestral soundtrack composed by Antonio Vozmediano that fills the void of the unvoiced characters.
    • Classic Gameplay: A sleek, intuitive one-click interface featuring environmental and inventory-based puzzles, complete with a unique “ear” icon to listen in on the abbey’s hidden echoes.
    • Focused Storytelling: With a tight runtime of roughly 1 to 3 hours, it delivers a punchy, highly immersive narrative experience with touches of black humour and multiple endings.

    Available for Pre-order and Wishlist Now!

    Following its initial successful launch on Steam, the team is thrilled to bring this eerie short story to a wider audience, laying down the groundwork for future entries in the Scholar Adventure universe.

    The countdown to July 3 is on! You can already wishlist the game right now on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop, or lock in your pre-order via the Microsoft Store. Will you break the vow of silence to find the truth?

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #ScholarAdventure #MysteryOfSilence #IndieGames #DevilishGames #MakingEnemies #PointAndClick #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #TechMash

  • Classic Pixel Art Meets Rollback Netcode: Art of Fighting 3 R is Coming to Steam!

    Classic Pixel Art Meets Rollback Netcode: Art of Fighting 3 R is Coming to Steam!

    Fighting game fans and retro arcade purists, eat your hearts out. SNK Corporation has officially announced that THE PATH OF THE WARRIOR: ART OF FIGHTING 3 R is officially heading to PC via Steam.

    Dropping as part of SNK’s highly acclaimed NEOGEO Premium Selection label—which has been modernising classic arcade gems with top-tier features—this isn’t just a simple emulate-and-dump port. SNK is giving this 1996 masterpiece a massive glow-up.

    Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming revival of NEOGEO’s most visually stunning, distinct 2D fighter.

    What Does the “R” Stand For?

    When Art of Fighting 3 originally landed in arcades in 1996, it blew minds with its incredibly fluid, motion-captured sprite animation and unique juggle mechanics. It felt less like a traditional 2D fighter and more like a gorgeous, hybrid fighting experience.

    For this modern version, SNK reveals that the “R” stands for three distinct core concepts: Reignite, Retuned, and Revival. It is also a cheeky, well-deserved nod to the series’ iconic main characters, Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia.

    Brand New Content & Massive Gameplay Upgrades

    SNK isn’t just dusting off the old ROM. Art of Fighting 3 R is introducing sweeping changes to cater to both the nostalgic old-school crowd and the demanding modern competitive scene:

    • Two “New” Playable Fighters: In a massive twist, series icons King and Yuri Sakazaki—who were completely absent as playable characters in the original 1996 release—are making their official debut. They’ve been fully integrated with stylish new interpretations.
    • Rollback Netcode: Say goodbye to lag. SNK is implementing full rollback netcode alongside global matchmaking lobbies, making competitive online play seamless, responsive, and ready for tournament play.
    • Complete Rebalancing: Every single character on the roster has received balance adjustments to encourage deeper mind games, stronger defensive manoeuvres, and exciting offensive options.
    • Quality-of-Life Buffs: True to the NEOGEO Premium Selection standard, players can expect a completely revamped Training Mode to perfect those tight frame links, a quick-access VS Mode, Steam achievements, and a Gallery/Jukebox mode to appreciate that flawless 90s SNK pixel art and soundtrack.

    The Verdict: If you love fighting game history, pristine sprite work, or just want to catch people off guard with the game’s classic “Ultimate KO” system in smooth online matchmaking, this is one to wishlist immediately.

    While SNK has yet to announce an official release date or price point for the Steam version, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates. Grab your fight sticks, because South Town is calling again.

    Find out more here

    #ArtOfFighting3R #SNK #NEOGEO #FightingGames #FGC #SteamGaming #RetroGaming #RetroArcade #GamingNews #TechMash

  • The Doors To The Nightmare Are Open: PSX Throwback ‘Flesh Made Fear’ Screams Onto PS5

    The Doors To The Nightmare Are Open: PSX Throwback ‘Flesh Made Fear’ Screams Onto PS5

    If you miss the days when entering a new room meant a sudden shift in camera angle, a spike in your heart rate, and the agonising realisation that you only have three bullets left, it is time to turn off the lights.

    Indie horror powerhouse Tainted Pact Games (the minds behind Massacre at the Mirage and Suffer the Night), alongside publisher Assemble Entertainment, have officially unleashed Flesh Made Fear onto the PlayStation 5. Previously a hit with PC players on Steam, this unapologetic love letter to 90s survival horror is making its console debut today for just €17.99.

    Check out why you need to download this retro nightmare immediately.

    Classic PSX Terror Meets Modern Body Horror

    Flesh Made Fear doesn’t just borrow the aesthetic of the original Resident Evil trilogy; it channels its absolute essence. You take on the role of an elite operative in the Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.), deployed to a desolate backwater town to neutralise Victor “The Dripper” Ripper—a rogue, deranged former CIA agent.

    Naturally, his twisted occult rituals and grotesque bio-experiments have turned the local woods and an ominous mansion-laboratory into a hunting ground for mind-controlled thralls and blood-soaked monstrosities.

    What Awaits You Inside the Nightmare:

    • Fixed & Dynamic Cameras: Experience the claustrophobic dread of classic fixed-camera angles, seamlessly blended with modern dynamic tracking to keep you constantly guessing what’s lurking just out of frame.
    • Brutal Resource Management: Ammo is scarce. Healing items are limited. Your inventory slots are tight. Every single bullet you fire or item you leave behind in a safe room storage box, could be the difference between survival and a gruesome death.
    • Two Playable Characters: Choose your approach. Play as Natalie, who features a larger inventory but less health, or Jack, who can take a beating but has limited carrying capacity. Both characters feature unique stats and distinct storylines, giving you a massive reason to venture back into the dark for a second playthrough.
    • Intricate Puzzles & Cryptic Secrets: Progression isn’t just about shooting monsters. You’ll need to put your brain to the test to solve narrative-driven puzzles, handle limited save systems, and unlock the sinister conspiracy driving Victor Ripper’s madness.

    “Many retro polygonal games nail the look, but not the feel. Flesh Made Fear nails both.”

    Available Now on PlayStation 5

    For only €17.99, Flesh Made Fear delivers high-quality voice acting, deeply unsettling body horror, and an authentic, nostalgia-fueled rush that console gamers have been starving for.

    The doors to the nightmare are officially unlocked. Do you have what it takes to survive the night, or will the flesh claim you too? Head over to the PlayStation Store and find out.

    Find out more here

    #FleshMadeFear #TaintedPactGames #PS5 #SurvivalHorror #RetroGaming #PSXHorror #IndieGames #ResidentEvilStyle #BodyHorror #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Meet DekaDuck: The Retro-Inspired, Detachable-Armed Cyborg Mallard You Didn’t Know You Needed

    Meet DekaDuck: The Retro-Inspired, Detachable-Armed Cyborg Mallard You Didn’t Know You Needed

    The indie gaming scene is no stranger to bizarre animal protagonists, but Brazilian developer Asteristic Game Studio might have just cooked up the most wonderfully chaotic hero yet.

    Meet DekaDuck—a 2D action platformer starring a half-duck, half-robot bounty hunter on a mission to bring the galaxy’s most wanted criminals to justice (while, ironically, working for a criminal himself).

    If you miss the golden age of 16-bit and Sega Saturn side-scrollers, this is one title you need to put on your radar immediately.

    A Cyborg Duck Born From Chaos

    The premise is exactly the kind of beautiful, high-concept nonsense that made ’90s gaming great. While fleeing the Intergalactic Police, a brilliant scientist named Dr. Less crashes his ship on an uncharted planet. Cornered and desperate, he uses his mechanical genius—and his daughter’s pet duck—to engineer the ultimate cybernetic bounty hunter: DEKADUCK.

    Now, our feathered hero has to blast his way through six secret-packed planets, unravel a massive sci-fi conspiracy, and dodge Captain Aiko of the Intergalactic Police, who happens to have a massive crush on him.

    The Secret Weapon: A Detachable Mechanical Arm

    While DekaDuck comes equipped with plenty of fast-paced running, gunning, and super-dashing, the real star of the show is his detachable mechanical arm.

    Inspired by retro classics like Mischief Makers, Mega Man, and Alien Soldier, this game builds its entire loop around reactive physics and momentum rather than fixed platforming solutions.

    • Grab and Throw: You can launch Deka’s mechanical fist to grab almost anything in the environment—including platforms, items, and enemies.
    • Weaponise the Local Wildlife: Grabbing different enemies unlocks unique, temporary abilities. You can swing a bat-like alien around as a boomerang, use a springy creature to bounce to high ledges, or turn small duck toys into improvised explosives.

    Rather than just memorising level layouts, DekaDuck forces you to look at the enemies on screen as tools to solve puzzles and take down massive bosses.

    Hand-Drawn Nostalgia Meets Modern Fluidity

    Visually, DekaDuck looks phenomenal. Asteristic Game Studio has opted for fully hand-drawn digital art and frame-by-frame animations, giving the game a crisp, expressive, Saturday-morning-cartoon aesthetic. Pair that with a pulse-pounding, synth-heavy soundtrack by retro-gaming composer Dominic Ninmark, and you have a recipe for serious nostalgia.

    Play the Demo Now!

    The best news? You don’t have to take our word for how it plays. Asteristic Game Studio has officially launched the DekaDuck Kickstarter campaign, and they’ve dropped a playable demo on Steam to celebrate.

    The crowdfunding campaign is live right now to help fund expanded content, and yes, console players are covered. Thanks to a partnership with publisher Nejcraft, the Kickstarter includes options to secure physical editions for both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5.

    Head over to Steam, test out Deka’s mechanical arm for yourself, and get ready for some high-flying, robot-smashing avian chaos.

    Find out more here and here

    #DekaDuck #IndieGames #GamingNews #RetroGaming #Platformer #SciFiGaming #Kickstarter #SteamDemo #TechMash

  • Pushkin Meets Punk: Classic Russian Lit Gets a Glam Rock, Zombie-Slaying Remaster!

    Pushkin Meets Punk: Classic Russian Lit Gets a Glam Rock, Zombie-Slaying Remaster!

    If you thought high school literature class was a bit dry, Dreamlore Games is about to completely shatter that reality. The developers have officially announced a full HD remaster of their cult-classic 2009 comedy-horror visual novel, Eugene Onegin vs. the Undead.

    Get ready, because this is easily the most wonderfully unhinged gaming news you’ll read all week.

    A Bizarre Cult Classic, Lovingly Restored

    For those unfamiliar with the 2009 original, it was a massive milestone for the Russian visual novel scene (technically the third ever produced in the country). At the time, it turned quite a few heads—and caused plenty of controversy—by taking Alexander Pushkin’s defining masterwork of Russian literature, Eugene Onegin, and tossing it into a blender with anime aesthetics, flesh-eating zombies, blood-sucking vampires, and heavy doses of 1980s glam rock.

    Yes, you read that correctly. This is 19th-century high society poetry, but with a chainsaw and a guitar solo.

    Now, Dreamlore is giving this bonkers dark comedy a massive facelift for modern platforms.

    What’s New in the Remaster?

    Dreamlore isn’t just upscaling old sprites; they are bringing some serious upgrades to the table for this Fall 2026 release:

    • Crisp 1080p HD Graphics: The game’s unique anime-meets-gothic style has been entirely remastered for modern displays.
    • A Fresh Script: An updated and revised script promises to keep the dark humour sharp and the pacing tight.
    • Global Language Support: For the very first time, the game will be fully playable in English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it accessible to a whole new audience of global gamers.
    • Bonus Game Included: The remaster includes an unlockable, remastered version of Book of the Dead: The Lost Souls—historically recognised as the very first Russian visual novel ever made.

    Pushkin, But Make It Bonkers

    Technically, the narrative follows Pushkin’s classic characters, but it also throws in unexpected guest appearances from other iconic literary works. Whether you are a scholar of 19th-century prose looking to see your favourite characters reimagined as glam rock icons, or you just want a colourful, chaotic visual novel with multiple endings, this remaster is shaping up to be an absolute treat.

    When can you play it? Eugene Onegin vs. the Undead is slated for a Fall 2026 release on PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam.

    Are you ready to swap poetry for a shotgun? Head over to Steam to wishlist it now, and let us know in the comments if you’re brave enough to face the literary undead!

    Find out more here

    #EugeneOnegin #DreamloreGames #VisualNovel #IndieGames #GamingNews #ZombieHorror #GlamRock #RetroGaming #TechMash

  • Lock and Load: Raiden Fighters Remix Collection Gets Major QoL Boost with Update 1.2

    Lock and Load: Raiden Fighters Remix Collection Gets Major QoL Boost with Update 1.2

    Arcade shoot-’em-up purists, it’s time to fire up your engines. If you’ve been tackling the frantic, bullet-hell chaos of Raiden Fighters Remix Collection on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, or PlayStation 5, your gameplay experience is about to get a whole lot smoother.

    Developer MOSS and publisher H2 Interactive have officially rolled out Update Ver. 1.2, a patch completely dedicated to cleaning up the community’s biggest pain points, sharpening the visuals, and delivering that authentic coin-op flow we crave.

    Whether you’re looking to shave milliseconds off your reaction times or just want the game to look exactly like it did in the 90s, here is everything packing a punch in the latest update.

    What’s New in Update Ver. 1.2?

    This isn’t just a minor stability patch; it’s a robust suite of highly requested quality-of-life updates engineered for precision gameplay.

    • The Authentic Arcade Flow (Attract Demo): No more jarring jumps straight into menus. The game’s startup sequence has been reworked to begin with the classic Attract Demo sequence, perfectly recreating the look and feel of walking up to a physical arcade cabinet.
    • The “Smoothing” Filter Option: Purists rejoiced when the collection launched with CRT filters and TATE mode, but the new Smoothing Display Option gives you even finer control over how those pixels render on modern displays.
    • Quick Restart Function: Dying right at the end of a perfect scoring run? No need to navigate clumsy menus anymore. You can now pull off a Quick Restart instantly by pressing and holding the L2 (ZL) and R2 (ZR) buttons for 1 second while playing in the “Custom” play style.
    • Automatic Key Configurations: Your custom button layouts are now safe. Key configurations will automatically save, ensuring you don’t have to re-map your rapid-fire settings every time you boot up the console.

    Platform-Specific & Bug Fixes

    For PlayStation 5 players, the patch brings a massive win for hardware enthusiasts: expanded arcade controller compatibility. The update adds official support for compatible PlayStation 4 arcade sticks, ensuring you can play with your premium fight sticks without a hitch.

    The developers have also squashed some prominent bugs that were bugging the community:

    • Fixing Save Deletions: Resolved a glaring issue where attempting to delete local ranking data on the international version would accidentally wipe out the ranking data for the Japanese version instead.
    • No More Forced Co-Op: Fixed a glitch where using the restart feature would inadvertently force the subsequent game session to launch in 2-player mode.

    The Verdict

    When the Raiden Fighters Remix Collection dropped earlier this year, bringing Raiden Fighters, Raiden Fighters 2, and Raiden Fighters Jet together with a blistering 30-track remixed soundtrack, it was met with high praise for its content but a few groans regarding its technical implementation.

    With Update 1.2, MOSS has proven they are listening to the shmup community. The injection of quick restart mechanics, automatic saves, and visual filters makes chasing those global leaderboards an incredibly fluid experience.

    The update is live right now across all platforms. Fire up your console, download the patch, and get back to dodging those hyper-velocity bullets!

    Have you tested out the new Quick Restart or the Smoothing filters yet? Let us know your thoughts on the patch in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #RaidenFighters #Shmup #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #PS4 #ArcadeGames #TechMash #GamingNews #BulletHell

  • Crypto is Back: Destroy All Humans! Lands on Nintendo Switch 2 With Massive Upgrades

    Crypto is Back: Destroy All Humans! Lands on Nintendo Switch 2 With Massive Upgrades

    Earthlings, prepare your DNA for harvesting all over again—but this time, it’s happening in glorious high definition on the go.

    THQ Nordic and Black Forest Games have officially launched the cult-classic alien invasion simulator, Destroy All Humans!, on the Nintendo Switch 2. Crypto-137 is touching down on Nintendo’s newest hardware, bringing his signature blend of sci-fi cynicism, telekinetic chaos, and anal probes to a whole new generation of portable gaming.

    Check out what this upgraded version brings to the table below.

    A Next-Gen Makeover for a Cult Classic

    While Crypto’s hatred for humanity remains exactly the same, the world he’s trying to conquer has received a massive technological facelift. Thanks to the beefed-up architecture of the Nintendo Switch 2, this isn’t just a simple port; it’s a heavily optimised upgrade that makes the 1950s look better than ever.

    Here is what you can expect when you boot up the game on the new console:

    • Crisper Resolutions: Say goodbye to the blurry textures of yesteryear. The game now supports Full HD and scales all the way up to 1440p resolution, offering sharp, crisp visuals whether you are playing docked on your TV or using handheld mode.
    • Denser Environments: Earth feels a lot more alive—and crowded. The environments are now packed with denser assets, giving cities, military bases, and farmsteads a much richer, lived-in depth. More humans mean more chaos!
    • Improved Shaders & Lighting: The game utilises the Switch 2’s advanced hardware to implement vastly improved shaders. This gives the game’s unique, stylised aesthetic a modern pop, with better reflections, dramatic lighting, and realistic weapon effects.
    • Bonus Content Included: To sweeten the deal, the release comes packaged with the Skin Pack DLC, letting you customise Crypto in an array of ridiculous outfits as you vaporise pathetic humans.

    Upgrade Tip: If you already owned the original digital version on the first Nintendo Switch, check the eShop! There is a $9.99 upgrade path available to unlock the enhanced Switch 2 edition without paying full price.

    Take Over the Earth, Anywhere

    Whether you are using your Disintegrator Ray to melt secret agents, tossing tanks with psychokinesis, or flying around in your saucer to level entire cities, Destroy All Humans! remains an absolute blast. Having these high-end graphical improvements running natively on a portable Nintendo system shows exactly what the Switch 2 is capable of delivering.

    Are you ready to serve the Furon Empire once again? Head over to the Nintendo eShop and download your copy today.

    Find out more here

    #DestroyAllHumans #NintendoSwitch2 #Crypto137 #GamingNews #THQNordic #Switch2 #RetroGaming #AlienInvasion #TechMash