TECHMASH

Tag: #RetroGaming

  • Return of an Arcade Legend: Tony Barnes Launches VectaGuard, His First Solo Game in Over 30 Years!

    Return of an Arcade Legend: Tony Barnes Launches VectaGuard, His First Solo Game in Over 30 Years!

    Retro gaming enthusiasts and indie action fans, take note! Industry veteran Tony Barnes—the creative mind behind classic hits spanning four decades and recipient of the prestigious Jerry Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award—has officially released VectaGuard.

    Marking the debut title from his independent studio RetroNinja Games, VectaGuard is Barnes’ first solo-developed title in more than thirty years. Now available on Steam (for Windows PC and Steam Deck), this fast-paced arcade shooter delivers a masterclass in high-octane, score-chasing nostalgia built with modern precision.

    Back to the Roots of Pure Gameplay

    Having contributed to over 100 shipped titles across major gaming giants like Electronic Arts, Rockstar Games, and Crystal Dynamics (with iconic credits including Desert Strike, Strider (2014), and Medal of Honor), Barnes stepped away from the blockbuster AAA grind to return to where it all began: pure, unadulterated arcade action.

    Solo-crafted over nine months—with Barnes hand-building everything from the code and game design to the glowing visuals and pulse-pounding synthwave soundtrack—VectaGuard is a love letter to the golden era of arcade gaming.

    “The games that inspired me as a kid were simple pure gameplay; easy to learn, hard to master, impossible to put down,” says Barnes. “Creating solo again has been incredibly rewarding, and VectaGuard is the product of that. It’s my tribute to the games that made me want to become a developer to begin with.”

    What is VectaGuard?

    Inspired by coin-op and retro classics like Defender, Gravitar, Uridium, and Caverns of Mars, VectaGuard puts players in the cockpit of a VectaGuard assault craft. Your mission? Navigate glowing subterranean caverns, rescue trapped colonists, and dismantle hostile space pirate outposts across the galaxy.

    Key Features Include:

    • Stunning 2.5D Vector Visuals: A sleek, glowing wireframe aesthetic that blends classic vector cabinet vibes with modern particle effects and fluid performance.
    • Stackable Weapon Upgrades: Power up your assault craft with devastating lasers, tri-fire shots, and screen-clearing firepower.
    • Pure Score-Chasing & Replayability: Built for the “just one more run” mentality, featuring cross-platform global leaderboards to test your skills against players worldwide.
    • Dynamic Synthwave Soundtrack: An energetic, thumping OST designed to sync seamlessly with the fast-paced action.
    • Steam Deck Verified Playability: Full controller support tuned for handheld and desktop arcade action alike.

    A New Chapter for RetroNinja Games

    Founded in 2020, RetroNinja Games was created to give Barnes an unrestricted creative playground focusing on mechanics-first, visceral action experiences. With VectaGuard, RetroNinja isn’t chasing fleeting mainstream gaming trends—it’s giving retro and action gamers exactly what they crave: hand-crafted, tightly tuned gameplay with genuine soul.

    Whether you’re a long-time fan of vector arcade classics or an indie shooter aficionado looking for your next high-score addiction, VectaGuard is a must-play.

    Grab It Today!

    VectaGuard is out now on Steam for PC and Steam Deck. A free playable demo is also available if you want to test your piloting skills before jumping into the fire.

    Head over to Steam, add VectaGuard to your wishlist, and jump into the leaderboard battle today!

    Find out more here

    #VectaGuard #RetroNinjaGames #TonyBarnes #IndieGame #ArcadeShooter #Shmup #RetroGaming #SteamDeck #PCGaming #TechMash #GamingNews #VectorGraphics

  • Step into the Nostalgic Darkness: ‘Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares’ Is Now Wishlistable on Xbox!

    Step into the Nostalgic Darkness: ‘Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares’ Is Now Wishlistable on Xbox!

    Calling all 3D platformer fanatics and retro gaming enthusiasts! If you grew up spending countless hours mastering acrobatic jumps, hunting down every last hidden collectable, and getting lost in colourful, personality-filled worlds, indie developer Polycast Labs has something special cooking for you.

    Polycast Labs has officially announced that Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares, a dark 3D platformer collectathon inspired by the golden era of early 2000s gaming, now has its official store page live and ready for wishlisting on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

    What Is Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares?

    Channelling the charming, spooky magic of classics like MediEvil, Spyro the Dragon, and Crash Bandicoot, Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares blends freeform vertical exploration with a unique “circus-meets-Halloween” atmosphere.

    You play as Bobo, a clumsy yet courageous jester with a golden heart. During a circus performance gone wrong, Bobo accidentally opens the legendary Nightmare Chest, unleashing the ancient Dreammaster—a sinister entity that twists the kingdom’s dreams into living nightmares. Guided by the mysterious floating DreamMask, it’s up to you to leap, glide, and puzzle your way through corrupted dreamworlds to recover lost EchoMares and restore laughter to a realm shrouded in eternal twilight.

    Why Platformer Fans Need This on Their Radar

    If you miss the days when platformers rewarded exploration and offered fluid, expressive controls, Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares delivers on every front:

    • Full Acrobatic Moveset: From the moment you jump in, Bobo comes equipped with an impressive movement kit. Double jump, glide using Bobo’s jester hat, rail-grind, wall-slide, dive, and stomp through sprawling, semi-open levels.
    • True Collectathon Progression: Nostalgic gamers, rejoice! You’ll be scavenging every corner for Twilight Sweets, Nightmare Wisps for upgrades, rare Voodoo Dolls, and essential EchoMares that unlock new tent portals in the main circus hub.
    • Dynamic Hub & Non-Linear Exploration: The Twilight Circus Grounds act as a safe haven filled with friendly NPCs, secret areas, and mini-games. From there, choose your next destination and tackle the nightmare realms in any order you choose.
    • DreamMask Protection & Dreamburst: Defence meets style with the DreamMask system. Floating masks act as your shield and health indicator; stack multiple masks to trigger Dreamburst, granting a temporary burst of invulnerability!
    • Theatrical Boss Battles: Wrap up each corrupted realm with cinematic, larger-than-life boss encounters that test your platforming skills and push the story forward.

    Gear Up for Launch on Xbox!

    Whether you’re playing on Xbox One or taking advantage of current-gen hardware on Xbox Series X|S, Polycast Labs is bringing back the magic of nostalgic 3D platforming with a modern polish and spooky flair.

    Don’t let this nightmare slip away—head over to the Xbox Store today, search for Bobo and the Chest of Nightmares, and hit that Wishlist button to stay updated on its upcoming release!

    Find out more here

    #BoboAndTheChestOfNightmares #PolycastLabs #IndieGames #XboxSeriesX #XboxOne #3DPlatformer #Collectathon #RetroGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Don’t Stop Snapping! PSX-Style Horror Game ‘Photomaly’ Launches on Steam

    Don’t Stop Snapping! PSX-Style Horror Game ‘Photomaly’ Launches on Steam

    If you’re a fan of retro graphics, eerie atmospheres, and the uneasy feeling of being watched while doing a mundane task, your next gaming obsession has arrived. Indie publisher Alibi Games and Turkish solo developer Enes A. Tural have officially released their PSX-style horror game, Photomaly, now available on Steam.

    What is Photomaly?

    Photomaly uniquely blends the familiar, structured routine of a job-simulator with slow-burn, tension-building horror. You step into the shoes of an everyday worker tasked with a simple job: taking photos and following instructions.

    Sounds easy enough, right? The catch is simple—and terrifying. The central rule of Photomaly is to keep working as usual, no matter what you encounter.

    As you go about your duties, disturbing anomalies, creeping shadows, and unexplainable occurrences begin to blur the line between reality and nightmare. But to survive, you can’t run or hide; you have to put your head down, hold up your camera, and get the job done.

    Key Features:

    • Classic PSX Aesthetic: Retro low-poly graphics and nostalgic visual textures recreate the iconic mid-90s survival horror ambience.
    • Job-Sim Meets Psychological Horror: Experience the surreal horror of carrying out mundane work routines while terrifying anomalies unfold around you.
    • Tension & Survival: Test your nerves as you try to maintain focus and follow orders under extreme psychological pressure.
    • Solo Developer Gem: Crafted with love and meticulous attention to atmospheric detail by solo developer Enes A. Tural.

    Check Out the Game Today

    Whether you’re a hardcore fan of retro survival horror games or love indie titles that push genre boundaries, Photomaly offers a fresh, unsettling experience that will leave you double-checking your surroundings.

    Photomaly is out now on PC via Steam. Grab your camera, keep your head down, and remember—don’t stop taking pictures!

    Find out more here

    #Photomaly #AlibiGames #IndieGames #HorrorGames #PSXHorror #Steam #TechMash #PCGaming #IndieDev #RetroGaming

  • From Punk Riffs to Retro Pixels: Jeff Rosenstock Guitarist Mike Huguenor Announces Debut Game Boy & PC Game!

    From Punk Riffs to Retro Pixels: Jeff Rosenstock Guitarist Mike Huguenor Announces Debut Game Boy & PC Game!

    If you’ve listened to any of Jeff Rosenstock’s anthemic tracks, or spun records from indie-punk staples like Hard Girls and Shinobu, you already know Mike Huguenor. Celebrated for his razor-sharp riffsmanship and iconic guitar tone, Huguenor has spent years pushing the boundaries of what six strings can do.

    Now, he’s pushing a few different buttons.

    In an awesome twist for both music fans and retro gamers, Huguenor has officially announced his debut video game: Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game!

    Scheduled to drop on August 20, the game serves as a playable, retro side-scrolling companion to his critically acclaimed 2025 sophomore solo album of the same name, arriving just in time to celebrate the record’s one-year anniversary.

    Here is everything you need to know about this incredibly unique DIY project.

    A Playable Love Letter to Indie Rock & Retro Gaming

    Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game is a 10-level side-scrolling adventure where each stage corresponds to a track from the original album. The game follows a musician protagonist on a quest to put on an unforgettable performance, and the levels lean heavily into the chaotic, unpredictable energy of life on the road.

    Players will face obstacles that range from the painfully relatable to the completely absurd:

    • The Mundane: Dealing with gear mishaps, like a guitar breaking right during equipment load-in.
    • The Supernatural: Fending off a ravenous horde of killer zombies using nothing but the sheer power of rock and roll.
    • The Finale: A climactic rhythm-game showdown where you finally take the stage for the ultimate gig.

    Huguenor, a self-taught programmer who hadn’t touched coding since messing around with HTML in the year 2000, built the game entirely by hand. He treated the development process with the exact same DIY punk ethos that defines his music career—balancing the coding desk while touring with Jeff Rosenstock and writing his upcoming literary debut, Elvis is Dead, I’m Still Alive: The Story of Asian Man Records.

    “I find the element of surprise to be really important in art,” Huguenor shared, explaining that the game’s unpredictable detours mirror the real-life problem-solving of a touring musician. He views the medium as “another format for narrative… like sliding another frame into a projector.”

    Expect plenty of nostalgic nods throughout the levels, with gameplay and visual design drawing inspiration from classics like Castlevania, EarthBound, old-school skateboarding games, and Frogger.

    Real physical Game Boy Cartridges?!

    For the ultimate collectors, this isn’t just a digital download. While the game will be readily available for PC players on Steam and itch.io, Huguenor is also releasing hand-assembled, limited-edition physical Game Boy cartridges!

    The rollout follows his newly founded imprint, Infinite Baffle Records, which recently launched a full 8-bit recreation of the album (Surfing the Web With the Alien: 8-Bit) to perfectly score your retro playthrough.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a devout fan of the San Jose punk scene, a lover of instrumental post-punk, or a retro gaming enthusiast looking to dust off your old handheld, this is a crossover you won’t want to miss.

    Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game launches on August 20. Head over to infinitebaffle.net to learn more, and get ready to shred your way through the apocalypse!

    Find out more here

    #MikeHuguenor #JeffRosenstock #SurfingTheWebWithTheAlien #RetroGaming #GameBoy #IndieGames #PunkRock #DIYGaming #SteamGames #ItchIo #InfiniteBaffle #TechMash

  • Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Indie game fans and cat lovers, assemble! The wait is nearly over. London-based developer Beyond The Pixels and publisher Pixel Doors have officially locked in July 30, 2026, as the official 1.0 launch date for Astro Burn on both Steam and GOG.

    After months of collaborative fine-tuning during its highly active Early Access cycle, this colourful, retro-inspired “cute-’em-up” is finally ready to show off its ultimate, feature-packed definitive edition.

    Here is everything you need to know about this adorable yet delightfully chaotic space adventure!

    What is Astro Burn?

    If you ever wondered what happens when you cross classic side-scrolling shooters like Parodius and Pop’n Twinbee with modern bullet-hell intensity and a genetically enhanced cat, you get Astro Burn.

    The game follows Astro, a sassy space cat who was lured into experimental alien technology upgrades with the promise of delicious fish treats. Stranded far from home, Astro (alongside her chatty robotic companion AL) must blast through waves of absurd, screen-filling creature overlords to find a way back.

    A Community-Crafted Masterpiece

    The journey to the 1.0 launch has been nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to an incredibly passionate community, the game’s recent Kickstarter campaign blew past its goals, landing at over 150% funded.

    Because of this massive support, physical media collectors can look forward to a premium retro physical release (courtesy of 33 Games), complete with custom USB cartridges, cassette tape soundtracks, and exclusive lore-filled trading cards.

    Director HaZ Dulull and the development team have worked hand-in-hand with players—gathering feedback from Discord, Steam reviews, TwitchCon, and IGN Live—to elevate Astro Burn from a passion project into a highly polished, modern-retro masterpiece.

    What’s New in Version 1.0?

    The 1.0 update is absolutely packed with content, adjustments, and some of the most delightfully unhinged features we’ve seen in an indie game:

    • The Epic Conclusion: Guide Astro through Levels 8 and 9 to finally experience the end of her narrative campaign.
    • Couch Co-op & Competitive Play: Take on the alien hordes with a friend in local co-op across seven distinct levels.
    • Weaponised Snacks & Kitten Rescues: Standard bullets have been swapped out for delicious flying treats so you can defeat giant bosses (like PooBear on the Party Bus) with food! Plus, rescue lost kittens mid-run to trigger custom animations and score massive bonus points.
    • “Cat TV” & ASMR Modes: In one of the most unique additions yet, real-life cats can watch three specialised “Cat TV” channels on-screen. Meanwhile, humans can wind down between chaotic bullet-hell runs with a relaxing “ASMR Mode” featuring ambient ocean waves and cat purrs.
    • Speedrunner Paradise: Master the game with new high-risk “Speed Zones” (including a Turbo setting) and test out upgraded weapon spreads.
    • Steam Deck Verified: The game is fully optimised for on-the-go play on the Steam Deck and Valve’s Steam Machine, featuring highly readable custom fonts and localisation across eight new languages (including Japanese, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese).
    • “Meowcromatic” Mode: Originally designed as an accessibility color-blind option, this highly requested community favourite turns the game into a gorgeous monochrome homage to Mad Max: Fury Road – Black & Chrome Edition.

    Get Ready for Lift-off!

    Mark your calendars for July 30th! Whether you want to climb the leaderboards, save adorable kittens, or just let your real-life pet enjoy some Cat TV while you dodge neon lasers, Astro Burn promises an unforgettable, action-packed retro experience.

    Head over to Steam and GOG to wishlist the game today!

    Find out more here

    #AstroBurn #BeyondThePixels #PixelDoors #IndieGames #CuteEmUp #SpaceCat #RetroGaming #SteamGames #GOG #GamingNews

  • Dynamic Witch Trials Powered by Offline AI: ‘Hex Judge’ Launches on Steam Today!

    Dynamic Witch Trials Powered by Offline AI: ‘Hex Judge’ Launches on Steam Today!

    If you’ve ever wanted to step into the shoes of a medieval inquisitor, grill suspicious villagers, and decide who will face condemnation before the sun sets, your time has come. Indie developer CheetahTownGames has officially launched its highly anticipated narrative investigation game, Hex Judge, on Steam today, July 16, 2026!

    Priced at an accessible $5.99 USD, this indie title brings a groundbreaking technological twist to the dark, tense world of medieval witch trials.

    The Ultimate Offline AI Interrogation Experience

    At first glance, Hex Judge looks like a beautiful love letter to 1980s retro PC games, complete with atmospheric pixel art and a moody, suspenseful tone. But under the hood lies a highly modern feature that sets it apart from traditional point-and-click detective games.

    Instead of navigating static, pre-written dialogue trees, Hex Judge utilises a local Large Language Model (LLM) packaged directly within the game.

    What does this mean for players?

    • Fully Offline Play: You don’t need an internet connection or external AI subscriptions to play. The AI processing runs entirely locally on your PC.
    • Dynamic Conversations: The suspects respond organically based on how you phrase your questions, their unique personalities, their hidden secrets, and the rumours spreading through the village.
    • Spot the Lies: You must carefully compare testimonies, seek out contradictions, and observe shiftiness to build cases against the villagers.

    High Replayability and Endless Mystery

    No two trials in Hex Judge are ever the same. Each playthrough randomly selects six suspects from a pool of over 30 unique villagers.

    The game also features a fully-fledged Villager Editor. If you want to customise your experience, you can edit the names, portraits, ages, and core personalities of the suspects. The built-in AI dynamically adapts to your custom creations, generating brand-new relationship dynamics and procedural, AI-generated epilogues based on your verdicts.

    With multiple endings to uncover, every choice you make will shape the ultimate fate of the village.

    Launch Details

    • Title: Hex Judge
    • Developer/Publisher: CheetahTownGames
    • Release Date: July 16, 2026
    • Platform: Steam (Windows PC)
    • Price: $5.99 USD / ¥790 JPY / ¥26 CNY
    • Languages Supported: Launches with support for 8 languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, German, French, and Italian.

    Whether you are a fan of deductive reasoning games like Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, or simply curious about how local AI is changing the landscape of indie gaming, Hex Judge is a unique experience you won’t want to miss.

    Head over to the Hex Judge Steam Page to grab your copy today and start interrogating!

    Find out more here

    #HexJudge #CheetahTownGames #IndieGames #SteamRelease #AIGaming #DetectiveGames #RetroGaming #GamingNews #PCGaming #IndieDev

  • 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