Tag: #Roguelike

All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!
The world has been swallowed by a deadly, ever-shifting fog, and the only way to survive is to keep moving. Hooded Horse and Mad Cookies Studio are thrilled to announce that their post-apocalyptic roguelike deckbuilder, Fogpiercer, is officially picking up speed as it races toward the Steam Next Fest (February 23 – March 4, 2026).

Forget what you know about traditional card games. In Fogpiercer, your train isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your deck. As you navigate a branching wasteland, every carriage you add and every upgrade you secure determines the tactical tools at your disposal.

What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

Whether you’re a veteran of the tracks or a first-time stowaway, the updated demo landing for Steam Next Fest features a massive cargo haul of new content:
- Meet Your Drivers: Choose between two distinct leaders, Monica and Pan. Each comes with a unique set of cards and special abilities that drastically change your tactical approach.
- The Harpoon Carriage: This brand-new addition allows for fresh synergies, letting you snag and manipulate the battlefield in ways that turn the environment into your greatest ally.
- Tactical “Shunting”: Experience the “true joy of artillery.” It’s not just about direct damage; it’s about using the blast force to shove enemies into canyon walls, environmental hazards, or even into each other.
- Global Accessibility: The demo now supports 16 languages, ensuring survivors from all over the world can join the journey.
Your Train, Your Strategy

Success in the fog requires more than just a heavy engine. You’ll need to meticulously manage your Action Points each turn to outmanoeuvre the hordes of “unreasonably angry” bandits.

“In the harsh world of Fogpiercer, the train is the deck. Each carriage holds a unique set of cards, and new cards are added through upgrades and purchasing extra carriages.”

Do you build a defensive fortress with shield-heavy carriages, or a high-octane glass cannon bristling with miniguns? With over 170 cards and a deep roguelite meta-progression layer, no two runs will ever feel the same.

Join the Journey

The Steam Next Fest event runs until March 4, 2026, but the tracks don’t end there—the updated demo will remain live after the event concludes, giving you plenty of time to master the rails before the full release later this year.

Ready to pierce the fog? Wishlist Fogpiercer on Steam now and download the demo to see if you have what it takes to reach the end of the line.

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

#HoodedHorse #MadCookiesStudio #Fogpiercer #steam #pcgames #SteamNextFest #postapocalyptic #roguelike #deckbuilder #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames
24th February 2026

From Dive Bars to Stardom: Why Overnight Sensation is the Roguelike We Needed

We’ve all seen the trope: a ragtag group of misfits piles into a rusted-out van with nothing but a beat-up guitar amp and a dream of making it big. But usually, that’s a movie montage. Shady O’Grady’s™ Overnight Sensation turns that grind into a high-stakes, deck-building roguelike that is as punishing as a 2:00 AM load-out in the rain.

If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to manage a band without the actual risk of losing your security deposit, this is your game.

The Gameplay: Cards, Chords, and Chaos

At its heart, Overnight Sensation follows the classic roguelike loop, but replaces “dungeon floors” with “tour legs.” You aren’t slashing goblins; you’re slaying crowds.

Build Your Setlist: Your deck represents your songs and stage moves. Do you open with a “High-Energy Riff” to build hype, or a “Power Ballad” to win over the sceptics?
Manage the Ego: Every band member has a “Stress” and “Ego” meter. Play too many solos with your lead guitarist, and your bassist might just quit mid-set.
The Permadeath Factor: If your “Reputation” hits zero, the band breaks up. You lose the van, the gear, and the fan club. It’s back to the garage to start a new “project” with different perks.

Why It Hits Different

What Shady O’Grady’s™ gets right is the flavour. The cards aren’t just stats; they are relatable nightmares for anyone who’s ever been in a band.

Card Name	Effect	The “Real World” Vibe
“Bribe the Sound Guy”	Improves audio quality for 3 turns	Handing a crumpled $20 bill to a guy named “Ratty.”
“Broken String”	Skip next turn; gain +5 Tension	The literal panic of fumbling in the dark for a spare.
“Heckler Takedown”	Silence a negative crowd effect	That one witty comeback that earns the room’s respect.

The “Shady” Aesthetic

The art style leans heavily into the underground zine culture of the 90s—gritty, hand-drawn, and slightly caffeinated. It perfectly captures that feeling of a sticky venue floor. The soundtrack (naturally) is procedural, changing based on the cards you play, making your “deck” actually sound like a cohesive setlist.

Pro Tip: Don’t ignore the “Gas Money” mechanic. You can have a deck full of legendary hits, but if your van breaks down outside of Des Moines, the run is over.

Final Verdict

Overnight Sensation is a love letter to the DIY music scene. It’s a game where “success” isn’t just winning—it’s surviving the tour with your dignity (and your drummer) intact. It’s addictive, brutal, and captures the rhythm of the road perfectly.

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

#ShadyOGradys #OvernightSensation #BandLife #Roguelike #Gilligames #Deckbuilder #Music #bands #BandSimulation #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

11th February 2026

Pluto: Where Magic is Volatile and Retirement is Mandatory

Ever felt like your 9-to-5 was killing you? For Pluto, a crotchety wizard with a dwindling mana pool and a sentient, sarcastic staff, that’s literally the case. Welcome to Pluto, the roguelike deckbuilder that asks the age-old question: “How many fireballs can I throw before the universe files a formal complaint?”

In a genre crowded with stoic knights and grim fantasy, Pluto leans into the absurdity of being an ageing academic with the power to rewrite reality—and the back pain that comes with it.

The Hook: Magic is a Zero-Sum Game

In most deckbuilders, you’re building toward becoming a god. In Pluto, you start as a “has-been” and spend each run trying to survive your own chaotic genius. The game swaps out the typical “honour” system for The Entropy Meter.

Cast a spell? Your power goes up, but so does the chance your sleeves catch fire.
Play a “Memory” card? You regain mana but might forget which floor of the dungeon you’re on, shuffling your intent icons.
The Comedy of Errors: Dying isn’t just a “Game Over”—it’s usually a punchline involving a polymorph spell gone wrong and a very confused sheep.

Gameplay: Strategic Chaos

The core loop involves navigating the “Astral Retirement Home,” a shifting labyrinth of cosmic horrors and bureaucratic nightmares.

Feature	How it Works	Why it’s Funny
Deck Decay	Cards get “wrinkled” and lose power the more you use them.	Your best “Meteor Swarm” eventually becomes a “Lukewarm Pebble.”
The Grumble Mechanic	A unique resource generated by taking damage.	You can spend “Grumble” to insult enemies, lowering their morale.
Sentient Loot	Your gear has opinions on your performance.	Your hat might mock you for missing a lethal blow.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

The dark comedy isn’t just flavour text; it’s woven into the strategy. You aren’t just managing health and energy; you’re managing Dignity. Lose too much, and Pluto might just give up and go take a nap, ending the run.

The art style—think “Gothic Saturday Morning Cartoon”—perfectly captures the vibe of a man who is far too tired to be saving the world, yet far too stubborn to let anyone else do it.

“I didn’t spend twelve years at the Arcane Institute to be eaten by a slime with an identity crisis.” > — Pluto, moments before being eaten by a slime.

Pluto manages to hit that sweet spot between “tough-as-nails strategy” and “laugh-out-loud absurdity.” It’s a love letter to anyone who loves Slay the Spire but wishes the protagonist complained about their knees more often.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/0J7Sr

#Pluto #SiegeWizardInteractive #roguelike #deckbuilder #wizard #dungeons #PC #Steam #indieio #demogame #gameupdate #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

10th February 2026

Gear Up, Pilot: The ACE Strategy: Mecha Nova Demo is Live!
The wait is over! Emina Studio has officially dropped the public demo for ACE Strategy: Mecha Nova today, February 6, 2026. If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the tactical depth of a grid-based battler with the high-stakes progression of a roguelike deckbuilder, this is your wake-up call.

Unlike your standard “play a card, deal some damage” deckbuilders, Mecha Nova adds a vital layer of spatial strategy that changes everything.

Why You Should Pilot This Demo:
- Tactical 3×3 Grid: It’s not just about what you play, but where you stand. You control up to 9 units—including your main ACE Mecha, powerful allies, and drones.
- Directional Combat: Position matters. You’ll deal massive bonus damage by flanking or attacking enemies from the rear, but be careful—they can do the same to you.
- Drone Overlays: A unique mechanic that lets you stack identical drones in the same slot to save space while exponentially multiplying your firepower.
- Deep Customisation: Build your “Dominant Build” using permanent Chip Cards to enhance your chassis and consumable battle items for clutch turn-arounds.
Steam Next Fest & Beyond

This demo launch serves as the ultimate training ground before the game takes centre stage at Steam Next Fest on February 23. It’s localised in 9 languages, so pilots from across the globe can jump into the cockpit right now.

“Your mech is the carrier of strength. Your cards are the reach of that strength.”

Ready to claim tactical superiority? The demo is available for free on Steam. Download it, find your favourite pilot-mech synergy, and start climbing the procedurally generated campaign!

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

#MechaDeckBuildingGame #ACEStrategy #MechaNova #DemoGame #Roguelike

#EminaStudio #tacticalmechacombat #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #videogames
6th February 2026
Insider Trading! Can You Outsmart the Market?

The game is a roguelike deckbuilder where you play as a maverick trader attempting to manipulate stock prices without crashing the market.

The secret is out—Naiive Studio is officially launching Insider Trading on Steam this February 18, 2026!

Forget the legal fees; this is a high-stakes roguelike deckbuilder where you are the market mover.

Manipulate Prices: Use 120+ cards to pump, crash, and exploit the charts.

Risk vs. Reward: Grow your wealth to hit targets, but push too hard and the market will collapse on you.

Unique Synergies: Combine “pills” and perks to create wild combos and legendary runs.

It’s all the adrenaline of Wall Street with zero per cent of the jail time.

Wishlist it now on Steam: Insider Trading

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

#IndieGames #Roguelike #InsiderTrading #GamingNews #NaiiveStudio

#business #shares #trading #traders #stockmarket #wallstreet #AlmostReadyGamesFund #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

4th February 2026
Checking In: The Haunting Nostalgia of THE SPIRIT LIFT
Launched on January 27, 2026, THE SPIRIT LIFT is a stylised love letter to ’90s horror and tactical card gaming. Developed by prettysmart games, this “Ghostpunk” deckbuilder transports players back to a pixelated 1990s where a graduation party at the Vexington Hotel goes south, leaving a group of teenagers trapped in a supernatural elevator.

The Premise: Rewind or Die

The game follows a group of eight classic high school tropes—ranging from the tennis star and the jock to the goth artist—as they navigate 13 procedurally generated floors of a haunted hotel. The aesthetic is pure nostalgia: think CRT filters, low-poly 3D environments, and a soundtrack that feels ripped from a cult-classic VHS tape.

Gameplay Mechanics

Unlike many deckbuilders that focus solely on abstract card play, THE SPIRIT LIFT incorporates light dungeon crawling. You move square-by-square through the hotel’s hallways, triggering random events and grid-based encounters.
- Team-Based Synergy: You select a trio of investigators for each run. Your deck is a combined pool of cards based on those specific characters.
- Tactical Combat: Battles use a shared pool of action points. You’ll use everyday ’90s items—disposable cameras to stun, slap bracelets for gear, and tennis rackets for defence—to fend off poltergeists and cryptids.
- The “Trauma” System: A unique twist where negative cards (Trauma) are added to your deck by enemies. Unlike standard cards, these often have to be played multiple times to be “processed” and removed, forcing you to manage your team’s mental fatigue.
- Meta-Progression: The Spirit Shop, run by a mysterious wolf-man named Dorian, allows you to spend “Spirit Points” earned during runs on permanent upgrades like increased health or extra gear slots.
Why It Stands Out

The game’s core loop—“Be Kind, Rewind”—is a nod to its roguelike nature. Death isn’t the end; it’s a “rewind” of the graduation night, allowing you to try different character combinations and uncover the hotel’s deeper lore. With over 200 cards and 90 pieces of gear, the strategic depth is significant, even if the “unlucky number 13” theme keeps every run tense and relatively fast-paced.

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

#THESPIRITLIFT #retrogame #horror #deckbuilder #roguelike

#prettysmartgames #pcgames #steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames
28th January 2026
Gambonanza is having a Public Playtest now
Forget everything you know about Grandmasters and silent libraries. Gambonanza, developed by solo indie creator Paul Giovannini (known online as Blukulélé), is what happens when you take the DNA of traditional chess and inject it with the chaotic, addictive energy of Balatro.

Currently making waves in the indie scene with a public playtest on Steam (January 2026), this “chess roguelike” is a high-stakes reimagining of the world’s oldest strategy game.

The Concept: Chess, But Broken

In Gambonanza, you aren’t just trying to checkmate a King; you are trying to survive an onslaught. The game takes place on smaller, “snackable” boards where the stakes are higher and the traditional rules are meant to be bent—or shattered entirely.

Key Gameplay Features
- The “Gambit” System: With over 150+ rule-bending Gambits, you can customise your run. Want an army of bishops that can move through walls? Or the ability to make your enemy skip their turn three times in a row? The synergies are the heart of the game.
- Board Evolution: You don’t just move on the tiles; you upgrade them. You can enchant squares to generate gold, turn them into traps, or add protective “blessings” to your pieces.
- Dynamic Reserve: Unlike standard chess, you can store extra pieces “off-board” and deploy them at the perfect tactical moment to turn the tide of a losing battle.
- Boss Challenges: Each run culminates in a face-off against unforgiving bosses that utilise unique, “unhinged” mechanics to test your strategy.
A Vibe All Its Own

The game features a vibrant retro pixel-art aesthetic complete with a nostalgic CRT filter, making it feel like a long-lost arcade cabinet from a 90s fairground. Between matches, players can even participate in luck-based mini-games inspired by Pachinko and Gachapon to earn game-changing upgrades.

Availability & Release

Originally slated for early 2026, the developer has recently expanded the scope of the project through a partnership with Stray Fawn and Sidekick Publishing.
- Platforms: Simultaneously launching on PC (Steam) and Mobile (iOS/Android).
- Next Milestone: A free demo is scheduled for the Steam Next Fest in late February 2026.
Note: If you’re looking for a serious chess simulator, look elsewhere. Gambonanza is about building the most “broken” strategy possible and seeing how many rules you can snap before the board crumbles around you.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/ZA2cm

#Gambonanza #chesssimulator #roguelike #Gambits #challenge #competition #StrayFawn #SidekickPublishing #PaulGiovannini #BlukuléléStudio #games #gaming #gamers #videogames
27th January 2026
R.I.P. – Reincarnation Insurance Program: Where Diablo Meets Vampire Survivors
In the ever-crowded landscape of “bullet heaven” shooters, R.I.P. – Reincarnation Insurance Program (released January 2026) has carved out a unique, high-octane niche. Developed by WarmCore Studio and published by 2P Games, this title takes the chaotic, screen-filling DNA of Vampire Survivors and grafts it onto the deep, dopamine-inducing loot systems of Diablo.

The result? A “Survivor-like” that cares just as much about your weapon’s elemental affixes as it does about your ability to dodge a thousand zombies.

The Core Premise: Death is a Performance Review

You play as an elite agent for the mysterious Reincarnation Insurance Company. In a world decimated by a “Corruption Virus,” your job is to “reset” the undead apocalypse. The twist? You are backed by the ultimate insurance policy: infinite resurrection.

Every time you fall, you don’t just restart; you file a performance report. You keep your “Contribution Points” to invest in a permanent talent tree, ensuring that your next “reincarnation” is deadlier than the last.

Key Gameplay Features
- The “Loot-Shooter” Soul: Unlike many games in this genre that focus solely on passive upgrades, R.I.P. features a robust ARPG loot system. Expect to see those iconic “golden beams” for legendary items, complete with game-changing affixes and set bonuses.
- Divine Tech & Heroic Souls: You can augment your combat by channelling the souls of history’s greatest heroes. This system allows you to stack passive blessings with devastating active skills to create “broken” builds that can clear an entire screen with one button press.
- Unreal Engine 5 Chaos: Powered by UE5, the game handles thousands of enemies simultaneously—ranging from slow-moving rotters to lightning-fast mutations—without breaking a sweat.
- Elemental Synergy: You can master an arsenal of SMGs, tactical shotguns, and experimental rocket launchers, then layer on elemental effects like Burn, Freeze, and Shock to exploit enemy weaknesses.
Early Access & Reception

Launched into Steam Early Access on January 26, 2026, the game has already garnered “Mostly Positive” reviews. Players have praised the satisfying “crunch” of the combat and the depth of the gear customisation, which offers more longevity than the standard “pick-up-and-play” roguelite.

Developer Note: WarmCore Studio expects to remain in Early Access for 6 to 12 months, with plans to add more playable characters, maps, and even more complex gear sets based on community feedback.

Is it for you?

If you find yourself wishing Vampire Survivors had more “math” and gear-grinding, or if you want a Diablo experience that moves at 100 miles per hour, R.I.P. – Reincarnation Insurance Program is your next addiction.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/b5XXy

#RIP #ReincarnationInsuranceProgram #vampires #survival #roguelike #diablo #2PGames #WarmCoreStudio #games #gaming #gamers #videogames
27th January 2026
MECHBORN 90s mech anime merges with Greek mythology
Protect Earth, pilot god-forged titans, and crush the Kaiju threat!

The wait is almost over. MECHBORN, the highly anticipated roguelike deckbuilder from Turtle Juice and Curve Games, has officially been revealed for a late 2026 release!

Blending the nostalgic vibes of ’90s mech anime with the epic scale of Greek mythology, this isn’t your average card battler. In MECHBORN, your Mech IS your deck. Customising your machine with different parts directly changes your available moves and strategy.

Why we’re hyped:
- The Conveyor Belt System: Forget a standard hand of cards. Your abilities move along a conveyor belt, making positioning and timing just as vital as the cards you play!
- 12 Unique Pilots: Each pilot brings their own backstory and powerful active skills that can turn the tide of a Kaiju invasion.
- Adaptive Exploration: No fixed paths here. Navigate three massive continents freely—just keep an eye on your fuel!
- Legendary Mechs: Choose from three distinct god-forged models: Original, Spartan, or Olympian.
Whether you’re looking for deep strategy or just want to see giant robots punch giant monsters, MECHBORN is shaping up to be a must-play in 2026.

Coming to: PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and the new Nintendo Switch 2!

Can’t wait? A pre-alpha demo is live right now on itch.io! Go test your synchronisation levels today.

Find out more here – https://turtle-juice.itch.io/mechborn

#Mechborn #Deckbuilder #MechAnime #TurtleJuice #CurveGames #IndieGames #Roguelike #GamingNews2026 #KaijuBattle #games #gaming #gamers #videogames
23rd January 2026
BALL x PIT is officially kicking off its 2026 content roadmap
Whether you’re building up New Ballbylon or looking for that next game-breaking evolution, here is what’s coming to the chaotic brick-breaking roguelike:

The Regal Update (OUT NOW!)

The first of three free major updates has arrived!
- New Characters: Introducing Hunters hailing from “high society”—refined but lethal.
- New Content: Fresh balls, new evolutions, and additional buildings to expand your homestead.
- Quality of Life: The latest patch also includes full-colour encyclopedia icons and various bug fixes to keep your runs smooth.
The 2026 Roadmap

Developer Kenny Sun and Devolver Digital aren’t stopping there. Mark your calendars for more free drops:
- April 2026: The Shadow Update – Featuring “Hunters steeped in the art of deception.”
- July 2026: The Naturalist Update – Bringing “Hunters that deal in extreme necessity.”
Pro Tip: If you’re playing on the go, the Switch 2 version is now live with enhanced 1080p/60fps performance—a free upgrade for owners of the original Switch version!

Are you jumping back in? Let us know your most broken ball/character combo in the comments!

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

#games #gaming #gamers #videogames #BallxPit #IndieGames #GamingNews #Roguelike #DevolverDigital #KennySun #gameupdate
14th January 2026
The Witch’s Power Grows: Update 1.2 is LIVE!
Tacticians, it’s time to return to the island! The massive Update 1.2 for Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch has officially arrived, bringing a host of new features, power-ups, and quality-of-life improvements to sharpen your strategy.

Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a fresh soul on the shores, here is what’s waiting for you in the latest patch:

What’s New in Update 1.2?
- Blessed Relics System: Take your gear to the next level! You can now obtain Blessed versions of Relics—more powerful variants with boosted effects or removed penalties.
- New Talent Skills: Every character just got a major power spike! We’ve added two new Talent Skills per hero: one to boost core attributes and another to trigger those game-changing Partnership effects more often.
- The Morale Boost System: Tired of leaving units behind? Now, characters who sit out of an expedition have a chance to gain “Ambitious” or “Enthusiastic” buffs, giving them extra skills and stat boosts for the next run!
- Chaos Encounters: We’ve replaced Random Encounters with the new Chaos system, offering more unpredictable rewards and unique dice-roll bonuses.
- Combat Streamlining: We heard your feedback! Combat is now faster and punchier, with adjusted enemy counts and snappier dialogue so you can focus on the tactics.
Hotfix 1.2.13: We also just pushed a small follow-up patch to fix a bug with the Executioner passive and improve localization clarity.

Available Now On: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch

Ready to defy death again? Jump back in and show the Witch what her Champion can really do!

Find out more here – https://kakaogames.com/en-us/Lost_Eidolons_Veil_of_the_Witch/

#games #gaming #gamers #videogames #LostEidolonsVeiloftheWitch #LostEidolons #VeiloftheWitch #gameupdate #tactical #RPG #roguelike #OceanDriveStudio #KakaoGames
13th January 2026
Death is only the beginning in LoopMage: The Infinite Trials

The world is shifting. The trials are infinite. Only the most strategic Mages will survive the loop.

Do you have what it takes to reach the centre of the Infinite Trials?

Master the elements, break the cycle, and survive the ever-changing gauntlet in LoopMage: The Infinite Trials. Every loop makes you stronger—but the trials only get harder.

How many loops can you survive before the chaos takes over?

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

#LoopMage #Roguelike #DreamwaveLabs #TREXJET #LoopMageTheInfiniteTrials

7th January 2026