TECHMASH

Tag: #Roguelike

  • Escape the Mansion from Your Couch: Dead Estate Slams Onto PS5 and Nintendo Switch

    Escape the Mansion from Your Couch: Dead Estate Slams Onto PS5 and Nintendo Switch

    If you’ve been itching for a gory, high-octane indie treat to play on the move or from the comfort of your living room, your prayers to the horror gods have officially been answered. Dead Estate, the cult-hit horror-themed action roguelike developed by Milkbar Lads and published by 2 Left Thumbs, has officially made its grand debut on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch!

    Originally launched on PC back in 2021 where it amassed a fiercely loyal, “Very Positive” following, this delightfully chunky, fast-paced top-down shooter is ready to tear up your console storage.

    What is Dead Estate?

    Imagine a love letter to classic 90s horror, smashed together with the tight, frenetic twin-stick shooting of Enter the Gungeon and wrapped in stunning, fluid pixel art. That is Dead Estate.

    Players are trapped in a massive, shifting, monster-filled mansion. Your only goal? Ascend the floors, hoard a ridiculous arsenal of weaponry, and try desperately not to get ripped to shreds by the local undead populace.

    But there’s a catch: if you take too long exploring a floor, you’ll be relentlessly hunted by Chunks—a massive, terrifying stalker enemy who gives off heavy Resident Evil Nemesis vibes. You can either run for your life or pump enough lead into him to force a temporary retreat and claim a hefty cash reward.

    Packed with the Definitive Content

    The best part about this console launch? Switch and PS5 players are getting the complete package right out of the gate. The ports include all five of the massive major content updates released during the game’s PC lifecycle, up to the definitive “Goodnight” update.

    Here is a quick look at what you’re getting yourself into:

    • 10 Playable Characters: From Jeff the default grunt to Cordelia the witch and Fuji the boxer, every character completely alters your playstyle, movement speed, and starting stats.
    • Insane Variety: Over 150 weapons and 300 passive items to create absolutely broken, god-tier synergies.
    • The “Assignment Anya” Campaign: A separate, survival-horror-inspired campaign that serves as a direct, brilliant nod to Resident Evil 4’s Assignment Ada.
    • Console-Specific Enhancements: Deeply polished NewGame+ modes, unlockable challenges, and full couch-to-toilet portability on the Nintendo Switch (with built-in compatibility for next-gen hardware down the line).

    The Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelike Fans

    What makes Dead Estate special is how rewarding it feels. While it offers plenty of gruelling difficulty modifiers and “Blessing & Curse” runs for hardcore genre purists, it also allows casual players to stumble into incredibly fun, overpowered item combinations that let you utterly eviscerate late-game rooms.

    The isometric rooms are compact, forcing you into tense, close-quarters bullet hells. Combined with a killer, atmospheric synth soundtrack and unmatched character design, it’s the ultimate pick-up-and-play title for your console library.

    Dead Estate is available right now on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop for $14.99 / £11.99. Go grab your weapon of choice, keep an eye out for Chunks, and see if you can survive the night!

    Find out more here

    #DeadEstate #IndieGames #PS5 #NintendoSwitch #Roguelike #HorrorGaming #GamingNews #TechMash #MilkbarLads #TwinStickShooter

  • High Stakes, Dark Vibes: DEAD SPIN is the Horror Slot-Machine Deckbuilder of Your Nightmares

    High Stakes, Dark Vibes: DEAD SPIN is the Horror Slot-Machine Deckbuilder of Your Nightmares

    Move over, traditional card battlers. There is a new, twisted player entering the roguelike deckbuilding arena, and it wants you to gamble with your literal life.

    Independent developer Strong Monkey Games has officially revealed DEAD SPIN, a deeply unsettling horror roguelike deckbuilder that swaps out the standard sword-and-sorcery decks for something far more addictive—and deadly. The game is heading to PC via Steam, and the best part? You don’t have to wait to see if luck is on your side, because an open Steam Playtest is live right now!

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see the madness in action:

    Step Inside the Abandoned Casino

    DEAD SPIN drops you into a grimy, abandoned casino where you are forced into high-stakes slot-machine duels against a cast of lunatic gamblers and masked captors. This isn’t just about pulling a lever and hoping for three cherries; it’s a tactical psychological battle where chance meets deep strategic planning.

    To survive, you’ll need to master the art of the spin. Instead of drafting a traditional deck of cards, you shape your luck by building out a deck of symbols, chips, and coins.

    Cheat the Odds or Face the Punishment

    The game brilliantly blends roguelike meta-progression with intense risk-management strategy. Here is what you can expect when you sit down at the cabinet:

    • Massive Synergy Scaling: With over 250 collectable items at launch—including 100+ special symbols, 50+ special chips, and consumable trinkets—you can stack effects, trigger massive score multipliers, and manipulate the rules to bend the odds in your favour.
    • Eclectic, Dangerous Bosses: Every run pits you against more than eight unique opponents. Each boss boasts their own distinct playstyle, custom decks, and dirty tricks, forcing you to completely pivot your strategy based on whatever random loot you uncover.
    • The Retro Horror Aesthetic: DEAD SPIN looks like a cursed VHS tape unearthed from the late ’90s or early ’00s. Its grimy, low-fi presentation is dripping with dark, grotesque humour and an oppressive atmosphere that turns every bad spin into a heart-pounding moment of dread.
    • Endless Mode: Think your build is completely broken and unstoppable? Test it against relentless, scaling challenges long after you finish the main progression.

    Join the Open Steam Playtest Right Now!

    If you love the tense strategy of Balatro or Luck be a Landlord, but wish they had the sinister, mind-bending atmosphere of Inscryption, DEAD SPIN is a must-play.

    There are no keys required and no waitlists. Simply head over to the official DEAD SPIN Steam Page, hit “Join the Playtest,” and see if you have what it takes to outscore your captors and spin for your freedom.

    DEAD SPIN is slated for a full release on PC via Steam in late 2026. Make sure to add it to your Wishlist to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #DeadSpin #StrongMonkeyGames #HorrorGames #Roguelike #Deckbuilder #IndieGames #SteamPlaytest #GamingNews #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Kill the Dealer: Bloodthief Dev Announces Grimdark Blackjack Roguelike ‘Blackout Jack’

    Kill the Dealer: Bloodthief Dev Announces Grimdark Blackjack Roguelike ‘Blackout Jack’

    If you spent 2025 pulling off high-speed, hyper-violent vampire parkour in the overwhelmingly positive boomer-slasher Bloodthief, solo developer Blargis is about to hand you a completely different kind of deck. But don’t expect a relaxing night at the casino.

    Blargis has officially pulled back the curtain on Blackout Jack, an upcoming story-driven, grimdark blackjack roguelike heading to PC via Steam. And if you’re eager to try your luck, you won’t have to wait long: the game’s first Steam playtest is officially launching on July 15.

    The House Always Wins… Until You Kill the Dealer

    Blackout Jack twists the familiar, high-stakes math of classic blackjack into a tense, tactical struggle for survival. Set in the rain-slicked, crooked alleys of a seedy medieval city, this isn’t just a game about beating the house—it’s a game where the house wants to take your literal mortality.

    The core loop places you at a table against a sinister, death-dealing dealer. Your ultimate, secret objective? Murder him. To do that, you’ll need to survive card rounds by building insane combos and powerful deck synergies. You aren’t just hitting or standing; you’ll be manipulating the odds using:

    • Card-altering elixirs and boons to bend the rules.
    • Life-paid chips and multipliers to maximise your damage.
    • Strange relics were purchased from the local hostess using blood gems.

    “I wanted to create an experience that blended a strong sense of mystery and narrative with the kind of gameplay where numbers keep going up and every run feels like it can spiral into something bigger.” — Developer Blargis

    Explore a City Built on Secrets

    What makes Blackout Jack particularly intriguing is that the game doesn’t end at the edge of the card table. When you step away from the dealer, you’ll be able to roam the grim midnight streets of the city.

    The urban underbelly is populated by unscrupulous characters, shady denizens, and fellow conspirators. By exploring, you can uncover hidden tools like lockpicks and poisons, pick up cryptic lore, and buy vital items to stack the deck in your favour for your next run.

    Naturally, death is a heavy feature in this grimdark world. But in true roguelike fashion, a gruesome game over isn’t the end. While death resets the night, you keep essential knowledge. Every failed run brings you one step closer to decoding the dark conspiracy binding the city together and permanently forcing the dealer to cash out.

    Join the Playtest on July 15

    If you love the psychological tension of Inscryption mixed with the addictive, rule-breaking card math of Balatro, Blackout Jack looks like it’s going to be a must-play.

    Head over to the official Blackout Jack Steam Page right now to hit that wishlist button, and keep your eyes peeled for the playtest drop on July 15!

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #BlackoutJack #GamerNews #Roguelike #Deckbuilder #SteamGames #PCGaming #Grimdark #Bloodthief #Blargis

  • Hack, Slash, and Survive: Phantom Tower Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    Hack, Slash, and Survive: Phantom Tower Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    The wait is almost over for action RPG fans. After four long years of passionate development, Horien Studio has officially announced that their highly anticipated title, Phantom Tower, is launching into Steam Early Access on July 13th, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a fresh, adrenaline-pumping challenge that tests your reflexes and tactical thinking, this is the title to watch.

    What is Phantom Tower?

    Phantom Tower is a fast-paced, roguelike action RPG that masterfully blends fluid, high-stakes hack-and-slash combat with the eerie, unpredictable nature of deep dungeon crawling.

    Players will find themselves scaling a shifting, perilous tower where no two runs are ever the same. Every floor throws new enemy types, environmental hazards, and brutal bosses at you, demanding split-second decisions and absolute mastery over your arsenal.

    Key Features to Get Hyped For:

    • Dynamic Combat: Chain together devastating combos, parry lethal attacks, and animation-cancel your way through hordes of enemies.
    • Deep Dungeon Crawling: Explore procedural layouts filled with hidden secrets, lore fragments, and game-changing loot.
    • Roguelike Replayability: Die, learn, upgrade, and repeat. Build synergies with unique perks and weapons to craft your ultimate playstyle.
    • 4 Years of Polish: Developed with love and meticulous attention to detail by Horien Studio to ensure the combat feels incredibly tight and responsive.

    Try the Demo Right Now! Can’t wait until July 13th? You don’t have to. Horien Studio has released a free playable demo on Steam right now. It gives you a taste of the first few floors, the core combat mechanics, and a sneak peek at the build variety.

    Why Early Access?

    Horien Studio is taking the Early Access route to collaborate directly with the community. Over the next phase of development, player feedback from the Steam community will actively shape balancing, new weapon types, additional tower floors, and endgame content.

    Mark your calendars for July 13th, head over to Steam, and wishlist Phantom Tower today to support an indie gem four years in the making.

    Find out more here

    #PhantomTower #HorienStudio #IndieDev #ActionRPG #Roguelike #HackAndSlash #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • The Hell Clock Is Ticking Faster! Console Launch And Cursed War Expansion Moved Forward To July 9th

    The Hell Clock Is Ticking Faster! Console Launch And Cursed War Expansion Moved Forward To July 9th

    Great news for Action RPG and roguelike fans! In a rare and incredibly welcome turn of events for the gaming world, developer Rogue Snail and publisher Mad Mushroom have announced that Hell Clock is arriving early.

    The game’s highly anticipated debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, alongside its massive first expansion, Cursed War, has had its release date moved forward to July 9th.

    Originally scheduled for July 14th after shifting away from a June window to avoid conflicting with Path of Exile, the team has confirmed the game and its major 2.0 overhaul are locked, loaded, and ready ahead of schedule.

    Check out the brand-new developer gameplay walkthrough trailer below to see exactly what’s waiting for you in the depths:

    What is Hell Clock? An “Exile-like” Roguelike with Historical Bite

    If you haven’t yet experienced Hell Clock on PC, you are missing out on one of the most uniquely atmospheric indie ARPGs on the market. Described by the developers as an “Exile-like” roguelite, it masterfully blends the complex build depth and fast-paced isometric hacking-and-slashing of Path of Exile or Diablo with the high-stakes, run-based loop of a roguelike.

    What truly sets Hell Clock apart, however, is its narrative. Created by an all-Brazilian dev team, the game is a dark fantasy retelling of real, tragic Brazilian history.

    • The Base Game: Set during the late 19th-century War of Canudos, you play as the warrior Pajeú, battling through a nightmarish, undead-infested version of Purgatory and Hell to rescue the soul of his spiritual leader.
    • The Gameplay Twist: Pajeú’s magical Hell Clock is constantly ticking down, strictly limiting the time you can spend in the depths during each run. You must balance the risk of diving deeper for epic loot against the literal clock fading away.

    What’s Coming in the Cursed War Expansion?

    Launching simultaneously on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, the Cursed War expansion expands the universe significantly. Acting as a prequel story, it explores Pajeú’s origins during the harrowing Paraguayan War (1864–1870).

    Here is a breakdown of the new features players can look forward to on July 9th:

    FeatureDescription
    All-New Story ActA brand new prequel campaign act taking players to a dark fantasy twist on the Paraguayan War.
    Fresh Biomes & MapsOver 10 terrifying new environments to fight through, including Swamps, Blood Rivers, and the Campo Grande.
    Devastating New SkillsA slew of fresh abilities to experiment with, expanding the game’s already deep build synergy.
    Brutal Boss FightsFace off against some of the most challenging and mettle-testing bosses Rogue Snail has ever designed.
    Endless Nightmares ModeA brand-new endgame system featuring randomised, scaling-difficulty dungeons to truly push your builds to the absolute limit.
    Ascension 1.0The game’s full roguelike Ascension mode officially leaves beta, offering highly customizable difficulty modifiers.

    Join the “Race to Hell” Contest

    To celebrate the massive launch, Rogue Snail has also announced the Hell Clock: Race to Hell contest. If you are a streamer or content creator, you can compete to be the very first player to clear Tier 9 of the new Endless Nightmares endgame mode. The prize? A top-tier Starforge Systems gaming PC featuring a stunning, custom-designed Hell Clock art case. Head over to the official Hell Clock Discord server for full rules and registration details.

    Grab a Discount on PC Now

    If you want a head start before the console crowd arrives next week, PC players can currently grab the base game on Steam with a hefty 40% discount ahead of the 2.0 rollout.

    Whether you are looking to dive into Purgatory on your couch via PS5 and Xbox, or gear up for the prequel on Steam, set your watch: the Hell Clock strikes on July 9th.

    Find out more here

    #HellClock #CursedWar #RogueSnail #MadMushroom #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #ActionRPG #ARPG #Roguelike #IndieGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Cats, Mechs, and Mayhem: Tech Titans Join Forces for ‘Cats in the Shell’

    Cats, Mechs, and Mayhem: Tech Titans Join Forces for ‘Cats in the Shell’

    When veterans from China’s biggest rival gaming giants—Tencent and NetEase—leave their corporate strongholds to team up, the industry takes notice. But no one quite predicted what their newly minted collective, Raven Studio, would build as their debut project.

    Alongside global publisher Infini Fun, Raven Studio has officially pulled back the curtain on Cats in the Shell, a frantic, highly strategic mech-building roguelike auto battler coming to PC via Steam Early Access in Q4 2026.

    If you’ve ever wanted to pilot a towering, steel-clad instrument of absolute destruction as a whiskered feline, your highly specific dream is finally coming true.

    The Birth of Raven Studio

    Raven Studio isn’t just another indie outfit. Founded by a powerhouse collective of industry veterans pulling experience from Tencent, NetEase, and SNK, the studio was built with a specific mandate: break away from predictable, formulaic corporate production and prioritize pure, experimental gameplay.

    By partnering with Infini Fun, a global multi-platform publisher established in 2024, the developers have been given the runway to bring one of their wildest ideas to life.

    “Cats in the Shell’s detail-oriented, satisfying mech building and roguelike randomness will keep you on your toes. More than 1,000 modules provide near-infinite choices in exhilarating combat instances.” — Alex Dong, Director of Raven Studio

    Tactical Customisation Meets Feline Fury

    At its core, Cats in the Shell is all about build-crafting. The loop is a satisfying blend of deep mechanical tinkering and roguelike unpredictability.

    1. Six Mech Archetypes & Whiskered Helmsmen

    Players can choose from six distinct mech types, each serving as a blank metal canvas. However, a giant war machine is only as good as its pilot. You’ll recruit a variety of feline fighters, each sporting exclusive active abilities and unique strategic focuses that heavily alter how your machine behaves on the battlefield.

    2. Over 1,000 Component Modules

    As you progress through runs and navigate random in-game events, you will collect weapons, armor, and specialized component parts. With over 1,000 modules available, the sheer depth of theory-crafting is massive.

    3. Inventory Management & Synergy Slots

    You can allocate modules into five core slots. However, inventory space is strictly limited. The strategy lies in managing your tight inventory, arranging parts in a precise order, and unlocking hidden synergies that trigger explosive chain reactions.

    Automated Chaos and Global PvP

    Once your feline pilot is buckled in and your mech is armed to the teeth, it’s time to step onto the battlefield. Cats in the Shell splits its action across two main fronts:

    • The Story Campaign: Battle through four distinct futuristic biomes, adapting your loadout to handle environmental hazards and squaring off against towering, screen-filling bosses.
    • Asynchronous PvP: Want to test your build against the world? Take your machine into an asynchronous PvP gauntlet. You will fight AI-controlled versions of mechs meticulously assembled by actual players worldwide. The ultimate goal? Survived the gauntlet to secure 10 cumulative victories.

    Because it’s an auto battler, your job is done once the countdown hits zero. You get to sit back and watch your engineering masterclass—or catastrophic design flaws—play out in real-time automated clashes of steel, lasers, and flying fur.

    Launch Details & Public Playtest

    Cats in the Shell is slated to hit Steam Early Access in Q4 2026. Raven Studio is already aiming for a massive global audience right out of the gate, promising localization support for 11 languages, including English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

    Can’t wait until Q4? You don’t have to. To celebrate the announcement, Raven Studio and Infini Fun have launched a seven-day public playtest right now on Steam. Head over to their store page, request access, and start building your ultimate mechanical kitty today.

    What do you think of this unexpected gaming crossover? Let us know your thoughts on Raven Studio’s debut in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #CatsInTheShell #RavenStudio #InfiniFun #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGaming #MechGames #AutoBattler #Roguelike #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Plug In and Power Up: Innovative Roguelike ‘HYPERWIRED’ Launches Today on PC and Consoles!

    Plug In and Power Up: Innovative Roguelike ‘HYPERWIRED’ Launches Today on PC and Consoles!

    Indie gaming fans, it’s time to clear your schedules. If you’ve been looking for a fresh, adrenaline-pumping challenge to test your reflexes and spatial awareness, your next obsession has officially arrived.

    Developer SIDRALGAMES, alongside co-publishers Selecta Play and Entalto Publishing, are thrilled to announce that HYPERWIRED is out TODAY! This highly anticipated 2D action roguelike space shooter is available right now across Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, and Xbox.

    Check out the chaotic action in the official trailer below, check out the game on Steam, and dive into the media assets via the press kit link:

      Survive the Void on a Leash: The Ultimate Risk-Reward Mechanic

      HYPERWIRED separates itself from the crowded bullet-hell genre with a brilliant, high-voltage gameplay twist: your ship is physically tethered by a power cable to an energy source.

      In a galaxy plunged into total darkness, your life support and weaponry are entirely dependent on Space Sockets scattered throughout the procedurally generated sectors.

      • The Catch: To recharge your energy and unleash maximum firepower, you must plug in.
      • The Danger: The moment you are tethered, your movement is restricted by the length of your cable.

      This creates a frantic, gripping risk-and-reward dynamic. Do you stay anchored to keep your mega-lasers firing while dodging incoming enemy swarms? Or do you unplug, sacrifice firepower, and scramble for safety?

      Game Features at a Glance

      • Deep Build Customisation: Pick up batteries to discover over 250+ bullet modifier combinations and hunt down chips for temporary upgrades.
      • Permanent Progression: Choose from more than 40 permanent ship upgrades, allowing you to optimise your recharge times, boost firepower, or permanently extend your cable length.
      • A Fleet to Choose From: Unlock and pilot 10+ unique ships, each tailored to different playstyles—from heavy-hitting stealth builds to fast skirmishers.
      • Rescue an Army: Save stranded pilots lost in the void and watch them join the fray to fight right alongside you.
      • Elite Boss Battles: Test your skills against screen-filling, monstrous bosses at the end of every galaxy.
      • Futuristic Slow-Mo System: Feeling overwhelmed by the bullet hell? Activate your ship’s reality-bending slow-motion system to dodge the impossible. Kill enemies to juice it back up!

      Beautifully Retro, Unapologetically Fast

      Wrapped in a gorgeous 2D pixel-art style and driven by an intense synthwave-infused soundtrack, HYPERWIRED perfectly captures that classic retro arcade adrenaline while offering modern roguelite depth.

      Whether you’re playing on the couch with your PlayStation or Xbox, taking the chaos on the go with the Nintendo Switch, or aiming for the leaderboards on PC via Steam, HYPERWIRED is ready to push your gaming skills to the absolute limit.

      Don’t get stranded in the void. Grab your copy today, plug in, and master the breach!

      Find out more here

      #Hyperwired #IndieGames #Roguelike #GamingNews #Steam #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #SIDRALGAMES #SelectaPlay #EntaltoPublishing #BulletHell #SciFiGaming

    • Build Your Ultimate Fighter: ‘Poly Fighter’ Hits the Montreal Comic Con Indie Zone This Weekend

      Build Your Ultimate Fighter: ‘Poly Fighter’ Hits the Montreal Comic Con Indie Zone This Weekend

      Get ready to step into the digital ring, Montreal! Local developer HeartLoop Games has officially announced that its highly anticipated debut title, Poly Fighter, will be fully playable at Montreal Comic Con 2026.

      Taking place from July 3–5 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the massive pop-culture celebration is playing host to some of the brightest minds in independent game development—and Poly Fighter is stepping up as a certified heavyweight in this year’s Indie Zone lineup.

      What is Poly Fighter?

      If you haven’t been keeping an eye on this one via Steam, Poly Fighter is a brilliant, single-player roguelike fighting game that completely flips the genre script.

      Instead of picking a veteran warrior who already knows every combo in the book, you start from the absolute bottom. Every time you defeat an opponent in tense, retro-arcade 1v1 duels, you get the chance to learn, adapt, and literally steal or upgrade moves to build your fighter’s style from scratch.

      Whether you want to construct a zoning tactician, a grappling powerhouse, or an aggressive rushdown menace, the game lets you build the ultimate, custom-tailored (and beautifully broken) fighter.

      Why We’re Hyped: It offers a pure, expressive arcade experience built entirely for solo play. No ranked online ladder anxiety, no toxic lobbies—just deep, rewarding systems that appeal to casual players and fighting game veterans alike. Plus, the low-poly 90s aesthetic and snappy animations look absolutely gorgeous in motion.

      Go Check Out HeartLoop Games

      What makes this showcase even sweeter is that HeartLoop Games is a homegrown Montreal studio, founded by a group of industry veterans dedicated to iterative, player-first game design.

      If you are attending the convention this weekend to catch the celebrity panels, the legendary Masquerade cosplay contest, or the comic book guest stars, make sure you take a detour to Floor 2’s gaming area. Head straight over to the Indie Zone, get your hands on the Poly Fighter demo, and meet the incredibly talented local team behind it. Who knows, you might even find your new favourite character (we’re looking at you, Muscle Horse).

      Montreal Comic Con runs from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026. If you can’t make it out to the Palais des congrès this weekend, you can still download the free demo and wishlist the game right now on Steam ahead of its late 2026 launch.

      Find out more here

      #PolyFighter #HeartLoopGames #MontrealComicCon #MTLComicCon #IndieGames #GameDev #FightingGames #FGC #Roguelike #TechMash

    • Save 20% on Serpent’s Gaze: The Co-Op Soulslike Taking Over the Steam Summer Sale!

      Save 20% on Serpent’s Gaze: The Co-Op Soulslike Taking Over the Steam Summer Sale!

      If you and your gaming squad have been itching for a brutal new challenge, indie developer Feeble Minds has some incredible news. Their critically acclaimed 1-4 player Early Access co-op soulslike, Serpent’s Gaze, is officially joining the Steam Summer Sale with a fantastic 20% discount!

      For a limited time, you can dive into its punishing, sand-swept world for just $11.99 / €12.79 / £11.

      What is Serpent’s Gaze?

      Launched into Early Access just last month, Serpent’s Gaze has already locked down a 90% “Very Positive” user review rating on Steam. The game seamlessly blends the tactical, high-stakes combat of a classic third-person soulslike with the dynamic, unpredictable build-crafting of a roguelike.

      You play as a Scion brought to life by the withering tree god, Magnolia. Your mission? Venture out into an ancient, imposing desert filled with relentless bosses, rival factions, and deep-seated secrets, to take down the usurper gods who rule the lands.

      Whether you choose to face the brutal challenges alone or team up with up to three friends, Serpent’s Gaze demands smart stamina management, aggressive counter-attacks, and strategic build coordination.

      Custom Builds and Brutal Defeat

      No two runs through the game’s handcrafted levels feel the same. Along your pilgrimage, you can gather blessings from strange deities, gifts from your patron, and powerful relics to customise your playstyle:

      • Aspect of the Plague: Perfect for agile glass-cannon players, giving you temporary stat boosts every time you secure a quick kill.
      • Aspect of the Bold: Made for the ultimate avenger, scaling your damage output higher for every point of health you are missing. Pair it with a massive health pool and a health-sacrificing relic to turn your pain into your enemy’s punishment.

      However, the gods aren’t entirely generous. The game’s unique Curse system introduces random variables into every run—ranging from environmental hazards to terrifying mini-bosses hunting you down—ensuring that every single attempt stays fresh and deeply challenging.

      A Look at the Roadmap

      Feeble Minds isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Alongside the sale announcement, the team dropped a massive roadmap tracking the game’s journey toward its 1.0 launch:

      • Short-Term Goals: Focus on game stability, community-driven balancing patches, and a few surprise gameplay content additions.
      • Mid-Term Goals: Introducing a wider pool of weapons, classes, upgrades, curses, blessings, and unique quests.
      • The Journey to 1.0: A massive content drop that will introduce an entirely new domain featuring 4 new levels, 4 new bosses, plenty of fresh enemy archetypes, and dedicated Steam achievements.

      TechMash Verdict: If you love Elden Ring, Dark Souls, or Remnant, but want a rogue-lite twist you can tackle with your friends, Serpent’s Gaze is an absolute steal at this price point. Grab your discount before the sale ends and see if you have what it takes to make the desert bloom again.

      Head over to Steam to check out the Serpent’s Gaze Summer Sale Trailer and grab your copy today!

      Find out more here

      #SerpentsGaze #FeebleMinds #SteamSummerSale #Soulslike #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #GamingDeals #PCGaming #EarlyAccess #Roguelike

    • Forget Cosy Games: Comrade Bear Undermines The Motherland is a Satirical, Aggressive Rebellion on Steam

      Forget Cosy Games: Comrade Bear Undermines The Motherland is a Satirical, Aggressive Rebellion on Steam

      If you’ve been feeling a bit fatigued by the endless wave of cosy, pastel-hued farming simulators dominating the indie scene lately, developer Indifferent Penguin has exactly what you need.

      Announced with a striking exclusive trailer on IGN, Comrade Bear Undermines The Motherland is a chaotic, unapologetically aggressive, and satirical roguelike action-miner that aims a heavy artillery shell directly at reality.

      Check out everything we know so far about this brilliant mashup of mechanics and political satire.

      The Pitch: Dome Keeper Meets FTL (With a Dash of Revolution)

      In Comrade Bear Undermines The Motherland, you play as an anthropomorphic bear who finds himself as the sole survivor of a sunken submarine. Betrayed and left for dead by a corrupt regime, you aren’t going to lie down and take it. Instead, you are going to survive, rebuild, and make them pay.

      The gameplay loop balances intensive logistics with high-stakes panic management:

      • Deep-Sea Excavation: Dig through the seabed to secure vital resources, manage weight mechanics, and construct intricate paths using ladders, platforms, and automated transit systems.
      • Submarine Engineering: Transform your rusty wreck into an interconnected underwater fortress. You will need to wire rooms, manage power flow, and upgrade systems to keep your ship moving.
      • Strategic Combat: This isn’t a twitch-reflex shooter. Defence relies on tactical decision-making. You will use your sonar to prioritise incoming threats—including waves of corrupt military fleets and gigantic, terrifying krakens—while directing your automated defences to open fire.

      “I didn’t want to make another cozy-game to escape reality; I wanted to provide a place to give vent to real-world frustrations.” > — Indifferent Penguin, Developer

      A Bite of Sharp Satire

      The game takes an unapologetic nod to the sinking of the Kursk and the grim political realities of modern history. Rather than pulling its punches, Comrade Bear leans heavily into its premise: you are actively mining for vengeance with the ultimate goal of blowing the Kremlin sky-high.

      The aesthetic beautifully marries a gritty, high-stakes atmosphere with dark, absurd humour, making it a highly anticipated therapeutic release for players looking to channel real-world frustrations into a genuinely fun, strategic loop.

      When Can You Play?

      Comrade Bear Undermines The Motherland is slated for a PC release via Steam. While an official release date hasn’t been set in stone yet, the announcement trailer is live, and the Steam store page is officially open for wishlisting.

      If you love the base-building anxiety of Dome Keeper, the crisis control of FTL: Faster Than Light, and the creative structural freedom of Terraria, this is absolutely one indie project to keep on your radar.

      What do you think of Comrade Bear’s rebellion? Let us know in the comments below!

      Find out more here

      #ComradeBear #IndifferentPenguin #IndieGames #GamingNews #SteamGames #Roguelike #DomeKeeper #FTL #PCGaming #TechMash

    • Prepare for Battle: Tears of Metal Slashes Onto Steam and Microsoft Store This July!

      Prepare for Battle: Tears of Metal Slashes Onto Steam and Microsoft Store This July!

      Great news for roguelike fans and hack-and-slash enthusiasts! Montreal-based indie studio Paper Cult—the brilliant minds behind the critically acclaimed action game Bloodroots—has officially announced the Early Access release date for their highly anticipated title, Tears of Metal.

      Mark your calendars: the medieval co-op hack-and-slash roguelike is set to launch on July 22 on both Steam and the Microsoft Store.

      Lead Your Battalion to Victory

      In Tears of Metal, players are thrown into a gorgeous, war-torn landscape where they must carve through massive hordes of enemies to reclaim their island home. Following a mysterious “Dragon Stone Meteor” event that brought ruthless occupiers to their shores, you are tasked with leading a formidable Scottish battalion into the trenches.

      The game successfully blends intense, large-scale hack-and-slash combat with the unpredictable, high-stakes progression of a roguelike.

      What to Expect in Early Access

      Paper Cult isn’t holding back for this launch. The Early Access build is arriving with a substantial amount of content right out of the gate:

      • Three Full Acts: Each act introduces distinct environments, unique enemy types, elite encounters, and punishing boss fights.
      • Playable Heroes & Combinations: Choose between multiple unique heroes and combine your skills with over 100 different artefacts to create devastating, custom builds.
      • Persistent Upgrades: Between campaigns, return to your settlement to expand it, unlock new vendors, and permanently upgrade your soldiers so they grow stronger with every run.
      • Solo or Co-op Play: Team up with friends or take on the enemy hordes alone across more than 45 handcrafted environments.

      Xbox Game Pass & Launch Details

      For PC players using the Microsoft Store, there’s an extra treat: Tears of Metal will be available on PC Game Pass from day one. If you prefer console gaming, Paper Cult has confirmed that an Xbox Series X|S version is currently slated to land before the end of the year.

      Last Chance for the Demo: If you want a free taste of the combat before the official release, act fast! Paper Cult will be retiring the current Steam demo on July 6 to prepare for the massive Early Access launch.

      Official pricing details will be fully dynamic upon the storefronts going live on launch day, so keep your eyes peeled to your preferred platform.

      With over 400,000 wishlists already accumulated on Steam since its initial reveal, Tears of Metal is shaping up to be one of the biggest indie hits of the summer. Head over to Steam or the Microsoft Store to add it to your wishlist now!

      Are you ready to lead your battalion into the fray? Let us know if you’ll be playing solo or teaming up in co-op this July!

      Find out more here

      #TearsOfMetal #PaperCult #IndieGames #GamingNews #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGamePass #HackAndSlash #Roguelike #CoOpGaming #TechMash

    • Clock In, Pray Hard: Satirical Deckbuilder ‘PrayPal’ Turns Divine Intervention into a Corporate Nightmare

      Clock In, Pray Hard: Satirical Deckbuilder ‘PrayPal’ Turns Divine Intervention into a Corporate Nightmare

      If you’ve ever looked at your corporate HR handbook and thought, “Wow, this feels like an eternity in purgatory,” then we have some good news. Well, “good news” depending on how much you love dark humour, roguelike deckbuilders, and crushing bureaucratic dread.

      Publishers GCORES PUBLISHING and developer Yith Game have officially announced PrayPal—a satirical roguelike deckbuilder where faith isn’t a spiritual journey; it’s a monetised KPI.

      According to the official press release, the teams are “thrilled (and legally obligated by HR to say they are thrilled)” to bring this divine corporate nightmare to life.

      Welcome to Heaven, Inc.

      In PrayPal, you aren’t fighting monsters for glory. You are navigating the ultimate corporate ladder: the afterlife.

      Instead of traditional mana or energy, you’ll be managing Divine Capital. Your cards aren’t magic spells—they are bureaucratic mandates, prayer subscriptions, and HR-approved miracles. Want to smite a rival department? That’s going to require three rounds of approvals and a synergy meeting.

      Key Features to Sync About:

      • Synergise Your Deck: Build a deck of “Miracle Manifestos” and “Compliance Clauses” to survive tactical turn-based grid encounters.
      • Corporate Roguelike Progression: Every run changes as you climb the corporate celestial ladder. Fail your performance review, and it’s back to the mailroom (or worse, the mortal realm).
      • Dark Satirical Humour: A sharp, witty critique of modern corporate culture, microtransactions, and tech-bro jargon, all wrapped in a beautifully polished indie aesthetic.

      Capitalise on the Trailer

      The developers have dropped a teaser that perfectly captures the aesthetic: a mix of clean, sterile corporate UI and chaotic, god-tier bureaucracy. Check it out to see how your next quarterly review might just determine the fate of your soul.

      Whether you’re a fan of Slay the Spire or just someone who has answered one too many emails that “could have been a meeting,” PrayPal looks to be a hilariously bleak addition to your Steam wishlist.

      Stay tuned to TechMash for a definitive release date and hands-on impressions. Until then, remember to log your hours, optimise your prayers, and circle back with us later.

      Find out more here

      #PrayPal #IndieGames #Roguelike #Deckbuilder #GCORES #YithGame #GamingNews #TechMash #PCGaming #Satire #SteamGames

    • Flip, Nudge, and Destroy: Roguelike Pinball Sensation ‘Cult of PiN’ Locks In August Release Date

      Flip, Nudge, and Destroy: Roguelike Pinball Sensation ‘Cult of PiN’ Locks In August Release Date

      Move over Balatro and Peglin—there is a new heavy-hitting indie synergy addiction on the horizon, and it’s taking us straight back to the golden era of arcade cabinets and Windows 3D Pinball (Space Cadet).

      Independent developer KennyMakesGames has officially announced that Cult of PiN, the highly anticipated arcade pinball roguelike, will launch globally on Steam on August 10th, 2026. The announcement drops alongside an explosive new Release Date Trailer showcasing the game’s chaotic, high-intensity gameplay.

      Check out the official Release Date Trailer below:

      Pinball Physics Meets Modern Deckbuilding

      If you think this is just your standard high-score chaser, think again. Cult of PiN flips the classic genre on its head by turning pinball tables into battlefields. Instead of simply keeping the ball alive for points, your ball deals actual damage to the bumpers it strikes.

      Your goal? Demolish the handcrafted 3D tables, shatter cursed bumpers, and survive intense, gravity-defying showdowns against biomechanical Boss Bumpers.

      The real magic happens between rounds. Over a successful public demo campaign that has already captured the attention of over 120,000 players, the game has proven that its rogue-lite mechanics are incredibly deep. Players can draft from an expanding pool of over 130 unique upgrades, Glyphs, and Blessings to scale their damage multipliers into absolute absurdity.

      Key Features At A Glance:

      • True Build Synergy: Mix and match over 100 Glyphs to create game-breaking combos that turn your ball into a weapon of mass destruction.
      • 8 Playable Balls: Master distinct mechanics, specialised passive abilities, and powerful “Rituals” to trigger table-wide chaos.
      • Hand-Crafted 3D Tables: Discover 4 beautifully stylised, hand-drawn tables featuring hidden bonus zones, unique layouts, and unpredictable table mutations.
      • High-Intensity Sessions: Designed for quick 15-to-20-minute runs across 7 distinct difficulty levels, keeping the gameplay loop endlessly fresh.

      Play Anywhere: Full Steam Deck & Cross-Platform Support

      In a massive win for handheld gaming enthusiasts, KennyMakesGames has confirmed that Cult of PiN will launch with full native support for PC, Mac, Linux, and the Steam Deck.

      The game has been completely optimised for high-framerate portability, featuring native controller mapping and smooth performance built precisely with the Steam Deck in mind. Whether you are nudging your ball on a desktop or flipping targets on your morning commute, the tactile satisfaction travels with you.

      Pricing and Availability

      Cult of PiN will officially hit Steam on August 10th, 2026, for an incredibly reasonable $14.99 / £11.79 / €12.75. Even better news for early adopters: the game will feature a 15% discount during its launch week.

      If you can’t wait until August to start smashing tables, you can head over to Steam right now to try out the newly updated, heavily localised public demo and add the game to your wishlist.

      Find out more here

      #CultOfPiN #IndieGames #SteamDeck #GamingNews #Pinball #Roguelike #PCGaming #MacGaming #LinuxGaming #TechMash

    • Magical Girls vs. Biblical Monsters: Kernel Hearts Slams Onto Consoles and PC This September

      Magical Girls vs. Biblical Monsters: Kernel Hearts Slams Onto Consoles and PC This September

      Indie developer Ephemera Games has dropped a massive double-whammy of news for anime action fans. Not only has their highly anticipated debut title, Kernel Hearts, locked in an official release window for September 2026, but players won’t have to wait until autumn to get another taste of the action. An updated, feature-packed demo is officially heading to Steam Next Fest on June 15th.

      Published by Whitethorn Games, this unique multiplayer co-op roguelike action RPG tasks players with a rather ambitious to-do list: eliminate legions of angels, scale the Tower of Babel, and transform into a magical girl to literally dethrone God.

      If you like your hack-and-slash gameplay mixed with deep customisation and high-stakes teamwork, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

      Slay God, Upgrade Your OS, and Bond with Allies

      In Kernel Hearts, you control a member of the M.A.H.O.U. Unit, fighting to save a post-apocalyptic world currently drowning in ashes. The game effortlessly blends fast-paced, combo-heavy action with classic roguelike mechanics.

      Here is what you can look forward to when the full game drops later this year:

      • Co-Op Chaos: Team up with up to four friends in online multiplayer co-op to take down massive biblical monsters and intense domain guardians.
      • Magical Transformations: Dispel the Heavenly Curse to temporarily unlock your true, devastating magical girl form and turn the tide of battle.
      • 256KB of Customisation: Between runs, return to your lab holdout on the outskirts of humanity to spend your hard-earned rewards, equipping up to 256KB of custom stat-altering chips to your Unit’s MAHOU.OS.
      • Forge Deep Bonds: It’s not all endless fighting; you can interact with the unique inhabitants of the tower and give them gifts to deepen your relationships.

      Catch the Fresh Demo at Steam Next Fest

      If you missed the initial playtests or the early alpha builds, the upcoming Steam Next Fest on June 15th is your perfect entry point. Game Director Akira recently shared that the development team has been working hard to address player feedback from earlier versions. The upcoming Steam Next Fest build promises a heavily updated demo featuring crucial quality-of-life improvements, tighter mechanics, and a much cleaner look at what the final product will offer.

      The full game is shaping up to be an absolute treat for anime fans and roguelike veterans alike. Mark your calendars for the demo next week, and get ready for the full launch this autumn!

      Kernel Hearts will officially launch in September 2026 across PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

      Source – https://kernelhearts.com/

      #KernelHearts #EphemeraGames #WhitethornGames #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #ActionRPG #Roguelike #AnimeGames #MagicalGirl