TECHMASH

Tag: #Roguelike

  • Sous Raccoon now features three of its planned four stages in Early Access

    Sous Raccoon now features three of its planned four stages in Early Access

    The kitchen is heating up! Novice Flow and Rising Tide Publishing have officially rolled out the “Wild Offering” update for Sous Raccoon, marking a major milestone in the game’s journey through Steam Early Access. With the addition of Stage Three, the chaotic culinary roguelike is now roughly 75% of the way to its highly anticipated 1.0 release.

    Welcome to the Enchanted Wilds

    The headline feature of this update is the introduction of Stage Three: The Enchanted Wilds. This isn’t just a new coat of paint; it’s the largest and most complex map added to the game yet. Set in a deep, ancient forest filled with tribal secrets, players will have to navigate more than just hungry customers and angry monsters.

    New Mechanics to Master:

    The Offering System: A high-stakes risk/reward mechanic. Players must honour a sacred statue with offerings. Neglect the spirits, and you’ll be slapped with a nasty curse; stay in their good graces, and you’ll earn powerful blessings to help survive the rush.

    Dimensional Holes: New teleportation points allow for quick shortcuts across the kitchen, but they can just as easily lead you into an ambush if you aren’t careful.

    Crumble Platforms: Stationary play is a death sentence here. These platforms vanish if you stand on them for too long, forcing Elmo the raccoon to stay light on his paws.

    New Faces in the Kitchen

    To help tackle the escalating difficulty, the update introduces two new Assistants that players can unlock and upgrade in the lobby:

    Mary (The Possum Mother): Designed as a reliable “meta” pick, Mary offers a versatile skill set that balances out the chaos of the later levels.

    Johny (The Bat Farmer): The go-to for players looking to maximise their economy. Johny specialises in gold-heavy strategies, making those expensive upgrades a bit easier to stomach.

    Of course, the pantry isn’t the only thing growing. Three new monster types—the Runner (Blueberry Clam), the Mage (Mage Squid), and the Caster (Wheat Mudskipper)—have joined the fray to ensure your customers never have a peaceful meal.

    The Road to 1.0

    With three out of the four planned stages now live, Novice Flow is laser-focused on the finish line. The developers have confirmed that the game is on track for a full 1.0 release in Q1 or Q2 of 2026.

    What’s next on the roadmap?

    A New Weapon System: Currently in active development and slated for the next major update.

    Stage Four: The final environment is currently in the design phase.

    Co-op Mode: The team is deep in R&D for a cooperative mode, aiming to ship it before the 1.0 launch to truly test the limits of your friendships.

    “Our team is fully dedicated to this project, and we guarantee that we will deliver the complete game as promised,” says the Novice Flow team. “The remaining time will be used to finish the final stage and add that last layer of polish.”

    Why You Should Play Sous Raccoon

    If you haven’t jumped in yet, Sous Raccoon is a unique blend of Overcooked-style chaos and Hades-style progression. You play as Elmo, a raccoon sous chef working under a literal Viking “Chef” with a hair-trigger temper. Your job? Serve food, defend your customers from monsters, and—if a customer unfortunately meets their end—dispose of the evidence before the health inspector (or the Chef) notices.

    Sous Raccoon is available now in Early Access on Steam.

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

    #NoviceFlow #RisingTidePublishing #SousRaccoon #roguelike #cookingmayhem #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcade

  • Meet Pluto: The Dark Fantasy Deckbuilder Where You Fight with Your Fingers

    Meet Pluto: The Dark Fantasy Deckbuilder Where You Fight with Your Fingers

    The roguelike deckbuilder genre is crowded, but every so often, a title emerges that refuses to play by the rules. Enter Pluto, a gritty, hand-drawn tactical gem from Siege Wizard Interactive and publisher indie.io.

    Launched on March 9, 2026, Pluto isn’t interested in saving the world. It’s a game about a “not-so-heroic” wizard who has been imprisoned for unspecified “wizard crimes.” Your only motivation? An invitation to your niece’s birthday party. To get there, you’ll have to blast your way through haunted forests, cursed ruins, and forgotten crypts.

    Spellcasting Like You’ve Never Seen

    What sets Pluto apart from heavyweights like Slay the Spire is its tactile, experimental combat system. This isn’t just about “playing the high-damage card.”

    The Finger System: You don’t just hold a hand of cards; you have elemental sigils assigned to your wizard’s fingers.

    Overlapping Gestures: To cast spells, you construct patterns. Elemental recipes can overlap, chain, and synergise in real-time, meaning every turn is a mini-puzzle.

    Emergent Strategy: The game encourages “happy accidents.” You might set out to cast a simple fireball and end up triggering a massive elemental reaction you didn’t see coming—or, occasionally, blowing yourself up.

    Atmosphere: Gory, Never Grim

    The visual identity of Pluto is striking, thanks to the work of acclaimed 2D artist Ditch Witch. It sports a stark, hand-drawn look that feels like a cross between Fear & Hunger and the surrealist vibes of Hylics.

    While the world is filled with grotesque, oozing monsters and “charred puddles” of enemies, the game maintains a sense of dark humour. The stakes are refreshingly mundane: you’re just an uncle in a rush, dodging jailors and trying to find a gift for a child while everything tries to kill you.

    Is It Worth the Hype?

    Early player feedback has been “Very Positive,” with many praising the “borderline genius” spellcasting system. It’s a game designed for those “A-ha!” moments where a complex chain of sigils finally clicks and clears the screen.

    If you’re tired of the same old “mana-and-damage” math and want a deckbuilder that feels like you’re actually weaving dangerous, unstable magic, Pluto is a must-play for 2026.

    TechMash Verdict: Pluto is a refreshing, visceral take on the deckbuilder genre. It’s weird, it’s messy, and it’s one of the most creative indie titles we’ve seen this year.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/8RPuf

    #Pluto #roguelike #deckbuilder #SiegeWizardInteractive #indieio #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Ratatan Drums Up a Summer Release: Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16th

    Ratatan Drums Up a Summer Release: Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16th

    Get your rhythm fingers ready and your marching boots polished! During the latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase, it was officially confirmed that Ratatan, the high-energy spiritual successor to the cult-classic Patapon, will be making its grand debut on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16, 2026.

    This isn’t just a simple port; the July 16 date marks the game’s official Version 1.0 launch, seeing it exit Steam Early Access and leap onto next-gen console hardware with all its rhythmic glory intact.

    What is Ratatan?

    For those who missed the record-breaking Kickstarter or the Early Access buzz, Ratatan is a rhythm-action roguelike developed by Ratata Arts and TVT Co., led by the original creator of Patapon, Hiroyuki Kotani.

    It blends the classic “command-and-march” gameplay of its predecessor with modern roguelike elements. You play as a conductor leading an army of adorable yet fierce Cobun soldiers. By tapping out specific rhythmic sequences to the beat of a toe-tapping soundtrack, you issue orders to attack, defend, and move across the vibrant, ever-changing world of Redo.

    Key Features to Look Forward To:

    Massive Melees: Watch as over 100 characters clash on screen in a chaotic, colourful symphony of battle.

    Roguelike Depth: Each run offers new weapons, skills, and procedural levels, ensuring no two marches feel the same.

    Online Co-op: Join forces with up to three friends in 4-player online multiplayer to take down massive bosses together.

    Switch 2 Enhancements: While the original Nintendo Switch version was unfortunately cancelled to focus on higher fidelity, the Switch 2 version promises smooth performance and crisp visuals that do justice to the game’s striking art style.

    From Kickstarter Hero to Console Star

    The journey for Ratatan has been nothing short of legendary. After raising over $1.4 million from 14,000+ backers in 2023, the game successfully navigated a productive Early Access period on PC.

    The move to Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant milestone. As one of the most anticipated indie titles for Nintendo’s new hardware, Ratatan is perfectly suited for the platform’s “pick up and play” nature. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon chants of the PSP era or a newcomer looking for a unique strategy challenge, July 16 is a date you’ll want to circle in red.

    Pro Tip: If you can’t wait until July, the game is currently available in Early Access on Steam, where you can get a head start on mastering the beat before the console launch!

    Are you ready to lead your Cobun army to victory? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be picking this up on the Switch 2!

    Find out more here – https://ninten.do/6008Spp2s

    #Ratatan #roguelike #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames #RatataArts #TVTCoLtd #PHStudio

  • Big update for One Boss One Fight: Version 2.0

    Big update for One Boss One Fight: Version 2.0

    If you’ve spent any time in the indie roguelike scene over the last year, you’ve likely heard of One Boss One Fight. Developed by Atlantis Studio, the game took a minimalist concept—one epic showdown against Death—and turned it into a high-octane survival experience.

    But as of March 6, 2026, “One Boss” is becoming a bit of a misnomer. The long-awaited Version 2.0 update has officially dropped, and it is a complete ground-up transformation of the title. Here is everything you need to know about the massive content injection.

    From One Boss to an Army

    The original game was built around a singular, multi-phase encounter. While that provided a tight, focused challenge, fans wanted more variety. Atlantis Studio has delivered in spades. Version 2.0 expands the roster from one boss to six unique bosses, each with its own distinct mechanics, patterns, and visual identity.

    To house these new threats, the update introduces:

    6 New Arenas: Specifically designed to test different playstyles and movement strategies.

    6 Exploration Zones: A brand-new system that moves the game beyond a simple menu-to-boss loop. You’ll now navigate these zones to discover secrets and progress your character.

    Redesigned Systems & Progression

    It’s not just about more content; it’s about better systems. The developer has spent a year reworking the core gameplay loop to ensure that every run feels rewarding.

    The Benediction System: This has been completely overhauled to offer deeper customisation. You aren’t just picking stats anymore; you’re building a “synergy engine” to take down the harder bosses.

    New Progression Paths: Multiple ways to grow stronger have been added, giving players more agency over their “build” before they step into the arena.

    Visual & Audio Overhaul: The UI has been cleaned up, menus have been revamped, and the game features a professional new art direction that replaces the original “solo dev” placeholder assets.

    Why It Matters

    In an era of bloated AAA titles, One Boss One Fight stands out by proving that focus is a feature. Even with the expansion to six bosses, the game retains its “easy to learn, impossible to master” DNA. Whether you are a solo player looking to test your reflexes or part of a 4-player co-op team, the balance improvements in 2.0 make the combat feel significantly punchier and more responsive.

    “Every aspect of the game, every menu, every feedback loop has been revamped… It’s not just more content, it’s a better player experience.” — Atlantis Studio

    How to Play

    If you already own the game on Steam, the Version 2.0 update is a free download. For newcomers, there has never been a better time to jump in—the sheer volume of content now justifies the “Massive Update” tag, effectively turning a “boss rush” demo into a full-fledged action roguelite.

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

    #AtlantisStudio #onebossonefight #Roguelike #action #strategy #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Roaring Twenties Meets Roguelike: The TOKENS Demo Is Now Live on Steam

    Roaring Twenties Meets Roguelike: The TOKENS Demo Is Now Live on Steam

    If you’ve spent any time on Steam over the last year, you’ve likely seen the “Balatro-effect” in full swing. Developers are finding ingenious ways to turn classic tabletop concepts into addictive, high-stakes roguelike deckbuilders. Enter TOKENS, a stylish new title from Atelier QBD that trades poker cards for clinking chips and smoky jazz clubs.

    Fresh off its announcement at the 2026 Pégases ceremony, the first public demo for TOKENS is officially available to download on Steam today.

    What is TOKENS?

    Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, TOKENS immerses players in a world of underground prestige clubs and high-society gambling. But don’t let the elegant aesthetic fool you; this is a tactical roguelike at its core.

    Instead of building a deck of cards, you are managing a collection of poker-style tokens. The goal? Line them up on the table to hit specific score thresholds and clear rounds. Every three rounds, however, the “house” fights back in the form of a boss encounter that will force you to adapt your strategy on the fly.

    Key Features to Watch Out For:

    Token-Based Strategy: Swapping cards for tokens introduces a fresh tactile feel to the deckbuilding genre, with unique synergies based on how you “play” your chips.

    The “Pégases” Pedigree: Announced during France’s prestigious Pégases awards, the game has already garnered attention for its striking visual style and atmospheric soundtrack.

    Global Appeal: While the demo is out now, the full launch (planned for Q3 2026) will support 10 languages, including English, French, German, and Japanese.

    Try the Demo Today

    The demo gives players a substantial taste of the early game, allowing them to experiment with different token combinations and face off against the first few club bosses. It’s a perfect “one-more-run” experience that fits right in with the current wave of innovative strategy games.

    You can grab the TOKENS demo right now on the Steam Store.

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

    #PegasesCeremony #AtelierQBD #roguelike #TOKENS #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • The Lab is Reopening: AlcheMice Private Playtest Hits Steam on March 12th

    The Lab is Reopening: AlcheMice Private Playtest Hits Steam on March 12th

    Get your whiskers ready and your bubbling flasks at the-ready. The wait for one of the most intriguing indie titles of the year is nearly over. AlcheMice, the chaotic multiplayer game that blends frantic platforming with deep alchemical crafting, has officially announced its next Private Playtest launching March 12th on Steam.

    If you’ve been looking for something that captures the “friendship-testing” energy of Overcooked but adds a layer of magical experimentation and rodent-based mayhem, this is the one to watch.

    What is AlcheMice?

    For the uninitiated, AlcheMice puts you in the tiny paws of an alchemist’s lab assistant—who also happens to be a mouse. You and your team are tasked with fulfilling complex potion recipes while navigating a laboratory filled with oversized hazards.

    The core loop is simple but addictive:

    Gather: Scavenge for rare ingredients hidden across the map.

    Brew: Combine elements in giant cauldrons to create powerful effects.

    Survive: Avoid environmental traps (and sometimes your own teammates’ failed experiments).

    What’s New in the March 12th Playtest?

    The developers have been quiet for a few months, hunkered down in their own real-life lab, and this update promises to be the most stable and feature-rich version of the game yet.

    Steam Integration: This playtest leverages Steam’s “Playtest” feature, making it easier than ever to jump in and invite friends.

    New Biomes: Expect to see fresh areas of the mansion beyond the basic kitchen, including the treacherous Botanical Garden.

    Refined Physics: Because let’s be honest, half the fun is seeing a mouse fly across the room because a potion exploded.

    How to Get In

    Since this is a Private Playtest, access isn’t guaranteed for everyone immediately. Here is your checklist to ensure you’re in the running:

    Steam Page: Head over to the AlcheMice Steam store page.

    Request Access: Click the “Request Access” button under the “Join the AlcheMice Playtest” banner.

    Check Your Email: On March 12th, keep a close eye on your inbox (and your spam folder) for the “You’ve been invited” notification from Steam.

    Pro Tip: The developers have hinted that active members of their Discord community often get a “fast-track” on keys, so it might be worth popping in to say hello to the dev team before the 12th.

    Final Thoughts

    AlcheMice represents exactly what we love at TechMash: innovative gameplay loops from indie studios that aren’t afraid to get a little weird. Whether you’re a competitive speedrunner or just looking for a new “chaos-simulator” to play with friends on a Friday night, mark your calendars for March 12th.

    Are you ready to turn lead into gold, or will you just end up turning your friends into frogs?

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

    #RedMountainGames #AlcheMice #roguelike #deckbuilder #GameDevelopersConference #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    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

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

    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 NameEffectThe “Real World” Vibe
    “Bribe the Sound Guy”Improves audio quality for 3 turnsHanding a crumpled $20 bill to a guy named “Ratty.”
    “Broken String”Skip next turn; gain +5 TensionThe literal panic of fumbling in the dark for a spare.
    “Heckler Takedown”Silence a negative crowd effectThat 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

  • Pluto: Where Magic is Volatile and Retirement is Mandatory

    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.

    FeatureHow it WorksWhy it’s Funny
    Deck DecayCards get “wrinkled” and lose power the more you use them.Your best “Meteor Swarm” eventually becomes a “Lukewarm Pebble.”
    The Grumble MechanicA unique resource generated by taking damage.You can spend “Grumble” to insult enemies, lowering their morale.
    Sentient LootYour 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

  • Gear Up, Pilot: The ACE Strategy: Mecha Nova Demo is Live!

    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

  • Insider Trading! Can You Outsmart the Market?

    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

  • Checking In: The Haunting Nostalgia of THE SPIRIT LIFT

    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/

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