TECHMASH

Tag: #RPG

  • Deep Dive: How Campfire Cabal Revives History in Expeditions: Samurai

    Deep Dive: How Campfire Cabal Revives History in Expeditions: Samurai

    When it comes to historical roleplaying games, balancing precise factual details with player freedom is no easy task. Developer Campfire Cabal is peeling back the curtain on how they bring the upcoming Expeditions: Samurai to life, offering fresh insights into their meticulous approach to world-building and narrative design.

    Before players step into the shoes of a pirate-turned-captain sailing into Sengoku-era Japan, the development team has to lay the groundwork—and it all starts long before any line of code is written.

    Step 1: Digging Through the Archives

    To build an authentic world, Campfire Cabal starts with rigorous historical research. Creating an Expeditions game isn’t just about looking up high-level dates on Wikipedia; it involves:

    • Sifting through library books and historical texts: Uncovering the daily realities, politics, weapon styles, and social hierarchies of 17th-century Japan.
    • Double-checking original sources: Verifying details to ensure the setting feels grounded in reality rather than clichés.
    • Consulting subject-matter experts: Working alongside historical consultants to capture the true atmosphere, tone, and cultural nuances of the era.

    By establishing a factual baseline, the developers ensure that every town, faction, and companion feels historically resonant.

    Step 2: Setting the Stage for Alternate History

    While the world itself is rooted in history, Expeditions: Samurai gives the steering wheel to the player.

    The game’s starting point takes real-world events and flips them on their head. In actual history, English navigator William Adams landed in Japan in 1600 and eventually became one of the first foreign samurai. In Expeditions: Samurai, William Adams never leaves England—allowing you to beat him to the punch aboard the Dutch frigate De Albatros.

    By building an ultra-accurate foundation first, Campfire Cabal creates a sandbox where your decisions carry real weight. When you make a choice that alters the course of local politics, changes the fate of a powerful warlord, or impacts your crew, it feels impactful because the world around you reacts logically to historical context.

    Step 3: Rewriting History in Your Own Image

    Whether you navigate Sengoku-era political intrigue through stealth, diplomacy, or turn-based combat, the game lets you mould your own destiny. With deeply branching storylines, 8 dynamic companions, and drop-in/drop-out co-op, Expeditions: Samurai turns rigorous research into an interactive playground.

    Campfire Cabal’s dedication to historical authenticity ensures that every choice you make feels rooted in a living, breathing world—giving you the ultimate setup to rewrite history on your own terms.

    Are you excited to set sail for feudal Japan? How do you plan to handle the warring factions of Sengoku-era Japan? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #ExpeditionsSamurai #CampfireCabal #THQNordic #RPG #GamingNews #PCGaming #SengokuPeriod #GamingCommunity #TechMash

  • Grab a Masterpiece for Free: ‘The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante’ is Currently FREE on Steam!

    Grab a Masterpiece for Free: ‘The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante’ is Currently FREE on Steam!

    If you love rich, choice-driven RPGs with unforgettable stories, we’ve got fantastic news for your digital wallet. Developer Schisma Games and publisher 101XP have announced that their critically acclaimed narrative RPG, The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, is currently available completely free of charge on Steam for a limited time!

    As long as you claim the game before July 23, it’s yours to keep in your Steam library forever.

    What is The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante?

    Set in the dark, unforgiving Blessed Arknian Empire, The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a deeply atmospheric, interactive narrative RPG presented as a personal journal.

    In this world, society is dictated by the rigid, unyielding laws of the Twin Gods. Mortals are assigned their “Lots” at birth: nobles are born to rule, clergy members guide the masses, and lowborn commoners are expected to toil, endure, and suffer. You play as Sir Brante, a man born into the commoner class who dares to defy the destiny forced upon him.

    From early childhood to his ultimate fate, every step of Sir Brante’s journey rests in your hands.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • True Branching Narrative: Every decision carries immense weight. Your choices won’t just dictate Sir Brante’s personality and personal relationships—they can reshape the fate of his family, his friends, and even trigger the downfall of the Empire itself.
    • Complex Character Progression: Develop key traits like determination, compassion, sensitivity, and endurance. Traits unlocked in infancy will dynamically affect choices, talents, and available storylines later in life.
    • Deep Worldbuilding & High Replayability: With stat thresholds, branching paths, and vastly different endings, no two playthroughs are ever quite the same.
    • Critically Acclaimed: Boasting a “Very Positive” rating on Steam across thousands of player reviews, it’s widely regarded as one of the best choice-driven narrative RPGs in recent years.

    Perfect Timing for a New Chapter

    This limited-time giveaway comes at the perfect moment for RPG fans. The offer coincides with the release of The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian, a brand-new standalone story set within the same universe. While Sir Brante’s tale follows a lowborn commoner fighting against an oppressive system, Prince Jerian flips the script, exploring the burdens of ultimate power from the throne itself.

    How to Claim Your Free Copy

    1. Open your Steam Client or visit the Steam Store in your web browser.
    2. Search for The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante.
    3. Click “Add to Account” before July 23.
    4. Enjoy your brand-new game—forever!

    Don’t let this limited offer slip away. Head over to Steam and claim your copy today!

    Find out more here

    #TechMash #GamingNews #FreeGames #SteamDeals #SirBrante #PCGaming #RPG #IndieGames #101XP #SchismaGames #FreeToKeep

  • From Solo Sandbox to Living World: How Crowned Sun Transformed Its Pre-Alpha Into a True Social MMORPG

    From Solo Sandbox to Living World: How Crowned Sun Transformed Its Pre-Alpha Into a True Social MMORPG

    Every MMORPG reaches a pivotal milestone in development: the moment it transitions from a solitary technical test into a breathing, bustling community hub. Over the past month, developer IndigoWare has been hard at work pushing Crowned Sun through exactly that evolution.

    Moving away from the lonely stretches of early testing, the latest development cycle for the Afro-Brazilian mythology-inspired MMORPG focused entirely on social depth and player connectivity. Here is a complete breakdown of everything that arrived in this massive update to turn the Mirage Kingdom into a truly social experience.

    1. Player-to-Player Trading & Vending

    What’s a classic isometric RPG without a thriving player economy? You can now directly initiate trades with fellow adventurers to exchange gear, rare crafting materials, and consumables. For entrepreneurs looking to set up shop in high-traffic town squares, the new Vending System allows players to set up personal player stores, keeping the trade flow active even while taking a breather from adventuring.

    2. Auction House System

    If you prefer hands-off commerce, the new Auction House system brings central economic infrastructure to the game. Players can now list their loot, track market trends, bid on high-tier equipment, and sell goods asynchronously across the server.

    3. Guilds Infrastructure

    Community organisation has officially landed. Players can now form, manage, and grow Guilds. Complete with custom ranks, management tools, and shared social channels, the system lays the foundation for future guild-focused content and large-scale endgame community efforts like the upcoming Spirit Wars.

    4. Mounts & Companions (Pets)

    Traversing the varied regions of the Mirage Kingdom just got much more dynamic. The update introduces Mounts (Beasts) to help speed up travel across expansive wilderness zones. Alongside mounts, Companions/Pets have made their debut, following players on their journeys, offering assistance, and adding personality to every party build.

    5. Complete Audio Pass

    To match the rich cultural aesthetic of Yoruba and Candomblé traditions, the audio team delivered a top-to-bottom pass on the entire soundscape. Expect richer environmental audio, enhanced combat feedback, satisfying spell effects, and immersive Afro-diasporic sound design that brings every region to life.

    6. Full UI/UX Overhaul

    Navigating menus should feel as smooth as combat. The new user interface completely modernises the HUD, inventory management, chat boxes, and party menus. The cleaner layout ensures that social tools—like whisper channels, party finders, and mail—are always right at your fingertips without cluttering the screen.

    What’s Next for the Mirage Kingdom?

    By bridging the gap between core combat mechanics and social infrastructure, Crowned Sun is rapidly shaping up to be a standout title for fans of classic dual-levelling MMORPGs like Ragnarok Online and Tree of Savior.

    Have you had a chance to test out the new trading or guild mechanics in the pre-alpha yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #CrownedSun #MMORPG #IndieGameDev #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndigoWare #RPG #GamingUpdate #TechMash

  • Bend Reality and Master the Elements: Fading Echo Splashes Onto PC This July!

    Bend Reality and Master the Elements: Fading Echo Splashes Onto PC This July!

    The indie RPG scene is about to get a massive jolt of adrenaline—and a lot of hydration. If you’ve been craving an adventure that rewards raw creativity over predictable button-mashing, your next obsession has an official arrival date.

    Independent publisher New Tales and debut developer Emeteria (a powerhouse studio formed by industry veterans) have officially announced that Fading Echo will launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

    Best of all? This highly anticipated elemental action-adventure RPG will be available for an incredibly wallet-friendly $19.99.

    Become One With the Flow

    In Fading Echo, you step into the fluid shoes of “One”, a young Legend gifted with the rare power of Æther. Your mission? Save a fracturing multiverse and a dying desertscape from the clutches of a reality-warping, malicious force known as the Paradox Corruption.

    What sets Fading Echo completely apart from the standard RPG crowd is its brilliant systemic gameplay. Water isn’t just an aesthetic here; it is your ultimate weapon and traversal tool. Players can dynamically shift between human form and a living fluid sphere to surf through pipes, slip through cracks, and crash down on enemies.

    You’ll need to master water across all three of its states—liquid, vapor, and ice—to solve mind-bending environmental puzzles and survive.

    Creative Combat is Survival: The world reacts dynamically to everything you do. You can mix your water abilities with environmental hazards like lava, toxic waste, and Paradox corruption to trigger massive, explosive chain reactions. If you can dream up an elemental interaction, physics will probably let you pull it off.

    A Star-Studded Cast Across Shifting Realities

    To survive the Paradox, you’ll have to cross into alternate, fractured versions of the same space where resources shift, hazards evolve, and the rules of engagement change entirely.

    While the battlefield is volatile, you won’t be entirely alone. The game features a beautifully realised narrative brought to life by an absolute powerhouse of an English voice cast. Narrative RPG fans will instantly recognise elite talents like:

    • Samantha Béart (as One)
    • Matthew Mercer (as the ruthless Paradox leader, Maddock)
    • Laura Bailey (as Vellum)
    • Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, and Jasmine Bhullar

    Pair that star power with a stunning, dynamic original soundtrack composed by Maxwell Sterling, and Fading Echo is shaping up to be an absolute feast for the senses.

    Lock In Your Calendar

    For just $19.99, Fading Echo is delivering AA-level ambition, premium voice acting, and innovative physics-based combat at an indie price point.

    Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to grab it on Steam or Epic Games Store. (And if you’re a console player, don’t fret—PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are confirmed to follow later this year!)

    Are you ready to bend reality? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be wishlisting Fading Echo ahead of its launch!

    Find out more here

    #FadingEcho #IndieGames #RPG #NewTales #EmeteriaStudio #PCGaming #Steam #EpicGamesStore #GamingNews #TechMash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A World Where Faces Equal Death

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

    Flex your Playstyle with Dynamic Masks

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

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

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

    From PC Cult Hit to Consoles

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

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

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Beyond Dragos: Why Vampires: Bloodlord Rising Needs a Character Creator

    Beyond Dragos: Why Vampires: Bloodlord Rising Needs a Character Creator

    The dark, gothic wilderness of Sangavia has been calling to us ever since Mehuman Games and Publisher Toplitz Productions dropped Vampires: Bloodlord Rising into Early Access. Blending intense open-world action-adventure, deep castle-building, and sinister survival mechanics, the game gives players the keys to their very own kingdom of the night.

    But as spectacular as it is to command thralls, build towering spires, and evade the Inquisition, the community has been united by one incredibly vocal, bloodthirsty demand: We need a character creator.

    The Problem with Being Pre-Set

    Right now, players stepping into the mist-shrouded lands of Sangavia are locked into playing Dragos—the predefined protagonist whose story anchors the game’s dark narrative.

    Don’t get us wrong; Dragos is a great vehicle for introducing us to this grim, Balkan-inspired world. His struggle between his fading humanity and his predatory instincts provides a fantastic narrative hook. However, Vampires: Bloodlord Rising is, at its core, a sandbox built on the foundation of ultimate player freedom.

    When a game lets you meticulously design every gothic arch of your castle and strategically micro-manage your loyal servants, being forced to look exactly like everyone else feels like a massive design bottleneck. The community doesn’t just want to watch Dragos’ story unfold; they want to project themselves (or their own terrifying alter-egos) onto the throne.

    Why a Character Creator is the Ultimate Game Changer

    Vampire folklore is entirely defined by style, allure, and distinct physical presence. By limiting players to a single pre-set model, a huge part of that power fantasy is left on the table. Here is why the community is so desperate for Mehuman Games to open up the coffin on customisation:

    • Co-op Identity Crisis: The game features excellent 4-player co-op multiplayer. But right now, venturing out into Sangavia with your friends results in a literal clone wars situation. A squad of identical Dragos lookalikes severely dampens the immersion of a dark vampire coven.
    • The Aristocrat vs. Hunter Dynamic: One of the coolest mechanics in Bloodlord Rising is the ability to swap between your Aristocrat form (to blend in with human villagers) and your Hunter form (for unleashing pure carnage). Imagine being able to customise both versions—designing a sleek, deceptive noble mask that gives way to a truly monstrous, terrifying beast when the fangs come out.
    • True Sandbox Roleplaying: Half the fun of an RPG-survival sandbox is crafting a backstory. Whether you want to play a centuries-old elegant countess or a rugged, battle-scarred nosferatu-style scavenger, your appearance dictates how you rule your dominion.

    Community Consensus: If it’s our empire, it should be our face on the throne.

    Listening to the Bloodline

    If Toplitz Productions’ track record with their community-driven Dynasty titles has taught us anything, it’s that they actually listen to player feedback. With Vampires: Bloodlord Rising still evolving in Early Access, the outcry for a robust character creator—complete with gender options, facial sliders, and distinct starting perks—is too loud to ignore.

    The foundation of a legendary dark fantasy game is already there. Giving players the tools to step out of Dragos’ shadow and craft their own unique nightmare is exactly what will elevate this title from a great vampire game to an absolute genre classic.

    Come on, Mehuman Games. Let us choose our own fangs.

    What do you think? Are you happy playing through Dragos’ story, or are you waiting to design your own creature of the night before building your castle empire? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #VampiresBloodlordRising #MehumanGames #ToplitzProductions #GamingNews #EarlyAccess #RPG #VampireGames #PCGaming #CharacterCreator #TechMash

  • From PC to PlayStation and Xbox: Viking Frontiers Brings Open-World Survival to Consoles This Week

    From PC to PlayStation and Xbox: Viking Frontiers Brings Open-World Survival to Consoles This Week

    The long boats are hitting new shores! If you’ve been looking for a reason to unleash your inner Jarl on the big screen, your prayers to Odin have officially been answered.

    Viking Frontiers, the ambitious open-world title that first challenged PC players to conquer the brutal northern wilderness, is finally making its grand debut on next-gen consoles.

    Get your axes ready: the game officially launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 9.

    What is Viking Frontiers?

    Developed by independent Polish studio BLUM Entertainment (and brought to consoles by Wildlands Interactive), Viking Frontiers isn’t your standard, run-of-the-mill survival game. It is a massive, multi-genre hybrid that brilliantly mashes together:

    • Deep RPG mechanics to build your legacy and skills.
    • Immersive simulation features like hunting, crafting, and enduring harsh weather.
    • Strategic settlement management to expand your village from a few ragged tents into a fortified fortress.

    You take on the role of a leader thrust onto an unknown, unforgiving shore after a series of unfortunate events. The ultimate goal? Ensure the survival, growth, and glory of your newly founded Viking clan.

    Manage, Build, and Raid

    Survival in Viking Frontiers requires a delicate balance of brains and brawn. As the Jarl, you aren’t just fighting off the elements and wild beasts—you are responsible for the actual livelihood of your clansmen. You will need to manage your village’s laws, dictate daily activities, handle resource allocation, and maintain living conditions.

    Whether you decide to prioritise the path of a hunter, a master builder, a pious priest, or a ruthless raider is entirely up to you.

    Survival tip: The northern wilderness is unyielding. Watch the weather, keep your people fed, and remember: survival is the only thing that matters.

    Console Launch Details

    Already a hit for those playing on PC, console gamers can now get in on the action with dedicated optimisations for next-gen hardware.

    • Release Date: July 9
    • Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (and currently available on PC)
    • File Size: Highly optimised (sitting at a lightweight ~3.7 GB on Xbox Series X|S)

    If you’re ready to guide your people to safety and glory, head over to the PlayStation Store or Xbox Marketplace to grab your copy when it drops this Thursday.

    Are you going to be picking up Viking Frontiers on console this week? Let us know your survival strategy in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #VikingFrontiers #XboxSeriesX #PS5 #PCGaming #SurvivalGames #RPG #IndieGames #TechMash

  • The Final Chapter Awaits: Final Trailer Drops for Handmade Fantasy RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle

    The Final Chapter Awaits: Final Trailer Drops for Handmade Fantasy RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle

    If you’ve been craving a return to the golden age of tabletop gaming, your next obsession is right around the corner. Developer Digitalis Publishing and publisher 15 Industry have officially released the final pre-launch trailer for Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle—and it looks like an absolute dream for classic fantasy fans.

    Described as a “reading-style” fantasy adventure, the game heavily channels the spirit of The NeverEnding Story, tasking players with interacting with a living, breathing digital gamebook.

    Check out everything you need to know about this unique indie project ahead of its impending launch.

    Watch the Final Trailer

    The final trailer offers a stunning look at the gameplay highlights and the immaculate care poured into the title. It features atmospheric Japanese voice narration with English subtitles, perfectly setting the mood for a dark, choice-driven fantasy.

    A 100% Handmade Passion Project

    What makes Veritas Tales truly special is the incredible human story behind its development. The game is the brainchild of Yoshio Nishimura, a 30-year industry veteran who served as Chief of Background Art for the original Monster Hunter at Capcom before working on gorgeous Vanillaware classics like Odin Sphere, Dragon’s Crown, and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.

    Nishimura left the bustling studio life behind, moving to a remote Japanese mountain village to tend to fields and craft this game entirely on his own over the course of six long years.

    • No Generative AI: Every single one of the 300+ illustrations was meticulously drawn by Nishimura’s own hand.
    • Legendary Music: The soundtrack is composed by the legendary Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story), ensuring a sweeping, nostalgic auditory experience.
    • Pure Human Soul: The developers proudly state that the game “has a soul that can only be found in something truly handmade.”

    “Once you open this book, you are no longer just a reader.”

    Gameplay: Nostalgia Meets Modern Design

    Inspired by iconic gamebooks like GrailQuest, Sorcery!, and Fighting Fantasy, Veritas Tales blends visual novel storytelling with old-school RPG systems.

    You aren’t just reading passive text; you are actively shaping the narrative. As you turn the pages, you’ll roll dice, track your stats via an on-screen pencil and eraser UI, and make critical choices. Whether you want to charge in with a sword, talk your way out of a terrifying encounter, or completely ignore the danger and keep walking—the choice is entirely yours.

    FeatureDetails
    Playtime20+ Hours of core gameplay
    ReplayabilityHeavily branching paths with new outcomes on second playthroughs
    Text VolumeOver 15,000 words of rich story
    FrictionOld-school design means true danger; wrong choices can lead to sudden death!

    Launching Very Soon!

    If you want a taste of the magic early, a “Very Positive” rated demo is currently available on Steam, allowing you to play the first 30 minutes as either Havelock the warrior or Paneri the mage.

    The full digital gamebook opens its pages on July 8th (PT) / July 9th on PC via Steam. Head over to their Steam page, check out the trailer, and get your digital dice ready!

    Find out more here

    #VeritasTales #WitchOfTheDarkCastle #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamNextFest #Vanillaware #Gamebook #TabletopRPG #DigitalisPublishing #15Industry #RPG #HandcraftedArt

  • Ready to Rock? Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands Melts Faces on Consoles Today!

    Ready to Rock? Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands Melts Faces on Consoles Today!

    Gamers and music lovers, grab your instrument of choice and secure your battle jackets. The wait is finally over! Five Houses LLC and creator Dan Martin have officially dropped their critically acclaimed, hilariously bizarre music-based RPG, Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands, onto consoles.

    As of today, you can dive headfirst into this rhythmic chaos on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S for just $19.99 USD.

    If you’ve been looking for a turn-based RPG that trades generic health potions for a warm cup of “Barry Friendly’s Tea” and replaces traditional lockpicks with violently kicking down doors, your highly specific wish has been granted.

    Check out the chaotic energy waiting for you in the console launch announcement below:

    Defeat Your Foes With the Power of… Slapping a Bass?

    Originally finding massive success on PC (where it boasts an incredible 98% positive review rating on Steam), Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands follows Faye, Ian, and Briff. This trio of absolute goofball, dysfunctional musicians unknowingly enters a cursed battle of the bands contest where contestants have to fight to the death using the power of music.

    What follows is a 15-to-20-hour campaign packed to the brim with sharp humour, hand-drawn frame-by-frame animations, and unforgettable dungeons—including one where you literally crowdsurf through an entire arena.

    Why You Need to Play It

    • The “Measure Effects” Combat System: This isn’t your standard, slow turn-based JRPG. Deathbulge uses a unique combat system that blends real-time decision-making with turn-based strategy. What you do between turns alters the rhythm and flow of battle.
    • 9 Musical Classes: Customise your crew with roles like the supportive Busker or the high-risk, high-reward Headbanger, complete with distinct outfits that show up in every single dialogue portrait and cutscene.
    • Say Goodbye to Inventory Management: Instead of stocking up on 99 healing items, you collect Merch. Once you have a piece of merch, it’s yours forever—it simply uses “Stock,” a global, refillable resource.
    • A Truly Alive World: Meet over 120 unique NPCs with dialogue that adapts as you progress through the game. Oh, and singing fish are a vital part of the main narrative. Naturally.
    • Perks You Can Wear: Sew patches of band logos directly onto your Battle Jacket to gain tactical advantages in combat.

    Whether you want to chill on the couch with your PlayStation or Xbox, or take the musical anarchy on the go with the Nintendo Switch, Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands is an absolute must-play indie gem.

    Are you ready to join the band? Grab your copy on your favourite console store today for $19.99 USD!

    Find out more here

    #Deathbulge #BattleOfTheBands #FiveHousesLLC #IndieGames #RPG #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Grab a Pint and a Sword: ‘The Drifting Crown’ Demo Is Out Now!

    Grab a Pint and a Sword: ‘The Drifting Crown’ Demo Is Out Now!

    Let’s be honest: video games have asked us to save the world, save the galaxy, and save the princess. But rarely do they ask us to save what truly matters.

    The local pub.

    If you’ve been craving a fresh indie tactical RPG with a healthy dose of British humour and high-stakes tavern defence, your order is up. The Drifting Crown demo is officially live on Steam, and it’s time to find out if you have what it takes to protect the realm’s finest watering hole.

    What is The Drifting Crown?

    Developed by a passionate team of indie devs, The Drifting Crown is a turn-based tactical RPG that mixes grid-based strategy with a heavy splash of personality.

    The premise? The kingdom is in absolute shambles. The crown is missing, monsters are roaming the countryside, and bandits are terrorising the locals. But worst of all? They are threatening the local pub—the literal heart and soul of your community.

    As a ragtag group of unlikely heroes (who would frankly rather be drinking than fighting), it’s up to you to pick up your weapons, defend your pints, and drive back the hordes.

    Why You Need to Download the Demo Right Now

    1. Tactical Combat with a Twist

    Don’t let the cosy pub vibes fool you; the combat requires genuine strategy. You’ll need to utilise the environment, manage your action points, and position your party perfectly to survive the onslaught. Think Final Fantasy Tactics meets Shaun of the Dead.

    2. Characters with Actual Character

    Say goodbye to the brooding, chosen-one protagonists. The heroes in The Drifting Crown are deeply flawed, incredibly witty, and highly relatable. Their banter alone makes the demo worth playing.

    3. A Gorgeous Pixel Art Style

    The game features beautifully detailed, vibrant pixel art that perfectly captures both the cosy warmth of a roaring tavern fire and the gritty tension of a battlefield.

    How to Play

    The demo is available as part of Steam’s latest lineup, giving you a generous slice of the early game. You’ll get a feel for the combat mechanics, meet the core cast, and experience the opening battle to save your favourite establishment.

    TechMash Verdict: If you love indie RPGs that don’t take themselves too seriously but still offer a mechanical challenge, The Drifting Crown needs to be on your wishlist immediately.

    Head over to Steam, download the demo, and let us know in the comments how many turns you survived!

    Find out more here

    #TheDriftingCrown #IndieGames #RPG #GamingNews #SteamDemo #PCGaming #SaveThePub #TechMash

  • HR Notice: Ledgerbound Delayed to August—But It’s to File Down Those Final Bugs!

    HR Notice: Ledgerbound Delayed to August—But It’s to File Down Those Final Bugs!

    If you were preparing to clear your desk, ignore your real-world responsibilities, and step into the hilariously bureaucratic world of Ledgerbound this July, we have some news. You might want to hold off on requesting that annual leave just yet.

    Developer OmniMegaSuperCorp has announced that the highly anticipated, Fire Emblem-inspired comedy RPG is taking a brief extension on its deadline. Originally scheduled to launch on PC on 14th July, the game’s release date has been officially pushed back to 11th August.

    The reason? The developers want to deliver the absolute best possible version of the game to players at launch. In true corporate fashion, the news even arrived with an in-character apology from Jazz, the game’s vaping dragon-lady HR representative.

    Why We Are Happy to Wait for Ledgerbound

    While delays are always a bit of a buzzkill, an extra month in the development oven is usually a great sign for a polished final product. And honestly, Ledgerbound is shaping up to be something incredibly special.

    For the uninitiated, here is why this tactical RPG needs to be on your radar:

    • The Ultimate Corporate Satire: You play as Rayna, an overworked insurance adjuster in a high-fantasy world whose job is to deny claims when heroes die. When a world-shattering threat strikes, you have to step onto the battlefield yourself to save reality (and your shot at a promotion).
    • Elite Comedy Pedigree: The game features hilarious writing from the former Narrative Director of Helldivers 2, bringing that same brilliant, satirical wit to the turn-based RPG genre.
    • Fire Emblem Meets Paperwork: Combat features grid-based tactical movement and a rock-paper-scissors elemental system reminiscent of classic Fire Emblem, blended with bureaucratic traps and quarterly bonuses.
    • HR-Approved Romance: Between fighting monsters and filing paperwork, you can spend time onboarding a stellar cast of coworkers and pursuing workplace romances—voiced by legendary industry talent like Matthew Mercer and Ben Starr.

    The Verdict: Think of this delay not as a setback, but as a mandatory corporate review to ensure maximum launch-day efficiency. Sharpen your quills and get ready to trade company vouchers for stat-boosting corporate swag when the game drops on Steam this August!

    Ledgerbound will now launch on PC via Steam on 11th August.

    Find out more here

    #Ledgerbound #RPG #IndieGames #GamingNews #FireEmblem #SteamGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Gravity-Defying Triumph: Aether & Iron Grabs Best RPG Nomination at TooManyGames 2026

    Gravity-Defying Triumph: Aether & Iron Grabs Best RPG Nomination at TooManyGames 2026

    The indie gaming scene is absolutely electric right now, and today brings some massive news for fans of deep storytelling and stunning world-building. Developer Seismic Squirrel has officially announced that their breakout hits, Aether & Iron, have been selected as part of the prestigious 2026 TooManyGames Indie Game Showcase Awards.

    Even more exciting? The decopunk noir title has officially secured a nomination for Best Role Playing Game, cementing its status as one of the standout indie RPGs of the year.

    Standing Out in a Massive Crowd

    This nomination is no small feat. The TooManyGames Indie Showcase is notoriously competitive, drawing submissions from across the globe. For the 2026 awards, Aether & Iron was handpicked from a highly curated pool of 150 juried indie games, putting it directly under the spotlight at one of the summer’s premier gaming conventions.

    The category win will be decided alongside 14 other award types, highlighting the finest independent innovation, creativity, and passion in the industry today.

    What Makes Aether & Iron a Must-Play?

    If you haven’t yet dived into Seismic Squirrel’s masterpiece, you are missing out on one of the most uniquely atmospheric games of 2026.

    Set in an alternate, gravity-defying 1930s New York City, the game trades traditional streets for a vertical metropolis kept afloat by “aether”—a newly discovered anti-gravitational technology. You play as Gia, a sharp-tongued smuggler navigating a deeply class-stratified society, dangerous crime syndicates, and fragile political alliances.

    • Pedigree Writing & Audio: The game features narrative talent with past credits on heavy hitters like Mass Effect and Far Cry. Adding to the rich, smoky, noir atmosphere is an original score composed by two-time Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson (Civilisation series).
    • Decopunk Noir Aesthetic: Visually inspired by 1930s detective comics and the Art Deco period, the hand-drawn art style is jaw-dropping.
    • Tactical Depth: Beyond the heavy narrative focus and fully voiced branching dialogue, players must master a robust turn-based tactical combat system and upgrade their smuggler vehicles with hidden compartments, smoke dispensers, and flamethrowers.

    “An instant RPG masterpiece and one of the best games of 2026.” — Region Free

    The winners are being unveiled at the Neko Stage in Hall D during the convention, with the ceremony being streamed live on Steam and YouTube.

    If you want to see what all the hype is about, Seismic Squirrel has recently rolled out major updates to the game, including the new Roadside Garage feature. Aether & Iron is currently available on Steam for both Windows and MacOS with a playable demo available if you want to test your smuggling skills first.

    Huge congratulations to the teams at Seismic Squirrel and Chaos Theory Games on a well-deserved nomination!

    Find out more here

    #AetherAndIron #SeismicSquirrel #TooManyGames2026 #IndieGames #RPG #IndieGameShowcase #GamingNews #Decopunk #NoirGaming #TechMash