TECHMASH

Tag: #SidekickPublishing

  • From Desert Sands to Legendary Empire: Ancient Egypt DLC Out Today for TerraScape

    From Desert Sands to Legendary Empire: Ancient Egypt DLC Out Today for TerraScape

    The cosy city-puzzler that turned floating islands into works of art is heading to the dunes. Bitfall Studios and Stray Fawn Publishing have officially released the Ancient Egypt DLC for TerraScape today, March 9, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for an excuse to return to your floating kingdoms, this expansion brings more than just a fresh coat of golden paint—it introduces entirely new mechanics that challenge how you shape your world.

    A New Way to Build: Monuments and the Nile

    The heart of the Ancient Egypt DLC lies in its interaction with the environment. Unlike previous biomes, the desert is a living, breathing challenge.

    Dynamic Nile Flooding: The river isn’t just for show. Seasonal floods will reshape your terrain, forcing you to adapt your strategy. While water can wash away poorly placed buildings, it also reveals fertile land and new opportunities for expansion.

    The Monument System: Building a pyramid isn’t as simple as dropping a card. New merge mechanics allow your structures to evolve into massive monument complexes. You’ll need to plan your layouts meticulously and gather specific materials to see these legendary wonders rise from the sand.

    God Deck Progression: Gain the favour of the gods to succeed. You can now unlock decks tied to deities like Ptah and Osiris, offering unique tools and strategic paths that feel distinct from the base game’s European-inspired sets.

    Terraforming and Evolution

    The DLC also introduces a deeper Upgrade System. You’ll watch as barren steppes transform into ploughed fields and eventually irrigated farmland. This evolution doesn’t just look pretty; it fundamentally changes how the buildings on that land perform, adding a layer of strategic depth that veteran “Scapers” will appreciate.

    Free Update: Map Editor & Steam Workshop

    Even if you aren’t ready to dive into the desert just yet, today is a big day for all players. Launching alongside the DLC is a massive free update featuring the long-awaited Terra-Map Editor.

    With full Steam Workshop integration, the community can now create, share, and download custom puzzles and kingdom layouts. Whether you want to design a “hardcore” survival island or a relaxing zen garden, the tools are now in your hands.

    Availability and Discounts

    You can grab the Ancient Egypt DLC right now on Steam for PC and Mac.

    Pricing: £8.50 / $9.99 / €9.99.

    Launch Offer: There is a 10% discount for the first week.

    New Players: If you’re new to the game, a special bundle featuring the base game and the DLC is available at 25% off.

    “Ancient Egypt brings a completely new map generation style with different elevation ratios and environmental challenges. Every Terra feels like uncharted land waiting to be discovered.” — Bitfall Studios

    TerraScape has always been about that perfect balance between relaxing vibes and “just one more turn” puzzle logic. With the addition of the Nile’s unpredictable nature and the scale of the new monuments, it looks like our floating kingdoms are about to get a lot more legendary.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/b88Xl

    #BitfallStudios #StrayFawnPublishing #SidekickPublishing #AncientEgyptDLC #TerraScape #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Gambonanza is having a Public Playtest now

    Gambonanza is having a Public Playtest now

    Forget everything you know about Grandmasters and silent libraries. Gambonanza, developed by solo indie creator Paul Giovannini (known online as Blukulélé), is what happens when you take the DNA of traditional chess and inject it with the chaotic, addictive energy of Balatro.

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

    The Concept: Chess, But Broken

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

    Key Gameplay Features

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

    A Vibe All Its Own

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

    Availability & Release

    Originally slated for early 2026, the developer has recently expanded the scope of the project through a partnership with Stray Fawn and Sidekick Publishing.

    • Platforms: Simultaneously launching on PC (Steam) and Mobile (iOS/Android).
    • Next Milestone: A free demo is scheduled for the Steam Next Fest in late February 2026.

    Note: If you’re looking for a serious chess simulator, look elsewhere. Gambonanza is about building the most “broken” strategy possible and seeing how many rules you can snap before the board crumbles around you.

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

    #Gambonanza #chesssimulator #roguelike #Gambits #challenge #competition #StrayFawn #SidekickPublishing #PaulGiovannini #BlukuléléStudio #games #gaming #gamers #videogames