Techmash

Tag: #SteamNextFest

  • Shipwrecked and Spellbound: The ‘Dark Cards of Candlewood’ Demo is Officially Here!

    Shipwrecked and Spellbound: The ‘Dark Cards of Candlewood’ Demo is Officially Here!

    The world of Candlewood is on the brink of an endless night, and unfortunately for you, your legendary deck just went down with the ship.

    If you’ve been craving a game that captures the “just one more turn” magic of modern roguelites but keeps the cosy, pixelated heart of a 90s JRPG, your wait is over. Developed by solo-dev Lunoland (Chris Smith) and published by Joystick Ventures, the demo for Dark Cards of Candlewood has officially landed on Steam, just in time for the 2026 Steam Next Fest.

    The Pitch: Loop Hero meets Final Fantasy VI

    Imagine waking up on a beach with nothing but a few basic cards and a town in shambles. That’s the setup. You aren’t just building a deck; you’re rebuilding a community. As you venture into randomised dungeons to reclaim your lost cards, you’ll recruit a party of misfits and funnel your spoils back into the town of Candlewood to unlock new perks and abilities.

    What Makes the Combat Different?

    The “deceptively simple” engine is what makes this game stand out. Most card games overwhelm you with a hand of ten cards and a dozen status effects. Dark Cards of Candlewood simplifies the moment-to-moment choice to a binary two-card system, but then adds layers of depth through:

    • Chain Attacks: Weave multiple cards together to create devastating combos.
    • Momentum & Timers: A speed-based system inspired by classic ATB (Active Time Battle) mechanics—faster characters act more often, and keeping your momentum high is key to survival.
    • Backpack Management: It’s not just about the cards; the items you draft into your limited inventory can be the difference between a successful run and another shipwreck.

    Inside the Demo

    Luno and the team haven’t held back for this preview. Here is what you can expect when you hit “Download” today:

    FeatureDetails
    ContentThe entire opening chapter of the story.
    Card PoolOver 150 unique cards to collect (of the 300+ planned for full release).
    Party MembersThe first 3 recruitable characters to test out synergies.
    Adventures4 distinct locations with increasing difficulty tiers.

    Pro-Tip: If you manage to beat the hardest adventure in the demo, head over to the official Discord—there’s a special role waiting for players who master the darkness early!

    No Microtransactions, Just Vibe

    In an era where digital card games are often synonymous with “booster pack subscriptions,” Dark Cards of Candlewood is taking a stand. Every card is earned through gameplay—drops, drafts, and crafting. It’s a pure, single-player experience designed by an indie developer who actually loves the genre.

    How to Play

    The demo is available right now on Steam. Whether you’re a veteran of Slay the Spire or someone who just misses the golden age of 16-bit adventures, Candlewood is worth the trip.

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

    #DarkCardsofCandlewood #roguelite #Lunoland #JoystickVentures #SteamNextFest #Luno #cardcollecting #JRPG #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames

  • The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    In an industry often dominated by high-octane spectacle and relentless pacing, Florent “Salty” Martinais is inviting players to take a deep breath.

    After months of dedicated development, Salty is thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on his debut title: What Surrounds Us. This isn’t just a game; it’s an atmospheric journey into the delicate relationship between a protagonist and their environment.

    A Vision of Atmosphere

    For Salty, the path to release has been one of meticulous craft. Known in the community for his keen eye for detail and tonal consistency, he has built What Surrounds Us to be an experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

    “I wanted to create something that felt lived-in,” Salty says. “A world where the silence speaks as loudly as the dialogue.”

    What to Expect

    While many details remain for the player to discover, the core pillars of the experience are clear:

    • Environmental Storytelling: Every shadow and discarded object tells a piece of a larger, haunting puzzle.
    • A Distinct Aesthetic: A hand-crafted visual style that balances beauty with a sense of underlying tension.
    • Reflective Gameplay: Mechanically, the game rewards those who slow down and observe rather than those who rush to the finish line.

    The Road Ahead

    This announcement marks a major milestone for Martinais. Moving from concept to a tangible, playable reality is a gruelling process for any developer, but the passion behind What Surrounds Us is evident in every frame.

    The debut of this project signals the arrival of a new voice in the indie scene—one that isn’t afraid to let the player sit in stillness.

    FeatureHighlight
    DeveloperFlorent “Salty” Martinais
    GenreAtmospheric Adventure / Exploration
    FocusNarrative depth and environmental immersion
    StatusOfficially Announced

    Stay Tuned

    As development enters its next phase, expect more deep dives into the mechanics and the lore that defines this world. Salty is just getting started, and if What Surrounds Us is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/P0yMi

    #FlorentSaltyMartinais #WhatSurroundsUs #SteamNextFest #playabledemo #puzzles #adventure #floraandfauna #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames

  • The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The 2026 Convergence Games Showcase just gave us a deep dive into one of the most atmospheric indie titles on the horizon: Echoes of Mora. Developed by the Berlin-based all-female team at Selkies Interactive, this title is being described as the “emotional lovechild of Subnautica and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture.”

    If you missed the stream, here is the breakdown of the story and world revealed during the showcase.

    The Premise: A Village Lost to the Waves

    The story of Echoes of Mora centres on a tragedy already in motion. You play as an investigator diving into the depths of a mysterious lake that has swallowed a once-vibrant village. Your primary goal is to assist a young girl named Mora, whose brother disappeared near a “cursed violet lake” just before the waters rose.

    Key Story Elements Revealed:

    • The Sibling Bond: The emotional core of the game is Mora’s desperate quest to find her brother. You aren’t just a silent observer; you are her partner across time.
    • The Rising Tide: As the lake’s water level rises, the village is slowly obliterated. The showcase revealed that your actions might actually hold the key to averting the flood entirely.
    • The Echoes: These are time portals that allow you to witness the village before the tragedy. You’ll overhear villagers’ conversations, find hidden objects, and gather the clues necessary to understand what happened to the missing boy.

    Mechanics: Ripples Through Time

    The showcase emphasised that Echoes of Mora isn’t a “survival” game in the traditional sense—there are no oxygen meters to stress over. Instead, the focus is on narrative investigation.

    FeatureDescription
    Time-BendingUse “Echoes” to jump between the sunken present and the vibrant past.
    Shaping FateShare clues with Mora in the past to influence her decisions and the village’s future.
    VR ImmersionFeatures a natural, arm-based swimming mechanic (though it is fully playable on flatscreen too).
    Environmental PuzzlesSolve mysteries by interacting with the architecture of the village in both time periods.

    Why It’s Buzzing

    The trailer highlighted a “dreamy, simulated realism” style that contrasts the eerie, murky depths of the sunken ruins with the warm, sun-drenched beauty of the village’s past. By bridging these two eras, the game creates a haunting sense of nostalgia and urgency.

    “Every interaction in the past ripples forward. You aren’t just uncovering the truth; you’re deciding the ultimate fate of the village.” — Convergence Showcase Narrative Highlight

    Release Info

    Mark your calendars: Echoes of Mora is officially launching on April 29, 2026.

    It will be available on PC and PC-VR (supporting Meta Quest and SteamVR). If you can’t wait until April, a playable demo is currently available on Steam, covering about one-third of the game’s world, including the forest and Mora’s house.

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

    #SelkiesInteractive #underwateradventure #EchoesofMora #ConvergenceShowcase #playabledemo #Steam #PC #PCVR #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #VRGames #videogames

  • The Pendulum Swings Back: The Occultist Refines Its Terror for Steam Next Fest 2026

    The Pendulum Swings Back: The Occultist Refines Its Terror for Steam Next Fest 2026

    If you’re a fan of psychological horror that prioritises atmosphere over cheap jump scares, your February plans just got a lot more interesting. The Occultist, the highly anticipated first-person narrative thriller from DALOAR and Daedalic Entertainment, has returned to Steam Next Fest with a “refined and polished” demo that proves why it’s one of the most-watched horror titles of 2026.

    After making waves during the Steam Detective Fest earlier this year, the developers haven’t just rested on their laurels. This updated slice of the game reflects weeks of optimisation and fine-tuning, offering a smoother, even more unsettling look at the opening chapter of Alan Rebels’ journey.

    Who is Alan Rebels?

    In The Occultist, you don’t play a warrior or a typical survivalist. You play as Alan Rebels, a paranormal investigator with a unique, sombre calling: helping restless spirits cross over to the “other side.”

    His latest case is personal. It leads him to Godstone, a desolate British island abandoned since 1950. Once home to a macabre cult, Godstone is now a place where the air feels heavy with the weight of unburied secrets—and it’s where Alan’s father was last seen.

    Key Features: What’s New in the Refined Demo?

    The refined demo isn’t just a re-upload; it’s a focused showcase of the game’s core mechanics in their most polished state yet.

    • The Mystic Pendulum: This isn’t just a prop. The pendulum features five unique mechanics that allow Alan to interact with and modify the environment. Whether you’re revealing hidden symbols or uncovering blood-stained traces of the past, the pendulum is your lifeline.
    • A “Living” Environment: The developers released a new Dev Diary alongside the demo, detailing how they designed Godstone to feel “observant” and “hostile.” It’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling where every creaking floorboard suggests you aren’t as alone as you think.
    • Stealth over Combat: True to the “Occultist” identity, Alan avoids direct confrontation. The demo highlights the game’s stealth mechanics, emphasising vulnerability and the tension of slipping past entities that simply cannot be fought.
    • Unreal Engine 5 Visuals: The leap in fidelity is noticeable. The fog-drenched streets of Godstone and the hauntingly detailed interiors benefit from the latest optimisations, making this one of the most visually striking indie horror titles of the year.

    Why You Should Play It This Week

    Steam Next Fest (running from February 23 to March 2, 2026) is the perfect time to see if you have the stomach for Godstone’s mysteries. With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release, this is likely the last major update we’ll see before the final launch.

    “What begins as a careful investigation gradually escalates into psychological horror, where silence and the fear of being watched become as threatening as any supernatural entity.” — Daedalic Entertainment

    Ready to step into the fog? You can download the refined demo of The Occultist right now on its Steam Store Page.

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

    #DaedalicEntertainment #horror #DALOAR #TheOccultist #SteamNextFest #demogame #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #gameplay

  • Drop the Needle: Wax Heads Brings the Cozy-Punk Vibe to PC and Consoles this May

    Drop the Needle: Wax Heads Brings the Cozy-Punk Vibe to PC and Consoles this May

    Dust off your turntables and get your crates ready! Wax Heads, the highly anticipated “cosy-punk” record shop simulator, has officially set its release date. Indie developer Patattie Games and publisher Curve Games have announced that the game will be spinning onto PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on May 5, 2026.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the corporate grind to work in a legendary (if slightly struggling) indie record store, this is the digital getaway you’ve been waiting for.

    What is “Cosy-Punk,” Anyway?

    Wax Heads carves out its own niche by blending the chill, low-stakes energy of a cosy sim with the edgy, hand-drawn aesthetic of a classic underground comic. You step into the shoes of the newest hire at Repeater Records, a shop run by Morgan—a former 80s rock star who’s had a messy falling out with her past.

    The gameplay is a satisfying mix of narrative deduction and puzzle-solving:

    • The Vibe Check: Customers come in with vague, emotional requests like, “I need something that sounds like a rainy Tuesday in London but with more distorted guitars.”
    • The Hunt: You’ll dig through bins, flip over LPs to check tracklists, and pore over liner notes to find the perfect match.
    • The World: With over 80 hand-drawn records and 60+ unique characters, every interaction feels like a piece of a larger story about community and the “underdog spirit.”

    Key Features to Watch For

    FeatureDetails
    Original Soundtrack30+ original songs created by the devs and their friends.
    Visual StyleA vibrant, “Scott Pilgrim-esque” comic book art style.
    Side GigsDesign gig posters, run stage lights, and even manage virtual pets.
    The JukeboxA fully interactive music system to set the mood while you work.

    Why We’re Excited

    In a world of digital streaming and infinite algorithms, Wax Heads is a love letter to the physicality of music. It’s about the joy of rummaging through a bin and finding that one life-changing album. It feels less like a management sim and more like a “detective game for music nerds.”

    “We want to celebrate and reignite the passion that is discovering music in a physical space. To recapture the joy of rummaging through albums… an album to cry to, a new band to call your own.”

    — Murray Somerwolff, Creative Director at Patattie Games

    Mark Your Calendars

    Wax Heads officially drops on May 5, 2026. Can’t wait that long? A demo is currently available on Steam, giving you a taste of the first few hours at Repeater Records.

    Whether you’re into Scandinavian metal or bubblegum pop, there’s a slot in the racks waiting for you.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/cT13M

    #WaxHeads #PatattieGames #CurveGames #PC #consoles #punk #shopsim #playabledemo #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Stoneguard launches on Steam Early Access March 19th

    Stoneguard launches on Steam Early Access March 19th

    The wait is over for fans of gritty, tactical survival. Stoneguard, the highly anticipated medieval survival strategy game from husband-and-wife duo ThornSpire Games, officially launches on Steam Early Access on March 19, 2026.

    If you’ve ever wanted a game that blends the settlement management of Age of Empires with the brutal, boots-on-the-ground combat of Mount & Blade, this is your new obsession.

    Defend the Lifestone

    In Stoneguard, you aren’t a “god” clicking from the clouds; you are the Ruler of Earth, a leader on the front lines. Your mission is simple but gruelling: protect the Lifestone, humanity’s last source of magic, from an onslaught of alien invaders.

    Core Gameplay Loop:

    • Daytime: Scavenge for resources, recruit survivors, and expand your settlement. You’ll build walls, towers, and workshops to turn a humble camp into a fortress.
    • Preparation Phase: Strategically place your defences and assign your survivors to key positions.
    • Nighttime: Survival horror begins. Defend against waves of monstrous enemies and massive bosses in intense third-person combat.

    Brutal, Tactical Combat

    Stoneguard introduces a limb-based injury system that makes every swing count.

    • Targeted Damage: Use precise weapon tracing to sever enemy limbs, rendering them useless.
    • Consequences: Be careful—your survivors (and you!) can lose limbs too. While the Lifestone can provide prosthetics or magical rejuvenation, a lost arm or leg will permanently hinder your performance in both battle and daily labour.
    • Macabre Crafting: In a dark twist, you can harvest the limbs of fallen monsters to research and forge powerful new weapons.

    Solo or Co-op

    You don’t have to face the apocalypse alone. While the game is fully playable solo, you can team up with up to four players in co-op. Coordinate your builds, share resources, and watch each other’s backs when the sun goes down.

    Why Early Access?

    The developers at ThornSpire Games (supported by their four cats: Ponyo, Popeye, Pickle, and Petal) have spent three years building this world. They are launching in Early Access to work directly with the community. Expect:

    • 6–12 months of active development before 1.0.
    • Regular updates, including new biomes, boss encounters, and expanded crafting trees.
    • A Steam Next Fest Demo (running Feb 23 – March 2) if you want to test your mettle before the March 19th launch.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on your survivors’ morale. A well-fed community builds faster, but a terrified one might crumble before the first wave hits.

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

    #ThornSpireGames #WanderingWizard #Stoneguard #SteamNextFest #fantasy #medieval #strategy #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames

  • Survive the Storm: Roguelite Bullet-Hell Pass the Fear Hits Steam!

    Survive the Storm: Roguelite Bullet-Hell Pass the Fear Hits Steam!

    Get ready to test your reflexes and your nerve. Indie publisher Paras Games and developer PlayMud Studio have officially announced that their highly anticipated roguelite bullet-hell shooter, Pass the Fear, is coming to Steam!

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the frantic screen-clearing chaos of Vampire Survivors with the tactical depth of Enter the Gungeon, your next obsession has arrived.

    The Story: 12 Hours to Escape

    The world of Pass the Fear is steeped in dark fantasy and high-stakes tension. A catastrophic event known as the Witch’s Disaster has struck without warning, encircling your island in the ancient, corrupting Wall of Storms.

    You play as a demon hunter trapped within this nightmare. Your mission is simple but gruelling: find a way to escape the island before dawn breaks. You have exactly 12 hours to flee, or be consumed by the rising tide of chaotic magic and multiplying monsters.

    Meet the “Motley Crew”

    You won’t be facing the storm alone. You can tackle the corruption solo or team up in online co-op with a squad of survivors who are all—quite understandably—terrified:

    • The Iron Bucket Knight: High defence, heavy hits.
    • The Explosive Cutie: Master of area-of-effect destruction.
    • The One-Eyed Codger: A seasoned veteran with a steady aim.
    • The Money Whiz: Focuses on resource management and gadgets.
    • The Mysterious Nun: A roadside pickup with secrets and support skills.

    Gameplay: Infinite Combos & Fireworks

    What sets Pass the Fear apart is its deep weapon customisation system. Forget fixed metas; this game encourages “outrageous, exponential combos.”

    • Weapon Modding: Every pickup is a test. By combining traits, modifiers, and affixes (like Fragment, Growth, and Disruption), you can turn a basic firearm into a screen-shattering engine of destruction.
    • Massive Variety: The game boasts 4 characters, 30 weapons/parts, 170+ relics, and 22 Tarot cards to influence your run.
    • Fireworks Master: You can stack bullet trajectories to create beautiful, deadly patterns that cover the entire screen.
    • Meta-Progression: Even if you fail, you unlock deeper Character Talents and Squad Perks to make your next run stronger.

    Key Dates to Remember

    The developers are giving players plenty of chances to dive in before the full version arrives.

    EventDate
    Steam Demo LaunchFebruary 23, 2026
    Steam Next FestFebruary 2026
    Full Game ReleasePlanned for 2026

    Pro Tip: Don’t ignore the “junk” scattered across the battlefield. Collecting these fragments acts like a puzzle that slowly reveals the true story behind the island and the Witch’s Disaster.

    Wishlist Now!

    Pass the Fear is shaping up to be a standout title for 2026, offering a perfect blend of comedy, dark fantasy, and adrenaline-pumping strategy. Whether you’re building a “one-hit nuke” setup or trying to survive a DPS race with friends, the Wall of Storms is waiting.

    Check out the Pass the Fear Steam Page to play the demo on February 23 and add it to your wishlist!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/qyab7

    #ParasGames #PlayMudStudio #demogame #roguelite #bullethell #PasstheFear #Steam #SteamNextFest #darkfantasy #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Windrose has officially dropped its demo for the February Steam Next Fest

    Windrose has officially dropped its demo for the February Steam Next Fest

    Ahoy, matey! If you’ve been itching to trade your office chair for a captain’s quarters, the wait is over—well, at least a 4-to-6-hour slice of it.

    Windrose (formerly known as Crosswind) has officially dropped its demo for the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, and it is making some serious waves. Developed by Windrose Crew, this isn’t just another sandbox; it’s a high-stakes blend of survival, “Souls-lite” combat, and seamless naval warfare.

    Here is everything you need to know about the demo and why you should be hoisting your sails immediately.

    The Demo Highlights: What’s in the Hold?

    The demo isn’t just a brief tutorial; it’s a meaty “early slice” of the game that gives you a genuine feel for the pirate life.

    • Explore the Archipelago: You get access to the first three islands of the starter biome.
    • Command Your First Ship: Move seamlessly from land to sea. You’ll get to captain your first vessel, engage in naval combat, and—best of all—experience the boarding mechanics firsthand.
    • Souls-lite Swashbuckling: Combat isn’t just button-mashing. You’ll need to master parrying, dodging, and managing your “Guard” (stamina) against both historical rivals and supernatural threats.
    • Bring the Crew: The demo supports 4-player co-op via player-hosted sessions.

    Pro Tip: If you play the demo before the Early Access launch later this year, you’ll unlock an exclusive decorative spyglass to show off your “early adopter” status when the full game drops!

    Survival Meets Strategy

    Unlike some survival games that feel like a chore, Windrose focuses on a “refined” progression loop. You start as a betrayed captain left for dead (thanks, Blackbeard) and must rebuild from nothing.

    FeatureDescription
    Base BuildingEstablish footholds that grow from simple shelters into fully operational outposts.
    Worker MechanicRecruit NPCs to man workstations, reducing the grind so you can focus on pillaging.
    CraftingA deep system of melee weapons (sabers, rapiers, halberds) and firearms (muskets, pistols).
    ProgressionA talent tree system that offers meaningful power spikes rather than just +1% stat bumps.

    From “Crosswind” to “Windrose”

    If the game looks familiar, that’s because it was previously titled Crosswind. The developers recently rebranded to reflect a shift in direction: moving away from a “Free-to-Play MMO” model toward a Buy-to-Play (Premium) PvE Survival Adventure.

    The result? A more polished, atmospheric experience that feels like Valheim met Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and decided to share a bottle of grog.

    Can Your Rig Handle the High Seas?

    The game looks stunning (those water physics!), so you’ll want to make sure your PC is ship-shape:

    • Minimum: Intel i7-8700K / Ryzen 7 2700X | GTX 1080 Ti | 16GB RAM
    • Recommended: Intel i7-10700 / Ryzen 7 5800X | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM
    • Storage: 30 GB (SSD strongly recommended)

    Ready to set sail?

    The Windrose demo is live right now on Steam for the duration of Next Fest. Grab your friends, claim your spyglass, and see if you have what it takes to survive the age of piracy.

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

    #WindroseCrew #SteamNextFest #demogame #openworld #pirate #survival #adventure #Windrose #Crosswind #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Gear Up, Operative: Galactic Vault Blasts onto Steam March 10!

    Gear Up, Operative: Galactic Vault Blasts onto Steam March 10!

    Mark your calendars and prime your magazines. Indie developer MeepMeep Games has officially confirmed that their debut title, Galactic Vault, is set to launch on PC via Steam on March 10, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a high-octane shooter that rewards both lightning-fast reflexes and mad-scientist levels of weapon customisation, your mission starts next month.

    The Mission: Loot, Shoot, Repeat

    In Galactic Vault, you step into the boots of a former VOLT (Vault Operations & Lost Tech) operative. In a dystopian future where mega-corporations hoard the galaxy’s most advanced technology, your job is simple: break into high-security vaults, steal the tech back, and survive long enough to use it.

    As a fast-paced FPS roguelite, every run is a gamble. You’ll navigate procedurally generated vaults filled with vertical arenas designed for stylish movement—think sliding, dashing, and double-jumping through swarms of hostile drones and “brainwashed psychos.”

    The Hook: Modular Gunplay

    The real star of the show is the dynamic weapon system. Unlike shooters, where you just find a “Level 5 Rifle,” Galactic Vault lets you build your arsenal on the fly.

    • Endless Synergies: After clearing rooms, you choose attachments that fundamentally change how your gun behaves.
    • Total Transformation: You can modify a standard pistol into a high-impact shotgun or tweak an SMG into a semi-automatic sniper.
    • Devastating Abilities: Boost your firepower with under-barrel launchers or unique movement-based perks that reward aggressive play.

    Key Features at Launch

    • High-Speed Movement: The game emphasises “flow,” encouraging you to use the environment for vertical advantages and sliding kills.
    • Formidable Foes: From relentless tank chargers to screen-filling bosses, each vault tests the limits of your custom-built weapons.
    • Steam Workshop Integration: Feeling creative? The game features a built-in vault editor, allowing you to design your own levels and share them with the community.

    Can’t Wait? Try the Demo!

    If March 10 feels too far away, MeepMeep Games already has a playable demo available on Steam. It’s a great way to get a feel for the movement and start experimenting with the early-game weapon mods.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye on the “Epic Combos”—stacking specific elemental upgrades can lead to some truly chaotic (and satisfying) room-clearing effects.

    Galactic Vault is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of Doom Eternal, Roboquest, or Risk of Rain. Be sure to Wishlist it now to be ready for the drop!

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

    #MeepMeepGames #GalacticVault #scifi #fps #PC #Steam #Roguelite #SteamNextFest #demogame #gameplay #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Frog Holm demo game is out now

    Frog Holm demo game is out now

    Whether you’re a fan of “cosy” gaming or just love a good mystery with an amphibious twist, there’s a new buzz in the indie world that’s worth hopping into. Frog Holm—the latest project from Berlin-based Ostend Games—is shaping up to be one of the most charming narrative adventures of 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the tranquillity of island life with the intrigue of a “whodunnit” (or “whodugit”), here is everything you need to know about your next digital getaway.

    What is Frog Holm?

    Released in early 2026, Frog Holm puts you in the webbed feet of Filip, a young frog who leaves the hustle and bustle of the city to return to his ancestral home. His mission? To inherit and run the family pub.

    However, the “cosy” vibe is quickly met with a layer of mystery. Shortly after Filip arrives, a local resident goes missing, and it’s up to you to talk to the locals, explore the surrounding islands, and figure out what’s really going on in the archipelago.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • Pub Management: You aren’t just a detective; you’re a bartender. You’ll master over 20 unique cocktail recipes to keep the locals happy.
    • Exploration: By day, you explore a series of handcrafted islands, each with its own secrets and “traces of the past.”
    • Narrative Mystery: The game is a focused experience (roughly 3–4 hours), making it perfect for a rainy afternoon session.
    • Resource Gathering: You’ll forage for fresh ingredients across the islands to create your signature froggy drinks.

    The Vibe: Cosy Meets Curious

    The “Holm” in the title is a nod to the Old Norse word for a small island (common in places like the Shetlands or Orkney). This setting provides a perfect backdrop for the game’s atmosphere:

    1. The Art Style: Expect lush, atmospheric 3D environments that feel both intimate and slightly eerie.
    2. The Community: The islands are inhabited by a “quirky but tight-knit” cast of characters, each with their own hidden tensions and stories to tell.
    3. The Soundscape: With options for stereo and surround sound, the game emphasises the “quiet moments”—the lapping of water, the clinking of glasses, and the ambient sounds of nature.

    Why You Should Play It

    In a world of massive open-world RPGs that take 100 hours to finish, Frog Holm is a breath of fresh air. It’s a narrative-focused experience that values depth over length. It’s also the second title from Ostend Games, following their success with Desktop Fishing, proving they have a knack for turning simple concepts into deeply engaging worlds.

    Developer Note: The game contains “humorous depictions of tobacco and alcohol consumption”—it’s a pub, after all!

    How to Get Started

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: March 16, 2026 (Demo available now!)
    • System Requirements: Most modern laptops can handle it—you only need about 4GB–6GB of RAM and a basic dedicated graphics card.

    If you’re ready to trade your city shoes for some flippers and solve an island mystery, Frog Holm is waiting for you.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/9EADN

    #OstendGames #FrogHolm #archipelago #islandlife #PC #Steam #demogame #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #steam #pcgames

  • Prepare Your Party: Valor of Man Arrives March 19th!

    Prepare Your Party: Valor of Man Arrives March 19th!

    Tactical RPG fans, mark your calendars. Legacy Forge and Numskull Games have officially announced that their high-fantasy roguelite, Valor of Man, is set to launch on March 19th, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends the deep, crunchy strategy of a tabletop session with the “just one more run” addiction of a roguelite, this is the title to watch.

    What is Valor of Man?

    Set in a realm fractured by “ruin and revelation,” Valor of Man isn’t your typical hack-and-slash. It’s a tactical CRPG at its core, but condensed into a high-stakes roguelite format. You aren’t just controlling a single hero; you’re managing a party of four, each of whom must survive long enough to see the end of a multi-act journey.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    • Reaction-Driven Combat: This is the game’s secret sauce. Every attack you make can trigger an enemy response, turning the battlefield into a lethal dance of positioning and anticipation.
    • Massive Build Variety: With 12 distinct classes (and subclasses!) and a pool of over 750 spells, items, and artefacts, the synergy possibilities are practically endless.
    • The “Valor” Difficulty Scale: For those who find standard RPGs too easy, the game features 10 escalating difficulty levels.
    • Steam Deck Ready: The developers have confirmed full controller support and Steam Deck compatibility on day one.

    Why the Buzz?

    The game recently won Best Upcoming Indie at the Romanian GameDev Academy awards, and for good reason. Early impressions from the Steam demo highlight a refreshing “reaction” mechanic that forces you to think three steps ahead—much like a high-level game of Dungeons & Dragons or Slay the Spire.

    The developers have been active in the community, recently refreshing the 3D hero models and fine-tuning the balance for “glass cannon” classes like the Blade Dancer.

    How to Play Early

    Can’t wait until March 19th? You’re in luck. An extended demo is featured during Steam Next Fest, running from February 23rd to March 2nd. It’s the perfect time to test your tactical mettle and see if you have the “valor” required to survive.

    Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your positioning. In Valor of Man, moving isn’t just about getting closer to the enemy; for classes like Elara the Rogue, smart movement is now a direct multiplier for your damage output.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/pxs4D

    #LegacyForge #NumskullGames #RPG #roguelite #ValorofMan #PC #Steam #tactical #steamnextfest #fourepicheroes #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames demogames

  • The Grand Slamboree game demo is out now on Steam for PC!

    The Grand Slamboree game demo is out now on Steam for PC!

    The wait is over for fans of fast-paced brawlers—the The Grand Slamboree Demo is officially live on Steam!

    Developed by UK-based solo dev Alex Jackson, this title brings a high-stakes twist to the platform-fighter genre: Every hit is a one-hit KO. No health bars, no percentages—just pure, chaotic skill.

    What’s in the Demo?

    While the full game (targeting a Q3 2026 release) will feature a massive roster and over 120 stages, the demo gives you a meaty head-start with:

    • 3 Unique Fighters: Get a feel for the diverse playstyles coming to the full game.
    • Signature Stages: Battle across environments specifically designed for the featured characters.
    • Local & Remote Play: Jump into 4-player local mayhem or use Steam Remote Play to challenge friends online.
    • Bot Support: No friends handy? Fill the match with AI to keep the “Slamboree” going.

    Game Highlights

    FeatureDescription
    Instagib CombatEvery damaging ability is lethal. It’s accessible for newcomers but has a high ceiling for pros.
    Chaos FactorDesigned for lightning-fast rounds where the tide can turn in a single frame.
    Custom MatchesIn the full version, you’ll be able to toggle “Slam Rush” (most kills) or “Last One Standing” modes.

    Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the interactables! Each world has its own hazards, like the Refbot at the Mechanasium, that can end your run just as quickly as an opponent’s fist.

    How to Play

    The demo is part of the latest Steam Next Fest lineup. You can head over to the Steam Store Page right now to download it for free and add the game to your wishlist.

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/NIOhG

    #TheGrandSlamboree #PlatformFighter #AlexJackson #demogame #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #newgames #videogames