TECHMASH

Tag: #Techmash

  • Synchronise Your Jumps: ‘Brave Escape’ Brings Chaos and Co-op to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S This July!

    Synchronise Your Jumps: ‘Brave Escape’ Brings Chaos and Co-op to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S This July!

    Great news for co-op gaming fans! Independent developer Hit Start Studios has officially announced that its critically acclaimed, two-player co-op platformer Brave Escape is making the leap to next-gen consoles.

    Mark your calendars: the game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 24th, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for the perfect game to test the strength of your friendships (or find out just how bad your coordination really is), this is the one.

    What is Brave Escape?

    Originally released on PC to a “Very Positive” reception on Steam, Brave Escape is a 2D pixel-art precision platformer built entirely around two-player teamwork. You and a partner control Colin and Floyd—an unlikely duo trying to outrun relentless hazards, navigate tricky traps, and conquer handcrafted, puzzle-filled levels.

    To make things interesting, both characters bring entirely different tools to the table:

    • Colin utilises a climbing rope and grapple hook to navigate steep vertical terrain.
    • Floyd features a boost mechanism and handles unique level-specific gadgets like the Wind Gun, Freeze Gun, and Flashlight.

    Success demands communication, split-second timing, and perfect synchronisation. Whether you are perfectly executing a complex jump or screaming in panic as a mistimed boost sends your friend flying into a pit of spikes, it’s couch co-op gaming at its absolute finest.

    What’s New for the Console Release?

    Hit Start Studios isn’t just porting the game over; they are delivering the ultimate version of the adventure right out of the gate.

    Here is what console players can look forward to on day one:

    • Cross-Platform Play: Fully supports cross-platform co-op multiplayer between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. No matter where your friends play, you can team up.
    • Packed with Content: Includes all major post-launch updates from the PC version, offering 45 additional levels and 70 bonus levels spread across 7 diverse, hazard-filled worlds.
    • Playable Your Way: Choose Standard/Casual Mode for a more approachable experience with more forgiving timings and fewer spikes, or tackle Brave Mode to push your platforming skills to their absolute limits.
    • Optimised Performance & Accessibility: Enjoy ultra-smooth gameplay with high-frame-rate options ($60\text{ fps}+$), alongside great accessibility features like character outlines and overlap transparency.

    “Cross-platform support was especially important for us because Brave Escape is all about playing together, regardless of platform.”

    — Steve Ciaramitaro, Game Designer at Hit Start Studios

    Get Ready to Escape!

    Whether you prefer playing local couch co-op or diving online, Brave Escape promises to be one of the summer’s most fun and chaotic cooperative experiences.

    You can already find the game on Steam, and it’s officially open for wishlisting on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store ahead of its July 24th launch. Gather a partner, stretch those thumbs, and prepare for a wild ride!

    Are you ready to test your friendship in Brave Escape? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #BraveEscape #HitStartStudios #CoopGaming #IndieGames #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #GamingNews #Platformer #Techmash

  • Grid-Based Tinkering: Thinky Roguelite Deckbuilder ‘Stones of Power’ Enters Closed Beta!

    Grid-Based Tinkering: Thinky Roguelite Deckbuilder ‘Stones of Power’ Enters Closed Beta!

    If you’ve ever stared at a merchant in Slay the Spire, absolute tears in your eyes because you have to fork over 100 gold just to remove a basic strike card, indie developer Pointless Games has some incredibly good news for you.

    Their highly anticipated “thinky” roguelite deckbuilder, Stones of Power, has officially entered its closed beta phase. Along with a brand-new gameplay trailer, this major milestone marks the first time players can get their hands on the game’s unique grid-based tactical mechanics.

    Here is why this is one indie strategy game you’ll want to keep on your radar.

    What is Stones of Power?

    At its core, Stones of Power is a deckbuilder, but instead of playing cards that immediately vanish into a discard pile, you are playing magical stones onto a grid-based board.

    • A Living Board: Unlike traditional card games where actions are played in isolation, the stones you place in Stones of Power remain on the board.
    • Tactical Grid Play: Success relies on pushing, pulling, and positioning your stones to create chain reactions, disrupt enemy plans, and outsmart your foes.
    • The “Trading” Economy: Instead of paying a premium to purge bad cards, players construct and refine their decks by trading stones. You buy, sell, and manage your coins to actively manipulate your build’s synergy between encounters.

    “I wanted to create a game where each turn incrementally evolved from something simple into something more complex. Every new stone the player places gives more possibilities to explore, rewarding careful planning, clever positioning, and creative thinking.” > — Mattias Selin, Creator of Stones of Power

    Why Strategy Fans Should Be Excited

    Stones of Power is designed specifically for players who love the “joy of tinkering.” Rather than leaving your fate entirely up to the RNG gods, the game heavily rewards clever positioning and calculated experimentation. Every run is a puzzle of your own making, where a single, well-placed stone can completely cascade into a game-breaking build.

    Developed on a custom Java engine (built on top of LibGDX) for PC and Linux, the game is shaping up to be a highly polished, deep, and satisfyingly cerebral experience.

    How to Get Involved

    With the closed beta officially underway, Pointless Games is looking for players to jump in, test their strategic limits, and provide feedback.

    If you want to secure your spot in the beta or simply keep up with development:

    • Head over to the Stones of Power Steam Page to add it to your wishlist.
    • Join the active community on the Pointless Games Discord to grab a beta key and share your wildest game-breaking synergies.

    Find out more here

    #StonesOfPower #PointlessGames #IndieGames #PCGaming #Roguelite #Deckbuilder #GamingNews #TechMash

  • When Star Fox Meets Armored Core: ‘Rogue Eclipse’ is the Space Roguelike We’ve Been Waiting For

    When Star Fox Meets Armored Core: ‘Rogue Eclipse’ is the Space Roguelike We’ve Been Waiting For

    If you’ve spent the last few years looking at your gaming library and thinking, “I really wish someone would mash up the tight, arcade spaceflight of Star Fox with the intense, heavy customisation of Armored Core,” then your very specific wish has just been granted.

    Meet Rogue Eclipse, an upcoming spacefighter roguelike developed by the UK-based micro-studio Huskrafts and published by Outersloth—the indie publishing label founded by the team behind Among Us.

    And the best news? It is officially blasting onto PC via Steam on August 7th, 2026!

    What is Rogue Eclipse?

    At its core, Rogue Eclipse is an edge-of-your-seat, arcade-style space shooter designed with a high-stakes roguelike loop. You play as a pilot on the absolute front lines of a war for humanity’s survival.

    The gameplay loop is simple to understand but incredibly tough to master: Try, die, upgrade, and try again. Here is what makes this indie gem stand out from the crowd:

    • Arabesque Futurism Aesthetic: Forget the sterile, cold grey metals of typical sci-fi. Rogue Eclipse features a stunning, vibrant art direction inspired by Middle Eastern and North African design elements.
    • High-Octane Combat: You aren’t just dogfighting in empty space. You’ll be weaving through massive, destructible environments and diving directly inside gargantuan enemy behemoths to blow them up from the inside out.
    • Deep Customisation: Much like the mech-building joy of Armored Core, you can continuously upgrade, tweak, and personalise your starfighter to suit your playstyle as your run progresses.

    “Indie developers got tired of waiting for a new Star Fox, so they’re making their own.” — The Verge

    Backed by Indie Royalty

    Behind this ambitious title is a fascinating partnership. The game is the debut title from Husban Siddiqi (aka Huskrafts), a highly talented solo developer and recipient of both an Epic MegaGrant and a Creative England New Ideas Fund.

    To help bring this vision to the finish line, Outersloth stepped in. Established by Innersloth to fund indie developers sustainably while allowing them to keep their creative freedom, the label’s backing is a massive seal of approval. If the minds behind Among Us are championing this, you know there’s something special under the hood.

    Play It Early!

    If you happen to be in London or heading to upcoming conventions, you might not have to wait until August 7th to test your piloting skills.

    • London Showcase: The game will be playable at the “For One Night Only” event in London on July 29th, 2026.
    • Wishlist Now: Head over to the Rogue Eclipse Steam Page to check out the brand-new release date trailer and add it to your wishlist.

    Get ready to strap in, pilots. Space combat is getting a massive upgrade this summer.

    Find out more here

    #RogueEclipse #IndieGames #Outersloth #Huskrafts #SpaceShooter #SteamGames #GamingNews #StarFox #ArmoredCore #TechMash

  • Angry Birds to Angry Battlers: Why Warena is Your Next PC Gaming Obsession

    Angry Birds to Angry Battlers: Why Warena is Your Next PC Gaming Obsession

    The tactical card battler genre is about to get a serious shake-up, and it’s arriving from a very unexpected, highly pedigree’d source.

    If you spent any part of the 2010s flinging furious fowls at green pigs, you’re already familiar with the work of Tuomas Erikoinen—the original artist behind the iconic Angry Birds characters. After conquering the mobile world and racking up over 50 million downloads across various projects, Erikoinen and his indie studio, Part Time Monkey, are trading mobile screens for PC monitors.

    Their latest creation? Warena, a real-time tactical card battler that launches on Steam today (July 14, 2026), and it looks set to steal your sleep.

    Real-Time Chaos: No Turns, No Waiting

    Forget everything you know about traditional card games where you politely wait for your opponent to figure out their move. Warena throws etiquette out the window in favour of simultaneous, real-time chaos.

    Both players act at the exact same time. Your objective is simple but intense: manage your mana pool, deploy troops, cast devastating spells, and push down lanes to tear down the enemy base before they do the same to yours. It’s a high-stakes tug-of-war where reading your opponent’s intent and timing your counters is everything.

    “I love short, round-based games like Rocket League where you always want to go for one more round,” says creator Tuomas Erikoinen. “I played a lot of Clash Royale and kept thinking: this would work on PC if you built it right. Warena is that game.”

    The Ultimate Hybrid: Clash Royale Meets Traditional RTS

    Warena beautifully bridges the gap between two distinct gaming worlds, offering a unique hybrid experience:

    • The Speed and Immediacy of Clash Royale: Matches are fast, punchy, and instantly engaging. It’s built for that “just one more game” loop that will have you looking at the clock, suddenly realising it’s 3 AM.
    • The Strategic Depth of a Classic RTS: Don’t let the quick match times fool you; there is serious tactical weight here. With mid-match deck evolution via “Runes” and unique “Hero Skills” chosen at the start of the game, the deck you finish with will look wildly different from the one you started with.

    Built for Pure Competition

    In a refreshing move for the modern gaming landscape, Warena is entirely built around skill. Every single card in the game is earned purely through play. There are no pay-to-win mechanics or hidden stat advantages here—just visible stats, clever strategies, and split-second decision-making.

    Whether you want to test your mettle against the AI in the single-player campaign or climb the competitive ladder in ranked 1v1 PvP, victory relies entirely on your brainpower and reflexes.

    If you’re looking for a competitive strategy fix that doesn’t require a hardcore, hundreds-of-hours time commitment to enjoy, Warena is calling your name. Head over to Steam, grab the deck, and prepare for battle.

    Find out more here

    #Warena #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamNextFest #CardBattler #RTS #GamingNews #TechMash #PartTimeMonkey

  • Tya Calls, Commanders! Watcher of Realms Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with Epic New Heroes and Rewards

    Tya Calls, Commanders! Watcher of Realms Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with Epic New Heroes and Rewards

    Can you believe it’s been three years since we first stepped onto the mystical, chaos-ridden continent of Tya? Since its debut, Moonton’s Watcher of Realms has steadily redefined what a next-gen fantasy RPG can be, blending deep tower-defence strategy with stunning 3D visuals and immersive lore.

    Now, the milestone is officially here. The 3rd Anniversary Celebration is launching with a massive wave of exclusive events, gorgeous new skins, and powerful fresh faces to add to your roster. Whether you’re a battle-hardened veteran or a newcomer looking for the perfect time to jump in, this anniversary bash is throwing the doors wide open.

    Meet the New Legends: Cainan and Jezebelle Arrive

    No RPG anniversary is complete without fresh blood to shake up the meta, and Moonton is delivering in spades. Two highly anticipated heroes are making their grand entrance into Tya, alongside stunning brand-new skins:

    • Cainan: A powerhouse limited hero who is already turning heads in the community. Commanders looking to maximise their DPS will want to keep a close eye on his arrival. You can even snag his fiery “Shadow of the Flame” skin!
    • Jezebelle: Radiating both grace and danger, she joins the fray with her exclusive “Perdition’s Grace” skin, ready to anchor your squad against the toughest demonic onslaughts.

    137 Free Summons & Boosted Rate-Up Banners

    If your summoning crystals have been burning a hole in your pocket, your patience is about to reward you handsomely. The developers are showering players with up to 137 free summons through anniversary login rewards and events.

    Even better, the summoning schedule is packed with 20x drop rate-up banners, giving you the absolute best chance to secure top-tier talent:

    Event DateBanner / Summon TypeKey Featured Heroes
    July 15 – July 20Seraphic InvocationCainan (Guaranteed within 200 summons!)
    July 16 – July 20Special Invocation of SpiritsRaizan & Aeris
    July 17 – July 20Special Ancient SummoningJezebelle & Sythra

    Exclusive Anniversary Rewards and Features

    The generosity doesn’t stop at summons. Moonton is packing the festival table with an array of progression-boosting items and entirely new challenges to tackle:

    • Free New Hero & Hero Reset Book: Perfect for instantly restructuring your team composition without losing precious resources.
    • Fresh Content Raids: Test your upgraded squads in the brand-new Gallery of War and Final Frontier game modes.
    • Faction Trial Updates: Brace yourselves for new bosses and fresh mechanics in the Arbitration and Dominion stages.
    • Festive Customisations: Earn exclusive camp skins, avatar borders, and profile cosmetics just by participating in the anniversary events.

    Time to Rally the Troops

    With its approachably deep tactical gameplay, beautifully rendered 360° character models, and a vibrant community, Watcher of Realms continues to prove it’s not your average strategy RPG.

    The celebrations are officially kicking off across iOS, Android, and PC. Dust off your strategy guides, claim those 137 free summons, and let’s restore order to Tya!

    Are you pulling for Cainan or Jezebelle first? Let us know your squad goals in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #WatcherOfRealms #WatcherOfRealms3rdAnniversary #NextGenRPG #FantasyRPG #Moonton #GamingNews #MobileGaming #PCGaming #RPGCommunity #TechMash #Gaming

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

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

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

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

    What is Dead Estate?

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

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

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

    Packed with the Definitive Content

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

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

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

    The Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelike Fans

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

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Uncover the Truth: Acclaimed Indie Mystery ‘No Case Should Remain Unsolved’ Hits PS5 This August!

    Uncover the Truth: Acclaimed Indie Mystery ‘No Case Should Remain Unsolved’ Hits PS5 This August!

    Indie game aficionados and mystery buffs, it’s time to dust off your detective hats. PLAYISM has officially announced that No Case Should Remain Unsolved, the critically acclaimed text-based mystery adventure from leading South Korean indie developer Somi, is making its way to the PlayStation 5 on August 19, 2026!

    Already sporting an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam with thousands of glowing reviews, this innovative narrative puzzle is finally bringing its jumbled web of lies and memories to PlayStation players.

    The Mystery of the Seowon Disappearance

    If you haven’t yet experienced this narrative masterpiece on PC or Nintendo Switch, you’re in for an emotionally gripping ride.

    The story drops you into a cold case that has haunted retired Senior Inspector Jeon Gyeong for over a decade:

    “I remember how surprised I was when I first saw this case. Everyone involved was lying, for one reason or another.”

    On February 5, 2012, a little girl named Seowon vanished from a local playground. Despite a massive investigation, the case went completely cold. Twelve years later, a young police officer visits the retired Jeon Gyeong, pleading with her to reexamine the past.

    As the memories resurface, one devastating truth becomes absolutely clear: everyone connected to the case was lying.

    Unconventional Gameplay: A Jigsaw Puzzle of Human Memory

    No Case Should Remain Unsolved isn’t your standard point-and-click adventure. Instead, it plays out like a reading-comprehension jigsaw puzzle.

    • Piece Together the Truth: You are handed 54 jumbled conversation fragments stripped of timestamps, context, and speaker identities.
    • Follow the Keywords: By clicking on specific highlighted words, you stimulate Jeon Gyeong’s memories, uncovering new testimonies.
    • Spot the Contradictions: You must carefully analyse the tone, text, and logic of each statement to match it to the correct speaker and arrange it chronologically.
    • Two Hidden Truths: This tightly paced 2-to-3-hour experience features an incredibly atmospheric, evolving soundtrack by Seongyi Yi and leads to two distinct endings that will leave you absolutely floored.

    Exclusive Merchandise Dropping Same-Day!

    To make the August 19th launch even sweeter, PLAYISM has announced they will be dropping the first-ever official merchandise for the title on the same day via the PLAYISM Official Store.

    Whether you’re a returning detective looking to grab a physical keepsake or a newcomer ready to crack the case for the first time, mark your calendars for August 19, 2026. This is one investigation you won’t want to leave cold.

    Find out more here

    #NoCaseShouldRemainUnsolved #PLAYISM #Somi #PS5 #IndieGames #PS5Games #GamingNews #TechMash #DetectiveGames #CozyMystery

  • Double the Trouble: Circle Empires 2 Officially Exploits a Massive 24-Leader Roster!

    Double the Trouble: Circle Empires 2 Officially Exploits a Massive 24-Leader Roster!

    The circle just got a whole lot bigger, tacticians. If you thought conquering neighbouring circular battlefields in Circle Empires 2 was already a chaotic test of wits, Luminous and Iceberg Interactive just blew the doors wide open.

    In a massive milestone update, the fast-paced RTS has officially doubled its roster of playable leaders, skyrocketing the selection from the original 12 at launch to a staggering 24 unique leaders.

    Whether you’re a micro-managing economic mastermind or a player who just wants to watch the world burn under a hail of dragon fire, this update completely reshapes the battlefield.

    24 Leaders, Countless Ways to Conquer

    What makes this roster expansion so significant isn’t just the sheer number—it’s how wildly different each leader plays. We aren’t just talking about simple colour swaps or minor stat changes here. Every single one of the 24 leaders comes packing their own:

    • Distinct Units: From disciplined infantry to bizarre cosmic entities.
    • Exclusive Technologies: Game-changing upgrades tailored to specific strategies.
    • Unique Buildings: Custom infrastructure to optimise your resource engine or fortify your borders.
    • Specialised Playstyles: Entirely new mechanics that force you to rethink how you expand, attack, and defend.

    A Flavour for Every Strategy

    The diversity on display in this expanded roster is brilliantly unhinged. To give you a taste of how varied your next campaign is going to look, check out a few of the standout faces joining the fray:

    • Liam Laserfang (The Laser Faction): Perfect for players who love precision defence. Liam utilises Mirror Shields that can literally reflect incoming projectiles back at attackers, alongside the legendary Laser Cat whose eyes keep firing beams even after it falls. Plus, his faction features weapons that permanently slice away an enemy’s maximum health.
    • Byron the Burful (The Dragon Legions): If your answer to every problem is “more dragons,” Byron is your man. He can recruit classic, ghost, and rare dragons from the very beginning, backed by disciplined legionaries wielding massive tower shields.
    • Electra Eelshock: Ready to shock the system? Electra commands an electrifying army of eels and living lightning to shock and awe opponents out of their territories.
    • Woody (The Wooden Faction): For the unconventional player. Woody has zero natural workers. Instead, he uses stationary Trap Workers to siphon resources from adjacent tiles, while his weapon launchers hurl actual melee weapons (and sometimes fish) across the map.

    Why This Changes the Meta

    With the roster doubling in size, the combinatory chaos of Circle Empires 2 is reaching peak levels. The push-and-pull of expanding circle-by-circle feels entirely fresh when you have to account for 24 different potential setups. A strategy that easily steamrolled a goblin-hoarding Hammerfist might crumble entirely against the high-tech, maximum-health-shredding laser walls of Liam Laserfang.

    Luminous has also packaged this massive milestone with a suite of balance changes, fixes, and community-driven tweaks to ensure that even with 24 distinct factions running around, the competitive integrity remains intact.

    The circles are waiting. Which leader are you taking to victory first?

    Find out more here

    #CircleEmpires2 #IndieGames #RTS #GamingNews #StrategyGames #PCGaming #SteamUpdate #TechMash

  • From the Ring to the Roots: Pocket Bravery Devs Unveil ‘Garden Souls’

    From the Ring to the Roots: Pocket Bravery Devs Unveil ‘Garden Souls’

    If you like your roguelites with a heavy dose of fighting-game-level finesse, you’re going to want to put this on your radar immediately.

    Statera Studio, the brilliant Brazilian indie team that turned heads globally with their Game Awards-nominated fighting game Pocket Bravery, has officially unveiled their next big project. Stepping outside the traditional 2D brawler ring, they are bringing their signature combat expertise into the roguelite realm with Garden Souls—a fast-paced action roguelite that looks absolutely spectacular.

    Combat Meets Chaos: What is Garden Souls?

    Unlike traditional roguelites that heavily focus on passive stat stacking, Garden Souls puts pure, unadulterated combat depth right at the centre of the experience.

    Taking inspiration from heavyweights like Hades II, BlazBlue Entropy Effect, and Devil May Cry, the game blends a colourful fantasy world with explosive, high-speed action. Players take control of four resurrected Plant Princesses (Rose, Eris, Solaris, and Yuni), each featuring entirely distinct movesets, animations, and playstyles to stop a corruption spreading across the world.

    Key Features to Get Excited For:

    • Fighting Game Fundamentals: The game utilises an advanced combo cancel system. You can fluidly chain together ground and aerial attacks, dash-cancel, and launch enemies into walls to dictate the pace of the battle.
    • Deep Build Customisation: With six elemental affinities that fundamentally change your skills, dozens of unlockable abilities, and unique “Bombogs” (floral companions), no two runs will play the same.
    • Striker Summons: Borrowing a beloved mechanic from classic fighting games, you can summon powerful Strikers mid-battle to extend your combos or pull you out of a tight spot.
    • Permanent Progression: Procedurally generated biomes ensure high replayability, but a robust progression hub means you’ll return stronger after every run.

    Why This is a Big Deal

    Statera Studio has already proven they know exactly how to make combat feel incredibly responsive, punchy, and expressive with Pocket Bravery. Seeing them apply those strict arcade-fighter mechanics to a 2D hack-and-slash roguelite framework is incredibly exciting.

    It promises the perfect sweet spot for the genre: a title that offers massive mechanical depth and high-skill execution for veteran players, without sacrificing accessibility for newcomers who just want to slash through corrupted foliage.

    Garden Souls has officially been revealed with a brand-new trailer and is available to wishlist on Steam right now. Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates as development progresses!

    What do you think of the trailer? Are you ready to trade the fighting ring for the garden? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #GardenSouls #StateraStudio #PocketBravery #IndieGames #Roguelite #ActionGames #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Boots on the Ground: War Thunder Infantry Enters Massive 128-Player Closed Beta 3!

    Boots on the Ground: War Thunder Infantry Enters Massive 128-Player Closed Beta 3!

    If you thought War Thunder was just about heavy armour, soaring fighter jets, and naval broadsides, think again. Gaijin Entertainment is officially dropping players right into the mud. The highly anticipated third stage of the War Thunder Infantry Closed Beta Test (CBT) is officially kicking off this July, and it is bringing some seriously massive upgrades to the battlefield.

    We are talking about a major scale-up, fresh modern hardware, and a brand-new combat zone that changes the pacing of the game entirely. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming test phase.

    Welcome to Kivu: A Massive Central African Warzone

    The centrepiece of CBT Phase 3 is Kivu, an all-new map set in Central Africa that is roughly four times larger than previous infantry locations like Granitograd and Al-Massa.

    Because the map is so vast, Gaijin has optimised its server infrastructure to handle true large-scale warfare. This test phase reintroduces the 64-vs-64 format, allowing up to 128 players to clash simultaneously in the same match.

    To prevent this massive map from turning into a walking simulator, the developers are introducing several experimental gameplay mechanics:

    • Forward Respawns: For the first time, players can spawn directly onto capture points controlled by their team, keeping the pressure right on the front lines.
    • Squad Transport Vehicles: The test introduces a five-player light passenger car, allowing squads to rotate across the map together. If the driver gets sniped, any passenger can switch to the driver’s seat on the fly.
    • Total Dominance: A new ticket-drain mechanic means that if your team controls all five capture points at once, the enemy’s victory points bleed away even faster.

    Modern Arsenals & Distinct Soldier Classes

    Both factions are getting unique, region-specific modern gear and specialised loadouts. Rather than every soldier having access to all gear, player classes have been heavily revised to encourage strategic teamwork. Special-purpose equipment like RPGs, MANPADS, and drones are now locked to specific roles.

    Expect to wield top-tier small arms and operate heavy support machinery:

    • USA Forces: M4A1, SCAR-L, XM5, and the M110 SDMR, backed by M1A2 SEP V2 main battle tanks, LAV-AD air defense systems, and AH-64A Apache helicopters.
    • USSR Forces: AK-12, AK-15, SVDM, and the Kord 6P67, supported by T-90M tanks, 2S6 Tunguska systems, and Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopters.

    Smarter Arcade Battles and Visual Tweaks

    Arcade Battles are making a return, but with a major tactical overhaul to the marker display logic. To stop players from simply shooting at red UI indicators through dense foliage, markers will now only appear if you have a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the enemy model. If they duck behind smoke, walls, or trees, the marker vanishes. Furthermore, heavily equipped soldiers will now move faster in Arcade mode compared to Realistic mode to keep the match pacing snappy.

    Gaijin has also listened to community feedback by adding a dedicated graphics settings tab specifically for the Infantry mode, meaning you can tune your performance for ground combat without messing up your main vehicle settings.

    How to Join the Fight

    If you haven’t yet experienced War Thunder from a boots-on-the-ground perspective, the doors aren’t completely shut. Players can head over to the official War Thunder website right now to apply for CBT access before the July testing window begins.

    Get your squad ready—the battlefield is about to get a whole lot louder.

    Find out more here

    #WarThunder #WarThunderInfantry #GaijinEntertainment #GamingNews #PCGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #BetaTest #FPSGames #MilitarySim #TechMash

  • Trust No One: North Hunt Version 1.0 Drops Today Alongside Steam Social Deduction Fest!

    Trust No One: North Hunt Version 1.0 Drops Today Alongside Steam Social Deduction Fest!

    The ultimate game of deception just got a massive upgrade. Independent Tunisian developer NewGen Studio has officially announced that North Hunt is leaving Early Access and launching its highly anticipated Version 1.0 today, July 13.

    Even better? The full launch perfectly aligns with the kickoff of the Steam Social Deduction Fest, making today the absolute best time to grab your friends, sharpen your lying skills, and dive headfirst into a living Viking village full of paranoia.

    What is North Hunt?

    If you haven’t yet experienced the chaos, North Hunt takes the core foundation of social deduction and turns it into a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. Set in a vibrant Viking settlement, players are split into two teams: Thieves and Chiefs.

    • The Thieves: Your job is to blend seamlessly into the environment. You’ll mimic NPC bot routines—chopping wood, fishing, praying, and playing music—all while secretly completing objectives. One wrong move, and your cover is blown.
    • The Chiefs: Armed with observation skills and sheer intuition, you must examine the village for any “un-NPC-like” behaviour and eliminate the impostors hiding in plain sight.

    What’s New in the Version 1.0 Launch?

    NewGen Studio has poured community feedback into this build, making Version 1.0 the game’s biggest milestone yet. Here is what you can expect when you log in today:

    Two Brand-New Roles

    • The Gnome (Thief): Shrink down to a tiny size to pull off sneaky deceptions and escape tight situations in ways the Chiefs won’t expect.
    • The Glider (Chief): Take to the skies! Patrol the Viking village from a bird’s-eye view to track down suspicious player movements from above.

    AI Bots for Both Teams

    No full lobby? No problem. Version 1.0 introduces smart bots for both sides, ensuring you can play complete, chaotic matches even if you’re flying solo or playing with a smaller group.

    Expanded Progression & Cosmetics

    Show off your status with 10 new player levels and 10 exclusive Chief skins to unlock. There are also Twitch Drops active starting today, giving players a chance to snag two exclusive cosmetic skins just by watching their favourite streamers play.

    Quality of Life & Polish

    The update brings vastly improved in-room communication, UI polish, better matchmaking algorithms, and an official community wiki accessible right from the main menu.

    “By launching during Steam Social Deduction Fest, NewGen Studio hopes to introduce more players to a different take on social deduction, one where success isn’t about hiding in the shadows, but convincing everyone you’re simply another villager.”

    Join the Hunt Today

    Whether you want to ruin lifelong friendships or build new ones through masterclass bluffing, North Hunt Version 1.0 is officially live on Steam. Don’t miss out on the launch day hype and the festive discounts running during Steam’s Social Deduction Fest!

    Have you played North Hunt yet? Are you going to be gliding through the skies or shrinking down as a gnome today? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #NorthHunt #SocialDeduction #IndieGames #SteamFest #NewGenStudio #VikingGaming #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Risk Your Reality: Echoes of Aincrad Brings the Ultimate SAO Death Game to PS5, Xbox, and PC!

    Risk Your Reality: Echoes of Aincrad Brings the Ultimate SAO Death Game to PS5, Xbox, and PC!

    The moment Sword Art Online fans have been waiting for has officially arrived. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe has officially launched Echoes of Aincrad, a brand-new Action JRPG that takes players right back to where it all began—the iconic, high-stakes floating castle of Aincrad.

    If you’ve ever watched the anime and thought, “I could survive that,” it’s time to prove it. The game is available right now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

    Check out what you need to know about this major new release below.

    Forge Your Own Legend (And Survive It)

    Unlike previous SAO titles where you step directly into the boots of Kirito, Echoes of Aincrad shifts the lens. You are the hero. The game leans heavily into its meta-narrative, allowing players to create and fully customise their own unique avatar trapped inside the ultimate VRMMORPG.

    When “Game Over” means dying in the real world, the stakes couldn’t be higher. You’ll start from the absolute bottom during the infamous beta test period, grinding, levelling up, and fighting your way through a beautifully dangerous world to escape.

    Key Gameplay Features:

    • Real-Time Action Combat: Engage in fast-paced, high-reflex combat encounters. You’ll need to adapt your equipment, weapons, and stats to match your specific playstyle—whether you favour raw speed, heavy strength, or tanky endurance.
    • Deep AI Partner Synergy: You won’t have to face the terrors of Aincrad alone. Players can team up with iconic characters from the Sword Art Online universe, syncing tactics and building powerful team dynamics to take down massive floor bosses.
    • An Expanding, Dangerous World: Explore vast environments, ranging from peaceful, serene plains to dark, trap-filled dungeons teeming with rare treasure and lethal enemies.

    Available Editions

    Bandai Namco has launched the game with a few different packages depending on how deep into the virtual world you want to dive:

    EditionWhat’s Included
    Standard EditionBase Game
    Deluxe EditionBase Game + Expansion DLC + Starter Pack + Early Unlock for Death Game Mode
    Ultimate EditionAll Deluxe Content + Digital Artbook & Soundtrack (“Unanswered//butterfly” App) + Exclusive Armor Packs

    Ready to Link Start?

    Echoes of Aincrad marks a tonal shift for the franchise, embracing a darker, more atmospheric approach that mirrors the underlying dread of the anime’s original “Death Game” arc. If you are looking for a gritty, grindy Action JRPG with deep progression and a heavy dose of nostalgia, Aincrad is calling.

    Will you conquer the floors and claim your freedom, or will you perish in the virtual wire? Grab your copy today on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or Steam, and risk your reality!

    Find out more here

    #EchoesOfAincrad #SwordArtOnline #SAO #BandaiNamco #JRPG #GamingNews #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Steam #AnimeGaming #TechMash

  • Step into the Dark: Ancient Witchcraft and Psychological Terror Await in ‘Escape From Umbra’

    Step into the Dark: Ancient Witchcraft and Psychological Terror Await in ‘Escape From Umbra’

    Indie horror fans, it is time to charge your batteries and prepare for a serious spike in your heart rate. Veteran independent studio WildSphere—the brilliant minds behind the terrifying Oxide Room 104—has officially unleashed its latest nightmare onto the world.

    Their highly anticipated survival horror and puzzle title, Escape From Umbra, is now available for purchase across all major console and PC digital platforms. If you have been looking for a horror game that prioritises thick, suffocating atmosphere and clever puzzle-solving over mindless jump scares, this is the one to put on your radar.

    The Nightmare of Umbra’s Domain

    Escape From Umbra drops you headfirst into a dark, psychological thriller inspired by ancient mountain witch legends. What was supposed to be a happy birthday getaway in a vacation home quickly devolves into a terrifying reality. You find yourself trapped in a labyrinthine, fog-drenched village inspired by the real-world mountain towns of Las Alpujarras, painstakingly brought to life in gorgeous, eerie detail via Unreal Engine 5.

    The catch? The village is ruled by a relentless witch named Umbra, who is actively hunting you down to consume your soul.

    True “Escape Room” Mechanics

    WildSphere is completely stripping away the traditional video game safety nets here. You won’t find floating backpacks, oversized HUDs, or artificial inventory screens. Escape From Umbra plays out like a literal 3D escape room.

    You must physically investigate the environment, manipulate objects in 3D space, and piece together how to use them to break out of each area. Your only guide is a cryptic journal filled with riddles and logic-based clues. You will have to rely entirely on your own wits to find a path to freedom.

    Friend or Foe? The Mechanics of the Dark

    Surviving the village requires masterfully balancing your very limited resources:

    • The Flashlight: Your beam illuminates the pitch-black streets and can unleash a powerful burst of energy to temporarily blind the spectres patrolling the town. However, light attracts unwanted attention, and your battery life is always ticking down.
    • The Shadow Creatures: The witch’s spectres are alert to the slightest hint of light. If you hear the roots of the village creaking, you need to kill your flashlight, break the line of sight, and hide immediately.
    • The Black Cats: In a world filled with shifting shadows and frozen magic mirrors, keep an eye out for enigmatic black cats. When you see them, trust them—they serve as your guide through the darkness.

    Next-Gen Immersion: If you are playing on the PlayStation 5, the game takes immersion to a whole new level. The flashlight mechanics utilize adaptive triggers for added realism, and there are no on-screen health or danger indicators. Instead, the controller’s haptic feedback transmits your character’s heartbeat directly to your hands—accelerating chaotically as your only radar when danger is closing in.

    Out Now on All Platforms

    Whether you prefer PC gaming or couch-crusading on consoles, WildSphere has you covered. Escape From Umbra has launched simultaneously on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG.

    If you are still on the fence about whether you can handle the dark, a limited-time 10-15 minute playable demo is currently available on Steam and GOG so you can test your nerves before you buy.

    Do you have what it takes to decipher the clues, avoid the witch, and escape the shadows? Grab your copy today and find out.

    Find out more here

    #EscapeFromUmbra #WildSphere #IndieHorror #SurvivalHorror #PuzzleGames #GamingNews #TechMash #HorrorGaming

  • Consoles, Prepare for the Weird: Once Human Lands on PS5 & Xbox This August with a First-Person Twist!

    Consoles, Prepare for the Weird: Once Human Lands on PS5 & Xbox This August with a First-Person Twist!

    Attention, console Metas! If you’ve been watching PC players explore the wonderfully bizarre, Stardust-infected post-apocalypse from the sidelines, your patience is about to pay off.

    NetEase Games and Starry Studio have officially dropped the news we’ve all been waiting for: their hit open-world supernatural survival game, Once Human, is officially launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 25, 2026!

    Best of all? The developers aren’t just giving us a simple port—they’re dropping console players straight into the action with major day-one features. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming console launch.

    True Freedom: Cross-Play & Cross-Progression at Launch

    There is nothing worse than wanting to jump to a new platform but fearing the loss of hundreds of hours of grinding. Thankfully, Starry Studio has eliminated that headache.

    Right from the official August 25 launch, Once Human will feature full cross-play and cross-progression support. Whether you’re moving from PC to the comfort of your couch or trying to team up with friends across different platforms, your progress, Deviants, and base blueprints will seamlessly carry over.

    See the Apocalypse Through New Eyes: First-Person Mode

    If the eerie world of Nalcott wasn’t immersive enough in third-person, prepare to get up close and personal. The console launch will coincide with a brand-new First-Person Perspective (FPP) feature.

    Whether you’re clearing out terrifying anomalies in a tight corridor, aiming down the sights during intense boss fights, or just soaking in the gorgeous, mutated landscapes, switching to FPP promises to completely change how you experience the game’s survival mechanics and combat.

    Optimised for Current-Gen Power

    Starry Studio isn’t skimping on performance either. Console players will have the option to choose how they want to experience the apocalypse:

    • Quality Mode: Stargaze in stunning 4K visuals at a smooth 60 FPS.
    • Performance Mode: Prioritise ultra-fluid gameplay by targeting up to 120 FPS on compatible displays.

    Furthermore, PlayStation 5 players can look forward to custom DualSense integration, featuring bespoke haptic feedback that delivers distinct rumbles for massive monsters and precise trigger resistance during high-stakes gunfights.

    Get Ready for August 25

    Once Human will remain completely free-to-play when it hits consoles, though eager fans can already head to the PlayStation and Xbox storefronts to pre-order optional cosmetic starter packs to kick off their journey in style.

    Mark your calendars, call your squad, and get ready to turn the unknown into your ultimate power this August. The supernatural apocalypse is coming to the big screen!

    Will you be playing Once Human in first-person or third-person when it hits consoles? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OnceHuman #NetEaseGames #StarryStudio #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Xbox #GamingNews #SurvivalGames #CrossPlay #TechMash