TECHMASH

Tag: #Techmash

  • Into the Void Alone: SpaceCraft Launches Highly Anticipated Offline Solo Mode

    Into the Void Alone: SpaceCraft Launches Highly Anticipated Offline Solo Mode

    Interstellar pioneers, it is time to recalibrate your warp drives. If you have been itching to conquer the cosmos without the distraction of rival corporations or multiplayer chaos, your coordinates have just been locked.

    Shiro Games has officially rolled out one of the community’s most requested features for its hit space sandbox, SpaceCraft: a true, fully optimised Offline Solo Mode. Less than a month after its stellar debut in Steam Early Access, the French studio behind hits like Northgard and Wartales has proven they are listening closely to player feedback.

    The Universe is Yours, Literally

    Originally launched as an online-only, persistent multiplayer galaxy, SpaceCraft captivated sci-fi fans with its seamless blend of exploration, modular shipbuilding, and deep industrial automation. However, for those who prefer the quiet, atmospheric isolation of deep space, the requirement to always be online was a barrier.

    With this latest update, you can now experience humanity’s next frontier completely independently.

    “Players who want to experience SpaceCraft at their own pace can now explore the galaxy entirely offline,” said Nicolas Cannasse, CEO of Shiro Games. “The game’s progression, balancing, and core systems have been adapted to provide a smooth and rewarding solo experience while preserving the depth and freedom that define SpaceCraft.”

    What Changes in Solo Mode?

    Stepping into the void alone doesn’t mean you are getting a watered-down experience. Shiro Games has meticulously rebalanced the core mechanics to ensure that a single player can realistically manage a galactic empire.

    • Tailored Progression: Resource gathering, crafting timelines, and progression curves have been adjusted so the late-game loop feels satisfying rather than an endless, MMO-style grind.
    • Total Focus on Industry: With online-exclusive systems like global corporation rankings disabled, every piece of rare mineral you mine and every credit you earn goes directly into expanding your personal empire.
    • True Offline Play: No internet? No problem. You can now design your modular ships and map out trade routes from anywhere.

    From Humble Outpost to Interstellar Enterprise

    For the uninitiated, SpaceCraft is a dream come true for fans of deep engineering and logistics simulators. The gameplay lets you start with a modest planetary outpost and gradually build out massive automated manufacturing networks. You’ll draft complex logistics pipelines to ferry components across different planets, optimise supply lines, and engineer custom spacecraft block-by-block to fit your specific needs—whether that’s a heavily armoured cargo haulier or a nimble exploration vessel.

    The fact that Shiro Games has delivered such a massive architectural shift to the game so early in its Early Access journey bodes incredibly well for its future development.

    SpaceCraft is available right now on PC via Steam Early Access for £24.99 / $29.99 / €29,99. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to lose yourself in a massive, system-driven sci-fi sandbox entirely on your own terms, this is it.

    Are you planning to build your industrial space empire solo, or do you prefer the shared multiplayer universe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SpaceCraft #ShiroGames #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGaming #SpaceSandbox #SciFiGaming #IndieGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Pump Up the Volume: SEAR Reinvents Anti-Gravity Racing as a Playable Music Video

    Pump Up the Volume: SEAR Reinvents Anti-Gravity Racing as a Playable Music Video

    If you miss the high-octane, futuristic thrills of Wipeout or F-Zero but want something that feels entirely fresh, keep your eyes on Temerity Games. The indie studio has just unveiled SEAR, a high-speed anti-gravity racing game that takes audio-reactive gameplay to a whole new level.

    In SEAR, you aren’t just racing to a soundtrack—you are racing inside it.

    Where Beats Meet Broadside Corners

    Every single track in SEAR is procedurally built around the structure of a specific song. As the music evolves, the course transforms in real-time right in front of your ship.

    Imagine pushing 500 mph down a neon straightaway during a melodic verse, only for the track to twist into a dizzying corkscrew the exact moment the bass drops. Temerity Games describes the experience as turning each level into a living, breathing music video that players can actively race through.

    Why We’re Hyped

    While music-rhythm games are nothing new, blending the split-second reflexes of anti-gravity racing with dynamic, track-shifting audio choreography is a massive undertaking. If Temerity Games nails the execution, SEAR could easily become a multiplayer favourite and a visual showcase for synthwave, electronic, and rock fans alike.

    SEAR doesn’t have an official release date just yet, but it’s officially on our radar. Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates, gameplay trailers, and tracklist reveals as they drop.

    What do you think? Does a shifting, musical racetrack sound like a dream come true, or a motion-sickness nightmare? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SEAR #TemerityGames #AntiGravityRacing #GamingNews #IndieGames #SciFiRacing #TechMash #GamingSoundtracks

  • Alien Invasions, Alternate Histories, and 2003 Nostalgia: Terra Invicta – Dark Skies DLC Announced!

    Alien Invasions, Alternate Histories, and 2003 Nostalgia: Terra Invicta – Dark Skies DLC Announced!

    Fans of geopolitical scheming, Newtonian space physics, and desperate defences against extraterrestrial threats, rejoice. Hooded Horse and Pavonis Interactive have officially announced the very first DLC for their sci-fi grand strategy behemoth: Terra Invicta – Dark Skies.

    Mark your calendars, because this major expansion is set to drop on July 27, 2026, across all major PC storefronts.

    Following the game’s highly successful 1.0 launch earlier this year, Dark Skies shakes up the established timeline by introducing two wildly different, highly challenging starting scenarios that rewrite the rules of humanity’s fight for survival.

    Here is what you need to know about the two massive new campaign options heading your way.

    Scenario 1: ‘Broken Earth’ (The Nuclear Apocalypse Split)

    What if the world as we know it had already ended before the aliens even arrived?

    The Broken Earth scenario drops players into an alternate history where the Cuban Missile Crisis wasn’t resolved peacefully but instead erupted into a catastrophic atomic war. A century later, the ruins of Earth are unrecognisable. The old superpowers are gone, fractured into unique, squabbling local polities.

    Just as a divided humanity is trying to claw its way back from the brink of extinction, the aliens arrive. You’ll have to unify a broken planet that is at its absolute weakest, making an already brutal survival game significantly harder.

    Scenario 2: ‘2003’ (The Twenty-Year Window)

    If a post-apocalyptic wasteland sounds a bit too bleak, how about a trip down memory lane with a strategic twist?

    The 2003 scenario rewinds the clock to the eve of the US-led invasion of Iraq. In this timeline, the aliens’ actual arrival is still twenty years away, giving humanity a massive head start—if you can manage to use it.

    As Earth’s nations spiral into diplomatic and real-world turmoil, a shadow war begins. You must contend with deep-cover alien forces and powerful human sympathisers long before the battle ever reaches the stars. This scenario introduces fresh, era-specific tech trees and projects, forcing players to adapt to a longer, much more methodical “slow burn” fight on Earth.

    New Visuals: NASA and Hard Sci-Fi Ship Sets

    Alongside the two narrative campaigns, Dark Skies is bringing some serious eye candy for the ship designer enthusiasts. The DLC includes two entirely new spaceship visual styles:

    • NASA-Inspired Aesthetics: For players who love the clean, retro-futuristic, white-and-black realism of early space exploration.
    • Industrial Hard Sci-Fi: For those who prefer their battleships looking like gritty, heavily armoured flying factories.

    Where and When to Play

    Terra Invicta – Dark Skies will officially launch on July 27, 2026. You’ll be able to grab it on Steam, GOG, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store.

    TechMash Tip: If you haven’t jumped into the base game yet, Pavonis Interactive is currently running a 40% discount on Steam until July 9, 2026. It’s the perfect time to master the political layers before the skies turn dark this summer.

    Are you going to try rebuilding a nuclear wasteland, or will you try to save the world starting in 2003? Let us know your faction alignment in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TerraInvicta #DarkSkiesDLC #GrandStrategy #SciFiGaming #HoodedHorse #PavonisInteractive #PCGaming #StrategyGames #TechMash

  • The “Forgotten Cousin” of Metal Slug Returns: Biomechanical Toy Blasts Onto Modern Consoles!

    The “Forgotten Cousin” of Metal Slug Returns: Biomechanical Toy Blasts Onto Modern Consoles!

    If you miss the golden age of 90s arcades—when pixel art reigned supreme, cabinet audio blasted at maximum volume, and action heroes exuded pure, unfiltered attitude—then we have some incredible news for you.

    QUByte Interactive, in an exciting partnership with retro pioneers Bleem! (and Piko Interactive), has officially announced that they are rescuing a legendary, long-lost 1995 run-and-gun arcade classic from dead hardware and bringing it straight to modern platforms.

    Get ready to reload your weapons, because Biomechanical Toy (QUByte Classics) is making its triumphant return on July 16, 2026!

    The Rare Cult Gem Escapes the 90s

    Originally developed by Zeus Software and released by the Spanish arcade giant Gaelco in 1995, Biomechanical Toy hit arcades exactly one year before Metal Slug reshaped the genre forever. Because of that timing, it became a highly prized, rare cult gem rather than a global household name. But for those in the know, its explosive rhythm, ultra-expressive pixel art, and unique rescue mechanics made it an absolute masterpiece.

    Now, thanks to the QUByte Emulation Engine, this definitive version perfectly preserves that original arcade adrenaline while giving it a major 21st-century upgrade.

    The Story: You play as Inguz, a tough-as-nails action hero sporting serious 90s ponytail-and-sunglasses energy. Your mission? Blast through 6 surreal, vibrant worlds to recover a stolen Magic Pendulum from the criminal mastermind, Scrubby, and stop his relentless biomechanical army of toys gone rogue.

    Arcade Action with Modern Enhancements

    While the core, punishingly detailed gameplay remains intact, QUByte and Bleem! are packing this release with crucial quality-of-life features that today’s gamers expect:

    • Rewind Feature: Made a fatal mistake? Instantly rewind time to correct your steps.
    • Save States: No need to burn through virtual quarters. Save and load your progress anywhere.
    • Authentic CRT Screen Filters: Relive the look and feel of sitting right in front of a vintage arcade cabinet.
    • The Digital Museum: Dive into an exclusive in-game Gallery featuring original development concept art and jam out to the retro soundtrack via the built-in Jukebox.

    Launch Details

    Mark your calendars! Biomechanical Toy officially launches on July 16, 2026.

    • Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
    • Price: $9.99 USD (with regional pricing applied across UK/EU storefronts).
    • Launch Deal: Keep your eyes peeled for a 15% discount active during the first 7 days post-release.

    Whether you’re a die-hard retro enthusiast or a fan of frantic side-scrollers looking for your next challenge, this is one piece of gaming history you won’t want to miss. Head over to your platform’s storefront and add it to your wishlist today!

    Find out more here

    #BiomechanicalToy #RetroGaming #QUByteClassics #Bleem #ArcadeGames #RunAndGun #MetalSlugFans #90sGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Extinction-Level Event? Nah, We’ve Got Fences: Very Safe Dino Park is Coming to Steam!

    Extinction-Level Event? Nah, We’ve Got Fences: Very Safe Dino Park is Coming to Steam!

    We’ve all been there. You build a beautiful, sprawling theme park, invite thousands of unsuspecting tourists inside, and then—boom—a thunderstorm hits, the power goes down, and suddenly your star attraction is playing catch with a tour jeep.

    Well, indie developer Panic Stations is here to assure you that absolutely none of that will happen in their upcoming title, Very Safe Dino Park, officially coming soon to Steam!

    Check out the chaotic (but totally controlled, we promise) teaser below:

    What is Very Safe Dino Park?

    At its core, Very Safe Dino Park is a management simulation game with a healthy dose of dark humour and high-stakes damage control. You are tasked with building, operating, and expanding a prehistoric safari.

    The twist? The title might be a tad bit sarcastic.

    While the marketing brochure promises a tranquil day out for the whole family, the gameplay looks set to challenge players with keeping prehistoric predators contained, guests alive, and corporate lawyers firmly at bay. You’ll need to balance your budget between high-voltage fencing and guest amenities, all while praying your Velociraptors don’t figure out how to use door handles.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Enclosure Management: Build custom habitats for a variety of prehistoric beasts. Just remember: the bigger the teeth, the thicker the walls need to be.
    • Guest Satisfaction vs. Survival: Keep your visitors fed, entertained, and—most importantly—uneaten. Happy guests mean bigger budgets!
    • Crisis Mitigation: When things go wrong (and they will), you’ll need to deploy security teams, patch up breaches, and distract the carnivores before the press catches wind of it.
    • Tech & Research: Unlock new DNA strains to breed even bigger attractions, and upgrade your security tech to keep up with your increasingly clever assets.

    Why We’re Excited

    Management sims are at their best when everything is on the brink of collapse, and Panic Stations seems to have captured that frantic, joyful chaos perfectly. It’s got the strategic depth of classic park builders mixed with a satirical edge that feels incredibly fresh.

    Will your park live up to its name, or will it become a buffet? There’s only one way to find out.

    Very Safe Dino Park doesn’t have a concrete release date just yet, but it is officially listed on Steam. Head over to the store page now to hit that Wishlist button and stay updated on the upcoming beta phases!

    What’s the first dinosaur you’re going to breed? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #VerySafeDinoPark #PanicStations #SteamGames #IndieDev #PCGaming #DinosaurGame #GamingNews #TechMash #TycoonGames #UpcomingReleases

  • Meat in the Third Dimension: Super Meat Boy 3D Physical Editions Splat Onto Next-Gen!

    Meat in the Third Dimension: Super Meat Boy 3D Physical Editions Splat Onto Next-Gen!

    Get ready to stretch your reflexes and ruin your thumbs all over again—but this time, with depth perception.

    Meridiem has officially announced that Super Meat Boy 3D is breaking out of the digital storefronts and landing on retail shelves with two gorgeous physical editions. Developed by the sadistic geniuses at Sluggerfly and Team Meat, and digitally published by Headup, this new entry takes the iconic, punishingly difficult platformer we all know and love and thrusts it into a whole new dimension.

    Yes, you read that right: Meat Boy is officially 3D.

    The Ultimate Challenge, Now in 3D

    If you thought dodging giant sawblades in 2D was tough, wait until you have to track them along a Z-axis. Super Meat Boy 3D retains the split-second precision, instant respawns, and dark humour that made the original a legendary indie hit, but reengineers the gameplay for a fully 3-dimensional world. It’s fresh, it’s terrifying, and it’s bound to make you sweat.

    For the collectors and physical media enthusiasts out there, you won’t just have to settle for a digital download. You can now own a piece of indie history for the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5.

    Choose Your Edition

    Meridiem is dropping two distinct physical flavours for this release:

    1. The Standard Edition

    Perfect for players who want the classic, no-nonsense physical copy to add to their shelf. It includes the full game on disc or cartridge, wrapped in stunning box art that looks great in any collection.

    2. The Special/Collector’s Edition

    For the hardcore Meat Boy die-hards, this edition comes packed with exclusive physical goodies. While exact regional contents can vary, expect premium packaging and collectable extras that celebrate the gory, glorious legacy of Team Meat’s toughest hero.

    Why You Need This on Your Shelf

    • Next-Gen Ready: Optimised to look crisp and run buttery-smooth on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
    • A New Perspective: Experience classic, high-stakes platforming redesigned for a 3D space.
    • Physical Preservation: Digital stores come and go, but a physical box on your shelf is forever.

    Whether you’re a veteran who conquered the Cotton Alley or a newcomer ready to die a thousand deaths, Super Meat Boy 3D in physical form is a must-have for the modern gaming library. Head to your favorite local retailer or online store to grab your copy before they sell out!

    Are you ready to tackle the third dimension, or is your controller already sweating? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SuperMeatBoy3D #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5 #PhysicalGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #TeamMeat #MeridiemGames #TechMash

  • Tactical Realism Reborn: ‘GROUND BRANCH’ Prepares for Full 1.0 Launch on Steam This July

    Tactical Realism Reborn: ‘GROUND BRANCH’ Prepares for Full 1.0 Launch on Steam This July

    Tactical shooter fans, check your corners and prep your loadouts. GROUND BRANCH, the uncompromising tactical first-person shooter developed in collaboration with BlackFoot Studios and published by MicroProse, is officially ready to leave Steam Early Access.

    Mark your calendars for July 16, 2026, when Version 1.0 officially deploys.

    Led by a development team featuring one of the original minds behind the golden era of Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon, GROUND BRANCH has spent years meticulously forging a reputation for deliberate, raw, and highly customizable gameplay. Version 1.0 is set to be the game’s most definitive milestone yet, moving past its long-standing “V1036” label to deliver an entirely rebuilt framework.

    Here is what you need to know about the major tactical upgrades coming on launch day.

    The Return of Operations: A New Narrative Prologue

    For solo players and co-op squads looking for structured immersion, Version 1.0 introduces Operations—the game’s official campaign framework.

    The full launch kicks things off with an all-new Prologue set deep in the rugged mountains of Northwest Pakistan.

    • Story-Driven Depth: The Prologue features two narrative-heavy introductory missions that set the stage for the broader global conflict unfolding later in the campaign.
    • Persistent Progression: Expect complete tactical briefings, full voice-over narration, and tracking that makes every deployment feel connected to a larger operational goal.

    Overhauled AI and Advanced Mission Types

    If you’ve played earlier builds, you know the AI could occasionally be unpredictable. BlackFoot Studios has spent months migrating behaviour trees directly from Blueprint into C++ code, unlocking massive performance gains and significantly smarter enemies.

    • High-IQ Targeting: Enemy AI now factors in your visible profile. If you’re behind cover with only your head showing, they will adapt and target your head, rather than losing track. Higher-skilled enemies will instinctively target your chest.
    • Morale and Suppression: Missing a shot now carries real tactical consequences. Unaware enemies will react dynamically to near-misses by suppressing and fleeing to cover. Witnessing a teammate fall will actively tank enemy morale, altering their decision trees in real time.
    • New Environment & Mission: Players will deploy to Outpost, a stark new map featuring an old mountain fort overlooking the volatile Afghan border. This setting pairs perfectly with the newly added Extraction mission type, introducing complex hostage rescue scenarios and smarter captor behaviours.

    Fluid Locomotion and Next-Gen Physics

    The physical feel of moving through tight spaces has been completely modernised. Version 1.0 rolls out an entirely overhauled player locomotion system using fresh motion capture data. Weapon transitions, stance changes (including a heavily refined prone state), and general traversal feel dramatically smoother.

    Techmash Verdict: By modernising the underlying infrastructure while keeping weapon customization and squad communication hyper-realistic, BlackFoot Studios isn’t chasing modern arcade trends. They are firmly cementing GROUND BRANCH as the true spiritual successor to old-school tactical gaming.

    GROUND BRANCH Version 1.0 drops on Steam on July 16, 2026. If you want a pure shooter that rewards patience, planning, and precise communication, this is one milestone you cannot afford to miss.

    Are you ready to take your squad into Northwest Pakistan, or are you just eager to test out the new breaching mechanics? Let us know your tactical loadout strategies in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GroundBranch #BlackFootStudios #MicroProse #TacticalShooter #PCGaming #SteamGames #MilSim #GamingNews #IndieDev #Techmash #FPSRealism

  • NARAKA: BLADEPOINT “GIVE ME FIVE” Update Takes the Battle Underwater for 5th Anniversary

    NARAKA: BLADEPOINT “GIVE ME FIVE” Update Takes the Battle Underwater for 5th Anniversary

    NetEase Games and 24 Entertainment are officially giving a massive high-five to their global community. To celebrate five years of high-octane martial arts action, the developers recently hosted a special anniversary livestream revealing their biggest, boldest expansion yet.

    Titled the “GIVE ME FIVE” celebration, this massive content update is scheduled to drop on July 2, bringing game-changing mechanics, a brand-new hero, and a tidal wave of free player rewards.

    Dive Into the Deep: The First-Ever Amphibious Map

    The absolute crown jewel of the fifth-anniversary update is Wanchu, the first-ever amphibious map in NARAKA: BLADEPOINT history.

    For the first time, players aren’t just fighting on land or grappling across rooftops—they are taking the battle beneath the waves. The update introduces a dedicated Submerged Melee Combat system, allowing players to:

    • Glide across water surfaces without losing momentum.
    • Dodge, ascend, and descend through a fully three-dimensional underwater space.
    • Conjure tactical whirlpools and unleash devastating tide-powered finishers.

    The Risk: Diving isn’t without its dangers. A new oxygen system ties directly into your stamina. If you mismanage your breath and run out of stamina underwater, you will start taking direct health damage.

    New Hero, Transforming Weapon, and Extraction Mode

    The “GIVE ME FIVE” update isn’t just changing where you fight; it’s changing how you fight.

    Ye Xiu & The Kaleidoscope Parasol

    Joining the roster is Ye Xiu, a brand-new hero engineered for aggressive, fast-paced counter-play and direct confrontation. He arrives alongside the Kaleidoscope Parasol, the game’s very first multi-form transforming weapon. Players can fluidly switch the parasol between offensive and defensive forms mid-combo, adding a mind-bending layer of strategy to close-quarters duels.

    Stormchant Extraction Map

    If Battle Royale isn’t your only vice, the update also introduces Stormchant, a brand-new extraction-style PvE map. Steeped in the lore of the Han Dynasty’s founding emperor, players will venture into treacherous underground caverns, navigate the Baidi Palace, take on the mythical White Snake boss, and attempt a high-stakes imperial rescue.

    Massive “GIVE ME FIVE” Free Rewards

    To thank the community for five years of undying loyalty, NetEase is packing the July 2 update with an unprecedented haul of free cosmetics and progression boosts. By just logging in and participating, players can claim:

    • 15 exclusive free cosmetics (including soccer-themed outfits and ultimate accessories).
    • The Extreme Temulch outfit.
    • Premium skins and a unique look for the new Kaleidoscope Parasol.
    • Permanent treasure chests and Tae Craftsman Orbs.

    A Glimpse into Naraka’s Future

    The livestream wrapped up with a major roadmap teaser. For the first time in the game’s history, 24 Entertainment will release two heroes within a single season, with the next hero, Nangong, slated to arrive later this September. Furthermore, players can look forward to upcoming real-world museum crossovers, partnerships with Antarctic research teams, and major anime franchise collaborations.

    Whether you are a seasoned parry-master or a lapsed player looking for a reason to dive back in, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT is giving you five fantastic reasons to return to the Morus Isle mythos this July.

    Are you ready to test your blade skills underwater? Let us know your thoughts on the new transforming weapon in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #NarakaBladepoint #GiveMeFive #NetEaseGames #24Entertainment #GamingNews #WanchuMap #YeXiu #PCGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #BattleRoyale #TechMash

  • Master the Monochrome: ‘Helix: Descent N Ascent’ Brings Mind-Bending Puzzles to Steam and Switch This July

    Master the Monochrome: ‘Helix: Descent N Ascent’ Brings Mind-Bending Puzzles to Steam and Switch This July

    Indie game aficionados, clear your calendars. Belgian developer Badass Mongoose has officially locked in the launch date for its highly anticipated title, Helix: Descent N Ascent. Mark your calendars for 23 July 2026, when this strikingly beautiful, non-violent puzzle-adventure simultaneously hits PC via Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

    If you are a fan of rich atmospheres, unique mechanics, and artistic storytelling, this is definitely one to add to your wishlist.

    What is Helix: Descent N Ascent?

    In Helix: Descent N Ascent, you awaken in a dull, dark, and disembodied world. While isolation seems absolute at first, you quickly cross paths with a mysterious doppelganger—a being who looks exactly like you but always seems to operate at complete odds with your actions. Is he a friend, a foe, or a mirror to your own subconscious?

    To uncover the truth behind this twin entity and the ruins of a lost civilisation, players must navigate a barren landscape by unlocking and mastering an intricate power system.

    Key Features to Get Excited For:

    • The Mix-and-Match Puzzle System: The core of Helix relies on a clever mechanics loop. Players can discover and combine different embodied powers, giving them up to 25 distinctive ways to interact with their surroundings across three different tiers of complexity.
    • Striking Monochrome Aesthetics: Visually, the game is a love letter to vintage print media. It draws heavy inspiration from 1980s black-and-white indie comics, 1990s manga, and classic 1970s Franco-Belgian comic art.
    • A Masterclass Soundtrack: The dreamlike, serene, and occasionally eerie atmosphere is stitched together by an exceptional score from acclaimed composer Jim Guthrie (Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, Nobody Saves the World).
    • An Emotional, Peaceful Journey: Stripping away typical video game violence, Helix chooses to challenge your brain and soul instead. It uses its environment to weave a quiet narrative about identity, relationships, and deep solitude.

    The Road to a Polished Launch

    The team at Badass Mongoose initially eyed an earlier window, but following a massively successful demo run during Steam Next Fest, the developers made the decision to take a few extra months to add more scale and polish. The delay ensured that both PC and Nintendo Switch players get the definitive, flawlessly optimised version on day one.

    Whether you want to play cosy in handheld mode on your Switch or dive into the stunning, hand-drawn details on your PC rig, the wait is almost over. Get ready to descend into the mysteries and ascend to the light next month!

    Launch Date: 23 July 2026

    Platforms: PC (Steam) & Nintendo Switch

    Developer/Publisher: Badass Mongoose

    Check out the latest trailer on their official channels and head over to Steam to wishlist Helix: Descent N Ascent today!

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #GamingNews #HelixDescentNAscent #BadassMongoose #NintendoSwitch #SteamGames #PuzzleAdventure #JimGuthrie #MonochromeGaming #CozyGames #TechMash

  • Conquer the Gods: Assetto Corsa Rally Drops Massive Update 0.5 with Iconic Greece WRC Stages

    Conquer the Gods: Assetto Corsa Rally Drops Massive Update 0.5 with Iconic Greece WRC Stages

    Sim racing fans, start your engines and grab your steering wheels! 505 Games and Supernova Games Studios, in technical partnership with KUNOS Simulazioni, have officially dropped Update 0.5 for Assetto Corsa Rally. This is the early-access title’s most substantial update yet, and it is an absolute game-changer for virtual rally drivers.

    The headline feature? The simulator is taking us straight to the rugged landscapes of Greece, introducing two legendary, real-life special stages that have previously pushed the world’s best drivers to their limits in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

    Welcome to the “Rally of the Gods”

    Spanning 22 kilometres of meticulously laser-scanned terrain with over 500 meters of elevation changes, the new Greek location brings two distinct flavours of brutal gravel racing:

    • The Loutraki Special Stage: Starting on the outskirts of town and climbing into the hills of Aghii Theodori, this stage is a test of pure nerve. It features dusty surfaces, treacherous boulders waiting at the edges to ruin your suspension, and high-speed sections with wide turns that reward brave drifting.
    • The Elatia Special Stage: Connecting Elatia and Zeli. This route is wide, fast, and entirely unforgiving. Packed with deep ruts, exposed rocks, and sudden transitions from loose gravel to high-grip tarmac, it allows you to unleash every ounce of your car’s horsepower—if you have the precision to keep it on the road.

    Multiplayer Phase One Has Arrived!

    You no longer have to tackle the stages alone. Update 0.5 introduces the highly anticipated Phase One of Online Multiplayer.

    Players can now host and join fully customizable public or private lobbies for up to 16 drivers in single-stage events. You’ll have total control over the weather, car restrictions, and real-time live spectating. Plus, the developers are launching an official rotating event calendar featuring two standard weekly events and a premium weekend-only event to keep the community competition fierce.

    A Groundbreaking Physics Overhaul

    It wouldn’t be an Assetto Corsa title without a relentless pursuit of realism. Alongside the new content, KUNOS and Supernova have rolled out a deep mechanical rework of the game’s physics engine:

    • Gravel “Bulldozing” Effects: The engine now realistically simulates longitudinal and lateral bulldozing on soft surfaces. Your tyres will actually push loose gravel out of the way, creating ruts that dynamically change mechanical grip.
    • Advanced Tire & Camber Models: An upgraded tyre model introduces a revised peak slip angle formula and load sensitivity, greatly increasing the feedback and performance impact of your inside tyres.
    • Tactile Force Feedback: The update reintroduces experimental stick-slip and dig-dependent vibrations, translating the literal texture of the Greek dirt directly into your hands.

    Deal Alert: Steam Summer Sale

    If you haven’t jumped into the driver’s seat yet, there is no better time. To celebrate the update, Assetto Corsa Rally is currently available at 20% off RRP on Steam as part of the Steam Summer Sale running until July 9th.

    Dust off your rig, update your game, and we’ll see you on the dusty trails of Loutraki!

    Find out more here

    #AssettoCorsa #ACRally #SimRacing #WRC #RallyGreece #505Games #SupernovaGames #KunosSimulazioni #GamingNews #TechMash #SteamSummerSale

  • Dialling Into the Finale: Schrödinger’s Call Chapter 5 Trailer Teases an Emotional Conclusion

    Dialling Into the Finale: Schrödinger’s Call Chapter 5 Trailer Teases an Emotional Conclusion

    If you’ve been following the beautifully haunting journey of Schrödinger’s Call, you might want to grab a box of tissues. Independent publisher Shueisha Games and indie developer Acrobatic Chirimenjako have just dropped a brand-new trailer for Chapter 5, giving players a dramatic, bittersweet look at the narrative adventure’s upcoming emotional climax.

    Check out what’s in store for the finale below.

    The Beginning of the End

    For the uninitiated, Schrödinger’s Call is a unique, picture-book-style visual novel set in the final 21 nanoseconds before the moon crashes into Earth, ending all life. Players step into the shoes of Mary, a girl with amnesia who finds herself guided by a mysterious cat named Hamlet. Together, they act as the “World’s Last Confidant,” answering an old telephone to listen to the final regrets, unspoken words, and raw emotions of souls caught between life and death.

    The newly released Chapter 5 trailer promises to bring the central mysteries to a head. It teases the long-awaited truth behind Mary’s forgotten past, her strange connection to Hamlet, and the ultimate meaning behind the falling moon. It’s the beginning of the end for Mary’s journey, challenging players to finally answer the last calls and put down the phone.

    Available Now on Switch and PC

    If you haven’t started this beautifully melancholy adventure yet, there is no better time to dive in. Developed by a passionate three-person team, the game won the Grand Prize at the Shueisha Game Creators CAMP and has been praised for its theatrical presentation and intimate approach to grief, love, and human connection.

    Schrödinger’s Call is currently available to purchase on PC via Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

    Are you ready to witness the end of the world? Let us know your theories on Mary and Hamlet in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #SchrodingersCall #ShueishaGames #AcrobaticChirimenjako #IndieGames #GamingNews #VisualNovel #NintendoSwitch #SteamGames #CozyGames #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