TECHMASH

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  • Tanks Can Fly Now: Indie Roguelite ‘DroneTanks’ Smash-Hits Its Way to Announcement

    Tanks Can Fly Now: Indie Roguelite ‘DroneTanks’ Smash-Hits Its Way to Announcement

    Forget everything you know about tank warfare. The days of crawling over muddy trenches at five miles per hour while squinting through a rigid iron cannon are officially over.

    Belgian indie developer Ludum Elite has officially pulled back the curtain on its debut PC project, DroneTanks, and it’s throwing the traditional military blueprint completely out the window. Instead of a sluggish war machine, this upcoming single-player roguelite puts you in the cockpit of a flying, superpowered, steel-plated hero that trades long-range sniper standoffs for devastating, up-close melee combat.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to deliver a crushing hammer slam to an enemy scout drone from 50 feet in the air, this is the game for you.

    Heavy Armour Meets Superhero Agility

    At its core, DroneTanks reimagines the tank as an agile, mechanical superhero. Your flying tank moves with an aggressive, relentless pace, allowing you to soar through the skies, dodge incoming fire, and drop right into the middle of hostile robotic squads.

    Instead of just trading projectile fire, your primary tools of destruction include:

    • Devastating Uppercuts: Rocket-boost into oncoming aerial targets and launch them into orbit.
    • Crushing Hammer Slams: Bring the weight of a multi-ton flying tank directly down onto ground forces.

    The developers have paired this high-flying brawling with deep, real-time buildcrafting. During each run, you’ll unlock branching skill trees, buy shop upgrades, and mix-and-match powerful ability modules dropped by fallen enemies. Because you can combine these traits freely, Ludum Elite promises that you can craft absurdly overpowered, highly experimental “hero tank” builds, ensuring that no two runs ever play out the same way.

    The Mission: Step into the chassis of a mechanical hero on a rescue mission to save adorable, glowing “Gemlings” from the rogue security automation network originally built to protect them.

    Low-Poly Charm Meets Rhythm-Driven Chaos

    Visually, DroneTanks boasts a highly stylised, cartoonish low-poly aesthetic brought to life by expressive, punchy animations that give your armoured avenger a distinct personality.

    But don’t let the clean, vibrant art style fool you—the game features a brilliant, rhythm-driven twist during major encounters. The game’s audio engine is dynamically tethered to its boss fights. For instance, when facing down the notorious “Disco Boss,” the soundtrack directly dictates the enemy’s movement patterns and bullet-hell attacks. To survive, free the captured Gemlings, and win the day, you’ll have to time your dashes, uppercuts, and hammer drops perfectly to the beat.

    Playable This Summer!

    While DroneTanks is launching first as a feature-rich, high-replayability single-player roguelite, Ludum Elite has already noted that they have long-term plans to introduce a chaotic multiplayer mode later in development.

    Can’t wait to test out your aerial boxing skills? You won’t have to wait long. Ludum Elite has confirmed it will be debuting a fully playable build of DroneTanks at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne. Attendees will be able to check out the campaign tutorial, explore three distinct biomes, experiment with the skill tree, and go head-to-head with the rhythm-based final boss. Find them at the “Home of Indies” booth in Hall 10.2.

    Keep your eyes on TechMash for more updates as we get closer to the showcase, and get ready to wishlist it on Steam soon!

    Find out more here

    #DroneTanks #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #Roguelite #LudumElite #Gamescom2026 #TechMash

  • Ready to Ascend? Bonfire Studios Drops Arkheron Closed Beta This July!

    Ready to Ascend? Bonfire Studios Drops Arkheron Closed Beta This July!

    The wait is officially over for one of the most anticipated competitive action games of the year. Bonfire Studios—the heavy-hitting independent developer headed by former Blizzard Chief Creative Officer Rob Pardo—has announced that the Closed Beta for Arkheron will officially kick off on July 15, 2026.

    If you managed to get a taste of this fast-paced, isometric PvPvE brawler during Steam Next Fest back in February, you already know how chaotic and thrilling it is. For everyone else, get ready: you have exactly two weeks to jump into the Tower, test your builds, and experience a massive wave of post-playtest upgrades.

    What is Arkheron?

    If you haven’t been keeping tabs on it, Arkheron is a unique blend of team-based MOBA dynamics, battle royale tension, and action RPG mechanics. Teams of three fight their way up a surreal, shifting Tower constructed from fragmented memories.

    The big twist? There are no fixed heroes or classes. In Arkheron, your items are your heroes. You loot, combine, and adapt your abilities mid-match on the fly. What you carry defines your playstyle, allowing you to completely pivot your strategy to counter rival teams as you scale the floors.

    What’s New Since Steam Next Fest?

    Bonfire Studios hasn’t just been sitting on its hands since February. They’ve taken a ton of player data and community feedback to overhaul the core experience. Here is what to look out for in the Closed Beta:

    • Massive Performance Optimisation: The engineers went deep under the hood to parallelise GPU rendering simulation and rewrote the VFX system. Translation? Smoother framerates, zero stutter, and much better performance on your GPU.
    • Introducing “Spires” (3v3 Arena): A brand-new mode built around pure combat and build creativity. You’ll load into a ready room, select your gear, battle it out in a best-of-three, and see how high you can climb before your run resets.
    • Learning Spires: Totally new to the game? This onboarding mode lets you fight bots in a step-by-step introduction to the complex item system, giving you the space to learn without getting instantly obliterated by veterans.
    • Ascension Mode: The peak competitive, multi-team experience where 15 teams battle to ascend the Tower is back with upgraded pacing, better UI, and sharper gameplay clarity.

    How to Get Into the Beta

    The Closed Beta runs from July 15 to July 26, 2026.

    TechMash Tip: If you get an invite via Steam, check your library—the “Arkheron Playtest” will automatically convert to the “Arkheron Closed Beta.” Even better? Being invited automatically grants you three extra Steam friend invites so you can assemble your squad right away.

    Servers will be live 24/7 for the Spires mode, while the hardcore Ascension queue will be open during peak regional windows (7 PM – 11 PM BST for UK and European players) on select days.

    Head over to the Arkheron Steam Page right now to request access and secure your spot in the Tower.

    Find out more here

    #Arkheron #BonfireStudios #GamingNews #PCGaming #Xbox #ClosedBeta #PvP #IndieGames #SteamNextFest #TechMash #Gaming

  • The Unknown Is Coming: RIFTSTORM Drops Jaw-Dropping New Teaser Ahead of August Early Access Launch

    The Unknown Is Coming: RIFTSTORM Drops Jaw-Dropping New Teaser Ahead of August Early Access Launch

    The cosmic horror and high-octane co-op action of the Mythic Protocol universe is officially creeping closer. Confiction Labs has just unleashed a brand-new teaser trailer for their highly anticipated PvE action game, RIFTSTORM, and it’s safe to say the hype train has officially left the station.

    Titled “The Unknown Is Coming,” the eerie and action-packed teaser serves as the perfect appetiser for what’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling co-op experiences of the year.

    Check out what we know so far and why you’ll want to rally your squad ahead of its Steam Early Access launch on August 11, 2026.

    What is RIFTSTORM?

    For the uninitiated, RIFTSTORM is a co-op top-down action RPG (with serious looter-shooter vibes) that casts players as Mythic Operatives. Your job? Defend the world from occult threats, cosmic monstrosities, and anomalies breaking through the fabric of reality.

    Think high-mobility combat, deeply customizable character builds, and intense threat management where teamwork isn’t just encouraged—it’s mandatory for survival.

    “The Unknown Is Coming” — Breaking Down the Teaser

    While Confiction Labs is keeping some of their cards close to their chest, the new teaser nails its mission statement: atmosphere and adrenaline. The trailer leans heavily into the signature sci-fi-meets-occult aesthetic of the Mythic Protocol universe. It showcases glimpses of the reality-bending threats players will face, dropping cryptic hints about the lore while promising chaotic, fast-paced tactical gameplay. It’s clear that “The Unknown” isn’t just a catchy tagline; it’s a warning of the massive, unpredictable boss fights and procedural challenges awaiting operatives.

    Why we’re hyped: Confiction Labs has consistently emphasized community-driven development. With the game heading into Early Access, players will have a direct hand in shaping the game’s evolving meta, weapons, and narrative rifts.

    Mark Your Calendars: August 11, 2026

    We don’t have long to wait to jump into the rifts ourselves. RIFTSTORM officially hits Steam Early Access on August 11, 2026.

    If you and your gaming crew have been looking for a fresh, challenging PvE grind to sink your teeth into this summer, this is absolutely one to wishlist immediately.

    Are you ready to face the unknown? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be dropping into RIFTSTORM next month!

    Find out more here

    #Riftstorm #ConfictionLabs #MythicProtocol #CoOpGaming #PvE #PCGaming #SteamEarlyAccess #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Hatch & Sell: Minsgon Simulator Free Prologue Drops This July!

    Hatch & Sell: Minsgon Simulator Free Prologue Drops This July!

    If you’ve ever wanted to combine the creature-hatching joy of Pokémon with the absolute retail chaos of running a fantasy shop, your highly specific dream is about to come true. Developer Vokcen and renowned simulation publisher PlayWay S.A. have officially announced that the free prologue for Minsgon Simulator is set to launch on July 15, 2026.

    Get ready to manage your shelves, train mythical beasts, and build the ultimate magical business.

    What is Minsgon Simulator?

    At its heart, Minsgon Simulator is a unique blend of a market management sim and a creature collectathon. Instead of just stacking normal groceries on a shelf, your inventory consists of mysterious, evolving fantasy creatures called Minsgons.

    The free prologue launching on July 15 serves as a limited standalone version, giving players a firsthand look at the core gameplay mechanics before the full game hits Steam Early Access.

    Key Features to Expect in the Prologue

    The prologue will offer a solid taste of the magical grind, allowing players to jump straight into the basic loop of the Minsgon world:

    • Hatch & Discover: Find mysterious eggs and watch them hatch into unique, stylised Minsgons.
    • Tame & Evolve: Take care of your creatures, train them, and watch them evolve into spectacular, majestic forms.
    • Build Your Shop: Manage, customise, and expand your storefront to attract more customers and sell rare creatures.
    • The Magical Exhibit: Design a beautiful garden showcase to show off your collection and boost your shop’s fame.

    The King of Quirky Sims Strikes Again

    Publisher PlayWay S.A. is legendary in the PC gaming space for backing immersive, wildly addictive simulation titles. By teaming up with developer Vokcen, they look to be bringing that same deep, mechanical simulation layer to a dark fantasy, colourful aesthetic.

    Whether you want to carefully curate a rare collection or just ruthlessly flip legendary beasts for maximum profit, Minsgon Simulator is shaping up to be a perfect weekend time-sink.

    Mark Your Calendars: The free Minsgon Simulator: Prologue goes live on Steam on July 15. Head over to Steam now to add it to your wishlist and prepare for incubation day!

    Find out more here

    #MinsgonSimulator #IndieGames #SimulationGames #PlayWay #SteamNext #GamingNews #TechMash

  • High Stakes, Dark Vibes: DEAD SPIN is the Horror Slot-Machine Deckbuilder of Your Nightmares

    High Stakes, Dark Vibes: DEAD SPIN is the Horror Slot-Machine Deckbuilder of Your Nightmares

    Move over, traditional card battlers. There is a new, twisted player entering the roguelike deckbuilding arena, and it wants you to gamble with your literal life.

    Independent developer Strong Monkey Games has officially revealed DEAD SPIN, a deeply unsettling horror roguelike deckbuilder that swaps out the standard sword-and-sorcery decks for something far more addictive—and deadly. The game is heading to PC via Steam, and the best part? You don’t have to wait to see if luck is on your side, because an open Steam Playtest is live right now!

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see the madness in action:

    Step Inside the Abandoned Casino

    DEAD SPIN drops you into a grimy, abandoned casino where you are forced into high-stakes slot-machine duels against a cast of lunatic gamblers and masked captors. This isn’t just about pulling a lever and hoping for three cherries; it’s a tactical psychological battle where chance meets deep strategic planning.

    To survive, you’ll need to master the art of the spin. Instead of drafting a traditional deck of cards, you shape your luck by building out a deck of symbols, chips, and coins.

    Cheat the Odds or Face the Punishment

    The game brilliantly blends roguelike meta-progression with intense risk-management strategy. Here is what you can expect when you sit down at the cabinet:

    • Massive Synergy Scaling: With over 250 collectable items at launch—including 100+ special symbols, 50+ special chips, and consumable trinkets—you can stack effects, trigger massive score multipliers, and manipulate the rules to bend the odds in your favour.
    • Eclectic, Dangerous Bosses: Every run pits you against more than eight unique opponents. Each boss boasts their own distinct playstyle, custom decks, and dirty tricks, forcing you to completely pivot your strategy based on whatever random loot you uncover.
    • The Retro Horror Aesthetic: DEAD SPIN looks like a cursed VHS tape unearthed from the late ’90s or early ’00s. Its grimy, low-fi presentation is dripping with dark, grotesque humour and an oppressive atmosphere that turns every bad spin into a heart-pounding moment of dread.
    • Endless Mode: Think your build is completely broken and unstoppable? Test it against relentless, scaling challenges long after you finish the main progression.

    Join the Open Steam Playtest Right Now!

    If you love the tense strategy of Balatro or Luck be a Landlord, but wish they had the sinister, mind-bending atmosphere of Inscryption, DEAD SPIN is a must-play.

    There are no keys required and no waitlists. Simply head over to the official DEAD SPIN Steam Page, hit “Join the Playtest,” and see if you have what it takes to outscore your captors and spin for your freedom.

    DEAD SPIN is slated for a full release on PC via Steam in late 2026. Make sure to add it to your Wishlist to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #DeadSpin #StrongMonkeyGames #HorrorGames #Roguelike #Deckbuilder #IndieGames #SteamPlaytest #GamingNews #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Alternate-History Soviet Madness: Hardcore Retro FPS ‘HMUR’ Locks In September Steam Demo!

    Alternate-History Soviet Madness: Hardcore Retro FPS ‘HMUR’ Locks In September Steam Demo!

    Boomer shooter fans, it is time to stretch those trigger fingers. Publisher Valkyrie Initiative and solo developer FoxusSexus have officially announced that the highly anticipated demo for HMUR is dropping on Steam this September 2026.

    If your idea of a good time involves lightning-fast movement, pulse-pounding electronic beats, and zero room for error, this is one indie title you need to put on your radar immediately.

    Brutal Combat Meets Soviet Sci-Fi

    Developed entirely by a lone dev, HMUR is a high-speed retro first-person shooter that feels like a beautiful, chaotic love child of Hotline Miami, Dusk, and the retro-futuristic Soviet aesthetic of Atomic Heart.

    Set in an alternate-1990s USSR, you step into the boots of Sergei—a humble utility worker trapped inside a classified facility in the city of Mirnogorsk after a catastrophic disaster. Instead of fixing pipes, you’ll be blasting your way through relentless hordes of enemies.

    The catch? One hit can mean instant death. HMUR features high-stakes, one-life gameplay where speed and absolute precision are your only mechanics for survival. Stop moving for even a second, and it’s back to the checkpoint.

    Check Out the Fresh Gameplay and New Visual Style

    The announcement comes right alongside a brand-new trailer, giving players a look at fresh, meatier gameplay footage and an updated visual style. FoxusSexus has been hard at work polishing the environmental details, and the new gritty, psychedelic look pairs perfectly with the game’s non-linear level design.

    Here is what you can look forward to when the demo drops:

    • Frantic ’90s Gunplay: Pure, unadulterated retro FPS action where momentum is everything.
    • Branching Levels: Hit a brick wall on one path? Take a different route through the facility.
    • High Stakes: Limited resources and fragile health mean every single bullet counts.
    • A Killer Soundtrack: Blast enemies to an original blend of techno, hard bass, and breakcore.

    Following its selection as one of the top 50 finalists at The Indie Premier 2026, HMUR is shaping up to be one of the most exciting solo-developed projects of the year.

    How to Play

    The HMUR demo will be publicly available on Steam in September 2026. In the meantime, you can head over to the official Steam page right now to check out the new trailer, look at the upgraded graphics, and add it to your wishlist so you don’t miss the launch.

    Are you ready to survive the madness? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be downloading the demo this autumn!

    Find out more here

    #HMUR #RetroFPS #BoomerShooter #IndieGames #ValkyrieInitiative #SoloDev #SteamDemo #GamingNews #TechMash

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

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

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

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

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

    Become One With the Flow

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

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

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

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

    A Star-Studded Cast Across Shifting Realities

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

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

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

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

    Lock In Your Calendar

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

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Hack, Slash, and Survive: Phantom Tower Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    Hack, Slash, and Survive: Phantom Tower Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    The wait is almost over for action RPG fans. After four long years of passionate development, Horien Studio has officially announced that their highly anticipated title, Phantom Tower, is launching into Steam Early Access on July 13th, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a fresh, adrenaline-pumping challenge that tests your reflexes and tactical thinking, this is the title to watch.

    What is Phantom Tower?

    Phantom Tower is a fast-paced, roguelike action RPG that masterfully blends fluid, high-stakes hack-and-slash combat with the eerie, unpredictable nature of deep dungeon crawling.

    Players will find themselves scaling a shifting, perilous tower where no two runs are ever the same. Every floor throws new enemy types, environmental hazards, and brutal bosses at you, demanding split-second decisions and absolute mastery over your arsenal.

    Key Features to Get Hyped For:

    • Dynamic Combat: Chain together devastating combos, parry lethal attacks, and animation-cancel your way through hordes of enemies.
    • Deep Dungeon Crawling: Explore procedural layouts filled with hidden secrets, lore fragments, and game-changing loot.
    • Roguelike Replayability: Die, learn, upgrade, and repeat. Build synergies with unique perks and weapons to craft your ultimate playstyle.
    • 4 Years of Polish: Developed with love and meticulous attention to detail by Horien Studio to ensure the combat feels incredibly tight and responsive.

    Try the Demo Right Now! Can’t wait until July 13th? You don’t have to. Horien Studio has released a free playable demo on Steam right now. It gives you a taste of the first few floors, the core combat mechanics, and a sneak peek at the build variety.

    Why Early Access?

    Horien Studio is taking the Early Access route to collaborate directly with the community. Over the next phase of development, player feedback from the Steam community will actively shape balancing, new weapon types, additional tower floors, and endgame content.

    Mark your calendars for July 13th, head over to Steam, and wishlist Phantom Tower today to support an indie gem four years in the making.

    Find out more here

    #PhantomTower #HorienStudio #IndieDev #ActionRPG #Roguelike #HackAndSlash #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Goats Speaking Latin? ‘Huntin’ Buddies’ Is Your Next Chaotic Co-Op Obsession

    Goats Speaking Latin? ‘Huntin’ Buddies’ Is Your Next Chaotic Co-Op Obsession

    If you and your friends thought meeting quotas in Lethal Company was stressful, wait until you’re tasked with hauling a massive, exploding deer carcass through a cursed forest.

    The team at Huntin’ Buddies Wildlife Management has officially announced that their upcoming 4-player co-op horror-comedy hunting game, Huntin’ Buddies, is officially locking in its Steam release date for July 24th, 2026.

    Pack your bags and grab your gear, because we are heading into a forbidden national park where the laws of nature have completely gone out the window.

    The Job: Meet the Quota, Don’t Die Trying

    The loop of Huntin’ Buddies sounds simple enough on paper:

    1. Accept your hunting contract via a pager.
    2. Head into the pitch-black national park at night.
    3. Hunt the assigned wildlife, grab the massive carcasses, and drag them back to the truck.
    4. Get paid and survive to see another day.

    Easy, right? Not exactly. The game features realistic, highly volatile carcass physics. You and your friends have to physically move the heavy bodies by hand back to extraction. Pull too hard or overstretch the carcass? It explodes. Add in limited ammo and one-shot kills, and every single bullet counts.

    “The Wildlife Has Been Behaving Strangely…”

    Here is the real catch: you aren’t just hunting normal game. The developers have issued a strict warning that the local ecosystem is deeply corrupted.

    We aren’t talking about standard rabies here. We are talking psychological horror. The deer have both eyes on the same side of their head, the goats are apparently speaking fluent Latin, and the longer you stay out past dark, the more the forest starts hunting you back. As the 15-night campaign progresses, each night gets increasingly cursed. Creepy anomalies, screaming rabbits, and things that definitely aren’t supposed to exist will begin stalking your squad. You either extract together with your quota met, or you become part of the park’s food chain.

    Wishlist and Play the Demo Now!

    Huntin’ Buddies features full drop-in multiplayer, shared contract progress, and proximity voice chat—perfect for hearing your friend scream as they get dragged into the brush by a creature.

    If you want a taste of the madness before the official July 24th launch, there is currently a three-night demo available right now on Steam to test your survival skills. Go grab your squad, throw it on your wishlist, and get ready for the most chaotic camping trip of the year.

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #HuntinBuddies #CoOpGames #IndieGames #SteamReleases2026 #SurvivalHorror #PCGaming #TechMash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A World Where Faces Equal Death

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

    Flex your Playstyle with Dynamic Masks

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

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

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

    From PC Cult Hit to Consoles

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

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

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Step Behind the Lens: Psychological Horror ‘SOMBRAS: negative frames’ Announces Closed Playtest

    Step Behind the Lens: Psychological Horror ‘SOMBRAS: negative frames’ Announces Closed Playtest

    Get your cameras ready, horror fans. Developer Maboroshi Artworks and publisher Entalto Publishing have officially announced an exclusive Closed Playtest for their highly anticipated upcoming title, SOMBRAS: negative frames.

    If you miss the eerie vibe of classic psychological thrillers and have a soft spot for retro-inspired aesthetics, this is a development project you’ll want on your radar.

    A Nostalgic, Mechanics-Driven Nightmare

    SOMBRAS: negative frames is a first-person narrative adventure that seamlessly blends light horror elements with a unique, mechanics-driven photography system.

    Instead of relying on cheap jump scares, the game invites players to immerse themselves in a deeply atmospheric world where the camera lens is your primary tool for survival and discovery. You’ll be stepping into a nostalgic, stylised environment where developing the perfect shot is the only way to solve mind-bending puzzles and uncover the dark narrative lurking in the shadows.

    What to Expect from the Closed Playtest

    This exclusive playtest gives selected players a rare, early look at the game’s core mechanics and haunting atmosphere before the official launch. Participants will be able to:

    • Experience the Atmosphere: Get a first-hand taste of the game’s distinct visual style and tense, brooding audio design.
    • Master the Photography System: Test out the unique camera mechanics that drive both the story and the gameplay.
    • Solve Early Puzzles: Put your problem-solving skills to the test with an array of environmental puzzles designed to challenge your perception.
    • Provide Vital Feedback: Directly influence the final polish of the game by sharing your thoughts with the development team.

    Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a narrative adventure buff, or just love a good atmospheric thrill, this closed playtest is the perfect opportunity to see how Maboroshi Artworks is redefining indie psychological horror.

    How to Sign Up

    Spaces for the exclusive Closed Playtest are limited. Head over to the official Steam page or keep a close eye on Entalto Publishing’s social media channels to secure your spot and be among the very first to step into the negative frames.

    Find out more here

    #SombrasNegativeFrames #IndieHorror #GamingNews #MaboroshiArtworks #EntaltoPublishing #PCGaming #SteamPlaytest #HorrorGames #TechMash

  • Entering the Nightmare: Running With Scissors Reveals Terrifying “Dreamscape” in New Flesh & Wire Trailer

    Entering the Nightmare: Running With Scissors Reveals Terrifying “Dreamscape” in New Flesh & Wire Trailer

    The masters of psychological mayhem and unapologetic video game chaos are back, and they are taking us straight into a waking nightmare. Running With Scissors, the infamous developers behind the POSTAL series, just dropped an all-new teaser trailer for their upcoming horror FPS spinoff, Flesh & Wire.

    If you thought the franchise was only about dark satire and slapstick ultraviolence, think again. This latest look pushes players headfirst into the Dreamscape—a terrifying, surreal realm shaped by pure fear, anguish, and rage.

    Check out what’s waiting in the dark below.

    A Dark Return to POSTAL’s Primitive Roots

    While later entries in the POSTAL universe leaned heavily into chaotic comedy, Flesh & Wire is steering the ship right back to the pitch-black, psychological horror atmosphere of the 1997 original.

    For the first time in the franchise’s history, players will step into the shoes of a brand-new protagonist: Angel. A normal college student whose life is completely upended in a flash of horrific violence, Angel is on a blood-soaked quest for retribution against none other than the Postal Dude himself.

    But getting revenge isn’t going to be a straightforward shootout. Alongside her loyal Sphynx cat, Solomon, Angel must fight through real-world armies, law enforcement, and a sinister cult—all while battling her own inner demons.

    What is the Dreamscape Realm?

    The highlight of the new trailer is our first look at the Dreamscape, an otherworldly dimension where Angel’s trauma and memories manifest as grotesque monstrosities.

    Key Highlights from the Trailer:

    • The Deception Location: Players will explore warped versions of real-world areas, such as a Megachurch that transforms into a hellish landscape known as “Deception.”
    • The Heavy: The trailer teases massive, ungodly boss encounters. Among them is “The Heavy,” a terrifying entity festering with terror that lies dormant within the Dreamscape.
    • Surreal Arsenal: To fight back, Angel will utilise a mix of conventional firearms, improvised weaponry, and supernatural artefacts that harness the powers of the realm itself.

    “Angel’s story taps into the darkness that characterized the first game in the series, and today’s new trailer gives our community a first look at Angel’s feline companion, and the atrocities awaiting in Dreamscape.” — Vince Desi, Founder of Running With Scissors

    Release Date and Platforms

    The wait for vengeance won’t be over just yet, but the hype is officially building. Flesh & Wire is being built on Unreal Engine 5 and is slated for a 2027 release.

    It will be launching on the following platforms:

    • PC (via Steam, GOG, and the Steam Deck)
    • PlayStation 5 (featuring full DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback and trigger support)

    You can head over to Steam or the PlayStation Store right now to add it to your wishlist and keep up with development updates.

    Are you ready to face the Postal Dude from the perspective of his victims? Let us know your thoughts on this creepy new direction in the comments!

    Find out more here

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