TECHMASH

Tag: #Techmash

  • Night Apes and Tactile Storms: Bootstrap Island Gets Massive 1.1.0 Update

    Night Apes and Tactile Storms: Bootstrap Island Gets Massive 1.1.0 Update

    If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Robinson Crusoe—but, you know, with the added terror of being hunted by 17th-century tropical beasts in virtual reality—then Maru VR has some brilliant news for you.

    The developers have officially dropped Major Update 1.1.0 for Bootstrap Island, their critically acclaimed PCVR survival adventure on Steam. This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a massive overhaul designed to make your time stranded on the island both significantly more rewarding and remarkably terrifying.

    Here is everything you need to know about what’s waiting for you in the jungle.

    1. Progress Even When You Perish: The Cumulative Progression System

    Let’s be honest: survival games can be brutal, and losing a long run can feel soul-crushing. Maru VR is tackling that friction head-on. Update 1.1.0 introduces a Cumulative Progression System, meaning that unlocking new tools and items is now tied to your total survival time across all playthroughs.

    Every single day you manage to stay alive chips away at future unlocks. Even if your next run ends in disaster, your time wasn’t wasted—you’re still advancing your long-term progression, making the early game much more satisfying.

    2. A Simple Solution to Early-Game Inventory: The Crate

    Tired of juggling resources in your bare hands before you unlock a proper satchel? Enter The Crate.

    Players can now discover floating crates washed up around the island. You can fill these handy boxes with raw resources and supplies, carrying them by hand as a mobile storage unit. It’s a beautifully immersive, physical solution to early-game resource management.

    3. Beware the Dark: Terrifying “Night Apes” Have Arrived

    If you thought the island was safe once you got a campfire going, think again. The darkness just got a whole lot deadlier with the introduction of Night Apes. These aggressive, nocturnal predators emerge only after sunset, stalking the shadows and hunting down any castaways foolish enough to wander too far from the safety of the firelight.

    4. Feel the Storm with Full bHaptics Support

    For the ultimate immersion chasers, Bootstrap Island now officially supports bHaptics devices. If you own a wearable haptic vest, you will literally feel the impact of combat encounters, animal attacks, raging tropical storms, and literal lightning strikes rippling across your body.

    5. Quality of Life & Performance Boosts

    Alongside the headline features, Maru VR has packed in a ton of community-requested tweaks:

    • Faster Movement: Slightly increased walking and running speeds.
    • Better Combat: Tweaked animal behaviour, stabbing, and gutting mechanics.
    • Smoother Visuals: Landscape and foliage optimisations to keep your frame rates steady.
    • Easier Sparks: Reduced the frustrating amount of force needed to strike rocks together for fire.

    The Verdict

    Bootstrap Island already stood out as one of the most punishingly realistic VR survival games on the market. With Update 1.1.0, Maru VR has brilliantly balanced that hardcore realism with mechanics that respect the player’s time.

    Whether you’re a veteran castaway or have been waiting for a friendlier entry point into the jungle, there has never been a better time to test your instincts.

    Bootstrap Island is available now on Steam for PCVR, with a PlayStation VR2 release slated for later this year.

    Find out more here

    #BootstrapIsland #MaruVR #VRGaming #VirtualReality #PCVR #SteamGames #GamingNews #VRSurvival #TechMash

  • Next Stop, Terror: Why This Indie Train Simulator is a Ticket to Pure Horror

    Next Stop, Terror: Why This Indie Train Simulator is a Ticket to Pure Horror

    Imagine this: You’re working the night shift on a cross-country train. Your biggest worries should be restocking the stale chips, keeping the coffee hot, and dealing with the occasional rude commuter. You push your snack cart down the narrow aisle, asking for IDs and tickets.

    But as you look closer at the passenger in seat 4B, you notice something is off. Their blink is a fraction of a second too slow. Their skin looks a bit too much like latex under the flickering fluorescent lights.

    Welcome to Only Humans On Board, an upcoming indie simulation game that takes the mundane dread of retail and mixes it with skin-crawling cosmic horror.

    The Ultimate Customer Service Nightmare

    At its core, Only Humans On Board plays like a twisted love child of Papers, Please and Dead Space. Your day-to-day responsibilities look normal enough on paper:

    • Inventory Management: Buy your supplies, budget your earnings, and stock your cart with the snacks passengers crave.
    • Customer Service: Walk the aisles, serve refreshments, and keep the passengers happy.
    • Ticket & ID Verification: Scan identification cards and check tickets to ensure everyone belongs on the train.

    The catch? Some of your “customers” are only pretending to be human. They want your snacks, but they might want your flesh even more.

    Spot the Discrepancy, Stay Alive

    As a train vendor, your scanner and your sharp eye are your only weapons. You’ll need to cross-reference IDs, look for facial anomalies, and listen closely to how passengers speak.

    If you do your job right, you flag the impostor, call security, and survive to see the next station. But if you get complacent—if you skim an ID too quickly or ignore that weird, guttural click in a passenger’s voice just to hit your sales quota—your shift ends very, very differently. Let’s just say management won’t be accepting your resignation letter.

    Why We’re Hooked

    What makes Only Humans On Board look so promising is how it leverages psychological tension. It turns a claustrophobic, familiar setting—a train carriage—into a gauntlet of paranoia. Every passenger interaction becomes a high-stakes puzzle where a single customer service mistake is fatal.

    If you love tension-building detective games and don’t mind looking at a commuter train the same way again, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

    What do you think? Could you spot a monster disguised as a tired businessman, or would you accidentally upsell a bag of peanuts to a shape-shifter? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OnlyHumansOnBoard #IndieGames #GamingNews #HorrorGames #GamingCommunity #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Solo Dev Magic: Tactical PvP Card Battler ‘Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel’ Hits Steam

    Solo Dev Magic: Tactical PvP Card Battler ‘Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel’ Hits Steam

    The indie card game scene is about to get a lot more competitive, and this time, it’s coming from a solo powerhouse. Developer ShootingStar has officially opened the Steam page for Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel, an upcoming free-to-play tactical PvP card battler that proves you don’t need a massive studio to build an ambitious, deeply strategic universe.

    If you are a fan of tight resource management, clever mind games, and deckbuilding, this is one indie title you need to add to your wishlist immediately.

    What is Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel?

    At its core, Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel is a turn-based 1v1 strategy game where board control and precise timing mean the difference between a glorious victory and a crushing defeat. Players choose a hero, manage a steadily growing mana pool, and fight to reduce the enemy hero’s health to zero.

    What sets it apart is the sheer variety of tools at your disposal across five major card types:

    • Characters: Your frontline fighters are tasked with attacking and defending the board.
    • Structures: Durable fortifications that shift the field’s geography and provide passive advantages.
    • Equipment: Direct stat-boosts and modifiers to empower your characters.
    • Spells: High-impact cards for instant damage, healing, or board clears.
    • Traps: Hidden, face-down cards that trigger on your opponent’s turn—perfect for baiting aggressive plays and completely reversing momentum.

    Build Your 30-Card Strategy

    The game skips over convoluted deck limitations in favour of a clean, hyper-focused rule: a legal deck consists of exactly 30 cards, with a maximum of 4 copies of any single card.

    When you first step into the world of Astralight, you’ll select one of three elemental starter paths—Fire, Water, or Forest—giving you a strong thematic foundation to experiment with. Combined with unique, mana-activated Hero Skills that can define your entire win condition, the tactical permutations are vast.

    A Massive Long-Term Vision

    While the game is launching as a tight, competitive 1v1 PvP battler, the developer has massive plans for the future. Astralight is designed to eventually evolve into a full online card RPG, with plans to introduce:

    • Co-op PvE roguelike expeditions
    • Auto expeditions and card trading systems
    • Shared social world features to connect the community

    Best of all? Every match you play—win or lose—rewards you with currency and crafting materials, keeping the free-to-play model firmly focused on progression and collection expansion rather than paywalls.

    Watchlist It Now!

    Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel is listed as “Coming Soon,” and the Steam page is officially live for wishlists. Head over to Steam, check out the trailer, and support a solo indie developer trying to reshape the CCG landscape.

    Wishlist Astralight: Pilgrim’s Duel on Steam

    #TechMash #Astralight #IndieGames #CardBattler #PCGaming #SteamGames #FreeToPlay #CCG #SoloDev

  • Clock In, Grunts: ‘Goblin Company’ is Officially Out on Steam!

    Clock In, Grunts: ‘Goblin Company’ is Officially Out on Steam!

    Attention all prospective subterranean labourers! WHAAG MINING INC. has issued its final corporate update, and it’s time to pick up your shovels. Goblin Company, the chaotic co-op mining survival game from BitBorne Studio, has officially launched on Steam.

    If you’ve been coasting by on the free demo, we have some good news and some bad news. The bad news? The demo has officially closed its doors. The good news? The full, unhinged corporate mining experience is ready for you and your crew right now.

    The Corporate Hype is Real

    Management is thrilled to report that over 115,000 goblins wishlisted the game ahead of launch. That is a lot of expendable workforce ready to delve into the deep, dark, and dangerous caves for the glory of the company.

    To those who participated in the alpha and beta phases, WHAAG MINING INC. Management has released a brief, mandatory statement:

    “Thank you for your service. Now get back to work.”

    What to Expect on the Shift

    If you’re new to the team, Goblin Company blends the frantic resource-gathering of survival games with the absolute chaos of cooperative multiplayer. You and your friends will dig deep, fend off subterranean horrors, and try to make it out alive with enough loot to satisfy your corporate overlords.

    Grab your copy on Steam today and start your shift!

    Find out more here

    #GoblinCompany #BitBorneStudio #SteamGames #CoOpGaming #IndieDev #GamingNews #PCGaming #TechMash #WHAAGMining

  • Craft on the Fly, Extract, Repeat: Expendabots Unveiled at Future Games Show!

    Craft on the Fly, Extract, Repeat: Expendabots Unveiled at Future Games Show!

    The Future Games Show: Summer Showcase just dropped a major bombshell for co-op horror fans. Independent developer Collision Games and acclaimed publisher Blue Brain Games (the masterminds behind The House of Da Vinci series) have officially pulled back the curtain on Expendabots—a frantic, 4-player co-op horror extraction game that promises to test your nerves and your teamwork.

    If you love high-stakes extraction loops, clunky robotic protagonists, and atmospheric dread, this is one title you need on your radar.

    Welcome to the Custody Zone

    In an alternate universe, the Custody Zone is a forbidden archipelago sealed off from civilisation. It’s a beautifully handcrafted, procedurally generated nightmare filled with abandoned facilities, unstable machinery, and technology that defies explanation.

    To salvage what’s left, the mega-corporation Nullshore Consortium sends in the Expendabots—disposable, clunky robotic units engineered to dive into the dark, scavenge for valuable relics, and get the heck out before the island is lost entirely.

    But you aren’t alone out there. The Zone’s ancient defence systems are still highly active, and the terrifying entities patrolling the halls react to both sight and sound.

    Check out the core features revealed at the showcase:

    • Frantic 1-4 Player Co-op: Team up with friends or go it alone on PC and Mac via Steam.
    • On-the-Fly 3D Printing: Each Expendabot carries a portable 3D printer on its back. Scavenge raw materials mid-run to fabricate vital survival gear, emergency power cells, or decoys to lure threats away.
    • Deadly Proximity Chat: Communication is key, but be careful—the enemy NPCs can hear you screaming over the proximity mic.
    • Heart-Pounding Respawn System: In Expendabots, you are replaceable, but the mission isn’t. If a teammate falls, you can physically harvest their “heart” and carry it to a massive 3D printer to spawn them into a shiny new chassis.
    • Procedural Peril: Featuring 5 distinct dungeon types, no two expeditions into the Custody Zone will ever lay out the same.

    High Stakes, No Refunds

    What sets Expendabots apart is its distinct blend of charmingly clunky robotic design with genuinely tense, atmospheric horror. The progression system revolves around upgrading your robotic limbs, unlocking new abilities and mechanics to survive deeper dives into the facilities.

    It’s all about the risk vs reward: do you stay a few minutes longer to loot one last room, or do you extract with your squad before the island collapses?

    Wishlist Now!

    Following its stellar world premiere, Expendabots is officially available to wishlist on Steam. If you are ready to assemble your squad of scrap-metal heroes, head over to their official page, check out the debut trailer, and prepare for a wild, chaotic extraction experience.

    What do you think of the Expendabots reveal? Let us know if your squad will be diving into the Custody Zone in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Expendabots #CollisionGames #BlueBrainGames #FutureGamesShow #CoOpGames #HorrorGames #ExtractionShooter #IndieGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Crash the Yokai Party: Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke Gets a Physical PS5 Release This July!

    Crash the Yokai Party: Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke Gets a Physical PS5 Release This July!

    Physical game collectors and retro enthusiasts, clear some space on your shelves! Funbox Media Ltd has officially announced that they are bringing the vibrant, chaotic world of Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke to the PlayStation 5 in a physical edition.

    Mark your calendars: this physical release is set to drop across Europe and the Americas on July 31, 2026.

    If you love nostalgic pixel art, chaotic bullet-hell action, and quirky Japanese folklore, this is one launch you won’t want to skip.

    What is Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke?

    Originally released digitally by Eastasiasoft and developed by Super16bits, Twilight Parade: Moonlit Mononoke is a side-scrolling bullet-hell shoot-’em-up (SHMUP) that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

    The premise is simple but hilarious: Every year, the spirits and monsters of Japan take to the streets to celebrate the Hyakki Yagy? (the Night Parade of the Hundred Yokai). But this year? They intentionally didn’t invite the rowdy Oni twins. Naturally, the only logical response is to crash the party and completely ruin it!

    Key Features:

    • Playable Yokai Heroines: Take control of four beautiful pixel-art characters—including the sweet-loving Blue Oni Sister and the hot-headed Red Oni Sister—each featuring their own distinct companion assistant (and yes, beachwear variants!).
    • Retro Bullet-Hell Action: Battle your way through 5 chaotic, yokai-infested levels.
    • Massive Boss Fights: Face down giant, screen-filling bosses at the end of every stage.
    • Accessible Fun: With gorgeous 16-bit retro aesthetics and an infinite continue system, it’s a blast for hardcore arcade veterans and SHMUP newcomers alike.

    A Packed 3-in-1 Disc: The Bonus Games!

    Funbox Media Ltd isn’t just giving us a standard physical release; they are packing the disc with incredible value. To complement the main game, the physical edition includes two fantastic bonus games right on the disc:

    1. Tiny Pixels Vol. 1 – Ninpo Blast: A fast-paced, retro vertical shoot-’em-up where you’ll fight off swarms of mythical insect baddies using shurikens, bombs, and hoverbikes. It features permanent weapon upgrades and online leaderboards for the ultimate arcade chase.
    2. Overpowered 1 – Mars Infestation: Ready for a change of scenery? Jump into the year 2050 in this top-down, twin-stick sci-fi shooter. Exterminate aggressive alien threats on Mars using over-the-top firepower, fluid pixel art animations, and a pumping soundtrack.

    “This release celebrates not only a wonderful main title, but also includes two fantastic bonus games that showcase diverse gameplay styles. It’s a great value package and a must-have for collectors.” — Funbox Media Ltd

    Final Thoughts

    In a digital-first era, physical releases like this are a true love letter to collectors. By bundling a beautiful side-scrolling SHMUP with a vertical ninja-themed shooter and a twin-stick sci-fi survival game, Funbox Media is offering massive arcade variety in one single box.

    Keep your eyes peeled for pre-orders at your favourite retailers ahead of the July 31, 2026, launch date!

    Are you planning to add this to your PS5 physical collection? Which character are you choosing first? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #PS5 #PhysicalGames #TwilightParade #SHMUP #BulletHell #RetroGaming #FunboxMedia #IndieGames #Yokai #TechMash

  • Burn Rubber Early: Throttle Trace Drops a Surprise Playable Demo on Steam!

    Burn Rubber Early: Throttle Trace Drops a Surprise Playable Demo on Steam!

    The engines are roaring, the tyres are smoking, and the starting line is officially open. MicroProse and Unordered Games have just announced that a playable demo for their highly anticipated racer, Throttle Trace, is officially live on Steam for everyone to experience right now.

    If you’ve been itching for a racing game that perfectly balances high-octane speed with precision control, your weekend plans just sorted themselves out.

    What is Throttle Trace?

    For the uninitiated, Throttle Trace isn’t just another lap-around-the-track simulator. Developed by Unordered Games and published by the legendary strategy and simulation giants at MicroProse, this title aims to bring a fresh, adrenaline-fueled perspective to the racing genre.

    Think tight corners, heart-pounding drift mechanics, and tracks designed to test both your reflexes and your tactical racing lines. With MicroProse backing the project, you can bet there’s a deep appreciation for mechanical detail and satisfying gameplay loops underlying every single drift.

    What to Expect in the Steam Demo

    The developers aren’t just giving us a glorified benchmark test; this is a proper taste of the tarmac. By downloading the demo today, you’ll get to experience:

    • Responsive Handling: Get a feel for the game’s distinct physics engine.
    • Immersive Tracks: Tear through meticulously designed environments that demand your full attention.
    • A True Stress Test: Push your own limits (and your PC’s frame rates) before the full launch.

    How to Play: You don’t need a special beta key or a pre-order code. Simply head over to the Steam store, search for Throttle Trace, and hit the “Download Demo” button to get behind the wheel immediately.

    Why This Collaboration Matters

    MicroProse has been on an absolute tear lately, resurrecting the spirit of classic PC gaming while championing innovative indie talent. By partnering with Unordered Games for Throttle Trace, they are signalling a bold step into high-speed action. This demo is a statement of confidence—they want players to feel the weight of the cars and the rush of the race firsthand because they know the gameplay speaks for itself.

    Go grab your controller (or configure your wheel), head over to Steam, and lay down some rubber. Once you’ve set your best lap time, drop a comment below and let us know if Throttle Trace is living up to the hype!

    Find out more here

    #ThrottleTrace #MicroProse #UnorderedGames #SteamDemo #PCGaming #RacingGames #GamingNews #TechMash #IndieGames

  • Escape the Abyss: Dark Action-RPG ‘Lostbound’ Hits Steam Next Fest with a Brand-New Playable Demo

    Escape the Abyss: Dark Action-RPG ‘Lostbound’ Hits Steam Next Fest with a Brand-New Playable Demo

    The highly anticipated Steam Next Fest is officially here, running from June 15–22, and indie game fans have a major new title to add to their radar. Developer Tenkarider, alongside publisher Tambù Digital, has announced that their striking action-RPG roguelite, Lostbound, is participating in the event with a thrilling, freshly updated playable demo.

    If you are a fan of dark, tactical roguelites where every single decision dictates your survival, this is one demo you cannot afford to skip this week.

    Outrun the Hand, Manage Your Steps

    In Lostbound, the ground beneath your feet is your greatest asset—and your biggest liability. Set in a decaying world being aggressively consumed by a living entity of darkness known as The Hand, the game blends classic action-RPG combat with unpredictable roguelite mechanics.

    The core twist? Every movement leaves a permanent mark on the world map. Retrace your steps too frequently, and The Hand will physically erase the path behind you. As narrow corridors and safe routes vanish into the Abyss, your journey becomes a tense, calculated race against time and geography.

    What’s Inside the Steam Next Fest Demo?

    Tenkarider and Tambù Digital have loaded this updated demo with a substantial amount of content to give players a true taste of the abyss. Here is what you can expect when you download it this week:

    • The Opening Region: Take your first steps into a crumbling reality and experience the baseline tension of Lostbound’s exploration loop.
    • Two Distinct Modes: Choose between Adventure Mode or Campaign Mode, giving you different ways to tackle the story and its procedural elements.
    • Dungeon Diving: Risk entering dangerous, pitch-black dungeons to hunt for game-changing artefacts and weapon types before nightfall claims you.
    • Build Customisation: Experiment with diverse item synergies, multiple weapons, and permanent meta-progression upgrades fueled by gathering Dark Matter.

    Behind-the-Scenes Developer Broadcasts

    In addition to the hands-on demo, the development team will be hosting a special Steam Broadcast throughout the week. Players can tune in directly on the Steam page to watch live gameplay, gain insights into the dynamic procedural generation systems, and chat with the creators.

    Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelite Fans

    Lostbound stands out in a crowded genre by making the map itself a predatory force. It demands smart resource management, flawless routing, and an appetite for risk.

    The Lostbound demo is available to download for free right now on Steam. Dive into the abyss, test your survival instincts, and don’t forget to hit that Wishlist button if you manage to escape The Hand!

    Interested? Check out the official trailer on the Lostbound Steam Page.

    #IndieGames #SteamNextFest #Lostbound #GamingNews #Roguelite #ActionRPG #Tenkarider #TambuDigital #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Get a Grip! Heave Ho 2 Swings Onto PC and Nintendo Consoles This July

    Get a Grip! Heave Ho 2 Swings Onto PC and Nintendo Consoles This July

    If you and your friends haven’t finished arguing over who ruined your last couch co-op session, it’s time to patch things up. Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Le Cartel are absolutely buoyant to announce that Heave Ho 2—the highly anticipated sequel to the smash-hit, physics-based party game—is bounding onto PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16 for a wallet-friendly $9.99.

    More Hands, More Chaos, and Online Play!

    The original Heave Ho won our hearts by tasking up to four players with a simple, yet agonisingly funny goal: grab onto each other, stretch, swing, and absolutely do not fall to your death.

    Heave Ho 2 takes that brilliant, slapstick formula and cranks the dial to eleven. The headline feature this time around? Online multiplayer support. For the very first time, you’ll be able to take the absolute pandemonium of your living room couch and bring it online to test friendships across the globe.

    What’s New in Heave Ho 2?

    Le Cartel isn’t just serving up a re-skin. The sequel introduces a whole host of gravity-defying upgrades:

    • Eight Wild Themed Worlds: From the floaty mechanics of weightless space to absolute cookery chaos in the kitchen, each world introduces unique hazards.
    • Fresh Mechanics and Gadgets: Players can expect new scenarios that require pushing, pulling, shooting, and squeezing through fiendish obstacles.
    • Nintendo Switch GameShare Support: Switch 2 players can take advantage of local or online GameShare, meaning only one person needs to own the game to share the madness with up to three additional players.

    Try the PC Demo Right Now

    Can’t wait until July 16 to start dangling over a bottomless void? You’re in luck. A playable demo is live right now on Steam, giving you a taste of the precise timing and terrible teamwork that awaits.

    Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party night experience or just want a reason to scream at your friends via Discord, Heave Ho 2 is shaping up to be the summer’s essential multiplayer title. Grab your copy on PC or Nintendo consoles this July for just $9.99!

    Are you ready to lose your grip all over again? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #HeaveHo2 #DevolverDigital #LeCartel #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #SteamGames #PCGaming #CoOpGaming #PartyGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Leading from the Front: How Cyclops is Reshaping the Marvel Rivals Meta

    Leading from the Front: How Cyclops is Reshaping the Marvel Rivals Meta

    The wait is officially over. NetEase Games has deployed the highly anticipated Season 8.5 update, and with it, the X-Men’s iconic leader has finally entered the fray. Cyclops (Scott Summers) has joined the Marvel Rivals roster as the game’s 51st hero, stepping onto the battlefield as a lethal, mid-range Duelist.

    For a character known just as much for his tactical genius as his mutant gifts, his transition to a competitive hero-shooter needed to feel impactful. Fortunately, his kit delivers pure, unadulterated “punch-dimension” power that rewards geometry, precise aim, and disciplined positioning.

    If you’re ready to scream “To me, my X-Men!” down your mic, here is everything you need to know about mastering the fearless leader.

    The Geometry of Destruction: Cyclops’ Kit Breakdown

    Cyclops isn’t just a straightforward hitscan character; he is a master of sightline control. His abilities make him a nightmare for enemies trying to play defensively or hide behind cover.

    • Primary Fire (Optic Blast): A fast, high-precision hitscan burst of concussive force. At mid-range, this thing is devastating. If your mechanical skills are sharp, you can two-tap 300 HP squishies with well-placed headshots before they even know what hit them.
    • Secondary Fire (Concussive Beam): A continuous stream of optic energy that melts shields and multi-targets. It can refract directly between enemies standing in close proximity, making it a spectacular tool for punishing tightly grouped teams.
    • Ricochet Force (E): This is where the skill ceiling skyrockets. Cyclops fires a beam that bounces off the environment and walls. Did a low-health Strategist just duck around a corner to heal? Use the map’s geometry to bounce a laser right into their hiding spot.
    • Vertical Mobility (Optic Ascent / Propulsion Burst): By firing his optic blasts directly into the ground or at a close-range threat, Scott can use the pure kinetic recoil to launch himself high into the air or propel himself backwards into cover, slowing any enemies caught in the crossfire.
    • Ultimate (Ruby Rage): Scott removes his visor entirely, unleashing a massive, sweeping beam of raw kinetic energy. To make it even more terrifying, the blast leaves behind a trail of volatile energy that triggers a massive secondary explosion a moment later. Pair this with a teammate’s crowd-control ultimate, and you have a guaranteed team wipe.

    Iconic Synergies: The “Blast Slash” Team-Up

    You can’t talk about Cyclops without mentioning his fierce rivalry—and ultimate respect—for Wolverine. Season 8.5 introduces a brand-new Team-Up ability called Blast Slash, completely shaking up the X-Men meta.

    When Cyclops and Wolverine are on the same team, Cyclops can supercharge Logan’s adamantium claws with his optic blasts. This grants Wolverine a passive 5% damage boost and replaces his Vicious Rampage with Kinetic Claws, allowing the feral mutant to lunge forward in a terrifying, spinning tornado of laser-infused slashes.

    How to Play and Counter the X-Men Leader

    Cyclops excels at holding down choke points, punishing grouped enemies, and pressuring the enemy backline from a safe distance. He is a phenomenal counter to passive, shield-heavy team compositions because his ricochet shots allow him to completely bypass defensive barriers.

    However, he isn’t invincible. Cyclops relies heavily on his cooldowns to stay alive. If a highly mobile “dive” team—featuring heroes like Spider-Man or Black Panther—manages to bait out his Propulsion Burst, he becomes an incredibly easy target. He thrives best when backed up by defensive tanks like Doctor Strange or Magneto, who can buy him the time he needs to sit back and calculate his angles.

    Season 8.5 has completely shifted the power dynamics of the game, proving that a team is only as good as its leader. It’s time to log in, queue up, and show the opposition what happens when the visor comes off.

    Are you maining Cyclops in Season 8.5, or have you found the perfect strategy to shut him down? Let us know your favourite Team-Up combos in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #MarvelRivals #Cyclops #XMen #GamingNews #MarvelGames #ToMeMyXMen #Season85 #Techmash #PCGaming #DuelistMeta

  • God of War Pedigree Meets Retro Carnage: Gunstoppable Blasts Onto PC and Xbox This August!

    God of War Pedigree Meets Retro Carnage: Gunstoppable Blasts Onto PC and Xbox This August!

    If you’ve been craving an adrenaline-soaked, high-octane alternative to the standard crop of modern live-service shooters, CAGE Studios is cooking up exactly what you need.

    Gunstoppable, the highly anticipated momentum-based, fast-paced roguelite boomer shooter, has officially locked in its release date. Mark your calendars: the game is breaking out the big guns on PC via Steam and Xbox consoles on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

    The pedigree behind this absolute riot of a game? It’s led by a former God of War developer who is trading mythological hack-and-slash action for brutal, retro-inspired firearm ballet.

    Speed Equals Destruction: How It Plays

    In Gunstoppable, physics are your best friend—and your deadliest weapon. The team at CAGE Studios has built a movement philosophy where the speed limit is completely non-existent. The faster you move, the harder you hit. To survive the bullet-hell barrages waiting for you, you’ll need to master a fluid kinetic toolkit:

    • Slide & Wall-Run: Keep your momentum flowing across cyberpunk cityscapes and underwater prisons.
    • Grapple & Rail-Grind: Sling yourself into danger or escape tight corners in the blink of an eye.
    • Time-Bending Parries: Deflect incoming chaos and slow down time to shatter clusters of enemies at once.

    Every death makes you stronger, giving you the classic, addictive roguelite loop wrapped in a pristine 90s FPS aesthetic.

    Over-The-Top Customisation: “If It Sounds Broken, It Is”

    True to its boomer shooter roots, the arsenal in Gunstoppable leans heavily into pure, unadulterated absurdity. Players can dual-wield completely mismatched, game-breaking weapon combinations. Want to stack upgrades that turn a standard shotgun into a cascading flamethrower? Go for it. Want to turn literal bananas into tactical nukes? The developers actively encourage it.

    Topple Billionaires, Save the World

    You aren’t just blowing up rogue robots for the sake of it. You play as a finely tuned killing machine embarking on a capitalist-toppling quest to save your sister and take down evil, war-profiteering CEO billionaires.

    Because it’s a high-stakes, one-way revenge trip, your character decides to do what any reasonable hero would do in 2026: livestream the entire rampage to the world. As you pull off stylish takedowns against eccentric bosses (like “Johnny Jetpack” and literal fame-hungry nepo babies), your in-game view count skyrockets, inspiring citizens worldwide to rise up against their oppressors.

    Fun Fact: The voice cast features an extra layer of internet culture—viral “Okay Boomer” meme creator Neekolul joins the fully-voiced story campaign, bringing a wonderfully meta touch to a literal “boomer shooter.”

    PC & Xbox Launch Details

    Gunstoppable launches on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. PC players can already head over to Steam to add the game to their wishlists to prepare for launch discounts, while console players can get ready to rumble on Xbox Series X|S.

    The game is highly optimised, even boasting a “Potato Mode” in the graphics settings so you can chase triple-digit framerates regardless of your rig.

    Are you ready to turn the tables on the architects of endless brutality? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be wishlisting this one!

    Find out more here

    #Gunstoppable #BoomerShooter #FPS #IndieGames #GamingNews #Steam #Xbox #CAGEStudios #Roguelite #RetroGaming #TechMash

  • From Vikings to the Cosmos: Shiro Games Launches Multiplayer Sandbox ‘SpaceCraft’ Into Early Access

    From Vikings to the Cosmos: Shiro Games Launches Multiplayer Sandbox ‘SpaceCraft’ Into Early Access

    The brilliant minds behind Northgard, Wartales, and Farever are officially trading medieval axes and tactical mercenaries for Faster-Than-Light drives and industrial laser drills. Bordeaux-based studio Shiro Games has just launched its highly anticipated multiplayer space sandbox, SpaceCraft, into Steam Early Access!

    If you’ve ever wanted to build an interstellar corporate empire with your mates while managing complex automation logistics, this might just be your next gaming obsession.

    What is SpaceCraft?

    At its core, SpaceCraft is a massive, open-world sci-fi adventure that seamlessly blends deep-space exploration with heavy industrial automation. Shiro Games describes it as their most ambitious project yet—and looking at the scale, it’s easy to see why.

    Starting out in the resource-rich Solar Alpha system, players are tasked with establishing a thriving interplanetary corporation. You’ll design and pilot fully modular starships that can transition seamlessly between deep-space travel and planetary landings.

    Once your boots (or landing gears) are on the ground, the real work begins: surveying alien worlds, deploying heavy machinery to extract raw materials, and establishing sprawling logistics networks to move your cargo across the galaxy.

    Key Features at Early Access Launch:

    • A Massive Universe: Explore multiple sectors, hundreds of star systems, and thousands of unique planets.
    • Modular Ship Building: Fully customise your fleet with cutting-edge upgrades tailored for combat, heavy hauling, or deep-space exploration.
    • Industrial Automation: Use autonomous drones, massive cargo hauliers, and specialised machinery to automate your resource production lines.
    • Player-Driven MMO Economy: Trade high-value blueprints, craft advanced ship components, and manage supply chains in a living, shared universe.
    • Corporate Collaboration: Form or join Corporations with other players to coordinate massive planetary operations and dominate the galactic market.

    “SpaceCraft is by far the most ambitious game we’ve ever created,” says Nicolas Cannasse, CEO of Shiro Games. “Our goal was to build a universe that feels both accessible and limitless, a true sandbox where players can explore, industrialise, collaborate, and shape their own stories among the stars.”

    The TechMash Verdict: Factorio Meets Elite Dangerous?

    Shiro Games has a phenomenal track record when it comes to depth and mechanics. Northgard mastered RTS survival, while Wartales perfected gritty tactical management. Bringing that same analytical, rewarding gameplay loop to a multiplayer space sandbox is an incredibly exciting prospect.

    By leaning heavily into the MMO aspect, SpaceCraft sets itself apart from pure single-player or co-op builders. You are sharing this galaxy with thousands of other pioneers, meaning competition for the most resource-dense asteroid belts and prime planetary real estate will be fierce.

    Pricing and Availability

    SpaceCraft is available right now on PC via Steam Early Access for £24.99 ($29.99 / €29,99). To celebrate the launch, Shiro Games is offering a 10% introductory discount for the next two weeks.

    The studio expects the game to remain in Early Access for at least six months to fine-tune mechanics, add more sectors, and implement community feedback before the 1.0 release.

    Will you be heading into the stars solo as a freelance trader, or assembling a mega-corporation with your friends? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

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

  • Rewrite History or Go Steampunk: Age After Age Public Demo Launches on Steam!

    Rewrite History or Go Steampunk: Age After Age Public Demo Launches on Steam!

    The city-building genre is experiencing a massive boom, but if you are tired of the same old “place a road, build a house, rinse and repeat” loop, it’s time to pay attention. Independent developer Farom Studio has just dropped the first public demo for their ambitious upcoming strategy title, Age After Age—and it is currently free to download on Steam.

    If you’ve been craving a strategy game that respects your intelligence, wraps itself in deep economic simulation, and lets you steer human history into wild alternative timelines, this might just be your next obsession.

    What is Age After Age?

    At its core, Age After Age is a massive, systems-driven city builder where you guide a fledgling colony from a humble dock into a thriving, global superpower. However, Farom Studio isn’t just giving us another historical simulation. The headline feature here is the Era Switching System.

    Instead of following a rigid, predictable timeline, your societal laws, political choices, and technological research dictate how your civilisation evolves. You can choose to progress down a traditional historical path, or completely derail the timeline to push your society into Steampunk industrialism, Gothic eras, or Utopian futures.

    Choosing a path doesn’t just change the skin of your buildings; it fundamentally alters:

    • Building Aesthetics: Watch your town transform visually based on your ideology.
    • Complex Production Chains: New eras bring entirely new resources and manufacturing lines.
    • Citizen Class Demands: Your population will demand different rights, goods, and infrastructure depending on the era.

    Logistics, Classes, and Global Dominance

    For the hardcore macro-management fans out there, Age After Age promises an incredibly deep layer of strategy:

    • Advanced Logistics: You won’t just be managing resource counts; you’ll be managing physical transport. Your empire relies heavily on optimising roads, cart routes, warehouses, harbours, and cross-island supply chains.
    • Interdependent Social Classes: Your city features three distinct citizen classes, each relying on the other. If you fail to balance workforce distribution or ignore the needs of the working class, your entire economy can collapse from the bottom up.
    • A Living Global Economy: You aren’t building in a vacuum. Spread across 12 handcrafted islands, you’ll interact with other AI settlements. You can choose to trade peacefully, enforce economic sanctions, enact naval blockades, or engage in profitable smuggling operations.

    What’s In the Demo?

    The newly released public Steam demo acts as a “vertical slice” of the game’s core systems. Farom Studio has dropped players into a story-driven, pre-made island scenario where a settlement is already suffering from severe economic and social strain.

    Your mission? Stabilise the city. You’ll need to repair broken supply chains, manage a delicate balance of power between science and religion, and make the critical decisions that will ultimately determine whether your society stays on a classic historical trajectory or pivots toward an alternative future.

    A Note from the Devs: In an era heavily dominated by automated assets, Farom Studio proudly highlights that Age After Age is being built entirely without AI-generated art or AI-written code. Backed by an experienced team of industry veterans, the studio is actively using this demo to gather player feedback, with hotfixes already rolling out and a highly requested Sandbox Mode currently in the works.

    Watch the Gameplay Trailer

    Want to see the gorgeous visual style and complex mechanics in action? Check out the official gameplay trailer below:

    How to Play

    The demo is free to play right now on Steam and will remain live as the team polishes the game ahead of its official launch, planned for Q4 2026 on PC (with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions slated for the future). The team is also gearing up for a massive showcase at Gamescom 2026 this August, promising a major update.

    Head over to Steam, test your logistical mettle, and let the developers know what you think!

    Download the Age After Age Demo on Steam

    #AgeAfterAge #FaromStudio #CityBuilder #StrategyGames #IndieDev #PCGaming #SteamDemo #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Time to Re-Enlist, Lord Captain: Why Rogue Trader’s ‘The Infinite Museion’ DLC Demands a New Playthrough

    Time to Re-Enlist, Lord Captain: Why Rogue Trader’s ‘The Infinite Museion’ DLC Demands a New Playthrough

    If you thought your duties as a Lord Captain of the Koronus Expanse were finished, think again. Owlcat Games has just dropped a massive reason to fire up the voidship engines and dive straight back into the grim darkness of the far future.

    The Infinite Museion, the third major story expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, is officially available right now across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

    Whether you are looking to finish what you started or completely reshape your legacy with a brand-new character build, this DLC seamlessly injects a hoard of ancient secrets, cybernetic overhauls, and iconic lore directly into the main campaign. Here is why The Infinite Museion gives you the perfect excuse to launch another playthrough.

    1. You’re Entering the Vault of Trazyn the Infinite

    For lore enthusiasts, this is the big one. The expansion draws you into the legendary, galaxy-spanning vaults of Trazyn the Infinite, one of the Necron faction’s most cunning, charismatic, and diabolical figures. Trazyn doesn’t just want to fight you; he treats whole civilisations, historical events, and prominent figures as pieces for his ultimate museum collection.

    As you stumble upon hidden agendas across the Koronus Expanse starting in Act 2 (and rolling through Acts 4 and 5), you’ll find yourself playing a dangerous game of wits with an ancient alien collector. Will you bargain with him, try to outsmart him, or actively oppose his designs? Your choices will leave a permanent mark on your dynasty’s history.

    2. Flesh is Weak: The New Augmentation System

    If you’ve ever wanted to embrace the cold, logical purity of the Machine Spirit, your time has come. The DLC unlocks a brand-new medical compartment on your voidship: Sector Bionica.

    Managed by the eccentric Tech-Priests Genetor Ferrenc and Vivisector Martinax, this bay allows you to surgically replace normal human limbs, eyes, and organs with over 100 different bionic implants.

    • The Catch: Every mechanical upgrade increases your Ferrum Sanctum stat, making you a walking powerhouse of mechanical synergy but increasingly vulnerable to electricity and EMP damage.
    • The Strategy: High-tier augments offer game-changing active abilities balanced by tactical penalties, forcing you to completely rethink your character builds.

    Note: Choose your subjects wisely—your massive Space Marine companions, the proud Aeldari, and Lady Cassia will strictly refuse to let you touch them with a scalpel!

    3. Recruit an Eccentric New Companion

    What’s an Owlcat DLC without an incredible new companion to shake up group dynamics? Enter Eogunn Februs, a devout servant of the Omnissiah and a Tech-Priest Manipulus with a dark, shrouded past.

    As a battlefield asset, Eogunn is a premier support specialist capable of dishing out massive technological buffs and heavy-hitting mechanical abilities. Narratively, he brings immense tension to your retinue. The deeper you dig into his background, the more you’ll find yourself questioning where his true loyalties lie.

    4. Massive Perks for Heretic Playthroughs

    If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to stray from the Emperor’s light, this update heavily reworks and rewards Heretical paths. Alongside the DLC, Owlcat has rolled out a major free patch addressing mechanical overhauls—including a massive buff to the Heretic Astartes companion Uralon, making him the terrifying powerhouse he was always meant to be. Combined with new storyline consequences and dialogue choices, a chaotic Heretic run has never felt more satisfying.

    Ready to Claim Your Legacy?

    The Infinite Museion adds so many layers to the early-and mid-game campaign that continuing an old save simply won’t give you the full experience. From the restructured talent UI and reworked grenade mechanics to the sheer thrill of building a heavily augmented cyborg squad, the Koronus Expanse feels entirely refreshed.

    The galaxy’s greatest museum is open for business, Lord Captain. Will you be an exhibit, or the master of the vault?

    Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – The Infinite Museion is out now on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Find out more here

    #Warhammer40k #RogueTrader #OwlcatGames #TheInfiniteMuseion #CRPG #GamingNews #SciFiGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #PCGaming #TrazynTheInfinite #TechMash

  • Double the Tail-Wagging Action: Dog Man: Bark in Action Announced for This Autumn!

    Double the Tail-Wagging Action: Dog Man: Bark in Action Announced for This Autumn!

    Move over, bad guys! Everyone’s favourite half-man, half-dog, all-hero is ready to leap back onto our screens. Following the massive international success of Dog Man: Mission Impawsible, publisher Mindscape and developer Floor 84 Studio have officially announced they are teaming up once again.

    Get ready, because Dog Man: Bark in Action is officially launching this autumn! The best part? It’s dropping worldwide across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), and Xbox Series X|S.

    If you thought the first game was a treat, this sequel is pulling out all the stops to kick things into high gear.

    The Plot: Defeating Dr. Scum’s Sinister Scheme

    The city is in absolute chaos once again. The villainous Dr. Scum has deployed mind-controlling “Hypno Screens” all over town, turning innocent townsfolk into his mindless minions. It’s up to Dog Man, the Supa Buddies, and a few familiar faces to bust up the screens, smash Dr. Scum’s plans, and rescue their friends.

    What’s New in Bark in Action?

    Floor 84 didn’t just recreate the first game—they’ve expanded the universe in nearly every direction. Here is what players can look forward to:

    • A Roster of 10 Playable Heroes: You aren’t just limited to shifting between Dog Man, Li’l Petey, and 80-HD this time. You can phone in massive backup from characters like Commander Cupcake and Chief!
    • 60 Action-Packed Levels: Spread across 6 brand-new worlds, you’ll get to explore iconic series locations like Cat Jail and Robo-Time Industries, alongside hidden Mystery Levels.
    • Couch Co-op Multiplayer (Finally!): For the first time ever in a Dog Man game, a second player can jump right into the action. It’s the ultimate family-friendly, couch co-op setup where teamwork unlocks special character abilities to crack puzzles and beat bosses.
    • Supa Gadgets & Outfits: Collect sprockets to unlock wild new gadgets and harvest yarn to craft exclusive outfits for the Scarlet Shredder and Cat Kid.

    “Our goal was to take what made the first game special and kick it into high gear, and I think we put together a very strong result.” — Matthew Vroman, Creative Director at Floor 84

    The Verdict: A Must-Play for All Ages

    With Dav Pilkey’s signature comic-book art style beautifully animated, punchy sound effects, and laugh-out-loud dialogue, Bark in Action is shaping up to be an absolute joy for long-time readers and platformer fans alike.

    Keep your eyes peeled on TechMash for an exact release date as we crawl closer to the autumn launch window!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #DogManBarkInAction #Mindscape #Floor84 #DogManGame #SupaBuddies #DavPilkey #CoOpGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #Steam #TechMash

  • Buggin’ Out! 90s Shmup Legend ‘Apidya Special’ Buzzes Onto Consoles and PC This August (Pre-Orders Open!)

    Buggin’ Out! 90s Shmup Legend ‘Apidya Special’ Buzzes Onto Consoles and PC This August (Pre-Orders Open!)

    Get your flight sticks and reflexes ready, retro fans, because one of the most unique shoot-’em-ups of the Amiga golden era is officially making a modern comeback!

    ININ Games has announced that pre-orders are now officially open for Apidya Special. Developed by Team Apidya, this modern revival of the beloved 1992 insectoid classic is set to swarm PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on August 25, 2026.

    From Amiga Icon to Modern Marvel

    For the uninitiated, Apidya wasn’t your typical 90s sci-fi shooter. Instead of piloting a sleek starship through deep space to blast alien armadas, players were shrunk down and cast as Ikuro, a man transformed into a deadly honeybee on a fierce quest to save his bride from an evil sorcerer.

    You swapped lasers for stingers and fought through beautifully detailed, bio-organic worlds filled with hyper-aggressive wasps, giant spiders, and mutated pond life. It stood out for its incredible art style, tight mechanics, and a legendary, pumping chiptune soundtrack by Chris Huelsbeck.

    What to Expect in the ‘Special’ Edition

    While ININ Games is keeping some of the finest details under wraps, Apidya Special promises to bring the sting back with a host of modern upgrades:

    • Pixel-Perfect Enhancements: Beautifully preserved retro aesthetics optimised for modern 4K displays and handheld screens alike.
    • Quality-of-Life Features: Expect modern staples like rewind features, save states, and customizable controls to help you survive the brutal, old-school difficulty.
    • Cross-Platform Launch: Whether you prefer the portability of the Switch, the raw power of the PS5 and Xbox, or the classic feel of a PC setup, you won’t be left behind.

    Secure Your Nest: Pre-Order Details

    With the release date locked in for August 25, 2026, digital pre-orders are rolling out across the PlayStation Store, Xbox Game Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam.

    If you’re a fan of classic Kaiko and Team17-era Amiga gems, or just a shmup enthusiast looking for a unique flavour of bullet-hell, this is one revival you don’t want to miss.

    Are you ready to buzz back into battle? Head over to your platform’s storefront to lock in your copy today!

    Find out more here

    #ApidyaSpecial #ININGames #RetroGaming #Shmup #AmigaClassic #GamingNews #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #PCGaming #TechMash