Techmash

Tag: #Update

  • Celebrating Three Years of Space Command: The Astra Protocol 2 Anniversary Patch is LIVE!

    Celebrating Three Years of Space Command: The Astra Protocol 2 Anniversary Patch is LIVE!

    Attention Captains! It’s time to celebrate a major milestone: Astra Protocol 2 has officially turned three years old! To mark this momentous occasion, Slice Bar Games is thrilled to announce the release of the Three Year Anniversary Patch—a significant update that promises to enhance your retro space adventure in ways you won’t believe.

    This isn’t just a minor tune-up; it’s a foundational overhaul, bringing the core experience of commanding your cassette-futurism starcraft to a new level of performance and authentic retro flair.

    A New Vision: Graphics & Performance Overhaul

    The biggest news is the integration of a brand-new renderer and code framework (borrowed from the Astra Protocol Remake!). This massive change addresses player feedback and brings the game closer to the developers’ original vision.

    • Improved Performance: Experience a much smoother game speed, especially at higher resolutions. No more framerate-destroying ghosting!
    • Authentic CRT Visuals: Dive deeper into the cassette-futurism aesthetic with a host of new graphical effects:
      • CRT Blur, Vignette, and Distortion: For that genuine curved-screen, scan-line look.
      • Radiation Distortion: Visual effects that truly convey the hazards of deep space.
      • CRT / VHold Wobble: A final touch of old-school video instability.

    New Sound, Better Control: Audio & Gameplay Enhancements

    The mission control terminal experience gets a huge quality-of-life boost, making your command of the ship more fluid than ever.

    • Upgraded Audio Pipeline: Music, beeps, and the computer voice can now play simultaneously without stuttering, providing a richer sonic landscape. You can also finally adjust the voice and audio volume!
    • In-Game Settings: No more quitting out! You can now modify your settings directly in the game, streamlining the configuration process.
    • Smoother Collisions: Collision detection is now more efficient, and objects are given a slight knock-back, preventing frustrating scenarios where your ship or objects could get stuck orbiting.
    • New Command: A critical addition for combat and rearming is the ABORT RELOAD command, allowing you to unload any reload operations in progress.
    • Shield Repairs: Good news for battered Captains—shields can now be repaired at a space station!

    Knowledge is Power: Refreshed User Manual

    For those who love the deep, manual-driven nature of Astra Protocol 2, the developers have delivered a refreshed, expanded, and more detailed user manual. This essential component of the game is now more comprehensive than ever, ensuring you have the necessary documentation to survive in the hostile expanse of the Astra Protocol sectors.

    A Necessary Sacrifice: Breaking Change Alert

    While the changes are overwhelmingly positive, the new framework unfortunately means existing save files are no longer supported. This was a necessary step to implement the core technical improvements. If you’re particularly attached to an old save, the developers have offered to try and convert them, so reach out to them!

    Thank You, Captains!

    This patch is a testament to three years of community support and dedicated development. The Astra Protocol 2 universe is now more immersive, stable, and authentically retro than ever before. It’s the perfect time for veteran players to dive back in and experience the new framework, or for new recruits to begin their perilous search-and-rescue mission.

    Download the Three Year Anniversary Patch now on Steam and Itch.io!

    Thank you for flying with Astra Protocol 2 for three years. Here’s to many more missions!

    What new graphical effect are you most excited to see in action? Let us know in the comments below, Captains!

    Astra Protocol 2 – Three Year Anniversary Patch – https://slicebar.games

    #AstraProtocol2AnniversaryPatch #AstraProtocol #Patch #update #SliceBarGames #scifi #spacecraft #spaceexploration #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Diving Deep into the Soulframe Preludes Update

    Diving Deep into the Soulframe Preludes Update

    Digital Extremes is continuing to shape the ethereal world of Soulframe, and the latest update, Preludes 12: Wylds, marks a significant milestone. This isn’t just another patch; it’s a major step forward that introduces new combat depth, quality-of-life improvements, and the long-awaited Founders Program.

    Here’s a breakdown of the most exciting additions and what they mean for Envoys in the pre-alpha.

    A New Grip on Combat: The Greatsword

    For players who prefer heavy, sweeping blows over swift strikes, the time has come. Preludes 12 introduces the Greatsword as a new weapon grip type.

    This powerful addition offers its own distinct Combat Arts, allowing Envoys to channel immense power against the formidable Ode. This, combined with new Totems and Runes that can be discovered and bonded with local wildlife, provides a significant expansion to the combat customization system, letting you fine-tune your playstyle more than ever.

    Smoother Start, Deeper Challenge

    One of the most impactful changes in this update is the reworked new player onboarding. Digital Extremes has listened to early player feedback and made it much easier for newcomers to get their bearings:

    • Pact Discovery: It’s now easier to discover new Fables (quests) and track progress in the journal.
    • Try Before You Commit: Players can now test out all three starting Pacts (classes—Wyld Tethren, Wyld Oscelda, and Wyld Sirin) early on, allowing for a more informed choice.
    • Wevetseed Fast Travel: Unlocking fast travel via Wevetseeds has been streamlined, reducing tedious back-tracking across Midrath.

    Conversely, for veterans seeking a true test of strength, the update introduces a diegetic hard mode via the new Cogah elixir. Drinking this elixir increases enemy levels, strengthens The Agari (a new class of overworld sub-bosses), and imposes debuffs on the Envoy, offering richer rewards for those who brave the ritual.

    New Encounters and World Systems

    The world of Soulframe feels more alive and reactive with these new additions:

    • Siege Encounters: These new, wave-based challenges at fortress locations offer high-stakes combat and contribute to a revamped Infamy Rating, making the world’s response to your Envoy more dynamic.
    • Zenith, The Dale Seer: A mysterious, camel-like vendor has arrived in the Nightfold, offering new wares and acting as the in-game portal for the newly launched Founders Program.

    The Founders Program Has Arrived

    Coinciding with the Preludes 12 launch, the Soulframe Founders Program has officially opened its doors. This is a chance for dedicated supporters to claim exclusive items and permanent in-game recognition.

    The program is structured around four Paths, each offering instant access to the Preludes:

    Path NameThemeHighlights
    Wyld TethrenCourageous FighterExclusive Pact, Weapon, Armor, and two Preludes codes.
    Wyld OsceldaWillful MageExclusive Pact, Weapon, Armor, and two Preludes codes.
    Wyld SirinRogue ArcherExclusive Pact, Weapon, Armor, and two Preludes codes.
    Wyld ParagonUltimate BundleAll three Pacts, an exclusive Paragon Greatsword, extra premium currency (Arcs), and ten Preludes invite codes.

    Founders will also have their names permanently etched into the Eternium Garden, a shared hub, truly cementing their legacy in the game’s foundation.

    Soulframe is still in its pre-alpha stage, but Preludes 12 shows a clear vision for an engaging, challenging, and lore-rich fantasy action-RPG. The combination of a better new player experience, deeper combat mechanics, and the opening of the Founders Program signals that Digital Extremes is committed to developing this game alongside its growing community.

    Soulframe Preludes – https://www.soulframe.com/en

    #SoulframePreludes #Soulframe #Preludes #rpg #fantasy #update #DigitalExtremes #founders #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Crossing the Line: The “Forced Measure” Update Hits Crossout!

    Crossing the Line: The “Forced Measure” Update Hits Crossout!

    The Wasteland is never a dull place, and the latest major update for Crossout, “Forced Measure,” proves that necessity is the mother of all terrifying inventions. Faced with the relentless Ravagers, two seemingly incompatible factions—the methodical Engineers and the unpredictable Lunatics—have been forced into an uneasy alliance. The result? A new season full of groundbreaking tech and chaotic fun!

    This isn’t just a simple patch; it’s a massive injection of new content, including a game mode, an overhaul of parts, and an exciting seasonal Battle Pass. Let’s rev up and see what the “Forced Measure” update has brought to the table.

    Introducing New Tech: Air-Cushions and Dual-Mode Weapons

    The Engineers and Lunatics bringing their minds together has birthed some truly unique additions to your garage. The most talked-about new movement part is the Air-Cushion Vehicle chassis.

    • Air-Cushion Movement: These parts finally give players a true “hover” experience, offering speed, rapid turning, and full reverse capability. They’re fast and maneuverable, but you’ll need skill to master their unique handling and less-than-stellar durability against contact damage.

    But that’s not all—the update introduces a range of compelling new weaponry:

    • New Weapons: Keep an eye out for a new 2-mode machine gun, a powerful new shotgun, and a deadly crossbow (some with unique perks like accumulating bonuses for blast radius or damage based on specific combat conditions). This new arsenal is shaking up the meta, encouraging players to try inventive new builds.

    Test Your Mettle: New Brawls!

    The “Forced Measure” update brings with it new temporary Brawls to test out the new gear and mechanics:

    1. “Test Prototypes” (Limited Time)

    This is your chance to get a feel for the new parts without having to craft them first.

    • The Format: A classic team battle where the goal is to score more points than the enemy.
    • The Twist: Battles are fought using preset armored cars featuring the new parts from the season. It’s a level playing field and the perfect testing ground for new cabin and weapon combos.
    • The Reward: Scrap metal for your efforts.

    2. “Dangerous Cargo” (Limited Time)

    A frantic team brawl that demands coordination and aggression.

    • The Format: Two teams race to escort a cargo cart to its destination.
    • The Goal: The cart only moves when your team has more vehicles near it than the enemy team. Speed depends on the number of nearby allies, forcing you to commit to the push.
    • The Reward: Plastic, a valuable resource for high-tier crafting.

    The Forced Measure Battle Pass

    As with every major Crossout update, the “Forced Measure” update features a new Battle Pass stacked with rewards.

    • Main & Bonus Levels: The season has 75 “main” levels, unlocking recipes for new parts, structural elements, coins, and cosmetic items. Beyond that, “additional” levels starting at 76 offer bonus rewards.
    • New Resource: “Lighters”: Players earn a special resource called “Lighters” throughout the season. You can exchange a certain amount of Lighters for a part from the available list or other items, giving you more control over your loot.
    • Premium Pass Perks: Purchasing the Battle Pass unlocks even more rewards, including the new crafted and upgraded parts (with specific, non-marketable upgrades), unique portraits, additional in-game coins, and exclusive cosmetic items.

    Final Verdict

    The “Forced Measure” update successfully breathes new life into the Crossout Wasteland. The introduction of the Air-Cushion chassis and dual-mode weapons is already inspiring wildly inventive builds. Whether you’re a veteran player looking to shake up the Power Score tiers or a newcomer eager to test out unique gear in the Brawls, there is a lot to enjoy.

    Get in there, Survivor. The alliance between the Engineers and Lunatics might be temporary, but the damage they inflict is forever!

    What’s your favourite new part from the Forced Measure update? Are you team Air-Cushion or sticking to wheels? Let us know in the comments below!

    Crossout Forced Measures – http://www.crossout.net

    #Crossout #ForcedMeasures #CrossoutForcedMeasures #update #GaijinEntertainment #content #scifi #apocalypse #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Lost in the Loop: Why Dreamcore is the Ultimate Liminal Space Experience

    Lost in the Loop: Why Dreamcore is the Ultimate Liminal Space Experience

    The line between reality and dream is often thin, but few games manage to blur it quite like Dreamcore. Developed by Montraluz, this “body-cam styled psychological exploration game” is less about traditional horror and more about the profound, unsettling discomfort of being lost in a world designed to make you lose your mind.

    If you’re a fan of the liminal space aesthetic, the Backrooms lore, or just the creeping dread of abandoned places, you need to step into the bizarre, beautiful labyrinth that is Dreamcore.

    A Walk on the Uncanny Side

    Dreamcore is not your typical game. It’s best described as a walking simulator with a focus on psychological exploration and environmental puzzle-solving. Forget jump scares and monster closets—the real terror here is the atmosphere and the sheer scale of the non-linear environments.

    The game plunges you into massive, intricate maps known as “liminal worlds,” each a standalone experience:

    • Dreampools: An endless, sterile indoor swimming complex. Tiled walls, clear pools, and artificial light stretch into baffling, repeating hallways. Your goal is to find your way out, a task that becomes an exercise in observation and patience.
    • Eternal Suburbia: An infinite, repeating neighbourhood of identical, pastel-colored houses. It’s a peaceful, yet unsettling, American idyll where time flows in cycles, but the only sound is your own footsteps and the faint hum of vintage jazz.
    • Playrooms: (Added via expansion) A silent, artificial maze of padded rooms, ball pits, and oversized blocks, like a child’s play area stripped of all joy or presence.

    The aesthetic is heavily inspired by VHS “Found Footage,” giving everything a grainy, dreamlike quality that only deepens the sense of unease.

    Intuition Over Instruction

    One of the most defining and divisive features of Dreamcore is its commitment to the experience. There are no guides, no maps, and no waypoints. The key to progression is entirely reliant on your intuition and keen observation.

    The “puzzles” aren’t traditional riddles; they’re about recognising subtle changes in the environment, following faint audio cues, or simply finding the single, seemingly illogical path that breaks the loop. This can lead to hours of aimless wandering, which for some is the point—it perfectly replicates the feeling of a confusing, inescapable dream. For others, this lack of direction can quickly turn tantalising exploration into frustrating tedium.

    The Beauty of the Backrooms

    What makes Dreamcore a standout in the increasingly popular liminal space genre is its phenomenal presentation. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the visual fidelity is staggering, especially the ray-traced reflections on the water in Dreampools. The developers have managed to take these sterile, empty spaces and make them feel both photorealistic and deeply surreal. The masterful sound design, from the echo of your steps on tile to the unsettling silence in the suburb, is the final touch that keeps you constantly on edge.

    Ultimately, Dreamcore is more of an interactive art piece and psychological experiment than a conventional video game. If you’re looking for a challenging survival horror game, this might not be it. But if you crave a uniquely unsettling, atmospheric experience that taps into the primal fear of being lost in the mundane, Dreamcore offers a profound and memorable descent into the architectural uncanny.

    Have you already braved the Dreampools or Eternal Suburbia? Share your most unsettling moment from Dreamcore in the comments below!

    Dreamcore – https://dreamcoregame.com/

    #Dreamcore #EternalSuburbia #Deadpools #bodycam #cult #psychological #horror #Montraluz #TlonIndustries #dlc #update #LiminalHotel #unrealengine #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Escape the Yellow Wallpaper: A Deep Dive into Backrooms Level X

    Escape the Yellow Wallpaper: A Deep Dive into Backrooms Level X

    The eerie phenomenon of the Backrooms, the infinite maze of yellowed office space and buzzing fluorescent lights, has captivated the internet for years. But what happens when that unsettling dread is translated into a full-fledged video game? Enter Backrooms Level X, the first-person narrative survival horror title by Firenut Games that aims to trap you in an endless labyrinth of liminal terror.

    What is Backrooms Level X?

    This game isn’t just another walk through the familiar Level 0. It plunges players into a deeper, darker, and more mysterious corner of the Backrooms lore, focusing on Level X.

    The game’s premise hooks you immediately: after a freak accident tied to a mysterious VHS tape recorded in Albuquerque, 1986, you awaken in the Backrooms. Logic and reality have vanished, replaced by an oppressive atmosphere of desolation. It’s an exploration-heavy survival horror experience where the goal is to unravel the dark narrative and find a way out before the entities lurking in the shadows find you.

    Key Features That Bring the Dread

    • Atmospheric Terror: Backrooms Level X excels at creating tension. It uses haunting graphics, immersive sound design, and the unsettling nature of liminal spaces to keep you on the edge of your seat. The buzzing of the lights and the endless stretch of damp carpet are characters in themselves.
    • Expansive Exploration: Forget small maps. The game launched with over 13 levels, and a recent free update has already expanded that to 15! Each level promises unique designs, puzzles, and threats, ensuring the experience remains fresh and terrifying.
    • Puzzles and Survival: Survival in the Backrooms isn’t just about running. You’ll need to solve riddles and face environmental challenges that test your wits. The environment is your biggest enemy and sometimes, your only tool.
    • Defiant Bosses: Unlike some Backrooms experiences that rely solely on subtle entity appearances, Level X throws genuinely monstrous, final enemies at you. You’ll need more than just stealth—you’ll need strategy to defeat these gigantic foes.
    • New Gravity-Shifting Mechanics: The recent content update introduced a fascinating gravity mechanic, allowing players to walk on ceilings in special corridors. This not only adds a new layer to puzzle-solving but radically transforms how you view and explore the environment.

    A Narrative Rooted in Mystery

    The game’s narrative is a central selling point. It’s not simply an escape simulator; it’s a mystery. The search for cryptic clues and fragments of the lost VHS tape from 1986 is what propels the player forward, giving a grounded, if disturbing, origin story to their unfortunate entrapment. This focus on a dark, cohesive story elevates it beyond a mere meme-turned-game.

    Where to Get Trapped

    Backrooms Level X is currently available on PC via Steam, where it recently had a major free content update. Versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch are also in development, so console players won’t have to wait long to experience the dread.

    If you are a fan of first-person horror, liminal spaces, or the existing Backrooms lore, Backrooms Level X looks to be a must-play title that successfully captures the claustrophobic dread of being truly alone in an endless, empty space.

    Are you brave enough to step into the infinite yellow maze?

    Backrooms Level X – https://shorturl.at/EYxyy

    #BackroomsLevelX #steam #gaming #gamers #FirenutGames #JoséManuelConesaHernández #update #fps #survival #horror #PC #videogames

  • Pacific Drive Endless Expeditions Update

    Pacific Drive Endless Expeditions Update

    Take a road trip along Pacific Drive, where the name might sound wonderful, but in reality, this is a trip that will take players right into the Olympic Exclusion Zone, where things are a bit edgy and somewhat dangerous. So it is time to custom-build the station wagon, plan some interesting routes and make sure that there are some great sounds to listen to. The Pacific Drive: Endless Expeditions is available now.

    To find out more about the Pacific Drive game, go to the official game website here https://www.pacificdrivegame.com or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/WTHtw

    #PacificDrive #PacificDriveEndlessExpeditionsUpdate #games #gaming #gameupdates #EndlessExpeditions #Update #cars #IronwoodStudios #KeplerInteractive #PC #PlayStation #Steam

  • Robobeat free update available now

    Robobeat free update available now

    If there is one thing that is cool in gaming it has to be something that is free and in the Robobeat game there is a free update coming that will be adding the cheats menu, which sounds pretty brilliant but it would appear that some players may have already been able to access this. There is also the virus room where players are able to choose a serious weapon that can take out the enemy, however, there is a price to pay as now your enemies are able to kill you with a single shot! The Robobeat free update is available right now.

    To find out more about the Robobeat game go to the official game website here https://www.robobeatgame.com/ or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/PlXvM

    #Robobeat #Kwalee #Inzanity #bountyhunter #music #games #gaming #freeupdate #roguelite #rhythmshooter #virusroom #cheatsmenu #update #strategy #indiegames

  • Hornet’s Sting coming to War Thunder

    Hornet’s Sting coming to War Thunder

    It is not that often that you get to fly some of the world’s fastest and most heavily armed aircraft but in the War Thunder military online shooter game that is exactly what players can do. In a massive content update, the game has some extra aircraft such as the USAF F/A-18 “Hornet” jet, the Su-30SM Russian fighter and the J-11B of the PLA Air Force. Not only that there are other military vehicles available too such as the 2S19 “Msta-S” howitzer, the Tracked Rapier SAM and the USS Colorado.

    To find out more about the War Thunder game go to the official game website here https://wt.link/HornetsSting

    #WarThunder #HornetsSting #WarThunderHornetsSting #games #gaming #newgames #gameupdates #update #militaryonlineshooter #GaijinEntertainment #fighterpilots #airforce

  • Atomic Heart Enchantment Under the Sea DLC out now

    Atomic Heart Enchantment Under the Sea DLC out now

    Another instalment is coming to the Atomic Heart game where history has been rewritten and the future is less than certain. Players will find that there are enemies all around and yet the mission must continue until the bitter end. The Atomic Heart – Enchantment Under the Sea DLC is available now for PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

    To find out more about the Atomic Heart – Enchantment Under the Sea DLC go to the Focus Entertainment game website here https://shorturl.at/N9Zp4 or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/lqfLz

    #AtomicHeart #EnchantmentUndertheSea #SciFi #Update #DLC #AtomicHeartEnchantmentUndertheSea #Xbox #PC #PlayStation #FocusEntertainment

  • Medieval Dynasty Autumn Update

    Medieval Dynasty Autumn Update

    Finally, the much-awaited update for the Medieval Dynasty game is upon us, offering some interesting weapons options, some interesting additions to the bandits that roam around the country and of course there will be some customisation options from crests, names, clothing and events such as weddings. This is really a taking a trip back in time to the medieval era where life was simple for some and yet so very hard for most. The Medieval Dynasty Autumn Update will be available from the end of November for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox.

    To find out more about the Medieval Dynasty Autumn Update head on over to the games page on Steam here https://store.steampowered.com/app/1129580/Medieval_Dynasty/ or go to the official game website here https://www.toplitz-productions.com/medieval-dynasty-lp.html

    #MedievalDynasty #AutumnUpdate #update #AutumnUpdate #games #gaming #gamers #xbox #ps5 #pc #RenderCube #ToplitzProductions

  • Going Medieval Update Water and Fishing

    Going Medieval Update Water and Fishing

    Get ready for the Going Medieval game update that will bring in water and fishing to this medieval world. Take control of the rivers and lakes that surround your castle, town, village or settlement. Water is essential to life, it provides leisure such as swimming and boating, as well as food such as fish. This is an important update to the game but water can be a hazard too!

    The Going Medieval game update providing water and fishing features is available right now, so build a dam, guide the water around or through your settlement, catch fish or go for a swim, water is life and it is available now for you to play with, redirect and turn into a source of food and refreshment, what are waiting for?

    Find out more about the Going Medieval Water and Fishing update here; https://www.gog.com/en/game/going_medieval

    #GoingMedieval #Update #WaterandFishing #GoingMedievalUpdateWaterFishing #Steam #Fishing #Swimming #Building #EpicGamesStore #GOG

  • Sweet Transit Rail Meets Road Update

    Sweet Transit Rail Meets Road Update

    You might think that the Sweet Transit game is a train spotters dream, but it’s more than just trains and railways this is connecting communities, allowing people to travel and building a network that helps a nation grow. With the Rail Meets Road update to the game, it gives the player the opportunity to plan how goods are transported from supplier to retailer and then on to the consumer.

    Plan where your railway connects with the roads in towns and cities, this will need some serious planning as you will need to plan where tracks, platforms and stations are built, as well as connecting these transport hubs to the road network. With the Sweet Transit Rail Meets Road Update planning is key and the results can be seen from any changes that you make immediately.

    Find out more about the Sweet Transit Rail Meets Road Update game; https://www.team17.com/games/sweet-transit/

    #SweetTransitRailMeetsRoad #Transit #Rail #Road #Update #Transport #Towns #Civilisation #Trains #Travel #Team17