TECHMASH

Tag: #videogames

  • Blast Off: Stellar Tactics Finally Exits Early Access This March

    Blast Off: Stellar Tactics Finally Exits Early Access This March

    After a decade of meticulous development and community-driven refinement, Maverick Games is thrilled to announce that its ambitious sci-fi RPG, Stellar Tactics, will officially launch out of Early Access on March 30, 2026.

    The game will be available in its full 1.0 glory across Steam, GOG, and Humble, marking the end of a legendary journey that began in 2016. For fans of classic, deep-system RPGs, this is the “1.0” you’ve been waiting for.

    A Massive Universe, Refined

    Stellar Tactics isn’t just a game; it’s a sprawling digital cosmos. Developed by industry veteran Don Wilkins—whose pedigree includes work at legendary studios like Sir-Tech and Sierra—the game offers a nostalgic yet modern take on the squad-based tactical RPG.

    Whether you’re a veteran mercenary who’s been following the project for years or a newcomer looking for your next space obsession, the 1.0 release brings everything together:

    Turn-Based Ground Combat: Engage in strategic battles against mutations and hostile forces using a refined tactical system.

    Massive Open-World Exploration: Navigate a living universe featuring over 160,000 star systems.

    Classless Progression: Forget rigid archetypes. With 240 perks, you can customise your crew exactly how you see fit.

    Deep Space Mechanics: Choose from 40 customizable ships for mining, trading, exploration, or high-stakes ship boarding.

    What’s New for 1.0?

    The transition to full release isn’t just a label change. Maverick Games has spent the final stretch of Early Access polishing the experience to a mirror shine. Players can expect:

    Expanded Storyline: A compelling main narrative supported by endless side quests and bounties.

    Economy & Trade: A dynamic universal commodity trading market and asteroid mining system.

    Quality of Life Overhaul: Significant updates to inventory management, mission guidance, and UI polish based on years of player feedback.

    The Final Polish: Fixes for jank, balance tuning, and a final pass on the game’s deep Nano-Tech gear upgrading systems.

    “The result of years of hard work, refined by feedback and suggestions from the community, 1.0 has become more than I could have ever imagined,” says developer Don Wilkins.

    Get It Before the Price Hike

    If you haven’t jumped into the cockpit yet, now is the time. Maverick Games has confirmed that the price will increase once the game leaves Early Access. Picking it up now not only secures your copy at the lower rate but also allows you to carry your progress into the full launch.

    Stellar Tactics is a love letter to the golden era of RPGs, built for a modern audience that craves depth and freedom. Set your coordinates for March 30th—the void is calling.

    Find out more here – https://www.stellartactics.com/

    #MaverickGames #StellarTactics #SteamEarlyAccess #rpg #scifi #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • GRIDbeat! Rocks GDC With New Gameplay Trailer and 26 March Release Date

    GRIDbeat! Rocks GDC With New Gameplay Trailer and 26 March Release Date

    The neon-soaked halls of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) just got a lot louder. During The Mix & Kinda Funny Spring Game Showcase, publisher Acclaim and developer Ridiculous Games officially dropped a pulse-pounding new gameplay trailer for GRIDbeat!, their highly anticipated rhythm-based dungeon crawler.

    But the biggest news? We won’t have to wait long to dive into the mainframe. GRIDbeat! is set to launch on Nintendo Switch and Steam on 26 March 2026.

    Sync or Get Deleted

    In GRIDbeat!, you take on the role of an elite hacker who has successfully breached Knoss.OS, the most fortified corporate network on the planet. You’ve got the data, but getting out is a different story. You’re trapped in the “Mainframe,” a digital labyrinth where the only way to survive is to move, fight, and solve puzzles in perfect synchronisation with the beat.

    The latest trailer showcases the game’s “Sync” mechanic—a high-stakes system where missing a beat doesn’t just mess up your flow; it locks your skills and drains your “Data” (health).

    Key Features to Watch For:

    Beat-Based Dungeon Crawling: Every interaction—from movement to combat—happens on the beat. It turns every level into a tactical dance-off against the system.

    Cyber.Mind Boss Battles: Players will face off against massive AI gatekeepers that require pitch-perfect rhythm to defeat.

    Evolving Hacking Tools: As you progress, you’ll install software upgrades to bypass security protocols and solve increasingly complex grid puzzles.

    A Killer Soundtrack: The heart of the game is its infectious electro-techno soundtrack, which literally dictates the pace of your survival.

    Can’t Wait? Play the Demo Now

    If you’re feeling the rhythm already, there is a free demo available right now on Steam. The demo gives you a generous slice of the action, featuring:

    9 playable hackers to choose from.

    13 stages, including campaign levels and brutal challenge maps.

    3 difficulty modes to test your reflexes.

    The demo has already garnered “100% Positive” feedback from early players, who have praised the tight controls and the sheer addictive quality of the rhythm-action loop.

    Launch Details

    Release Date: 26 March 2026

    Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)

    Developer: Ridiculous Games

    Publisher: Acclaim, Inc.

    Get ready to plug in and find your flow—the grid is waiting.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/yYmAN

    #GDC #Acclaim #RidiculousGames #GRIDbeat #dungeoncrawler #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • GreedFall: The Dying World – The Long-Awaited RPG Prequel Is Now Available on PC

    GreedFall: The Dying World – The Long-Awaited RPG Prequel Is Now Available on PC

    The wait is finally over for fans of colonial-era fantasy and political intrigue. GreedFall: The Dying World has officially shed its Early Access cloak and launched its Version 1.0 on PC, bringing the full, sprawling narrative of the Old Continent to life.

    Developed by Spiders and published by Nacon, this prequel takes us three years back before the events of the original 2019 hit. But don’t let the “prequel” tag fool you; this is a massive evolution in scope, mechanics, and storytelling.

    From Island Native to Continental Explorer

    In a clever “flip of the script,” you no longer play as a diplomat from the Merchant Congregation. Instead, you step into the boots of a native from the island of Teer Fradee.

    The story begins with your character being forcibly uprooted from their home and taken to the “Old Continent” of Gacane. This is the dying world the title refers to—a land ravaged by the Malichor plague, choked by industrial pollution, and torn apart by the warring factions of the Bridge Alliance and the Thélème.

    Key Features of the 1.0 Release:

    A Massive New World: Explore the streets of Olima, the City of Stars, and the bustling port of Uxantis.

    Tactical Combat Overhaul: Moving away from the pure action-RPG style of the first game, The Dying World introduces a Real-Time with Pause tactical system, reminiscent of classics like Dragon Age: Origins.

    Eight Unique Companions: Build your party from a diverse cast of allies, each with their own loyalty quests, secrets, and romantic possibilities.

    The Constanzia: Take command of your own ship, which serves as your mobile base of operations as you navigate the treacherous shores of the Old Continent.

    Strategic Depth: The New Combat System

    One of the most significant changes in this sequel (well, prequel) is the combat. Spiders has implemented a much more strategic layer that allows you to micromanage your party’s every move.

    Depending on your playstyle, you can choose between three modes:

    Tactical: Full control over the camera and every action of your companions.

    Focused: You control your protagonist while the AI handles your allies.

    Hybrid: A balanced middle ground for those who want a bit of both.

    Availability and Editions

    GreedFall: The Dying World is available now on Steam.

    Standard Edition: Includes the base game.

    Deluxe Edition: Includes the Gacane Pioneers Pack, the Peren’s Black Mass Pack (featuring an exclusive quest and outfit), and a digital artbook/soundtrack.

    While PC players can jump in right now, console players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S will be joining the fray on March 12, 2026.

    Pro Tip: If you played the Early Access version, make sure to perform a clean install for Version 1.0 to ensure all the new assets and quest fixes are applied correctly!

    Are you ready to forge your destiny in a world on the brink of collapse? Head over to Steam and start your journey today.

    Find out more here – https://www.focus-entmt.com/en/games/greedfall

    #GreedFall #rpg #Spiders #FocusHomeInteractive #nacon #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Neverwinter Module 32.5: Tempus Arena – The Slaughterhouse is Now Live!

    Neverwinter Module 32.5: Tempus Arena – The Slaughterhouse is Now Live!

    Calling all adventurers! If you’ve been looking for an excuse to sharpen your blades and polish your holy symbols, Arc Games and Cryptic Studios just gave you the perfect one. As of March 10, 2026, the latest mid-module update for Neverwinter, Module 32.5: Tempus Arena – The Slaughterhouse, has officially launched across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

    This isn’t just a simple door-reopening; the Slaughterhouse is under “new management,” and Tempus, the Lord of Battles, demands a much higher level of carnage.

    What’s New in the Slaughterhouse?

    The core of this update is the return of the Slaughterhouse Arena, but with significant upgrades to the PvE experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh level 20, here’s what you’re walking into:

    Expanded Roster: 10 new bosses and 10 new “critter waves” have been added to the rotation, ensuring that your runs remain unpredictable.

    Challenge Rounds: For those who find standard waves too easy, new Challenge Rounds will task your party with fighting three bosses simultaneously.

    Active Buffs: Starting at Round 10, you’ll receive active buffs every five rounds. These range from doubling your damage to reviving fallen allies and removing “revive sickness.”

    Ultimate Power-Ups: Surmounting a Challenge Round grants your character Ultimate Passive Power-Ups for the remainder of the run, drastically boosting stats like AP Gain, Max Health, and Base Damage.

    Clerics Get a Heavenly Glow-Up

    The Cleric is the first class to receive a major overhaul in 2026’s class rebalancing initiative. While the Arbiter paragon saw minor tweaks, the Devout Cleric has been significantly refined:

    Guardian of Life: Now features a “high-risk-high-reward” mechanic capable of resurrecting up to four players at once.

    Divine Glow & Exaltation: These powers have been tuned to provide more impactful damage and recharge reduction for the whole party.

    Progression: The Celestial Tier

    Min-maxers, take note: Celestial Insignias and Celestial Mounts have arrived.

    Celestial Insignias: You can now upgrade your Mythic insignias to Celestial quality using Celestial Essence (earned via the Shackles of Divinity and Soul Harvest trials).

    Account-Wide Reclaims: Once an insignia hits Celestial quality, you can convert it into a reclaimable version via the Rewards Claim Agent, allowing your alts to benefit from your hard work.

    Loot & The “For Gods and Glory” Battle Pass

    A new module means a new grind, and the rewards this time are particularly “feline.” The For Gods and Glory: Deathmatch Battle Pass is now active, featuring 16 milestones.

    Final Thoughts

    With the return of Jack Emmert to Cryptic Studios earlier this year, Neverwinter feels like it’s finding its second wind in 2026. The shift toward more dynamic, rogue-lite arena challenges like Tempus Arena suggests a future where the game focuses on high-intensity, repeatable combat that rewards tactical play.

    The Slaughterhouse is open—how many rounds can you survive?

    Find out more here – https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/neverwinter

    #TempusArena #Slaughterhouse #Neverwinter #mmo #CrypticStudios #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Rising from the Rubble: A Deep Dive into “From the Ashes” with Fareeha and Yue

    Rising from the Rubble: A Deep Dive into “From the Ashes” with Fareeha and Yue

    The Overwatch universe has always been about more than just payload pushes and ultimate combos; it’s a sprawling tapestry of legacy, sacrifice, and the heavy burden of heroism. Recently, the community sat down for a “Story Time” session centred on the short story “From the Ashes,” featuring insights from the voices that bring the lore to life.

    If you missed the stream or just want the highlights, here’s why this narrative arc is a game-changer for the Egyptian powerhouse, Pharah.

    The Weight of the Winged Victory

    “From the Ashes” isn’t your typical high-octane mission log. Instead, it serves as a poignant bridge between the old guard of Overwatch and the uncertain future of the new team.

    The story focuses on Fareeha Amari, a character often defined by her rigid sense of duty and her desire to follow in her mother Ana’s footsteps. However, this narrative peels back the “Raptora” armour to show us the woman underneath—someone grappling with the reality that her idols are human, flawed, and often absent.

    Key Takeaways from the Story Time

    During the session, the discussion (featuring perspectives from the creative team and voice talent) highlighted three major themes:

    Identity Beyond the Helmet: Fareeha isn’t just a soldier; she’s a leader who has to decide if she’s fighting for a logo (Overwatch) or for the people of Egypt.

    The Mother-Daughter Shadow: The “Ashes” in the title aren’t just from the battlefield; they represent the remnants of the relationship Fareeha thought she had with her mother.

    Yue Andersen’s Impact: As a key figure in the narrative’s development, Andersen’s influence ensures that the cultural nuances of the Amari lineage feel authentic rather than caricatured.

    Why It Matters for the Game

    While lore drops are great for world-building, they also shift how we perceive the heroes in-game. Knowing the internal conflict Fareeha faces makes every “Justice rains from above!” feel a bit more earned.

    “It’s not about the wings you’re given, but the direction you choose to fly.” — A sentiment echoed throughout the “From the Ashes” discussion.

    The Verdict

    Overwatch lore is at its best when it slows down. “From the Ashes” proves that Fareeha Amari is one of the most complex characters in the roster, standing at a crossroads between the ghosts of the past and the hope of a New Blood future.

    Find out more here – https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-gb/

    #FromtheAshesStoryTime #FareehaYueAndersen #Overwatch #BlizzardEntertainment #fps #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Turn-based strategy Rising Lords expands with The Pilgrim War

    Turn-based strategy Rising Lords expands with The Pilgrim War

    Sharpen your blades and ready your rations, Lords and Ladies. Deck13 Spotlight and Argonwood are taking their acclaimed medieval strategy epic to a whole new climate.

    If you thought managing a fiefdom in the lush valleys was tough, wait until you feel the heat of the desert. Rising Lords is officially expanding with its first major DLC: The Pilgrim War. Launching first on PC via Steam and GOG on April 21, 2026, this expansion promises to test your tactical mettle in the unforgiving sands of Atra.

    A New Frontier: The Sun-Scorched Desert of Atra

    The Pilgrim War isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a massive expansion of the Rising Lords universe. Players will be introduced to a brand-new nation and a gripping story campaign that shifts the focus from the traditional European-inspired landscapes to the arid, golden dunes of Atra.

    As we’ve come to expect from the base game, this isn’t just about moving units on a grid. You’ll be juggling the same deep socio-economic mechanics—taxes, rations, and resource gathering—but with new variables that only a desert environment can provide.

    What’s New in the Expansion?

    Argonwood is bringing more than just sand to the table. Here is what you can look forward to in The Pilgrim War:

    New Story Campaign: Dive into the lore of a fresh nation as they navigate religious fervour and territorial conflict.

    Scientific Advancement: For the first time, your nation can use Science to specialise further, allowing for deeper strategic customisation and tech-tree progression.

    New Maps & Units: Battle across unique desert-themed terrain that will force you to rethink your usual formations.

    Strategic Depth: Use new troop types and terrain-specific cards to overcome the odds in the signature turn-based combat system.

    Pricing and Availability

    The DLC is set to retail for £8.99 / €9.99, making it an affordable way to significantly extend the life of your campaign.

    PC (Steam/GOG): April 21, 2026

    Consoles (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch): Scheduled for later in 2026

    Pro Tip: If you haven’t jumped into the base game yet, Rising Lords is currently available on all major platforms, offering a unique blend of 4X strategy, deck-building, and board game aesthetics that fans of Lords of the Realm II will find particularly nostalgic.

    Are you ready to lead your serfs through the shifting sands? Keep an eye on TechMash for more updates as we get closer to the April launch.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/tWRMC

    #Deck13Spotlight #Argonwood #RisingLords #ThePilgrimWar #prhound #criticalhitpr #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • X-Com Meets Mad Max: Why ‘War on Wheels’ is the Tactical Combat Game We’ve Been Waiting For

    X-Com Meets Mad Max: Why ‘War on Wheels’ is the Tactical Combat Game We’ve Been Waiting For

    If you’ve ever found yourself white-knuckled in a high-speed racing game, wishing you had just one more second to line up the perfect rocket shot before hitting a hairpin turn, your prayers have been answered. Enter War on Wheels, a modern, tactical turn-based car combat game from the minds at Psychic Software.

    While the industry is currently saturated with real-time “hero shooters” and battle royales, Psychic Software—an award-winning indie studio based in Galway, Ireland—is taking a different, much more cerebral approach to the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

    A Legacy Reborn: From Darkwind to War on Wheels

    For those who have been in the indie scene for a while, the name might sound familiar. War on Wheels is a spiritual successor and modern reboot of the studio’s long-running cult classic MMO, Darkwind: War on Wheels.

    But don’t mistake this for a simple port. Built on nearly two decades of community feedback and millions of play sessions, this new title takes the battle-tested tactical systems of the original and reconstructs them into a single-player-first experience with modern graphics and a revamped physics engine.

    The Beauty of “Simultaneous Turn-Based” Combat

    The standout feature here is the Simultaneous Turn-Based system. Unlike traditional “I move, then you move” games, everyone in War on Wheels plans their actions at the same time. Once you hit ‘Commit’, one second of chaotic, physics-driven action unfolds.

    This creates a high-stakes tactical loop where you aren’t just managing health bars—you’re managing momentum.

    The “Ghost Car”: The game uses a “ghost” projection to show where your car thinks it will be after the next second of movement.

    Physics is King: You have to account for tyre traction on different terrains (sand vs. asphalt), the recoil of your mounted machine guns, and the centrifugal force trying to flip your car over a cliff.

    Squad Management: Because it’s turn-based, you aren’t limited to one vehicle. You can command an entire convoy of muscle cars, buggies, and armoured trucks simultaneously.

    Deep Customisation: Your Garage, Your Rules

    In the wasteland, your car is your life. War on Wheels leans heavily into the “tactical” label with a deep vehicle construction system.

    Chassis & Engines: Choose from dozens of chassis types, each with unique internal capacities and weight limits.

    Weapons of Choice: Outfit your rig with everything from melee rams and flamethrowers to long-range mortars and tire-shredding spikes.

    The Human Element: It’s not just about the machines. Your crew members have individual skills, psychological profiles, and—crucially—a mortality rate. Yes, permadeath is on the table, making every tactical blunder potentially heartbreaking.

    What’s Next?

    War on Wheels is currently in development for PC via Steam, with a demo expected to drop later this year. For fans of X-Com, Car Wars, or just anyone who thinks Mad Max would be better if you had more time to aim the harpoon, this is one to keep on your radar.

    TechMash Verdict: With its blend of deep simulation and gritty aesthetic, War on Wheels is shaping up to be the most intelligent car combat game of the decade.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/L3LRn

    #WaronWheels #tactical #carcombat #PsychicSoftware #criticalhitpr #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Corner Quest Launches Demo During Steam Tower Defense Fest: The Ultimate Second-Monitor Game?

    Corner Quest Launches Demo During Steam Tower Defense Fest: The Ultimate Second-Monitor Game?

    Steam’s Tower Defense Fest is officially in full swing, and while the event is packed with heavy hitters, a unique indie title is catching the eyes of multitaskers everywhere. Corner Quest, the debut title from solo developer Ivan Ganza at EbonForgeGames, has officially launched its first playable demo, and it’s promising to be the perfect companion for your desktop.

    Unlike most games that demand your undivided attention (and your GPU’s soul), Corner Quest is built with a different philosophy: it wants to stay out of your way.

    What is Corner Quest?

    Described as an idle incremental auto-battler, Corner Quest lives in—you guessed it—the corner of your screen. It features a sleek 2D pixel-art aesthetic where your mage automatically battles waves of monsters. While the game handles the heavy lifting of combat, you’re in charge of the strategy, managing spell builds and meta-progression while you work, browse, or watch YouTube.

    “I see a real gap in the market for games like this,” says developer Ivan Ganza. “There’s room for more titles that sit alongside your life rather than demand all of it.”

    Key Demo Features

    If you’re looking to scratch that progression itch without quitting your day job, the demo offers a substantial look at the core loop:

    Auto-Battling Mechanics: Your mage fights endless waves of enemies, collecting Essence and rare Runes.

    The Awakening System: A classic prestige mechanic where you reset your run to bank permanent upgrades, making your mage exponentially more powerful for the next round.

    Desktop-Friendly UI: The game window is fully resizable and repositionable, designed to sit comfortably next to your browser or Slack window.

    Hard Mode: For those who want to test their spell-slot optimisation, the demo includes a higher difficulty tier after your first successful run.

    Why You Should Check It Out

    The Tower Defense Fest is the perfect backdrop for Corner Quest. While it leans heavily into the idle/incremental genre, the strategy involved in picking the right spells and managing runes gives it that “just one more upgrade” feeling typical of the best tower defense titles.

    With the full game slated for a Q4 2026 release, this demo is a great way to get in early on what might become the next “second-monitor” obsession.

    How to Play

    You can grab the Corner Quest demo right now on Steam during the Tower Defense Fest, which runs from March 9th to March 16th, 2026.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/UpJY9

    #EbonForgeGames #playabledemo #CornerQuest #SteamTowerDefenseFest #criticalhitpr #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Forge of the Fae Shows Off Its Enchanting, Magical Celtic World in a New Trailer!

    Forge of the Fae Shows Off Its Enchanting, Magical Celtic World in a New Trailer!

    The indie RPG scene is currently in a golden age, and Datadyne is looking to claim its crown with Forge of the Fae. Today, publisher Deck13 Spotlight released a brand-new trailer that gives us our deepest look yet at this stunning JRPG-inspired adventure.

    Set in a world heavily inspired by 19th-century Ireland, the game blends industrial grit with ancient Celtic mysticism. If you’ve been craving the pixel-art charm of Sea of Stars or Chained Echoes, you’ll want to keep reading.

    A World in Turmoil

    The trailer introduces us to Fiora, a brilliant young inventor living through a period of intense social unrest. As a miners’ strike spirals into violence and mysterious disappearances plague the land, Fiora sets out to uncover the truth.

    What makes Forge of the Fae stand out is how it weaves its narrative:

    Celtic Folklore: The world is teeming with Fae, and the tension between humans and the magical world is reaching a breaking point.

    Impactful Choices: The developers have emphasised that player decisions aren’t just for show—they will actively shape the story’s direction.

    Steam-Meets-Magic: Fiora is accompanied by a customisable Mechanical Faerie, blending her engineering skills with the world’s natural magic.

    Strategy Meets Style: The Combat

    The new footage highlights a combat system that is fast-paced but rewards careful planning. It’s a classic turn-based setup, but with a few modern twists that keep the flow feeling fresh:

    ARC Crystal System: Players can align skills and magic to customise their party’s battle style.

    Adrenaline System: This allows for powerful, versatile abilities that can turn the tide of a boss fight in an instant.

    Environmental Puzzles: Beyond the combat, the trailer showed off intricate puzzles scattered throughout the world, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of its lush, pixelated landscapes.

    Alpha Access and Release Info

    In a huge milestone for the team, Datadyne confirmed that the Alpha Build has officially been sent out to Kickstarter backers. This version covers roughly the first third of the game, allowing the community to get hands-on with the mechanics for the first time.

    “Even in its early stages, it is incredibly well-crafted and pulls all the right triggers,” says Michael Hoss, Head of Product at Deck13 Spotlight.

    While a final release date is still being honed, Forge of the Fae is currently slated for a 2026/2027 release on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

    Are you ready to dive into 1800s Ireland and uncover the secrets of the Fae? Let us know your thoughts on the trailer in the comments!

    Would you like me to find the specific link to the new trailer or the Steam page so you can add it to the post?

    Find out more here – https://www.forgeofthefae.com

    #ForgeoftheFae #Deck13Spotlight #Datadyne #Kickstarter #JRPG #prhound #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Poker in the Periphery: Card Corner Launches Today on Steam

    Poker in the Periphery: Card Corner Launches Today on Steam

    Looking for a game that respects your busy schedule? German publisher Assemble Entertainment and Swiss developer Conradical Games have the answer. Starting today, Card Corner is officially available on PC via Steam for the budget-friendly price of 4.99€.

    If the name Conradical Games sounds familiar, it’s because they are the brains behind the cult-favorite Desktop Defender. With Card Corner, they are bringing that same “play-while-you-work” energy to the world of poker-inspired deckbuilders.

    What is Card Corner?

    Imagine Balatro met an idle game and they decided to live in the corner of your monitor. Card Corner is designed to be unobtrusive. It runs in a small, resizable, and repositionable window, allowing you to multitask without the “alt-tab” struggle.

    Whether you’re grinding through spreadsheets or browsing the web, the game progresses in the background, drawing hands and earning chips automatically.

    Key Features at a Glance:

    Idle Poker Mechanics: Automatically draw hands and watch your chip count grow.

    Active vs. Passive Play: Jump in to fine-tune your deck and optimise your strategy, or let your build do the heavy lifting while you focus on other tasks.

    Deep Progression: Featuring 100 XP levels, 80 achievements, and dozens of upgrade paths to keep the dopamine flowing.

    The “Ascendium” System: Reset your runs to earn special currency for permanent, cross-ascension upgrades.

    Customizable Setup: Fully resizable window that sits exactly where you want it.

    A Growing Portfolio for Assemble Entertainment

    This release marks another win for Assemble Entertainment, which has spent the last few years cementing its reputation as a champion for unique indie titles. From the cosy success of Sticky Business to the grit of the Endzone franchise, they have a knack for finding games that offer something a little different.

    For Conradical Games, Card Corner represents a spiritual successor to their previous idle hits, proving once again that “low pressure” doesn’t have to mean “low depth.”

    Price: 4.99€

    Platform: PC (Steam)

    Developer: Conradical Games

    Publisher: Assemble Entertainment

    Ready to turn your desktop into a high-stakes (but very relaxed) casino? You can grab Card Corner on Steam right now.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/BdpPw

    #AssembleEntertainment #ConradicalGames #CardCorner #prhound #poker #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Helix: Descent N Ascent: A Monochrome Mystery Arrives on Steam and Switch this May

    Helix: Descent N Ascent: A Monochrome Mystery Arrives on Steam and Switch this May

    The indie scene has always been the home of bold artistic risks, and Belgian developer Badass Mongoose is leaning into that reputation with their upcoming title, Helix: Descent N Ascent.

    Announced during The Mix Spring Game Showcase, this atmospheric puzzle-adventure is officially set to land on PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch on May 21, 2026. If you’ve been looking for a game that values mood and meditation over button-mashing, this might be your next obsession.

    A World Defined by Shadows

    At first glance, Helix is visually arresting. The game utilises a striking monochrome art style that pulls inspiration from a diverse range of print history:

    1980s black-and-white indie comics

    1990s manga

    1970s Franco-Belgian graphic novels

    The result is a “living 2D” world that feels like playing through a meticulously inked comic book. It isn’t just a gimmick, though—the high-contrast aesthetic mirrors the game’s core themes of duality, identity, and the struggle between light and dark.

    Deep Puzzles, No Words

    Helix: Descent N Ascent tells its story without a single word. You awaken in a barren, disembodied world where you eventually encounter a doppelganger who seems to be your mirror opposite. Is he an enemy, or a reflection of your own solitude?

    The gameplay revolves around a unique mix-and-match power system:

    25 Distinct Combinations: As you explore, you’ll unlock abilities—like conjuring blocks or launching an explodable drone version of your own head—that can be combined in dozens of ways.

    Non-Linear Exploration: The world is designed to be explored at your own pace, with puzzles that scale across three levels of complexity.

    Jim Guthrie’s Score: To heighten the dreamlike atmosphere, the game features music by Jim Guthrie (Sword & Sworcery, Nobody Saves the World), ensuring the auditory experience is as polished as the visuals.

    Mark Your Calendars

    If you can’t wait until May, there is currently a free demo available on Steam that showcases the early puzzles and the “non-violent” philosophy of the game.

    “Helix invites you to reflect on identity, solitude and relationships… weaving each mystery and memory of a past existence with personal, cultural, and spiritual threads.”

    Helix: Descent N Ascent launches May 21, 2026. Whether you’re a fan of “thinky” games or just an admirer of fine line art, this is one journey you won’t want to skip.

    Find out more here – https://helixdescentnascent.com/

    #BadassMongoose #puzzle #adventure #HelixDescentNAscent #TheMixSpringGameShowcase #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Control the Elements: Tactical RPG “Never’s End” Drops New PC Demo

    Control the Elements: Tactical RPG “Never’s End” Drops New PC Demo

    If you’ve been craving a tactical RPG that offers more than just the standard “move-and-attack” grid, it’s time to head over to Steam. Hypersect, the indie studio led by former Bungie Lead Sandbox Engineer Ryan Juckett, has officially released the first public demo for Never’s End on PC.

    This isn’t your typical fantasy romp. Set in a world on the brink of an apocalypse known as “The Never,” the game blends high-stakes possession mechanics with a deeply simulated environmental combat system that makes the battlefield as dangerous as the enemies themselves.

    The World is Your Weapon

    The standout feature of Never’s End is its groundbreaking elemental magic system. Unlike most RPGs, where a fireball just deals damage, magic here follows physical principles.

    In the new PC demo, players get a first taste of heat manipulation. By shifting temperature across the grid, you can create emergent tactical opportunities:

    Create Wind: Move heat to generate gusts that knock enemies off cliffs or kick up dust clouds for cover.

    Flash Freeze: Drop the temperature to trap foes in ice or solidify water tiles.

    Change the Weather: Manipulate the local atmosphere to summon fog, rain, or snow, altering visibility and movement.

    Sacrifice and Possession

    Forget recruiting a band of merry heroes. In Never’s End, you play as an undying warrior spirit that must possess local townsfolk to fight.

    “Every companion you gain, another life is lost.”

    These “vessels” come with randomised traits and professional backgrounds (like Farmers or Blacksmiths) that dictate their stats and combat roles. It adds a layer of dark morality and strategic depth: do you use a villager’s life for a quick power boost, or try to keep them alive against the encroaching darkness?

    A Pedigree of Quality

    The game’s aesthetic and sound are just as impressive as its mechanics. Hypersect has assembled a powerhouse team to bring this 3D pixel-art world to life:

    Character Design: Masayoshi Nishimura (Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy).

    Music: A five-hour evolving soundtrack by Doseone (Enter the Gungeon).

    Direction: Ryan Juckett (formerly of Bungie/Destiny).

    If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics or Divinity: Original Sin, this is one to keep on your radar. The level of interactivity promised here is rare for the genre, turning every encounter into a complex, satisfying puzzle.

    Find out more here – https://www.neversendgame.com

    #NeversEnd #RPG #Hypersect #pcgames #ps5games #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames