TECHMASH

Tag: #Xbox

  • Trust No One: Jackbox-Style Party Game ‘Forest of Deceit’ Drops Today on PC and Consoles

    Trust No One: Jackbox-Style Party Game ‘Forest of Deceit’ Drops Today on PC and Consoles

    If you’ve ever watched The Traitors, stayed up late playing Werewolf, or simply thought, “I could absolutely trick my friends into a swift and sudden demise,” indie developer Ghost Camp has some fantastic news for you.

    Today officially marks the launch of Forest of Deceit, a Jackbox-esque social deduction party game built for 4 to 8 players. Best of all? It’s dropping almost everywhere—hitting Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S right now.

    A Cursed Woods, A Looming Storm, and Total Betrayal

    The setup is brilliantly simple: you and your friends are lost in a dark, cursed forest with a massive storm brewing on the horizon. If you don’t gather resources and build a solid shelter in time, everyone perishes.

    The catch? The forest is actively driving some of your friends mad. A few players will secretly be designated as Traitors, tasked with sabotaging the shelter, stealing resources, and getting innocent players lost in the woods. Every round concludes with a tense, finger-pointing discussion where players vote to exile whoever they think is acting a bit too shady.

    No Extra Controllers? No Problem.

    Borrowing the best page out of the Jackbox Party Pack playbook, Forest of Deceit eliminates the hassle of passing around multiple controllers. Only the host needs to own a copy of the game. Everyone else can jump right into the lobby using their own smartphones, tablets, or web browsers to receive secret information, check their roles, and cast their underhanded votes.

    This makes it an incredibly accessible casual party game, accommodating everyone from hardcore strategy enthusiasts to non-gamer family members. It also features fully customizable house rules, giving it endless replay value for local couch co-op sessions or remote Discord game nights via screen-share.

    Oh, and there is a massive cherry on top for sci-fi and fantasy fans: the entire game is narrated by the legendary Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor in Doctor Who and Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit trilogy), adding a delightfully eccentric atmosphere to your impending doom.

    Launch Details, Pricing, and Nintendo Switch Status

    Forest of Deceit is available today with the following launch details:

    • Platforms Available Now: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
    • Steam Pricing: £8.99 / €9.99 (plus a 10% launch discount if you grab it early!).
    • Console Pricing: Expected to be essentially at parity with the Steam price, with minor regional adjustments.
    • What about Nintendo Switch? Ghost Camp has officially announced that the Switch version is on the way and is expected to release later this month.

    Gather your group, boot up your mobile browsers, and prepare to find out which of your friends is an absolute snake.

    Find out more here

    #ForestOfDeceit #GhostCamp #SocialDeduction #PartyGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #JackboxStyle #SteamGames #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch

  • Boots on the Ground: War Thunder Infantry Enters Massive 128-Player Closed Beta 3!

    Boots on the Ground: War Thunder Infantry Enters Massive 128-Player Closed Beta 3!

    If you thought War Thunder was just about heavy armour, soaring fighter jets, and naval broadsides, think again. Gaijin Entertainment is officially dropping players right into the mud. The highly anticipated third stage of the War Thunder Infantry Closed Beta Test (CBT) is officially kicking off this July, and it is bringing some seriously massive upgrades to the battlefield.

    We are talking about a major scale-up, fresh modern hardware, and a brand-new combat zone that changes the pacing of the game entirely. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming test phase.

    Welcome to Kivu: A Massive Central African Warzone

    The centrepiece of CBT Phase 3 is Kivu, an all-new map set in Central Africa that is roughly four times larger than previous infantry locations like Granitograd and Al-Massa.

    Because the map is so vast, Gaijin has optimised its server infrastructure to handle true large-scale warfare. This test phase reintroduces the 64-vs-64 format, allowing up to 128 players to clash simultaneously in the same match.

    To prevent this massive map from turning into a walking simulator, the developers are introducing several experimental gameplay mechanics:

    • Forward Respawns: For the first time, players can spawn directly onto capture points controlled by their team, keeping the pressure right on the front lines.
    • Squad Transport Vehicles: The test introduces a five-player light passenger car, allowing squads to rotate across the map together. If the driver gets sniped, any passenger can switch to the driver’s seat on the fly.
    • Total Dominance: A new ticket-drain mechanic means that if your team controls all five capture points at once, the enemy’s victory points bleed away even faster.

    Modern Arsenals & Distinct Soldier Classes

    Both factions are getting unique, region-specific modern gear and specialised loadouts. Rather than every soldier having access to all gear, player classes have been heavily revised to encourage strategic teamwork. Special-purpose equipment like RPGs, MANPADS, and drones are now locked to specific roles.

    Expect to wield top-tier small arms and operate heavy support machinery:

    • USA Forces: M4A1, SCAR-L, XM5, and the M110 SDMR, backed by M1A2 SEP V2 main battle tanks, LAV-AD air defense systems, and AH-64A Apache helicopters.
    • USSR Forces: AK-12, AK-15, SVDM, and the Kord 6P67, supported by T-90M tanks, 2S6 Tunguska systems, and Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopters.

    Smarter Arcade Battles and Visual Tweaks

    Arcade Battles are making a return, but with a major tactical overhaul to the marker display logic. To stop players from simply shooting at red UI indicators through dense foliage, markers will now only appear if you have a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the enemy model. If they duck behind smoke, walls, or trees, the marker vanishes. Furthermore, heavily equipped soldiers will now move faster in Arcade mode compared to Realistic mode to keep the match pacing snappy.

    Gaijin has also listened to community feedback by adding a dedicated graphics settings tab specifically for the Infantry mode, meaning you can tune your performance for ground combat without messing up your main vehicle settings.

    How to Join the Fight

    If you haven’t yet experienced War Thunder from a boots-on-the-ground perspective, the doors aren’t completely shut. Players can head over to the official War Thunder website right now to apply for CBT access before the July testing window begins.

    Get your squad ready—the battlefield is about to get a whole lot louder.

    Find out more here

    #WarThunder #WarThunderInfantry #GaijinEntertainment #GamingNews #PCGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #BetaTest #FPSGames #MilitarySim #TechMash

  • Consoles, Prepare for the Weird: Once Human Lands on PS5 & Xbox This August with a First-Person Twist!

    Consoles, Prepare for the Weird: Once Human Lands on PS5 & Xbox This August with a First-Person Twist!

    Attention, console Metas! If you’ve been watching PC players explore the wonderfully bizarre, Stardust-infected post-apocalypse from the sidelines, your patience is about to pay off.

    NetEase Games and Starry Studio have officially dropped the news we’ve all been waiting for: their hit open-world supernatural survival game, Once Human, is officially launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 25, 2026!

    Best of all? The developers aren’t just giving us a simple port—they’re dropping console players straight into the action with major day-one features. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming console launch.

    True Freedom: Cross-Play & Cross-Progression at Launch

    There is nothing worse than wanting to jump to a new platform but fearing the loss of hundreds of hours of grinding. Thankfully, Starry Studio has eliminated that headache.

    Right from the official August 25 launch, Once Human will feature full cross-play and cross-progression support. Whether you’re moving from PC to the comfort of your couch or trying to team up with friends across different platforms, your progress, Deviants, and base blueprints will seamlessly carry over.

    See the Apocalypse Through New Eyes: First-Person Mode

    If the eerie world of Nalcott wasn’t immersive enough in third-person, prepare to get up close and personal. The console launch will coincide with a brand-new First-Person Perspective (FPP) feature.

    Whether you’re clearing out terrifying anomalies in a tight corridor, aiming down the sights during intense boss fights, or just soaking in the gorgeous, mutated landscapes, switching to FPP promises to completely change how you experience the game’s survival mechanics and combat.

    Optimised for Current-Gen Power

    Starry Studio isn’t skimping on performance either. Console players will have the option to choose how they want to experience the apocalypse:

    • Quality Mode: Stargaze in stunning 4K visuals at a smooth 60 FPS.
    • Performance Mode: Prioritise ultra-fluid gameplay by targeting up to 120 FPS on compatible displays.

    Furthermore, PlayStation 5 players can look forward to custom DualSense integration, featuring bespoke haptic feedback that delivers distinct rumbles for massive monsters and precise trigger resistance during high-stakes gunfights.

    Get Ready for August 25

    Once Human will remain completely free-to-play when it hits consoles, though eager fans can already head to the PlayStation and Xbox storefronts to pre-order optional cosmetic starter packs to kick off their journey in style.

    Mark your calendars, call your squad, and get ready to turn the unknown into your ultimate power this August. The supernatural apocalypse is coming to the big screen!

    Will you be playing Once Human in first-person or third-person when it hits consoles? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #OnceHuman #NetEaseGames #StarryStudio #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #Xbox #GamingNews #SurvivalGames #CrossPlay #TechMash

  • Get Ready to Form Geppy-X! Bliss Brain Drops Hype Countdown Trailer Ahead of Worldwide Launch

    Get Ready to Form Geppy-X! Bliss Brain Drops Hype Countdown Trailer Ahead of Worldwide Launch

    Mecha fans and retro gamers, synchronise your watches! Bliss Brain has officially kicked off the final week of anticipation by releasing a spectacular 7-day countdown trailer for 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X.

    This cult-classic 1999 PlayStation treasure is finally breaking out of its Japan-exclusive vault. It is officially launching worldwide on July 16, 2026, bringing its high-flying, retro-infused side-scrolling shooter madness to every major modern platform.

    Check out everything you need to know about this fully remastered, playable anime broadcast before it drops.

    A Playable 70s Anime Experience Sourced From Master Tapes

    Geppy-X isn’t just a video game that takes style cues from old-school giant robots—it is structurally built like an authentic 1970s super robot television broadcast. When you play, you will experience the complete retro TV package: opening theme songs, commercial breaks, mid-episode eyecatches, and “next time on…” previews.

    Originally spanning a massive four discs back on the original PS1, this remastered edition from Bliss Brain and developer Implicit Conversions has been meticulously preserved.

    • Betacam Master Tape Audio & Video: Digitised directly from the original production tapes.
    • 24 Frames Per Second: The beautifully hand-drawn animations have been fully restored to their original broadcast fluidity.
    • Classic vs. Modern Toggle: In a massive win for video game preservation, you can seamlessly swap between the newly upscaled HD animation and the raw, untouched original movie versions.

    Three Forms, No Mercy: The Gameplay Breakdown

    At its core, Geppy-X is a fast-paced 2D arcade side-scrolling shoot-’em-up. To defend Earth from the invading Space Demon Empire, you will take control of three young pilots operating a transforming mecha. Success relies on switching between three distinct tactical forms in real-time:

    Mid-Season Evolution: True to the tropes of 70s anime, the machine will undergo a mid-game evolution into the devastating Geppy-XX, unlocking entirely new weapon sets!

    Modern Features Meet Legendary Voice Talent

    While the original arcade challenge remains intact, Bliss Brain has added essential modern quality-of-life upgrades to make piloting a breeze:

    • Rewind Function to fix minor slip-ups.
    • Quick Save and Rapid Fire options.
    • CRT Filters for that authentic, glowing cathode-ray tube nostalgia.

    To top it all off, the game features voice work from legendary late-90s voice actors (including Akira Kamiya and Sh? Hayami) and a roaring soundtrack with original recordings by classic anime theme artists like Hironobu Kageyama and Isao Sasaki.

    Launching Everywhere July 16!

    Whether you want to challenge the movie-style boss rush mode, unlock alternate timeline scenarios, or just blast through the campaign, the definitive version of 70s-style Robot Anime Geppy-X lands on July 16, 2026.

    You can grab it next week on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, the Microsoft Store, and PC via Steam.

    Are you ready to defend Earth? Let us know in the comments below which Geppy form you’ll be maining!

    Find out more here

    #GeppyX #BlissBrain #RetroGaming #MechaAnime #SuperRobot #GamingNews #Shmup #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #Xbox #Steam

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

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

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

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

    What is Arkheron?

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

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

    What’s New Since Steam Next Fest?

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

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

    How to Get Into the Beta

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

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

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • One Life, No Respawns: Sword Art Online’s Echoes of Aincrad Drops Brutal “Death Game Mode” Trailer

    One Life, No Respawns: Sword Art Online’s Echoes of Aincrad Drops Brutal “Death Game Mode” Trailer

    If you’ve ever watched Sword Art Online and thought, “Yeah, I could totally survive a 100-floor floating castle where dying in the game means game over,” Bandai Namco is about to call your bluff.

    With Echoes of Aincrad launching on 10th July 2026 (PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S), a brand-new trailer has just dropped, showcasing the highly anticipated Death Game Mode. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a brutal, high-stakes permadeath challenge designed to replicate the original, unforgiving premise of the anime.

    Check out everything we know from the trailer and the community’s reaction below.

    Risk Your Reality: How Death Game Mode Works

    The brief one-minute trailer treats us to intense real-time combat sequences, flashing weapon models (including some seriously sleek greatswords and daggers), and a look at the colossal dungeons players will have to conquer.

    But the real talking point is the mechanics of the mode itself:

    • True Permadeath: If your custom avatar dies even once, your save file is completely, permanently deleted. There is no recovery button, no backup, and no second chances.
    • Four Difficulty Levels: You can choose to play this high-stakes mode across any difficulty setting, ranging from Story to Very Hard.
    • Fresh Starts Only: You cannot carry over save data from the recent demo to start a Death Game run. It must be a completely clean slate.

    Aimer provides the roaring theme song, “Live to Survive,” which honestly feels like a mandatory mantra for anyone brave enough to toggle this mode on.

    The Controversy: Paying Premium for the “Authentic” Experience?

    While the RPG community is no stranger to hardcore permadeath modes—think Diablo or World of Warcraft—the trailer has sparked a fair bit of debate across Reddit and social channels. Why? Because of how Bandai Namco is gating the feature.

    How to Unlock Death Game Mode:

    • Standard Edition: You must beat the main campaign normally at least once to unlock the mode.
    • Deluxe / Ultimate Editions: Includes the “Early Unlock” feature, letting you experience the permadeath thrill from your very first playthrough.

    Many purists are arguing that since the “no-respawn” rule is the entire identity of Sword Art Online, locking the day-one experience behind the higher-tier price points (£74.99+) feels like a bit of a low blow. That said, if you buy the base game, you can technically just manually delete your save file if you die on your first run to replicate the stress. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

    Final Verdict

    Echoes of Aincrad looks to be a refreshing change of pace for the franchise, finally stepping away from Kirito’s shadow to let players craft their own legends, customise gear, and master complex partner-driven action combat.

    Whether you play it safe on a standard run or dive headfirst into the digital meat grinder of Death Game Mode, the floating castle is waiting.

    Echoes of Aincrad launches worldwide on July 10, 2026. Are you going to risk your save file on day one? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here

    #EchoesOfAincrad #SwordArtOnline #SAO #GamingNews #BandaiNamco #DeathGameMode #Permadeath #JRPG #Xbox #PS5 #Steam #TechMash

  • Autumn Vibes Incoming: Exploring Minecraft’s New Dappled Forest Biome

    Autumn Vibes Incoming: Exploring Minecraft’s New Dappled Forest Biome

    Grab your compasses and pack your gear, fellow Crafters! Mojang has just officially pulled back the curtain on its latest ecosystem, and it is an absolute dream for anyone who loves cosy aesthetics and fresh building materials. Move over, Pale Garden—it’s time to step into the warm, sunlit expanse of the Dappled Forest.

    Currently rolling out in Java Snapshots and Bedrock Preview/Beta versions, this new biome brings an autumn-inspired, burnished aesthetic to the Overworld. Here is everything you need to know about Minecraft’s latest wilderness drop!

    A Vibrant Autumn Aesthetic

    Found bordering colder biomes, the Dappled Forest stands out immediately thanks to its rich, seasonal colour palette. The star of the show here is the brand-new Poplar Tree. Unlike standard trees, Poplars generate with three gorgeous, distinct leaf variations:

    • Red Poplar Leaves
    • Orange Poplar Leaves
    • Yellow Poplar Leaves

    Walking through the forest, you’ll even notice matching falling leaf particles drifting from the canopy, fully immersing you in that crisp, autumn atmosphere.

    New Blocks, Warm Grey Wood, and Long-Awaited Wool Slabs!

    For the builders in the community, this drop is a massive win. Chopping down Poplar trees grants you a brand-new warm grey wood set, perfect for adding subtle contrast to your rustic builds.

    But that’s not all. The Dappled Forest also introduces:

    • Shelf Mushrooms: These new fungi grow right on the sides of living and fallen Poplar trees. They come in small and large variants (which have a slight, bed-like bounciness when stepped on!) and can be used to whip up suspicious stews.
    • Red Shrubs: A new decorative plant block to add a pop of colour to your gardens.
    • Wool Slabs & Wool Stairs: Yes, you read that right! Mojang has finally answered our prayers, introducing full stair and slab variants for all 16 colours of wool. Cosy interior design just got a serious upgrade.

    Loot and Lore: The Abandoned Camps

    The wilderness feels a little more lived-in with the addition of the Abandoned Camp structure. While these camps can spawn across various biomes (like Meadows and Taigas) with customised regional designs, the Dappled Forest variant is uniquely atmospheric.

    Survival Tip: Scout out these camps to find barrels and chests filled with loot, but more importantly, look for the new Straw Bed and Cushions.

    The Cushion allows you to finally sit down properly anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, the Straw Bed (crafted from hay bales) serves as a brilliant one-time-use survival tool: it lets you sleep through the night without resetting your spawn point. Just keep in mind, it breaks after one use!

    The Verdict

    The Dappled Forest is a wonderfully safe, incredibly cosy addition to Minecraft’s universe. It may not feature a terrifying new boss, but it delivers exactly what sandbox players and builders love: atmosphere, gorgeous new block palettes, and excellent quality-of-life items.

    Have you explored the Dappled Forest in the latest snapshot yet? What are you planning to build with the new warm grey Poplar wood? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Minecraft #GamingNews #DappledForest #Mojang #MinecraftUpdate #CozyGaming #TechMash #PCGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch

  • Robospiders Assemble! Wall World 2 Completes Current-Gen Console Rollout with Xbox Series X|S Release

    Robospiders Assemble! Wall World 2 Completes Current-Gen Console Rollout with Xbox Series X|S Release

    Independent developer and publisher Alawar has officially announced that Wall World 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S, completing its highly anticipated current-generation console rollout. Following its previous launches on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, the addictive mining roguelite sequel can now be played across all major modern hardware platforms.

    If you loved the unique blend of vertical exploration, resource management, and frantic tower defence in the 2023 original, it’s time to hop back into your giant mechanical spider and scale the mysterious Wall once again.

    What is Wall World 2?

    For the uninitiated, Wall World 2 tasks players with piloting a heavily armed robospider across an endless, vertical world. The gameplay loops shift between two thrilling phases:

    • Deep-Dive Mining: Leave your mobile base in your upgraded exosuit to burrow into procedurally generated depths, searching for valuable resources, strange anomalies, and lost technological blueprints.
    • Tactical Defence: Race back to the surface before the timer hits zero to fend off aggressive, relentless waves of hostile, nightmarish creatures aiming to tear your robospider apart.

    What’s New in the Sequel?

    Wall World 2 doesn’t just re-tread old ground—it digs significantly deeper.

    • Expanded Biomes: Navigate through entirely new, ever-changing environments filled with unique weather conditions and secrets.
    • Deeper Progression: Customise both your personal exosuit and your massive mobile battle station with an array of new weapons, automated turrets, and gadgets.
    • Unravel the Lore: Meet strange new characters in the sphere city and piece together what truly lies on the other side of the Wall’s unseen depths.

    Platform Availability Note: Along with the native Xbox Series X|S version, Xbox gamers can also take advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere support, allowing cross-progression and cross-buy functionality between Xbox consoles and PC.

    Whether you’re a returning pilot or a newcomer looking for a fresh, atmospheric tactical roguelite to sink your teeth into, Wall World 2 is officially ready for deployment on your Xbox dashboard.

    Wall World 2 is available to purchase right now on the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, and Steam.

    Find out more here

    #WallWorld2 #Alawar #XboxSeriesX #Xbox #GamingNews #IndieGames #Roguelite #XboxPlayAnywhere #TechMash #Gaming #ConsoleGaming

  • Shhh… It’s Console Time! Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence Lands on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    Shhh… It’s Console Time! Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence Lands on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    If you’ve been craving a bite-sized, atmospheric mystery that throws it back to the golden age of 90s graphic adventures, it’s time to put your sleuthing hat on.

    Following a successful stint on PC, developer Making Enemies and publisher DevilishGames have officially brought their dark, pixel-art point-and-click thriller, Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence, to consoles!

    You can now unravel the secrets of the abbey on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

    What is Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence?

    The game puts you in the shoes of William, a young and impulsively curious writer desperate for a brilliant plot to kickstart his literary career. His hunt for inspiration leads him to a secluded, moody island monastery.

    Once known for its beautiful, echoing choirs, the abbey has fallen completely silent. Following the mysterious madness of its former abbot, the monks have taken a strict, permanent vow of silence. But what starts as a quiet retreat for William quickly spirals into something much darker. Beneath the cold stone walls lies a disturbing secret that was never meant to see the light of day.

    Check out the eerie vibe in the official trailer below:

    Why You Should Play It

    • 90s Retro Vibe: Built using the PowerQuest engine, it embraces detailed, moody 2D pixel art and inventory-based environmental puzzles that feel straight out of a classic LucasArts or Sierra title.
    • A Focused, Intense Experience: No filler here. The game is designed as a short, punchy narrative adventure lasting between 1 to 3 hours—perfect for a single, atmospheric evening of gaming.
    • Immersive Audio: Since the monks won’t talk to you, the narrative relies heavily on a haunting, orchestral soundtrack composed by Antonio Vozmediano.
    • Multi-Language Support: Playable in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Catalan, Basque, and Galician.

    Whether you want to solve puzzles on the go with the Nintendo Switch or enjoy the gloomy landscapes on your next-gen setup, this indie gem is well worth your time. Grab your copy on your preferred console store today and break the silence!

    Find out more here

    #ScholarAdventure #MysteryOfSilence #IndieGames #PointAndClick #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #DevilishGames #MakingEnemies #GamingNews #TechMash

  • The Great Clash Awaits: NEXON Unveils Season 4, Massive 2026 Roadmap, and 2nd Anniversary Rewards for The First Descendant

    The Great Clash Awaits: NEXON Unveils Season 4, Massive 2026 Roadmap, and 2nd Anniversary Rewards for The First Descendant

    Looter-shooter fans, it’s time to gear up. To celebrate the second anniversary of The First Descendant, NEXON and the development team hosted Descendant Fest 2026. The packed livestream dropped a massive payload of content announcements, including the Season 4 World Premiere Trailer, a highly ambitious H2 2026 Roadmap, a transparent Creator Roundtable, and an anniversary infographic showcasing the game’s staggering growth over the past two years.

    If you missed the stream, don’t worry—we’ve broken down all the major highlights that will define the game for the rest of 2026.

    Season 4 Premiere: “The Great Clash”

    NEXON kicked things off with the world premiere trailer for Season 4, titled The Great Clash. Arriving on August 20, 2026, the narrative brings the ongoing war with the Vulgus to a cinematic head. A colossal Vulgus warship has appeared directly over Albion, leading to an all-out assault and the long-awaited showdown between the Descendants and the primary villain, Karel.

    The H2 2026 Roadmap: Dungeons, Weapons, and PvEvP

    The developers laid out a comprehensive release schedule for the second half of 2026, targeting endgame depth, character progression, and entirely new ways to play:

    • July 15 Update: Intercept Battles are getting a major overhaul. Hard Difficulty and Void Abyss modes will merge into a single tiered system, topped off with a new pinnacle challenge: Void Intercept Battle: Extreme.
    • August 20 (Season 4 launch): The introduction of Mega Dungeons, massive interactive instances featuring multiple bosses and the cinematic climax against Karel. An ultra-hard, time-limited Conquest Mode and ranking leaderboard will launch two weeks later. August also introduces Trial Mode (an escalating power-fantasy survival run) and the Transcendent Weapon System, launching with 11 core-building weapons designed for long-term farming.
    • September 17 Update: The fan-favourite sniper Ultimate Hailey joins the roster alongside two unique Ultimate Skill Modules. Players will also get to explore the Cradle of Evolution, a dungeon built on highly randomised elements to keep repeated farming runs fresh.
    • November Update: Introduces the Henosis Sanctuary dungeon and a brand-new Descendant named Monet.
    • December Update: The game’s very first asymmetric 3v3 PvEvP mode, Colosseum-A. Two factions will compete to eliminate Vulgus forces while actively sabotaging each other, complete with the ability to temporarily transform into a giant Colossus to crush the opposition. Ultimate Jayber will also round out the year.

    Meet the New Descendant: Raven

    Stealing the spotlight for the August update is Raven, the charismatic former boss of an Albion back-alley guild. Her combat style is built around high-mobility action, utilising instantaneous repositioning, devastating close-range shotgun blasts, and the unique ability to summon a Raven Form to fight by her side. Lore enthusiasts take note: she is heavily tied to Viessa’s backstory.

    Creator Roundtable & 2nd Anniversary Infographic

    NEXON utilised the event to emphasise community transparency. The Creator Roundtable brought developers, directors, and community managers face-to-face with content creators to directly address player feedback regarding weapon balancing, grind progression, and upcoming quality-of-life adjustments.

    To mark two years live, the team released a 2nd Anniversary Infographic documenting the community’s collective milestones—tracking total hours played, total missions completed, the most-used weapons, and the most popular Descendants. Players can also log on to the official site to check out their own personalised yearly stats.

    Anniversary Events & Loot Are Live Now

    The second-anniversary celebration is officially underway in-game and runs for approximately two weeks. Players can access the 2nd Anniversary Token Shop to cash in gameplay rewards for brand-new customisation items, returning 1st-anniversary cosmetics, and the highly anticipated debut of the Transcendent Alignment Device.

    Additionally, final voting for the player Skin Design Contest runs from July 6 through July 20, and physical merch collectors can now pre-order newly announced figures, including a Nendoroid Bunny and Figma Valby, through August 31.

    With a definitive end to the Karel story arc, a weapon progression overhaul, and a bold jump into asymmetric PvEvP, the latter half of 2026 looks to be the most transformative era for The First Descendant yet.

    What are you most excited for in the H2 2026 roadmap? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TheFirstDescendant #DescendantFest2026 #Nexon #LooterShooter #GamingNews #Season4 #TheGreatClash #UltimateHailey #ColosseumA #PCGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #TechMash #Gaming

  • Plug In and Power Up: Innovative Roguelike ‘HYPERWIRED’ Launches Today on PC and Consoles!

    Plug In and Power Up: Innovative Roguelike ‘HYPERWIRED’ Launches Today on PC and Consoles!

    Indie gaming fans, it’s time to clear your schedules. If you’ve been looking for a fresh, adrenaline-pumping challenge to test your reflexes and spatial awareness, your next obsession has officially arrived.

    Developer SIDRALGAMES, alongside co-publishers Selecta Play and Entalto Publishing, are thrilled to announce that HYPERWIRED is out TODAY! This highly anticipated 2D action roguelike space shooter is available right now across Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, and Xbox.

    Check out the chaotic action in the official trailer below, check out the game on Steam, and dive into the media assets via the press kit link:

      Survive the Void on a Leash: The Ultimate Risk-Reward Mechanic

      HYPERWIRED separates itself from the crowded bullet-hell genre with a brilliant, high-voltage gameplay twist: your ship is physically tethered by a power cable to an energy source.

      In a galaxy plunged into total darkness, your life support and weaponry are entirely dependent on Space Sockets scattered throughout the procedurally generated sectors.

      • The Catch: To recharge your energy and unleash maximum firepower, you must plug in.
      • The Danger: The moment you are tethered, your movement is restricted by the length of your cable.

      This creates a frantic, gripping risk-and-reward dynamic. Do you stay anchored to keep your mega-lasers firing while dodging incoming enemy swarms? Or do you unplug, sacrifice firepower, and scramble for safety?

      Game Features at a Glance

      • Deep Build Customisation: Pick up batteries to discover over 250+ bullet modifier combinations and hunt down chips for temporary upgrades.
      • Permanent Progression: Choose from more than 40 permanent ship upgrades, allowing you to optimise your recharge times, boost firepower, or permanently extend your cable length.
      • A Fleet to Choose From: Unlock and pilot 10+ unique ships, each tailored to different playstyles—from heavy-hitting stealth builds to fast skirmishers.
      • Rescue an Army: Save stranded pilots lost in the void and watch them join the fray to fight right alongside you.
      • Elite Boss Battles: Test your skills against screen-filling, monstrous bosses at the end of every galaxy.
      • Futuristic Slow-Mo System: Feeling overwhelmed by the bullet hell? Activate your ship’s reality-bending slow-motion system to dodge the impossible. Kill enemies to juice it back up!

      Beautifully Retro, Unapologetically Fast

      Wrapped in a gorgeous 2D pixel-art style and driven by an intense synthwave-infused soundtrack, HYPERWIRED perfectly captures that classic retro arcade adrenaline while offering modern roguelite depth.

      Whether you’re playing on the couch with your PlayStation or Xbox, taking the chaos on the go with the Nintendo Switch, or aiming for the leaderboards on PC via Steam, HYPERWIRED is ready to push your gaming skills to the absolute limit.

      Don’t get stranded in the void. Grab your copy today, plug in, and master the breach!

      Find out more here

      #Hyperwired #IndieGames #Roguelike #GamingNews #Steam #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation #Xbox #SIDRALGAMES #SelectaPlay #EntaltoPublishing #BulletHell #SciFiGaming

    • Cast a Line! Cosy Camper Adventure ‘Outbound’ Drops Its Massive Free Fishing Update Across All Platforms

      Cast a Line! Cosy Camper Adventure ‘Outbound’ Drops Its Massive Free Fishing Update Across All Platforms

      If your dream road trip involves parking a highly customizable, solar-powered camper van next to a peaceful lake and shutting out the noise of the world, we have some fantastic news for you.

      Developers Square Glade Games and publisher Silver Lining Interactive have officially released the first major content update for Outbound, their smash-hit cosy open-world exploration adventure. The highly anticipated Fishing Update is officially OUT NOW as a free download across all platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and next-gen Switch consoles!

      Check out what’s waiting for you on the open road below.

      Reel in the Good Vibes: What’s New?

      Following an incredibly successful launch in May that welcomed over a quarter of a million players, this free expansion expands on the game’s laid-back, sustainable rhythm without adding any unnecessary stress. Here is what you can expect when you boot up the update:

      • A Robust Fishing Ecosystem: You can now craft three distinct tiers of fishing rods to cast your line across the game’s colourful biomes. There are 32 unique, collectable fish species waiting to be discovered in the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
      • Build Your Own Aquarium: Caught an absolute beauty? Don’t worry about survival meters—the team specified that fish aren’t for food! Instead, you can craft 4 different types of Fish Tanks to display your prize catches right inside your mobile home.
      • Expanded Camper Customisation: Take your interior design to the next level. The update introduces 6 buildable sets of stairs (perfect for creating multi-level camper layouts) and 4 buildable doors so you can finally partition your van into cosy, private rooms.
      • New Spots to Explore: Keep an eye out for newly added fisherman’s huts and cabins scattered across the maps to kickstart your angling journey and track down your new blueprints.

      Whether you are exploring the utopian wilderness completely solo or embarking on an off-grid road trip with up to three friends in online co-op, this update gives you the perfect excuse to park up, slow down, and enjoy the scenery.

      Available Now!

      The Outbound Fishing Update is a completely free automatic download. You can jump right back into your existing save file or start a fresh journey to experience the new mechanics from scratch.

      Pack your bags, upgrade your solar panels, and get ready to catch ’em all from the comfort of your rooftop tent. See you on the road!

      Are you playing Outbound solo or in co-op? What does your dream camper van setup look like? Let us know in the comments below!

      Find out more here

      #Outbound #CozyGaming #IndieGames #SquareGladeGames #SilverLiningInteractive #GamingNews #CoopGaming #CamperLife #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #Steam

    • Ready to Rock? Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands Melts Faces on Consoles Today!

      Ready to Rock? Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands Melts Faces on Consoles Today!

      Gamers and music lovers, grab your instrument of choice and secure your battle jackets. The wait is finally over! Five Houses LLC and creator Dan Martin have officially dropped their critically acclaimed, hilariously bizarre music-based RPG, Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands, onto consoles.

      As of today, you can dive headfirst into this rhythmic chaos on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S for just $19.99 USD.

      If you’ve been looking for a turn-based RPG that trades generic health potions for a warm cup of “Barry Friendly’s Tea” and replaces traditional lockpicks with violently kicking down doors, your highly specific wish has been granted.

      Check out the chaotic energy waiting for you in the console launch announcement below:

      Defeat Your Foes With the Power of… Slapping a Bass?

      Originally finding massive success on PC (where it boasts an incredible 98% positive review rating on Steam), Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands follows Faye, Ian, and Briff. This trio of absolute goofball, dysfunctional musicians unknowingly enters a cursed battle of the bands contest where contestants have to fight to the death using the power of music.

      What follows is a 15-to-20-hour campaign packed to the brim with sharp humour, hand-drawn frame-by-frame animations, and unforgettable dungeons—including one where you literally crowdsurf through an entire arena.

      Why You Need to Play It

      • The “Measure Effects” Combat System: This isn’t your standard, slow turn-based JRPG. Deathbulge uses a unique combat system that blends real-time decision-making with turn-based strategy. What you do between turns alters the rhythm and flow of battle.
      • 9 Musical Classes: Customise your crew with roles like the supportive Busker or the high-risk, high-reward Headbanger, complete with distinct outfits that show up in every single dialogue portrait and cutscene.
      • Say Goodbye to Inventory Management: Instead of stocking up on 99 healing items, you collect Merch. Once you have a piece of merch, it’s yours forever—it simply uses “Stock,” a global, refillable resource.
      • A Truly Alive World: Meet over 120 unique NPCs with dialogue that adapts as you progress through the game. Oh, and singing fish are a vital part of the main narrative. Naturally.
      • Perks You Can Wear: Sew patches of band logos directly onto your Battle Jacket to gain tactical advantages in combat.

      Whether you want to chill on the couch with your PlayStation or Xbox, or take the musical anarchy on the go with the Nintendo Switch, Deathbulge: Battle of the Bands is an absolute must-play indie gem.

      Are you ready to join the band? Grab your copy on your favourite console store today for $19.99 USD!

      Find out more here

      #Deathbulge #BattleOfTheBands #FiveHousesLLC #IndieGames #RPG #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #GamingNews #TechMash

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

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

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

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

      Dive Into the Deep: The First-Ever Amphibious Map

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

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

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

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

      New Hero, Transforming Weapon, and Extraction Mode

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

      Ye Xiu & The Kaleidoscope Parasol

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

      Stormchant Extraction Map

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

      Massive “GIVE ME FIVE” Free Rewards

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

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

      A Glimpse into Naraka’s Future

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

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

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

      Find out more here

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