TECHMASH

Tag: #Xbox

  • 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

    • Shhh… ‘Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence’ Brings its Dark Secrets to Consoles on July 3

      Shhh… ‘Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence’ Brings its Dark Secrets to Consoles on July 3

      If you are a fan of retro aesthetics, creeping suspense, and the golden age of 90s point-and-click gaming, you are in for a treat this summer. Publisher DevilishGames and developer Making Enemies have officially announced that their atmospheric indie hit, Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence, is breaking its PC boundaries and heading to major consoles on July 3.

      Whether you play on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S, you will soon be able to dive into this bite-sized psychological mystery from the comfort of your couch.

      Check out what to expect from this haunting narrative journey below!

      Uncover the Secrets of a Silent Abbey

      In this first instalment of the Scholar Adventure series, players step into the shoes of William, a young and impulsively curious writer desperate for a brilliant premise to launch his debut novel. His quest for literary inspiration leads him to a secluded, rocky island housing a remote monastery.

      Once a place filled with beautiful songs of worship, the abbey has been plunged into total hush after its former abbot went mad and imposed a strict, absolute vow of silence on all the monks. What starts as a peaceful retreat for William quickly spirals into a dark, unsettling investigation. Within these cold stone walls lies a deeply buried secret—one that was never meant to be uncovered.

      Retro Vibes and Dark Humour

      Scholar Adventure: Mystery of Silence is a love letter to the classic graphic adventures of the 1990s. The game beautifully blends:

      • Atmospheric Pixel Art: Detailed, gloomy environments that perfectly capture a sense of isolation and dread under a full moon.
      • Intricate Soundscapes: A solemn, orchestral soundtrack composed by Antonio Vozmediano that fills the void of the unvoiced characters.
      • Classic Gameplay: A sleek, intuitive one-click interface featuring environmental and inventory-based puzzles, complete with a unique “ear” icon to listen in on the abbey’s hidden echoes.
      • Focused Storytelling: With a tight runtime of roughly 1 to 3 hours, it delivers a punchy, highly immersive narrative experience with touches of black humour and multiple endings.

      Available for Pre-order and Wishlist Now!

      Following its initial successful launch on Steam, the team is thrilled to bring this eerie short story to a wider audience, laying down the groundwork for future entries in the Scholar Adventure universe.

      The countdown to July 3 is on! You can already wishlist the game right now on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop, or lock in your pre-order via the Microsoft Store. Will you break the vow of silence to find the truth?

      Find out more here

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

    • Master the Elements: Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Pre-Orders Are Officially Live!

      Master the Elements: Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Pre-Orders Are Officially Live!

      Big news out of EVO! Gameplay Group International and Paramount Games Studio, in collaboration with Avatar Studios, have officially dropped the announcement fans have been waiting for: global pre-orders for AVATAR LEGENDS™: The Fighting Game are now officially live!

      If you have ever wanted to settle the ultimate “who would win” debate between a master airbender and a high-tier firebender using frame data and rollback netcode, your time has come.

      Whether you play on console or PC, the gates to the Four Nations are officially open for early entry:

      • PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: Digital copies are available for pre-order right now directly on the PlayStation®Store and Microsoft Store.
      • PC Players: You can secure your pre-purchase immediately on Steam.

      What to Expect: Expressive Bending Meets Competitive Footsies

      Avatar Legends™: The Fighting Game isn’t just a casual cash-in; it’s a beautifully realised, fast-paced 1v1 2D anime fighter. Boasting over 900 frames of gorgeous, hand-drawn animation per character, the game perfectly honours the aesthetic roots of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.

      Built for both casual fans and hardened EVO veterans, it features a star-studded 12-character launch roster, unique support-character mechanics (yes, you can call in Appa or Momo for an assist), a brand-new canon story mode, and—crucially for the fighting game community—proprietary rollback netcode with full cross-play support at launch.

      Pre-Order Bonuses: Gold Skins and Early Beta Access

      Securing your copy early doesn’t just show your hype—it grants some massive elemental perks:

      • Closed Beta Access: Pre-ordering guarantees your ticket into the upcoming Closed Beta, running from July 2nd to July 5th.
      • Exclusive Cosmetics: Unlock striking gold colour variants for Aang, Korra, Zuko, Katara, Toph, and Sokka.
      • The Ultimate Support Skin: Snag the exclusive Samurai Appa support character skin.

      Go Deluxe for the Year 1 Pass & Community Vote: Players who opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition will receive a digital artbook, the official soundtrack, unique HUDs, and the Year 1 Pass. The pass includes Bolin, Ty Lee, Lin Beifong, and Uncle Iroh.

      Better yet, Deluxe pre-orders grant exclusive access to a Community Vote later this summer to choose the final Year 1 DLC character from a powerhouse shortlist: Amon, Kuvira, King Bumi, Asami, or Tenzin.

      Release Dates and Pricing

      Mark your calendars because the hype train moves fast. AVATAR LEGENDS™: The Fighting Game officially launches digitally on July 23, 2026, for $29.99 / £24.99 (Standard Edition).

      For the collectors out there, a physical edition published by PM Studios is slated to arrive later this year, alongside a highly anticipated Nintendo Switch release.

      Head over to your platform’s storefront, lock in your pre-order, and prepare to master the elements!

      Which character are you maining on day one? Let us know in the comments below!

      Find out more here

      #AvatarLegends #TheFightingGame #EVO2026 #AvatarTheLastAirbender #LegendOfKorra #FGC #GamingNews #PreOrderNow #Steam #PlayStation #Xbox