Biznooz

Category: Games Design

  • Unmasking the Truth: The Massive New Game Plus Update for Verho – Curse of Faces

    Unmasking the Truth: The Massive New Game Plus Update for Verho – Curse of Faces

    Greetings, travellers of Yariv. If you thought you had finally escaped the suffocating grip of the Curse of Faces, think again. Developer Kasur Games has just dropped (as of January 30, 2026) the most substantial update to the game since its launch.

    Whether you’re a veteran mask-wearer or a curious newcomer, there has never been a better—or more dangerous—time to descend into the abyss. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest changes.

    The Big One: New Game Plus is Here

    For those who have already uncovered the mystery of the curse and reached the end of their journey, the challenge is far from over. The headline of this update is the official introduction of New Game Plus (NG+).

    • Ramping Difficulty: Expect tougher encounters and smarter enemies as you loop back through the world of Yariv with your hard-earned gear.
    • New Content: NG+ isn’t just a stat boost; the update introduces new mini-bosses and enemy types specifically designed to test endgame builds.
    • Fresh Arsenal: To help you survive the increased lethality, Kasur Games has added a wide selection of new spells and weapon variants.

    Major Gameplay Overhauls & QoL

    Beyond the endgame, the base game has received a massive sweep of “quality of life” improvements and balance shifts:

    • The “Last Area” Remake: The final segment of the game has been significantly reworked. Expect new shortcuts, paths, and better balancing to ensure the climax feels as rewarding as it is gruelling.
    • Midnight Sickle Rework: One of the game’s more iconic weapons has been overhauled to feel “more special,” giving it a unique identity compared to standard blades.
    • Inventory Management: A long-requested player chest has been added to the Nameless Village, finally allowing you to store your treasures without deleting them forever.
    • Technical Tweaks: The FOV slider now goes up to 110, and for those seeking that perfect 90s nostalgia, the CRT Filter Mode has been refined to ensure the UI (like the compass) stays perfectly aligned.

    Accessibility and Localisation

    The developers are clearly looking to expand the community in 2026. This update brings full Japanese localisation, following the recent addition of Portuguese (Brazil) and an overhaul of the Polish translation.

    Additionally, if you’ve been on the fence about the $19.99 price tag, a brand-new playable demo is now available on Steam and GOG, giving you a taste of the atmospheric, King’s Field-inspired combat before you commit to the mask.

    Pro Tip: Check the Nameless Village for a new Grave—it now tracks your total death count starting from this patch. It’s a grim reminder of just how much Yariv has taken from you.

    Verho – Curse of Faces continues to prove that the “Neo-Retro” PS1 aesthetic is more than just a gimmick; it’s a gateway to a deeply atmospheric, punishing RPG experience.

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

    #VerhoCurseofFaces #fantasy #RPG #demogame #Steam

    #KasurGames #CobraTekkuGames #PC #Steam #GoG #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Scrap Metal and Shooting Stars: Why TerraTech Legion is Your Next Obsession

    Scrap Metal and Shooting Stars: Why TerraTech Legion is Your Next Obsession

    If you’ve ever looked at a pile of LEGOs and thought, “This really needs a chainsaw and a railgun,” then Payload Studios has been reading your dream journal.

    Enter TerraTech Legion, the latest spin-off in the beloved TerraTech universe. But don’t let the familiar blocky aesthetic fool you; this isn’t the slow-burn sandbox exploration you’re used to. Legion takes the franchise’s signature modular building and throws it into the chaotic, adrenaline-fueled blender of the Bullet Heaven (Survivor-like) genre.

    1. Build Your Own Boss-Slayer

    The “survivor” genre is currently crowded with heroes holding swords and wands. TerraTech Legion swaps the fantasy tropes for high-octane engineering.

    As you mow down waves of rogue AI bots, you don’t just pick “Level Up” perks—you pick blocks.

    • Weaponry: Bolt on everything from basic machine guns to orbital lasers and massive drills.
    • Mobility: Choose between agile wheels for kiting or heavy treads for tanking.
    • Physics Matter: Where you place a block affects your centre of mass and turning speed. Build a top-heavy tower of guns, and you might find yourself flipping over more than firing.

    2. The Loop: Scraps to Riches

    The game puts you in the boots of Jean Pierre “JP” Grandier, a Heavy Rig operator tasked with cleaning up “Legion” corruption across the galaxy.

    FeatureDescription
    The HordesFight thousands of AI-driven bots that want to assimilate your tech.
    The BossesEncounter “Planetary Overlords”—massive mechs that guard factory outposts.
    Meta-ProgressionUse collected resources to unlock new corporations like GeoCorp (Heavy) or Venture (Fast).
    BiomesBattle through techno-organic nightmares and hazardous terrains that change how you drive.

    3. Why It Feels Different

    In most Bullet Heavens, your character is a fixed hitbox. In Legion, your vehicle is a living, breathing machine that you can rebuild on the fly at Upgrade Pods.

    If you realise your current build is too slow to dodge a boss’s electric orbs, you can strip away heavy armour and slap on boosters. It’s a tactical layer of “combat-engineering” that most games in this genre lack.

    “Payload has taken that building idea and put it into a survivor-like… It’s exactly what the genre is all about: becoming overpowered to the point it becomes otherworldly stupid.” — Early Preview Sentiment

    Release Status: When Can You Play?

    As of January 2026, TerraTech Legion is currently slated for a full release later this year on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store).

    The good news? You don’t have to wait to get your hands dirty. A playable demo is currently available on Steam, which has already garnered praise for its performance on the Steam Deck (averaging a solid 30–60 FPS even with hundreds of enemies on screen).

    Final Verdict

    If you enjoy the “just one more run” loop of Vampire Survivors but want the creative satisfaction of building a giant, laser-shooting monster truck, TerraTech Legion is hitting all the right notes.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/3u4O1

    #TerraTechLegion #steam #fps #cyberneticmachines #HeavyRigoperator

    #PayloadStudios #Mythwright #monstertrucks #demogame #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Virtual Hunter launching on PlayStation and Meta in March

    Virtual Hunter launching on PlayStation and Meta in March

    If you’re looking for a VR experience that prioritises patience over twitch reflexes, Virtual Hunter is the definitive choice for the modern digital woodsman. Developed by the Finnish studio Korpi Games, it has officially transitioned from a PC VR favourite to a multi-platform powerhouse.

    The Ultimate VR Stalking Sim

    Unlike arcade-style shooters, Virtual Hunter is a slow-burning simulation. It places you in a massive, $64\text{ km}^2$ open world where animal behaviour is driven by sight, sound, and even scent.

    Key Features:

    • Hyper-Realistic Ballistics: Master complex weapon handling with rifles, shotguns, and bows. Gravity and wind aren’t just suggestions; they are your biggest obstacles.
    • The Hunt Together: While solo play is incredibly zen, the game supports up to 6-player co-op. You can strategise a drive with friends or just hike through the wilderness together.
    • World-Class Trophy Lodge: The “free-placement” system is widely considered the best in the genre. You don’t just click a menu; you physically place your mounts and poses throughout your lodge to tell your own hunting stories.
    • Deep Immersion: A full day-night cycle and dynamic weather system mean a hunt at dawn feels—and plays—completely differently than one at dusk.

    Availability & Launch News

    After a successful full release on Steam in early 2025, the game is expanding its reach.

    Mark your calendars: Virtual Hunter is officially launching on PlayStation VR2 and Meta Quest on March 25, 2026.

    The console version promises to utilise the PS VR2’s haptics for even more tactile feedback when pulling a trigger or tracking through a brush.

    Find out more here – https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10015055 or https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/virtual-hunter/10039970526115789/

    #VR #vrgames #VirtualHunter #meta #playstation

    #KorpiGames #VRKiwi #huntingsimulation #psvr2 #metaquest #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Steel Century Groove is out now on Steam

    Steel Century Groove is out now on Steam

    The wait for the most unexpected genre mashup of the year is over! Developed by Sloth Gloss Games, Steel Century Groove has officially moonwalked its way onto Steam.

    Thousands of years ago, humanity built colossal war machines to stop the apocalypse. Today? Those same machines are used for the ultimate high-stakes prize: dance-battle championships.

    Key Features

    • Deep Rhythm Combat: Unlike traditional rhythm games that force a specific button for every note, Steel Century Groove lets you choose from your mech’s unique kit of battle abilities.
    • Custom Soundtracks: While the game features a bumping original soundtrack, you can import your own MP3s. The system analyses your tracks to generate custom rhythm patterns for any genre.
    • RPG Progression: Assemble a squad of “Tenzerks” (giant mechs), level them up, and equip various mods to change their playstyle.
    • Vibrant World: Explore a “post-post-apocalyptic” world featuring locations like the underwater ruins of San Francisco and neon-lit casino districts.

    The “Midnight” Prologue

    If you want to try before you buy, the developer previously released Steel Century Groove: Midnight, a free standalone mini-adventure that serves as a prologue. It’s a great way to get a feel for the “snaking” note-ribbon mechanics and the game’s quirky, witty writing.

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

    #RobotRhythm #RPG #SteelCenturyGroove #Steam #mechapilot

    #SlothGlossGames #pcgames #adventure #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Descending into the Divine: The Alighieri Circle: Dante’s Bloodline

    Descending into the Divine: The Alighieri Circle: Dante’s Bloodline

    If you thought you knew the Divine Comedy, think again. Italian developer One O One Games and publisher Entalto Publishing have just pulled back the curtain on The Alighieri Circle: Dante’s Bloodline, a first-person psychological thriller that transforms Dante’s epic poem into a modern-day nightmare of ancestral duty and spiritual dread.

    Forget the hack-and-slash action of past adaptations; this is an introspective journey where the “Inferno” isn’t just a place of fire—it’s a mirror of the protagonist’s soul.

    The Premise: A Legacy Written in Blood

    The game puts players in the shoes of Gabriele Alighieri, a man who has spent his life running from a name he never asked for. However, some legacies are inescapable. Every 33 years, the barrier between our reality and Hell grows thin. To keep the gates sealed, a member of the Alighieri bloodline must return to their ancestral home and perform “The Ritual.”

    Gameplay: Tension Over Combat

    Departing from the survival horror tropes of high-octane combat, The Alighieri Circle focuses on narrative-driven exploration and atmospheric tension.

    • The Quest for the Infernal Seal: Players must track down and reunite the lost, magical pages of the Divine Comedy to complete the ritual.
    • Thematic Puzzles: You’ll navigate esoteric riddles that are deeply tied to Gabriele’s personal traumas and fears.
    • Two Worlds: The journey oscillates between The Villa—a silent, melancholic Italian manor—and The Dive, a distorted, surreal reflection of the infernal depths.

    When Can You Play the Demo?

    For those brave enough to step into Gabriele’s shoes, the wait is short. A Steam demo is officially scheduled to launch on February 19, 2026, as part of the Steam Next Fest.

    The full game is slated for release later in 2026 and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Find out more here – https://entaltostudios.com/the-alighieri-circle/

    #TheAlighieriCircle #PsychologicalThriller #HorrorGames #IndieGame #DivineComedy

    #games #videogames #Gaming #OfficialTrailer #PCGaming #entaltostudios #ONEOONEGAMES #PC #PlayStation #Xbox

  • Trapped in the Loop: A Look at Nightmare: The Lunatic

    Trapped in the Loop: A Look at Nightmare: The Lunatic

    If you’ve ever had a dream where you’re running but your legs feel like lead, Nightmare: The Lunatic might feel a little too familiar. Developed by the Korean indie studio Maetdol Games, this 2D action roguelite has quietly built a “Very Positive” reputation on Steam for its slick combat and punishing, yet rewarding, gameplay loops.

    With a recent expansion to the Nintendo Switch and physical editions for PlayStation 5 slated for Summer 2026, it’s a perfect time to dive into why this indie title is standing out in a crowded genre.

    The Story: A Dream You Can’t Wake From

    The premise is classic roguelite: You awaken with no memory, trapped in an endless, shifting nightmare. Every death sends you back to the beginning, but you aren’t alone. You are guided by the Dream Merchant, a helpful—if slightly suspicious—merchant who has also been swallowed by the dream. Together, you must descend through surreal biomes like distorted forests and deserts to find the source of the nightmare and break the cycle.

    Key Gameplay Mechanics

    While many compare it to hits like Dead Cells or Skul: The Hero Slayer, Nightmare: The Lunatic carves out its own identity with a few standout mechanics:

    • The Three-Weapon System: Unlike most games that limit you to one or two weapons, you carry three at all times. You can swap between them instantly with the flick of a stick. This isn’t just for variety; swapping triggers unique “Switch Skills”—one weapon might deal a burst of damage when brought in, while another might hover as an automated assistant.
    • Accessible Parrying: For those of us who usually struggle with “frame-perfect” timing, this game is a breath of fresh air. Enemies provide clear visual telegraphs (a bright exclamation mark) for parry windows, making high-level defensive play feel achievable for everyone.
    • Totems & Meta-Progression: As you explore, you collect “Totems” that provide passive buffs and build-defining synergies. Between runs, you use collected currency to buy permanent upgrades and “contracts” to strengthen your base stats.

    Why It’s Worth Playing

    FeatureWhy It Works
    PacingRooms are short and rewards are frequent, keeping the “just one more run” feeling alive.
    VisualsHigh-quality pixel art with smooth animations that make the “dream-logic” environments feel alive.
    Boss DesignBosses are massive, screen-filling threats that require you to master the weapon-swapping and parry mechanics.

    The Verdict

    Nightmare: The Lunatic doesn’t reinvent the roguelite wheel, but it polishes it to a high shine. It’s an “easy to learn, hard to master” experience that rewards experimentation. While some players find the difficulty gap between regular rooms and bosses a bit steep, the satisfying “clink” of a successful parry and the flow of the triple-weapon combat make it a journey worth taking.

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

    #NightmareTheLunatic #roguelite #action #RPG #combat

    #SelectaPlay #CFK #MaetdolGames #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Killer Inn coming to Early Access in February

    Killer Inn coming to Early Access in February

    If you took the social paranoia of Among Us, mixed it with the high-stakes combat of a third-person shooter, and set it all in a gothic, blood-soaked mansion, you’d have Killer Inn. Published by Square Enix and developed by Tactic Studios, this 24-player asymmetrical action game turns the “whodunnit” genre into a high-octane battle for survival.

    The Setup: Wolves vs. Lambs

    The premise is simple but deadly. Twenty-four strangers are invited to a mysterious castle by an organisation called Astra. Once inside, players are secretly divided into two teams:

    • The Lambs (The Majority): Their goal is to survive, gather evidence at crime scenes (like hair or fingerprints), and either eliminate the killers or escape the castle by boat.
    • The Wolves (The Minority): Their mission is to blend in, sabotage the Lambs, and systematically slaughter everyone before the night ends.

    Gameplay Mechanics: No Meetings, Just Mayhem

    Unlike traditional social deduction games, where gameplay pauses for a “voting phase,” Killer Inn happens in real-time.

    • Deduction Through Force: You don’t vote people out; you take them out. If a Lamb suspects someone is a Wolf, they can attack. However, there is a catch: if a Lamb kills an innocent player, the “wrong guesser” is instantly turned to stone and removed from the game.
    • Unique Character Classes: Players can choose from over 25 characters, such as the Gamer, the Martial Artist, or the Otaku, each with specific perks like increased XP gain, stealth buffs, or better resistance to status effects.
    • Environmental Interaction: The mansion is a character itself, filled with secret passages, traps, and chests. Players must complete “mundane” quests to earn gold for better gear, armour, and weapons.
    • 3D Proximity Chat: Communication is key. The game uses positional audio, meaning you can only hear players who are physically near you—allowing for secret conspiracies in corners or desperate screams for help in the hallways.

    Release Information

    Killer Inn is scheduled to launch into Early Access on February 12, 2026, on Steam. It is an ambitious hybrid that moves away from the slow-paced logic of typical mystery games and toward a “fight-or-flight” experience where your trigger finger is just as important as your detective skills.

    Warning: Trust no one. The person helping you finish a quest might just be waiting for you to turn your back.

    Find out more here – https://www.square-enix.com/killer-inn/en-gb/

    #KillerInn #steam #multiplayer #murder #mystery #action #EarlyAccess #SQUAREENIX #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Lost Lures the fishing adventure set in Finland

    Lost Lures the fishing adventure set in Finland

    In the world of indie gaming, Lost Lures is a name that has recently surfaced as a breath of fresh air for players seeking a meditative, true-to-life experience. Developed by the Finnish studio Hatfuls Creative and published by Bonus Stage, the project was officially announced on January 27, 2026.

    Unlike traditional arcade fishing games that rely on rapid-fire clicks and high-energy “boss fights” with underwater predators, Lost Lures is built on a philosophy of patience, observation, and respect for the hobby.

    A Focus on Realism and Patience

    The core hook of Lost Lures is its rejection of instant gratification. The developers, who are avid fishermen themselves, designed the game to reflect the actual pace of fishing, where the uncertainty of the catch is part of the reward.

    Key gameplay mechanics include:

    • Environmental Sensitivity: Success isn’t about reflexes; it’s about reading the water. Weather conditions, water temperature, and the time of day directly dictate fish behaviour.
    • Strategic Decision-Making: Players must choose their gear based on the specific species they are targeting. Learning which lures work in which “spots” is central to the progression.
    • Stylised Visuals: The game features a distinct art style that emphasises the tranquillity of the great outdoors, turning each session into a “digital getaway.”

    Open Development and Community

    One of the most notable aspects of the Lost Lures journey is its open development model. From the earliest stages, Hatfuls Creative has invited the community to participate through:

    1. Early Playtests: Playable builds were made available on Steam almost immediately after the announcement to gather technical data.
    2. Feedback Loops: The developers actively use player suggestions to tune the “feel” of the reel and the AI of different fish species.
    3. Transparency: By maintaining a presence on platforms like Discord and Patreon, the team has fostered a niche but dedicated following of “virtual anglers” who value a slower, more deliberate gaming experience.

    Why It Matters

    In an era of gaming often dominated by “battle passes” and “retention loops,” Lost Lures stands out by encouraging players to simply sit still. It treats fishing not as a minigame, but as a discipline. Whether you’re a lifelong angler or someone who just enjoys the sound of virtual rain on a lake, it offers a rare opportunity to slow down and wait for the perfect strike.

    Find out more here – https://bonusstage.co/

    #LostLures #fishing #fishermen #wilderness #finland #sports #HatfulsCreative #BonusStage #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Astro Protocol launching on Steam Feb 9th

    Astro Protocol launching on Steam Feb 9th

    In the vast landscape of 4X strategy games (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate), few titles attempt to condense the epic scale of galactic empire-building into a single lunch break. Astro Protocol, developed by Finland-based Null Vector Studios, is set to do exactly that when it launches on February 9, 2026.

    Positioned as a “bite-sized” grand strategy experience, the game swaps the week-long campaigns typical of the genre for intense, tactical sessions that conclude in about 60 to 90 minutes.

    The Concept: Predicting the Future

    Unlike traditional space operas, Astro Protocol takes place within a high-stakes simulation. Six rival factions are competing within a massive modelling protocol designed to predict the future of the galaxy. The game ends at the “Great Calibration,” the moment when the simulation and reality finally converge.

    Playable Factions

    Players can choose from six major factions, each with distinct philosophies and mechanics:

    • United Tellus: A human-centric alliance focused on research and preservation.
    • Yimono Union: A digital hegemony of “ghost-forms” seeking perfect synchronisation.
    • Santri Syndicate: A shadow network of pirates and hackers intent on dismantling the protocol from within.

    Core Gameplay Mechanics

    Despite its shorter playtime, the game retains the depth of its larger peers through a “one-unit-per-tile” hex-based system.

    • Tactical Combat: Every ship’s attack profile and defence matter. Shields block initial damage but deplete, while armour provides permanent but limited reduction. Positioning is everything.
    • Procedural Research: Technology is split into three branches. In a roguelite-inspired twist, the tech options are randomised each run, ensuring you can’t rely on the same build twice.
    • Interconnected Infrastructure: Colonising a planet is just the start. You must build specialised stations adjacent to stars, gas giants, and asteroid fields to create complex production chains.
    • Anomalies: The map is littered with over a hundred unique anomalies—glitches in the simulation—that offer high-risk, high-reward choices like ancient alien vessels or forbidden tech.

    Why It Stands Out

    The biggest draw of Astro Protocol is its lack of “meta-progression.” There are no permanent stat boosts to grind for; instead, the game rewards pure mastery. You win or lose based on how well you adapt to the specific map and technologies handed to you in that hour.

    By stripping away the “slog” of the late-game and focusing on high-impact decision-making, Null Vector Studios has created a strategy game for the modern era—one that respects the player’s time without sacrificing intellectual depth.

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

    #AstroProtocol #strategy #Steam #tactical #challenge #NullVectorStudios #scifi #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Streets of Fury EX: 10 Years of Fist-Pumping Action and a Major New Update!

    Streets of Fury EX: 10 Years of Fist-Pumping Action and a Major New Update!

    It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since the side-scrolling beat ’em up phenomenon, Streets of Fury EX, first burst onto the scene, delivering a potent cocktail of over-the-top action, quirky humour, and a roster of truly unforgettable characters. Developed by the passionate team at S.O.F.T., the game quickly carved out a niche for itself, delighting fans with its retro charm and modern sensibilities.

    From its initial release, Streets of Fury EX stood out from the crowd. It wasn’t just another nostalgia trip; it was a loving homage that pushed the boundaries of the genre with its unique combat system, robust character customisation, and a surprising depth of strategy. Players revelled in the ability to chain together devastating combos, unleash special moves that defied logic, and even utilise environmental objects in their quest to clean up the titular streets. The game’s vibrant pixel art style, reminiscent of arcade classics, was given a fresh coat of paint with detailed animations and dynamic visual effects that made every punch and kick feel incredibly satisfying.

    But what truly cemented Streets of Fury EX‘s legacy was its unforgettable cast. From the stoic martial artist to the bombastic wrestler, each character brought their own distinct fighting style and personality to the fray. The game’s humour, often self-aware and always entertaining, shone through in character dialogue and hilarious enemy designs, ensuring that even after countless playthroughs, there was always something new to discover and a chuckle to be had. The cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to brawl together, fostered countless hours of shared enjoyment and friendly competition, making it a staple for gaming nights.

    Now, after 10 glorious years, S.O.F.T. is celebrating this milestone with a truly monumental update that promises to inject new life into the beloved classic! This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a significant expansion that fans have been clamouring for.

    The headline feature of this anniversary update is undoubtedly the all-new “Urban Legends” campaign. This sprawling new storyline introduces fresh challenges, intriguing new characters both playable and adversarial, and takes players to never-before-seen districts of Fury City. Prepare for even wilder enemies, more intricate boss battles, and a narrative that promises to expand the lore of Streets of Fury EX in exciting ways.

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

    #streetsoffury #streetsoffuryex #fightinggame #steam #furycity #GuardCrushGames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Aether and Iron is coming to PC this Spring

    Aether and Iron is coming to PC this Spring

    Set in an alternate, sky-high 1930s Manhattan, Aether & Iron is an upcoming narrative-driven RPG that blends gritty noir storytelling with tactical, turn-based vehicular combat. Developed by Seismic Squirrel, the game has garnered significant attention for its “decopunk” aesthetic and its pedigree of writers from franchises like Mass Effect and Far Cry.

    The Setting: A Vertical Metropolis

    In this timeline, the discovery of a mysterious substance called aether has birthed anti-gravitational technology. New York City has literally detached from the earth, evolving into a vertical metropolis where the wealthy reside in the sun-drenched skyscrapers above, while the “Lowers” struggle in the shadows of the floating foundations.

    Players take on the role of Gia Randazzo, a hard-boiled smuggler operating in the city’s seedy underbelly. After a simple job goes sideways, Gia finds herself at the centre of a conspiracy that threatens the fragile social order of the floating city.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Aether & Iron draws heavy inspiration from modern CRPGs like Disco Elysium and Baldur’s Gate 3, emphasizing player choice and skill-based checks.

    • Turn-Based Vehicular Combat: Unlike many RPGs that focus on individual character movement, a core pillar of this game is tactical car-on-car combat. Players navigate grid-based maps, using speed, positioning, and environmental hazards—like ramming enemies into oncoming traffic—to win.
    • The Hustle, Smarts, and Brass System: Character progression is tied to three core attributes that govern both dialogue and combat. Every social interaction is a potential risk, often determined by a roll of the dice.
    • Customisation & Smuggling: Your vehicle is more than just a weapon; it is your livelihood. Players can upgrade their “aether-powered” rides with flamethrowers and smoke dispensers, while also managing hidden compartments to transport contraband past city factions.
    • Consequence & “Heat”: The game features a “Heat” system that tracks your notoriety. High Heat makes social interactions more difficult, and combat encounters more frequent as law enforcement and rival gangs take notice of your actions.

    Visuals and Atmosphere

    The game features a striking hand-drawn art style inspired by 1930s Detective Comics and the Art Deco period. The atmosphere is bolstered by full voice acting and a branching narrative that offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay with roughly 16 different endings, depending on which factions you support and the alliances you forge.

    Availability

    Aether & Iron is currently slated for release in Spring 2026 on PC (Steam). If you’re eager to get a taste of the “Lowers,” a free demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to experience the opening hours of Gia’s journey.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/WP4KW

    #AetherandIron #RPG #Steam #NYC #AlternativeHistory #SeismicSquirrel #games #gaming #gamers #videogames 

  • Welcome To Mars 9 coming to PC and Nintendo Switch in 2026

    Welcome To Mars 9 coming to PC and Nintendo Switch in 2026

    A Sanctuary with a Secret

    The game follows the story of River, a lone survivor rescued from the depths of space and brought aboard Mars 9, a hyper-luxurious space station orbiting the Red Planet. Initially presented as a sanctuary and humanity’s last hope for survival, the station is a marvel of comfort, safety, and leisure.

    However, as River explores the station’s elaborate facilities, the “paradise” begins to crack. You quickly discover that the luxury of Mars 9 is built on a foundation of disturbing secrets and ethical compromises.

    Key Gameplay Features

    Welcome to Mars 9 is a classic graphic adventure at heart, focusing on atmosphere and player agency rather than high-octane action.

    • Narrative-First Design: The game is driven by dialogue and exploration. Every interaction with the station’s inhabitants reveals more about the history of the mission and the hidden costs of survival.
    • Ethical Branching: The core of the experience lies in its moral choices. Players must decide whether to enjoy the comfort of the station and turn a blind eye to its dark side, or risk their safety to uncover the truth.
    • Stunning Pixel Art: The game utilises a detailed pixel art style that captures both the sterile beauty of a luxury station and the claustrophobic, eerie nature of its hidden corridors.
    • Multiple Endings: Your decisions define the ultimate fate of the station and the future of human legacy, encouraging multiple playthroughs to see the consequences of different ethical paths.

    Release Information

    After years of development, Sonomio Games officially launched the title in 2026. It is currently available on:

    • PC (via Steam)
    • Nintendo Switch

    Why It Stands Out

    In a market saturated with Mars-themed city builders and survival sims, Welcome to Mars 9 stands out by focusing on the human psychological element. It asks a haunting question: What are you willing to sacrifice for a perfect life? It’s a must-play for fans of philosophical sci-fi like The Invincible or classic adventure games where your “moral compass” is the most important tool in your inventory.

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

    #WelcomeToMars9 #mars #scifi #spacestation #sonomiogames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames