BIZNOOZ

Category: Games

  • Go Deeper — MOLE: Endless Salvation Free Update Descends October 26

    Go Deeper — MOLE: Endless Salvation Free Update Descends October 26

    The drill is turning again. Off Black Creations and publisher Oro Interactive have announced MOLE: Endless Salvation, a substantial, completely free update arriving on Steam, October 26, 2026 — bringing an endless survival mode and new story chapters to the atmospheric psychological horror that has earned a rare 97% positive rating on Steam.

    Endless Descent — How Far Can You Go Before Everything Fails?

    The headline addition is Endless Descent, a relentless replayable survival mode built around one unforgiving premise: keep your colossal drilling machine operational as you push into ever more hostile depths.

    • Manage critical systems — power, hydraulics, cooling, and structural integrity all degrade the deeper you go
    • Escalating danger — every new layer brings harsher conditions, unexpected failures, and encounters that test both your machine and your resolve
    • Procedural progression — no two runs are identical. New threats, system failures, and resource challenges keep you guessing
    • Compete for depth — track your furthest descent and see how you stack up against other navigators

    It’s a stark shift from the narrative focus of the base game — stripped back, mechanical, and designed to be replayed until you either master the drill or it consumes you.

    The Story Continues — What Lies Beneath

    The update also expands MOLE’s haunting narrative, revealing more about the world above and the unsettling forces pulling you downward.

    “Pilot the MOLE, a monstrous post-war drilling machine built to descend deep below the Slavic soil. Fix failing systems, follow voices of the dead, and pray you can survive whatever is sharing your coffin.”

    — MOLE Official Description

    New logs, deeper mysteries, and answers to lingering questions await those who have already completed the main journey. The update promises to cast fresh light on the fate of the crew, the origin of the Signal, and the true nature of what lies at the bottom.

    Acclaimed Below Ground

    Since launching in June 2026, MOLE has emerged as one of the year’s most celebrated indie horror titles:

    MilestoneDetail
    Steam Rating97% Positive (nearly 4,000 reviews)
    RecognitionPraised by Bloody Disgusting, Jacksepticeye, and horror critics
    StyleAnalogue horror meets tactile machine simulation — cassette interfaces, hand-operated levers, and crumbling retro-futurism
    PriceBase game $12.99 — Endless Salvation is FREE to all owners

    Update Details

    DetailInfo
    Release Date26 October 2026
    PlatformSteam (PC) — also available on GOG
    PriceFree update for all MOLE owners
    Base Game[MOLE on Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4064510/MOLE/)
    New TrailerReleased alongside the announcement — see the drill in action

    The Deeper You Go, the Darker It Gets

    Whether you’re returning to uncover the next chapter of the story or pushing your machine to the breaking point in Endless Descent, October 26 invites you back into the dark.

    The Signal is growing stronger. Keep drilling.

    More Info: MOLE Endless Salvation

    #MOLE #EndlessSalvation #OffBlackCreations #OroInteractive #HorrorGame #Biznooz #PsychologicalHorror #IndieHorror #FreeUpdate #SurvivalMode #Steam #PCGaming #Dystopian #October2026

  • Trust No One — 4 Penny Coffins Launches Free Demo as Steam Next Fest Begins

    Trust No One — 4 Penny Coffins Launches Free Demo as Steam Next Fest Begins

    The fog is rolling in over Whitechapel — and the killer is already among us. Other Ocean Interactive and Other Ocean Group have officially kicked off their Steam Next Fest participation, making the free 4 Penny Coffins demo available starting today at 1pm ET, running through October 26, 2026. The full game follows just days later, launching October 27 — perfectly timed for Halloween.

    One Killer. Up to Seven Investigators. No Way to Know Who’s Lying.

    Set in the fog-shrouded streets of 1888 London, 4 Penny Coffins reimagines social deduction with a sharp investigative edge:

    • One player is the Ripper — a demonic murderer who can tamper with evidence, bribe witnesses, plant false clues, and frame others. Every tool you use to find the truth can be twisted to hide it
    • Up to seven others hunt them down — gathering evidence, cross-referencing alibis, questioning suspects, and voting on who to convict
    • Solo Magistrate Mode included — face the mystery alone, no friends required
    • Three-phase rounds — The Ripper strikes → The team investigates → The group debates and votes. No endless shouting — every match reaches a verdict

    “Trust is fragile. Evidence can be faked. And time is not on your side.”

    Play the Demo Now — Next Fest: Oct 19–26

    The free demo is live right now via the Steam store page

    DetailInfo
    Play Here[store.steampowered.com/app/3274710/4_Penny_Coffins](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3274710/4_Penny_Coffins/)
    WhenNow → 26 Oct 2026
    Full Release27 Oct 2026
    Players1–8 (online)
    LanguagesEnglish, French, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish (Latin America)
    WishlistClick the button on the store page to get launch alerts

    From the Makers of Project Winter

    Other Ocean Interactive brings proven expertise in social deception — their earlier hit Project Winter built a loyal following around trust, betrayal, and survival. 4 Penny Coffins evolves that formula, replacing blizzard survival with Victorian horror and pure investigative deduction. The game has already drawn attention at gamescom 2026 and earned praise for its tense, atmospheric take on the genre.

    Someone Will Hang. Make Sure It Isn’t You.

    It’s a game where the clues don’t speak for themselves — they can be planted, altered, or entirely fabricated. Where the most convincing argument might be the most dangerous lie. And where catching a killer means seeing past what you want to believe.

    Download the demo today, wishlist the game, and enter the fog. The truth is out there — but so is the Ripper.

    More Info: 4 Penny Coffins

    #4PennyCoffins #OtherOcean #SteamNextFest #SocialDeduction #DetectiveGame #MysteryGame #HorrorGame #Multiplayer #PCGaming #Steam #HalloweenGaming #ProjectWinter #BizNooz

  • Solve the Mystery — Hope in the City Drops Enhanced Demo for Steam Next Fest

    Solve the Mystery — Hope in the City Drops Enhanced Demo for Steam Next Fest

    A missing family. A city holding secrets. And one young artist determined to uncover the truth. Lofty Sky and co-publisher NAGA Publishing have officially launched a brand-new, updated demo of Hope in the City — live now on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest, running 19–26 October 2026.

    The Story — She’s No Detective. She’s the Only One Who Cares.

    You step into the shoes of Hope Song, 17, who returns home to find her apartment ransacked and both parents gone. The authorities aren’t rushing to help. The neighbours are watching in silence. So Hope takes matters into her own hands — not with a badge, but with her sketchbook.

    “On the surface, it’s just home: familiar streets, quiet neighbours, ordinary life. But beneath the quiet, something is hidden.”

    Set across the neon-lit streets and quiet corners of Shenyang, Northeast China, this narrative mystery unfolds through her eyes. You sketch clues, piece together timelines, and turn observations into evidence — all while realising the mystery runs deeper and darker than a simple disappearance.

    Two Ways to Play — Story or Detective

    The updated demo introduces two distinct modes, letting you shape the experience:

    ModeExperience
    Story ModeRelaxed, guided exploration — focus on the narrative and characters without getting stuck
    Detective ModeSharper challenges — clues are harder to spot, connections take more work, and every detail matters

    The demo also brings:

    • Improved camera movement and smoother controls within Hope’s apartment
    • Five-language support: English (fully voiced), Simplified Chinese, new Traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
    • A full round of polish and bug fixes

    Release Details

    DetailInfo
    Demo LiveNow → 26 October 2026 (Steam Next Fest)
    Full Release11 November 2026 (delayed one day — see note below)
    PlatformsSteam (PC), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC — available day one on Xbox Game Pass
    Wishlist & Demo[Hope in the City Steam Store Page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3610790/)

    Note on the release date shift: The game moved from 10 to 11 November 2026 — a deliberate change timed to coincide with the Golden Joystick Awards in London, where the team has a special announcement planned.

    Already Turning Heads

    This is the next project from the team behind Sky of Tides (GDC 2026 Best in Play Winner) and Eternal Spring (Peabody Award-nominated). Hope in the City itself has already earned recognition as a Gamescom Dev Awards nominee and a finalist for Excellence in Narrative at the 2026 Busan Indie Connect Festival.

    The Truth Is Waiting to Be Drawn

    It’s a deeply personal story about family, trust, and finding your voice when the world stays silent. Whether you want to soak in the atmosphere or hunt down every hidden detail, the demo is your first step into Hope’s city.

    Play the demo now on Steam, wishlist the game, and join Hope as she uncovers what happened. The truth is in the sketchbook — are you ready to find it?

    More Info: Hope In The City

    #HopeInTheCity #LoftySky #NAGAPublishing #SteamNextFest #NarrativeGame #MysteryGame #IndieDev #Shenyang #Xbox #XboxGamePass #PCGaming #GamingNews #November2026 #Techmash

  • Haunt in Style — HorrorVale: Deadluxe Edition Arrives October 31 on All Consoles, Packed with New Content

    Haunt in Style — HorrorVale: Deadluxe Edition Arrives October 31 on All Consoles, Packed with New Content

    Halloween just got a massive upgrade.

    Indie studio Telesphore has announced that HorrorVale: Deadluxe Edition — the definitive version of the beloved monster-filled RPG — launches October 31, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. This isn’t just a port: it’s a full-blown overhaul with new quests, characters, areas, and a stunning visual refresh, all arriving on the spookiest day of the year.

    Welcome Back to HorrorVale

    HorrorVale first won hearts on PC as a charming, retro-styled RPG where you play as Alma, a young witch who sets out to uncover the truth behind a mysterious disappearance in her monster-inhabiting hometown. The game blends classic turn-based combat, a colourful cast of undead and supernatural allies, and a delightfully spooky-but-wholesome tone — equal parts EarthBound, Undertale, and every monster movie you ever loved as a kid.

    The Deadluxe Edition builds on that foundation with enough new material to feel like a fresh adventure, even for returning players.

    What’s New in Deadluxe?

    This edition is packed with upgrades across the board:

    • Enhanced Visuals — completely redrawn character sprites, richer backgrounds, improved lighting and effects, and widescreen support that makes the world feel bigger and more alive than ever
    • New Story Chapters — untold tales from the valley, including side quests that dive deeper into your party members’ backstories and a mysterious new thread that unfolds after the main campaign
    • New Playable Characters — recruit additional monsters to your team, each with unique abilities, combat styles, and personal arcs
    • Explorable New Areas — venture into previously unseen corners of the valley, from a mist-shrouded cemetery district to a sprawling underground market where creatures trade in rare and curious goods
    • Rebalanced Combat — refined encounters, new skills and combos, and optional difficulty settings so everyone from casual explorers to tactical masters can enjoy the ride
    • Audio Remaster — remixed and expanded soundtrack, plus improved sound design that brings every creak, cackle, and cheer to life

    Monster Friends, Big Hearts

    At its core, HorrorVale is about community — and finding courage in the most unexpected places. Your party includes a friendly werewolf, a dapper skeleton, a shy ghost, and more — each with their own quirks, fears, and strengths. The Deadluxe Edition deepens those bonds with expanded dialogue, character-specific side stories, and moments that will make you laugh and care even more.

    Combat is turn-based with a twist: timing-based inputs boost your attacks and reduce damage, keeping every encounter engaging without slowing the story down. Build your team, mix and match abilities, and turn every battle into a chance to show off your monster squad’s best moves.

    Release Details

    • Launch: October 31, 2026 — Halloween Day
    • Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)
    • Pricing: Special launch discount available during the first week
    • Physical Edition: Limited-run physical releases for consoles are also in the works — full details coming soon
    • Existing PC Owners: Eligible for a discounted upgrade path to the Deadluxe Edition

    The Valley Awaits

    Whether you’re returning to check out the new chapters or visiting for the very first time, October 31 is your invitation to move in. Alma and the whole gang are ready — and they’ve saved a spot for you.

    Wishlist HorrorVale: Deadluxe Edition on your platform of choice now, and get ready to celebrate Halloween the monster way.

    More Info: Horror Vale

    #HorrorVale #DeadluxeEdition #Telesphore #IndieRPG #MonsterGame #Halloween2026 #ConsoleRelease #Biznooz #TurnBasedRPG #GamingNews #SpookySeason

  • Skill, Trade, Conquer — Wildercrown Rises as RuneScape-Inspired MMO Drops New Trailer

    Skill, Trade, Conquer — Wildercrown Rises as RuneScape-Inspired MMO Drops New Trailer

    For anyone who’s ever loved the grind, the craft, and the community of a true sandbox MMO — there’s a new world on the horizon.

    Toronto-based independent studio Talk Alice Labs has announced a brand-new 90-second reveal trailer for Wildercrown, its highly anticipated fantasy MMO inspired by the beloved design philosophy of RuneScape. The trailer premieres October 17, 2026 at 1 p.m. EDT / 17:00 UTC, offering the clearest look yet at a world built for adventurers, crafters, merchants, and explorers alike. The game is bound for Windows via Steam, with mobile versions planned further down the line — and the Kickstarter pre-launch page is open now for followers to track progress and be first to know when funding goes live.

    A World Built on Your Ambition

    Wildercrown begins with a promise familiar to millions: your character starts with little more than a willingness to learn. From there, the path is entirely yours:

    • 15 Distinct Skills — gather resources, master professions, forge gear, and unlock powerful abilities. Whether you prefer mining, magic, combat, or commerce, every level advances your standing
    • Quests & Dungeon Combat — venture beyond the safety of civilisation to face ancient foes, uncover forgotten lore, and claim treasures that only courage can secure
    • In-Game Stock Market — manage a portfolio across 50 fictional companies, study market charts, place orders, and build wealth through trade and foresight. It’s a whole new way to play — and profit — without ever drawing a sword
    • Home & Heritage — planned features include player housing, pets, mounts, and even early motorcars, blending medieval fantasy with industrial-era invention

    From City Streets to Wild Frontiers

    The new trailer follows an adventurer’s journey outward — from the bustling streets of the capital into the untamed lands beyond. It’s a showcase of the game’s core philosophy: there is no single “right” way to progress. Some will forge their fortunes in the marketplace; others will explore the deepest dungeons; a few might do both. The world is designed to reward every style of play.

    Kickstarter Coming — Follow Today

    Talk Alice Labs is building Wildercrown with community at its foundation:

    • Kickstarter pre-launch page live — follow now to receive instant alerts when the campaign launches, including early-bird tiers and exclusive backer rewards
    • Windows prototype in active development — featuring skills, gathering, crafting, quests, and dungeon combat
    • Mobile versions confirmed for later — bringing the same full-featured experience to players on the go
    • Steam store page coming soon — wishlist notification details to follow

    For the Love of the Living World

    Wildercrown is being crafted by a team that understands what makes MMOs endure: meaningful progress, genuine community, and a world that feels alive because players shape it. It’s not about rushing to an endgame — it’s about the journey, the friends made along the way, and the mark you leave on the realm.

    Watch the trailer premiere on October 17 at 17:00 UTC, follow the Kickstarter pre-launch page, and prepare to claim your place in Wildercrown. The crown is waiting.

    More Info: Wildercrown

    #Wildercrown #TalkAliceLabs #MMO #RuneScape #IndieGame #Kickstarter #Fantasy #GamingNews #PCGaming #ComingSoon #Biznooz

  • Wings of Friendship — My Penguin Friend Takes Flight in World Premiere Reveal

    Wings of Friendship — My Penguin Friend Takes Flight in World Premiere Reveal

    Some friendships defy distance, size, and even species.

    Cardiff-based indie studio Good Gate Media has officially unveiled the world premiere trailer for My Penguin Friend during the Galaxies Autumn Showcase — a warm, witty, and deeply emotional puzzle-adventure inspired by one of the most extraordinary true stories of our time. Landing on Steam in Q2 2027, this is one journey you won’t want to miss.

    A Storm, a Shore, and an Unlikely Bond

    You play as Dindim — a plucky little penguin swept far from home by a fierce storm. Washed ashore on Ilha Grande, a tropical island off the Brazilian coast, he finds himself stranded in a world built for creatures with hands, not flippers. Exhausted and alone, he is rescued by João, a quiet fisherman who nurses him back to health — and in doing so, discovers a companion who will change his life forever.

    What begins as a search for the way home becomes something far greater: a story of connection, care, and seeing the world through new eyes. It’s inspired by the real-life bond between a Magellanic penguin and a Brazilian fisherman — a friendship so powerful that the bird returned to visit his human friend every year, swimming thousands of miles across the open ocean.

    See the World From Two Feet Off the Ground

    My Penguin Friend invites you to experience a familiar world from a delightfully unfamiliar perspective:

    • Become a Penguin Puzzler — drag debris, shift obstacles, and turn everyday objects into tools. Nothing is designed for flippers, so everything demands creativity
    • Explore Ilha Grande — waddle across sun-drenched beaches, dive into vibrant waters, scramble up coastal cliffs, and wander through a village where every doorway, chair, and table is toweringly out of reach
    • More Than a Game — woven into the adventure are gentle, meaningful themes of environmental care and climate awareness, reflecting the real-world challenges facing our oceans and wildlife
    • A Complete Journey — expect a rich, heartfelt 6–10 hour experience crafted in Unreal Engine 5, brimming with charm, beauty, and moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll

    Splash, Squawk, Peck… and Poop

    This isn’t just about being small — it’s about using what you’ve got:

    • Waddle, swim, and dive across land and sea
    • Peck at things that look interesting (or edible)
    • Slide, slip, and tumble with delightfully playful physics
    • Yes — use every tool in the penguin handbook, including the one that clears paths and startles seagulls alike

    Think Untitled Goose Game with a softer heart, Journey with flippers, and a story all its own — equal parts mischief and wonder.

    From Acclaimed Storytellers

    Good Gate Media is the studio behind Five Dates and Ten Dates — the celebrated interactive romantic comedies that proved the team knows how to craft genuine, human connection. Now they turn their talents to a tale that crosses species lines, bringing the same warmth, nuance, and emotional depth to a very different kind of story.

    “This story touched our hearts deeply. It’s about how much we need each other — human and animal alike — and how far a little friendship can carry you.” — Good Gate Media

    Wishlist Now — Dindim Is Waiting

    • Platform: PC via Steam
    • Release: Q2 2027
    • Store page live now — add to your wishlist to be notified the moment it arrives
    • World premiere trailer available to watch via the Galaxies Autumn Showcase

    The Ocean Is Wide — But Friendship Is Wider

    My Penguin Friend isn’t just about finding your way home. It’s about realising that home can be somewhere — or someone — you never expected. It’s about how one small creature can make a world of difference.

    Watch the trailer, wishlist the game, and prepare to meet Dindim. He’s already on his way.

    More Info: My Penguin Friend

    #MyPenguinFriend #GoodGateMedia #GalaxiesShowcase #IndieGame #Adventure #PuzzleGame #WholesomeGaming #Environmental #TrueStory #Coming2027 #Biznooz

  • Sterling Steps Into the Void — Starfinder: Afterlight Demo Expands with James Alexander Showcase

    Sterling Steps Into the Void — Starfinder: Afterlight Demo Expands with James Alexander Showcase

    Epictellers Entertainment has dropped a major update for the Starfinder: Afterlight Steam demo just ahead of Steam Next Fest — and alongside fresh combat, polish, and quality-of-life improvements, the studio has premiered a special gameplay video featuring none other than James Alexander, the prolific voice actor behind the game’s sharp-shooting, quick-witted crewmate Sterling, taking the demo for a spin himself.

    James Alexander — From the Booth to the Bridge

    Best known to gamers worldwide for his extensive work across blockbuster franchises — including Baldur’s Gate III, Transformers: Cyberworld, Crimson Desert, and Brawl Stars — Birmingham-born James Alexander lends his vocal talents to Sterling, one of the core companions in Starfinder: Afterlight. In the newly released video, he sits down to play through the demo, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective: hearing the character you’ve helped create come to life in the player’s hands.

    “Sterling is equal parts sharp reflexes and dry wit — the kind of crewmate you want watching your back, even if he won’t stop making quips while doing it,” Alexander says. “Getting to play the game alongside him for the first time was surreal, and seeing how players will bond with the crew is something I’m really excited about.”

    What’s New in the Updated Demo?

    The expanded demo, timed perfectly for Steam Next Fest, delivers a richer, more polished slice of this science-fantasy CRPG based on Paizo’s beloved tabletop universe:

    • More combat options — expanded tactical encounters, additional abilities for all three playable classes (Soldier, Envoy, Operative), and refined turn-based systems
    • Performance upgrades — smoother frame rates, optimised loading, and improved stability across all hardware
    • Quality-of-life refinements — reworked UI, clearer tutorials, and faster access to crew management and dialogue logs
    • Deepened narrative beats — extended interactions with key characters, including Sterling, giving players an earlier taste of the game’s relationship and loyalty systems

    The demo opens with a cinematic introduction, lets players choose from three Level 1 classes, and carries through the prologue aboard the Moon of Misfortune — where the tone, stakes, and personalities of your future crew first take shape.

    A Galaxy in the Making — Early Access Pushed to Early 2027

    Epictellers also confirmed that Starfinder: Afterlight will now enter Early Access in Early 2027, a short delay from the original timeline designed to give the team time to refine the experience with community feedback shaping development. The Early Access period is projected to last roughly one year, concluding with full release in Q4 2027.

    • Act 1 will be complete at Early Access launch
    • Ongoing updates will expand the galaxy, companions, and mechanics throughout development
    • Community input remains central — players can join the official Discord to influence balance, features, and story direction

    Ready to Join the Crew?

    The updated demo is available to download right now from the Starfinder: Afterlight Steam Store Page. Wishlist the game to be notified the moment Early Access launches, and watch James Alexander’s gameplay video to see Sterling — and the galaxy — in action.

    The captain is missing. The crew is untested. And the Pact Worlds are waiting. Will you answer the call?

    #StarfinderAfterlight #EpictellersEntertainment #JamesAlexander #Sterling #SteamNextFest #CRPG #SciFiRPG #Paizo #IndieGame #VoiceActing #PCGaming #Biznooz

  • Before the Curse — Psychic Software Unveils The Lich Wars, Gothic Prequel to The Necromancer’s Tale

    Before the Curse — Psychic Software Unveils The Lich Wars, Gothic Prequel to The Necromancer’s Tale

    Independent studio Psychic Software has officially announced The Lich Wars — a story-rich Gothic RPG that blends branching interactive fiction with deep role-playing skills and narrative-driven combat. Serving as a fully stand-alone prequel to the studio’s critically acclaimed CRPG The Necromancer’s Tale, the game invites players to witness the century-old conflict that shaped the dark world fans know — and newcomers will discover for the very first time. A reveal trailer is available to watch now.

    A Kingdom’s Fall — Spanning Thirty Years

    Set in the alternative-history kingdom of Rulsthen, a fictional realm nestled near 18th-century Venice, The Lich Wars casts you as a recruit in the elite Rychva Musketeers — a career that will unfold across nearly 30 years of service. From 1700 to 1728, you rise through the ranks, fight in two devastating wars of the undead, and watch as necromancy — once a forbidden secret — slowly poisons the minds of the living and the fate of the nation.

    What begins as a campaign to defend borders evolves into something far darker: the very magic used to win battles unravels the kingdom from within. Factions form, loyalties fracture, and a terrible figure rises to claim the throne. Every decision you make doesn’t just change your personal story — it rewrites the history of Rulsthen itself.

    Three Pillars of Narrative Depth

    Interactive Fiction — 300,000 Words of Branching Story

    The game is built around hand-crafted prose totalling roughly 300,000 words — a sprawling narrative where choices carry weight across decades. Your character ages, relationships deepen or fracture, and consequences unfold slowly: a decision made as a young recruit may return to haunt you as a seasoned commander.

    Nine RPG Skills — Shape Who You Are

    Progress through a skill system covering physical, social, and intellectual attributes:

    • Strength, Agility, Endurance
    • Charisma, Authority, Empathy
    • Reasoning, Scholarship, Perception

    Skill checks resolve critical moments — from talking a mutinous squad back into line to detecting a necromancer’s coded message — and the way you build your character opens entirely different paths through the story.

    Prose-Driven Combat — Duels, Fleets, and Fields of Battle

    Combat isn’t just hack-and-slash — it’s narrated conflict shaped by your skills and choices:

    • Duels — precision clashes where psychology matters as much as swordplay
    • Naval engagements — command ships and make tactical calls that determine the fate of coastlines
    • Large-scale battles — lead troops across fields where the dead don’t always stay fallen

    Critical hit tables and variable outcomes keep encounters tense, while your character’s traits and past experiences influence how fights unfold.

    Stand-Alone Prequel — No Homework Required

    While The Lich Wars is deeply connected to The Necromancer’s Tale, it has been designed as a complete, independent experience:

    • New players can step in without prior knowledge — this is the origin story of Rulsthen’s corruption
    • Returning fans will encounter beloved figures in their younger years, witnessing events only hinted at in the original game’s prologue
    • Play in any order — both games stand alone; each enriches the other

    The Necromancer’s Tale earned widespread praise upon release, securing three awards at the Imirt Irish Games Awards 2026, including Best Overall Storytelling, with a narrative exceeding 400,000 words. The Lich Wars carries that legacy forward, expanding the universe rather than simply retreading it.

    Watch the Reveal & Wishlist Today

    The reveal trailer is live now alongside the game’s Steam store page. While a release date has not yet been confirmed, The Lich Wars is in development for PC via Steam. Add it to your wishlist to be notified the moment more details arrive.

    The lich’s shadow stretches long — but here, you decide how it falls.

    More Info: The Lich Wars

    #TheLichWars #PsychicSoftware #TheNecromancersTale #GothicRPG #CRPG #IndieDev #NarrativeGame #InteractiveFiction #Steam #PCGaming #Biznooz

  • Beyond the Deck — Tangleroots Unveils Starmax, the Sci-Fi Bag-Building Roguelike, Coming in 2027

    Beyond the Deck — Tangleroots Unveils Starmax, the Sci-Fi Bag-Building Roguelike, Coming in 2027

    Tangleroots, the independent studio based in Sweden, has officially pulled back the curtain on Starmax — an inventive sci-fi roguelike that reimagines the deck-building genre by trading cards for tokens and decks for bags. The game is set to arrive on Steam for Windows and macOS in 2027, with the announcement trailer and Steam store page live right now.

    A New Way to Build — From Deck to Bag

    At its core, Starmax takes the familiar blueprint of a roguelike builder and turns it inside out. Instead of shuffling cards from a deck, you draw tokens from a bag — physical, tangible resources that double as workers, fighters, cargo, and fuel. Every turn you reach in, pull out what the galaxy gives you, and make the most of it.

    • Shape your bag — boost, destroy, discover, and produce tokens to curate exactly what you draw
    • Build your base — research blueprints, construct facilities, and chain buildings into powerful engines
    • Two systems, one strategy — your bag and base don’t exist in isolation; tokens activate buildings and buildings modify tokens
    • Ship cargo to win — gather valuable resources and launch them off-planet before your defences are overwhelmed

    Three Factions, Three Distinct Styles

    No two runs feel the same — and neither do three playable starting paths:

    FactionPhilosophySignature Strength
    The FoundryIndustry & stabilityConsistent production, heavy manufacturing, sturdy defences
    The WanderersDiscovery & adaptabilityToken manipulation, high risk/high reward, exploration bonuses
    The CovenantSynergy & recursionLooping effects, repeated value, building chains that never stop

    Each faction comes with its own unique starting bag, exclusive buildings, and specialised playstyle — so whether you prefer brute force, clever combos, or calculated risk, there’s a way to play that fits.

    Planetside — Danger and Discovery Await

    Your base sits on a hostile, procedurally generated world. Explore beyond your walls and you’ll encounter:

    • Deserts, tundras, and jungles — each biome with distinct creatures, resources, and environmental hazards
    • Evolving threats — the longer you stay, the more aggressive the planet becomes; you must balance expansion with a ticking clock
    • Scavenge & ship — rare materials lie in dangerous zones; collect them, protect them, and launch cargo to secure your victory
    • Roguelike progression — unlock permanent upgrades, new tokens, and advanced blueprints that persist across every run

    From Sweden, With Strategy

    Tangleroots, known for thoughtful mechanics and clean, inviting design, is self-publishing Starmax. The team describes the game as “a builder where luck is something you engineer — you can’t control what you draw, but you absolutely can control what goes into the bag in the first place.”

    Price and system requirements have not yet been announced.

    Wishlist Today

    The Starmax Steam page is live right now — watch the trailer, explore the screenshots, and add it to your wishlist to be notified the moment it launches in 2027.

    Ready to reach into the bag and see what the stars have in store?

    More Info: Starmax

    #Starmax #Tangleroots #BagBuilder #Roguelike #StrategyGame #IndieDev #SciFiGame #SteamRelease #PCGaming #MacGaming #Biznooz

  • Chaos, Clash & Coin — Billion Dollar Brawl Blends Pinball Physics, Hack-and-Slash, and Retro Cartoon Energy

    Chaos, Clash & Coin — Billion Dollar Brawl Blends Pinball Physics, Hack-and-Slash, and Retro Cartoon Energy

    Imagine a world where every swing of your weapon sends enemies ricocheting like silver balls down a tilted playfield. Where racking up combos is just as vital as dealing damage. Where the humour is sharp, the visuals pop, and the entire city is gunning for the same nine-figure payout. That is the wild, weird, and wonderfully chaotic premise behind the newly unveiled Billion Dollar Brawl — a deranged hack-and-slash RPG that turns combat into a high-score race through a metropolis falling apart at the seams.

    A City on the Edge — and a Prize Within Reach

    The stage is Vanguard Spire: a once-glimmering vertical metropolis now cracking, crumbling, and slowly sliding into ruin. Its billionaire founder has vanished — but not before leaving behind one final, irresistible promise: $1 billion in cold hard cash to whoever reaches the top and claims it first.

    You are one contender among thousands. Mercenaries, misfits, monsters, and madmen — every soul in the city has the same goal. From the gritty alleyways at the base to the penthouse perches near the peak, everyone is fighting, scrambling, and slashing their way toward the same jackpot. There are no allies, only temporary distractions — and the finish line is always in sight, if you can survive the climb.

    Combat That Hits Like a Pinball Table

    Where most hack-and-slash games focus on damage numbers or loot drops, Billion Dollar Brawl treats every encounter like a high-energy pinball match:

    • Ricochet Mechanics — Strike an enemy hard enough and they go flying, bouncing off walls, pillars, and other foes to deal splash damage and trigger chain reactions
    • Combo Scoring — String hits together without missing to multiply your score. Higher multipliers unlock temporary stat boosts, special moves, and rarer loot
    • Environmental Hazards — Shattering windows, collapsing floors, and swinging girders become weapons themselves. Send opponents into traps and watch the points pile up
    • Fluid, Fast-Paced Flow — No lengthy animations or pauses. Every attack feels snappy, responsive, and designed to keep you moving and hitting

    It creates a combat loop that feels familiar yet utterly distinct: part Diablo, part classic pinball arcade, and 100% unhinged.

    Retro Vibes, Ruined World

    The aesthetic leans hard into that early-2000s cartoon attitude — bold outlines, saturated colours, exaggerated expressions, and dialogue that refuses to take anything too seriously. Think edgy Saturday morning series meets underground comic book: the characters are loud, cocky, and constantly cracking wise, even as the city crumbles around them.

    This tone isn’t just window dressing — it shapes the entire experience:

    • Expressive Character Design — Each contender has a distinct silhouette and over-the-top personality
    • Snappy, Sarcastic Dialogue — Quips fly as fast as fists. Enemies taunt you mid-fight; your own character has plenty to say right back
    • High-Octane Soundtrack — Upbeat rock and electronic tracks keep the tempo high as you climb
    • Visual Storytelling — Districts change character as you ascend, from neon-drenched slums to gilded corporate towers, each with its own look, feel, and cast of colourful opponents

    Build Your Brawler, Chase Your Fortune

    Beyond the bedlam lies genuine depth. As you fight upward:

    • Customise Your Fighting Style — Choose weapons, perks, and special moves that alter how you launch enemies and build combos
    • Rise in Rank — Higher scores earn better gear, unlock new zones, and draw deadlier rivals
    • Climb the Leaderboards — Compare your best runs, highest multipliers, and fastest ascents against players worldwide
    • Uncover the Spire’s Secrets — Ruins hide clues about what really happened to the founder — and whether the billion-dollar prize is even real

    Every run is a mix of skill, chaos, and split-second decision-making. One great ricochet can turn a losing fight into a record-breaking score. One mistake can send you tumbling back down the board.

    Ready to Make Your Billions?

    Billion Dollar Brawl is shaping up to be one of the most idiosyncratic releases in a crowded genre — equal parts nostalgia trip, physics experiment, and unapologetic power fantasy. It asks one simple question: in a city tearing itself apart for a single prize, will you be the one to cash in?

    Wishlist announcements and release window details are expected in the coming weeks — keep your eyes on the leaderboard, and your finger on the trigger.

    More Info: Billion Dollar Brawl

    #BillionDollarBrawl #HackAndSlash #PinballRPG #IndieGame #RetroStyle #GamingNews #ChaosCombat #ScoreChaser #BIZNOOZ

  • Forge Forward — Northern Forge Studios Unveils Orna Classic, Balor, and Convergence Update in Showcase Spectacular

    Forge Forward — Northern Forge Studios Unveils Orna Classic, Balor, and Convergence Update in Showcase Spectacular

    Canadian independent game developer Northern Forge Studios has pulled back the curtain on the next era of its rapidly expanding RPG universe during Forge Forward — the studio’s very first digital games showcase. The packed event delivered a triple-threat of announcements: the surprise immediate launch of a beloved classic experience, the world premiere of an all-new IP, and details on a landmark multiplayer update that will transform two of the studio’s biggest titles.

    Surprise Drop — Orna Classic Launches Today

    The biggest cheer of the night came right out of the gate: Orna Classic is available now. This standalone release returns players to the earliest, most cherished form of Orna: the GPS RPG, recreating the gameplay, balance, and feel of the game as it existed in its most celebrated early days.

    Crafted with long-time fans at heart, Orna Classic strips away years of additions to deliver the pure, streamlined adventure that first hooked players. It’s a chance to relive the magic — or experience the beginning for the very first time — free from the complexity that naturally grows alongside a living RPG. Whether you’re an original tester or a newer arrival, Classic offers a fresh, nostalgic path through the world of Aethric.

    All-New Reveal — Balor: Dungeons, Creatures, and Collection

    Forge Forward also premiered Balor, the next major franchise entry — an entirely standalone dungeon crawler and creature collector built from the ground up by Northern Forge.

    Venturing into deep, procedurally generated labyrinths, players will:

    • Explore twisting dungeons filled with ancient secrets and formidable foes
    • Capture, train, and evolve dozens of unique creatures
    • Build strategic parties to tackle increasingly challenging encounters
    • Uncover the mystery behind the shadowy figure the game is named after

    Balor expands the Northern Forge universe into entirely new territory — blending the deep lore fans love with gameplay mechanics never before seen in the series. Further details including platforms and release window are expected in the coming months.

    Patch 4.0: Convergence — Worlds Come Together

    Perhaps the most ambitious undertaking unveiled is Patch 4.0: Convergence, a sweeping multiplayer-focused update heading to both Orna: the GPS RPG and Hero of Aethric. Convergence reimagines how players connect, cooperate, and adventure across the entire Ornaverse.

    Key highlights include:

    For Orna: the GPS RPG

    • Completely reworked Kingdom system — nine shared weekly quests, contribution leaderboards, expanded stats, and animated custom banners
    • Crusades — an all-new cooperative PvE mode where parties of up to six Kingdom members tackle themed encounters for exclusive rewards
    • Kingdom Realms — customizable shared spaces that bring your community together like never before

    For Hero of Aethric

    • Social Towns — see other players moving in real time, interact, use emotes, and form parties right in town hubs
    • Overhauled chat — reactions, replies, and improved navigation
    • Redesigned Archpaths — more flexible progression that lets you advance at your own pace
    • Fresh UI and settings across the board

    Convergence is slated to enter open beta soon, with a full release following after community testing and refinement.

    Building a Living Universe

    Taken together, these announcements signal a bold new chapter for Northern Forge Studios — one where they honour their roots with Orna Classic, explore new frontiers with Balor, and strengthen the foundation of their existing community with Convergence.

    “Forge Forward wasn’t just about showing what’s next — it was about showing that we value where we came from, where we’re going, and everyone travelling with us,” said the studio in a closing statement. “The Ornaverse is growing, and you’re invited to every corner of it.”

    Orna Classic is available now. Balor is coming soon. Convergence is on the horizon. The adventure continues — in more ways than one.

    More Info: Northern Forge Studios

    #NorthernForgeStudios #ForgeForward #OrnaRPG #OrnaClassic #BalorGame #HeroOfAethric #Convergence #IndieDev #RPG #MobileGaming #CanadianGames #Techmash

  • From Rags to Riches — Picker Magnate Simulator Lets You Build a Resale Empire, Demo Out Now

    From Rags to Riches — Picker Magnate Simulator Lets You Build a Resale Empire, Demo Out Now

    Ever dreamed of spotting a hidden gem in a pile of discarded goods, restoring it, and turning a tidy profit? That satisfying thrill of the find is the heart of Picker Magnate Simulator, the upcoming single-player business game from indie developer S-Grade Games — and a free playable demo is available right now on Steam.

    Start Small, Dream Big

    You won’t begin with a fancy storefront or a warehouse full of stock. Your journey starts where every great reseller begins: a humble market stall. From there, every decision is yours to make:

    • Source your stock — buy bulk lots, hunt auctions, or scour for one-of-a-kind treasures
    • Sort and assess — separate junk from keepers; every item varies by material, condition, and true value
    • Repair and restore — fix appliances and furniture in your workshop, or pay professionals to handle the work
    • Craft new goods — turn reclaimed materials into handmade items that command premium prices
    • Price and sell — set your margins, negotiate with customers, and reinvest profits to grow

    Grow Your Operation — and Yourself

    As revenue rolls in, the business expands:

    • Upgrade your space — expand the stall into a proper shop; choose layouts, displays, and departments
    • Hire staff — bring in helpers to handle repairs, restocking, and customer service as demand grows
    • Market your brand — invest in advertising to draw bigger crowds and better-paying clientele
    • Get mobile — buy your own vehicle to haul larger loads and reach more suppliers
    • Level up your skills — boost strength to carry more, speed to work faster, and bargaining to lock in better deals

    It’s not just a business sim — it’s a rags-to-riches story where you are both the boss and the hardest worker.

    What the Demo Delivers

    The newly released Steam demo lets you dive into the early days of the journey: sourcing your first inventory, learning to spot value, making your first repairs, and turning that initial stall into something profitable. It’s the perfect low-risk way to see if you’ve got the eye — and the grit — to make it as a resale magnate.

    What’s Ahead

    The full version of Picker Magnate Simulator is targeted for release in Q1 2027 on PC, with support planned for Windows and Linux/SteamOS. The developer, solo creator Yuliy Oneshko, brings experience from previous sim titles, including Trailer Park Tycoon: Raccoon Ranch, and is building this latest project with community feedback in mind throughout development.

    Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who loves watching a pile of potential turn into actual profit — the demo is live now on Steam. Grab it, start sorting, and see if you’ve got what it takes to turn trash into treasure.

    More Info: Picker Magnate Simulator

    #PickerMagnateSimulator #SGradeGames #IndieDev #SimulationGame #BusinessSim #ResaleEmpire #SteamDemo #GamingNews #RagsToRiches #Biznooz