Biznooz

Category: Retro Games

  • YOU WA SHOCK! Kenshiro Explodes Into South Town for FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves Season 2

    YOU WA SHOCK! Kenshiro Explodes Into South Town for FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves Season 2

    The post-apocalypse is coming to South Town, and it’s bringing a seven-scarred legend with it.

    In a move that has sent shockwaves through the fighting game community (FGC), SNK has officially confirmed that Kenshiro, the iconic protagonist of Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken), will join the roster of FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves as the grand finale of Season 2.

    Announced during the high-energy atmosphere of AnimeJapan 2026, this crossover marks one of the most significant guest appearances in SNK history. Kenshiro isn’t just visiting; he’s bringing the deadly art of Hokuto Shinken to challenge the wolves of South Town.

    The Successor of the North Star Arrives

    Kenshiro is scheduled to make his playable debut in June 2026. As the sixth and final character of Season Pass 2, his arrival follows a stacked lineup of SNK veterans and surprises.

    The Season 2 rollout has been relentless, keeping players on their toes with monthly releases:

    • Kim Jae Hoon (January)
    • Nightmare Geese (February)
    • Blue Mary (March)
    • Wolfgang Krauser (Coming April)
    • Mystery Character (Coming May)
    • Kenshiro (June)

    For fans of the legendary manga by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara, the teaser trailer—which debuted at AnimeJapan—provided a glimpse of Kenshiro’s cell-shaded model, perfectly capturing his stoic, muscular frame. Yes, the trailer does include his signature catchphrase: “Omae wa mou, shindeiru” (You are already dead).

    A Perfect Synergy of Styles

    While Fatal Fury has always leaned into its “street brawler” aesthetic, the addition of a supernatural martial artist like Kenshiro fits the “anything goes” spirit of City of the Wolves. SNK’s latest entry has already broken tradition by featuring real-world guests like footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and DJ Salvatore Ganacci, but Kenshiro represents a return to the “dream match” fantasy that fighting fans crave.

    The timing couldn’t be better. Kenshiro’s arrival coincides with the massive 2026 revival of the Fist of the North Star anime, which began airing in Japan on April 10. This crossover isn’t just a DLC drop; it’s a cultural celebration of one of the most influential action franchises in history.

    How to Get the Legend

    Players looking to master the pressure points of their opponents have two main ways to access the new content:

    Purchase OptionContent IncludedPrice
    Season Pass 2All 6 Season 2 DLC characters (including Kenshiro)$19.99
    Legend EditionBase Game + Season Pass 1 + Season Pass 2$49.99

    Final Thoughts: Is South Town Ready?

    City of the Wolves has revitalised the Fatal Fury brand after a 26-year hiatus, and adding a heavyweight like Kenshiro ensures the momentum won’t slow down. Between his “One-Second” pressure point strikes and the game’s high-octane REV System, June is looking like a very dangerous month for anyone standing in Ken’s way.

    The big question remains: Who is the Mystery Character arriving in May? With Kenshiro closing out the season, the bar for guest reveals has never been higher.

    Find out more here – https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/fatalfury-cotw/

    #SNKCORPORATION #FistoftheNorthStar #Kenshiro #DLC #FATALFURYCityoftheWolves #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Face the F5: Supernova Studios Debuts Intense Cinematic Trailer for ‘Funnel Runners’

    Face the F5: Supernova Studios Debuts Intense Cinematic Trailer for ‘Funnel Runners’

    Hold onto your hats—and your survival gear. Supernova Studios has officially pulled back the curtain on the cinematic trailer for its highly anticipated first-person co-op survival title, Funnel Runners.

    If the trailer is any indication, “storm chasing” is about to get a whole lot more literal—and a lot more lethal.

    A Race Against the Vortex

    Set against the backdrop of a doomed city, Funnel Runners tasks players with a high-stakes mission: survive a catastrophic F5 tornado. You aren’t just a bystander; you and up to seven friends act as contractors for APEX Storm Monitoring Services. Your objective? Scavenge for parts, fuel, and tools to repair your escape van before the atmosphere—and the buildings around you—completely disintegrate.

    “With Funnel Runners, we wanted to capture the raw, terrifying power of nature,” says the team at Supernova Studios. “Every run is a race against time where the city literally collapses around you.”

    Key Gameplay Features

    Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a level of environmental destruction rarely seen in the survival genre. Here is what players can expect:

    • Total Environmental Destruction: Buildings are torn apart piece by piece in real-time. If you don’t grab that loot quickly, it may be buried under tons of rubble—or swept into the sky.
    • Dynamic Storm Systems: The “F5” isn’t just a backdrop. Realistic rain, hail, and shifting winds grow in intensity, directly impacting visibility and movement.
    • 1-8 Player Co-op: Whether you’re a lone wolf or part of an eight-person crew, you’ll need to share gadgets and coordinate repairs to make it out alive.
    • High Replayability: No two escapes are the same. Randomised city layouts, item spawns, and unpredictable vehicle mechanical issues ensure every “run” feels fresh.

    Coming Soon to PC

    The hype is real—Funnel Runners has already surpassed 80,000 wishlists on Steam. While an exact day hasn’t been pinned down, Supernova Studios has confirmed a Q2 2026 release window, with internal targets pointing toward a June launch.

    For indie fans looking for a mix of technical realism and heart-pounding cooperative chaos, Funnel Runners is definitely one to watch.

    Ready to face the storm? You can watch the official cinematic trailer now on the Supernova Studios YouTube channel or wishlist the game on Steam to stay updated on the upcoming launch.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/r6Jnu

    #SupernovaStudios #firstpersoncoop #survival #steam #FunnelRunners #scifi #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Perspective is Everything: Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom Arrives on Nintendo Switch

    Perspective is Everything: Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom Arrives on Nintendo Switch

    The indie puzzle scene has a new crown jewel—literally. After a successful stint on PC and mobile, Shatterproof Games has officially brought Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom to the Nintendo Switch. Released on March 26, 2026, this isometric puzzler is already making waves for its “cosy-but-clever” approach to environmental storytelling.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that challenges your brain without spiking your blood pressure, Aarik might be the prince you’ve been waiting for.

    The Quest to Mend a Broken World

    In Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom, you step into the small boots of Aarik, a young adventurer navigating a world that has quite literally fallen apart. With his father (the King) bedbound and his mother (the Queen) missing, Aarik must use his father’s magical crown to repair the land.

    The narrative is told through charming, wordless interactions and scattered scrolls, giving it a fairytale quality that feels right at home on a Nintendo console.

    Gameplay: Bending Reality

    The core mechanic is all about perspective. Much like the beloved Monument Valley or Echochrome, the path forward isn’t always what it seems. By rotating the camera, you can align distant platforms, mend broken bridges, and reveal hidden paths that didn’t exist a second ago.

    As you progress through the game’s 32+ levels, the crown gains four enchanted gemstones, each adding a new layer of depth:

    • The Ruby of Rejuvenation: Drag and drop objects to fix the environment.
    • The Amethyst of Rotation: Spin-specific gears and machinery.
    • The Sapphire of Control: Take command of helpful automatons and creatures.
    • The Emerald of Growth: Manipulate time to regrow forests or reverse decay.

    Why It’s Perfect for Switch

    While the game started on other platforms, the Switch version feels like the “definitive” experience. Shatterproof Games has overhauled the controls to support:

    • Full Touch Screen Support: Perfect for the “drag and drop” puzzles in handheld mode.
    • Hybrid Flexibility: Whether you’re playing docked with a Pro Controller or on the go, the isometric visuals pop on the Switch’s screen.
    • Cosy Portability: At a runtime of about 2–3 hours, it’s the ideal “one-sitting” game for a rainy afternoon.

    The Verdict

    Aarik And The Ruined Kingdom doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just polishes it until it shines. It’s a low-stress, high-charm experience that prioritises “Aha!” moments over high-octane action. At a launch price of just $6.99, it’s an absolute steal for puzzle fans.

    “Aarik offers a phenomenal puzzle-solving experience that proves perspective, rather than strength, is the key to saving a kingdom.”

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

    #AarikAndTheRuinedKingdom #NintendoSwitch #aarikgame #puzzle #ShatterproofGames #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Stranded, Scavenging, and Surviving: Why ‘Maja Island’ is Your Next Steam Obsession

    Stranded, Scavenging, and Surviving: Why ‘Maja Island’ is Your Next Steam Obsession

    The survival genre is crowded, but every so often, a title emerges that promises more than just a “hunger meter” and a basic crafting bench. Enter Maja Island, the upcoming open-world survival adventure set to hit Steam, and it’s already generating a quiet roar among fans of the genre.

    If you’ve ever felt that survival games have become a bit too predictable, Maja Island wants to change your mind by blending brutal realism with a hauntingly beautiful environment.

    What is Maja Island?

    At its core, Maja Island is a high-stakes survival experience where the environment is just as much your enemy as the creatures inhabiting it. You wake up on the shores of a sprawling, mysterious land with nothing but your wits and the debris at your feet.

    But this isn’t a tropical vacation. The island is dense with shifting weather patterns, scarce resources, and a verticality that forces you to think three-dimensionally about your base of operations.

    Key Features to Watch For:

    Dynamic Ecosystems: The flora and fauna aren’t just background noise; they react to your presence. Over-hunting an area might lead to a predator shortage, while ignoring a specific plant species might cost you a vital medicinal ingredient.

    Deep Crafting Logic: Forget clicking a button and instantly having a house. Maja Island leans into a more tactile crafting system where structural integrity and material quality actually matter.

    The “Unseen” Threat: While the game features traditional survival mechanics, there is a narrative thread involving the island’s history that suggests something… unusual is happening beneath the surface.

    Why the Steam Community is Buzzing

    Steam players are notoriously picky about “Early Access” survival games, but the developers of Maja Island seem to be taking a “polish first” approach. The visual fidelity—powered by high-end lighting systems and dense foliage rendering—makes the island feel lived-in and ancient.

    Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your hydration levels. Unlike other games where water is a minor inconvenience, in Maja Island, dehydration affects your stamina regeneration and vision long before it hits your health bar.

    Survival of the Smartest

    Maja Island isn’t just about how many spears you can carry; it’s about how well you can adapt to a world that doesn’t want you there. Whether you’re fortifying a cave against a coming storm or diving into reef systems for rare materials, the game rewards patience over mindless grinding.

    Maja Island is currently available on the Wishlist on Steam. With a release window looming, it’s time to start gathering your crew—or preparing to go it alone.

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

    #UnrealFusionGames #MajaIsland #openworld #Strategic #survival #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • AI LIMIT: Eirene’s Furnace of War DLC is Out Now – And It’s Free!

    AI LIMIT: Eirene’s Furnace of War DLC is Out Now – And It’s Free!

    The post-apocalyptic world of Havenswell just got a lot more dangerous—and a lot more exciting. Today, publisher CE-Asia and developer Sense Games officially launched the first major expansion for their hit anime soulslike, AI LIMIT.

    Titled Eirene’s Furnace of War, this DLC isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a substantial content drop that celebrates the game’s first anniversary. The best part? It is available as a free update for all players on PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5.

    New Challenges in the Northern Parish

    Picking up right where the main story leaves off, Eirene’s Furnace of War takes our immortal Blader, Arrisa, to the Northern Parish. Players will venture into the Temple of War to face the trials of Eirene, the Warfare Bishop.

    This expansion is heavily focused on refining and testing your combat prowess. Key features include:

    The Furnace Arena: A new gauntlet where players face off against long-forgotten myths and revamped versions of base-game bosses with brand-new mechanics.

    Fresh Arsenal: Unlock new weapons, armour sets (yes, the highly requested outfits are here!), Spells and Seals to further customise Arrisa’s build.

    The Switch Spell System: A major quality-of-life update that allows players to cycle through spells with much greater fluidity mid-combat.

    How to Access the DLC

    You don’t need to start a new save to enjoy the new content. To enter the Northern Parish:

    Reach any of the endings in your current playthrough.

    Instead of heading into New Game Plus, return to the Branch Outer-Wall Ruins – Temporary Campsite.

    Speak with the robot Assis to trigger a cutscene and receive the key to the DLC area.

    A Year of “Very Positive” Momentum

    Since its launch on March 27, 2025, AI LIMIT has become a breakout success for the China Hero Project, maintaining a 92% “Very Positive” rating on Steam with over 32,000 reviews. Fans have praised its fluid, stamina-free combat and its distinct “Lo-Fi” sci-fi aesthetic.

    Pro Tip: If you haven’t picked up the base game yet, now is the perfect time. AI LIMIT is currently 30% off during the Steam Spring Sale!

    What’s Next for Arrisa?

    The devs aren’t stopping here. Sense Games has already confirmed that while Eirene’s Furnace of War is a combat-centric “stepping stone,” a second, story-focused DLC is already in development to further expand the lore of Havenswell.

    Are you ready to face the Warfare Bishop? Let us know in the comments which new weapon you’re looking forward to trying out first!

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

    #CEAsia #SenseGames #EirenesFurnaceofWar #AILIMIT #DLC #RPG #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Zatun Shifts Gears: New Original IP ‘KartBoardDash’ Announced

    Zatun Shifts Gears: New Original IP ‘KartBoardDash’ Announced

    In a move that signals a bold new chapter for one of India’s most resilient indie studios, Zatun has officially pulled back the curtain on its latest original project: KartBoardDash™.

    Announced today, March 27, 2026, the title isn’t just another addition to the racing genre; it is a “defining original IP” that carries the final creative vision of the studio’s late founder, Abhinav Chokhavatia. Under the current leadership of CEO Shivani Chokhavatia and Managing Director Rishi Chokhavatia, the game is being positioned as a tribute to Abhinav’s belief that independent studios must own their creative future.

    What is KartBoardDash?

    Moving away from the hyper-realistic simulations often seen in modern racing, KartBoardDash leans into fast-paced, competitive arcade mechanics. It’s designed for the “next generation of connected players,” focusing on short-session gameplay that prioritises skill over grind.

    Key Features include:

    Stylised Physics: Expect high-energy, exaggerated racing mechanics that favour flair and precision.

    Platform-Agnostic Design: In a push for accessibility, Zatun is building the game to be “browser-based” but with seamless cross-play across PC and mobile.

    Evolving Assets: Unlike static releases, the game features karts and skins designed to “evolve” over time, suggesting a living world that grows through community interaction.

    Low Barriers to Entry: The studio is emphasising “fast onboarding,” meaning no complex setups or wallet requirements to start racing.

    A Legacy Project with Modern Tech

    Zatun has spent nearly two decades as a “developer’s developer,” contributing art and code to over 250 global hits for giants like Ubisoft and 2K. However, KartBoardDash represents a doubling down on their own brand.

    “KartBoardDash is more than a game for us. It carries the fingerprints of our founder, his ideas, his humour, and his belief that original IP is the future.”
    — Zatun Leadership Statement

    While the game honours the past, its tech is firmly in 2026. The studio is leveraging its deep expertise in 3D modelling and cross-platform pipelines to ensure the game feels as fluid in a web browser as it does on a dedicated gaming rig.

    Why the Industry is Watching

    At a time when the market is saturated with sequels, a fully original IP from an independent studio with 17+ years of technical credibility is a rarity. By focusing on player ownership and a “social-first” integration, Zatun is betting that players are hungry for competitive experiences that don’t require a 40GB download just to play a five-minute round with friends.

    Ready to hit the track?

    You can keep an eye on development and sign up for updates at the official site: https://kartboarddash.io/

    #Zatun #KartBoardDash #AbhinavChokhavatia #racing #karts #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Strategy is Better Together: TINY METAL 2 Opens Month-Long Steam Playtest

    Strategy is Better Together: TINY METAL 2 Opens Month-Long Steam Playtest

    The fog of war is lifting, and it’s time to report for duty. AREA 35 has officially announced that TINY METAL 2, the highly anticipated third instalment in their hit tactical wargame series, will host a limited, month-long Playtest from April 2 to April 29, 2026, on Steam.

    After a long hiatus since 2019’s Full Metal Rumble, fans of the Advance Wars-inspired franchise finally have a chance to get their hands on the next evolution of grid-based combat. This isn’t just a quick weekend demo; it’s a deep-dive opportunity for the community to help shape the balance, pacing, and mechanics of a title currently slated for a Spring 2027 full release.

    What’s New on the Battlefield?

    While the series has always excelled at “toy soldier” land and air combat, TINY METAL 2 is expanding the theatre of war in a massive way.

    1. Naval Warfare Debuts
      For the first time in the series, players can take to the high seas. The Playtest will showcase a robust naval system featuring battleships, destroyers, and stealthy submarines. Whether you’re protecting a transport or launching a surprise underwater strike, the maritime layer adds a completely new dimension to your strategic planning.
    2. Focus Fire: Strength in Numbers
      Strategy is no longer just about which unit hits first. The new Focus Fire mechanic allows multiple allied units to coordinate and combine their attacks into a single, devastating simultaneous assault. This mechanic rewards clever positioning and unit synergy, allowing even smaller squads to take down heavy-duty threats if timed correctly.
    3. Cooperative Command
      True to its “Strategy is Better Together” tagline, the game has been built from the ground up for local and online co-op. Every map in the campaign and many in the skirmish mode allow for shared resources and joint tactical decisions. In the Playtest, you can team up with friends for large-scale combined-arms battles for up to four players.

    How to Join the Playtest

    Spaces for the limited Playtest are expected to fill up quickly. Here is how you can secure your spot:

    Platform: Steam (PC)

    Registration: Head to the official TINY METAL 2 Steam Store Page and look for the “Join the TINY METAL 2 Playtest” button to request access.

    Dates: April 2, 2026 – April 29, 2026.

    Pro Tip: AREA 35 is looking for active feedback. Players who participate are encouraged to report bugs and balance issues via the official Steam community forums or Discord to help fine-tune the 15+ commanders and 100+ maps expected in the final game.

    Beyond the Playtest: PAX East and More

    If you happen to be in Boston this week, you don’t even have to wait until April. AREA 35 is showcasing TINY METAL 2 at PAX East (Booth #15043), marking its first-ever playable debut in North America. Visitors can also check out the studio’s other projects, including the music-rhythm game Felicity’s Door and a mysterious new multiplayer arcade project codenamed PROJECT BLITZ.

    Whether you’re a veteran of the Artemisian Army or a newcomer to the genre, this April is your chance to prove your tactical mettle.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/JI05S

    #AREA35 #TINYMETAL2 #wargame #Playtest #Steam #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Absolum Now Available on Xbox, Game Pass

    Absolum Now Available on Xbox, Game Pass

    Ever since Dotemu and Guard Crush Games redefined what a modern brawler could be with Streets of Rage 4, the industry has been waiting for their next heavy hitter. That game is Absolum, and after a successful debut on other platforms last year, the wait is finally over for the Xbox community.

    As of March 25, 2026, the acclaimed “Rogue ’em Up” is officially available on Xbox Series X|S and has joined the Xbox Game Pass library on day one.

    A Fresh Spin on the Fantasy Brawler

    Absolum isn’t just a spiritual successor to the arcade classics; it’s a mechanical evolution. Set in the original world of Talamh, the game follows a band of outcast heroes fighting to reclaim magic from the iron grip of Sun King Azra.

    While the combat feels as crunchy and responsive as you’d expect from the Streets of Rage veterans, the “Rogue” in “Rogue ’em Up” is where things get interesting. Each run through the shattered lands of Talamh offers:

    Branching Paths: Navigate through the majestic mines of Grandery or the lethal Jaroba forests.

    Deep Customisation: Collect Rituals and Arcana to modify your moveset, adding elemental effects or changing how your abilities behave.

    A Stellar Soundtrack: The game features an “audio dream team” including Gareth Coker (Ori), Yuka Kitamura (Elden Ring), and Mick Gordon (DOOM).

    Why It Matters for Game Pass Subscribers

    For those who have been curious about Absolum since its TGA nomination last year, the Game Pass launch is the perfect entry point. It’s a notoriously challenging title, but its “Live, Die, Repeat” loop is designed to reward mastery. Whether you’re a solo player looking for a deep mechanical challenge or a co-op duo wanting to chain “Izuna Drops” and “Necrotic Waves,” Absolum is a must-download this week.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the Clash mechanic. Timing your attacks to hit simultaneously with an enemy’s can stagger even the toughest bosses, opening them up for devastating punish combos.

    Absolum is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Cloud Gaming via Xbox Game Pass.

    Find out more here – https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/absolum/9nr6nj401nbs

    #Absolum #Dotemu #GuardCrushGames #Supamonks #TGA #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Magin: The Rat Project Stories Launches April 29th

    Magin: The Rat Project Stories Launches April 29th

    Welcome to the dark side of deck-building. If you’ve been craving a narrative experience that’s a little more “gritty graphic novel” and a little less “generic fantasy,” mark your calendars.

    Daedalic Entertainment and developer The Rat Project have officially announced that Magin: The Rat Project Stories will launch on April 29, 2026. Even better news? If you’re playing on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5, pre-orders are live right now with a sweet 10% discount.

    What is Magin: The Rat Project Stories?

    At its core, Magin is a genre-bending mashup. It fuses a deep, choice-driven adventure game with a tactical deck-building combat system. Think of it as a playable dark fantasy comic book where your emotional state is just as important as the cards in your hand.

    The game follows the intertwined stories of two protagonists:

    Elester: A cynical, veteran Magin hitman working for an underground syndicate.

    Tolen: A young newcomer who is just beginning to realise he possesses the “essence”—this world’s volatile form of magic.

    Key Gameplay Features

    The Essence Mechanic: Magic in this world is tied to human desire and fear. Your characters’ emotional states directly influence the plot and how your cards perform in battle.

    Branching Narrative: This isn’t a linear stroll. Your choices lead to multiple endings in a world teetering on the edge of an industrial revolution.

    Dual-Sided Cards: Strategy gets a layer of depth with emotion-infused essence cards that can be crafted and upgraded as you progress.

    Fully Voiced & Illustrated: The game features a distinct comic book aesthetic with full voice-overs to bring the gritty atmosphere to life.

    Pre-Order Details & Editions

    If you’re ready to dive into the underworld, you have a couple of options on the Microsoft Store and PlayStation Store. Both currently feature a 10% pre-order discount.

    Note for Switch Players: While Xbox and PS5 pre-orders are open now, Nintendo Switch fans will have to wait just a bit longer—pre-orders for the handheld version are set to open on April 1, 2026.

    Why You Should Care

    Daedalic has a history of publishing games with strong, atmospheric storytelling (think The Pillars of the Earth or Deponia), and Magin looks to continue that trend with a much darker, mature edge. If you enjoyed the tactical depth of Slay the Spire but wished it had the narrative weight of a gothic RPG, this is likely your next obsession.

    Magin: The Rat Project Stories arrives April 29 on PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

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

    #MaginTheRatProjectStories #TheRatProject #Daedalic #magic #deckbuilding #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Gravity Whipped: The Gravity-Defying Indie Demo You Need to Play Before Steam Next Fest

    Gravity Whipped: The Gravity-Defying Indie Demo You Need to Play Before Steam Next Fest

    If you’ve ever found yourself aimlessly orbiting a tiny planet in Super Mario Galaxy just to feel the rush of shifting physics, Packet Gaming Studios has a gift for you. Ahead of the Steam Summer Next Fest (June 15–22, 2026), the studio has dropped an early demo for its debut title: Gravity Whipped.

    Described as a “soft” 2.5D puzzle platformer, Gravity Whipped takes those classic gravitational gymnastics and puts a whip-cracking twist on them. It’s colourful, it’s floaty, and it’s currently one of the most charming slices of gameplay available on Steam.

    The Mechanics: Whip It Good

    The star of the show is the Gravity Whip. This isn’t just a weapon for fending off enemies; it’s your primary tool for environmental navigation. By lashing out at specific anchor points or objects, you can:

    Alter Gravity’s Direction: Flip the world on its head to reach high-up platforms.

    Whip-Swing: Build momentum to clear massive gaps that would make a plumber sweat.

    Solve Open-Ended Puzzles: The developer, Texas-based solo dev Packet Gaming Studios, emphasises that there are “numerous ways” to complete each challenge.

    What’s in the Demo?

    While the full game promises a massive “collectathon” experience with over 3,355 collectables, the demo offers a generous appetiser:

    6 Levels: A mix of linear 2.5D paths and more open-ended 3D-style formats.

    Power-up Roulette: Collect 40 coins for a chance to win one of four augmentable power-ups.

    Speedrun Tools: Built-in time challenges for the competitive crowd.

    Tark the Ostrich: Meet the studio’s mascot and your protagonist in this dream-like adventure.

    Why the “Soft” Label Matters

    In a world of “masocore” platformers that demand pixel-perfect precision, Gravity Whipped positions itself as a soft platformer. The physics are designed to feel “floaty” and forgiving, focusing more on the joy of movement and the satisfaction of solving puzzles rather than punishing failure. It’s an ideal “vibe” game for players who want the wonder of space-bending physics without the high-stress difficulty spikes.

    “It was originally conceived back in 1998 alongside its ostrich mascot, Tark,” says the developer. Seeing a project nearly 30 years in the making finally hit the Steam storefront is the kind of indie success story we love to see at BizNooz.

    How to Play

    The Gravity Whipped demo is available right now on Steam. With the full launch scheduled for mid-summer 2026, this is the perfect time to get your hands on the whip before the Next Fest crowds arrive.

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

    #PacketGamingStudios #GravityWhipped #puzzle #retro #SteamSummerNextFest #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Hearth Bound Demo coming to Steam March 30th

    Hearth Bound Demo coming to Steam March 30th

    Lowkey Gamedev Inc. has officially pulled back the curtain on its latest project, Hearth Bound. This isn’t just another announcement—the developer is hitting the ground running by participating in Steam’s upcoming House & Home Fest, with a playable demo set to drop on March 30th.

    What is Hearth Bound?

    At its core, Hearth Bound is a co-op cosy fantasy home-building game. Built in Unreal Engine 5, it focuses on the simple, meditative joy of creating a space from scratch with friends.

    Unlike traditional survival-crafting titles where you might spend hours fending off monsters just to place a chair, Hearth Bound leans entirely into the “hearth” aspect. It’s about the architecture of comfort.

    Key Features to Watch For:

    Voxel-Like Building: Forget static walls. The game uses a “push and pull” system for walls, ceilings, and floors, allowing for highly custom room shapes.

    Progression Through Discovery: You won’t be grinding for materials. Instead, placing objects and exploring different decor categories unlocks new sets of furniture.

    Co-op First Design: The game is built from the ground up for multiplayer, allowing friends to jump into your home and help decorate in real-time.

    The “Cozy” Essentials: Yes, there are pets. And yes, according to the developer, you can (and should) pet them.

    The House & Home Fest Kickoff

    The timing of this announcement is no accident. Steam’s House & Home Fest begins March 30th at 10:00 AM PDT and runs until April 6th. The festival is dedicated to games that celebrate domestic renovation, decoration, and organisation.

    The Hearth Bound Demo will be a centrepiece of the event, giving players their first hands-on experience with the building tools and the “Shared Hearth” mechanic.

    Note for the Wise: Don’t confuse this with Heartbound (the 2018 RPG by Pirate Software). While the names are similar, Hearth Bound is a dedicated 3D building sim focused on architectural creativity rather than narrative combat.

    Why the Buzz?

    The lead developer behind Hearth Bound, a former technical lead on Starship Troopers: Extermination, has a history of building complex base-building systems. Transitioning those high-level technical skills into a “cosy” environment promises a building system that is both deep and incredibly user-friendly.

    The game is currently slated for an Early Access release on April 6, 2026, immediately following the conclusion of the festival.

    How to Play

    You can head over to the Official Steam Page right now to Wishlist the game. Mark your calendars for March 30th to download the demo and start building your first cottage.

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

    #HearthBound #HouseandHomeFest #Steam #LowkeyGamedev #homebuilding #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • The Wasteland Just Got Meaner: Why Survivors Are Risking It All in “Rust & Dust”

    The Wasteland Just Got Meaner: Why Survivors Are Risking It All in “Rust & Dust”

    The smell of ionised air and burning diesel is getting thicker. If you’ve been hovering around the Valley lately, you know the chatter: “Rust & Dust” isn’t just another seasonal shift—it’s a high-stakes gamble that’s pushing even the most seasoned Crossout survivors to the brink.

    In the world of Crossout, “risk” usually means losing a fender or a precious fuel barrel. But in this latest update, the community is seeing a shift toward “all-in” gameplay where the rewards are as massive as the dangers.

    The Allure of the Scrapyard

    What exactly are survivors chasing in the heat of the “Rust & Dust” event? It boils down to exclusive tech and prestige. We’re seeing a surge in high-risk missions where the environment is just as lethal as the enemy team.

    Experimental Weaponry: New blueprints are surfacing that require rare components found only in the most volatile “Dust” zones.

    The Resource Crunch: As the lore suggests, resources are thinning. Survivors aren’t just fighting for glory anymore; they’re fighting for the literal scraps that keep their rigs running.

    Bragging Rights: The leaderboard isn’t just a list of names; in “Rust & Dust,” it’s a survival record.

    Why “Risk Everything” Isn’t Just Flavour Text

    In previous updates, you could play it safe. You could hover on the outskirts of a map and pick off stragglers. Not here. The new map layouts and mission objectives force close-quarters engagements and reward aggressive, high-mobility playstyles. If you aren’t willing to put your cabin in the line of fire, you’re going to walk away with nothing but a repair bill. We’re seeing builds that favour glass-cannon aesthetics—massive firepower bolted onto frames that could crumble if a stiff breeze hits them. It’s chaotic, it’s fast, and it’s exactly what the Valley needed.

    The Bottom Line

    “Rust & Dust” is a reminder of what makes Crossout special: the brutal, beautiful cycle of building, fighting, and rebuilding. The stakes are higher, the dust is thicker, and the survivors are more desperate than ever.

    Are you ready to lose a few parts to gain the world?

    Find out more here – https://crossout.net

    #GaijinEntertainment #PlanofAttack #Crossout #CrossoutTales #RustandDust #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames