Category: Sci-Fi

  • Command the Stars: Astro Protocol Launches Today on Steam!

    Command the Stars: Astro Protocol Launches Today on Steam!

    The wait is over for fans of deep strategy and tactical space combat. Null Vector Studios has officially released Astro Protocol on Steam!

    If you love the depth of a 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) strategy game but don’t always have six hours to spare for a single session, this is the game you’ve been waiting for. Astro Protocol distils the grand strategy experience into intense, one-hour matches without sacrificing the complexity that makes the genre great.


    What is Astro Protocol?

    Astro Protocol is a turn-based space strategy game set in a simulated star system. You take control of one of six unique factions, each vying for control of the “framework.” Whether you prefer the relentless expansion of a colonial power or the swarm tactics of a hive mind, the game challenges you to adapt your strategy to a galaxy that changes every time you play.

    Key Features at Launch:

    • Bitesize Grand Strategy: Matches are designed to be completed in about 60–120 minutes.
    • Procedural Replayability: Every run features randomised maps, anomalies, and procedurally generated tech trees. You can’t rely on a “meta” build order here; you have to react to the technologies available to you.
    • Tactical Hex Combat: Battles take place on a one-unit-per-tile grid. Positioning, flanking, and managing your fleet’s specific ship classes (from agile Scouts to massive Battleships) are the keys to victory.
    • Intricate Production Chains: Every tile matters. You’ll build space stations to harvest resources from asteroids and gas giants, connecting them via orbital networks to fuel your empire.
    • Smart AI: Developed in collaboration with renowned strategy modder Xilmi, the AI doesn’t just sit back—it plays to win, forcing you to earn every victory point.

    A Galaxy of Content

    The full release is packed with content to keep you coming back for “just one more turn”:

    • 6 Playable Factions with distinct mechanics.
    • 24 Ship Types to master and upgrade.
    • 100+ Anomalies to discover, each offering unique rewards or “forbidden” tech.
    • 9 Different Victory Conditions, ensuring that combat isn’t the only path to dominance.

    Available Now

    Astro Protocol is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. To celebrate the launch, Null Vector Studios is offering a limited-time discount on Steam.

    “We wanted to create a strategy game that respects your time but still offers those ‘high-stakes’ decisions that make 4X games so addictive,” says the development team at Null Vector.

    Ready to establish your protocol? Head over to the Astro Protocol Steam Page to grab your copy or try out the free demo!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/H9Lt6

    #AstroProtocol #space #strategy #Steam #scifi

    #NullVectorStudios #gameplay #tactical #combat #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Indie Horror The Oily Depths rises from the Deep and is out today

    Indie Horror The Oily Depths rises from the Deep and is out today

    The ocean has always been a canvas for our deepest anxieties—unfathomable pressure, absolute darkness, and the feeling of being trapped in a tin can while something massive stirs outside. Today, solo developer Ryan R. Burns (an industry veteran with credits on World of Warcraft: Legion and Assassin’s Creed Mirage) taps directly into those fears with the launch of The Oily Depths.

    If you’ve been looking for a psychological horror experience that values atmosphere and mechanical tension over cheap jump scares, your quota has arrived.


    Obey or Drown: The Premise

    In The Oily Depths, you aren’t a hero; you’re an employee. Locked inside a claustrophobic, low-fi submarine, your task is simple yet soul-crushing: navigate the lightless seafloor to locate and drill for oil.

    A mysterious voice crackles over the radio, delivering orders with a chilling indifference. The stakes are binary:

    • Meet your quota: You get to breathe for another hour.
    • Fail your quota: Your corporate overlords remotely cut your oxygen supply.

    Gameplay: Tactical Claustrophobia

    Inspired by the “sub-horror” genre defined by titles like Iron Lung, the game forces you to interact with the world through a limited interface. You aren’t looking out a window; you’re staring at gauges, flickering monitors, and a series of tactile levers.

    • Manual Mastery: You must physically grab and operate the submarine’s machinery. Flipping locking-arms and setting drill bits feels heavy and deliberate, heightening the panic when things inevitably go wrong.
    • Limited Visibility: Navigation is a game of sensory deprivation. You rely on sonar and external cameras to avoid the jagged terrain—and whatever else might be hunting in the silt.
    • The Weight of the Deep: The sound design is a standout feature, filled with the groans of shifting metal and the rhythmic thrum of the engine that masks the sounds of the abyss outside.

    Short, Sharp, and Terrifying

    The Oily Depths is designed as a focused, “short-form” horror experience, clocking in at around two hours. It’s the perfect length for a single-sitting descent into madness. Between the looming threat of oxygen depletion and the unsettling lore surrounding the corporation you serve, the game stays tense from the first hatch-seal to the final, crushing conclusion.


    Where to Play

    The Oily Depths is available now on Steam for PC. To celebrate the launch, there is a 10% discount for early adopters who are brave enough to dive in during launch week.

    “Fail your quota, and they’ll cut your oxygen. This is deep-sea horror. Obey or drown.”

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

    #TheOilyDepths #RyanRBurns #scifi #horror #submarine

    #deepseahorror #steam #pcgames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Small Board, Big Brain: Why You Need to Play Underboard

    Small Board, Big Brain: Why You Need to Play Underboard

    If you’ve ever felt like modern strategy games are getting a bit too bloated, Underboard is the “palette cleanser” you’ve been looking for. Developed by 2 Left Thumbs, this game proves that you don’t need a sprawling map to have deep tactical complexity.

    What makes it click?

    • The “Micro” Scale: Most battles take place on a tiny grid. There’s nowhere to hide, which means every single move is high-stakes.
    • Synergy is King: It’s not just about hitting hard; it’s about how your units interact. Setting up a chain reaction feels incredibly rewarding.
    • The Aesthetic: It captures that “lo-fi tactile” vibe perfectly. It feels like a physical board game you’d find in a dusty attic—if that board game were haunted by clever AI.

    The Verdict: It’s the perfect “one more round” game for people who love the tight design of Into the Breach but want something with a unique, stylized flair.

    Quick Stats

    FeatureDetails
    Developer2 Left Thumbs
    GenreTactical Roguelike / Strategy
    PlaystyleShort sessions, high replayability
    VibeMinimalist, sharp, and satisfying

    Underboard manages to be accessible enough to pick up in five minutes, but deep enough to keep you staring at the screen for an hour trying to calculate the perfect turn.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/v0bHQ

    #roguelike #autobattler #tacticsgame #underboard #monsters

    #2LeftThumbs #steam #rpg #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Morbid Metal Shapeshift Slaughter Repeat

    Morbid Metal Shapeshift Slaughter Repeat

    Looking for your next high-octane obsession? The Morbid Metal free demo is officially out on Steam, and it’s a masterclass in stylish, heavy-metal carnage. Developed by SCREEN JUICE and published by Ubisoft, this is what happens when Devil May Cry meets Risk of Rain.

    Why you need to play it:

    Instant Shapeshifting: You don’t just play one character; you swap between up to 4 unique forms in real-time mid-combo. Go from a lightning-fast katana wielder to a heavy-hitting tank with a single button press.

    High-Fidelity Destruction: Battle hordes of lethal machines across stunning, dystopian environments powered by high-end graphics that make every spark and blade-clash pop.

    The Roguelite Edge: Fight through semi-procedurally generated levels, unlock powerful Protocol Buffs, and gather Void Matter to grow stronger. But remember: if you die, the cycle resets.

    Fluid Combat: Chain together signature skills and ultimates to build your style rank. The demo gives you a 30-minute taste of the chaos—perfect for testing your reflexes.

    Pro Tip: Swapping characters mid-animation isn’t just for combos—it actually counts as a perfect dodge if timed right!

    Find out more here – https://screen-juice.com/

    #MorbidMetal #hacknslash #action #roguelite #shapeshift

    #screenjuice #ubisoft #demogame #steam #indiedev #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice coming soon

    MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice coming soon

    If you’re ready to go Beyond Plus Ultra, the latest buzz in the My Hero Academia universe—All’s Justice—is officially taking centre stage. Whether you’re a veteran Pro Hero or a student just finding your Quirk, here is what you need to know about this new chapter.

    The Core Theme

    While the series has always explored what it means to be a hero, All’s Justice shifts the lens toward the systemic weight of peace. It’s not just about winning the fight; it’s about the burden left behind when the “Symbol” isn’t there to carry it all.

    What to Expect

    Legacy vs. Reality: We’re seeing a deeper dive into how the next generation handles the “all-or-nothing” stakes of justice.

    Grittier Visuals: The art style is leaning into the tension, with more detailed battle damage and emotional weight.

    The Villain Perspective: True to the series’ evolution, the line between “heroic duty” and “villainous motivation” continues to blur, making the stakes feel more personal than ever.

    The Community Verdict

    “It’s not just about who has the strongest Quirk anymore; it’s about whose ideology can actually sustain a broken society.”

    Whether you’re Team Deku, a Bakugo loyalist, or just here to see how Shigaraki’s legacy unfolds, All’s Justice is proving that even in a world of superpowers, the hardest thing to master is a sense of right and wrong.

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/TCXtC

    #MYHEROACADEMIAAllsJustice #MYHEROACADEMIA #AllsJustice #MHA #MHAAJ

    #BandaiNamco #manga #ShonenManga #ScienceFantasy #Action #Superhero #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Steel Swarm: SURVIVOR new game out now

    Steel Swarm: SURVIVOR new game out now

    If you’re looking for a fresh spin on the “Bullet Heaven” genre, Steel Swarm: SURVIVOR is definitely worth a look. It trades the typical fantasy spells for grit, gears, and a serious amount of high-calibre hardware.

    Here is a quick breakdown of what makes it stand out:

    The Vibe: Industrial Carnage

    Instead of a lone wizard in a field, you’re piloting a heavily armed mercenary rig. The aesthetic is pure retro-industrial, featuring chunky metal, satisfying explosions, and a screen that fills up with mechanical nightmares rather than skeletons.

    Key Features

    Weapon Synergy: It’s not just about picking the biggest gun; it’s about how your automated turrets, drones, and manual fire-modes stack together.

    The “Swarm” is Literal: The enemy density hits hard and fast. You’ll need to master your movement to navigate the literal walls of scrap metal coming your way.

    Progressive Metal: The meta-progression is crunchy. You’re tinkering with hull plating, engine efficiency, and weapon cooling systems to survive the next run.

    Why You Should Play It

    If you love Vampire Survivors but want something that feels more like a top-down Armoured Core or Starship Troopers, this hits the spot. It’s loud, fast, and incredibly satisfying when your build finally “clicks” and starts melting through the horde.

    Quick Tip: Focus on Area of Effect (AoE) upgrades early. The swarm closes in faster than you’d expect, and single-target DPS won’t save you when you’re boxed in!

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

    #SteelSwarmSURVIVOR #DemoGame #scifi #drones #survival

    #CTGameStudio #steam #roguelite #5v5 #MOBA #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Prodigal Fighters Return: Kunimitsu, Bob, and Roger Jr. Hit Tekken 8

    The Prodigal Fighters Return: Kunimitsu, Bob, and Roger Jr. Hit Tekken 8

    The King of Iron Fist Tournament just got a lot more crowded—and a lot more chaotic. After months of speculation and “leak” culture running wild, Bandai Namco has finally confirmed the return of three fan favourites to the Tekken 8 roster: Kunimitsu II, Bob, and the long-awaited Roger Jr.

    Whether you’re a fan of high-speed ninjutsu, “speed and weight,” or literal animal house brawling, there is something here for everyone. Here is the breakdown of how these veterans are shaping up in the Unreal Engine 5 era.


    1. Kunimitsu II: The Phantom Thief Returns

    Following her massive popularity in Tekken 7, the daughter of the original Kunimitsu is back to reclaim her spot as the most elusive fighter on the roster.

    • The Vibe: Her design has leaned further into the “Urban Ninja” aesthetic, featuring high-tech gear blended with traditional kitsune masks.
    • Gameplay Tweaks: Her Heat System integration looks lethal. She can now expend Heat to chain her Kunai throws into full cinematic launchers, making her mix-up game more oppressive than ever.
    • Why She Fits: In a game built on “Aggression,” Kunimitsu’s ability to close distance instantly is a developer’s dream.

    2. Bob: Speed and Weight 2.0

    Robert Richards is back, proving once again that fitness is a state of mind. Bob remains the gold standard for “big body” characters who move like featherweights.

    • The Vibe: Bob is looking dapper, sporting a new semi-formal vest and rolled sleeves—looking less like a street brawler and more like a high-stakes bounty hunter.
    • Gameplay Tweaks: Bob’s Heat Smash is a sight to behold—a multi-hit rolling belly flop that breaks floors and spirits alike. His “Perfect” combos seem to have tighter execution requirements but reward players with massive chip damage.
    • The Verdict: He’s still the king of mid-range pokes and surprising mobility.

    3. Roger Jr.: The Ultimate Comeback

    It’s been a minute since we saw a kangaroo in a boxing ring, and the community is losing its mind. Roger Jr. (tucked safely in his mother’s pouch) is bringing the animal kingdom’s chaos back to the stage.

    • The Vibe: Visually, the fur tech in Tekken 8 makes Roger look incredible. The animations are punchier, leaning into the slapstick-yet-brutal style the character is known for.
    • Gameplay Tweaks: This isn’t just a legacy port. Roger Jr. has received several new “wrestling” inspired throws and a unique Heat State where his tail attacks gain massive knockback properties.
    • The Controversy: Fans are already debating the hitbox of a character with a literal child in a pouch, but hey—that’s the charm of Tekken.

    Find out more here – https://shorturl.at/r4MHB

    #TEKKEN8 #PlayStation #Xbox #PC #Steam

    #BandaiNamco #DRX #Tekken #Kunimitsu #Bob #RogerJr #games #gamers #gaming #videogames

  • Cut That Wire: Billionaire or Die is the adrenaline hit you’ve been waiting for

    Cut That Wire: Billionaire or Die is the adrenaline hit you’ve been waiting for

    You play as a “contestant” trapped in a lethal game show hosted by a sadistic elite. The rules are brutally simple: disarm the explosive device in front of you or lose everything.

    Why It’s Addictive

    • The Pressure: It’s not just about logic; it’s about keeping your cool while the timer screams at you.
    • High Contrast: The game oscillates between the opulent, gold-trimmed world of the billionaire class and the gritty, visceral reality of a ticking bomb.
    • Minimalist Mechanics: You don’t need a 50-page manual. Just a steady hand, a bit of intuition, and the willingness to gamble it all.

    Strategy Tip: Don’t Rush the Red

    Most players fail because they panic at the 10-second mark. Remember: the billionaire wants you to flinch. Take a breath, trace the circuit, and make the cut.

    “In this game, your bank account grows by the second, but your life expectancy drops by the millisecond.”

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/INMt8

    #CutThatWire #CTW #Space #OldMaid #GameUpdate

    #WakaStudio #newmode #gameshow #gamers #gaming #games #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