Looking for a space 4X strategy game that doesn’t take 40 hours to finish a single match? Say hello to Astro Protocol, the tactical turn-based space sim from Null Vector Studios, launching on Steam in February 2026!
Unlike traditional grand strategy games, Astro Protocol is built for speed and impact. Most runs wrap up in about 1–2 hours, making it perfect for those “just one more turn” nights where you actually want to see the ending.
Why it should be on your Wishlist:
Fast-Paced 4X:Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate in a condensed, high-stakes format.
Tactical Hex Combat: Forget “stacking” units—this is a one-unit-per-tile system where positioning and adjacency bonuses mean the difference between victory and cosmic dust.
Unique Factions: Choose from 6 distinct factions (like the United Tellus or the Yimono Union) and interact with 10+ minor factions to secure powerful alliances.
Endless Replayability: Every run features a randomised tech tree, unique anomalies, and procedural galaxy maps. No two “Calibration” events are ever the same.
Deep Customisation: Specialise your planets into industrial powerhouses or research hubs, and customise your fleet with everything from nimble Scouts to massive Carriers.
The galaxy is a simulation, and the Great Calibration is coming. Will your empire lead the way, or be deleted from history?
Available on: Windows, Linux, and macOS. Release Date: February 2026.Wishlist now on Steam.
Find out more here – https://nullvectorstudios.com/
The Drift is failing, the stars are dimming, but the adventure is just beginning.
We’re diving deep into Starfinder: Afterlight, where the stakes are higher than ever, and the galaxy is on the brink of a new era. Forget everything you know about the status quo—it’s time to find out what happens when the lights go out in the Pact Worlds.
Who’s joining the crew? Whether you’re a seasoned Solarian or a first-time Mechanic, the Afterlight awaits.
Find out more here – https://www.epictellers.com/starfinder-afterlight
The Scrap Daddies Free Beta is officially kicking off! Join the 1–6 player slapstick chaos as we raid underwater bases, dodge toxic slime, and try not to lose our loot to the deep.
Closed Beta: Jan 9 – Jan 11 (Sign up now!) Open Beta: Jan 15 – Jan 18 (Open to all!)
Hit “Request Access” on Steam to secure your spot in New Tortuga. Who’s joining my dive team?
You and the squad are trying to extract from an underwater base while everything is literally on fire and melting.
Scrap Daddies is taking the “looter” genre to ridiculous new depths. Dive into the free beta this month and experience:
Ever feel like someone—or something—is watching you from the shadows?
We just stepped into the world of Tatari, and the atmosphere is absolutely bone-chilling. If you love J-Horror, urban legends, and puzzles that make your skin crawl, this is a must-play. The storytelling is haunting, and the tension is real.
Can you solve the mystery before the curse takes hold? Or will you become just another legend?
Find out more here – https://store.steampowered.com/app/1847420/Tatari/
Monsters are taking over… and only Joe can stop them!
Get ready for some old-school arcade mayhem in Shotgun Joe – Love & Monsters. It’s easy to pick up but impossible to put down. Perfect for your commute or a quick gaming break!
If you’re looking for your next mobile addiction, Shotgun Joe – Love & Monsters is it. The art style is vibrant, the gameplay is buttery smooth, and let’s be honest—there’s nothing more satisfying than a perfectly timed blast.
The Challenge: Can you beat my high score on Level 5? Post a screenshot of your best run and tag us!
Available now on the Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameaki.shotgunjoe
The mid-season update is dropping three new arenas into the Multiplayer rotation. Whether you’re looking for vertical rooftop warfare or a nostalgia trip back to the classics, we’ve got you covered.
📍 New Map Intel:
Yakei (6v6/2v2): Take the fight to the neon-soaked rooftops of a dense Japanese city. Navigate a labyrinth of industrial vents and narrow ledges where verticality is your best friend—and your worst enemy. 🏮🏙️
Meltdown (6v6): The Black Ops 2 fan-favourite returns! Experience this legendary nuclear power plant remastered with modern visuals and dynamic lighting. The classic three-lane flow is back. ☢️🏗️
Fringe (6v6): Crossing over from Black Ops 6, this small-town rural map brings high-speed engagements and iconic sightlines back to the forefront. 🚜🎯
Everything You Need to Know: 📅 Launch Date: January 8, 2026 🕘 Time: 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM GMT 🎮 Available on: All platforms + Day One on Xbox Game Pass
Get your loadouts ready and prepare for the drop. The grind for Prestige Master doesn’t stop here.
Which map are you hitting first? Let us know in the comments! 👇
To find out more – https://www.callofduty.com/uk/en/blackops7
Developed by the creators of the famous Long War mod for XCOM, this isn’t just a game about shooting aliens – it’s a game about the politics, science, and industrialisation required to save (or sell out) humanity.
Why It’s Different
Most games start with an interstellar war. In Terra Invicta, you start with a telescope and a few shadowy agents. You don’t control a nation; you control a shadowy faction (like the Resistance, the Humanity First, or the pro-alien Servants) competing for influence over Earth’s superpowers.
The Scale is Mind-Blowing
Earth Politics: Manipulate the US, China, or the EU to funnel resources into your space program.
True Newtonian Physics: No “planes in space.” Ships move based on actual delta-v and orbital mechanics.
The Solar System is Your Sandbox: Build mines on the Moon, shipyards around Mars, and outposts in the asteroid belt.
A Hard Sci-Fi Tech Tree: Research everything from nuclear thermal rockets to antimatter reactors.
Which Path Will You Choose?
Are you going to build a planetary defence force to kick the invaders out? Or will you flee the solar system in a desperate exodus? Maybe you believe the aliens are here to save us?
“The stars are cold, but the war for them is just heating up.”
Available now on Steam (Early Access). If you love The Expanse or XCOM, this is your next obsession. Find out more here – https://epic.gm/terra-invicta
Prepare to return to a world veiled in blood and shadow. The Revenants rise once more to face a new hunger and uncover the secrets lying beyond the Mist. Your blood code is your weapon—how will you defy your fate this time?
🚧 New Raid: Infiltrate the industrial ruins of “The Dam.” 🔫 New Arsenal: Lock and load with the M249 Para, RPG-7, SVDM, and more. 👾 New Threats:Watch out for the Shy Girl, Scorch, and the terrifying Mimic Car. 🛡️ Gear Up: Reworked armour systems, Titan plates, and active hearing headsets.
The loop continues. Will you extract, or become part of the matter?
Bonus: For a limited time (until Dec 26th), enjoy Unlimited Co-op Raids regardless of your game edition! 🤝
Download the update now on the Gaijin Store https://activematter.game/en/news/104
Get ready, Demon Slayers, because the battle is about to get even more intense! The highly anticipated sequel, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2, is roaring onto our screens, promising even more breathtaking combat, stunning visuals, and a roster of new and formidable characters. And among the most exciting additions is none other than the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza!
For fans of the anime and manga, Akaza’s introduction is a game-changer. His devastating combat style, driven by his pursuit of strength and his powerful “Destructive Kill: Compass Needle” technique, made him one of the most memorable and terrifying antagonists in the series. Now, players will have the chance to wield that power themselves, bringing a whole new level of strategic depth and explosive action to the arena.
A Fistful of Fury: What Akaza Brings to the Fight
Akaza’s fighting style is a whirlwind of martial arts prowess and demonic abilities. Imagine unleashing rapid-fire punches and kicks, seamlessly transitioning into powerful special moves that decimate your opponents. His signature Compass Needle ability, which allows him to sense his opponent’s fighting spirit and predict their attacks, will undoubtedly translate into a unique gameplay mechanic, perhaps offering defensive advantages or opportunities for devastating counter-attacks.
Imagine landing a perfect combo, ending with a cinematic “Destructive Kill: Annihilation Type” that leaves your opponent reeling. The developers at CyberConnect2 are renowned for their faithful adaptations of anime combat, and we can expect nothing less than a spectacular portrayal of Akaza’s raw power and agility.
Beyond Akaza: What Else to Expect from The Hinokami Chronicles 2
While Akaza’s inclusion is a major highlight, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is shaping up to be a true evolution of the original. We can anticipate:
Expanded Roster: Beyond Akaza, expect a host of new playable characters from later arcs of the story, including more Hashira and powerful demons. Who are you hoping to see join the roster next?
New Story Content: The game will undoubtedly continue adapting the thrilling narrative of the anime, likely covering arcs beyond the first game. Get ready to relive iconic battles and emotional moments.
Enhanced Combat Mechanics: While the first game laid a solid foundation, sequels always bring improvements. We can look forward to refined combat systems, new combos, and potentially new ultimate attacks for all characters.
Stunning Visuals: CyberConnect2 pushed the boundaries with the first game’s art style, and we can only imagine how they’ll further enhance the vibrant and dynamic world of Demon Slayer in the sequel.
The Hype is Real!
The announcement of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 and the confirmation of Akaza’s playable status have ignited the hype train. Fans are eagerly discussing potential character interactions, dream matchups, and how Akaza’s unique abilities will shake up the competitive scene.
Whether you’re a seasoned Demon Slayer veteran or a newcomer to the series, the prospect of controlling Akaza and unleashing his destructive power is incredibly exciting. Get ready to dive back into the world of Demon Slayer and carve your path to victory!
What are you most excited about for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2? Let us know in the comments below!
Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – https://sega.link/Hinokami-Chronicles-2
If you’ve been looking for the next big thing to play with your squad, keep your eyes on the Shroud. False Summit, a two-person indie powerhouse, just officially announced RUNE GUNNER—a 4-player co-op roguelite shooter that looks like the chaotic lovechild of Remnant II and Risk of Rain.
The game was just revealed (as of December 2025) with a scheduled Early Access release in Q3 2026. Here is everything we know about this high-octane blend of sorcery and lead.
The Story: A World Consumed by the Shroud
In RUNE GUNNER, you aren’t just fighting for loot; you’re fighting for survival. Your ancestors’ quest for immortality backfired spectacularly, unleashing a corruptive force known as The Shroud. Now, the world is crawling with deadly “Constructs.”
The only way to fight back? You have to embrace the same unstable, world-ending magic that powers your enemies. It’s a classic “fight fire with fire” scenario, but with much bigger explosions.
Gameplay: Build-Breaking Synergies
The core of RUNE GUNNER is its “No Flat Stats” philosophy. Forget “+5% Damage” buffs; this game is about Runes that fundamentally change how you play.
Customizable Classes: You start with an innate Hero class but can mix in new classes mid-run. This allows you to stack active abilities and passive Runes on the fly.
Game-Breaking Combos: The developers are explicitly encouraging players to find “meta-breaking” synergies. For example:
Stacking shield effects to bypass reloads and achieve infinite ammo.
Using burning enemies to trigger chain-reaction explosions.
Scaling damage infinitely by avoiding reloads entirely.
Key Features at a Glance
Feature
Details
Players
1–4 Player Online Co-op
Genre
Roguelite Third-Person Shooter
Developer
False Summit
Progression
Shared arsenal and permanent meta-upgrades
Environment
Procedurally generated rooms in “The Shroud”
Why We’re Excited
What sets RUNE GUNNER apart from the sea of roguelite shooters is its focus on creativity over grind. Because the runes tweak the behaviour of your loadout rather than just the numbers, every run promises a genuine “Aha!” moment when you discover a new way to break the game’s difficulty curve.
The art style is sleek and stylised, and the promise of a “shared arsenal” means you won’t feel like you’re falling behind your friends if you play at different paces.
When Can You Play?
The Steam page is live now, and a demo is expected soon. Mark your calendars for the Early Access launch in Q3 2026.
Pro Tip: Head over to Steam and wishlist it now. For a two-person dev team, wishlists are the lifeblood of a successful launch!
