Tag: #Steam

  • 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

  • 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

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

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

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

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


    The Big One: New Game Plus is Here

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

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

    Major Gameplay Overhauls & QoL

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

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

    Accessibility and Localisation

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

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


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

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

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

    #VerhoCurseofFaces #fantasy #RPG #demogame #Steam

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

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

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

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

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


    1. Build Your Own Boss-Slayer

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

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

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

    2. The Loop: Scraps to Riches

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

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

    3. Why It Feels Different

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

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

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


    Release Status: When Can You Play?

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

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

    Final Verdict

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

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

    #TerraTechLegion #steam #fps #cyberneticmachines #HeavyRigoperator

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

  • 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

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

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

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

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


    The Story: A Dream You Can’t Wake From

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

    Key Gameplay Mechanics

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

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

    Why It’s Worth Playing

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

    The Verdict

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

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

    #NightmareTheLunatic #roguelite #action #RPG #combat

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

  • Killer Inn coming to Early Access in February

    Killer Inn coming to Early Access in February

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


    The Setup: Wolves vs. Lambs

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

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

    Gameplay Mechanics: No Meetings, Just Mayhem

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

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

    Release Information

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

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

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

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

  • Astro Protocol launching on Steam Feb 9th

    Astro Protocol launching on Steam Feb 9th

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

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


    The Concept: Predicting the Future

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

    Playable Factions

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

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

    Core Gameplay Mechanics

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

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

    Why It Stands Out

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

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

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

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