Follow the Old Legends in Talaka Releasing in Early 2027!

In Talaka, players take on the role of a young warrior who once believed in the old legends; the stories of Orisha gods, mystical creatures, and ancient realms. But as time passed, the myths faded. Forgotten by the world, the legends have begun to unravel, twisting into chaos and breaking the harmony between worlds.

Now, they must journey across dreamlike landscapes, reconnect with divine forces, and uncover why the myths have gone rogue. With the Orisha by their side, they’ll fight to restore balance before the stories vanish forever.

Key Features:

Dynamic Roguelite Combat - Every run offers new challenges and god-blessed weapons across 150+ weapon and skill combinations. Dodge, parry, and restore your way through corrupted spirits and twisted beasts in fluid, fast-paced combat.

A living Canvas of Culture - Every biome in Talaka is a living painting — from the arid Sertão and the vast Pantanal wetlands to the streets of São Paulo and the dreamlike depths of the Dark Orun.

Face the Forgotten - The legends that once guarded these lands are being erased from memory — and as they fade, they’ve lost themselves to a mysterious corruption. Hunt them down, master their patterns, and fight to restore what the world is forgetting.

Talaka will launch on Steam and modern platforms in early 2027. For more information, visit the game’s official website.

About Potato Kid:

Potato Kid is an independent Brazilian studio formed by three games industry veterans with over 30 combined years of experience. Guided by the principles of being small and efficient, playing smart with technology and market instinct, and staying true to what the team believes is meaningful to make, the studio operates on a lean, efficient model, creating unique, creative, and highly polished games shaped by direct player feedback and built to resonate with gamers. Its first title, Talaka, is an Action Roguelike set in Brazilian mythology, published by Acclaim, targeting a Q1 2027 release.

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim’s modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.

Article by: Susan N.

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Outbound - PC Review

Outbound by developer Square Glade Games and publisher Silver Lining Interactive—PC (Steam) review written by Valerie, with a purchased copy. Additional points by my partner in crime, Susan N.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes 

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Let me tell you about this cozy game my daughter and I are playing together called Outbound. Now, I've been following this game from the initial Kickstarter back in April 2025 to its full release in May 2026. The best Mother's Day gift for myself and my first ever collector's edition in a physical copy!

Outbound is fulfilling my camping itch just nicely with all the visuals and sounds of nature. I've played the single player and have been experiencing a lot of fun and exploration. However, we do have a couple of gripes in multiplayer (more on that later), but we are having a grand time!

We are currently in the third biome and really enjoying hunting for things to complete, rebuild, or fix the various 'attractions.' We even had the pleasure of a hot air balloon ride! The only things missing are the smells and the wind through our hair as we float up.

Gameplay: 

Source Energy 

You start out in Outbound with an electric powered camper van that starts out at a slow speed, but through the vehicle upgrades the speed increases. When you open the trunk portion of the camper you find the crafting. There's also the motor info as well as the bio burner power plant to fuel the camper. I wasn't good with the minigame in the workbench, but feel free to have fun with it for crafting your tools.

 

Build

Along with living off grid with your camper van you can build your dream home on top of it. You have access to the upper level with a ladder, and later with the latest fishing update you get stairs to build a multi-level home. There are also blueprints to collect so you can build that awesome home and make more upgrades to your vehicle. 

 

Craft 

Your character has a health gauge, food gauge, and there's also the power / fuel gauge for your camper so you know when to stop to power up again. You find many resources for building, food consumption, water collection, and make other parts to fix those attractions you visit. 

 

Grow 

As you play, you can build crop plots to grow food for yourself (or your group) and I was amazed at the rating of how much food health you gained from each new recipe we unlocked. After finding the blueprints for the machine needed to cook the ingredients, you can make food that provides up to one hundred percent food health! 

 

Multiplayer 

Since I'm hosting our multiplayer game I'll let Susan N. tell her side of the coin for gameplay. 

 

Susan here. Outbound has been quite enjoyable to play both in single player and multiplayer. With Valerie, we've driven across the various biomes, solved puzzles, found multiple gnomeos, and even caught some fish! We've had a great time exploring the world and grabbing plants to grow our own. 

I've had the opportunity to do a lot of the driving in our camper van which is quite fun and it allows you to get just about anywhere. Although, there were a couple of locations that were a bit rough to get through like in one of the maps there is a sharp dip in the road filled with some water. That particular section is steep for any vehicle, nevermind the camper van's size or weight.

Anyways, Val and I were able to build a nice house atop the camper van with a couple of lovely fish tanks, an assortment of plants, and as much lighting as we can muster because the lighting is admittedly not the strongest in the game. And it is one of the bigger pain points in the game for us both. Val and I have gone camping together many times over the years and a flashlight or two are some of the first pieces of gear that we pack. In Outbound, the ability to unlock a flashlight or lighting in general is much too late in gameplay, and even at that, the lamps and decorative light for your mobile home is simply not strong enough. The lights barely illuminate anything and the player flashlight is much too harsh at close distances. 

That said, there are many other aspects of Outbound that I personally love. I enjoy the lore notes found scattered around the houses and landmark locations. And with every location, you can find a large amount of supplies to be collected for both players - mostly. With the exception of certain later resources that are sparce on purpose, there are plenty of items to gather. Thankfully, most of the items you need respawn quickly. 

Now, most of the multiplayer aspects of Outbound are fantastic and the game is really cozy. However, there are some frustrating issues I have found with the multiplayer version of the game. The biggest two have to do with the design of the multiplayer itself, and the lighting.

First, let's talk about the multiplayer design. I will say that it is easy to play with your friends or family since all you need is a succinct five character code to input. Unlike other games where you may need to create a password, you don't need to worry in Outbound. And generally speaking, the multiplayer in Outbound does not have any desyncing to the host player, which is awesome. However, the game struggles with item unlock syncing. As Val is the host of the game, I get to experience the issues of being the other player in the game which is not a bad thing because I have been streaming our playthrough and my PC can only handle so much! Anyways, while Val has all of her upgrades and items unlocked each time we play, I have to pull objects out of the camper for the game to register recipe unlocks. I also have to take time to scroll over all the items in the build menu because the game treats it has having just been unlocked right then. This leads to my having to ask Val to craft certain items because I can't see items in the machines. Once I have done this, then I no longer have the duration of the session. I only have to worry about it on the following stream when we go back in. 

Secondly, the lighting in the game is mostly annoying to us both. The floor lamps are not bright enough to cover an area, in fact it seems to only affect the square it sits in. Conversely, the hand flashlight is quite bright, which is great for exploring the great outdoors, it is awfully powerful when you approach a machine or another player. Sadly, I'm unsure what type of solution this would require, but the lighting needs a bit of attention.

Thirdly, there are some interesting issues with falling through parts of the terrain. However, even in saying that, I imagine some of the locations are not meant to be traversed, so I can understand why there isn't always collision where you expect it to be. Val and I didn't find many areas where there were egregious issues with collision, it was noticeable when we did fall through terrain. 

All of that said, The multiplayer is mostly seamless which is an incredible feat at times. I will say that Val and I have both had a blast playing Outbound in search of adventure and hunting for gnomeos - clearly one of the best parts of the game! 

 

UI / Graphics: 

The graphics style is a low-poly look using the Universal Render Pipeline (URP), and what the heck is that you ask? Well, "The Universal Render Pipeline (URP) is a prebuilt Scriptable Render Pipeline, made by Unity. URP provides artist-friendly workflows that let you quickly and easily create optimized graphics across a range of platforms, from mobile to high-end consoles and PCs." This is a direct quote from the Unity3D website and it is a part of the Unity game engine that is quite popular in today's games. The vibrant colors and 3D environment that is Outbound are fun, easy to navigate, and just an all round wonderful world to drive around in. As an artist I was quite curious about this URP, so I looked it up! You can also read about how Square Glade Games used it here.

 

There is a little bit of everything in this utopian futuristic game and Outbound has a lot of playability in it with all the little adventures and environments. Susan and I really enjoy hunting down the gnomes (we yell out Gnomeo! each time we see one), so when we find one the other can come see it if she is close to the location. Other than that, I've been taking many screenshots during this game. 

 

The user interface is easy and I am so glad that we have a 'log book' style of menus to navigate. This makes it feel more like being on a camping trip. The first page if you will is your backpack where you also have separate slots for bottlecaps (Remind you of another game? Fallout 3 maybe?) and vouchers. The map takes up the second page and third page is your Task Log where you can see your current objective, any side tasks, and all the ones you've completed. The fourth page is your journal which keeps track of your progress, and the final page is for multiplayer. In order to get to this though, at the start of the game, you have to finish the tutorial. When multiplayer is unlocked in Outbound there is a code you can copy and share with the friends you're going to invite to your game.

 

There is weather that we experienced days where it rained a few days in a row. You also experience the passage of time as you 'sleep' to 'End the day'. There isn't any combat in cozy games which makes this an awesome exploration game. Yes, you can buy things to decorate your camper with them. 

 

Sound/Music: 

Outbound's music is very relaxing in this game and complements the sounds of nature around you. The realism to the sound of the tires on the sandy gravel roads I found to be a little low in volume, but other than that spot on! The attention to the detail of the sounds for each of the crafting machines definitely gives the feel of you actually operating it. Some of the visuals for the machine are cute and interesting. The voice actor for your character is awesome and doesn't overpower the gameplay. 

 

Final Thoughts: 

All in all Outbound has been a lot of fun to play and even more of a journey playing this game with Susan. I'm giving Outbound a 10 out of 10 because it has everything I need to camp and have my home with me to live 'off grid'. Oh! I forgot to mention you also get a companion in this game. The dog type you choose with help you carry the items you pick up and be your buddy for wandering around. If you love cosy games like this as much as I do, go get it! It's available in all platforms now.

 

 

Score: 10 / 10 

 

 

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Jutsu Games Releases Infection Free Zone on Consoles!

Infection Free Zone, a bestselling survival-strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic world, is coming to PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S. The title stands out for its maps that recreate real towns and cities from around the world, among other things. The game was previously very well received on PC, where it is still being actively developed. The console release date for Infection Free Zone is set for August 27.

Infection Free Zone is the work of Polish studio Jutsu Games, also known for 911 Operator, 112 Operator, and Rustler. The game currently holds an 80 percent positive rating on Steam across more than 16,000 player reviews. Ultimate Games S.A. is responsible for preparing and releasing the console versions.

Survive in Your Own City

Infection Free Zone is an independent survival strategy game set in a collapsing world. Jutsu Games' production combines a classic survival formula with strategy and city-builder elements, along with a unique map mechanic based on real-world locations.

Players take command of a group of survivors. By day, they need to manage shelter, resources, and their people; by night, they defend against hordes of the infected.

Thanks to data pulled from OpenStreetMap, players can pick any town or city in the world and then play on a real map. Notably, individual buildings such as shops, hospitals, and police stations keep their actual location

Gameplay covers building and managing an infection-free zone, where buildings can be converted into shelters, warehouses, farms, power plants, factories, and research centers. Players must raise walls and watchtowers, manage survivors, and form squads for combat and scavenging. Resource and production management also play an important role in Infection Free Zone, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency.

Over the course of this post-apocalyptic adventure, players will also encounter other groups of survivors. Some will be hostile, but others will want to trade with them or even join them.

Infection Free Zone Arrives on PS5 and XSX

On PC, the game is still being developed in Early Access. Infection Free Zone, which launches on PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S on August 27, will be available on consoles in the current PC version. Future updates will also be rolled out to the console versions over time.

Infection Free Zone – Key Features:

• Fight for survival in a fallen world
• Play on real-world maps
• Defend against hordes of the infected
• Manage your survivors
• Grow and develop your base

Infection Free Zone launches on PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S on August 27, 2026. The standard console price is 29.99 USD/EUR or the equivalent in other currencies.

Article by: Susan N.

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Moon Skeo is Available for Free in Planet Crafter!

Hello Terraformers!

The new free moon "Skeo" is available

This new free update contains a whole new moon to terraform, with its own new lore, machines, resources and species to discover.

How to try this moon ?

To experience this moon, you need to fully terraform a starting planet (Prime, Toxicity, Humble or Selenea) and then build the Extraction Platform and the Interplanetary Travel Rocket. You'll then be able to select Skeo as a destination.

This update should be compatible with all your previous saves. Restart Steam and delete any mods if you have any issues.

It is also available on XBOX, PS5 and GOG right now.

Our small team sincerly hopes you like this new free update!

Stay in the loop

As always, don't miss any information about Planet Crafter and Miju Games :

• Follow us on Steam
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Follow us on YouTube and on Twitter
• Join the official reddit
• Listen to Planet Crafter soundtrack

See you soon, and happy terraforming!

Amélie for Miju Games

Article by: Susan N.

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Asdivine Knot - PS5 Review

Asdivine Knot by developer EXE Create and publisher Kemco—Sony PlayStation 5 review written by Pierre-Yves with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes. 

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Defend Your Outpost from Critters in a Post-Apocalyptic World Coming to Steam Soon

Outpost Simulator is the work of studio Mental Dreams, a solo developer from Türkiye who has been working on the project for the past few months. Ultimate Publishing is the publisher.

One Outpost, a Handful of Survivors, a Wasteland Full of Threats

Outpost Simulator is a first-person game that combines base building, customer simulation, management, and survival elements. The world has fallen, and players start with a small abandoned outpost, with the goal of turning it into a thriving settlement.

Survivors arrive at the base looking for food, shelter, and safety, and every need met earns money. Players set up service areas, keep them stocked, and give people a reason to stay. Earnings go toward new buildings, better services, and stronger defenses.

Building and upgrading the outpost is central to the gameplay. Players expand from a bare shelter into a full settlement with tents, gardens, water tanks, power, a pub, a radio station, and more, and every structure can be upgraded. Players can also hire workers to automate production and management tasks, including guardians, farming drones, and auto-turrets.

Outpost Simulator also has no shortage of combat. When raiders attack, players defend everything they have built using mines, explosive traps, auto-turrets, assault and sniper rifles, and a gravity gun. That last tool works for both hauling supplies and tearing through enemies.

The game additionally features exploration in a survival van. Players drive across the open post-apocalyptic world to scavenge supplies, unlock new items, and take on missions ranging from rescuing stranded survivors to collecting fuel and securing areas. Seasons shift from winter to spring, prices rise and fall with conditions, and tougher enemies wait deeper in the map.

What's in the Demo

The free demo introduces the game's core mechanics and progression systems while leaving significant content for the full release. It includes a tutorial covering the core gameplay, defending the base against enemy raids, using the survival van, and spending earned money on upgrades for both the player and the base. The demo also introduces the game's overall story and showcases its visual style.

Certain elements are reserved for the full version, including expanded map exploration, the seasonal system, customizable gameplay modes, a greater variety of enemy types and raids, an expanded market, additional buildings such as the pub, radio station, wind turbine, and water tank, further weapons and upgrades, and the full set of side missions.

Key Features

• Serve the survivors and earn money
• Build and upgrade your outpost
• Defend the base against raids
• Explore the wasteland in a survival van
• Hire workers to automate your settlement

The free demo of Outpost Simulator launches on Steam on August 21, 2026. The full version will be released in H1 2027.

Article by: Susan N.

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Grab Fifteen Percent off Ground Zero Hero on Steam Until September 3rd!

LOS ANGELES, August 20, 2026 | Developer Rowand Edmondson and publisher Acclaim, Inc. today released Ground Zero Hero, a chaotic roguelike horde survival game with wild mutations and an eye-catching art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, on Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. 

Early adopters of this irradiated adventure will receive a 10% launch discount on consoles until August 27, while those who purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam will save 15% through September 3rd, 2026.

In addition to oozing onto modern consoles and PC, Ground Zero Hero can be streamed today on Antstream Arcade and is available to purchase on the Polycade lineup of modular at-home and commercial arcade cabinets.

"I've spent three years doing everything from code to art to music, trying to make the best cheeseburger I possibly could,” said Ground Zero Hero creator Rowan Edmondson. “This isn't about winning a Michelin star; it's about cramming as much dopamine into some silly fun as I possibly could. If you like a little weird with your weird, then this is for you."

“Ground Zero Hero is weird, loud, radioactive, and absolutely refuses to behave,” said Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships, Acclaim. “It’s the kind of game that reminds you why games are supposed to be fun in the first place. That’s Acclaim territory.” 

Featuring a vibrant hand-drawn art style inspired by The Simpsons and Rick & Morty, Ground Zero Hero invites players to channel their inner freak and explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland as they face off against massive hordes of marauding mutants. Pummel piñatas, crunch candy, and absorb the irradiated guts of monsters to unlock new mutations and become the ultimate mutant.

To celebrate Ground Zero Hero bursting out of the confines of the leaky 50-gallon drum that’s contained it since its announcement last year, Acclaim has released an all-new launch trailer. Watch as the game’s post-apocalyptic protagonist Radboy scours the wasteland in search of succulent candy, harvests the glowing guts of his enemies to enhance his repertoire of radioactive abilities, and confronts more marauding mutants than you can shake a Geiger counter at. 

Players eager to get their freaky little tentacles on Ground Zero Hero before dipping their toes in the wasteland by trying the demo on Steam today. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can also get their freak on with a limited one-hour trial of the game.

Key Features:

• UNLOCK an ever-growing list of powerful mutations and permanent upgrades
• DISCOVER devastating combinations to craft your ultimate mutant
• EXPLORE multiple wastelands, each with its own unique interactive elements
• BATTLE to a dynamic soundtrack that changes with gameplay
• SURVIVE the apocalypse by destroying piñatas for that sweet, sweet candy
• GIVE BIRTH to a man in a chicken suit

Store Links:

• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2570580/Ground_Zero_Hero/
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on XBOX Play Anywhere: https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/ground-zero-hero/9nqcb8mgt9qd
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on PlayStation 5: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10019613
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Switch 2 NOA: http://nintendo.com/us/store/products/ground-zero-hero-switch-2
• Play Ground Zero Hero on Antstream: https://www.antstream.com/acclaim/ground-zero-hero 
• Purchase Ground Zero Hero on Switch 2 NOE: https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Ground-Zero-Hero-3152617.html

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim's modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.

Article by: Susan N.

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Lohkare Games Oy Releases 'The Last Drop' in Steam's Early Access

Helsinki, Finland – August 18, 2026 | Some game ideas begin with a market opportunity. Others simply refuse to go away. For Henri, Founder and CEO of Lohkare Games Oy, Last Drop belongs firmly in the second category.

Henri first attempted to create the game back in 2009. The project was eventually put aside, but the idea never disappeared. More than a decade later, development restarted in 2020. Today, after years of work, Last Drop is officially available in Steam Early Access.

Set in 1994 Finland, Last Drop is a gritty open-world action adventure combining old-school 1v1 brawling, cinematic storytelling and everyday life in a world heavily inspired by real Finnish locations, memories and events. And some of its strangest moments aren’t as fictional as you might think.

Players step into the boots of Seppo “Zeze” Sahtivaara, an aspiring writer trying to make his way through the fictional Finnish town of Nykylä and its surrounding areas.

Life isn’t especially glamorous. Money runs short, work needs to be found, pubs are tempting, cars are battered, friendships matter and disagreements can quickly turn physical.

Combat is deliberately old-school. There are no guns. Instead, fights are built around a skill-based 1v1 system inspired by classic fighting games, where timing, movement, character stats and skill determine the outcome. Zeze can even learn new fighting moves by watching over-the-top VHS action movies scattered throughout the world.

Outside the fights, life continues.

Players can buy and drive retro cars, ride bikes, take odd jobs, manage money and inventory, visit local pubs, heat up the lakeside sauna and keep an eye on Zeze’s Drunkenness level while exploring towns, forests, lakes and country roads.

The world follows its own rhythm, with changing weather, a full day and night cycle, and shops that open and close according to the in-game clock. But underneath the fighting, drinking, driving and dark humour is something much more personal.

Last Drop is built around the team’s memories of growing up in Finland during the 1980s and 1990s. Characters, conversations, locations and situations throughout the game are inspired in different ways by real stories and experiences. And according to Henri, reality was sometimes even stranger than the game.

“This game has been a dream of mine for many years. I first tried to make it back in 2009, but the project was buried for more than ten years before we restarted development in 2020. The idea never really left me.”

“We grew up in Finland in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and we wanted to bring back that time, the places, the atmosphere and the stories we remember, but build a strong action-driven story around it. When you’re playing, there will probably be moments where you think, ‘There’s no way this actually happened.’ The funny thing is that many of the real stories were even stranger.”

“Reaching Early Access is a huge milestone for us, but it’s also just the beginning. We want players to experience this world, tell us what they think and help us shape where Last Drop goes from here.” — Henri, Founder & CEO, Lohkare Games Oy

Music is another deeply personal part of the project. The main song, “Kesä” by Moottorikitara, was composed by one of Lohkare Games’ founders, with music and audio playing an important role in creating Last Drop’s distinctly Finnish atmosphere.

The Early Access release includes the first part of Zeze’s story, with Lohkare Games planning to expand the game with additional story content, features and improvements throughout development.

Play Last Drop now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3275750/Last_Drop/

Key Features

• A World Inspired by Real Life

• Explore an authentic recreation of rural Finland, city of Nykylä and towns in the mid-1990s.

• Old-School 1v1 Combat

• Master a deep fighting-game-inspired combat system where, stats, timing, movement and skill matter more than brute force. Learn new moves by watching VHS action movies.

• Open-World Life

• Drive retro cars, ride bikes, take on odd jobs, earn money, visit pubs, heat up the sauna and experience everyday life beyond the main story.

• Build Your Own Zeze

• Develop Health, Strength, Agility and Stamina while managing your wallet, inventory and Drunkenness level throughout the adventure.

• A Living Finnish Towns

• Go around the world and experience many small towns, a lot of forests and lakes. Try to sell moonshine to NPC characters and you have to learn who is a friend, because enemies might beat you.

• A Cinematic Story

• Discover a Tarantino-style story told through movie-inspired cutscenes and memorable characters in a uniquely Finnish setting.

Last Drop launches in Early Access on Steam on August 18, 2026 with first part of the story. More will come later.

About Lohkare Games Oy

Lohkare Games Oy is an independent Finnish game studio founded by Henri (CEO & Founder), Hannes (Programming) and Timo (Audio & Story).

This is a true passion project, started by Henri, who just knew this has to be done, no matter the struggle and mental stress involved.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in animation, filmmaking, storytelling and commercial production for companies including Royal Caribbean, Toyota, Valmet and KONE, the team combines cinematic storytelling with authentic Finnish culture in its debut title.

Last Drop is the studio’s first game, a Tarantino-style story set in a Kaurismäki-inspired vision of 1990s Finland, where reality is often stranger than fiction.

Article by: Susan N.

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Midnight Moments - PC Steam Review

Midnight Moments by developer and publisher Happy Volcano—PC (Steam) review written by Susan N., with copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Sword & Shield Playable in Early Access on PC! Console to Come Later

Sword & Shield Simulator is now available on PC in Early Access as of August 11. This game lets players take on the role of a medieval blacksmith who not only forges weapons and armor but also scours battlefields for resources. Sword & Shield Simulator is also set to come to PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S later.

The simulator is being developed by Polish studio Wildlands Interactive, which is also a co-publisher of the game alongside Ultimate Games S.A.

Gather Loot on the Battlefields and Forge Weapons!

Sword & Shield Simulator is a relaxing medieval blacksmithing simulator with exploration and adventure elements. Players take on the role of a blacksmith who collects scrap on battlefields and then uses the salvaged resources to forge swords, shields, and other kinds of weapons and armor in their smithy.

The title offers advanced blacksmithing mechanics using key tools, including an anvil, furnace, grindstone, chisel, and flux. Notably, in this simulator, a sword, for example, is forged modularly from individual parts (blade, hilt, guard, and so on), while shields are assembled piece by piece.

Players will find the resources needed to craft weapons and armor mainly on battlefields. Gameplay also includes mechanics tied to things like felling trees, hunting, and mining. The developers have prepared mini-games for this too, covering lockpicking, crossbow shooting, and cart repair, among others.

Managing the smithy and trading items play an important role here. In Sword & Shield Simulator, progression is built on an experience and skill system. The game world spans several large regions in total, with additional locations, and there's no shortage of residents' stories, intrigue, and secrets of the kingdom.

Sword & Shield Simulator in Early Access

The game will be developed in Early Access for up to around six months. At launch, Sword & Shield Simulator offers 3 regions (Danburg, Bloodlands, and Grainmill), along with more than 140 story missions and many additional tasks.

In the coming months, the game will also gain the larger Talstein region with additional missions, new blacksmithing and resource elements, and expanded options for the materials system, mines, and hunting. The developers will also take the player community's feedback into account as they develop the game in Early Access.

Sword & Shield Simulator – Key Features:

• Become a medieval blacksmith
• Forge new swords and armor
• Gather loot on the battlefields
• Complete story missions and side quests
• Expand and upgrade your smithy

Sword & Shield Simulator launched on PC (Steam Early Access) on August 11, 2026. The simulator is also set to come to PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S later.

Article by: Susan N.

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Dive into an Ever-Scaling Dark Fantasy Campaign in Orc Incremental Sept 8th!

August 13, 2026. Los Angeles | Independent developer Nice Ride and publisher Playsaurus are glad to announce that Orc Incremental, their incremental auto-battler with RPG elements where players build a growing orc warband into an unstoppable dark army, launches this September 8 on Steam at a price of 7.99 USD | EUR with 15% off during the first 2 weeks. In Orc Incremental, players build a growing orc warband, optimize formations, draw units and totems, cast spells, and repeatedly rebirth to unlock permanent power and push deeper into an ever-scaling dark fantasy campaign.

"We want to thank everyone who took the time to play our demo and share their thoughts with us. The amount of thoughtful, detailed feedback we received has been incredible.

The biggest challenge for us has been figuring out exactly what we want this game to be. We want to build something that rewards players who take the game seriously, but we still want the game to have those unpredictable moments where you stumble across something simply broken. We hope we've come close to finding the right balance." - Velasco (Art and Programming)

Get ready to command a growing army of dark fantasy units in an experience built around constant scaling and strategic refinement. New units and totems are acquired through card drafting, and each choice pushes the run in a different direction. Armies fight automatically, but success depends on the skills to build their composition, set formations, and use spells at key moments.

When progress slows, players can perform a Dark Rebirth, resetting the current run in exchange for permanent bonuses and additional unlocks. This core loop creates a strong sense of momentum, experimentation, and long-term mastery. 

IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS IN 1.0 VERSION

• New Allied Units: Unlock the Assassin (a stealth unit specializing in critical damage), Troll (a durable tank that reflects damage), Warg Raider (an area-damage fighter that pulls vulnerable units out of safety), and Juggernaut (an explosive siege unit).
• Reworked Chieftains: Chieftains now fight as battlefield units, featuring nine distinct bloodlines with signature abilities activated with right click, and a Martyrdom passive bonus that activates if the chieftain is sacrificed.
• Expanded Blight Tree: The blight tree has been reworked into a more traditional branching tree with 250 upgrade nodes.
• New Enemy Units: Face Cryomancers, Paladins, and Griffons, each introducing a new challenge to your battle composition.
• New Legendary Bosses: Three new legendary bosses with unique attacks.
• Expanded Card and Totem Builds: Five new totems that open up new unit synergies and army-building options. 
• Quality-of-Life, Trial, and Balance Improvements: The full release also includes a broad range of improvements to Trials, game balance, progression, usability, and overall polish.

FEATURES

• Build and scale an orc army from a single grunt into a full warband
• Draft units and totems with different rarities, roles, and synergies
• Set formations and optimize army composition to break through progression walls
• Support battles with active spells such as Blizzard and Fireball
• Use Dark Rebirth to reset runs for permanent progression bonuses
• Unlock new units, challenges, and chieftain choices that change each run
• Benefit from offline progress and return to accumulated resources
• Face milestone bosses that test build quality and tactical planning

About Nice Ride

Nice Ride is a collective of three game developers from different European countries working remotely, they are focused on creating single player games with 2D art, and Orc Incremental is their Debut Title. They don’t like generative AI, all their art is hand-made. Learn more about them on their site: https://www.niceride.gg

About Playsaurus

Playsaurus is a California-based developer-publisher widely recognized as one of the most prominent names in the incremental/idle-games space. Best known for Clicker Heroes, the studio has since brought fan favorites Cookie Clicker (PC and Console versions), Tingus Goose for PC, Mr.Mine, and Sixty Four to millions of players, continually expanding the genre's audience with premium, community-driven releases. 

Article by: Susan N.

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Tormentum II - PC Review

Tormentum II by developer and publisher OhNoo Studio—PC (Steam) review written by Valerie, with a copy provided by the publisher. 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes  

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Nothing says 'horror' more than what's inside your mind some days, and Tormentum II definitely delivers on horror inside the mind of a computer programmer (I assume), by the name of David, trying to get a simulation to run and ends up inside it himself!

The images in this point and click puzzle game were inspired by a pair of the many artists I had been following for quite a while now. I was so excited to see these creations inspired by H.R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński that I just had to experience this game myself. Kudos to Piotr Ruszkowski and Łukasz Rutkowski and their wonderful works of art, gameplay, puzzles, music, oh just everything is so awesome!

Tormentum II opens with David (played by you) asleep on the bed. As you run your mouse over the room you discover points of interest and possible clues to what you do next. Where you point your cursor is where David moves to and each point that he can move to is labelled with text and an animated icon. I hear that in the first Tormentum: Dark Sorrow this type of 'direction' wasn't in that first game. Next, my curiosity draws me to all the pictures on the wall. I am loving that this game is all hand-drawn and the detail is just stunning!  

David is trying to get his simulation to run and has been offered a mysterious coprocessor. Once he installs it he wakes in a prison with the very beings capable of human-level thought that he had created for the simulation. Many things are similar to what he remembers creating and also many new things show up as he goes around talking to anyone he meets. When he meets a being you notice that there's a puzzle to solve. Clues are given by the beings you are talking to. Oh! One beautiful feature of this game is David carrying a notepad where you literally have access to clues that are for either the puzzle you are on or another one further ahead! I loved this as it saves me writing down, yes exactly that, physically writing down notes. I know I'm not the only one doing this. 

The music is so on point in this game that in some of the rooms I have actual shivers up my spine from it playing. There are definitely Lovecraftian vibes all through this game. That same feeling from the music I have felt before in the Sherlock Holmes games from Frogwares. 

Another feature of this game is the map. The detail on this and every image that makes up this game is visually stunning. I am so blown away by that. I'm so glad that they took those 8 years to make this game. Well, with only 2 of them making this game, I can understand the long wait for it. Definitely well worth it! 

I am now on my third playthrough of this game because on my first playthrough, when I got to a puzzle that I had all the pieces for, my choice killed off a being I had made a promise to. Wow, did that hit me in the gut for sure, which loomed over me throughout the first time through.

I am so glad for the different endings because of my choices. That gives this game a lot of replayability. The puzzles are easy to solve and the story carries you along. I remember the voice and the huge chest in David's dream which definitely has a kick all its own. For all these reasons this game rates a ten out of ten! Thank you Ohnoo Studio! You guys rock! Now I am off to play the first Tormentum just because I'm hooked! Looking forward to your next game, and all of you who have this on your wishlist? Go get it! Some point and click games usually just pass time for me, but this one has me coming back to replay the points I had saved.

 

Score: 10 / 10 

 

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Brand New Trailer for Pixel Washer Launches Ahead of Release Later This Year!

LOS ANGELES - August 2026 | Acclaim, Inc. and Valadria today released a new gameplay trailer for Pixel Washer, the cozy, retro-inspired power-washing sim, giving players their best look yet at the game's grimy locales, its stacked arsenal of mighty power washers, and the various vehicles players can unlock to get from job to job.

The trailer takes players on a tour of Pixel Washer's crud-caked world, from grungy game rooms and mud-caked museums to crusty city streets and filthy food trucks, each rendered in the game's charming pixel art style.

In addition to highlighting the various locales you’ll cleanse of crud, the trailer also offers a glimpse of the power washers featured in the game. with a distinct spray pattern to help the plucky porcine protagonist Pigxel overcome the mother of all messes.

Rounding out the reveal is a look at the vehicles players can buy with their hard-earned cash to haul their gear across town. These rides run the gamut from rugged work vans and tantalizing taco trucks to more exotic sets of wheels, including the ultimate road hog, the Pig Mobile!

“There’s something beautifully backwards about sending a pig in to clean up everyone else’s mess,” said Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Director of Publishing & Strategic Partnerships at Acclaim. “Pigxel doesn’t just get dirty. He makes dirty his business. Pixel Washer takes that oddly satisfying feeling of blasting years of questionable grime off something & turns it into a colorful little obsession.  We cannot wait for everyone to get their hooves dirty when Pixel Washer sprays its way onto the Switch, Switch 2, and Steam this fall.”

Developed by California-based indie developer Valadria, Pixel Washer puts players behind the stylish goggles of Pigxel, a pig tasked with turning filthy environments into shining pixel art masterpieces. Armed with a trusty power washer, players blast dirty sprites back to a pixel-perfect shine across a wide variety of sullied settings, all set to a chill soundtrack.

Key Features

• Wash and Restore - Use your power washer to blast away grime and bring beautiful pixel art levels back to their full glory.
• Explore a Grimy World - Travel through six-plus sullied locales, each with its own look, mess, and pixel-perfect payoff.
• Build Your Arsenal - Choose from a growing lineup of power washers, each with a unique spray pattern for a different kind of grime.
• Ride in Style - Earn money on the job and spend it on new vehicles to help you get from gig to gig.
• Cozy Vibes - Relax to a chill soundtrack and satisfying sound design that makes cleaning feel like a reward, not a chore.

Pixel Washer is coming soon to PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch 1, and Nintendo Switch 2.

About Acclaim:

Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim’s modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.

About Valadria:

Valadria is the creative output of Matt Hackett, a game developer in California. It's all about developing games in one hand, and helping developers make games in the other. Our first offering is How to Make a Video Game All By Yourself, an Amazon #1 best selling game dev book. Next up: Pixel Washer, a cozy game about washing dirty pixels. Sign up for Valadria's game dev newsletter to join Matt on this long and exciting journey.

Article by: Susan N.

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