EA Sports UFC 6 by developer EA Sports and publisher Electronic Arts—PlayStation 5 review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
EA Sports UFC 6 - PlayStation 5 Review
Wheelmates Launching on Steam in September of This Year!
June 6, 2026 | WheelMates, the co-op driving adventure where two players guide tiny RC cars through the secret-riddled house of an eccentric missing scientist from developer Firevolt, charges its batteries to launch on Monday, Sept. 7 on PC via Steam with a Friends Pass available at launch, as revealed today at Future Games Show. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are currently in development.
Play the updated Steam Next Fest demo starting Monday, June 7. Learn more about the story by scanning selected objects, discovering memory cards that reveal details about the owner of the house. Revisit the clues and connect the dots in the Journal, debuting in the updated demo. Enjoy improved controls with more flexible handling settings, additional camera settings including free camera control, and Steam Deck support.
Antennae at attention! Go offroading indoors as two RC cars in a maze-like laboratory home to oversized household objects covering up the strange experiments of a stranger scientist. Work together to get into small spaces and hard-to-reach areas, and discover secrets in playgrounds where normal appliances become comically large obstacles. Charge through environmental puzzles in a series of unlockable escape rooms on a journey through the Kitchen, Garage, Backyard, and other mysteriously closed-off, wide open crawlspaces.
Team up to tackle challenging tasks demanding collaboration. Communicate with one another to properly time each player’s role in every solution, and together unlock every location inside the house to learn the truth behind the professor’s disappearance. Upgrade RC cars with physics-based rope swings, powerfully magnetic wheels, and other helpful gadgets to turn teamwork into progress in unpredictably fun ways.
Ride through a puzzling house with a friend at any pace as WheelMates steers into shared problem solving skills between duos as the core framework fostering fun moment-to-moment gameplay without the pressure of performance.
Strap in for an unexpected ride when WheelMates launches on Steam for PC and Steam Deck on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. A Friends Pass will be available alongside the Steam version, enabling two people to play with just one copy of the game. Play the updated demo today on Steam for PC and Steam Deck. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are also in development for release at a later date.
WheelMates supports 14 languages including English, French, German, Spanish (Spain + Latin America), Simplified Chinese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil + Portugal), Russian, Italian, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian.
For more information, join the Discord server, visit the game’s official site, and follow WheelMates on X, TikTok, and YouTube.
About Firevolt
An independent studio Firevolt combines its experience and knowhow to make its own co-op titles that bring new approaches and shared experiences to the world.
Article by: Susan N.
Nightdive Studios Announces Thief: The Dark Project Remastered for Winter Release!
Vancouver, WA (June 7, 2026) | Nightdive Studios, Eidos-Montréal and Atari today announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, a modern revival of the groundbreaking 1998 classic from Looking Glass Studios that helped define the stealth genre. Remastered with Nightdive’s KEX Engine, the release includes Thief: The Dark Project and the additional missions, content and updates from the 1999 Thief Gold re-release. Coming this Winter, the game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Play Anywhere, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, in addition to PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Considered an early foundation of “pure stealth” gameplay, Thief stood out in an era dominated by combat-heavy first-person games. Instead of open confrontation, it rewards a slower, more deliberate approach – using light and sound to stay hidden or misdirect enemies, and when required, ferocious moments of violence that stay hidden in the shadows. Described by its developers as a “first-person sneaker,” the title is widely regarded as the pioneering 3D stealth experience or “immersive sim.”
“Thief didn’t just introduce stealth mechanics, it defined them,” said Stephen Kick, CEO at Nightdive Studios. “With this remaster, we’ve preserved the tension and intelligence of the original while enhancing it for modern players, ensuring that its legacy continues to influence how stealth games are played today."
Thief notably emphasizes player agency over scripted scenarios, giving players the freedom to navigate the world and tackle challenges in their own way, using the tools available to them to stay hidden. The NPCs in Thief are also responsive to the environment: instead of following routines, they interact with visual and auditory cues, react and investigate, and communicate with each other.
“Few games have had an impact as enduring as Thief,” said Patrice Baig, General Manager at Eidos-Montréal. “It set a standard for immersion and atmospheric storytelling that still resonates today. This remaster ensures a new generation can experience what made it so influential, and we’re proud to see it treated with such care.”
In Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, players once again step into the boots of Garrett, an orphan rescued from the streets by the Keepers – a secretive, ancient order dedicated to maintaining balance in the world – and trained to become a Master Thief. Now an adult, the rebellious Garrett has left the order and now moves through a world of corruption and conspiracy, stealing from the wealthy for personal gain. Despite his cynical outlook and dark wit, as he uncovers hidden agendas among those grasping for power his instinct is to act for the greater good.
Innovative gameplay features include:
- Advanced NPC AI: A dynamic visibility system and sound simulation allows both players and enemies to detect movement realistically; NPCs will dynamically adapt to sounds the player makes, investigate, and even raising alarms
- Keep to the Shadows: Experience one of the first games to use light and sound as core gameplay mechanics; use fire arrows to extinguish torches and moss arrows to dampen loud surfaces
- Stealth-Based Combat: Strike unseen from the shadows using Garrett’s blackjack to incapacitate enemies from behind or specialized gas mines and arrows to take them down from range
- Misdirection: Flashbombs will temporarily blind and disorient enemies and Noisemaker arrows will distract and draw away guards.
- Tools of a Master Thief: amass a full array of specialized tools including lockpicks, remote cameras, and even rope arrows to access out-of-reach locations
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered modernizes the original experience with material quality of life enhancements. As part of the remastering effort the artists at Nightdive have carefully updated and improved the graphic textures and models, as well as the cut scenes and animations. The team also updated the UI, adding a weapon and item wheel, and mission selector. Support was also added on PC for custom campaigns so that players can experience the many missions and campaigns created over the years by fans.
From its use of light and shadow to its emphasis on player vulnerability and non-lethal playstyles, Thief: The Dark Project helped shape decades of stealth-focused design. Its influence can be seen across the genre, inspiring immersive, system-driven gameplay. The game was recognized at the 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (2000) with a win for “Outstanding Achievement in Character or Story Development.” With Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, players can revisit – or experience for the first time – the title that made stealth not just a mechanic, but a philosophy.
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered will launch this Winter on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Play Anywhere, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, in addition to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch owners can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for free.
For more details on Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, visit atari.com.
About Nightdive Studios
Nightdive Studios is a dedicated global team of industry veterans committed to restoring the classic PC game titles of the past and making them accessible to a new generation of gamers. Hit titles from Nightdive Studios include System Shock Enhanced Edition, System Shock 2, the remastered Turok trilogy, Shadowman Remastered, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster, PowerSlave Exhumed, Quake II, The Thing: Remastered, and its full-fledged remake of the iconic System Shock. Nightdive Studios is a subsidiary of Atari, Inc. More information can be found on the company’s website, www.nightdivestudios.com. Fans can additionally follow on Facebook, X, or Bluesky.
About Eidos-Montréal
Founded in 2007, Eidos‑Montréal® is a game developer and publisher best known for breathing new life into established intellectual properties, whether owned, licensed, or developed in partnership with industry collaborators. Renowned for its storytelling expertise, the studio brings depth, emotion, and renewed relevance to beloved worlds, crafting narrative‑driven experiences that resonate with players around the globe.
Eidos-Montréal is part of Crystal Dynamics – Eidos, an operative group within Embracer Group AB which is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker EMBRAC B. (EMBRAC B).
Learn more at eidosmontreal.com.
About Atari
Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment, and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 400 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, PONG®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®. The Atari family of brands includes game developers Coatsink, Digital Eclipse, Early Morning Studios, Implicit Conversions, Infogrames, Nightdive Studios, Stormteller Games, and the community-based sites AtariAge and MobyGames. Visit us online at www.Atari.com.
Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA) and OTC Pink Current (Ticker PONGF).
©2026 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.
Article by: Susan N.
METRO 2039 Release First Gameplay Trailer and Reveals February Launch
20.00 CEST |19.00 BST | 11.00 PDT | 7th June 2026: During the Xbox Games Showcase, we released our first action-packed gameplay trailer featuring nearly three minutes of footage captured completely in-game, and the first look at Hunter, the new Fuhrer who has washed the Metro in lies and propaganda to gain the ultimate power. We’re also proud to announce that the game will be in players’ hands in February 2027 where it will launch on Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
The Hunter Trailer.
Blending jaw-dropping gameplay and impressive graphical fidelity the trailer showcases the return of close and claustrophobic stealth-action gameplay, tunnel and surface exploration, iconic METRO mechanics and diegetic survival elements. The 3-minute premier also gives a glimpse at the new stealth weapon – The Shatun – as well as a new breaching charge for your arsenal as you delve deep into the dark heart of the Metro.
The Stranger won’t stop until the Fuhrer burns.
The Metro has been transformed by a powerful new regime and its leader, the fanatical Spartan leader known as Hunter. METRO 2039’s protagonist, The Stranger, is consumed with anger and hatred, chastising the Fuhrer for his lies and hypocrisy. As part of the Spartan Order, Hunter was a legend, a high-ranking, experienced Ranger, who swore to protect the Metro. What’s left of the Spartan Order as he knew it lies in ruins, and where the Spartans were once considered selfless protectors, the Stranger believes Hunter has become the very enemy the Spartans used to fight...
Missed out on the latest METRO news? Be the first to learn more by registering for updates at METRO2039.com and follow us on X, TikTok Instagram, Facebook, Threads, YouTube and Bluesky with @MetroVideoGame. To find out more about 4A Games, please visit the official website at www.4a-games.com, follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/4aGames and Twitter www.Twitter.com/4agames.
METRO 2039 is developed in Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion, and in Malta. 4A Games continues to support its homeland and team members in Ukraine in every possible way. If you wish to contribute, we can recommend the Official Fundraising Platform of Ukraine: United24: https://u24.gov.ua/
About METRO 2039:
METRO 2039 is the next landmark FPS from acclaimed storytellers, 4A Games. Journey into the dark heart of post-apocalyptic Moscow in a harrowing conflict for the very soul of the Metro. Experience the most shocking METRO adventure yet in a powerful single-player story that weaves exploration, survival, combat and stealth across a hauntingly beautiful but deadly world with unparalleled immersion.
Learn more about METRO 2039 here: www.metro2039.com
Inspired by the worldwide best-selling METRO book trilogy by Dmitry Glukhovsky.
About 4A Games:
4A Games is an award-winning, multinational video game development studio known for its immersive, story-driven experiences and technical ambition. Founded in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2005 by industry veterans with a shared passion for AAA-quality games, the studio has established itself with the METRO series, building one of the most acclaimed narrative-led FPS franchises in gaming.
Now headquartered in Malta, with the majority of the development team still located in Ukraine, 4A Games has over 200+ talented team members from all over the world, with diverse and unique backgrounds that brings countless years of experience and love towards creating deep memorable experiences for our audience.
To learn more about 4A Games, please visit the official website at www.4a-games.com, follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/4aGames and Twitter www.Twitter.com/4agames.
About DEEP SILVER:
Deep Silver is the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of METRO, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance. For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com
Article by: Susan N.
Maximum Entertainment Announces Smalland 2: Lost Realms!
Walnut Creek, California — June 8, 2026 | Maximum Entertainment today announced Smalland 2: Lost Realms, the next chapter in the beloved miniature-scale open-world survival adventure franchise.
Launching this year on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Epic Games Store, with Nintendo Switch 2 planned for 2027, Smalland 2: Lost Realms expands upon the original game with a larger world, deeper progression systems, creature companionships, and more, all while maintaining 10-player co-op.
Set ages before the events of the original Smalland: Survive the Wilds, Smalland 2: Lost Realms transports players to a mythical era before the Giants arrived. In this vast new adventure, players will explore a sprawling world filled with elemental creatures, forgotten civilizations, and mysterious lands waiting to be rediscovered.
As a member of the Smallfolk, players must journey across the Lost Realms to uncover ancient secrets and confront a dark prophecy foretelling a catastrophe that threatens the future of the world.
Players will traverse diverse regions, each featuring unique cultures, resources, and challenges. Whether venturing alone or alongside friends, survivors can establish outposts, forge trade routes between distant lands, and build thriving networks to help their people evolve in these diverse environments.
Smalland 2: Lost Realms introduces the following features:
- A new crafting system
- New water and climbing mechanics
- A wide variety of vibrant new environments brought to life with enhanced visuals, greater detail, and improved environmental effects thanks to Unreal Engine 5
- Enhanced ability to tame and bond with a variety of creatures, forming powerful companionships that provide unique abilities and assistance through their journey
Smalland 2: Lost Realms will launch this year on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Epic Games Store, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version coming in 2027.
For more information, visit smalland2lostrealms.com
About Maximum Entertainment
Maximum Entertainment is a global entertainment company dedicated to crafting indie to AA video game experiences through original content and licensed partnerships. A fully integrated group with a broad portfolio of content, the company emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in its partnerships to produce the highest level of interactive entertainment.
With more than 300 titles in its catalog, Maximum Entertainment has joined forces with talented creators and renowned franchises around the globe to deliver magic to the gamer in everyone. Maximum Entertainment employs experienced professionals across the entire value chain of video games including development, publishing, transmedia, sales, and operations. Visit Maximum Entertainment at www.maximument.com.
Article by: Susan N.
New Co-Op Horror Title 'Cordura' by Garage51 Reveals Gameplay Trailer
June 6, 2026. Barcelona, Spain | Independent developer Garage51 has just revealed their gameplay trailer for CORDURA a 1-4 player quota co-op horror game for Steam and PS5 that takes place in decaying Victorian mansions where players will have to survive while dealing with the innovative Mimic System: the night listens to your proximity chat, copying teammates' voices and appearances to split you up.
IT’S A SIMPLE JOB, FOR MEN WITH NERVE
Set in a distorted Victorian era, players must infiltrate corrupted buildings to recover "Roses of the Night"—a powerful source of Ambrosia—before the environment claims their sanity. Coordination is the only way to survive the darkness, as the core of CORDURA is the Mimic System. This mechanic allows the darkness to learn and imitate the voices and physical appearance of your teammates. In a game where proximity voice chat is your lifeline, you’ll quickly find yourself questioning if the person calling for help around the corner is actually your friend or something... totally different.
THE STORY
Science once dared to blur the boundaries of the Night, and now the darkness has returned to reclaim its own. Victorian buildings awaken corrupted by a primal influence, twisting their halls into procedural labyrinths and reducing inhabitants to empty shells that now stalk from the shadows.
Yet, desire proves stronger than fear. Deep within these walls grows the Rose of the Night, the source of the Ambrosia. A potent neurostimulant coveted by the aristocracy for their decadent gatherings. You will take on the role of the workers who enter to extract this prize before you lose your sanity.
Few return alive, but greed always finds new volunteers.
"With CORDURA, we wanted to move away from scripted jumpscares and focus on the paranoia of not knowing who to trust," says the Garage51 team. "In these scenarios, silence keeps you hidden, but if you don't talk to each other, you won't make it out".
MAIN FEATURES
- Quota Survival-Horror: Enter procedural labyrinths alone or with up to 3 friends. The game’s dynamic difficulty ensures the threat scales to your group size.
- Mimic System: "The Night" listens to your team and actually mimics your friends' voices and appearances to split you up and lure you into the abyss using proximity voice chat.
- Shifting Environments: These settings are not static. Corrupted buildings reshape themselves in real-time, meaning a path you used to get in might be gone by the time you try to get out.
- Permanent Stakes: Death has consequences. If a worker falls, they are lost along with their gear, unless the survivors decide to risk a rescue mission to recover their body.
About Garage51
We are Garage51, where talent grows and dreams thrive. Nurturing passionate developers into industry leaders with our comprehensive development pipeline since our start in 2018. We are not afraid of any challenge, on the contrary, we believe it is the best way to improve and to be on same level of what our players deserve.
Article by: Susan N.
Forever Skies Releasing on Xbox Series X|S with Major Free Update for All Platforms in July!
Wrocław, Poland | 6 June 2026 | Polish developer Far From Home has announced that their breakout debut title Forever Skies will be released on Xbox Series X|S on July 27, 2026.
The news was revealed during Summer Game Fest as part of the Future Games Show Summer Showcase.
The July 27th launch will also coincide with the release of a major free update across PC, PS5 and Xbox X/S. “The Final Echoes” update concludes a series of community-driven updates that have introduced a wide range of new features and content to Forever Skies, including:
- Additional side quests exploring the stories of the world’s former inhabitants
- A new airship electricity system
- A complete overhaul of the airship damage system
- Additional enemies and combat encounters
- Unique landmarks to discover and explore
- New airship tools and devices
- Extensive custom difficulty settings
- New airship decor items to customize your vessel
- Location variety overhaul
Pre-orders On Xbox X|S Available Now
Alongside the Xbox release date announcement, Far From Home has opened pre-orders on the Xbox Store. Players who pre-order the game will be able to play 72 hours ahead of the official release date, along with access to the game's official Support Pack, which is a collection of four unique cosmetic airship decoration items that can be printed
About Forever Skies
In Forever Skies, players take on the role of scientists sent back to a toxic, post-apocalyptic Earth to uncover a cure for a virus threatening the last remnants of humanity. Using advanced technology, players explore, scavenge, and survive while piloting a customizable high-tech airship. Whether playing solo or teaming up with up to four players in co-op, Forever Skies delivers an immersive survival experience where exploration, crafting, and resourcefulness are essential to overcoming this harsh new reality.
Forever Skies originally launched in April 2025 as a timed console exclusive on PS5 and has since surpassed 500,000 copies sold.
Article by: Susan N.
Fertile Publishing Grounds: Positive Impact Games & ByteRockers’ Games Plant Partnership for The Regreening
The Regreening is a soilpunk fairytale about restoring nature and making a home in a folklore-inspired world
2026 - Berlin, Germany | Indie publisher ByteRockers’ Games signs on The Regreening developer Positive Impact Games.
After a successful first venture into publishing last year with the relaxing kingdom-builder Let Them Trade by Spaceflower, followed by the promising partnership with the young talent creating the atmospheric poem-writing adventure OKU at Irox Games, this third title fully cements ByteRockers’ Games as a supporter of small studios with a strong vision.
“We are excited about the new partnership with a rising indie team that, at the same time, brings a wealth of industry experience. This women-led powerhouse of a studio impressed us right from the start, just as much as the core game idea of restoration itself. An important and beautiful topic without the usual ‘serious games’ touch. We aim to help this team achieve the success they absolutely deserve.” — Maik Reichelt, CEO of ByteRockers’ Games
The Regreening calls itself a soilpunk fairytale: a farming simulation about restoring a deserted world and getting back in touch with nature. Players meet ancient spirits based on Baltic folklore and explore the state of their new home at their own pace. The satisfying transformation of the environment through gardening, crafting, and befriending the local fauna captures the genuine joy of living in tune with your surroundings.
This is the debut game of Positive Impact Games: a Hamburg-based remote studio founded in 2024 by industry veterans who were awarded the Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Fund.
The Regreening - Official Announcement Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9LxtEKE4RE):
The studio is led by Managing Director Volha Kapitonava, an experienced Producer and Mentor with Marketing background. She is flanked by Creative Director Marie-Anne Hachey (prev. gamigo, THREAKS), Technical Director Merve Meszaros (Engineer with 10 years' experience and renowned Public Speaker), and Art Director Max Besseling (prev. Grinding Gear Games).
As a team, they aim to make wholesome & cozy games that uplift, connect, and inspire change by addressing important contemporary topics. When asked what makes their games special, they cite “the power of play to transform” as core to designing games that build you up and strengthen the soul.
Q1 2026 remains a busy time for publisher ByteRockers’ Games, who are currently preparing for the launch of their in-house coding bullet heaven Net.Attack().
Can you transform this deserted world into a joyful home again?
“Teaming up with ByteRockers' Games felt like finding our people. Their excitement for The Regreening and their love for meaningful, cozy games perfectly match where our hearts are. As a team rooted in care, craft, and community, we couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us grow our first title.” — Volha Kapitonava, Managing Director of Positive Impact Games
As a team, they aim to make wholesome & cozy games that uplift, connect, and inspire change by addressing important contemporary topics. When asked what makes their games special, they cite “the power of play to transform” as core to designing games that build you up and strengthen the soul.
Q1 2026 remains a busy time for publisher ByteRockers’ Games, who are currently preparing for the launch of their in-house coding bullet heaven Net.Attack().
About The Game
The Regreening is a cozy simulation game about restoring nature in a soilpunk fairytale. Grow plants to create living ecosystems, become friends with ancient spirits, make your own upcycling hub, and hug ALL the animals!Can you transform this deserted world into a joyful home again?
Key Features
- Plant & Cultivate: Discover new seeds, choose which animal habitats to restore, learn powerful plant synergies, and create beautiful living biomes according to your vision.
- Recycle & Craft: Clean up old junk to collect crafting materials and upcycle them into beautiful decorations for your home, or powerful watering systems for your plants.
- Befriend Folklore Spirits: Meet mythical nature spirits willing to give you mighty abilities in exchange for your help (and maybe a few shiny objects.)
- Enjoy the Fruits of Your Care: Harvest flowers and berries to plant in new areas or to give as gifts to your favourite animals and friends.
- Made for cozy gamers: The Regreening offers a completely stress-free experience with no timers or pressure, where every gentle action helps nature recover, wrapped in a rich atmosphere with adaptive music and ASMR-like forest sounds, guided by intuitive mechanics and heartfelt folklore storytelling.
About Positive Impact Games
Positive Impact Games is a women-led studio based in Hamburg and founded in 2024 by five experienced games industry veterans. They are a multicultural team that makes wholesome and cozy games that uplift, connect, and inspire change by addressing important contemporary topics. Their debut game is The Regreening, a cozy soilpunk simulation game.positive-games.com
About ByteRockers’ Games
Berlin-based development studio and publisher of indie games that loves to rock n' roll. Currently working on the code-based bullet hell Net.Attack() and a space-themed mining simulator named Exovia, the company has a long track record of releasing quality games since 2018.As publishing partner and proud resident of the German games capital, supporting small teams with fresh ideas has become the signature of ByteRockers' Games, who make a point to show face at local events of all sizes and even take on the role as industry advocate with the politicians and media in town.
byterockers.games
Copyright © 2026 ByteRockers' Games, All rights reserved.
Article by: Susan N.
Net.Attack() - PC Review
Net.Attack() by developer ByteRocker’s Games and published by ByteRocker’s Games and Gamersky Games - PC (Steam) review written by Hayden with a copy provided by the publisher.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Net.Attack() is dangerously fun. From thinking that I could dip my toe into the tutorial during a lunch break to having put more hours into the game on my first day with it than I did my full-time job, Net.Attack() smoothly pulled me into a ‘just one more level’ mindset. This top-down programmable shooter is definitely not my usual cup of tea - you’ll find me building things more often than destroying them - but the way that the game steadily ramps up the difficulty while letting you tinker is a gold mine. At its core, Net.Attack() is about figuring out how to chain together nodes in its simple-looking programming interface to create new and more powerful attacks while you dodge enemies and run out a timer on each level. The way that ByteRocker’s has woven that into fields of gratifying explosions and endless waves of enemies, however, has really elevated this from ‘neat’ to ‘WOW’.
Net.Attack() centers progression around three collectible currencies: ByteCoins (experience used to level up your character), Data (used to purchase nodes to program with), and DarkBits (used to purchase upgrades between sessions). In true roguelite fashion, each session you play will try to conquer a single region with multiple layers (levels) to progress through. Win or lose, the DarkBits you collect can be used to purchase incremental upgrades that apply for all future attempts. ByteCoins and Data, however, are used only within a single run, and do not carry over. That said, without ByteCoins to level up and Data to buy programming nodes with, you’re not going to get very far!
The playing field within Net.Attack() is a relatively simple top-down field, with floating icons to represent your character and enemies within the area. Since you’re playing as a hacker here, this makes sense - you’re looking at a visualization of what you are doing, you’re not physically present yourself. By default, every hacker character (and there are many to choose from) starts with at least one program node that provides an attack. Early on, enemies are sparse and weak, allowing you to carefully pick off enough to get an initial level or two and afford a couple of programming nodes. This is where the game starts to take off, and where my inner nerd rejoices.
Programming in Net.Attack() is done in a dedicated coding screen that pauses the run-and-gun action. Every character starts with a selection of Root nodes, which automatically trigger anything attached to them on a cycle based on their speed in milliseconds (ms). Every node you earn or purchase chains off one of these recurring triggers, and has its own speed value that slows down the whole chain. Sure, you might find a node that drops a veritable nuke on a section of the screen, but anything you have in the same action chain will be crippled by the extra time it takes to run! On the other hand, highly upgraded characters might be able to get some nodes to a point that they actually speed up the chains they’re in, so maybe you can figure out a way to pull it off?
Net.Attack() also makes players think when putting chains of nodes together in the way that those effects are centered. Root nodes always originate from the character, but many attack nodes change the origin of the next node in the chain to be the object it just hit. If that sentence makes you perk up and think ‘chained attacks?’ you’re absolutely correct, and you’ve just hit on a core concept of the game. By using sequences of nodes, you can turn a single initial ping of damage into a screen-clearing cascade of attacks and an explosion, each attack turning its hapless target into the engine of its comrade’s destruction. With single- and multi-target attacks, area of effect actions, FOR-loops, IF nodes and even placable mines that can merge for greater effects, Net.Attack() has a huge degree of replayability within a deceptively simple appearance.
For all the complexity I just raved about, Net.Attack()’s interface is clean and easy to understand, and the in-game documentation walks players through all the concepts on how things interact. The programming itself is easy to manipulate, as players just have to drag a node onto the programming field and then mouse-drag connections for inputs and output to chain them together. No missing semi-colons or frustrating typos here, this is visual programming at its most accessible.
Sound and story here are basic, but that suits the genre well. One does not (normally) endlessly replay the same level in a roguelite hoping to sit through the same cutscene or lore dump for the umpteenth time, so the lack of a deep story isn’t missed. We’re here for action, explosions and creative node programming after all, not dialogue and narration worthy of Shakespeare.
If challenging the normal sets of levels is wearing thin, Net.Attack() also offers daily challenge levels and a sandbox mode to satisfy your explosion-based cravings. To level the playing field though, the daily community-wide challenges strip you of all your between-run purchases, letting every player tackle the challenge from an equal baseline. It's a pleasant change, and can even let you try playing additional characters that you may not yet have unlocked with your post-run rewards. [Side note: these are all earned and purchased using in-game currency from what I saw. No predatory pay-to-win real-money microtransactions here.]
Overall, Net.Attack() is a simple-looking game that will invite you to test the waters, and then let you fight your way back to the desktop hours later wondering where your day went. The node-based programming is absolutely genius, and really takes the game from feeling like a powerup-driven top down shooter into something really unique and engaging. There is tons of replayability here, with the special attributes of each character changing your best options for programs, and the layers themselves are big enough to feel expansive while playing. There is very little that you could ask for that Net.Attack() doesn’t already deliver, and I strongly recommend picking it up. Even better, this isn’t going to set you back AAA pricing - the price point on Steam is roughly $11 Cdn at time of writing, and the game is even on further discount as part of the 2026 Steam Bullet Fest until June 15, 2026.
Score: 9.5 / 10
Frantic Platform Brawler from Efecto Studios Reveals Free Playtest until June 14th!
Bogotá (Colombia) June 4, 2026 | Veteran Colombian independent studio Efecto Studios is proud to reveal their new game Bunraku a frantic platform brawler inspired by the art of Japanese puppetry in development for Steam, Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5. The game has just opened a free playtest on Steam until June 14. Combat demands mastery of the slashing dash, precision parries, and powerful ninjutsus, integrating the action with a performance in front of a live audience that reacts dynamically to every impact. Bunraku allows for intense ninja battles of up to 8 players, (online or local) jumping into the action in shifting PvP arenas where every combat becomes a staging.
The curtain rises, the lights shine bright ...
... and the performance begins!
In this magical Japanese puppet theater, the spirits of legendary warriors come back to life to recreate ancient battles in a show full of ninja action and tactical combat movements. The audience vibrates with every attack and cheers with every parry while ninja attacks fly across the stage.
Are you ready to take your place in this grand performance? Each act is a high-precision competition where only the most talented will reach glory under the spotlights.
To become the grand champion of the ninja puppets, you must master Ninjutsu: the art of moving, attacking, and countering with incredible speed and precision.
- Use your Dash to move swiftly across the stage and strike down your opponents in a single hit.
- The Parry blocks and stuns enemies who dash at you and can even deflect items back at the caster.
- Find Scrolls on the stage to invoke powerful and varied Jutsu that can turn the tide in your favor.
About Efecto Studios
Efecto Studios is a game development team with over 24 years of experience in the industry. During this time, we have worked on a wide variety of interactive projects, co-developing titles such as Ark: Survival Evolved, Lords of the Fallen, Palia, Battlefield Mobile, Atlas, and Dark & Light.
By accurately assessing our own limitations, we ensure that our goals remain realistic and achievable. To accomplish this, we bring the necessary technical and creative expertise to cover all disciplines of development, from conceptualization and design to programming and final art production, adapting ourselves to bring ideas to life across all types of genres and platforms.
Although our primary focus is outsourcing, we dedicate a space for 100% in-house projects. These productions move away from massive global blockbusters to focus on more contained experiences, developed under an indie philosophy driven by our team's vocation and dedication.
Article by: Susan N.
Atre: Dominance Wars Now in Early Access on PC!
Samobor, Croatia, 8th. June 2026 | Ironward today announced the official launch of Atre: Dominance Wars, their real time fantasy strategy game blending 4X empire-building, tactical warfare, and god-like powers. The game is officially in EARLY ACCESS for PC via Steam and GOG.
Set in a fractured world consumed by a catastrophic event known as “The Merge,” Atre: Dominance Wars puts players in the role of immortal Elders - sorcerers who have transcended mortality and now battle for absolute dominance. Players will forge empires, command magically evolved armies, manipulate both enemies and allies, and unleash devastating magic capable of reshaping the battlefield itself.
“Game of Thrones”
In Atre: Dominance Wars, players can manipulate alliances, create temporary peace, or betray rivals at the perfect moment to seize power. Even getting conquered is not the end. True defeat happens only when you give up on total domination.
Magical prowess
Spellcraft and research define your path to domination. Invest in learning spells and developing abilities that shape your strategy, whether you unleash mutations, rain destruction upon your enemies, or manipulate the dead to fight for you.
“It was a last moment notice but reason for launching EA is that we feel we can do so much more for the campaign and future content with proper player feedback.” - Ironward
Early access content is a fully finished product that contains
- Three Levels of campaign
- Skirmish/Solo/Multiplayer
- Map Editor
- More then 20 hours of gameplay
Built for fans of strategy experiences, Atre: Dominance Wars combines real time strategy with tactical combat and high-stakes diplomacy where alliances are temporary and betrayal is inevitable. Only one ruler can ascend.
“We are very happy with the current state of the game and we feel that this game has potential and we want to achieve that potential with our community.”- Hrvoje Horvatek, Ironward”
Features
- Ascend to Godhood: Unlock increasingly powerful magic and eventually gain access to god-tier spells capable of transforming entire regions of the map.
- Strategy: Expand territories, manage cities, conduct diplomacy, research powerful unit mutations, and command armies in large-scale battles.
- The Apocalypse: Reality itself is unstable, and a cataclysm known as the Merge will create challenges and opportunities throughout every playthrough.
- Avatars and Equipment: Equip immortal Avatars with powerful artifacts, unique abilities, and mutated army compositions.
- Single-Player, Co-op, and PvP Multiplayer: Compete or cooperate in a constantly evolving strategy sandbox built for replayability.
About Ironward
Ironward is an independent game development studio focused on creating deep, systems-driven strategy experiences. With Atre: Dominance Wars, the studio aims to deliver a strategy game where diplomacy, conquest, and god-like power collide in a constantly evolving world. Ironward released The Red Solstice, Solstice Chronicles: MIA, and Red Solstice 2: Survivors and it’s members are working on games like Zerospace and Band of Crusaders.
Article by: Susan N.
Power Wash a Pixel Art Town as a Cute Piggy Coming Soon!
Los Angeles, June 2, 2026 | During The MIX Summer Games Showcase, publisher Acclaim, Inc. and Valadria today announced the launch of the Steam demo for Pixel Washer, a cozy, zen-like game where players grab a power washer and get to work cleaning up a grimy pixelated town.
In Pixel Washer, players take on the role of an industrious little piggy tasked with turning filthy environments into shining pixel art masterpieces. Armed with a trusty power washer, they blast dirty sprites back to a pixel-perfect shine across a wide variety of lovingly crafted levels, all set to a chill soundtrack.
The Pixel Washer demo features six scummy stages to spray your way through, including one mini-game map to test your concentration. Additionally, players can get their hooves on two different power washers, each with its own cleaning capabilities.
Valadria’s Matt Hackett spoke about what it means to share this early slice of the game with players.
“It feels good to finally get a bite-sized taste of Pixel Washer into the world,” said Hackett. “While working on the game, I often get distracted by the irresistible urge to clean up the dirty pixels. I hope players find pixel power washing as relaxing as I do. Pigxel would like to say: "Oink!" (translation: "Enjoy the demo!")
Players can get down and dirty with the Pixel Washer demo today on Steam. Wishlist the game today to stay up to date on the full release. To celebrate the announcement, Acclaim has released a new trailer.
Key Features
- Wash and Restore – Use your power washer to blast away grime and bring beautiful pixel art levels back to their full glory.
- Upgrade Your Arsenal – Earn money on the job and spend it on more powerful washers, new vehicles, and additional equipment.
- Cozy Vibes – Relax to a chill soundtrack and satisfying sound design that makes cleaning feel like a reward, not a chore.
- Explore a Pixelated World – Choose from a wide variety of pixel art levels and discover the charm hiding under all that dirt.
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.
Retro Reflections - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Armed with a Combat Knife and Bolt Pistol, and adorned to the neck in sexy blue Power Armour, our hero of the day is Captain Titus, alongside his brave squad of one pessimist and one gung-ho. This motley trio must brave peril—which happens to be an Ork invasion—and save the world (or the universe, even) from unspeakable destruction and possible extinction. This plot and its variants have been done to death in all their glory and stagnation in a dime-a-dozen games, so much so that the mere whisper of "invasion" or "tough heroes" is enough to elicit a series of frustrated moans from gamers and critics alike. Though many have taken different approaches to this gaming trope—ranging from subtle to not-so-subtle—few have actually succeeded in making their creations unique or different.
For example, a developer might introduce an unprecedented game mechanic, or perhaps downsize or blow up an already existing feature, culminating in an experience worthy of going through at least once. Relic Entertainment did exactly that; they blew up the one quality of hack 'n' slash games that matters most—a copious amount of gore and creative death executions—amped it up to 11, and presented a devastatingly entertaining, masochistic, and challenging game. While it bears a strong resemblance to other shooters in terms of story, it is strictly Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine in terms of intense violence, bad-assery, and robust controls. Simply put: Space Marine is the God of War experience I've always wanted on the PC!
Space Marine starts off in a very typical manner: you are responding to a threat because, apparently, the last line of defense and everyone's hope is you. With your armory and squad's status in check, you bravely plunge into the eye of the storm, putting your foot so far up your enemies' asses that they not only become numb, but cease to be asses. While you start armed with relatively weak weapons and the initial enemies are easy one-shot kills, jaded players know that in games like this, everything gets progressively buffed up. What they aren't able to predict, however, is how fast or slow it takes for that to happen. Needless to say, in Space Marine, the transition happens rather quickly, and you go from a general waste-layer to a crater-maker in a matter of minutes.
As soon as you get off the spaceship and reunite with your squad members, a weapon portal (a recurring object in the game) grants you a chainsword. This melee weapon is exactly what the name implies and is easily one of the coolest, bloodiest weapons you get in the game due to its carnage effectiveness and combos. Just as the game hands you a shiny new toy to lay waste with, it conjures a Slugga Nob into the tiny battlefield, perfectly balancing out the two ends of the spectrum. A Slugga Nob is a huge barbarian akin to the greenskin seen on the cover of Cyanide's 2009 fantasy football game, Blood Bowl (which just happens to be a Warhammer spin-off). If you are a newbie, your first few rounds with this new bad boy won't be easy, but after a few tries, you will get the hang of it.
If this generic approach to battling larger specimens is starting to turn you off, do yourself a favor and don't let it. The enemy A.I. is surprisingly smart; they will evade your attacks and take cover if things get too hot. Granted, the smaller greenskins brainlessly sprint in your general direction like pigs excited to get slaughtered, but the bigger ones act almost as a mirror to you and your squad—so taking them out, for the most part, won't be a cinch. I found this welcoming as it gave me a reason to frequently change my weapon to better suit the mannerisms of the enemy. The game also features a loosely executed interactive environment, in the sense that you can shoot flammable canisters (red barrels, basically) and pipe systems to trigger explosions. I hesitate to use the term "destructible environment" because you don't get the option to turn the battlefield layout to your favor, which, in a game like this, could have been an awesome mechanic.
The battles themselves, although starting off nicely and with hints of something new, more or less transition into generic, everyday fights. The purpose of the battles varies slightly, as does the buildup of the momentum, but the premise thoroughly remains the same: a handful of guys against a massive army of greenskins. Sometimes you're left to venture alone for a while while your squad members escort a side character, leaving you more vulnerable and sensitive to greenskin attacks. It is in these "el solo lobo" moments that I found the perfect opportunity to test out my latest acquired purity seal or melee weapon.
Speaking of purity seals and weapons, they aren't exactly original or unlike anything you've ever seen before. But they are, however, executed much better than most. Take the main weapons for example—after a few missions into the game, you get to carry four weapons in your inventory. The first one will be a relatively weak and small weapon with minimal damage power, but it has the advantage of infinite ammo. The second weapon from the primary group was perhaps the most ridiculously overpowered gun of the bunch, and it often emerged as the best choice throughout the campaign mode. At least for me it did. The third and fourth secondary weapons will mostly consist of one-shot-kill weapons that are heavy on damage but low on reload speed and ammo capacity.
In fact, the Meltagun (arguably one of the most devastating guns acquired in the game) may have the awesome power to stun a Slugga Nob in just one hit and obliterate it in three, but it has severely limited ammo and a lengthy recharge time. This makes it ineffective amid a greenskin horde or when many Shoota Nobz or Rokkit Boyz are around. In the melee weapons department, you get your standard hack 'n' slash paraphernalia specifically designed for head-chopping and gut-slicing. Though they get replaced rather infrequently, your lengthy outings with each of them means you will eventually get to know them, caress them, and love them equally. Parting with one will make you feel as if you're waving goodbye to a loyal subject. It's emotional stuff, and there's nothing we can do about it.
Purity seals are a bit curious, and interesting to boot. Curious in the sense of how eerily identical they operate to the power-ups you get in the God of War games. I guess there should be no surprises there, as some of the crew behind this game had also worked on God of War and apparently Gears of War as well. I just wish the logic and implementation of the purity seals had some originality or distinctive features to them; every time Captain Titus bellowed to the heavens while getting covered in a dark goldenrod aura, the image of Kratos preparing to cook up a violent storm always appeared in my head. Also disappointingly, they only last for a few seconds. Lastly, they are interesting in regard to how out of place they look. Fine, science fiction with a touch of fantasy (alien or not) is always appreciated, but fusing Harry Potter with The Terminator leaves one in confusion, with a "WTF" exclamation hovering above their head. Although it's a minor issue and one that quickly gets forgotten in a short passage of time, it remains a worrisome reminder of the faults of the game.
Which is what, you may ask? For starters, originality in this game is about as long as the word itself, and only goes so far. As mentioned before, several of the crew behind Space Marine were also behind the creation of other (more successful) hack 'n' slash and shooter games, but this shouldn't have been an excuse for getting lazy and stealing from their own previous works. When the legendary team behind the first-person Ultima games (which included Warren Spector and Doug Church) shifted to the making of the original System Shock and Thief, they indeed borrowed several elements from the Ultima games they had worked on, but they also radically changed everything from top to toe so that no two games were alike. And while even a toddler could easily distinguish between Space Marine and, say, God of War, the micro and subtle features mutual to both stick out like a sore thumb! Chief among the other faults are the at-times repetition and the seriously non-existent A.I. of your squad members. When you're up against a horde, try to count how many greenskins your buddies manage to kill. Rarely will it go beyond two, as they take the same amount of time to kill a simple greenskin as it would take you to kill a boss Nob!
The voice-overs are decent enough, with Mark Strong—who portrays Captain Titus—understandably emerging as the clear standout. Strong brings a good sense of a weathered warrior feel to the role, instead of opting to choose the readily available "rough hero" or "always complaining badass" cliché. Titus's loyalty to his code and mission, his seemingly incorruptible nature, and the fact that he doesn't bitch and moan about every negative activity that takes place all made for a character I found more accessible and likable than his snarling, realistic, gear-head counterpart, Marcus Fenix. The latter always whines about the minutiae of things and almost never steps down from being the guy who screams "I didn't sign up for this shit!" whenever faced with something 20 times bigger than him. However, Captain Titus is not a fully developed character and isn't given much of a personality to work with. The little that he is programmed with indeed makes him likable, but also monotonous and slightly one-sided. The rest of the cast, unfortunately, exists only to populate the in-game world with stereotypical characters.
Before gearing up for a relatively dangerous mission or meeting up with a person of interest, a cutscene occurs. While I was expecting them to be average at best, they actually surprised me with their weight and animations. In fact, the animation and facial movement of the character models reminded me of those in Half-Life 2—and I believe this is the best compliment I can give regarding the cutscenes. Where Gears of War emphasized cinematic explosions and slow motion, Space Marine uses its brief cinematic moments to further the story at a steady, brisk pace. While they may be brief and very few and far between, they are well done.
In conclusion, Warhammer 40k: Space Marine is one of the more impressive third-person shooters on the PC. A combination of gory gameplay and rewarding progression, Space Marine is a good example of how maxing out one element of a game can make for a great experience. While it may have its faults and may come off as repetitive for the most part, Space Marine is nevertheless a fun, energetic, on-your-toes hack 'n' slasher that you may perhaps want to revisit!
Note: Screenshots from all platforms that were available at the time can be found here at Moby Games.
