From the safety of the city, inquisitors are dispatched aboard trains on dangerous expeditions across the frontier to hunt heretics and eliminate magical beasts threatening the empire. Every successful mission helps maintain the flow of prisoners, but each decision carries consequences that ripple back through the city.

Managing the settlement requires carefully balancing resources, preventing rebellion, and containing the ever-growing influence of madness. Supplies must be produced, prisoners sacrificed when necessary, and difficult choices made to keep the city functioning as pressure mounts from every direction.

As inquisitors gain experience, they can be developed into specialized roles with new skills that better suit different challenges. Between runs, players earn Blood Points by completing shipment quotas and making grim sacrifices, unlocking permanent upgrades and new abilities that strengthen future attempts. Every playthrough also introduces different powers and strategic options, encouraging players to adapt their approach as they battle increasingly dangerous enemies and confront the horrors lurking beyond the city walls.

Built around minimalist design and rapid-fire decision-making, KAZ blends psychedelic visuals, an evolving electronic soundtrack, and grid-based gameplay that rewards speed, precision, and mastery. While the core mechanics are easy to understand, the game offers plenty of depth through unlockable content, challenging modifiers, and hundreds of possible build combinations.

Players can tackle more than 145 quests spread across five different game modes, including the standard high-speed experience where quick reactions are essential and the more deliberate No Stress mode, which replaces time pressure with limited moves for a strategic alternative.

Throughout each run, players will collect over 110 items while balancing powerful bonuses against more than 35 possible curses and maluses. Filling the curse gauge forces difficult choices that can either unlock hidden abilities or quickly end an otherwise promising run.

The full release also includes more than 25 playable themes, each offering unique visual styles and gameplay bonuses. These themes have been created in collaboration with community members, artists, brands, and other indie games, including Rhythm Doctor and Linkito, giving players additional ways to customize their playstyle.

Complementing the action is a dynamic soundtrack that intensifies as scores climb higher, creating an increasingly energetic experience the longer players survive. The developers also plan to support the game after launch with weekly and monthly challenge events designed to keep leaderboard competition fresh.

KAZ features fast-paced arcade gameplay built around a colorful grid system that delivers satisfying visual feedback while allowing players to tailor each run through different themes and bonuses. Its simple three-key control scheme makes it accessible, while a wide variety of items, spells, buffs, and curses create countless build possibilities across every run. Beyond the main game, an endless endgame and regular post-launch challenges aim to provide long-term replay value.

KAZ is available now on Steam for $6.99 USD, with a 15% launch discount available for a limited time. The game includes English voice and text support, along with text localization in French, Italian, German, Polish, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, and Simplified Chinese.

Drawing inspiration from classics such as Star Fox and Armored Core, Rogue Eclipse puts players in the cockpit of a powerful starfighter as humanity fights for survival across the far reaches of space. Every mission challenges players to survive overwhelming waves of enemy starfighters, massive capital ships, and dangerous environments while steadily improving their pilot skills and spacecraft.

As a roguelike, every run offers new opportunities to experiment with weapons, upgrades, and strategies. Players will customize and enhance their starfighter between attempts, gradually building stronger loadouts to overcome increasingly difficult encounters. The game’s fast, responsive flight mechanics are designed to be easy to pick up while offering plenty of depth for players looking to master advanced combat techniques.

Beyond large-scale space battles, Rogue Eclipse also features destructible environments and missions that send players deep inside enormous enemy vessels, adding variety to the action while expanding the scale of its space opera narrative. The game’s visual style is inspired by Arabesque Futurism, giving its universe a distinct artistic identity that sets it apart from more traditional science-fiction settings.

Rogue Eclipse launches for PC via Steam on August 7.

Cats in the Shell combines deep mech customization with roguelike progression, placing players in command of massive combat machines piloted by an eclectic cast of battle-ready cats. Players will choose from six distinct mech classes, each offering different playstyles and strategic possibilities, while recruiting feline pilots equipped with their own unique active abilities.

Customization plays a major role in the experience, with more than 1,000 equipment modules and components available to discover through random events. Players can experiment with different layouts by assigning modules across five equipment slots, balancing limited inventory space while uncovering powerful synergies that come together during automated battles.

The campaign spans four futuristic biomes filled with dangerous enemies and towering bosses. Beyond the story mode, players can test their creations against mech builds assembled by other players in asynchronous PvP battles, refining their loadouts after each encounter as they push toward a gauntlet of 10 consecutive victories.

According to Raven Studio director Alex Dong, the team’s goal is to create a mech-building experience driven by experimentation and replayability. With hundreds of modules creating countless build combinations, every run offers new opportunities to discover powerful strategies and unexpected interactions.

Cats in the Shell is scheduled to launch on PC through Steam Early Access in Q4 2026. The game will support English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese at launch.

In DEAD SPIN, players face off against a cast of deranged gamblers in high-stakes slot-machine duels where luck alone won’t be enough to survive. Every run revolves around building a powerful collection of symbols, chips, and coins while collecting consumable trinkets that create powerful combinations capable of dramatically increasing your score. Success depends on carefully stacking effects and manipulating the odds before an unlucky spin results in devastating consequences.

Like many roguelikes, each playthrough presents a new challenge. Players will battle through more than eight unique opponents, each bringing their own deck, abilities, and strategies. Adapting to randomized item drops and changing circumstances is essential, as every defeat sends players back to the beginning with a fresh run. Victories, however, unlock additional items that expand future playthroughs and offer even more opportunities to create powerful builds.

DEAD SPIN also embraces a distinctive visual identity inspired by late-1990s and early-2000s horror. Its grimy VHS aesthetic, combined with grotesque character designs and dark humor, creates an unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements its high-risk gameplay.

At launch, players can expect more than 250 collectible items to discover, combine, and exploit, along with an Endless Mode designed for those looking to test increasingly powerful builds against relentless challenges.

DEAD SPIN features deadly slot-machine duels that blend chance with careful strategy, supported by roguelike progression that rewards players with permanent unlockables after successful runs. Its deckbuilding mechanics encourage experimenting with powerful item synergies, while more than 250 collectible items provide countless ways to customize each playthrough. The game’s distinctive VHS-inspired horror presentation delivers a grimy, unsettling atmosphere filled with grotesque humor, and an Endless Mode offers players the opportunity to keep pushing their builds against increasingly difficult challenges long after completing the main progression.

Players interested in trying DEAD SPIN early can look forward to the upcoming Steam Playtest following the game’s official reveal on July 8.

This upcoming roguelike card game drops players into the depths of Hell after a disastrous poker game with the Devil. To earn a chance at redemption, players must battle through hordes of monsters inspired by the seven deadly sins, using powerful poker hands, clever bluffing, and a growing collection of underhanded tricks.

Unlike traditional card battlers, The Devil’s Due places poker at the center of every encounter. Players build poker hands to deal damage while the combined value of their cards serves as defense. Success depends not only on creating strong hands but also on knowing when to bend the rules without getting caught.

A unique suspicion system adds an extra layer of strategy. Players can secretly swap cards, boost card values, sabotage enemy hands, and pull off a variety of other cheats during matches. However, every dirty trick increases the enemy’s suspicion meter. Push your luck too far and your demonic opponent may unleash a devastating counterattack.

Developer Jack Kristoffersen says the goal was to capture the unpredictable nature of real poker rather than turning it into a simple numbers game.

“The goal was to make poker feel like poker. Not an abstract optimization puzzle. It’s about chaos, bluffing, desperation, and figuring out how to cheat just enough to survive without getting caught.”

As players progress through Hell, they’ll unlock new cheat cards, powerful relics, and permanent upgrades that remain available between runs. These rewards open up new strategies and help players push deeper into the underworld after each defeat.

The journey through Hell is structured around tarot card paths laid out by the Devil himself. These routes determine encounters with monsters, boss battles, shops, healing shrines, and various mini-games. Naturally, players will also have opportunities to manipulate the system and find ways around the Devil’s carefully planned route.

Adding to the game’s charm are its Monty Python-inspired animations, tactile user interface, and a constant stream of new cheats, relics, and surprises to discover. Combined with its unique blend of poker mechanics and roguelike progression, The Devil’s Due aims to deliver a card game experience where deception is every bit as important as skill.

As a customs officer, players are tasked with inspecting travelers arriving and departing through the airport. Passengers must be carefully screened by checking travel documents, examining luggage, and searching for illegal items hidden in baggage or even on their person. Identifying suspicious activity and confiscating contraband is essential to keeping the airport secure.

The job extends beyond passenger screening. Players will also inspect incoming cargo shipments and luggage while working their way through a persistent progression system. Successful inspections and career advancement unlock new tools, including magnetometers and stun guns, providing additional ways to detect smuggled goods and deal with troublesome suspects.

However, enforcing the law won’t be as simple as following regulations. A powerful local cartel keeps a close watch on airport operations and may pressure players to look the other way. Choosing whether to comply with their demands or resist their influence can have serious consequences, affecting both employment and personal safety.

Each run in Airport Contraband can end in different ways. Making too many mistakes on the job may result in dismissal, while refusing to cooperate with the cartel could lead to even greater dangers. Between runs, players can bank their progress and unlock bonuses, upgraded equipment, and new abilities that improve efficiency and create additional options for handling difficult situations.

Combining customs inspection gameplay, roguelike progression, and moral decision-making, Airport Contraband offers a unique take on the simulation genre. Players can experience their first shift on the job through the Steam Next Fest demo available now.

]]> 43888 https://www.yogomi.com/2026/06/swordcery-brings-magical-blade-combat-to-steam-next-fest-with-new-playable-demo/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:08:49 +0000 https://www.yogomi.com/?p=43877 Temple Door Games, an independent studio founded by two cinematic animators who worked on 2018’s God of War, has announced that Swordcery will be featured in Steam Next Fest with a brand-new playable demo. The upcoming action RPG blends responsive hack-and-slash combat with roguelike progression, placing players in a fantasy world where magical swords hold incredible powers.

The Steam Next Fest demo offers an early taste of the game’s action-focused gameplay, allowing players to experiment with a variety of unique sword classes while battling dangerous enemies and powerful bosses. Every weapon in Swordcery comes with its own personality and abilities, ranging from traditional steel swords to more unconventional options like a tennis racket and even a shark.

At the center of the story is a mysterious celestial blade that has crashed into the world, unleashing a devastating rain of swords and corrupting the land. Players take on the role of Colt, an unlikely hero granted the ability to wield these fallen weapons. Armed with powerful enchanted blades, Colt must stand against the celestial force threatening to destroy the kingdom of Armorial.

One of the game’s standout features is its collection of spellbound weapons. Each sword possesses a unique magical ability, known as a Swordcery, that can dramatically alter combat. Players can unleash attacks that send swords flying like boomerangs, call down lightning strikes, open fiery fissures in the ground, or summon protective rings of icy blades.

Beyond their magical powers, weapons are divided into distinct Sword Classes, each featuring its own combat style, combos, and special attacks. Learning how different classes interact with various enemies, environments, and Swordcery abilities will be key to mastering the game’s combat system.

Replayability is also a major focus, with procedurally generated dungeons, randomized sword discoveries, relics that modify playstyles, and upgrade paths that ensure no two runs play exactly the same. Players can experiment with different weapon combinations and builds as they progress through each adventure.

The Swordcery demo is available now as part of Steam Next Fest, giving players an opportunity to experience its blend of fast-paced melee combat, magical abilities, and roguelike progression ahead of the game’s full release.

In Stupid Never Dies, players take control of Davy, a cowardly zombie who is considered the weakest creature in the monster world. Despite his lowly status, Davy sets out on a heartfelt quest to revive Julia, a mysterious frozen woman he instantly fell in love with, hoping to one day take her on a date.

A major feature of the game is its “Style Eat” battle system, which allows Davy to devour monsters and steal their powers. Throughout the adventure, players can switch between 11 distinct combat styles, including Zombie, Werewolf, Harpy, Golem, Vampire, Will-o’-the-Wisp, Cyclops, Snow Fairy, Merfolk, Lich, and Demon. The newly released key art showcases all of these forms in action.

The latest trailer also introduces more of the game’s colorful supporting cast, each with their own motivations and personalities that become intertwined with Davy’s journey. As the story progresses, these unlikely allies must work together to confront a powerful common enemy.

Beyond its fast-paced combat, the trailer highlights several progression mechanics, including the Body Hack system, which lets players customize and enhance Davy’s body to unlock new abilities and combat options. Fans also get their first look at several boss encounters that will challenge players throughout the adventure.

Featuring a distinctive visual style, eccentric characters, and what the developer calls “Funky Zombie Action,” Stupid Never Dies aims to deliver a unique blend of action RPG gameplay and roguelike progression when it arrives later this year.

Stupid Never Dies launches in Fall 2026 for PC via Steam and PlayStation 5. The game will feature English language support and subtitles in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Polish, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

The demo marks the first opportunity for many PC players to experience Roguecraft DX, following the game’s successful releases on Amiga and Evercade platforms. Players can explore five dungeon levels and experiment with all three playable character classes, offering a substantial preview of the full adventure ahead of its planned Summer 2026 release.

Set within the dark and dangerous depths of Mordecoom, Roguecraft DX challenges players to navigate procedurally generated dungeons filled with hidden treasures, deadly enemies, and unpredictable encounters. Every run offers a different layout, ensuring no two adventures are exactly the same.

At the start of each journey, players can choose between three classic fantasy archetypes. The Warrior specializes in raw strength and durability, the Rogue relies on agility and teleporting backstab attacks, and the Mage delivers powerful magical attacks while requiring careful positioning due to lower defenses. Each class presents a different level of challenge, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferred playstyle.

One of the game’s standout additions is the new Chicken Run mode. In this unique challenge, players begin as a fragile chicken with only two health points. By collecting golden eggs throughout the dungeon, they can transform into the powerful Chicklathotep, gaining access to devastating poultry-themed abilities capable of turning the tables on the horrors lurking below.

While Roguecraft DX embraces the look and feel of classic roguelikes, it also incorporates modern design sensibilities. Individual runs are designed to last approximately 30 to 40 minutes, making the game approachable for shorter play sessions while still providing the depth and replayability that fans of the genre expect.

The Steam Next Fest demo is available now, giving players a chance to battle eldritch creatures, uncover secrets, and test all three heroes before the game’s full release later this summer.

Roguecraft DX is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam in Summer 2026.