In Ascenders: Beyond the Peak, players lead a team of climbers attempting to scale a mysterious mountain filled with deadly terrain and lurking Lovecraftian horrors. Survival depends on careful planning, smart positioning, and difficult decisions—because every loss on the mountain carries permanent consequences.

Resource management is at the heart of the experience. When a climber dies, the team loses more than just manpower. Valuable resources disappear with them, morale drops, and the emotional toll affects the survivors, making future climbs even more dangerous.

Each expedition becomes a desperate push toward the summit, where players must uncover the truth behind the strange forces haunting the mountain and recover powerful artifacts from a long-lost civilization. Bringing those discoveries back to camp can unlock upgrades, but players must also decide whether to use them during the climb or trade them to competing factions. These choices influence reputation, reshape the world, and may ultimately determine how the story ends.

One of the game’s most unique mechanics is its rope system. Climbers are physically connected during expeditions, creating a constant balancing act between safety and risk. Players can secure teammates during treacherous climbs, anchor dangerous paths, or pull companions out of danger. But in desperate moments, that same rope may become a grim decision point.

When an expedition begins to fall apart, players may be forced to abandon a teammate to save the rest of the group. Cutting the rope can mean survival—but it also means losing resources and leaving lasting trauma among the remaining climbers.

Team composition also plays a major role in each ascent. Different climber classes bring specialized tools and abilities that shape how players approach the mountain’s challenges. The Highlander can shove enemies off steep cliffs, the Scout uses a grappling hook to reposition quickly, and the Sapper alters combat encounters with explosives and firearms. Learning how these roles work together is often the key to surviving a brutal climb.

The mountain itself is just as deadly as the monsters that inhabit it. Each run unfolds across tightly designed tactical levels filled with environmental hazards. Ice sheets can cause climbers to lose their footing, brambles sap endurance, unstable rock formations collapse under pressure, and avalanches can bury a team without warning.

Between expeditions, players must make strategic decisions about where to climb next, which factions to support, and when it’s time to retreat before a mission turns into disaster.

Ascenders: Beyond the Peak is currently scheduled to enter Early Access on Steam in Q3 2026, with console releases planned afterward. If you’re a fan of roguelites that push players to make tough decisions under pressure, this is one mountain you’ll want to keep on your radar.

In Toads of the Bayou, players must craft powerful decks to outwit and overpower their enemies. Combine tactical movement cards with devastating combat abilities to conquer waves of eerie minions and face off against formidable bosses in grid-based battles.

Key Features:

• Fortify the Bayou: Engage in turn-based, grid-based combat that mixes strategic planning with roguelike deck-building mechanics.
• Unique Heroes: Command three distinct toads, each with their own abilities and traits, to outmaneuver and defeat Samedi’s forces.
• Island Adventures: Lead your toads through three challenging islands, overcoming 10 fearsome bosses and relentless waves of enemies.
• Build Your Perfect Deck: Customize your playstyle with over 50 unique cards, blending tactical movement and combat strategies to hop past the competition.
• Restore the Tavern: Expand your bayou base to unlock new cards, abilities, and allies, giving your team the tools they need for survival and future success.

With every run, players can unlock upgrades to strengthen their chances of survival. Defensive traps, vodou powers, and clever tactics will be your keys to pushing back the darkness and reclaiming the bayou.

Toads of the Bayou is available now on Steam for £7.99 GBP / $9.99 USD / €9.99. Take advantage of a 10% discount during the first week of launch!

Stay updated with the latest Toads of the Bayou news by following the game on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, or visiting fireshinegames.co.uk.

Infinity: HexaDome Tactics, the latest 1v1 turn-based tactical combat game from Blindspot Games, is inviting new players to jump into the action with the launch of Closed Beta #4. Available now on PC via Steam, players can request access to join the beta, which runs until Monday, Oct. 28th.

Developed by industry veterans with experience at Ubisoft and Cyanide on games like Rainbow Six Siege, Roller Champions, and Blood Bowl, Blindspot Games brings their expertise to this new tactical experience. Infinity: HexaDome Tactics is based on the Aristeia! board game set in Corvus Belli’s Infinity universe, blending intense strategy with high-energy showmanship.

In HexaDome Tactics, players compete in a galactic entertainment program where warriors from across the universe battle for fame, fortune, and devoted fans. Choose from 12 unique heroes (with 20 more to come), including animal-human hybrids and synthetic samurai, to form a squad of four from Support, Melee, Control, and Range classes.

Success in the HexaDome requires sharp strategic thinking, with players positioning their champions to create synergies between abilities, level up their skills, and unleash ultimate attacks. Capture scoring zones, manipulate the dynamic cover system, and use crowd hype to gain followers and sponsorships, all while climbing the leaderboards.

Each hero in the game offers a distinct playstyle, providing a mental challenge for players to master. Daily and semi-weekly challenges, along with tournaments, will reward players with titles, avatars, and more.

This Closed Beta adds fresh content, including two new characters: Wild Bill, a gun-slinging card shark, and Parvati, a synthetic celebrity healer. Plus, for those craving more intense action, a new blood effect can be toggled on for gorier combat.

New modes are also being introduced. The Duel mode allows players to create custom 1v1 lobbies and go head-to-head with friends, while Challenge mode offers quick puzzles to help players practice champion abilities and mechanics.

Several improvements have been made to enhance gameplay flow. Champions now take turns once per round, and Scoring Zones light up for clear visibility. Sponsor tactics unlock immediately, and capturing them is as simple as walking over their tiles. A revamp of the RNG system ensures fairer matches as well.

“We’re very excited to show how far Infinity: HexaDome Tactics has come along since its original conception back in 2020,” said Blindspot Games Co-Founder Aurélien Simoni. “After years of prototyping, testing, and securing funding, we’re excited to debut our latest build during this week’s closed beta and can’t wait for 1.0 to release next year.”

With a full launch planned for 2025 on Steam, Infinity: HexaDome Tactics will support both English and French, with more languages to come. Wishlist the game on Steam and follow Blindspot Games on social media to stay updated on future playtests. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for Closed Beta #4 by hitting “Request Access” on the Steam page.

About Blindspot Games
Founded in 2023 by veterans Aurélien Simoni and Vincent Puech, Blindspot Games is a small studio with big ambitions. After years of experience at Ubisoft and Cyanide on hits like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Far Cry 5, Watch Dogs, Roller Champions, and Blood Bowl, the team is now focused on bringing Infinity: HexaDome Tactics to life, combining tactical depth with thrilling action.

A New Dimension in Turn-Based Strategy
Artifice: War Tactics is not your typical strategy game. This title brings a fresh perspective to the genre with its unique asymmetric combat system, combining deep tactical gameplay with a medieval fantasy setting. Players must outmaneuver and outsmart their enemies by anticipating attacks and positioning their champions strategically. The game has already garnered attention, winning or being nominated for several awards during its development.

Insights from Silvine Game Studio
Neeraj Kumar, Founder of Silvine Game Studio, shares the challenges and inspirations behind the game: “Creating an art-heavy game has been a challenge for us, one we have successfully negotiated! We conducted extensive research, made iterations, and received a lot of help from colleagues with specialized expertise. Our inspiration stems from games like XCOM, Into the Breach, and Darkest Dungeon.”

The Story of Artifice: War Tactics
Set in the war-torn world of Ozaria, players take on the role of a leader of the Conclave, a rebel group opposing the tyrant Theosus. After civil wars ravaged the kingdoms, only a few dared to defy Theosus, who crowned himself the ruler of Ozaria. As the leader, it’s up to you to rally the remaining forces, use the power of ancient relics, and overthrow this false god.

Gameplay: A Strategic Masterpiece
Artifice: War Tactics delivers a visually striking experience with its asymmetric grid combat system. Players must anticipate enemy moves, set up attack zones, and execute powerful combinations to maximize their chances of victory. The game’s animation and special effects bring each battle to life, adding to the overall immersive experience.

Players will face various environmental hazards like Sandworms, Frost Wraiths, Poison Ivy, and Floating Runes. These biomes can be both a threat and a strategic advantage, requiring careful planning to use them effectively in battle.

Features & Highlights

• Unique Combat System**: Every unit has distinct move and attack patterns, along with special traits and abilities.
• Boss Battles**: After winning four battles, players can challenge a powerful boss to unlock new islands.
• Three Islands & Final Boss**: Explore different regions and complete the final showdown to conquer Ozaria.
• Resource Management**: Collect items and resources dropped by enemies to upgrade your champions.
• Customization**: Experiment with different objectives and rewards to tailor your strategy.

About Silvine Game Studios
Based in Chennai, India, Silvine Game Studios was founded by Neeraj Kumar, Aubhik Nath, Ekta Verma, and Vishal Mohan. After their success with Asura: Vengeance Edition, the team reunited to create Artifice: War Tactics. For more information, visit the official website and follow them on social media.

Prepare for the ultimate strategic challenge when Artifice: War Tactics launches on August 16th, 2024. Wishlist the game on Steam now to stay updated!

Tiny Teams 2024, a streamer-focused event promoting indie developers, invites media and content creators to contact Zachery Bennett for access to an alpha version of Enter the Chronosphere. Creators with existing access are encouraged to revisit the alpha and explore the latest updates and new content.

While Effort Star prepares for the next public hands-on opportunity, fans can stay updated by following the studio’s TikTok. Enjoy development updates, thrilling gameplay moments, and humorous clips showcasing the many deaths in this challenging roguelike.

In Enter the Chronosphere, players seamlessly switch between turn-based tactics and real-time action, with time advancing only when actions are taken. This allows for precise tactical planning and rapid gameplay.

Wield unique multidimensional weapons such as insectoid ovipositors, face-melting Disintegrators, swift rapiers, and double-barreled shotguns. Battle through alien worlds consumed by the Chronosphere and discover devastating combinations of character abilities and weaponry to save reality itself.

“We’re making this for people who love turn-based games but wish they played faster,” says Rhys, Director at Effort Star. “Turns out it’s also good for people who like fast games but are constantly being distracted by a baby or a kitten.”

Enter the Chronosphere will be featured at Tiny Teams from Thursday, Aug. 8 to Thursday, Aug. 15. Follow Tiny Teams on social media and join the event’s official Discord for more details and to explore the new games showcased alongside Enter the Chronosphere.

For more information on Enter the Chronosphere, check out Effort Star’s TikTok and official website, follow Effort Star and Joystick Ventures on social media, and join the game’s official Discord.

About Effort Star
Effort Star is an indie game developer based in Melbourne, Australia. They focus on creating engaging gameplay experiences that reward players for developing their individual play style. Their games prioritize challenging gameplay that requires learning and growth to overcome.

About Joystick Ventures
Joystick Ventures is a California-based investing and publishing company dedicated to supporting indie developers. They promote experimentation in game design across all genres, styles, and geographies. They are best known for their 2022 release, Lost in Play, which has sold over 200,000 copies.