Awesome Steam

Painkiller was one of the best FPSes of the early 2000s. Now, the franchise is getting a reboot courtesy of 3D Realms. Slay demons with up to three pals in online co-op play, or enjoy a solo splatterfest. Play with over-the-top weapons and jump, dash, and hook your way through purgatory while blasting creatures. Coming to Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC Fall 2025.

Unlike the steam-powered display motorcycle we saw a decade ago, this one actually rides. Supercar Blondie shared this video from Лёха Романтик, who created this wild machine that runs entirely on steam power. It has two horsepower, a top speed of 60 km/h (~37.3 mph), and a range of 15 km (~9.3 mi). Check out this other video for an in-depth look.

If you had those bootleg 100-in-1 cartridges as a kid, UFO 50 is an idea that makes far too much sense to be true. Except it is. Created by the developers behind Spelunky, Downwell, Air Land & Sea, Skorpulac, Catacomb Kids, and Madhouse, this collection of 50 8-bit style games has it all, from platformers to full on RPGs. Half of them have versus or co-op modes.

We’ve seen another tiny steam engine about as wide as a penny, but this miniature by Chronova Engineering takes the cake. The fully functional engine measures just 5mm long – about the size of a pencil’s eraser. In order to work at such a small scale, he had to use precision techniques typically reserved for watchmaking.

Starting and keeping a fire going takes time and effort, not to mention wood. The Flameship creates a convincing illusion of fire without the dangers of a real fire. It uses computer-controlled LEDs illuminating steam vapor to produce its cool-touch flame effect. It offers five flame effect settings, and its body looks like a sculptural work of modern art.

Most bikes and trikes are driven by human power. Professor Pardal Brasil created a tricycle that runs on steam power. It’s operated by burning wood to heat the water inside an oil drum, which pushes a piston that drives the rear wheels. It’s ridiculously loud and not very fast, but we still love it. It also doubles as a smoker.

Land Rover is working on electric versions of its vehicles. But this particular British SUV has driven in the opposite direction. Its builder Frank Rothwell explains how he replaced its internal combustion engine with a steam-powered one. It runs on coal, ignited with wood kindling soaked in diesel fuel, so it’s not exactly eco-friendly.

The way that steam engines can propel things using boiling water is pretty amazing. This video from How It’s Made takes us inside a factory that makes radial steam engines and shows not only how they come together, but how they work.

Currrently available on Steam Early Access for Windows and Mac, Darklight is an intense 2D-scrolling action platformer with impressive lighting and cool cyberpunk aesthetics. As you move through its dimly-lit industrial levels, you’ll encounter dangerous creatures who only appear under the light of your companion drone.

You could have a steam train, if you’d just lay down your tracks. Russian railroad enthusiast Pavel Chilin took Peter Gabriel’s advice literally, and built himself a working steam train engine that runs along a set of narrow-gauge tracks in his backyard. Additional footage here.

Door Kickers: Action Squad is a simpler yet still somewhat tactical spinoff of the original Door Kickers game. It’s a side-scrolling action game where you take one of four SWAT characters and complete mission objectives. It’s best played with a buddy via online co-op.

Better late than never. Steam now has a digital version of its gift cards. You can send them to anyone who’s been on your Friend list for at least 3 days. Its value will automatically be converted to your friend’s currency. Don’t worry, you can still gift specific games.

An upcoming game for PC and Mac which sends players on a ride down the side of a mountain on their bicycle. The game will offer open level designs which allow you to take whatever path you want all the way from the top of the mountain to the bottom. Follow it on Steam.

While it’s still in Steam Early Access Alpha, this physics-based space simulator is still incredibly impressive, with the ability to create your own planets and universes, then play god with gravity, climate, and even collisions to wreak havoc on your worlds.

A gaming PC optimized for Valve’s upcoming SteamOS. Unlike most computers, Jetpack’s internal components are arranged horizontally instead of vertically, so you can mount it behind your HDTV. Drops 1/1/14 for $1,000+.

No joysticks. No D-pads. The Valve Steam Controller instead has 2 trackpads augmented by a super-precise haptic feedback system. It also has a touch screen, 16 buttons and, in usual Steam fashion, will be open to hacking.