- The Duo: A robot drummer named Smash and a cunning raccoon named Grab.
- The Hook: A speedrun beat-’em-up where both characters are physically tethered by a rope.
- The Vibe: Retro-futurism inspired by Samurai Jack and Batman: The Animated Series.
- The Event: Part of the “Games from Ireland” Steam event (March 13–20).
- Demo Window: Free to play from March 13 to March 19, 2026.
Northern Ireland’s indie scene is bringing the noise. SLAP-BANG! Digital, a fresh studio based in Belfast, has officially announced the first public demo for its debut title, Smash ‘N Grab. This isn’t your typical heist game; it’s a high-speed, destructive race through a museum where your greatest weapon is the rope connecting you to your partner-in-crime.
One Rope, Endless Tactical Chaos
The core of Smash ‘N Grab lies in its unique Tether System. Players control both characters simultaneously: the left stick moves the hulking robot Smash, while the right stick aims and throws the nimble raccoon Grab.
- Acrobatic Heists: Use the rope to swing across gaps, pull enemies into traps, or snatch valuable artifacts from afar.
- Destruction as Strategy: Almost everything in the museum can be smashed. Ironically, the more priceless art you destroy, the faster you can create shortcuts to reach the exit.
- The Hunt for S-Rank: The demo features a single museum-themed level designed for infinite replayability. To hit that elusive S-Rank, players must master the perfect line, balancing speed with maximum destruction.
Art Style: A Love Letter to 2D Legends
Visually, the game is a striking homage to mid-century graphic design and early 2000s animation. Director Mark Skelton cites three major pillars of inspiration:
- Saul Bass: The legendary graphic designer behind iconic film posters.
- Samurai Jack (2001): Specifically, Genndy Tartakovsky’s silhouette-heavy, atmospheric aesthetic.
- Batman: The Animated Series: The “Dark Deco” noir style of 1990s Gotham.
“We wanted to capture that ‘Saturday Morning Cartoon’ energy but fuse it with the high-stakes pressure of a global leaderboard.” — Mark Skelton, Director
Game Specification: Smash ‘N Grab
| Category | Details |
| Developer | SLAP-BANG! Digital (Belfast, Northern Ireland) |
| Genre | Speedrun Beat-’em-up / Action |
| Platform | PC (Steam) |
| Visual Style | Saul Bass / Samurai Jack / Art Deco Noir |
| Demo Period | March 13 – March 19, 2026 |
| Associated Event | Games from Ireland (organized by Imirt) |
Part of the ‘Games from Ireland’ Celebration
The demo launch coincides with the Games from Ireland Steam Sale, a week-long event (March 13–20) celebrating Irish game development talent during the St. Patrick’s Day period. It’s a perfect opportunity for global gamers to discover the unique creative output coming from both the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Steam Store Page: Smash ‘N Grab on Steam
