Indie action title Smash ‘N Grab is gearing up for its first public demo, launching on Steam as part of the Games from Ireland 2026. Developed by Belfast-based studio SLAP-BANG! Digital, the destructive speedrunning beat ’em up invites players to unleash chaos and chase high scores from March 13 to March 19, 2026.
The demo offers a first taste of the game’s frantic action, blending over-the-top destruction, platforming challenges, and leaderboard-driven gameplay into a stylish heist adventure inspired by classic Saturday morning cartoons.
A Retro Cartoon Heist With Style
In Smash ‘N Grab, players take control of an unlikely criminal duo: Smash, a towering robot drummer built for pure destruction, and Grab, his clever raccoon accomplice who specializes in snagging valuable loot.
Together, they smash and steal their way through a retro-futuristic world packed with hazards, guards, and hidden shortcuts. The game’s bold visual style draws inspiration from iconic animation aesthetics like Samurai Jack, Batman: The Animated Series, and the striking graphic design legacy of Saul Bass.
The result is a vibrant and stylish beat ’em up that feels like stepping into a high-energy cartoon caper.
According to Mark Skelton, founder and director of SLAP-BANG! Digital, the game is meant to celebrate both classic cartoons and arcade-style scoring games.
“Smash ‘N Grab pulls double-duty as an ode to the Saturday morning cartoons we grew up watching and the high-scoring games we grew up playing,” Skelton said. “With our first demo we want players to experience the frantic energy of Smash and Grab as they attempt a daring art gallery heist.”
What Players Can Expect in the Smash ‘N Grab Demo
The Smash ‘N Grab demo focuses on a single highly replayable level designed to showcase the game’s fast-paced mechanics and speedrunning potential.
Players will break through walls, fight off guards, collect loot, and race through platforming sections while attempting to escape in record time.
The goal is simple: smash everything, grab everything, and escape faster than ever before.
Demo Highlights
Destructive gameplay
Players can smash through obstacles, guards, and walls while collecting valuables scattered throughout the level.
Speedrunning mechanics
Multiple routes and shortcuts allow players to experiment with optimized paths to achieve the fastest escape times.
Score-based progression
Destroying valuable objects can shave seconds off your run and significantly boost your score.
Global leaderboard competition
Speedrunners and high-score hunters can refine strategies and chase the elusive S Rank by improving every attempt.
Smash ‘N Grab Embraces Replayability and Competitive Runs
While the demo features just one level, the design encourages repeated playthroughs. Each run allows players to test different strategies, uncover hidden routes, and improve their completion time.
For speedrunning enthusiasts, this loop is the core appeal of Smash ‘N Grab. Every smashed obstacle and stolen treasure contributes to shaving precious seconds from the clock.
Players determined to dominate the leaderboard will need quick reflexes, clever routing, and a willingness to replay the heist until they achieve the perfect run.
When and Where to Play the Smash ‘N Grab Demo
The Smash ‘N Grab demo will be available for a limited time on Steam during the Games from Ireland 2026 showcase event.
Demo availability:
- Start Date: March 13, 2026
- End Date: March 19, 2026
- Platform: PC via Steam
Players interested in trying the game can download the demo during the event and experience the chaotic art gallery heist firsthand.
