PC Archives

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Atari just bought the rights to the big daddy of PC RPGs, and a reissue campaign is afoot

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, released in 1981, is recognized as the first grid-based, first-person RPG. The game featured simple monochrome graphics but provided a complex gaming experience, particularly popular in Japan. Different platform versions showed variations, with Nintendo ports offering enhanced visuals. The first five Wizardry games are becoming less available, except for a remake of Proving Grounds set for release in 2024. Recent Wizardry titles have adopted an anime aesthetic in character design. Atari's CEO Wade Rosen announced plans to revive and remaster the early games, which have been unavailable for over two decades. The revival comes as blobbers are gaining popularity, with recent titles indicating renewed interest in the genre.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Civilization 7 has been profitable despite design missteps

Firaxis has introduced a new "Ages" system in Civilization 7, requiring players to switch civilizations twice during a campaign, which has received mixed reactions. The game's engagement on Steam is lower than that of Civilization 5 and 6, even a year after release. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Civilization 7 is still a profitable enterprise, although he acknowledged that the changes may have deviated too far from player expectations. An update is scheduled to release later this month, offering a return to a more traditional Civilization structure, which could attract players who prefer classic gameplay.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Take-Two chief is ‘deeply disappointed’ that we still don’t have a new BioShock game

The BioShock franchise has not released a new installment since BioShock Infinite in 2013. In 2018, Hangar 13 began preliminary work on a new title, but it did not progress into a full project. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, expressed disappointment over the delays but was not surprised. The franchise is currently under the management of Cloud Chamber, which has appointed a new director and is reworking fundamental elements of the series. Following restructuring, over 80 employees, about one-third of Cloud Chamber's workforce, were laid off. The development of the next BioShock installment is still in its early stages.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

‘I’m bleeding to death:’ In 2009, Wurm Online was still the wild frontier of online gaming

A player navigates a virtual world where he is wounded and feels betrayed by fellow gamers. Alongside his companion Egg, he reflects on the harsh realities of the gaming community while surviving in a treacherous environment. In a moment of desperation, he creates a poultice for healing. A week later, they settle in an abandoned cottage called Cliffside Cottage, where they begin to rebuild their lives, with the protagonist working as a carpenter and Egg as a blacksmith. They engage in mundane tasks like planting crops and repairing the cottage, contrasting their earlier struggles. The narrative emphasizes themes of resilience, friendship, and hope as they work towards crafting weapons and armor for their future.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Stranger Than Heaven sure looks like a Yakuza series prequel in its first 30-minute deep dive, oh and Snoop Dogg is here

RGG Studios is developing an action game titled Stranger Than Heaven, which serves as a prequel to the Yakuza series. The game spans 50 years, starting in 1915, and follows Makoto Daito, a boy of mixed Japanese and American heritage. Key characters include Yu Shinjo, Makoto's friend and rival, and Orpheus, an international smuggler voiced by Snoop Dogg. The game features five cities: Kokura (1915), Kure (1929), Minami (1943), Atami (1951), and Kamurocho (1965). Music plays a significant role, with gameplay mechanics allowing players to record environmental sounds. The combat system has evolved to a more dynamic style, focusing on Makoto's limbs and weaponry. The narrative hints at connections to the Yakuza franchise, particularly the origins of the Tojo Clan. The game's release is tentatively scheduled for winter 2026 or early 2027.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

My most-anticipated but frequently delayed Zelda-like is finally releasing later this month after 6 years in development

Mina the Hollower is a top-down adventure game set to release on Steam on May 29, 2023. It draws inspiration from the classic Zelda series and features pixel art with an 8-bit aesthetic. The game is influenced by Bloodborne and leans towards the gothic charm of Castlevania. Development began in 2020, facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The studio aims to sell 500,000 copies for success, with 200,000 considered strong and below 100,000 raising concerns. The release timing is strategic, with limited competition in late May.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Pyre Lookout is a Disco Elysium-esque tale of bureaucratic incompetence, red tape, and frogs

Players navigate the whimsical yet frustrating world of Pyre Lookout, a flash game developed by Outstar and titos2k, where they assume the role of Gerard Path, the Senior Signaling Specialist at the Pyre Lookout Unit. The game features quirky characters like Scott, the HR-driven manager; Jayda, the apathetic youth; and Phylis, a seasoned survivor of corporate turbulence. When Gerard detects a smoky scent, he alerts Scott, but the response is filled with corporate jargon, highlighting the absurdity of bureaucracy. Gerard's attempts to radio HQ reveal that their tower is on fire, yet he must fill out Form C before help can be dispatched. The gameplay includes mechanics similar to ZA/UM's RPGs, using dice rolls for interactions, and serves as a satirical commentary on bureaucracy. Developed in three days for Ludum Dare's game jam, Pyre Lookout offers humor and intrigue while critiquing modern work life. The game features whimsical elements, including bonding with a frog, and showcases the creative talent of Martyna 'Outstar' Zych, known for her work on titles like Vampire: The Masquerade.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Dying Light boss Tymon Smektała is stepping down, but “can’t wait to experience its next chapter”

Tymon Smektała, the director of the Dying Light franchise, has announced his departure from developer Techland to pursue new opportunities. He has been instrumental as a producer for both Dying Light and its sequel, Dying Light 2. In a message shared on social media, he expressed gratitude to the community and his colleagues, emphasizing their role in shaping the franchise. The latest installment, Dying Light: The Beast, has received positive feedback, with 87% of Steam users rating it favorably. Techland is currently seeking a Lead Online Game Designer to develop new experiences in the Dying Light universe, and there is potential for future installments despite no official announcement regarding Dying Light 3.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

More than 10 years after Ubisoft took it down, one of our favorite games of 2010 is back on Steam

In 2010, the real-time strategy game Ruse received an 84% review score but was removed from Steam by Ubisoft in 2015 due to expiring license rights. Ruse has been re-released on Steam by Eugen Systems, now bundled with all downloadable content and technical updates, including support for the Steam Deck. The re-release retains its original 2010 identity and is priced at £26.49/€30. User reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with 197 favorable ratings and only two negative ones. Updates and DLC are free for existing owners, although old saves and replays are not accessible in the new version. Eugen Systems now holds both developer and publisher roles, removing Ubisoft from the equation.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Civ 7 is getting ‘by far the most-requested addition’ later this month, but I’m more interested in whether it’ll finally feel fully baked

Firaxis announced that Civilization VII will introduce a feature allowing players to engage with a single civilization throughout an entire campaign. The upcoming Test of Time update, launching on May 19, will be a comprehensive, free overhaul based on player feedback. Key features include the introduction of "time-tested Civs," allowing players to maintain their civilization across ages, a revamped victory system with dynamic conditions, optional side objectives for various playstyles, updated map generation techniques, user interface improvements, balance changes, and a complimentary leader for all players.