PC Archives

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones

Microsoft is reintroducing first-generation Xbox titles to PC through its Backwards Compatibility initiative, allowing access via Game Pass. The initial lineup includes four titles: Fuzion Frenzy, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live & Reloaded. The selection has received mixed reactions, with concerns about the lack of appeal and the absence of achievements at launch. Players have suggested that other titles, such as Genma Onimusha, The Simpsons: Hit and Run, Unreal Championship, OutRun 2, Jade Empire, and the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series, could have been more attractive options. Additionally, the upcoming release of Halo: Campaign Evolved could have benefited from the simultaneous launch of Halo: Combat Evolved to boost subscriptions.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

25-Year-Old Game Is Currently the #1 Best-Selling Game on Steam

Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, has been released in early access on the Steam marketplace by Xbox and Halo Studios. It has quickly become a top seller on Steam, currently priced competitively. The game has received a “Mostly Positive” rating from users, with around 70% of reviews being positive. Players have praised its gameplay mechanics and visuals, but there are concerns about bugs, performance issues, and the quality of cutscenes. The game has been verified for compatibility with the Steam Deck. Its position as a top seller may be challenged by other games like Palworld as the gaming community explores new releases.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Steam may be celebrating the railway experience with its Train Fest, but let’s remember how rubbish the typical train trip is with some Train Sim World DLC

Steam Train Fest is ongoing until July 27, featuring discounts on games like Train Sim World 6, Victoria 3, and Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor. The author reflects on their experiences with the UK rail system, noting its delays and overcrowding. They explore the Train Sim World expansion, Great Western Express, which replicates part of their journey from Bath to London. The game allows players to drive trains and experience the journey as a passenger, starting at Reading station. The recreation of the station is detailed, though it lacks certain familiar elements like a pasty shop. The author finds the experience surreal and notes the absence of realistic sounds and interactions on the train. They appreciate the game's authenticity despite minor critiques and express a preference for simulators that capture everyday life.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

10 Games We’d Love To See Added To Xbox Backwards Compatibility On PC

Xbox has announced backwards compatibility for PC, allowing fans to vote on classic titles they want to see made available. Current favorites among voters include Fable 2, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Fable 3, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Gears of War 3, Lost Odyssey, and Ninja Gaiden Black. A curated list of ten highly sought-after titles already enjoying backwards compatibility on consoles includes Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Lost Odyssey, Ninja Gaiden Black, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 3, Banjo-Tooie, SSX 3, and Fable 3.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

‘We Sincerely Apologise’: Marvel Tokon the Latest Sony Game to Be Busted on PC

The beta testing of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on PS5 has been mostly smooth, with minor connectivity issues, while the PC version has faced significant performance complaints from players. Arc System Works has acknowledged these challenges and is investigating them, providing troubleshooting steps such as warming up shaders, disabling frame generation, and turning off anti-cheat features. There are speculations about Sony's involvement in background operations related to the game, but these claims lack concrete evidence. The official launch is approaching, and optimization work for the PC version is necessary, although feedback for the PS5 version remains positive.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

A classic Giger-inspired adventure game just got a sequel

Tormentum II is a standalone sequel to the original Tormentum: Dark Sorrow, which was heavily influenced by H. R. Giger's biomechanical art. The sequel, developed over eight years, offers a fresh narrative while maintaining similar thematic elements. It is currently available on Steam with a 15% discount, and a demo is also offered. The original game is on sale with a 67% discount.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

A Game About Penguins Set to Waddle Onto PC on 10 August 2026

A Game About Penguins is set to launch on PC on August 10, 2026, developed by Turkish indie studio CO’s Entertainment and published by Ultimate Games S.A. A free prologue, A Game About Penguins: First Catch, has been available on Steam since July 22, showcasing core mechanics and mini-games. The game supports solo play and online co-op for up to 12 players, featuring activities such as fishing, ice skating, snowball fights, swimming, climbing, and playing chess. Players can customize their penguins with various outfits and accessories. The prologue allows progression up to level 3, while the full release will introduce more NPCs, items, and content. The game will also be released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in the future.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Modding wizard creates Grand Theft Auto multiverse that lets players travel instantly between Rockstar’s first three games: ‘We got inter-GTA portals before GTA 6’

A modder named DryxioGTA has created a mod for the Grand Theft Auto series that allows players to travel between Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas using portals. The mod enables instantaneous travel between the three worlds while maintaining distinct saves, missions, and settings for each game. Players can interact between the cities, such as shooting through a portal, which triggers responses from civilians in the current world. A video showcasing the mod was shared on YouTube, demonstrating its functionality. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to be released in November.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Final Fantasy 14 has finally added the class I’m always asking for: a viking with two shields, laser cannons, and Wolverine claws

A new character concept in fantasy role-playing games features a viking with triple-barreled laser guns and dual shields with metal claws. In the upcoming expansion of Final Fantasy XIV, titled Evercold, the first new job introduced is the bastion, a main tank that combines blocking, shooting, and stabbing using a new weapon called "skyltborg." This weapon draws inspiration from oversized gunshields used by characters like Rhitahtyn Arvina. The bastion will be available exclusively in the evolved mode of the game, with further details to be revealed at the Tokyo Fan Festival and a full launch scheduled for January 2027.