absurdity Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

It’s a golden age for weird Eastern European games—you can tell because I’m in love with a horror puzzler about 2 old men trying to find evil in the woods

One-Eyed Likho is a game set in Eastern Europe that draws on Slavic mythology, where players take on the role of a village smith alongside a tailor to explore the concept of 'evil.' The gameplay is primarily puzzle-based, requiring players to ignite objects to progress. The game features a black-and-white aesthetic reminiscent of silent films and employs straightforward mechanics, with players navigating limited environments to collect items and solve puzzles. The narrative includes introspective monologues from the smith, reflecting on Biblical figures and existential themes. Influences from the game Pathologic are present, and the game balances surreal elements with moments of intensity. Players engage with the narrative while exploring themes of evil through various settings, including a forest and a dilapidated house.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

I continue to use Google Home and its speakers, but I hate everything about it

Since the debut of the Google Home speaker in November 2016, many users have integrated it into their lives, often expressing frustrations with its functionality. A long-time user has accumulated various Google devices, including two Nest Audios, a Pixel Tablet, and a Nest Hub. A recent survey indicated that many users remain loyal to Google Home due to their significant investments in the ecosystem. Common issues reported by users include unresponsive speakers, inconsistent voice recognition, failures to execute commands, delays in response times, and difficulties syncing music across devices. The Google Home app has improved but still poses challenges, particularly for users with multiple devices, as the interface can be cluttered and lacks customizable sorting options. Many users continue using Google Home due to sunk costs, familiarity with the platform, and hope for future updates that may enhance their experience.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Yogscast Games’ The Royal Writ Launches August 7 for PC

The medieval roguelike deckbuilder, The Royal Writ, developed by Save Sloth Studios and published by Yogscast Games, will launch on PC via Steam on August 7. Players command cards on the battlefield, strategically positioning them to advance toward the enemy while facing the risk of permanent destruction for cards that fail to achieve victory. The game features a diverse army of characters with unique abilities, including an injured flamingo and a short-sighted chicken archer. There are two campaigns: one focused on quelling a rebellion and another introducing gunpowder as a new adversary. Key features include intuitive gameplay, roguelike progression, card permadeath, a charming art style, memorable NPC encounters, special boss mechanics, a gradual difficulty ladder, challenge modes, and collectible relics that alter gameplay dynamics.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

I played Lovecraftian doctor simulator Do No Harm, and let me tell you, my brother in Cthulhu, I did some serious harm

The protagonist, humorously named "Dr. Doctor Eadful," operates in a Lovecraftian world where he faces challenges in his unconventional medical practice. A mishap with a patient named Victor Harlow triggers a series of unfortunate events. Players engage in narrative adventure and light puzzles, diagnosing patients based on the four humours and administering treatments, which become increasingly complex. Incorrect treatments can lead to severe consequences, including patients worsening or dying, impacting the doctor's reputation and financial stability. The protagonist is pressured to make ethically questionable decisions, including accepting a proposition from a gravedigger to misadminister treatments for profit. The game explores the tension between ethical medical practice and survival, leading to a descent into madness.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

So Long, Blue Screen of Death. Amazingly, You’ll Be Missed

Microsoft plans to retire the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11, replacing it with a minimalist "unexpected restart screen" that will feature a black background and a single message: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” The redesign is part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative aimed at enhancing system robustness and clarity. The BSOD originated from Windows NT 3.1 in 1993, where it displayed a wall of white text on a blue background. The change follows a significant incident in 2024 where a problematic update caused widespread issues, prompting Microsoft to distance itself from the iconic blue screen.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

I Watched Both Versions Of A Minecraft Movie On HBO Max, And I Was Not Prepared For The Block Party Edition

A Minecraft Movie was released in 2025 and became a cultural phenomenon with strong box office performance, particularly resonating with younger audiences. The film features memorable scenes, such as Jack Black’s “Lava Chicken” and the “Chicken Jockey” scene. It is now available on HBO Max. A new version called the “Block Party Edition” has been discovered, which is a sing-along version that includes viral memes from the original film. This edition aims to capture the humor and excitement that made the theatrical release popular.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

After Streaming A Minecraft Movie, I Wasn’t Expecting The Most Unhinged Stuff To Not Involve Jack Black Or Jason Momoa

The author watched "A Minecraft Movie" on HBO Max, having missed its theatrical release. They noted that the film, released in 2025, features Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa as Garrett but found Jennifer Coolidge's character, Marlene, to be the most captivating. Marlene, the vice principal, navigates her divorce and awkwardly flirts with Garrett before entering a bizarre romantic relationship with Nitwit, a character voiced by Matt Berry. Their relationship culminates in a surreal proposal. The film is primarily aimed at younger fans of the Minecraft franchise and is directed by Jared Hess.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Death Stranding 2 cements Hideo Kojima’s legacy as a PC game designer still living in the console world

In Death Stranding 2, players are tasked with delivering a pizza to an anime VTuber who has withdrawn from society. The game emphasizes the character's belief in the simple pleasure of hot pizza. Game director Hideo Kojima notes that the sequel allows for greater player freedom, including the option to avoid combat. The game combines immersive sim elements with a focus on delivery mechanics, offering various approaches to challenges. Players navigate diverse environments, including dust storms and blizzards, using new gear like the coffin surfboard. The balance between combat and delivery is maintained, with a versatile arsenal and attention to detail enhancing the experience. The day/night cycle introduces strategic elements, and the character Dollman serves both narrative and gameplay functions. The game encourages exploration and personal storytelling within its expansive world.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Jack Black and Jason Momoa Make A Minecraft Movie a Delight

A Minecraft Movie was released on Max on June 20, 2025, featuring Jack Black as Steve, who discovers two artifacts that transport him to a fantastical dimension. The film's antagonist is Malgosha, the leader of the Nether. Jack Black's performance is complemented by Jason Momoa as Garrett “the Garbage Man” Garrison, creating a dynamic between Steve's confidence and Garrett's self-awareness. The story includes characters Henry and Natalie, who face challenges like rectangular shrub zombies and piglin warriors. Directed by Jared Hess, the screenplay was written by a team of five, balancing humor and heart while respecting the game's spirit.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ on HBO Max, a baffling…

A Minecraft Movie is now available for streaming on HBO Max and various VOD platforms, including Amazon Prime Video. The film, inspired by the best-selling video game, has become a cultural phenomenon in 2025, grossing an impressive 0 million globally. Jack Black stars as Steve, a former doorknob salesman who discovers a cube-shaped orb that transports him to the Overworld of Minecraft. He creates a sanctuary but is captured by Piglins, prompting him to send his wolf companion, Dennis, back to protect the orb. The orb eventually reaches Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, played by Jason Momoa, who is trying to revive his vintage video game shop. The plot also involves siblings Henry and Natalie, who arrive in Chuglass, Idaho, and get caught up in Garrett's quest while learning about mining and crafting. The film features quirky humor and offbeat character interactions reminiscent of director Jared Hess's previous works. Jennifer Coolidge plays a spacey school vice principal, adding comedic value to the film. Audience reactions vary, with younger viewers enjoying its chaotic energy and meme-inspired humor, while some find it perplexing. Despite visual shortcomings and a sometimes haphazard plot, the film elicits laughter and joy, contributing to its cultural impact.