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Stellar Blade: Blood Rain's AI slop music video is terrible for us all
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Stellar Blade: Blood Rain’s AI slop music video is terrible for us all

ShiftUP CEO Kim Hyung Tae has faced criticism for a promotional video for the game Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, which featured an AI-generated music composition that was deemed lacking in soul and coherence. The video showcased a surreal visual experience with the protagonist, Evie, in a skin-tight suit that raised concerns about the game's creative direction. Critics argue that the video undermines the game's narrative and visual identity, leading to disappointment among fans who anticipated a deeper narrative in the sequel. ShiftUP has a history of producing high-quality content, as seen in their previous title, Nikke, which featured a soundtrack by a seasoned composer. The backlash reflects broader concerns about the normalization of AI in creative processes within the gaming industry and its potential impact on emotional connections in games. The gaming community has expressed disappointment and reevaluated their interest in Blood Rain due to the promotional material.
One of Kerbal Space Program's biggest inspirations was a promotional Flash game for Top Gear: 'That was the most similar game to KSP that I could find back then'
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

One of Kerbal Space Program’s biggest inspirations was a promotional Flash game for Top Gear: ‘That was the most similar game to KSP that I could find back then’

Felipe Falanghe began his journey in PC gaming by playing Flight Simulator 4 on his father's laptop, which sparked his interest in modding and game development. In 2010, while at a marketing firm called Squad, he was given the opportunity to create Kerbal Space Program, which became one of PC Gamer's highest-rated games. Currently, he is playing the remastered version of Oblivion and enjoys the first-person shooter BattleBit, as well as Old School RuneScape, which he played back in 2005. He keeps Fragile Allegiance and Full Throttle installed on his system. Falanghe has logged nearly 2,000 hours in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 combined and considers Flight Sim and Fragile Allegiance as games he will never uninstall. He uses OBS for remote work and OneCommander for file management. His desktop is somewhat cluttered, with a preference for the classic Windows 10-style Start menu.
Champion modder ports the OG 'Father' Nier back into the PC remaster, original voiceovers and all
AppWizard
August 2, 2026

Champion modder ports the OG ‘Father’ Nier back into the PC remaster, original voiceovers and all

Modder Elevna has released Nier Gestalt ver.1.22474487139…, which replaces the youthful protagonist from the 2022 remaster with the older version from the original 2010 game. The mod enhances the character model and integrates audio files from the original voice actor, Jamieson Price. It features reimagined alternate skins, repurposed voice lines, and includes original DLC content that allows players to engage in battles as different versions of Nier. The mod aims to provide a nostalgic experience for fans of the game.
Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones
AppWizard
August 1, 2026

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

Google is updating its Gemini AI with a new interface that enhances user interaction on select Pixel and Galaxy smartphones, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The update features a blurred backdrop that separates the Gemini interface from the underlying screen, creating a more immersive experience. This redesign builds on previous updates, which included sleeker icons and Dynamic Color support, and allows for direct interactions within the overlay without needing to switch screens. The rollout is server-side controlled, meaning not all users will receive the update simultaneously, and there is currently no toggle to activate the new design.
We haven't needed motion blur in games for a long time, so I wish it would stop being the default
AppWizard
August 1, 2026

We haven’t needed motion blur in games for a long time, so I wish it would stop being the default

James Bentley, a hardware writer, criticized the implementation of motion blur in gaming, particularly in Halo: Campaign Evolved, calling it one of the worst he has encountered, especially since it is enabled by default. He noted that while motion blur can enhance speed and realism and obscure visual artifacts, its continued default status is questionable given modern hardware's ability to achieve high frame rates. Bentley observed that motion blur made the game capture appear worse and detracted from immersion. He expressed a desire for players to have customizable settings that allow for an unfiltered gaming experience, advocating for a shift away from motion blur as the standard in gaming.
Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Software takes center stage in this Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 leak

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5 on August 12 in New York City. Leaked images reveal the user interface of these devices. The Pixel 11 Pro features various menus, including the home screen layout, Emergency SOS setup, TalkBack accessibility options, and Visual Voicemail functionalities. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has a centered app drawer and a camera interface with video controls on the left and shutter, lens switching, and gallery buttons on the right. The Pixel Watch 5 showcases a circular app grid, large touch targets, and a keyboard layout optimized for its round display.
Hotline Miami-esque twin-stick roguelite OTXO is free on the Epic Games Store
AppWizard
July 31, 2026

Hotline Miami-esque twin-stick roguelite OTXO is free on the Epic Games Store

The Epic Games Store is offering the rogue-lite shooter OTXO for free until August 6th. OTXO features a top-down perspective and twin-stick mechanics, with a visual style of black, white, and red. The game employs a one-hit-kill approach and requires precision and strategy. It includes eight distinct areas with randomly generated layouts based on over 150 hand-crafted room designs. After August 6th, the store will introduce two new titles: Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together.
Gears of War: E-Day devs are embracing 'old-school' multiplayer in 2026: 'No battle pass, no tour of duty, no gimmicks, no bullsh*t'
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

Gears of War: E-Day devs are embracing ‘old-school’ multiplayer in 2026: ‘No battle pass, no tour of duty, no gimmicks, no bullsh*t’

The multiplayer aspect of Gears of War: E-Day features two modes: Horde Siege (PvE) and Versus (PvP), with gameplay reminiscent of 2007. Players can earn nearly all items through gameplay, without the need for battle passes. The game will launch with 60 unlockable characters and will offer free maps, modes, and cosmetics over five seasons. Cosmetics will focus on authenticity and creativity, staying true to the Gears universe. Players can earn a free currency, Coins, through gameplay, with a weekly cap, while a premium currency, Iron, allows for bypassing the grind for cosmetics.
Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand review
AppWizard
July 30, 2026

Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand review

Paul's expertise includes videogames, Star Trek, and flannel shirts. He is involved in the gaming world with the expansion "Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand," which focuses on wave defense mechanics and roguelike elements within a World War II setting. The expansion allows players to select factions and face waves of enemies on a compact map, starting with limited units and making strategic decisions after each wave. Players can enhance their capabilities with various abilities, and the gameplay emphasizes survival, adaptation, and strategy. Matches can be completed in around 40 minutes, and the expansion is accessible for both veterans and newcomers. It operates independently from the main game and is budget-friendly, making it a recommended choice for players.
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