alternative Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

I’ve played 2 hours of MindsEye and it’s not great so far, I’m afraid

Tyler Wilde, the U.S. Editor-in-Chief, experienced the Summer Game Fest and played an upcoming shooter titled MindsEye, which is set to release in 2025. He found the initial two-hour gameplay experience unengaging and reminiscent of early 2010s Call of Duty campaigns. The game's director, Leslie Benzies, previously served as president of Rockstar North. MindsEye is currently available on Steam and has received mixed user reviews, starting with a "mostly negative" reception. Wilde noted the game's concept of mod tools and level editors but expressed skepticism about the quality of user-created missions. The protagonist, Jacob Diaz, has a troubled spec-ops background and a mysterious brain implant, leading him to a chaotic job at a local robot factory in the desert city of Redrock. Wilde criticized the lack of depth in characters and narrative coherence, questioning the game's reliance on dream-like logic and its ability to deliver thought-provoking themes about profit-driven technology.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Xbox’s new handheld is a surprisingly comfortable way to play Gears

The Xbox Ally X is a new handheld gaming device developed in collaboration with Asus, positioned as an alternative to the Steam Deck and the upcoming Switch 2. It includes the ROG Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. The device is noted for its comfort, with hand grips designed to resemble an Xbox controller, making it more enjoyable to hold compared to the Steam Deck. During a demonstration, gameplay with Gears of War: Reloaded was smooth, and the ergonomic design of the Ally X potentially improved performance. The device's weight is comparable to the Steam Deck, and it offers a significant difference in comfort during extended play sessions. The user interface and navigation between Xbox and Steam games remain unexplored, but the device's comfort and portability suggest it could be a favored option for on-the-go gaming.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

13 years after it was first teased, and 2 months after committing to a 2025 release, Mewgenics is delayed into 2026

Mewgenics, an "endless cat breeding RPG," will now be released on February 10, 2026, instead of the originally planned 2025 launch. Creator Edmund McMillen cited strategic planning as the reason for the delay, aiming to avoid competition with holiday releases. The additional eight months will allow the team to complete significant development tasks, including the animation of the final boss, integration of hard path rewards and random generation items, creation of ten new cutscenes, commissioning of three new music tracks, implementation of alternative and shiny furniture, and the completion of a secret late-game system. McMillen plans to engage fans with live streams and previews starting in January.

BetaBeacon

June 9, 2025

Skich Store Launches Android Version, Pioneers Alternative App Store for Mobile Games

- Skich Store uses an intelligent algorithm to recommend games based on user preferences, gameplay habits, and niche genres. - Users can browse game cards in a swipe-based interface inspired by dating apps. - Users can follow friends, influencers, and community-curated gamelists for social game discovery. - Skich Store offers a lower 15% commission rate for developers and is expanding to the UK, Brazil, Japan, and Australia by 2026. - The platform is free to use and offers features such as pre-registration, launch notifications, and tailored updates. - Skich Store has over 120,000 organic monthly visitors and engagement levels 3-5x higher than conventional stores. - Skich Store is backed by GEM Capital and positioning itself as the go-to platform for indie games and transparent discovery.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Full-screen Xbox handheld UI is coming to all Windows PCs “starting next year”

Valve's Steam Deck and SteamOS primarily support Windows games compatible with the Proton compatibility layer and some native Linux titles. Microsoft and Asus have collaborated on the ROG Xbox Ally, which features a new Xbox-branded interface designed to improve compatibility for PC gamers while resembling SteamOS. This interface will debut on the ROG Xbox Ally and is planned for broader release on other handheld devices next year. Microsoft has been developing a handheld-optimized user interface for Windows since at least 2022, identified during an internal hackathon. The proposed "Windows Handheld Mode" includes a tile-based UI similar to the Xbox interface and aims to enhance touch screen usability. The ROG Xbox Ally's full-screen interface replaces the traditional Windows desktop, conserving RAM and optimizing energy consumption compared to standard Windows devices like the regular ROG Ally, which require additional software to function similarly to SteamOS.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Hands-On With the Xbox Ally X, the New Gaming Handheld from Asus and Microsoft

PC gaming handhelds, including the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally, are designed for the Xbox platform through a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft. The Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, 24GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, while the base Xbox Ally has a Ryzen Z2 A chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Both models have a 7.0-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support VRR and FreeSync technology. The Xbox Ally X was tested with Gears of War: Reloaded at 1080p and 60 fps. The systems run a streamlined version of Windows with an optimized Xbox app that allows game imports from other platforms. The ergonomic design resembles a split Xbox controller, but its size may affect portability. Pricing details are not yet disclosed, but the Xbox Ally X is expected to be premium-priced.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC ‘is toast’ – new warning issued ahead of Microsoft deadline

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, leaving users without updates, features, or security patches. Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee, but not all users may qualify for an upgrade to Windows 11. Many users could face vulnerabilities and technical issues as their devices become outdated. KBE warns that while Windows 10 will still function temporarily after the cutoff, it will become obsolete, leading to potential data and privacy risks. New applications may also become inaccessible, pushing users to consider new hardware. KBE suggests transitioning to its Linux-based software solution, Plasma, which can revitalize older computers. Users are advised to back up files and read instructions carefully before switching to Linux.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Humble Choice Explained: How The Xbox Game Pass PC Alternative Works

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass offers subscribers access to a wide array of games for a monthly fee, but access is revoked if the subscription lapses. In contrast, Humble Choice allows subscribers to keep the games they acquire, regardless of subscription status, and supports charitable causes. Humble Choice charges a monthly fee or an annual subscription fee and provides a selection of games each month, which are owned indefinitely by the subscriber. The service is more focused on indie titles and offers discounts on games in the Humble Store. It is particularly suited for gamers who enjoy indie games and those with older gaming PCs.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

This is my favorite video editing app, and for good reason

Megan Ellis from Android Authority reviewed various video editing applications and highlighted her favorite, Edits, which received 29% of votes in a recent poll, while CapCut led with 38%. Edits is entirely free and offers features like easy clip stitching, transitions, audio incorporation, and the ability to generate captions from voiceovers. It allows exports in 4K resolution at 60fps and includes a cutout functionality for tracking objects in videos. However, users need an Instagram account to access Edits, and export times can be slower than desired. Concerns exist about Edits being a Meta product and potential future monetization. Alternatives suggested include InShot, Adobe Express, VN, YouCut, and LightCut.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Gamers, let’s not pretend PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass multiplayer subscriptions are okay – they’re exactly why PC gaming is arguably cheaper in the long term

Transitioning from console gaming to PC gaming involves challenges such as file management and technical adjustments, but it offers benefits like no multiplayer subscription fees. Console gamers often need to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus for online play, with exceptions for free-to-play games. While gaming PC hardware is more expensive initially, the long-term costs of playing games are lower due to access to affordable titles and frequent discounts on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. In contrast, PlayStation games often retain their retail prices longer, limiting discount availability. The basic PS Plus plan costs .99 annually, similar to the price of a new game, while the 'Premium' plan costs 9.99 and lacks day-one title access. Xbox Game Pass offers better value with new games available on release day. Overall, while the initial investment in a gaming PC is high, the savings on games and lack of subscription fees make it a worthwhile choice.