atmosphere Archives

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

The latest co-op indie game to take over the internet is like one of my favourite board games, just with bombs

Bombanana is a cooperative game where players take on the roles of monkeys with restricted sensory abilities: one is blind, another is deaf, and a third is mute. This setup complicates communication and strategy, leading to chaotic gameplay reminiscent of Team 3. Players must work together to defuse bombs, with the sighted player observing the bomb's mechanisms and relaying information to the mute player holding the instruction manual. The game features escalating challenges and puzzles, creating a humorous yet tense atmosphere. Despite struggles and failures, the experience fosters laughter and camaraderie among players.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

This remarkable mod transforms the most frightening horror game of the decade into Mirror’s Edge

TiMan, a modder, has created a mod called Bunker's Edge for the game Amnesia: The Bunker, which transforms the original horror setting into a vibrant urban landscape reminiscent of EA's Mirror's Edge. The mod retains the horror elements, featuring the same menacing creature pursuing the protagonist, Henri. While it showcases innovative modding, Bunker's Edge lacks the polish of Mirror's Edge, with some parkour movements feeling clunky and players occasionally getting trapped in the game’s geometry. The mod also incorporates sci-fi elements similar to Soma, generating excitement and making it one of the most anticipated titles for 2027.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Why is Blizzard still announcing games years ahead of release? ‘We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest bets coming forward’

Reactions to the StarCraft trailer at BlizzCon were mixed, with excitement turning to disappointment upon seeing the release date of 2030. The game will be an "open world shooter," diverging from the franchise's traditional format. Diablo 5 is announced for a 2029 release, just six years after Diablo 4. Many gamers are skeptical of long advance announcements due to frequent delays. Blizzard's leadership aims to instill confidence in their projects, emphasizing a commitment to timely releases. Despite potential layoffs at Microsoft, Blizzard has avoided significant fallout and is focused on showcasing its projects and maintaining a positive atmosphere at BlizzCon.

AppWizard

September 11, 2026

Bloodborne Remaster Released, But Not on PlayStation – Modder Improves Unofficial PC Version of FromSoftware Game

FromSoftware's Bloodborne has been enhanced by fans using the shadPS4 emulator, despite no official remake or PC version. A recent update for the unofficial "PC remaster" by modder fromsoftserve includes improvements such as dynamic shadows, improved shadow settings, parallax occlusion mapping, and new light sources. The update also features new materials for areas like Hunter's Dream and central Yharnam, with new shininess maps for better specular reflection. The "BB PC Remaster" modification is available for free on Nexus Mods, accompanied by a trailer for update 1.01.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Boox Picco is exceptionally tiny for an e-reader, but it parts ways with Android and third-party apps

Boox unveiled the Picco, a compact e-reader measuring just under 4 inches, designed for portability and set to release in November 2026. Unlike other Boox devices, the Picco does not run on Android and focuses on a streamlined design with features like an adjustable front light and custom buttons for navigation. It will primarily support the Boox store and EPUB files, lacking compatibility with third-party applications. A companion app will facilitate file transfers. The device is lightweight and has dimensions similar to a mini field journal, making it suitable for travel. Pricing is expected to be around 0, though final details are not confirmed.

AppWizard

September 5, 2026

Dwarf Fortress co-creator Tarn Adams was amazed other devs had heard of his game the first time he went to a convention: ‘I didn’t know that anyone knew what we were doing’

Tarn Adams, co-creator of Dwarf Fortress, revealed in an interview that he was unaware of the game's significant following for many years. He recalled a moment around 2013 or 2014 at PAX in Seattle when he realized the game's impact, as most indie developers there recognized Dwarf Fortress and reacted with enthusiasm. Adams expressed a desire to have promoted the game more actively in its early years, noting that he had only met a few other developers from 2006 until around 2013 and described himself as "not a very social person" at that time. He reflected on the game's status as "outsider art" and considered giving his younger self advice to engage more with the gaming community.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

A multi-month delay for Deus Ex turned into a huge payoff for one of its best characters, says designer Harvey Smith

Harvey Smith discussed the development of Deus Ex on the NoClip podcast, emphasizing the benefits of allowing extra time for game development, particularly in post-production. He noted that Ion Storm Austin received additional time, which enabled the team to refine the game and enhance the character Gunther Hermann, who initially had a limited role. Smith creatively integrated Gunther into a mission in a Paris cathedral, allowing for a more dynamic interaction and a dramatic moment where Gunther's presence added emotional weight to the gameplay. He highlighted the importance of providing game development teams with extra time to improve quality and creativity, suggesting that this approach could lead to greater success and recognition in the industry.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

After playing a bit of Lego Skylines, it seems like a city builder for people who care less about traffic jams and more about decorating

Lego unveiled a new city builder game titled Lego Skylines at Gamescom. The early gameplay preview lasted about 35 minutes, allowing players to construct a small neighborhood with a maximum population of around 50 residents. The game features whimsical animations for building and demolishing structures, vibrant visuals, and customization options for enhancing resident happiness through decorations. Players can complete quests to engage with the community and unlock new building types. Resource management involves constructing farms and factories to create supply chains, with a playful aesthetic evident in the design of buildings like a bread factory resembling a giant toaster. The game allows for a larger city scale of around 2,400 residents across several islands but focuses on a relaxed gameplay experience without catastrophic events.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

A 38-year-old NES platformer is getting a Steam remake by its original husband-and-wife team, as the pair’s ‘final major game product’

The Battle of Olympus, originally launched on the NES in 1988, is set to be remade by its original creators, programmer Yukio Horimoto and artist Reiko Oshida, who were in a romantic relationship during the game's development. The remake will feature redrawn pixel art and refined gameplay for modern PC players, while maintaining the original's spirit. It is scheduled for early access on Steam in January 2027 and will be the Horimotos' final major game product. The game was inspired by Greek mythology and The Legend of Zelda 2.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

I added player-seeking hit squads to GTA 5, though the billion other mods I have installed keep getting in their way

The Ambient Hit Squads mod for GTA 5 introduces armed assassins that hunt players, inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2. Players see red dots on their maps indicating the arrival of these foes, leading to chaotic gameplay filled with gunfire and vehicle collisions. Aerial assassins struggle to orient their helicopters, creating a humorous spectacle. Players can use their in-game weapons to defend against the attackers, enhancing the gaming experience through the interplay of strategy and chaos.