atmosphere Archives

Winsage

April 21, 2026

Windows Wrap: Surface is raising prices while lowering ambition

Microsoft has raised prices for its current generation of Surface devices, causing concerns about the market viability of the upcoming Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8. The company is facing an identity crisis while refining Windows 11, with some suggesting a transition to Windows 12. The price increases come at a time when Surface is struggling to compete with Apple's MacBook Neo in the budget segment. The upcoming Surface models may lack powerful chips from Intel and Qualcomm, which could hinder their appeal. In the meantime, alternatives like the ASUS Zenbook A16 and HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 are being highlighted for consumers seeking options.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Stop Killing Games delivers ‘absolutely incredible’ hearing in European Parliament: ‘There was no [parliament member] that wasn’t responding positively’

The Stop Killing Games campaign, founded by Ross Scott, aims to prevent the discontinuation of server-dependent video games once they are no longer financially viable. Recently, Scott and organizer Moritz Katzner presented their case to the European Parliament, receiving positive feedback from attendees, including MEPs and committee chairs. Consultant Daniel Ondruška clarified that the movement seeks reasonable guidelines rather than perpetual support for games. The hearing was seen as a significant step in the legislative process, with all present MEPs showing support for the initiative. Katzner noted plans to establish NGOs in the EU and US for long-term advocacy against game shutdowns and mentioned support for a lawsuit against Ubisoft regarding the discontinuation of The Crew.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

After the death of Dragon Age, it’s a megaton bummer to go back and hear BioWare’s founders talk about the series’ bright future

PCG has rediscovered a hands-on preview of Dragon Age: Origins by Evan Lahti, along with an interview from 2009 with BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk. At that time, the studio was thriving, with both founders expressing optimism about the franchise's future and hinting at sequels. Muzyka noted that Dragon Age would be a franchise with a continuum of experiences, referencing a save transfer feature inspired by Mass Effect. Lahti recalls the excitement of covering the studio shortly after its acquisition by EA. Muzyka defended the artistic integrity of their games against media scrutiny, while Zeschuk commented on controversies surrounding early Mass Effect titles. The interview originally appeared in PC Gamer #198 (UK, March 2009).

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War review

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War is a licensed first-person shooter developed by Auroch Digital and published by Dotemu and Game Source Entertainment, priced at £15. The game lacks multiplayer functionality and performs suboptimally on the Steam Deck. Combat mechanics involve players using powerful spray-and-pray weapons with limited ammunition against sparse enemy encounters, failing to create a sense of urgency. Airstrikes are included but often feel unnecessary due to insufficient enemy presence. The Klendathu Drop mission stands out for its chaotic gameplay, contrasting with the otherwise empty maps. The game attempts to replicate the film's aesthetic but often misses the mark, with repetitive outposts and an uninspired soundtrack. Players can assume the role of an "Assassin Bug," but this mode lacks depth and engaging objectives. The game features characters voiced by the original actors, but the delivery is stilted and the satire feels dated. Overall, Ultimate Bug War struggles to capture the essence of the original film and novel, with pacing and level design that leave much to be desired.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

This week’s Epic Games freebie comes from the Blasphemous team, and it’s an underrated strategy gem

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a game known for its chilling narrative and insanity mechanic. The Epic Games Store has introduced a new title called The Stone of Madness, developed by The Game Kitchen, set in an 18th-century Spanish monastery. Players control five distinct prisoners trying to escape while managing stealth and sanity. The game features real-time tactical gameplay, requiring players to navigate two escape plans with continuous time flow. Each character has unique skills, and maintaining sanity is crucial to avoid traumatic outbursts. The Stone of Madness is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until April 23 at 8 am PST / 11 am EST / 4 pm BST / 5 pm CEST.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Metro 2039 is “much darker” than its predecessors, but most importantly it’s a statement of intent

Anticipation is high for Metro 2039, the next installment in the Metro series, following the release of Exodus in 2019. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic Russia, specifically around a devastated Saint Basil's Cathedral, and will explore themes of death, tyranny, and political manipulation. Players will assume the role of The Stranger, who must dismantle the authoritarian regime of the Novoreich, led by Hunter. Metro 2039 will feature a fully voiced protagonist, enhancing immersion, and gameplay will include close-quarters shooting and survival horror elements. The game is expected to launch in winter 2026, likely between October and December, and aims to reflect the experiences of its Ukrainian developers amid ongoing conflict.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Silent Hill f’s director ‘didn’t have a good night’s sleep’ the whole way through the game’s production

Long-time fans of the Silent Hill franchise have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of Silent Hill f after over a decade of silence, but there are concerns about its setting in Shōwa-period Japan and its ability to capture the essence of the classic games. Al Yang, the game director at NeoBards Entertainment, expressed the pressure he felt throughout the development process, stating that he struggled to sleep from the project's inception to the reviews. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the series' signature atmosphere, which he deemed non-negotiable, while also introducing new gameplay mechanics like the absence of firearms and the inclusion of action elements. The successful development of Silent Hill f is attributed to open dialogue between the developer and publisher, focusing on what aspects of the game are negotiable and non-negotiable.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Get all of the Destiny 2 expansions at 92% off with this Humble Bundle deal

Destiny 2 continues to be popular among gamers despite facing various challenges. The Destiny 2 Expansions Bundle is available through Humble Bundle for £25.42, including 11 items valued at £263.77, offering significant savings. It also includes a 25% discount coupon for Bungie's upcoming Marathon. Although some earlier DLCs like Forsaken have been vaulted, engaging content remains, with The Witch Queen being a standout expansion featuring the antagonist Savathûn. The Lightfall expansion introduces the Strand subclass, allowing players to manipulate the 'Weave.' The Final Shape DLC has received a perfect 10/10 score and is praised for its narrative and gameplay. Players can also explore new segments of the 'Fate Saga,' including The Edge of Fate and Renegades, the latter incorporating Star Wars elements. The Expansions Bundle offers substantial value for new players looking to immerse themselves in the Destiny universe.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Minecraft guide: Your compendium for crafting

The next Minecraft update is called Chaos Cubed, which will introduce the Sulfur Caves biome featuring unique cinnabar and sulfur blocks, as well as steamy lakes. Players will also encounter the Sulfur Cube mob, which absorbs properties from surrounding blocks. The article includes information about Minecraft seeds, skins, mods, commands, texture packs, and shaders, as well as guides on how to get started, find rare resources, and tame various creatures such as Happy Ghasts, Nautilus, camels, horses, Copper Golems, Allays, and villagers. It also mentions crafting recipes for harnesses, saddles, and nametags.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

‘Pragmata’ (PC, Xbox) Review — “A game that separates itself from humanity”

Pragmata is a game developed by Capcom set on a moon base where the protagonist, Hugh, deals with a rogue AI and seeks to reconnect with Earth, aided by an AI companion named Diana. The narrative features emotional depth and explores themes of companionship and survival, highlighting the evolving relationship between Hugh and Diana. The game includes an innovative combat system that combines traditional shooter mechanics with real-time hacking, requiring strategy and quick reflexes. It offers a variety of weapons for diverse combat strategies. Technically, Pragmata performs well on high-end systems and consoles, maintaining a steady frame rate with occasional stutters noted during transitions.