challenge Archives

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Onimusha: Way of the Sword review

Miyamoto Musashi is the central character in Capcom's upcoming game, Way of the Sword, set to release on September 3, 2026, for £60. The game features a physics-driven combat system that emphasizes parrying and timing, with players building a "burning" meter to increase damage. Notable encounters include battles against a demon named Byakue. The game allows for straightforward controls while encouraging players to utilize environmental elements strategically. Musashi's Oni Armaments serve as secondary weapons that add depth to combat. The visuals are impressive, particularly on high-end hardware, achieving 120 fps, and the narrative explores Musashi's evolution as a warrior.

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.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Haunted Chocolatier’s development has been ‘very productive’ in recent months, Eric Barone says: ‘Working on Haunted Chocolatier is what I’m most eager and driven to do’

Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, is actively working on his game Haunted Chocolatier and has expressed satisfaction with the progress made despite his busy schedule. He emphasizes his commitment to quality, stating he will not rush the game's release. Barone enjoys playing the game in its unfinished state and believes players will enjoy it when completed. He has not provided a timeline for the game's launch and acknowledges the challenge of maintaining enthusiasm during the wait. Barone previously mentioned that Haunted Chocolatier is significantly larger than Stardew Valley, featuring extensive maps, diverse monsters, and enhanced item systems.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Microsoft proves Windows 11’s modern UI can beat legacy Win32, if it works hard enough

Microsoft is modernizing Windows by transitioning legacy features to its WinUI framework, including a redesign of the Run dialog. The new Run dialog, implemented with C#/WinUI 3, shows improved performance with a median time-to-show of 94 milliseconds, compared to 103 milliseconds for the legacy version, reflecting an 8.7% speed increase. Despite this improvement, Microsoft acknowledges that WinUI requires further performance enhancements in various areas. The development of the Run dialog utilized .NET AOT compilation to achieve native code speed while maintaining C# flexibility. Concerns about performance on lower-end machines persist, as seen with the Task Manager and File Explorer. Microsoft aims to modernize Windows features without sacrificing performance, with the Run dialog serving as a potential model for future updates.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Game review: Star Wars Zero Company (PC)

Star Wars Zero Company is a turn-based strategy game set during the waning days of the Clone Wars, where players lead a mercenary unit called Zero Company, led by former Republic officer Tesh Hawks. The game features tactical gameplay reminiscent of the X-COM series, with players managing a squad and engaging in combat missions while also exploring an upgradeable hub called The Den. Players can choose between Operations and Tactical Missions, with character customization options available for generic recruits. The game includes a variety of missions and enemies from the Star Wars universe, including a notable antagonist, The Coil. It features a permadeath system, strategic gameplay that emphasizes positioning and cover, and a soundtrack inspired by the franchise. The game is developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm, EA Games, and Bit Reactor.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company’s permadeath makes it a better RPG than most RPGs, even though it’s not really an RPG

Star Wars Zero Company is a role-playing game that combines tactical gameplay with narrative depth, allowing players to explore a universe similar to Mass Effect 2. A key feature is its system of permanent character loss, where main characters can be lost if they fall in battle three times without medical attention, adding emotional weight to player decisions. The game emphasizes meaningful choices, enriching the narrative experience. Companion questlines, such as that of the clone trooper Trick, personalize the story and deepen player engagement. While the game successfully integrates permadeath into its mechanics, the narrative and tactical elements are somewhat distinct, with potential for greater integration in future developments.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 is almost here, but where is the flagship Surface to sell it?

Microsoft is set to release a significant update to Windows 11, version 26H2, in the Release Preview Channel, with a general rollout expected in a few weeks. The update includes a new user interface, such as the ability to reposition the Taskbar, and various enhancements. There is currently no new Surface device to showcase these changes, which is seen as a missed opportunity. Microsoft has integrated Windows 11 with Snapdragon technology, as shown by the Surface Pro 11, which highlights the potential of fanless, Snapdragon-powered PCs. However, marketing the new features of Windows 11 poses challenges, particularly for under-the-hood enhancements.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Dear Microsoft, where is the Surface to showcase all these improvements to Windows 11?

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel, signaling a broader rollout in the coming weeks. This update includes user interface enhancements such as the ability to reposition the Taskbar, resize the Start menu, and disable web and Store suggestions. Over 7,000 applications are now optimized for Arm architecture, indicating growing support for Windows on Arm. PowerToys has also updated with a feature called Window Hopper for easier window management. Despite challenges in communication and design consistency across its products, Microsoft is focusing on the advancements in Windows 11, particularly in relation to Snapdragon technology, which has encouraged the production of Snapdragon-powered laptops. There is currently no unified marketing strategy or event planned to showcase the upcoming changes in Windows 11.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

The Long Dark will get new DLC again as studio shifts devs away from the sequel to survive an ‘uncertain’ industry: ‘We have to adapt to this’

Hinterland Studios has shifted its strategy regarding The Long Dark, a survival game, by reallocating a team to create new downloadable content (DLC) for its survival mode, despite the ongoing development of a sequel titled Blackfrost. This decision aims to enhance the longevity of the nine-year-old game amid challenges in the gaming industry, such as rising costs and increased competition on platforms like Steam. The studio's focus on The Long Dark reflects a desire to sustain its player base while navigating the complexities of the current market.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

I rely on Google Maps every day, but these 4 missing features still hold it back

Google Maps has evolved into a vital resource for daily life, assisting with navigation, real-time traffic updates, and local business information. Users have requested several enhancements to improve their experience: 1. A more efficient offline map download process that allows users to download entire regions or countries easily. 2. An automatic route optimization feature for multi-stop trips to arrange destinations in the most efficient order. 3. Enhanced route customization options to prioritize main roads over narrow streets. 4. Improved functionality for creating cohesive travel itineraries based on saved locations, travel times, and traffic patterns. 5. A focus on practical improvements to streamline offline downloads, optimize routes, enhance navigation controls, and facilitate trip planning.