character development Archives

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers patch messes the game’s story all up, renders bosses technically unkillable, and it’s all the Qing Dynasty’s fault, apparently

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has generated curiosity and controversy among players, especially within the soulslike genre. Many players have struggled with the game's introduction, leading to speculation about future patches. The latest patch introduced improved gameplay features, including enhanced invincibility frames, recovery animations, and new NPC dialogues. However, significant changes to core mechanics and storylines have been noted, such as players no longer defeating historically significant bosses but instead becoming 'exhausted' after battles, particularly affecting Chapter 4 where many enemies are now non-hostile. Criticism has emerged from Chinese-speaking players regarding the game's historical context, specifically its omission of the Qing Dynasty, which followed the Ming Dynasty. This has led to perceptions of bias in the narrative, with some players expressing Han nationalism and desiring a storyline that portrays resistance against Manchu rule. Feedback has also highlighted concerns that recent changes dilute the historical narrative and compromise character development, resulting in a fragmented storyline. The developer, Leenzee, faces uncertainty regarding the response to these changes and whether they were influenced by external pressures.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Danielle Brooks had a hit with ‘Minecraft.’ ‘Peacemaker’s’ return adds to her super year

Danielle Brooks received an Oscar nomination for her role as Sofia in “The Color Purple” in 2024 and won a Grammy for best musical theater album. In 2025, she starred in “A Minecraft Movie” and voiced a character in “The Bad Guys 2.” She will reprise her role as Leota Adebayo in Season 2 of HBO Max’s “Peacemaker,” which premieres on August 21. The season, directed by James Gunn, explores themes of accountability and features Brooks' character as a supportive figure for John Cena's Peacemaker. Brooks faced personal challenges during her initial casting, including new motherhood and concerns about her physical readiness. Gunn recognized her talent from “Orange Is the New Black” and emphasized the depth of her character. Brooks' journey in the series reflects her own experiences of self-discovery. She acknowledges the pressure of her Oscar nomination but remains confident in her abilities. Brooks encourages fans to pursue their passions and aims to connect with diverse audiences through her work.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

4 PC-exclusive classics that deserve a modern remake

Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines (2004) is a flawed masterpiece that struggled with bugs and unfinished elements at release but features sharp writing and memorable characters. A modern remake could refine its dialogue and enhance gameplay. The first Witcher game, while adhering to the source material and featuring strong character development, suffers from clunky mechanics and performance issues. Rumors suggest a remake is in the works to update controls and accessibility. Half-Life 2 (2004) set a new standard for first-person shooters but has aged, particularly in visual fidelity. A modern remake could enhance graphics and AI, and address unresolved plot points. Thief: The Dark Project (1998) introduced stealth mechanics focused on subtlety and patience. A modern remake could improve its mechanics with advanced AI and ray-traced lighting, redefining the stealth genre.

AppWizard

July 25, 2025

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has its summer roadmap and, with all due respect, how did it take this long to get a fast-forward time option?

Ubisoft announced a summer roadmap for Assassin's Creed Shadows, featuring a New Game Plus update launching on July 29. Key updates include a level cap increase from 60 to 80, new upgrades for hideout buildings, and the ability to change the time of day. Upcoming September updates will include region maps that unfog upon completing all viewpoints and uncapped cutscene framerates. The first expansion, Claws of Awaji, is scheduled for September 16, available for free to pre-orders and requiring completion of the main storyline. It will introduce new characters, gear, and a fresh narrative.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

DVD/Blu-Ray Guide July 2025: “A Minecraft Movie,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “The Legend of Ochi,” More | DVD/Blu-Ray

Netflix has added a selection of films to its library, including classics like “Anchorman,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” and “Donnie Darko,” as well as crowd-pleasers such as “Happy Gilmore” and thrillers like “Jaws.” Action films include “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Mission: Impossible,” while romantic dramas feature “A Star is Born” and “V For Vendetta.” The film “Wanted” is also included. New Blu-ray and VOD releases include “All We Imagine as Light,” directed by Payal Kapadia, which features an interview with the director. Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon” has received a 4K restoration for its 50th anniversary, along with special features. Fritz Lang’s “The Big Heat” has been restored in 4K, featuring new audio commentary and a video essay. Mike Nichols’ “Carnal Knowledge” makes its Criterion debut in 4K with new commentary and discussions on Nichols’ impact. “Death of a Unicorn,” starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, has been released on Blu-ray with commentary and deleted scenes. “Eephus,” a film about baseball, includes multiple audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes content in its Blu-ray release. The horror film “Final Destination Bloodlines” features insightful commentaries and behind-the-scenes features on Blu-ray. Studio Ghibli's “Grave of the Fireflies” has a special edition with interviews and storyboards. “The Legend of Ochi” stands out for its craftsmanship, with filmmaker commentary included in its Blu-ray release. “A Minecraft Movie” has been successful at the box office, and its Blu-ray release hints at future editions. Marvel's “Thunderbolts” and Alex Garland’s “Warfare” are also available on Blu-ray with special features.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Warner’s ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Remains Atop Weekly U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Through July 23

The Minecraft Movie is set to bring the block-building universe of the game to the big screen, focusing on authenticity and an engaging storyline that reflects the game's creativity. The film will feature a diverse cast of characters and intertwine themes of adventure, friendship, and survival. A talented cast and crew, including a director known for family-friendly films and writers who are avid gamers, are involved in the project. The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, who are actively discussing potential plotlines and character arcs. The production team is engaging with the community for feedback as the release date approaches. The film represents a significant advancement in video game adaptations, showcasing the storytelling potential within interactive worlds.

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Steam faces a stampede: horse girl game Umamusume: Pretty Derby is “actual cinema,” and a massive hit on PC with 5,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews after a week

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese mobile game featuring characters known as horse girls, who embody the spirit of horses. The game has received over 5,000 user reviews on Steam, with a 95% positive rating since its launch on June 24. It is a free-to-play game where players collect and interact with their Umamusume, enhance their abilities, and watch them race. The game combines playful elements with serious competitive aspects, leading to emotional connections between players and their characters. Players experience both the excitement of victory and the disappointment of defeat, often reflecting on the trust and bond with their horse girls. The game has also inspired a dedicated fanbase, with players engaging deeply in its storylines and character development. Additionally, an anime adaptation exists for those interested in the racing theme without the gacha mechanics.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Steam Summer Sale 2025: 5 unmissable games with big discounts; from Borderlands 3 to Battlefield 1

The Steam Summer Sale 2025 runs from June 26 to July 10. Notable discounted titles include Battlefield 1 for .99 (95% off), DOOM for .99, Borderlands 3 for .99, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy for .99, and Death Stranding Director’s Cut for .99. Death Stranding 2 is currently available on PlayStation 5, with a PC version expected later.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

4K Blu-ray Review: A Minecraft Movie

A Minecraft Movie is the highest-grossing Hollywood film of 2025, with ticket sales reaching 0 million and poised to cross the billion threshold. The film features Jack Black as the voice of Steve, who embarks on a journey in the Overworld after discovering the Orb of Dominance. Despite its humorous tone and strong visual and audio presentation, the film lacks character development and fails to explore deeper themes related to creativity and adulthood. It includes supporting characters like Garrett, Henry, and Natalie, but their potential is not fully realized. The 4K Blu-ray release includes special features such as behind-the-scenes content and actor experiences with the game.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Türkiye’s answer to Disco Elysium just broke cover, featuring more lawyers, fewer cops, an indeterminate amount of communism and twin fistfuls of guilt and regret

Elyzio, a Turkish game studio, is set to release Pera Coda, a narrative-driven game inspired by Disco Elysium. Players will assume the role of Deniz, an attorney in a metaphysical struggle between life and death, exploring themes of guilt, regret, and inner peace. The game features an isometric camera and a painterly art style that reflects Istanbul's working-class life. The announcement trailer suggests a haunting and beautiful narrative guided by an unseen narrator.