characters

AppWizard
June 26, 2026
Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has been developing Haunted Chocolatier for five years, focusing on refining every aspect of the game. He aims for it to be larger and more complex than Stardew Valley, with a bigger map, more characters, and intricate systems. Barone has dedicated significant time to the chocolate-making mechanics and is committed to creating an engaging user interface that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He emphasizes the importance of balancing information presentation to avoid overwhelming players and aims to replicate and enhance the intuitive design of Stardew Valley. Barone prioritizes quality over speed, indicating that the game may take additional years to complete.
AppWizard
June 26, 2026
The annual Steam Summer Sale is currently ongoing, offering discounts of up to 80% on various video games until July 9. Notable deals include: - The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Star Wars Jedi: Survivor: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Titanfall 2: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .49. - Burnout Paradise Remastered: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Risk of Rain 2: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .24. - Stardew Valley: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99. - Hotline Miami: List Price: .99, Sale Price: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: If you own a gaming PC, Steam Deck, or a new Steam Machine, you're in for a treat. The annual Steam Summer Sale has commenced, offering discounts of up to 80% on a plethora of beloved video games. Running from now until July 9, this sale presents an excellent opportunity to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank. For those who prefer not to sift through the extensive Steam catalog, I've curated a selection of ten standout deals that span various genres, each one a personal favorite of mine. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition Geralt is a cool guy. Credit: CD Projekt Red/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Chances are, you may already own The Witcher III, which has sold over 65 million copies since its 2015 release. If not, now is the perfect time to join the ranks of its fans. This RPG is widely regarded as one of the best ever made, featuring an open-world design that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The Complete Edition includes all expansion packs, with a third expansion set to release in 2027, making it a must-have for any gamer. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Cal Kestis is also a cool dude. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Among the many Star Wars titles available during this sale, Jedi: Survivor stands out as an exceptional deal. This sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order follows the charming protagonist Cal Kestis as he navigates the challenges posed by the Galactic Empire. With engaging combat mechanics and a compelling narrative, this game is a steal at just .99. Titanfall 2 One of the best shooter campaigns ever. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .49 Titanfall 2 has consistently been one of the most affordable games on digital platforms, yet many have yet to experience its brilliance. This title features one of the most creative and exhilarating single-player campaigns in the first-person shooter genre. Set aside an afternoon to immerse yourself in its thrilling gameplay. Burnout Paradise Remastered Racing games don't get much better than this. Credit: Criterion/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Burnout Paradise is often hailed as one of the finest games from the Xbox 360/PS3 era, and its remastered version retains all the charm of the original. With all online modes and DLC included, it redefined open-world racing long before others followed suit. It's an exhilarating experience, perfect for both short bursts and extended play sessions. Risk of Rain 2 One of the best co-op roguelikes out there. Credit: Hopoo/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .24 Risk of Rain 2 is a roguelike shooter best enjoyed with friends. Players select characters and traverse procedurally generated levels, battling enemies while collecting upgrades. The difficulty ramps up over time, making for a rewarding experience, especially when you manage to create an overpowered build. Stardew Valley Cozy. Credit: ConcernedApe/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 As one of the most successful indie games of the last decade, Stardew Valley remains a top choice in the farming/life simulation genre. With its charming characters, delightful music, and numerous activities to engage in, it's easy to lose hours in this enchanting world. The vibrant modding community adds even more replayability for PC players. Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter Some of the best RPG combat around. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 This remake of the first game in the acclaimed Trails series is a fantastic entry point for newcomers. With a rich narrative and engaging combat, it sets the stage for a sprawling interconnected story that spans multiple titles. The game eases players into its world beautifully, making it an excellent choice for RPG enthusiasts. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana I can hear this screenshot. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 This vibrant RPG is an inviting entry point for those new to the Ys series. With its colorful world, engaging combat, and a soundtrack that energizes the gameplay, it offers a satisfying experience that appeals to both veterans and newcomers alike. Hotline Miami I can also hear this screenshot. Credit: Dennaton/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Do you like Star Wars? We have good news.  By  Alex Perry Alex Perry Tech Reporter Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social. Read Full Bio  on June 25, 2026 This game rules. Credit: CD Projekt Red/Steam If you have a gaming PC, a Steam Deck, or even a brand new Steam Machine, you can currently get a whole lot of great video games for almost no money right now.That's because the annual Steam Summer Sale kicked off on Thursday, with offers lasting until July 9. That means you have a couple of weeks to get as much as 80 percent off on some of the best games ever made. But if you don't feel like combing through the entire Steam interface to find deals, I've curated 10 of them that I think are definitely worth checking out. These range from mainstream hits to smaller indie games across a variety of genres, but one constant is that I've played and adore all of them. Recommended deals for you Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Cancellation — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $279.00 (List Price $399.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB Unlocked Phone (Black) — $669.99 (List Price $899.99) Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — $378.00 (List Price $459.99) 55" Amazon Ember 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart Fire TV (2025 Model) — $279.95 (List Price $459.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Meta Quest 3S 128GB With 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ — $296.79 (List Price $349.99) Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. Here are 10 of the best deals in the Steam Summer Sale. You May Also Like SEE ALSO: 'Star Fox' for Nintendo Switch 2 is a magnificent Hollywood take on a classic The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition Geralt is a cool guy. Credit: CD Projekt Red/Steam List Price: $49.99Sale Price: $9.99There's a decent chance you already own The Witcher III, given that it's sold 65 million units since its launch in 2015. But if you don't, there really is no better time than now to hop on the bandwagon.This is, without sugarcoating it, one of the best RPGs ever made, and you can enjoy it just fine even if you never played its two predecessors or read any of the Polish fantasy novels on which the game series is based. It combines some of the best open-world quest design ever with an emotional, mature story that's more about being a good father than saving the world (though there's some of that, too). The Complete Edition comes with both existing expansion packs, which are 100 percent worth playing, and there's actually a third expansion coming out in 2027 to look forward to, as well. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Cal Kestis is also a cool dude. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: $69.99Sale Price: $13.99There is a litany of Star Wars games available in the Steam sale, but Jedi: Survivor is probably the best deal here, for my money. The sequel to 2019's Jedi: Fallen Order follows surprisingly endearing protagonist Cal Kestis and friends as they search for safe haven from the evil Galactic Empire. It's got great combat, compelling level design, and honestly one of the best stories in any Disney-era Star Wars production. For $13.99, this is a must-buy, as far as I'm concerned.Titanfall 2 One of the best shooter campaigns ever. Credit: Respawn/Steam List Price: $29.99Sale Price: $4.49Titanfall 2 has been one of the most perpetually dirt-cheap games on digital storefronts for the past decade, but somehow, there are still people who have never played it. Don't be one of them.Put simply, this is one of the greatest first-person shooter single-player campaigns ever made. Every moment of it oozes with creativity and excitement, making the best out of extremely fun shooting and traversal mechanics in every mission. You should seriously just block out an entire Saturday afternoon and play it in one sitting. Mashable Top Stories Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news. Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter Use this instead By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Burnout Paradise Remastered Racing games don't get much better than this. Credit: Criterion/Steam List Price: $19.99Sale Price: $3.99Burnout Paradise has a real argument as being one of the four or five best games of the entire Xbox 360/PS3 era, and it's held up beautifully. The remastered version includes all online modes, as well as all of the DLC that was made for the original game. Paradise redefined what an open-world racing game could be, years before games like Forza Horizon carried the torch for the genre. It's simply a lot of fun and very easy to pick up and play in short bursts or long sessions.Risk of Rain 2 One of the best co-op roguelikes out there. Credit: Hopoo/Steam List Price: $24.99Sale Price: $8.24Risk of Rain 2 is a shooter roguelike that can be enjoyed solo, but is best played with up to three friends in co-op fashion. You choose from one of several characters and run around procedurally generated levels killing enemies and collecting a wide variety of stacking upgrades, all while contending with a mechanic that increases enemy difficulty the more time elapses. It can get extremely challenging, but also very rewarding, especially if you manage to make a super broken build that basically plays the game by itself.Stardew Valley Cozy. Credit: ConcernedApe/Steam List Price: $14.99Sale Price: $8.99One of the biggest breakout indie hits of the last decade, Stardew Valley is still maybe the very best farming/life sim game in a market full of them. Filled to the brim with charming characters, great music, and a large variety of ways to spend your precious time (be it in solo play or multiplayer), it's shockingly easy to lose dozens of hours to this game without even thinking about it. It's also got a vibrant mod scene on PC, if you're into that sort of thing.Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter Some of the best RPG combat around. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: $59.99Sale Price: $29.99Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter made it onto Mashable's best games of 2025 list because I made sure it did, and I'm going to evangelize it here, too, especially now that it's half off. It's a spiffy new remake of the first game in the long and storied Trails series of Japanese RPGs. There are 13 games in total, with more to come, and all of them are part of a big, sprawling, interconnected story with hundreds of characters spread across a huge, lore-rich continent. But you don't need to worry too much about that with this game, since it's the first one. It eases you into the setting beautifully and will leave you very excited for the remake of the second game in the series, due out this September. The combat is also incredibly fun. One word of warning, though: You need a healthy tolerance for anime to enjoy this series.Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana I can hear this screenshot. Credit: Falcom/Steam List Price: $39.99Sale Price: $19.99Ignore the roman numerals in title for this game. Yes, it's the eighth entry in the long-running Ys series, but it's also a perfect entry point for newcomers with minimal narrative connection to any other entries. Do you like running around a vibrant, colorful world while hitting monsters with a sword and listening to some of the most energetic, catchy music in video game history? Do you like RPGs where you don't spend a lot of time in menus and every system fits together cleanly to produce a super satisfying experience? Even if you don't think you like those things, this is really one of the most newcomer-friendly (and also best) RPGs ever made. Hotline Miami I can also hear this screenshot. Credit: Dennaton/Steam List Price: $9.99Sale Price: $0.99Once a pillar of trendy indie game success, Hotline Miami's zeitgeist nonetheless ended many years ago. Still, for less than a dollar, you really have no choice but to at least try it out, especially if you missed it in 2012. Hotline Miami is a super fast and twitchy top-down action game filled with pixelated hyper-violence and one of the best video game soundtracks ever. It's like playing through a drug-fueled murder haze, but, you know, a fun one. It's really good, I swear.American Truck Simulator Sometimes this country is beautiful. Credit: SCS Software/Steam List Price: $19.99Sale Price: $4.99American Truck Simulator is, indeed, an in-depth simulation of long-haul trucking in the United States. If you want to customize every part of your rig, you can do that. But if you just want to vibe out and listen to internet radio country music stations while driving across Kansas (do not drive across Kansas, it's so boring), you can also do that. It's best played on a racing wheel accessory, but a controller or even keyboard and mouse will do the job, too. As a bonus, developer SCS Software has developed literally dozens of expansions to add new states to the game over the years. You can get just the base game for $4.99, but if you want to spend as much as $43.85, you can get a bundle that includes everything. Topics Video Games Alex Perry Tech Reporter Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social. " temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99 Despite its past prominence in indie gaming, Hotline Miami remains a must-try title, especially at its current price point. This fast-paced action game combines pixelated violence with an unforgettable soundtrack, creating an experience that is both thrilling and unique. American Truck Simulator Sometimes this country is beautiful. Credit: SCS Software/Steam List Price: .99 Sale Price: .99 Offering a detailed simulation of long-haul trucking across the United States, American Truck Simulator allows players to customize their rigs or simply enjoy the scenery while listening to music. With numerous expansions available, the base game is a great entry point at just .99, while a comprehensive bundle is also available for those looking to dive deeper." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99. - American Truck Simulator: List Price: .99, Sale Price: .99.
AppWizard
June 26, 2026
The evolution of miniature design in tabletop gaming has shifted from simple character representation to exaggerated poses and precarious placements. Miniatures like the ork, once depicted in dynamic stances, now feature characters such as a dwarf leaping off a statue for dramatic effect. Maugan Ra, the Phoenix Lord, is shown straddling two tactical rocks, resembling a politician rather than a harbinger of doom. Games Workshop has popularized the trend of "tactical rocks," which are intended to elevate characters for visual impact but have become excessive. Originally, key figures were distinguished by size or mounting, but now even imposing figures like Kragnos awkwardly perch on these rocks. There is a growing sentiment among enthusiasts that this trend detracts from the artistry of miniatures, with many preferring to use color schemes and banners for distinction rather than relying on exaggerated poses. The balance between creativity and practicality in miniature design continues to be a topic of discussion.
AppWizard
June 25, 2026
Fields of Mistria is a farm simulation game currently available at a 20% discount during the Steam Summer Sale, priced at .19. The game has been in Early Access for two years and is set for its official launch on August 5. It features a vibrant world and charming characters, with a marriage feature to be unlocked in the upcoming update. The price will remain stable after the launch.
AppWizard
June 25, 2026
Knights of the Old Republic II is a sequel that deconstructs its predecessor by exploring darker themes and the complexities of morality rather than adhering to a simple good versus evil narrative. Designer Chris Avellone challenges traditional Star Wars mythos, presenting players with the Exile, an outcast dealing with the consequences of past decisions. The game features a diverse cast, including Kreia, a mentor whose philosophy complicates the understanding of morality. Despite facing development challenges, such as a rushed timeline leading to technical issues and incomplete content, the game has been enhanced by the Sith Lords Restored Content mod, which restores missing material. Kreia is recognized as one of gaming's most compelling characters, and the game's writing and character development are praised, contributing to its legacy in video game history.
AppWizard
June 24, 2026
Director Jared Hess revealed that discussions about casting Kirsten Dunst for the sequel to the Minecraft movie began before she expressed interest. Dunst, known for her role in Spider-Man, officially joined the cast in March, celebrating on Instagram. She will portray the character Alex, who was hinted at in the first film's post-credits scene. The sequel is titled A Minecraft Movie Squared and will feature returning cast members including Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge. Filming began in New Zealand in May, and the film is set to be released in July 2027.
AppWizard
June 24, 2026
Disney has shifted its Star Wars video game strategy to allow a wider range of developers to create games, moving away from reliance on a limited internal team. The upcoming title, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, is developed by Fuse Games and features players as Shade, who participates in an underground racing circuit in the Outer Rim. The game includes various vehicles, a roguelite structure, and character customization. Players face challenges from AI competitors and can explore planets between races, upgrading vehicles and interacting with characters. The game also features an Arcade mode for podracing, emphasizing quick reflexes and control.
AppWizard
June 24, 2026
Herschel Supply has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, introducing a new collection of bags and accessories for gamers. The collection includes backpacks, crossbody slings, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and headwear, featuring limited-edition prints inspired by Minecraft themes such as the Overworld, the Nether, and the End, as well as characters like pink sheep, creepers, and endermen. The standout item is the ultra-limited Herschel Little America Cube Backpacks, available in Black Block, Orange Block, or Grass Block. Additionally, players can access the Herschel Backpack Trials add-on in the Minecraft Marketplace, which expands their in-game Herschel Backpacks' inventory by 442,368 items for free on Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. The collection is available online and in-store at Herschel Supply and select retailers.
AppWizard
June 22, 2026
Temperatures in southern Britain are predicted to reach 38 degrees Celsius. The British population is generally unaccustomed to such extreme heat. The author, a games journalist, is focused on curating a list of new PC games instead of dealing with the heat. Notable game releases include: - Desolation Seed (early access): An immersive open-air combat prison experience. - Dark Scrolls: A roguelite platformer with whimsical characters. - Idle Chapel: An idle game involving converting cultists. - Relief: A game combining Chinese mythology with anime aesthetics. - Dimhaven: A photography puzzler set in a misty resort. - Deer & Boy: An emotive platforming experience in a frozen landscape. - Heavydelic (early access): A visually striking Slavic Synthpunk game. - Rift Wizard 3 (early access): A sandbox game focused on spell-crafting. - Empulse: A 6v6 shooter reminiscent of Titanfall 3. - S.A.N.D.Y. - Beach Cleaner: A post-apocalyptic beach game. - 7 Nights with Vroombi: A robot vacuum cleaning a haunted house. - nophenia: An exploration game featuring a wolfgirl. - Omen Exitio: Hunger: A Lovecraftian mystery set in 1927 New York. - Eyes of the ElderWood (early access): A horror and folklore adventure game. The editorial team is focused on finding ways to stay cool during the heatwave while remaining committed to uncovering new PC gaming titles.
Search