charms Archives

Winsage

January 14, 2026

An absolute madman has recreated the Windows 8 UI—for Linux

In 2012, many Windows users began seeking alternatives to the operating system following the release of Windows 8, which introduced a controversial desktop interface designed for touchscreen devices and deviated from traditional mouse and keyboard navigation. This change led to criticism from industry figures, including Gabe Newell of Valve, who labeled Windows 8 a "catastrophe for everyone in the PC space," prompting a shift towards Linux development. The project Win8DE has emerged on GitHub, appealing to former Windows 8 users who miss its fluid animations. Win8DE offers a visually reminiscent interface with vibrant squares, a horizontally scrolling desktop, and a mobile-style app drawer, although it is not as polished as established Linux environments like KDE Plasma or Gnome. The developer, er-bharat, acknowledges limitations, including the absence of the "charms menu." Installation instructions for Win8DE are available on its GitHub page.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Mounts of Mayhem: Dungeon Descent add-on

The spear has become the preferred tool over the pickaxe, and spear training dummies are introduced for practice. These dummies come in four variations: Skeleton, Drowned, Zombie, and Husk. After practicing, players can participate in The Spear Trials, a randomly generated dungeon that tests spear skills with obstacles and hidden vases containing saddle charms. Mining is not an option in the dungeons. Additionally, "Mounts of Mayhem: Dungeon Descent" is available in the Marketplace, requiring the latest version of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Larian is “sorry” that Baldur’s Gate 3’s most underrated companion didn’t get a “fulfilling arc,” with romance on its improvement list

In Baldur's Gate 3, Wyll, the Blade of Frontiers, is often overshadowed by more prominent companions like Shadowheart and Astarion, resulting in his character arc feeling underdeveloped. Despite intentions to include him in the party, players tend to favor other characters, leaving Wyll's story less explored. Developer Kevin VanOrd acknowledged the disappointment regarding Wyll's limited content, attributing it to challenges during development, including a split narrative and personal health issues. Wyll's storyline was affected by the Mizora and Ravengard arcs, which diluted his impact, and there are concerns he may remain unchanged by the game's conclusion. VanOrd expressed a desire for deeper character interactions and relationships in future titles, hoping to enhance the emotional depth of characters like Wyll.

BetaBeacon

December 11, 2025

CloverPit coming to iOS, Android on December 17

Future Friends Games and Panik Arcade are releasing CloverPit, a slot machine roguelite horror game, on iOS and Android devices on December 17 for .99 / €5.99 / £4.99. CloverPit has sold over one million copies in just 10 weeks since its PC launch and is one of the top 20 most played games on Game Pass. The game traps players in a hell of their own creation, where they must pay off their debt at the end of each round to avoid ruin.

BetaBeacon

December 11, 2025

The Best New Roguelikes and Roguelites

- Dog Witch is a quirky deckbuilder game that the reviewer unexpectedly enjoyed and considers one of their favorites of 2025.

BetaBeacon

December 10, 2025

CloverPit, a Balatro-style game with a grungy slot machine, hits iOS and Android on December 17

CloverPit is a popular game developed by Panik Arcade that has sold over a million copies on PC and Xbox since September. It is expanding to iOS and Android on December 17, with no microtransactions or predatory mechanics. Players must earn coins from the slot machine to pay off a debt and escape from a cell, using over 150 items called charms to manipulate spins and increase their chances of success.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Mafia: The Old Country’s Free Ride update is out now, replacing its empty open world with an extremely basic one

The Mafia series is known for its linear storytelling, with Mafia: The Old Country emphasizing this aspect while introducing a Free Ride update that enhances player experience by replacing the previous Explore mode. This update offers meaningful activities and hidden secrets, rewarding players with new vehicles, weapons, charms, and outfits. Additional features include a photo mode, a black-and-white Cinema Siciliano mode, a default Sicilian language setting, a Classic difficulty mode, and first-person driving. Despite critiques of the game's predictability, it has been successful, as noted by Take-Two Interactive's CEO, who indicated that the game's structure and pricing have produced favorable results.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

The next Project Diablo 2 update dramatically expands the ARPG’s ranged combat with an idea Blizzard never tried

Blizzard has shifted its focus to Diablo 4, leaving Diablo 2 with minimal updates. Project Diablo 2 Season 12 is a fan-driven initiative that revitalizes Diablo 2 with regular updates, including new items, unique runewords, and balance adjustments. The upcoming season will introduce new ammunition types for bows and crossbows, such as Crude Arrows and Light Bolts, each with implicit enhancements. Twelve unique options for these weapons have been created, including 'Tombsong' arrows and 'Frozen Sorrow' bolts. Other changes include a reworked Blizzard spell, increased map drops from corrupted zones, and faster item retrieval features. The launch date for the new season will be announced during a developer stream on November 8. Players must own a legitimate copy of Diablo 2 and its Lord of Destruction expansion to participate.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Microsoft brings its iconic wallpaper, Clippy and 2000s nostalgia to Crocs

Microsoft has launched a limited edition Crocs bundle celebrating its 50th anniversary, featuring designs inspired by Windows XP's 'Bliss' wallpaper and custom Jibbitz charms representing elements of its legacy, such as Clippy and the Internet Explorer logo. The bundle is available globally following the positive response to the #MicrosoftCrocSweepstakes.