childhood Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

As Windows 11 turns into an AI OS, Microsoft Copilot boss does not understand how AI is underwhelming

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI CEO, noted user frustration with the aggressive integration of AI into Windows 11, despite the company's efforts to enhance user experience with features like Copilot, which operates on models similar to ChatGPT. Windows 11 includes various AI functionalities, such as Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision, and aims to transform the OS into an "agentic OS" with features like Copilot Actions in Microsoft Edge. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with AI being present in applications like Notepad and File Explorer, perceiving it as intrusive rather than beneficial. Microsoft 365 applications have also integrated Copilot functionalities, but concerns about safety and privacy persist. User feedback indicates a desire for more thoughtful AI integration, as many feel that AI is being applied to problems that do not exist, leading to stress and uncertainty regarding the operating system's control.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

This spiritual successor to Desert Strike has exploded into Steam early access with a 98% positive rating, and its developer plans to represent the whole Strike series in future updates

Desert Strike is a classic helicopter shooter that evokes nostalgia for many gamers, including a player whose father, usually indifferent to gaming, engaged with him in the game. The sequel, Jungle Strike, was also enjoyed by the duo. Recently, a spiritual successor named Cleared Hot was released on Steam, receiving a 98% 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating from over 1,200 reviews. Cleared Hot features a lighthearted narrative where a once-celebrated pilot now completes quirky tasks, although it has a basic user interface and voice acting. The developers, Not Knowing Corporation, plan to add new environments and encapsulate the essence of the Strike series in future updates. Additionally, last year, Megacopter: Blades of the Goddess was released, featuring a vibrant visual style and a fantastical combat scenario against alien lizard people.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

Skyrim’s hardest quest is raising my Fat Idiot Son

Rufus is a mod for Skyrim that introduces a character known as the "Fat Idiot Son," where players engage in the challenge of parenting. The player must rescue Rufus after he is abducted by witches, but he remains unhelpful during the rescue. The player attempts to teach Rufus combat skills, leading to chaotic encounters, including a misguided attempt to fight a gargoyle. The player also tries to teach Rufus thievery, which results in a chaotic scene with guards and corpses. Rufus's first accidental kill marks a turning point in their journey, showcasing the unpredictable nature of both parenting and gaming. The player's experiences highlight the challenges and absurdities of raising a virtual son.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Phasmophobia devs say all that live service malarkey can do one: they focus on making ‘a fun game that people want to play because it’s fun’

Phasmophobia, developed by Kinetic Games, has become a popular ghost-hunting game on PC since its early access launch, earning around 340,000 "overwhelmingly positive" reviews on Steam. The developers emphasize that they do not consider it a live service game, offering only seasonal content without microtransactions or DLCs. They prioritize a healthy work environment and the freedom to release content when it is ready, focusing on player enjoyment rather than constant updates. The game aims to evoke nostalgia for childhood gaming experiences, encouraging players to engage for fun rather than feeling pressured by progression.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I don’t know how I missed this playable Windows 95-era 3D Maze screensaver, but it’s making me feel like I’m tripping out, man

A new playable version of the 3D Maze screensaver from Windows 95 has been created by a user named x86matthew, based on a reverse-engineered binary of the original screensaver. This version allows for user control through keyboard inputs via an additional DLL, enabling players to navigate a maze filled with digital brick walls. Players may encounter rat sprites and enigmatic black polyhedrons, adding elements of surprise and intrigue to the experience. This project evokes nostalgia for those who remember the original screensaver, providing a chance to reconnect with a piece of digital history.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Steam Users Have 2 Free PC Games To Download To Bring Back The Memories

Steam has made available two titles from the Backyard Sports series for free: Backyard Basketball '01 and Backyard Hockey '02. The series has been revitalized after being acquired by Playground Productions, with a steady stream of releases on Steam. While many other titles in the series are priced at .99, these two games can be added to players' libraries at no cost. Backyard Basketball '01 has received largely positive reviews despite some licensing complications and minor lag issues, while Backyard Hockey '02 is noted for its nostalgic appeal.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

7 years of delays kept this anime sports RPG from coming out, but players say it was worth the wait: ‘This game didn’t just score, it hit my soul with a fire tornado of nostalgia’

Fans of Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road have waited nine years for the game's release, which was first announced by Level-5 in 2016 and faced eight delays, including two this year. The game has received an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam, with over 600 reviews praising its nostalgic elements and gameplay. Some users have compared their experience to moments from the film Ratatouille and expressed that the delays added depth to the game. The game features innovative adaptations of previous campaigns and recreates classic matches. However, there are critiques regarding its retail price of .99 (or .99 for the deluxe edition), which is significantly higher than earlier titles. Despite pricing concerns, the overall sentiment among fans is positive, celebrating the return of the series.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

This new turn-based dungeon crawler is inspired by the first board game I ever owned, and I can’t wait to adventure down memory lane

Hero Quest was the first board game the author could call their own, passed down from a friend-of-a-friend's older brother. The author and their brother played it without mastering the rules and painted the figures. The author is now interested in Dark Quest 4, a game inspired by Hero Quest, which retains a high fantasy essence despite its grimdark aesthetic. Dark Quest 4 is a fantasy dungeon crawler with ten playable heroes, 30 unique missions, and 40 different monsters. It features a fully voiced Dungeon Master and includes a Creator Mode for players to design their own content. The game supports local and online co-op play and is available on Steam for .99 / £15.07.

BetaBeacon

November 11, 2025

Windows game emulator for Android with Steam support hits Google Play Store

Emulation on Android devices allows users to play classic video games from older consoles such as the NES, SNES, and PlayStation 1. Emulators can be easily downloaded from the Google Play Store or other sources, providing a convenient way to access a wide variety of games. It is important to only download and use emulators for games that you own legally to avoid any legal issues.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

The Dwarf Fortress of survival gaming has been in continual development for 33 years, and its creator doesn’t think he’ll ever stop updating it: ‘When I accomplish one feature, I always have two more waiting’

UnReal World is a procedurally generated survival roguelike game set in Iron Age Finland, designed by Sami Maaranen since 1992. The game evolved from a traditional fantasy roguelike to incorporate survival elements like a dynamic weather system, hunger simulation, and shelter construction. It features complex systems such as crafting, intricate animal AI, and a combat system that simulates injuries to specific body parts, drawing inspiration from Finnish folklore. UnReal World debuted on Windows in 1999 and was released on Steam in 2016. Maaranen continues to work on the game part-time, focusing on enhancing clothmaking mechanics and introducing permanent NPC companions. He aspires to implement advanced artificial intelligence for NPCs to create richer interactions.