childhood Archives

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Icarus Is The Perfect Survival Sim No One’s Talking About

The search for the ideal survival game began with the early beta of Minecraft in 2009, leading to the exploration of various titles over nearly two decades. A recent discovery, Icarus, released in December 2021 by Dean Hall, has garnered 29,000 positive reviews on Steam and maintains a vibrant player base. Icarus allows players to experience a sense of safety at night while encouraging exploration during the day, set on a planet with terraforming issues. The game features a realistic approach to sustenance, manageable food and water consumption, and introduces an oxygen meter that adds complexity to gameplay. It offers three modes: Open World, Missions, and Outposts, with Missions providing structured quests. Icarus is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox on March 26.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Civilization 7’s biggest free update is almost here and, with a 40% discount, now is the ideal time to buy

Civilization 7 is currently available at a 40% discount on Fanatical, priced at .99/£35.99. It introduces a new Age system that segments gameplay into three phases and requires players to choose a leader to guide them while swapping civilizations. A free Test of Time update is set to be released this Spring, allowing players to maintain a single civilization throughout their journey and revamping Victory conditions with a new system called Triumphs. The update will focus on four key areas: Military, Economy, Culture, and Science. The current deal is available until February 26, 2026.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Ubisoft made another Avatar game the world has forgotten about, so I opened Pandora’s boxed copy and dropped into the jungle

The article discusses the eccentricities of PC gaming, focusing on the character 'Able' Ryder from the Avatar game developed by Ubisoft. Ryder, who comes from a background of poverty in a California megacity, wins a place in the Avatar Program and awakens at Hell's Gate on Pandora after five years of cryosleep. He receives a warning from a fellow soldier about the dangers of developing a conscience. The game featuring Ryder was released 14 years before the more recent Frontiers of Pandora, which has since added a third-person mode. Ryder's experiences include crashing a gunship and facing humorous consequences, highlighting the unpredictable nature of gaming narratives.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

New space extraction game Star Wrath lets you build, fly, and then totally destroy a bunch of spaceships

Star Wrath is a multiplayer, extraction-action space game that allows players to craft their own spacecraft. The gameplay involves recruiting a pilot, constructing a ship, and engaging in dogfights. The game features a modular damage system and emphasizes gear management. A closed beta is available for players to experience ship-building and combat before the official launch.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

In a triple-A world, Fable’s Peter Molyneux just wants his new god game to bring “joy”

In 2025, the game "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" has gained popularity for its narrative and visual style. The gaming industry has seen increased production costs and ambitions, leading to expansive open worlds and cinematic storylines in triple-A games. However, some high-profile titles like "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," "Star Wars Outlaws," and "Starfield" have struggled to deliver fun. Indie games such as "Hades 2" and "Expedition 33" excel in providing enjoyable experiences. Game designer Peter Molyneux emphasized the importance of joy in gaming, particularly in his upcoming project "Masters of Albion," which aims to evoke a sense of escapism and creativity. Molyneux seeks to create an engaging experience filled with humor and joy, focusing on player feedback during the game's early access phase.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Nothing has finally given its phones a truly essential feature

Android Central Labs highlights Nothing's new tool, Essential Apps, which allows users to create personalized applications, aiming to move away from traditional app ecosystems. The tool operates from the home screen and features an intuitive interface that prompts users with context-aware questions. CEO Carl Pei stated that Essential Apps aims to eliminate the constraints of conventional app stores, enabling customization without ads or generic designs. However, there are concerns that users may revert to established apps due to convenience, despite the initial appeal of customization. The Nothing Phone 3, featuring the Glyph Interface, is positioned as a fresh option in the smartphone market, with Essential Apps potentially reshaping user engagement.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

How Does Jack Black Feel About The Minecraft Movie’s Theater Audience ‘Going Nuts? (I Can’t Get Enough Of His A+ Comparison)

This year features several anticipated video game adaptations, including The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Mortal Kombat II, and Street Fighter. A Minecraft Movie became the highest-grossing film in the domestic market of 2025, earning 8.3 million globally. The film's success was marked by enthusiastic audience reactions, reminiscent of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Jack Black noted the audience's fervor and compared it to his childhood experiences with the cult classic. Warner Bros. re-released the film due to its reception, and Black's song “Lava Chicken” became the shortest hit to reach the Billboard charts. A sequel is in development, with production expected to start in April and a release date set for July 23, 2027.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Could a video game help combat antisemitism on college campuses?

Julia Sebastien's forthcoming PC game, StrangeLand, explores the complexities of Jewish life at an Ivy League college, aiming to serve as both entertainment and an educational tool about antisemitism. The game targets current and former Jewish students in North America, helping them articulate their experiences. Sebastien, who has a background in Jewish education and media psychology, draws from her own experiences and those of other Jewish students. Gameplay involves navigating challenges such as balancing academic commitments with Jewish holidays and addressing antisemitism. The game intentionally avoids discussions of Zionism and Israel to focus on educating players about antisemitism. It features a retro aesthetic inspired by classic Game Boy graphics, designed to create a comfortable environment for players. Sebastien hopes the game will enhance understanding of the Jewish collegiate experience for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.

BetaBeacon

January 27, 2026

ANBERNIC’s super-sized Game Boy is the perfect way to revisit your favorite GameCube and PS2 games

The ANBERNIC RG 477V is a powerful vertical handheld device with a 4.7-inch screen that provides a great gaming experience for retro games, including PS2 and GameCube games.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Disney delists 14 games from Steam without warning, most notably Armed and Dangerous and that one Hercules game you vaguely remember playing in 1997

Disney has removed 14 titles from the Steam platform without prior notice, leaving fans concerned about the fate of their childhood games. The delisted titles include lesser-known games, and while not all players may feel affected, it raises questions about digital gaming history preservation. Notable titles mentioned include Disney's Hercules and Armed and Dangerous, which evoke nostalgia for some players. The removal highlights the ongoing conversation about game preservation and accessibility in the digital realm.