civilization Archives

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

This ‘narrative simulator’ about a delivery driver in deeply rural Russia is giving me serious Mudrunner meets Disco Elysium vibes

The upcoming game Zarya is a narrative simulator set in a rural post-Soviet backdrop, where players control Vasily, who navigates life while helping friends. Although available on Steam for over a year, it gained attention with a new gameplay trailer. Players will drive Soviet-era vehicles and engage in activities like grilling, fishing, and shopping. The game emphasizes storytelling, allowing players to assist villagers, transport harvests, and experience authentic post-Soviet life. Interested players can sign up for a playtest on Steam, but as of September 2024, no invites have been sent out yet.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Best Single-Player PC Games to Play in 2025

Single-player PC games are thriving in 2025, featuring captivating narratives, intricate gameplay, and stunning visuals. Notable titles include: 1. Blue Prince - An indie roguelike puzzle game with a Metacritic score of 93, set in a shifting manor where players solve interconnected puzzles. 2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Set in feudal Japan, this game features two protagonists with distinct playstyles and has been praised for its narrative pacing and environmental design. 3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A cinematic first-person adventure focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, released on PC in late 2024. 4. South of Midnight - A magical adventure following a girl with weaving abilities, notable for its claymation art style and emotional depth. 5. Avowed - A first-person fantasy RPG with choice-driven storytelling, set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Upcoming games include: - Blades of Fire (May 22, 2025) - A Soulslike combat game with a focus on cinematic storytelling. - Cairn (TBA 2025) - A survival climbing simulator emphasizing precision control mechanics. - Hell Is Us (September 4, 2025) - A narrative-driven action game that eschews traditional open-world design. - Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (Late 2025) - A stealth-adventure game featuring orphans uncovering a conspiracy. The PC platform remains the best for single-player games due to mod support, performance flexibility, a vast library, and indie innovation. The evolution of gaming technology has led to cutting-edge graphics, immersive storytelling, and innovative exploration mechanics, enhancing player engagement.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

Narrative puzzle game Causal Loop announced for PC

Publisher Headup and developer Mirebound Interactive have announced the narrative puzzle game Causal Loop, which features a science-fiction storyline focused on time, consequence, and survival. The game will be available on PC platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, but a release date has not been provided. Causal Loop includes a unique "echo" mechanic that allows players to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of their past selves. The narrative follows exo-archaeologist Bale and exo-linguist Jen as they explore the remnants of the lost Tor civilization on the planet Tor Ulsat. Bale activates the Chronolith, an ancient alien device, causing Jen to disappear and trapping him in a reality where time loops and echoes converge. Key features of the game include: - Mind-bending puzzles utilizing the ‘Echo Branching’ mechanic. - A mysterious alien world with fifteen chapters filled with secrets. - An emotional narrative that complements the gameplay. - Fully-voiced characters with a talented cast. - Accessibility options for inclusivity, including features for motion sickness prevention and color blindness mode.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Narrative puzzle game Casual Loop announced for PC

Publisher Headup and developer Mirebound Interactive are set to release Casual Loop, a narrative puzzle game featuring a science-fiction storyline focused on time, consequence, and survival. The game will be available on PC platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, with a release date yet to be announced. Casual Loop includes a unique “echo” mechanic that allows players to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of their past selves. The story follows exo-archaeologist Bale and exo-linguist Jen as they explore the ruins of the lost Tor civilization on the planet Tor Ulsat. Bale accidentally activates the Chronolith, causing Jen to disappear and trapping him in a fragmented reality filled with time loops and echoes. Key features of the game include mind-bending puzzles, a mysterious alien world with fifteen chapters, an emotional narrative, fully-voiced characters, and strong accessibility options.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

I tried gaming on Linux — and it’s better (and worse) than you think

The gaming experience on Linux, particularly with Ubuntu, has been positive, with many single-player and co-op games performing well due to compatibility tools like Wine and Steam's Proton. While most Windows games can be played on Linux, limitations exist, particularly for MMORPGs and competitive multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems, rendering titles like Fortnite and Valorant unplayable. Some competitive games do offer Linux support, but this is not guaranteed. Additionally, accessory applications for gaming peripherals often lack support on Linux, although open-source alternatives exist. As of 2025, while Linux gaming has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly in compatibility with anti-cheat systems, making it less appealing than Windows for many gamers.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

The best games to play in 2025, so far

In 2025, the gaming landscape features a mix of innovative titles and new iterations of beloved franchises. The standout games, each rated four stars or higher, include: - WWE 2K25: Offers an immersive wrestling experience with a talented roster and innovative modes, though it has monetization strategies that may frustrate fans. - Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: Revitalizes the Yakuza series with engaging mechanics and a captivating pirate adventure narrative. - Sniper Elite: Resistance: Set in World War II France, it enhances the sniping experience with multiplayer modes and a strategic narrative. - Dynasty Warriors Origins: Features epic battles and refined combat mechanics, creating a thrilling atmosphere. - Wanderstop: A simulation game about a former champion fighter running a tea shop, blending whimsical gameplay with a narrative about personal growth. - Civilization 7: Enhances the 4X formula with stunning visuals and new mechanics, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for veterans. - Avowed: Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, it emphasizes rich storytelling and exploration. - Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector: Enhances narrative depth and introduces new gameplay mechanics, creating a thrilling experience. - Assassin's Creed Shadows: Combines stealth and RPG elements in a beautifully crafted Sengoku-era Japan setting. - Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Features a detailed open world and engaging quests, rewarding players for overcoming challenges. - Two Point Museum: A humorous simulation game where players build and manage a quirky museum, adding layers of strategy. - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape One: Introduces a dual timeline for enriched storytelling and innovative mechanics. - Split Fiction: A cooperative game with a blend of genres and gameplay styles, promoting teamwork in a visually stunning world. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Refines the series' core loop with thrilling hunts and gear crafting, emphasizing dynamic combat and immersive environments.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Physics-based action adventure game Rootbound announced for PC

Brainlag Games, a German studio founded by former Piranha Bytes developers in 2024, has announced its project Rootbound, a physics-based action-adventure game set to launch on PC via Steam in 2026. Players will take on the role of a plantling on a quest to save its home from a mysterious blight. The game features exploration of the handcrafted island of Akara, where players can learn about an ancient civilization, solve puzzles, and fight monsters. Key elements include a sentient backpack that assists players, the use of crystals for campfires and torches, and the dangers posed by rain associated with the blight. Players will encounter both enemies and friendly characters during their journey.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

The Best Video Games of 2025 (So Far)

January allowed players to enjoy late-2024 titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, while February introduced several new games, including Civilization VII and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Early 2025 releases include: 1. Monster Hunter Wilds - A game featuring big-game hunting in a Mesozoic ecosystem, focusing on ecological balance and cinematic experiences. 2. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage - A narrative-adventure game where players shape the story of Swann, an aspiring filmmaker, influenced by ’90s underground music and film. 3. Keep Driving - A driving simulator that emphasizes road trip experiences through small decisions, exploring themes of time and connection. 4. Citizen Sleeper - A sequel set in a distant galaxy where players navigate a vibrant universe as a robot worker escaping a gang boss, combining narrative depth with engaging mechanics. 5. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders - A skiing game that offers breathtaking visuals and immersive environments, blending the thrill of time trials with a serene atmosphere.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

The PC game releases we’re most excited about in March

February featured notable PC game releases including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Civilization 7, Avowed, and Monster Hunter Wilds. In March, key releases include Assassin's Creed Shadows and Inzoi. Significant release dates for March are as follows: - March 3: Carmen Sandiego - She's back, but where? (Steam) - March 4: Grimoire Groves - Cozy dungeon crawler (Steam) - March 4: Merchants of Rosewall - Run a fantasy shop (Steam) - March 4: Knights in Tight Spaces - Close-quarters tactics (Steam) - March 5: Air - Visual novel classic (Steam) - March 6: Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone - Post-apocalyptic ARPG (Steam) - March 6: Book Bound - Run a bookshop (Steam) - March 6: FragPunk - 5v5 Valorant-style hero shooter (Steam) - March 6: MainFrames - Platformer set in an operating system (Steam) - March 7: Lost Lullabies (Early Access) - '80s inspired co-op horror (Steam) - March 7: Sugardew Island - Similar to a certain valley (Steam) - March 6: Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster - A classic Konami remaster (Steam) - March 10: Rise of the Ronin - A PS exclusive comes to PC (Steam) - March 11: Wanderstop - An existential cozy game (Steam) - March 14: WWE 2K25 - Annual pro wrestling game (Steam) - March 14: Out of the Park Baseball 26 - Baseball management (Steam) - March 18: 33 Immortals - 33-player roguelike (Epic) - March 18: MySims - Updated Sims spin-off from 2007 (Steam) - March 20: Atelier Yumia - Open world crafting RPG (Steam) - March 20: Mudborne - Not a muddy Bloodborne, it's about frogs (Steam) - March 25: SOPA - Adventure in search of a potato (Steam) - March 25: Tales of the Shire - Hobbit life sim (Steam) - March 25: Nordhold - Tower defense (Steam) - March 26: Mother Machine - Co-op platformer (Steam) - March 26: JDM: Japanese Drift Master - Drift racer (Steam) - March 27: AI Limit - Post-apocalyptic, sci-fi ARPG (Steam) - March 27: As We Descend - Roguelike deckbuilder (Steam) - March 27: The First Berserker: Khazan - "Hardcore" ARPG (Steam) - March 27: Mini Royale - Green army men battle royale (Steam)

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

Rusty Rabbit turns Yakuza’s Kazuma Kiryu into a fluffy bunny

Nitro Plus is developing a new title called Rusty Rabbit, which combines storytelling with a 2D mascot platformer format. The game features a middle-aged rabbit named Rusty, who enjoys carrot cigars and is voiced by the actor known for Yakuza's Kazuma Kiryu. Players explore a vibrant world filled with remnants of a human civilization, engaging in gameplay that mixes elements of Steamworld Dig and metroidvania. A demo is available on Steam, allowing players to pilot a power suit through challenges while experiencing Rusty's relatable personality. The game aims to attract both genre fans and newcomers.