classic titles Archives

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

15 incredible DOS classics you can play in your browser

Between the late '80s and early '90s, DOS became the foundation of PC gaming, fostering innovation with advancements in 2.5D and 3D environments, first-person shooters, city-building simulations, and point-and-click adventures. DOS games are lightweight, allowing them to run on modern devices easily. Dangerous Dave (1988) is a nostalgic platformer that remains enjoyable today. Sid Meier's Civilization (1991) is considered one of the greatest DOS games, allowing players to build empires through various strategies. Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty (1992) is credited with shaping the real-time strategy genre, introducing base-building and resource management. Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons (1990) set the standard for PC platformers with its vibrant gameplay. Carmageddon (1997) is an iconic car combat game known for its humor and chaos. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992) is a hallmark of the point-and-click genre with engaging puzzles. The Oregon Trail (1990) started as an educational tool and became a classic game blending survival strategy with humor. Command and Conquer (1995) revolutionized the RTS genre with engaging gameplay. X-COM: UFO Defense (1994) is known for its strategic gameplay where every decision matters. Wolfenstein 3D (1992) is a pioneer of the FPS genre, influencing many subsequent titles.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Users Will Be Able to Stream Console Exclusive Games to Play on PC

Xbox is enhancing gaming accessibility by allowing Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview to stream console games directly on their PCs. This feature is part of their initiative to bridge the gap between console, PC, and mobile platforms. Over 250 console games, including recent hits and classic titles, are available for streaming on PC. The feature is accessible via the Xbox PC app in 28 countries, but only for users who own digital copies of the games.

AppWizard

July 13, 2025

Ahead of its remaster, GOG added Neverwinter Nights 2 to its preservation program and is also giving owners of the original a ‘loyalty discount’ on the enhanced edition

GOG is supporting Neverwinter Nights 2 by including the original version in its preservation program ahead of the enhanced edition launch. Customers who purchased Neverwinter Nights 2 on GOG can receive a 15% loyalty discount on the remastered version, which can be combined with a 10% preorder discount. The game recently received an update addressing a long-standing black screen issue. The Enhanced Edition will be released on July 15, and the preorder discount will end on that day, after which the loyalty discount will decrease from 25% to 15%.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

It’s time to sort your life out and marathon the finest WW2 real-time tactics games of the early ’00s—and for a mere $10, too

The RTS genre has faced challenges and is currently underserved as of 2025. The latest Humble Bundle offers a selection of RTS titles, providing some relief for fans. The Commandos HD project allows players to experience classic titles in modern resolutions, but Commandos: Origins is not included and remains a full-price title following its favorable user reviews since its debut last April.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I won’t use anything but Steam for PC gaming because of this one feature

Steam is a leading online gaming storefront that offers a user-friendly interface, seasonal deals, and the ability to connect with friends while streaming games. The author began using Steam in 2011, purchasing titles like the Stronghold Collection, Terraria, and Skyrim, and has accumulated over 5,000 hours of gameplay across more than 300 games. Initially, the author primarily used Windows for gaming due to compatibility issues with Linux, but the introduction of Proton has allowed access to most of their Steam library on Linux. Valve, the company behind Steam, has developed iconic games like Portal and DOTA 2, supported indie developers, and contributed to gaming technology advancements. The launch of the Steam Deck has further enhanced Linux gaming support.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Call of Duty: WW2 Players Say the Game Is “Not Safe” After Coming to Xbox Game Pass

Call of Duty: WW2 has been added to Xbox Game Pass, but PC players are cautioned against playing it due to significant risks, including a decline in player engagement and the presence of hackers. Older titles, like WW2, are particularly vulnerable as Activision offers limited support, making them targets for malicious actors. Reports indicate that hackers are exploiting vulnerabilities, such as remote code execution (RCE) exploits, which can lead to unauthorized control over players' machines. Incidents have been reported where players experienced unexpected shutdowns and intrusive pop-ups, including inappropriate content. While no confirmed cases of data theft have emerged, the potential for malware remains a concern. Players are advised to avoid online matches in Call of Duty: WW2 on PC until an official resolution is provided.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Zelda Inspired Game Free on Steam for This Week Only

Ampersat, a 2022 RPG developed by Gaterooze, Ink, and GrabTheGames, is available for free on Steam until July 6. The game, which typically has a price, has received positive feedback with 81% favorable user reviews. It is inspired by classic games like The Legend of Zelda and Smash TV and primarily falls within the roguelite category, featuring twin-stick combat mechanics. The gameplay experience lasts a few hours, and while it is accessible to all Steam users, compatibility on the Steam Deck is currently marked as "Unknown."

AppWizard

July 2, 2025

Death Stranding 2 is too damn easy

The author reflects on their experience with emulation on the Steam Deck, specifically playing Death Stranding 2. They describe a delivery mission across Australia, highlighting the challenges of navigating bandit camps and BT zones while carrying a heavy load. The author notes the game's consistent difficulty level despite new gameplay enhancements and expresses hesitation about connecting to the Chiral Network, fearing it would diminish the thrill of exploration. They discuss the overwhelming assistance provided by other players, which reduces the challenge and makes them feel like a spectator. The introduction of powerful gadgets and upgrades, such as anti-grav generators and leg skeletons, is seen as diluting the core experience. The author wishes for a more challenging gameplay experience, suggesting the addition of a hardcore mode with limitations to enhance resource conservation and decision-making. They express a desire for a future Director’s Cut that could address these concerns.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

4 classic PC games that prove just how well pixel art can age

Pixel graphics emerged as a limitation of hardware capabilities but have been embraced as an artistic choice, especially in indie games. A criterion of at least ten years since release is used to define "retro" games. Papers, Please: Players act as a border checkpoint officer in a totalitarian state, balancing duty and family needs. The game utilizes pixel art for its static user interface and characters, maintaining its unique visual identity over a decade later. Platform: Steam. RollerCoaster Tycoon: Known for its iconic pixel art, the game features vibrant landscapes that complement its amusement park theme. Its late-90s aesthetic remains impressive even two decades after release. Shovel Knight: Launched over a decade ago, it pays homage to retro 2D platformers with an 8-bit-inspired aesthetic. The game blends nostalgia with originality, featuring backgrounds that enhance gameplay. Backyard Baseball: A late '90s arcade-style baseball simulation known for its distinctive art style and memorable characters. The pixelated character models are well-defined, showcasing impressive pixel artistry. Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch. PC games may not always match the pixel artistry of console games from the 80s and 90s, but there are many iconic pixel art games from that era and the early 2010s.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

The best PC games of 2025 (that don’t need a graphics card)

In 2025, several innovative games have emerged that cater to players without high-end graphics requirements. - 9 Kings: An early access game focused on base-building and strategy, where players construct armies on limited tiles and face randomized enemies. - Pipstrello and the Cursed Yoyo: A vibrant adventure game reminiscent of Game Boy Advance titles, featuring real-time combat and puzzles, with a soundtrack by Yoko Shimomura. - So to Speak: A gamified language learning puzzle game that helps players learn Japanese vocabulary and culture. - The Roottrees are Dead: An investigative game exploring a plane crash mystery, combining genealogy and drama, now available in a remastered version on Steam. - Cast N Chill: A relaxing fishing game with pixel art aesthetics, allowing players to catch and document various fish. - Wizordum: A fast-paced action game that mixes first-person shooter mechanics with spell-slinging, featuring a level editor. - Glass Cannon: A physics-based puzzle game with roguelike elements, where players shoot at enemies with limited bullets. - Urban Myth Dissolution Center: A psychic investigator game with retro aesthetics and a narrative inspired by Japanese horror. - Chronicles of the Wolf: A side-scrolling action game set during the Beast of Gévaudan attacks, reminiscent of classic titles like Castlevania. - Desktop Survivors 98: A survival game featuring Clippy in a whimsical digital landscape, paying homage to early computing days.