colony Archives

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

After six years, gloriously detailed intergalactic city builder Space Haven is finally finished, and going cheap

Space Haven has officially launched its 1.0 version after six years in early access. The game allows players to build detailed spacecraft settlements, focusing on crew well-being and environmental factors. Players must manage crew needs, including hunger and safety, while addressing sickness and injuries. The game features a procedurally generated galaxy for exploration, resource scavenging, and combat against hostile forces. Space Haven has an 85% positive rating on Steam and is currently available for .99/£10.79, with a 40% discount until May 27. After the promotional period, the price will increase to .99/£17.99.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Steampunk colony sim Steel Artery is here, and it’s “emergent chaos” aboard a giant train

Steel Artery is a train city-building simulation game set in a moving city called Steelpolis, developed by SoulAge23. It combines elements from colony simulation games and features fully autonomous citizens with their own needs and desires. Players manage the population, production chains, and resources while navigating challenges and social tensions. The game has stunning pixel artwork and offers a unique experience with each playthrough. It is available on Steam with an 89% positivity rate from initial reviews, highlighting its complexity and management challenges. The game is priced at .24 during a promotional period, with a 10% discount until May 22.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

Marathon’s Game Director admits it’s “overwhelming to learn” and too sweaty

Marathon, developed by Bungie, has a specialized appeal that may hinder sustainable growth, as noted by Game Director Joe Ziegler. He described the game's learning curve as "overwhelming" and gameplay as a "hardcore sweat-fiesta," indicating a need for more relaxed options. Since its launch nearly three months ago, the game has fostered a growing core community, with players contributing fan art and lore videos. Key observations from Season 1 include the overwhelming experience for newcomers, the chaotic endgame balance, and the demand for less intense gameplay. For Season 2, two new PvE-focused modes will be introduced, including one that blends PvE with PvP and another emphasizing cooperative gameplay. New features will include the Night Marsh zone, a defensive Runner shell named 'Sentinel,' fresh weapons, and improved customization options. Additional anticipated features are a Duos rotating zone queue, a revamped matchmaking system, and an expansion of Vault size. Bungie is also working on enhancing the onboarding experience and contract system. Season 2 is set to launch on June 2, with more details to be revealed in late May.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

DIRECTIVE 8020 Launches Today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam)

Supermassive Games has released Directive 8020, a narrative sci-fi survival horror game available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). The game is set on Tau Ceti f, where the colony ship Cassiopeia crash-lands, and the crew encounters a mimicking alien organism. Players face moral dilemmas and must navigate trust issues while making decisions that affect character survival. The game features a new Turning Points story tree, real-time alien threats, and a couch co-op Movie Night mode for up to five players, with online multiplayer planned for a future update. Lashana Lynch voices pilot Brianna Young in the game.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

This week in PC games: Subnautica 2 early access, a Battlestar Galactica roguelite, and Directive 8020 disproving the old saying about space and screaming

Edwin, the news editor, has chosen to spend his morning away from work, avoiding the usual adventure involving the Maw. Upcoming PC game releases include: - Outbound: A crafting-centric van life simulator. - Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes: A roguelite strategy game. - Greenhearth Necromancer: A semi-idle sim combining urban farming and magic. - Don't Panic! It is Just Turbulence: A co-op experience navigating a cockpit. Notable horror and adventure titles set to release are: - Directive 8020: A horror game set in a sci-fi space colony. - Call of the Elder Gods: A Lovecraftian-themed sequel to Call of the Sea. - Elfie: A Sand Plan: A creative game about building sandcastles. Significant developments in gaming include: - Subnautica 2: Launching in early access after legal challenges. - Hotel Architect: Officially launching after a successful early access period. - RoadOut: A pixel art action-RPG combining shooting mechanics with driving. - American Truck Simulator – Illinois: An expansion completing Route 66. - The Caribou Trail: A narrative-driven game about World War I soldiers. Julian is looking forward to transitioning away from Trello, the guides team is focused on Subnautica 2, and Mark is engaged with a racing title under embargo.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

New Slay the Spire 2 update deletes its most controversial boss fight

The Doormaker has been removed from Mega Crit's Slay the Spire 2, replaced by a new boss named Aeonglass, which has unique abilities and starts with three stacks of Artifact. The game will now follow a two-week beta patch cycle instead of weekly updates to allow for more substantial changes and community feedback. The Defect class has received several buffs, including enhancements to its starter relic and damage increases for specific abilities, while the Silent class has experienced a minor nerf. New Neow relics have been introduced, and changes have been made to various enemies and their abilities. The Bestiary feature has been added, allowing players to study enemy types, and additional updates include new art, music, and bug fixes. The latest patch, version 0.105.0, is available on the beta branch for players.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Despite Gothic Remake’s glow-up, it’s still the scrappy eurojank RPG it always was, and that’s fine with me

Gothic Remake revisits the original Gothic game, which established a foundation for future RPGs. Players start as a nameless convict in a penal colony controlled by inmates, facing challenges without weapons or clear direction. The game emphasizes exploration, NPC interaction, and skill development rather than immediate action. The Colony, originally a penal facility, is divided into three factions: the organized Old Camp, the ruthless New Camp, and the eccentric Swamp Camp. Players encounter dangers and must navigate the environment without a minimap, relying on NPC guidance. Combat mechanics reflect the protagonist's initial lack of skill, and the game retains a sense of discovery and immersion characteristic of traditional RPGs.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Luna Abyss Launches May 21 for PS5, Xbox Series, PC, and Game Pass

Developer Kwalee Labs has announced the launch of Luna Abyss, a first-person bullet hell action-adventure game, set to release on May 21. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Players will take on the role of a prisoner exploring a derelict megastructure on the mimic moon, Luna, to recover forgotten technology and uncover the fate of a lost colony. The gameplay features an artificial prison guard named Aylin monitoring the player, and the environment includes the remnants of the city of Greymont. Players will navigate through a brutalist alien megastructure, facing corrupted souls and cosmic horrors while mastering weapons in a bullet hell setting.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

I know all you pirates are busy with Windrose, but you should drop anchor and check out this new pirate-themed city builder

Corsair Cove is a pirate-themed city builder developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Hooded Horse. Players manage production chains and a crew, building upwards on rugged cliffs to create factories for various goods. The game features over 50 types of goods, the ability to attract new pirate residents, and the transformation of shipwreck remains into a community. Players can equip warships to confront enemies and explore uncharted waters. Pigs play a significant role in the game, with whimsical scenes involving them. Corsair Cove is set to launch on Steam, Epic, the Microsoft Store, and PC Game Pass in 2026.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Slay the Spire 2 patch notes arrive for all, meaning an easier early game but harder infinites

The latest patch for Slay the Spire 2 has transitioned from beta to the main game, introducing several enhancements. Players can now experience improved map generation, a more forgiving Act One, and five new Neow relics: Hefty Tablet, Neow's Talisman, Phial Holster, Winged Boots, and Neow's Bones. Elite enemies appear one floor later, and rebalancing has adjusted foes like the Skulking Colony and Byrdonis. The Act Three boss, Doormaker, has been redesigned with a unique setup and three phases: Hunger, Scrutiny, and Grasp. All five classes have been rebalanced, with new cards introduced, such as Not Yet, Blade of Ink, Regent's Arsenal, and Borrowed Time. Shop relic prices have been reduced, and gold-generating relics are no longer available for purchase. Ascension level six now features 'Inflation,' increasing card removal costs. The patch also includes new art, visual effects, a 'Phobia mode,' and Badges for achievements. Achievements and epochs cannot be unlocked during daily and custom runs, and the main and beta branches will maintain separate records. The patch 0.103.2 is now live for all versions of the game.