combat Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Grounded 2, even in early access, is one of the best survival games I’ve ever played

Grounded 2, developed by Obsidian in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, launched in early access on July 29. The game features a vast first area comparable in size to the original game, but it has performance issues, with limited graphics settings and frame rate challenges even on high-end systems. The game retains a colorful cartoon aesthetic while improving lighting and textures. New mechanics include the ability to befriend bugs that serve as mounts and allies, enhancing exploration and combat dynamics. The introduction of the Omni-Tool simplifies resource gathering. Grounded 2 encourages exploration and adventure, with quests from human characters and a mysterious hacker element. The combat system has evolved with new mechanics and a variety of new creatures, while familiar foes have revamped designs. Despite some bugs during gameplay, the overall experience is enjoyable.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Edens Zero Review (PC) – I Can’t Stop Playing This Game

Edens Zero is a video game developed and published by Konami, set to be released on July 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at .99. Players assume the role of Shiki, a boy living on the robot-run planet Granbell, who embarks on an adventure with Rebecca, a B-Cuber, after robots turn against humanity. The game features two modes: Story Mode, where players follow Shiki's journey and uncover his father's mysteries, and Exploration Mode, where players complete quests from the Adventurer’s Guild in Blue Garden. The game includes an innovative equipment system that allows for character appearance customization. Performance issues were noted on the Steam Deck, while a high-end PC setup provided a smoother experience. The art direction and character designs are praised, and the combat blends action RPG elements with beat 'em up styles. The game has both pros, such as engaging combat and extensive customization, and cons, including performance inconsistencies and repetitive quest design.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

With Windows 10’s fast-approaching demise, this Linux migration tool could let you ditch Microsoft’s ecosystem with your data and apps intact — but it’s limited to one distro

Microsoft's end-of-life date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support or sync their PC settings with a Microsoft Account for free security updates for another year. Many users are considering switching to Linux due to Windows 10's impending end of support. A new tool called Operese aims to facilitate the transition from Windows to Linux, currently in demo version and compatible only with Kubuntu. The Restart Project's "End of 10" toolkit helps users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 by promoting the installation of free and open-source operating systems on older devices. This initiative also addresses electronic waste and highlights the benefits of using Linux, such as the lack of ads and telemetry tracking.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

I ditched most of the Windows start-up chaos and sped up my boot times without any third-party tools, here’s how

As computers age, performance often declines due to the accumulation of installed applications, saved files, and the number of startup tasks running in the background, particularly in Windows 11. New programs frequently set up tasks that launch at startup, leading to longer boot times and increased resource consumption. Users can manage these startup tasks using Task Manager, which allows them to view and disable unnecessary programs that run automatically upon login. Disabling these tasks does not delete applications but prevents them from launching automatically, improving startup efficiency. Additionally, Task Scheduler can be used to identify and manage tasks that may still launch at login. Managing startup tasks can lead to significant performance improvements, such as reducing boot time from approximately 25 seconds to just 31 seconds for a fully loaded desktop.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

This week in PC games: Hobbits, gigahorses, internet fixers, ninjas, hellships, junkbots and window cleaners

Graham is departing from RPS, marking a significant transition for the publication. New PC gaming releases this week include: - Fumes: A Mad Max-inspired open-world vehicular combat game. - Primal Planet: A side-scrolling metroidvania adventure featuring primordial humans. - Grounded 2: A sequel where tiny protagonists build homes and engage in turf wars. - Tales of the Shire: A game where players craft homes and impress neighbors with cooking. - Day Of The Shell: A turn-based tactical game set in a flooded world. - Sky The Scraper: A quirky window-cleaning simulator with life simulation elements. - Morgan: Metal Detective: A treasure-hunting game on a Cornish island. - Gold Gold Adventure Gold: A colony-building game with dungeon-diving heroes. - Tower Networking Inc: A management simulation for internet services in a tower. - Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound: A pixel-art reinterpretation of the classic series. - Mashina: A mining narrative set in a junkyard. - Hell Galaxy: An open-world space shooter with body horror elements. - Heartworm: A survival horror homage to 90's classics. - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz: A curious addition. - Ikarus Parkour: A 3D tower-climbing game in vibrant environments. The RPS team is engaged in various personal projects, including interviews and other pursuits.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

Kung fu action game Phantom Blade Zero’s has my new favorite take on hard mode balance: Beating it ‘in a very beautiful manner’ is the true challenge

During a preview event in Beijing, gameplay in Phantom Blade Zero showcased a transition from novice to skilled player, successfully completing an hour-long demo on "Hellwalker" difficulty. The game emphasizes aesthetic elegance and engaging gameplay, offering a more forgiving experience compared to traditional Soulslike titles. It features fluid, dance-like combat and allows for success through straightforward tactics, while also presenting a challenge for those aiming for mastery. The AI adapts dynamically to player actions, incorporating a 'lucky draw' mechanic where boss attacks depend on previous hits, and can recognize its disadvantage in combat. The game includes diverse boss encounters, with some exhibiting intelligent behavior and others relying on brute force, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Lost Soul Aside’s PS5, PC Price Could Be Its Biggest Bottle Neck

Yang Bing has classified the game Lost Soul Aside as a “AA game.” Sony has set its price at £59.99. Content creator Lunatic Ignus experienced a two-hour demo, expressing concerns about the game's execution and its ability to justify the price point. He noted issues with animations and combat, suggesting it may not achieve general success despite interest from Chinese gamers. The demo revealed a town with shops and NPCs, indicating more depth than expected. The release date for Lost Soul Aside is set for August 29th.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Almost an hour of pre-alpha PC gameplay from Battlefield 6

YouTube user xLokord has released a nearly hour-long gameplay video of the pre-alpha multiplayer build of Battlefield 6. The gameplay was recorded on a PC with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, and while the video is in 4K, specific graphics settings were not disclosed. The footage may contain placeholders as it is pre-alpha material. The destruction mechanics in the game appear enhanced compared to previous titles, and Battlefield 6 may not be available on older console platforms. The game is expected to launch in October, featuring both single-player and multiplayer modes, with an official multiplayer reveal set for July 31st.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Grab 13 retro DnD games on PC for 90% off in this Humble Bundle deal!

The D&D Classics Bundle is currently available at a 90% discount, offering a selection of retro campaigns for early PC gaming. It includes titles such as Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection One, Dark Sun series, and Spelljammer: Pirates of Realmspace. The sale ends on August 7, 2025, with proceeds benefiting Covenant House, a non-profit organization supporting homeless youth in the U.S. Other titles in the bundle include Silver Box Classics, Krynn, Ravenloft, Fantasy Empires, and DragonStrike.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

After a forgettable launch, Ubisoft’s Avatar game is getting a huge new update later this year, introducing new game plus and a third-person mode

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora launched on Steam in late 2023, featuring a visually stunning rainforest environment and allowing players to navigate as Na'vi characters. The game had simplified combat mechanics and faced a decline in player engagement due to minimal marketing support from Ubisoft. Developer Massive Entertainment released paid DLC patches, including a New Game Plus mode that retains gear and introduces stronger equipment and a new skill tree. A significant update will add a third-person perspective, allowing seamless switching between first and third-person views. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its world while others criticized its performance and narrative. A third-person update is set to launch on December 5, coinciding with the release of the film Avatar: Fire & Ash on December 19.