combat dynamics Archives

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Pragmata’s stellar combat proves multitasking can actually be fun

Multitasking is integral to the gameplay of Capcom's Pragmata, where players control Hugh and his AI companion Diana while engaging in combat against robots. Players must aim and fire at enemies while simultaneously completing hacking mini-games that enhance damage output. The game features a variety of weapons, including assault rifles, electrified guns, and shotguns, which players can pick up and use throughout their journey. The hacking mechanics evolve as players progress, introducing new challenges and skills. The fast-paced combat and dynamic interactions between Hugh and Diana create an engaging experience, although the narrative and world-building remain partially unexplored.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

Marathon review in progress – exquisite gunplay and striking aesthetics cover up some frustrating cracks

Three bags of loot are accompanied by the bio-synthetic remains of their former owners, with pools of blue blood marking the ground. The narrator has transitioned from collaborating with players in Arc Raiders to a more competitive spirit in Marathon. The game features a striking user interface and vibrant aesthetics, but some aspects, like item transitions and menu designs, can be clunky and confusing. The map layouts have engaging points of interest but also feature obstructive barriers. The gunplay is praised for its quality, with balanced gameplay and challenging PvE enemies. PvP encounters have a quick time-to-kill, and environmental dangers add intensity. However, faction quests often rely on repetitive tasks, which can be frustrating despite the compelling narrative elements. The narrator expresses surprise at their engagement with the game and suggests that improvements to the user experience and quest diversity could enhance its longevity.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

This indie gem blends Devil May Cry and Darksiders, and it’s only $1 right now

Soulstice is a character action game set in the Holy Kingdom of Keidas, where players confront Wraiths as a Chimera, controlling two characters: Briar, who uses various weapons, and Lute, who provides supernatural abilities. The game features a gothic aesthetic and combo-heavy gameplay reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry. It is currently available for £1 during the Fanatical Spring Sale, allowing players to customize their gaming experience by adding other titles from the Build Your Own Spring Bundle.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Should Marathon change its divisively fast Server Slam time-to-kill?

Marathon's four-day Server Slam concluded, with Bungie analyzing player feedback and statistics. A notable metric was the number of bottles of alien milk stolen from Tau Ceti. Bungie is considering changes to the time-to-kill (TTK) mechanics and the introduction of a duo queue, amidst divided community opinions on gameplay pace. The current TTK is fast, leading to quick eliminations, while the game's revive system allows teammates to bring back fallen players, affecting combat dynamics. Players are encouraged to be cautious and strategic due to the rapid pace and limited resources available during the Server Slam. Adjustments to TTK could disrupt the game's balance, and Bungie is monitoring feedback closely before the official launch.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

High on Life 2 is absolutely hilarious gaming with some awkward mic drops — and it’s on Xbox Game Pass, too

Squanch Games has released High on Life 2, a sequel to its successful 2022 game. The narrative follows the Bounty Hunter facing a cosmic crisis. The sequel features refined humor, attributed to the absence of former voice actor Justin Roiland, and includes a mix of chaotic gunplay and fluid combat. Players will encounter returning weapons and new tools, along with quirky environments that enhance the comedic experience. The game prioritizes accessibility and fun over complexity, allowing players to enjoy the gameplay without tedious tasks. However, performance issues have been noted, particularly for PC players with lower-end hardware, leading to stuttering and frame drops. Console versions generally maintain a steady frame rate, but optimization is needed for the PC version. Despite these challenges, the game delivers humor and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Code Vein 2 is largely more of the same despite its story reset, but I think I’m okay with that

Code Vein 2 has been announced and is set to launch on January 29, priced at .99 / £54.99. The game retains core mechanics from the original, including checkpoints called Mistles and a system for reclaiming lost currency called Haze. It features extensive character customization, with a detailed editor and various Blood Codes that influence play style. Combat dynamics include faster-paced encounters and new weapon types, such as twin blades and rune blades, with over 200 Formae to master. The narrative involves Blood-drinking Revenants and human hunters in an apocalyptic setting, with players awakening 100 years after a catastrophic event. Companions can assist in combat and revive players upon death, adding strategic depth. Exploration has improved, with more complex dungeon layouts and navigation aids.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Charge! Minecraft’s ‘Mounts of Mayhem’ Drop Arrives with Zombie Horses

The Mounts of Mayhem expansion for Minecraft has launched for both Java and Bedrock Editions, introducing new combat and exploration elements. In the desert biome, players encounter the Camel Husk, a passive mob that serves as transport for hostile riders, including a Husk and a new skeleton variant called the Parched, which thrives in sunlight. Players must defeat both riders to tame the Camel Husk. The Spear weapon has been added, enhancing combat dynamics with damage output increasing with player speed. The Lunge enchantment allows for increased speed during jab attacks. Underwater exploration is enhanced with the Nautilus, a neutral mob that can be tamed with a Pufferfish, providing speed boosts and air supply preservation. Players must defeat its rider, the Zombie Nautilus, to tame it. Horses can now swim in water, and players can craft Netherite Horse Armour by combining Diamond Horse Armour with a Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template and an Ingot. Undead horses will appear at night with spear-wielding zombie riders, requiring players to defeat the riders to tame them.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

The best armoured warfare PC games to play if you love World of Tanks

World of Tanks (WoT), developed by Wargaming, has been a popular game for over 15 years. The author began playing during its beta phase and has continued to engage with it while exploring other armoured-combat games. War Thunder is a competitor to WoT, featuring a wide range of warfare options including tanks, planes, ships, and helicopters, with a focus on realism. It has a more complex targeting system compared to WoT and allows for multiple respawns in a match. However, players may find aerial assaults challenging, and the grind for modern tanks can be lengthy. Armored Warfare focuses on modern vehicles and offers a quicker progression pace, especially for premium account users. It has a health-based combat system similar to WoT and features a PVE mode with over 40 missions, though it has a lower server population. PANZERKAMPF, a newer game, offers fast-paced WWII combat with a user interface similar to WoT. However, it has limited maps and a more arcade-like experience. Tank Force combines elements of Armored Warfare and WoT, designed for both PC and mobile. It emphasizes a faster-paced experience with Cold War-era tanks and allows players to respawn multiple times during matches. Wargaming is actively improving WoT, addressing matchmaking issues and reworking tanks in the recent 2.0 update. Players are being offered gifts such as premium access and in-game currency.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Forgotten PS5, PC Game Lost Soul Aside Still Being Patched and Optimised

After its launch in August 2025, the game Lost Soul Aside received disappointing reviews, resulting in decreased discussions about it. UltiZero Games has released a new update for PS5 and PC to fix bugs and optimize gameplay. The game was reviewed with a score of 6 out of 10, praised for its design and combat but criticized for its narrative and performance issues. The update includes the following bug fixes: - Resolved a softlock issue in Chapter 2. - Addressed a saving issue for specific weapons. - Fixed a fall-through issue in Chapter 4. - Corrected problems with energy collection mini-games in Chapter 4. - Addressed loading issues in the Harbour area. - Fixed repeated dialogue lines in Chapter 4. - Restored missing sound effects for Kaser’s ability. - Implemented various other bug fixes. The update also includes optimizations: - Refined interaction logic with Liana. - Introduced an auto camera rotation toggle option. - Optimized frame rate performance for visual effects in Chapter 3. - Adjusted character gaze direction in Chapter 4. - Enhanced battle sound effects.

AppWizard

October 28, 2025

FEAR is turning 20, but Monolith’s terrifying shooter hasn’t lost its touch

The narrator is eavesdropping on enemy clone soldiers in the game FEAR while strategizing an attack. They have several weapon options, including a SPAS-12 shotgun and a nail gun. The narrator deploys a proximity mine to distract the soldiers, leading to an explosion that takes out two of them. They then use the shotgun to eliminate another soldier and finish the last one with the nail gun. The game features innovative AI, varied combat encounters, and intense atmosphere, celebrating its 20th anniversary.