combat mechanics Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Everything you need to know about Star Wars Zero Company

Bit Reactor's tactical game, Star Wars Zero Company, is set in the Clone Wars era and is projected to launch in 2026, though a specific release date has not been disclosed. The game features tactical combat mechanics similar to XCOM and allows players to command a mercenary group made up of former operatives from the Separatist and Republic factions. Players control a custom protagonist named Hawks, accompanied by a clone buddy named Trick, and can choose from a diverse cast of squadmates, each with unique abilities. Character customization is extensive, allowing players to select from various classes and alien species for their mercenaries. Combat involves controlling a squad of four characters with three action points per turn, and players can engage in tactical missions and non-combat operations that affect squad morale and narrative outcomes. The home base, called the Den, serves as a hub for research, gear upgrades, and mission selections. The game will not include player-centric romance subplots. Developed by Bit Reactor and published by Respawn under EA, the narrative direction is led by Aaron Contreras.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney

Vaunted is a tactical RPG from indie studio Lost Lake Games, set a millennium after the collapse of the last galactic empire, where mercenaries and treasure hunters seek priceless relics. The game combines third-person shooter action with turn-based tactical gameplay, allowing players to plan from a high-angle viewpoint while executing actions in real time. Players manage three characters—Dyse, Gendril, and Kyvaath—each with unique skills and backstories, and their choices influence the narrative. The game features dynamic combat mechanics, customizable loadouts, and randomized upgrades. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, praises the project, and while a release date is not yet announced, players can wishlist it on Steam for updates.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Banquet For Fools review

Banquet for Fools is an immersive role-playing game set to release on March 5, 2026, by Hannah and Joseph Games. Players engage deeply with the game world, which lacks traditional quest logs and markers, requiring them to take notes to track objectives. The game begins with a chaotic scene and spans three centuries into the future, where players create questing parties with unconventional characters. The narrative is intentionally vague, and players must interpret information conveyed through elaborate scrolls and hand-drawn notes. Traveling in the game is a significant experience, with players choosing routes that impact their resources and survival. Encounters with friendly groups or hostile enemies add tension, and combat is real-time, requiring tactical decisions and quick reactions. The combat system emphasizes a personal connection to attacks and encourages players to unlock new abilities that enhance tactical options. Challenges include vague directions from NPCs and a strict day/night cycle, which can lead to frustration but also deepen player engagement with the game world. Each setback offers opportunities to learn and adapt, making the experience rewarding despite its complexities.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Masters of Albion is a ‘Best of Peter Molyneux’ greatest hits collection in one game, but I fear it might not measure up to the games that inspired it

Peter Molyneux's latest project, Masters of Albion, is set to enter early access on Steam on April 22. The game features a click and drag interface with an iconic anonymous sky hand, allowing players to manipulate the game world. Players start in the village of Oakridge, focusing on building towns, defending against enemies, and controlling a hero villager. The gameplay includes city-building and combat, with players generating income and fulfilling orders from villagers. A design mini-game involves assembling dishes for characters like Sylvia Plinth. Players can summon a hero to explore new territories, engage in combat, solve puzzles, and discover collectibles. The game also includes a city-defense mechanic where players prepare for nighttime sieges, construct defenses, and adapt strategies in real-time. Players can load defenses with unconventional projectiles, including crafted food. Masters of Albion encourages players to engage at their own pace across city-building, combat, or exploration.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Screamer review

Screamer is a futuristic racing game developed and published by Milestone, set to be released on March 26, 2026, with a price of £50. The game features a narrative-driven experience with diverse character representation, where racers communicate in their native languages, supported by subtitles. The first team introduced, the Green Reapers, has a storyline involving revenge against the tournament organizer, Mr. A. The game incorporates an ECHO device for speed boosts and combat mechanics, but its handling model, which mimics exaggerated drifts, may be challenging for players. Customization options are available in Gage’s Workshop, showcasing different vehicle designs. The game includes various event types, offering a rich content experience despite potential issues with driving mechanics.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Blight: Survival offers a fresh slice of its medieval zombie-slaying, after its developer took a break to ‘rebuild our core systems from the ground up’

Blight: Survival, a third-person hack 'n' slash game, has over 1.5 million wishlists on Steam, making it one of the most anticipated titles since its announcement in 2022. Developed by Haenir Studio in collaboration with Behaviour Interactive, the game features an immersive combat system designed to feel impactful, with various finishers enhancing the intensity of encounters. A recent trailer showcased brutal combat, including a character striking a zombie with a shield. Haenir Studio has been actively updating the community about the game's progress, including the introduction of a new exploration area, the marshlands, and a Halloween teaser featuring a zombie encounter.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

10 games to grab during the Steam Spring Sale 2026

March has seen the release of several notable gaming titles including Slay the Spire 2, Crimson Desert, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Timberborn. The Steam Spring Sale offers discounts on a variety of PC games, running from March 19 to March 26. Featured titles in the sale include: 1. Dispatch: 20% off - .99 / £19.99 2. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: 50% off - .99 / £24.99 3. Routine: 20% off - .59 / £26.79 4. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader: 60% off - .19 / £17.19 5. Maze Mice: 50% off - .49 / £4.49 6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: 50% off - .49 / £12.49 7. Blue Prince: 34% off - .84 / £14.84 8. Dungeons of Hinterberg: 66% off - .45 / £6.45 9. Star Wars Jedi Survivor: 90% off - .99 / £5.99 10. Dread Delusion: 50% off - .74 / £7.74

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Crimson Desert review

Crimson Desert is an epic fantasy action RPG developed and published by Pearl Abyss, set to be released on March 19, 2026, with a price of £55. The game features a complex web of systems and diverse build options, catering to players who enjoy depth and complexity. The narrative centers around Kliff, a Scottish character voiced by Alec Newman, who embarks on a journey after being ambushed by the Black Bears. While the main storyline lacks depth and coherence, side quests offer engaging character interactions. The game includes a variety of gameplay systems such as stock investments, black market dealings, resource gathering, and combat mechanics. Combat is fluid and allows for various tactical choices, although some aspects may frustrate players. The game runs smoothly on mid-range PCs and features a beautifully rendered world.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Crimson Desert review – a beautiful, shallow world

Crimson Desert features a vast and visually stunning world but struggles with a conventional narrative framework. The combat system can feel cumbersome, especially during challenging boss encounters, leading to a sense of unfulfilled potential in exploration. The game follows a protagonist named Kliff Greymane, who seeks revenge against an antagonist, but after 50 hours, the main adversary remains elusive, and players engage in mundane tasks. Exploration is initially enticing, but it becomes constrained, with limited interactions and repetitive tasks. Combat mechanics blend elements from various genres, but boss battles introduce a significant difficulty spike that can frustrate players. Promotional materials promise thrilling gameplay elements, but the actual experience often falls short. While moments of joy can be found in exploring the Abyss network, the connection to the character Kliff is lacking, and the narrative becomes convoluted over time. Despite its vibrant world and visual splendor, the game may leave players wanting more due to restricted exploration and busywork.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

Fantasy heist sim Project Shadowglass is even more inspired by Thief than I had realised, as a new trailer shows off water arrows, blackjack knockouts, and authentically sloppy swordfighting

Project Shadowglass, developed by Starhelm Studios, is a stealth game inspired by Thief: The Dark Project. It features open-ended levels with guards and traps, and utilizes simulated 3D audio technology. The game showcases nostalgic pixelated graphics and offers full 360-degree freedom. Players can perform mechanics such as sliding down rooftops, shooting explosive barrels, and creating slippery surfaces with water arrows. The combat mechanics are described as "sloppy" to fit the stealth theme. Players will plan heists, conduct research for optimal strategies, and face consequences for their actions, including imprisonment and increased security. Project Shadowglass is currently in early development with no release date, but a demo is expected later this year.