combat mechanics Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker sold 1 million copies in just 3 days

On September 5, Rebel Wolves announced on Twitter that their RPG, Blood of Dawnwalker, sold over one million copies within three days of its launch on September 2. The game received positive feedback, with Australian editor Shaun Prescott rating it 83% and praising its storytelling and combat mechanics. Blood of Dawnwalker has 8,296 reviews on Steam, while Zero Company has 15,562 reviews and a "Very Positive" rating. Despite the success of Blood of Dawnwalker, 80% of Bit Reactor's staff is reportedly on furlough, highlighting challenges in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy review

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a prequel in the Plague Tale series that shifts from puzzle-stealth mechanics to a third-person action-adventure format. Set during a Mediterranean treasure hunt, players control Sophia, a smuggler from the second game. The game introduces a new sword combat system focused on melee action, allowing for creative interactions with the environment. While it retains some stealth elements, the main emphasis is on exploration and combat, featuring beautifully rendered Minoan ruins and puzzles involving light manipulation. The visuals are complemented by a thematic score from composer Olivier Deriviere. The narrative evolves from a light-hearted adventure to a darker, horror-infused story. The game is priced at £44, available on Windows 11 and Steam Deck.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Elden Ring’s Tarnished Edition is exciting enough on its own, but it’s also our last chance to properly experience the game’s launch day hype

The Tarnished Edition DLC for Elden Ring introduces two new classes, armor, and items, providing players with a final opportunity to engage with the game four years after its launch. Despite its modest appearance, the DLC is expected to significantly enhance player engagement. Elden Ring, which won the 2022 Game of the Year, features a rich narrative and stunning visuals, set in a world dominated by the Erdtree. The gameplay includes diverse character builds and intricate combat mechanics, with the new expansion adding a perfect block mechanic from Sekiro. The DLC serves as a bridge to future projects from FromSoftware, as players continue to be drawn to the game's captivating landscapes.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

All the key details on HoYo’s co-op monster slayer Nodusfall

Nodusfall is a co-op action game developed by miHoYo, blending elements from Elden Ring and Monster Hunter. Players can pre-register for future beta opportunities. The game features dark fantasy visuals and co-op combat mechanics, allowing players to battle mythical creatures inspired by various mythologies. Players assume the role of a "Weaver," tasked with restoring order to a continent plagued by the "Dreadnodi." The game will include diverse landscapes and is designed for up to four players to collaborate against formidable bosses. Unique features include powerful "Divine Skills," cinematic finishing moves, and a focus on squad diversity. Players can switch roles and loadouts freely, enhancing gameplay variety. Nodusfall does not feature character gacha mechanics; characters are earned through gameplay, though cosmetic monetization may be included.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Gladio Mori launches on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 16 September

Oulu, Finland, will see the full launch of Gladio Mori on September 16, 2026, after its successful Steam Early Access period. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, developed by Plebeian Studio. It features unique combat mechanics that track damage through injuries rather than health bars, with a focus on strategy and precision. Players can utilize a move editor to create personalized attacks or access a community gallery for user-generated moves. The game supports online matches for up to four players and has received a Very Positive rating on Steam since its Early Access launch on November 26, 2024. Full crossplay functionality will be integrated at the full release. Plebeian Studio is a one-person development team, and the game is published by Bonus Stage Publishing, with plans for release in China by Korgi Digital.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

OK, Vice City does look pretty damn impressive from the air

Gameplay clips from Grand Theft Auto 6 have been leaked by a user named "Cyberleek," revealing potential features such as a morality system and a stamina meter. The clips also showcase combat mechanics similar to those in Red Dead Redemption 2, indicating Rockstar's focus on immersive experiences. The game is expected to maintain the studio's established formula, with high production quality and expansive detail. Commentary from the Gaming Leaks and Rumors subreddit reflects excitement about the leaks, particularly due to the authenticity of the leaker. There is currently no confirmed PC launch date for the game, leading to speculation about its release strategy.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Gallipoli (PC) Review

BlackMill Games' World War I series has surpassed a decade of gameplay, with the latest installment, Gallipoli, focusing on the Gallipoli Campaign. This campaign aimed to capture the Dardanelles Strait and Constantinople but ended in a disastrous retreat for the Allies. Gallipoli features improved visuals, refined gunplay, and balanced mechanics, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game introduces new mechanics such as increased team sizes, a ticket system with unpredictability, realistic ballistics, a refined stamina system, and a suppression system that affects soldiers' performance. However, concerns exist regarding the limited rewards in the progression system, which may impact player engagement over time.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

Here’s your next batch of Xbox and PC Game Pass games for August

The latest Xbox and PC Game Pass titles for August include the day-one release of "Resonance: A Plague Tale," a prequel developed by Asobo, featuring dual timelines set on Crete. The game shifts from stealth mechanics to a combat-centric approach, with stunning visuals and intricate puzzles. Another title, "Blood Dungeon," also a day-one Game Pass release from Messhof, takes a Metroidvania approach. The Remastered edition of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" will leave Game Pass at the end of August. Available on Game Pass now: - Egging On (August 18) Coming to Game Pass soon: - Vapor World: Over the Mind (August 19) - BlazBlue Entropy Effect X (August 19) - Relooted (August 19) - Starsand Island (August 20) - Aerial_Knight's DropShot (August 25) - Blood Dungeon (August 25) - Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (August 27) - Young Suns (August 31) - Shelldiver (September 1) Leaving Game Pass August 31: - Another Crab's Treasure - I Am Your Beast - Neon Abyss - One Lonely Outpost - The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt - Remastered Edition Leaving September 6: - NBA 2K26 Games marked with a "handheld" designation are optimized for handheld play.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

PC Game Pass Has Some Seriously Good Turn-Based RPGs

The text discusses various turn-based RPGs and strategy games available on Xbox Game Pass, highlighting 17 standout titles. 1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A turn-based RPG with innovative combat mechanics and a compelling narrative centered around the Paintress. 2. Heroes of Might and Magic II & III - Classic strategy games known for exploration, resource management, and tactical battles. 3. South Park: The Fractured But Whole - An RPG with grid-based combat and tactical elements, infused with the show's humor. 4. Wasteland 3 - A CRPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring intricate storytelling and strategic turn-based combat. 5. BATTLETECH - A tactical mech combat game focused on managing a mercenary company and strategic planning. 6. Death Howl - Combines grid movement with deckbuilding mechanics in a dark narrative. 7. Echo Generation 2 - Introduces deckbuilding mechanics and multiple characters with a voxel art style. 8. For The King II - A blend of tabletop RPG elements and roguelite mechanics, designed for group play. 9. Gears Tactics - A tactical turn-based game that transitions from a third-person shooter, encouraging aggressive playstyles. 10. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - Revitalizes the classic formula with modern production values. 11. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Continues the turn-based combat from its predecessor with an expansive world. 12. Persona 5 Royal - A defining JRPG that balances everyday life with supernatural adventures and stylish turn-based combat. 13. The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut - A first-person dungeon crawler with exploration and puzzle-solving elements. 14. The Thaumaturge - Set in early 20th-century Warsaw, featuring political tension and supernatural intrigue in its narrative. 15. Wartales - Focuses on managing mercenaries in a medieval world, emphasizing survival and personal storytelling. 16. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Offers a turn-based mode in a richly detailed world with complex narratives. 17. Phoenix Point - A tactical game that serves as a successor to XCOM, featuring a unique free-aim system and evolving enemy mechanics.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Even though turn-based and real time RPGs ‘have their loud, vocal advocates,’ Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre

Tim Cain discussed RPG combat styles on his YouTube channel, emphasizing a balanced view between turn-based and real-time gameplay. He highlighted the "real-time with pause" (RTWP) system, which allows players to queue commands while the game is paused, as a unique blend of strategy and action. James Brawley, a lead designer for the upcoming turn-based tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, acknowledged the merits of RTWP and expressed optimism about its resurgence, indicating a significant audience for this style. Both combat styles have unique strengths and can coexist, influencing the future of RPGs.