combat strategies Archives

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

I’ve spent over 25 hours in Gothic Remake—here are my top 20 quick tips to survive The Colony

Gothic Remake offers a straightforward yet challenging RPG experience, contrasting with modern titles. Combat is difficult, with significant damage from enemies and limited resources for armor. Players must adopt tactical strategies, engaging enemies one at a time and timing their attacks effectively. Healing can be accomplished through cooking meat from defeated foes. A free house in the Old Camp provides a resting place and initiates a quest. Maps are available from Dexter in the marketplace for navigation. NPC interactions can be used strategically, but antagonizing them carries risks. Magic can aid in combat, and completing quests grants access to spells. Players should explore cautiously and consider joining one of three camps for community and resources. Character development is essential, with opportunities to enhance strength, dexterity, and mana through training. The glossary feature in the menu offers insights into game mechanics.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s complete endgame redesign is great for everyone, especially newcomers

Grinding Gear Games unveiled the upcoming Path of Exile 2 patch 0.5, titled "Return of the Ancients," which includes nearly 900 words of updates. The patch features a comprehensive redesign of the endgame, introducing new systems like Atlas Ascendancies and league-specific features such as Runes of Aldur. The Runes of Aldur league involves rescuing a blacksmith and activating remnants for rewards, including over 100 new runes and a new stat called Runic Ward. A new currency type, Alloys, allows crafting modifiers on items. The endgame has a revamped structure with fixed league mechanics and unique quest lines, culminating in encounters with the Arbiter of Ash and a mysterious ultimate boss. All four launch mechanics have received upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements include in-game build guides and enhanced market features. Two new Ascendancies, the Spirit Walker Huntress and Martial Artist Monk, will be introduced, along with new unique items like Raven's Flock. The patch is scheduled for release on May 29, 2026, with a showcase at Exilecon in November.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

‘Pragmata’ (PC, Xbox) Review — “A game that separates itself from humanity”

Pragmata is a game developed by Capcom set on a moon base where the protagonist, Hugh, deals with a rogue AI and seeks to reconnect with Earth, aided by an AI companion named Diana. The narrative features emotional depth and explores themes of companionship and survival, highlighting the evolving relationship between Hugh and Diana. The game includes an innovative combat system that combines traditional shooter mechanics with real-time hacking, requiring strategy and quick reflexes. It offers a variety of weapons for diverse combat strategies. Technically, Pragmata performs well on high-end systems and consoles, maintaining a steady frame rate with occasional stutters noted during transitions.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I’ve gone from ‘meh’ to believer

Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Star Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment, in collaboration with Targem Games, is launching a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game called Star Wrath on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test is currently underway, with invitations being distributed. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where players design ships, engage in battles, gather resources, and explore the solar system. Key features include custom ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game Space Wrath announced for PC

Gaijin Entertainment and Targem Games are developing a free-to-play multiplayer extraction action game titled Space Wrath, set to launch on PC via Steam in 2026. Currently, a closed beta test is ongoing, with invites being distributed in waves. The game is set in a universe where Earth has been destroyed, and players, known as Wanderers, navigate a lawless space environment. They can design their own spacecraft, engage in battles against other players, and collect resources through various encounters. Key features include customizable ship building, advanced destruction mechanics, dynamic nebula warfare, unique pilot skills, and realistic spaceflight physics.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Parenting sim game Magical Princess launches for PC this spring

Magical Princess, co-developed by Neotoro and published by MAGI, is a child-rearing simulator set to launch in spring in the Northern Hemisphere. An updated demo has been released, featuring quality-of-life enhancements, balancing adjustments, and bug fixes, along with two new stat-boosting outfits. Players will take on the role of a newly-widowed father raising his daughter, Alice, influencing her development through various decisions that affect her Intelligence, Charm, Sense, and Stamina. The game includes interactions with over 30 animated townspeople, a rich narrative with hundreds of thousands of words, 700 pages of comic-style storytelling, 100 illustrations, and over 170 date events, leading to 50+ possible endings. Magical Princess will be available for PC via Steam in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse coming 2026, KONAMI unveils next chapter of the legendary Belmont Clan

Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. has announced a new game in the Castlevania series, titled Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, set in 15th century Paris. The game will be released later this year and can be wishlisted on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam®. It takes place two decades after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse and features Trevor Belmont’s successor, who uses the Vampire Killer whip to combat monstrous creatures threatening the city. The whip serves as both a weapon and a traversal tool, allowing players to explore the environment and engage in combat. The game features a gothic aesthetic with detailed environments filled with secrets and traps. Updates can be found on Konami's official site and social media.

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 19, 2025

We’re hitting peak saturation for first person dungeon crawlers, but Queen’s Domain stands apart from the crowd

Queen's Domain is an indie first-person dungeon crawler that features a lo-fi visual style reminiscent of the early PlayStation era, with intentionally crunchy graphics and beautifully crafted art assets. The soundtrack combines euphoric melodies with primal percussion, creating a nostalgic yet fresh atmosphere. The gameplay includes a demo showcasing exceptional exploration and immersive atmosphere, with combat mechanics that offer depth and fluidity. Notable features include a unique throwing weapon system based on cooldowns, allowing for dynamic combat strategies, and a melee dash attack that enhances offense and mobility. The game aims to provide a rich experience of exploration, combat, and atmospheric storytelling.