combat Archives

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

New dark fantasy tactical RPG Prelude Dark Pain is scratching my Mewgenics itch in all the right ways

A father sends his daughter into an escape tunnel for safety as enemy forces approach, while he prepares to confront a commander. In the game "Prelude: Dark Pain," players engage in tactical turn-based RPG combat, controlling Soren, a blacksmith whose wife has been abducted. Players traverse an overworld map, engaging in grid-based battles with a squad of four characters, each with unique abilities. The game features various mechanics, including character-specific skills and strategic positioning for enhanced damage. It is set to launch on Steam Early Access in the third quarter of 2026, offering approximately 15 hours of gameplay and introducing nine heroes with 63 skills. The final version will include all acts of the story, over 20 heroes, 20 factions, 70 enemy types, and a crafting system.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Steam Controller stock sold out in minutes, but there is something you can do about it

Steam Controller stock sold out quickly after its release, with most regions reporting "out of stock" within half an hour. Scalpers are reselling the controllers on eBay at inflated prices, often using misleading listings that violate eBay's presale guidelines. Consumers can report these listings to eBay, which may lead to their removal. It is advised that buyers resist purchasing from scalpers and wait for standard-priced stock, as more shipments may be forthcoming and could resolve existing software issues with the controller.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

I got to play Dead as Disco early, and it’s a vivid, unrestrained romp that lets you brawl through music videos like a kung-fu Baby Driver

Harvey Randall has discovered a passion for the rhythm action game Dead as Disco, which features beat-driven combat against colorful adversaries and an emotional narrative about fame and personal connections. The game includes stunning visuals and an original soundtrack from professional musicians. Players can upgrade their skills and hideouts, and an endless mode offers various challenges. Users can also add their own music to the game. Future updates will introduce multiplayer features, genre challenges, and level creation tools. The game is set for early access launch on May 5.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

007 First Light devs accidentally gave Bond “magic powers” when creating his arsenal of gadgets

Gadgets are a key aspect of James Bond's character, serving as essential tools in his espionage activities. In the development of 007 First Light, Tom Marcham, Senior Combat Designer at IO Interactive, highlighted the extensive design process, which involved numerous iterations to ensure functionality within the game's environment. The gadgets allow for stealthy eliminations and unlock various pathways in the game. Some ambitious gadget concepts were discarded for straying too far from the essence of Bond, as the team aimed to maintain a grounded aesthetic consistent with the franchise's realistic tone. The game features innovative gadgets that enhance the overall experience while staying true to the spirit of Bond.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Two More ‘Day One’ Game Pass Titles Quietly Announced For 2026

Two new titles will join Xbox Game Pass in 2026: 1. Corsair Cove (PC, TBD 2026) - A city-builder set during the Golden Age of Piracy, where players battle against pirate hunters and manage a pirate haven. The exact release date is not specified but is confirmed for later this year. 2. Mariachi Legends (Xbox Series X, S, PC, Cloud, Q4 2026) - A pixel art Metroidvania game featuring intense combat in Mexico, where players control Pablo Cruz, a detective who can transform into La Sombra to fight evil. Both games will be available on day one through Xbox Game Pass.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Free Pokémon PC Game Is Yours To Play Before Wind And Waves

A new PC game called Pokémon Reloaded has been released in beta, offering a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the Game Boy Color era. It features a top-down exploration of Paldea, a real-time combat system, and a Pokedex with 900 Pokémon, including Mega evolutions. Currently in Beta version 1.9, it promises expanded regions and additional content in its full release. Pokémon Reloaded serves as a precursor to the upcoming Pokémon game, Winds and Waves, which will feature one of the largest maps in the series and new starter Pokémon.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Hack-and-Slash “SoulQuest” Vows Retribution Against the Gods Today on PC

SoulQuest, a hack-and-slash action adventure game developed by TomasJPereyra and published by Indie.io, was released on PC via Steam on May 1, 2026. Players control Alys, a widowed warrior seeking to reclaim her husband's soul from the Celtic gods, battling undead foes and confronting the goddess Morrigan. The game features fluid combat mechanics, a retro-styled world inspired by Celtic folklore and Arthurian legends, and a medieval soundtrack. SoulQuest is priced at .99 with a 20% launch discount and supports multiple languages. It is compatible with Steam Deck and can be wishlisted on Steam. SoulBlade Studios, founded in 2023, is the developer behind SoulQuest.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Half-Life

The absence of "Half-Life 3" is felt by fans of first-person sci-fi gaming, but there are alternative titles that capture similar gameplay experiences. "System Shock 2," released in 1999, is set aboard a starship in the 22nd century where players awaken from cryogenic sleep to find the crew transformed by alien parasites, featuring a partnership with the AI SHODAN. A remaster was released in 2025. "Deus Ex," launched in 2000, places players in a dystopian future as JC Denton, a cybernetically enhanced agent navigating conspiracies and making choices that affect humanity's future. "Quake 4," released in 2005, is a sequel to "Quake II," where players control Matthew Kane during an invasion of the Strogg home planet, focusing on single-player storytelling and refined gameplay. "Crysis," released in 2007, is set in 2020, where a Delta Force unit investigates an archaeological discovery and faces aliens and North Korean forces, emphasizing action and an engaging storyline. A remaster was released in 2020. "Metro 2033," based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel, immerses players in post-apocalyptic Moscow, where survivors live in the subway system and face hostile factions and mutated creatures, presenting a survival horror experience.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

My favorite dice roguelike just left early access, and it’s finally broken my Slay the Spire 2 streak

Die in the Dungeon has released its 1.0 update, marking a significant milestone since its early access debut in 2023. The game features a unique dice-centric combat system where players collect and strategically place dice on a board to perform actions. Different colored dice serve specific functions: red for damage, blue for defense, and green for healing, with additional modifier dice introducing further complexity. The update adds a new character, Nera, who uses the Broken Memento relic for counterplay. Players can now earn experience on every run, unlocking new dice, relics, and lore fragments. The codex has been expanded with detailed enemy information, and a new secret quest offers a chance to uncover the game's true ending. A new 'D8 difficulty' mode challenges players with a degrading dice mechanic. Die in the Dungeon 1.0 is available on Steam with a 35% launch discount until May 15. The development team expresses gratitude for community support and plans to continue updates based on player feedback.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2026

I’ve Tested Every Major Antivirus. Please Don’t Rely on Just Microsoft Defender

Securing all devices with antivirus protection is essential, and while free options can provide adequate defense, Microsoft claims that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is sufficient as the sole line of defense for Windows. Microsoft Defender has evolved since its inception in 1993, but historically it struggled against independent antivirus solutions. Microsoft argues that its telemetry is a better measure of effectiveness than lab scores, highlighting Defender's capabilities against running files, unsafe links, and unauthorized changes. However, it acknowledges that users with multiple devices may need third-party solutions, as Defender does not support non-Windows devices. Defender's phishing protection is limited to the Edge browser, and it lacks many features standard in other free antivirus solutions, such as dark web monitoring and VPN protection. Additionally, it does not utilize Windows Copilot for scam detection, leaving users vulnerable. Its user interface is also considered less intuitive compared to competitors. While Defender offers basic protection, it is not comprehensive enough for most users, who may benefit from exploring third-party antivirus options for enhanced security.