companions Archives

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Pixel Party Free Add On

Two friends visited an arcade filled with games and competed for leaderboard positions, winning prizes such as cosmetic items and food. They announced the release of the free Chaos Cubed: Pixel Party add-on by Hogskull Labs, which includes a quest to find the Arcade Cave containing five unique arcade machines. Players can engage in minigames that utilize sulfur cube physics, such as Netherball, Metal Mania, Paint Frenzy, and Void Pinball. Completing challenges in these games can earn players collectible pet spawners, while the Rewards Kiosk offers cosmetics, plushies, and consumables based on performance. The add-on also provides tools for creative players to build their own arcade experiences in Creative Mode. The add-on is available at the Minecraft Marketplace and requires Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

007: First Light was originally going to be less about James Bond and more of ‘an ensemble piece’, with ‘all the 00s working together, as they do in Slovakia’

In 007: First Light, characters Cressida Bright and Lennox Monroe are introduced alongside James Bond, presenting a unique narrative twist where Bond has flatmates. Initially, the game appears to be an ensemble piece featuring camaraderie among 00 agents during training sequences. However, after a failed operation in Slovakia, most of Bond's fellow trainees die, leaving him aligned primarily with his mentor, Greenway. This shift from an ensemble dynamic to focusing on Bond's individual journey is a deliberate narrative choice made by lead writer Michael Vogt, emphasizing Bond's character evolution and the harsh realities of his profession. The initial intention to include Cressida and Monroe as integral companions was significant in early development, and their absence enhances the emotional depth of Bond's story.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

Minecraft and Hytale’s devs agreed their games needed to feel “more different.” Now it’s finally happening.

Hypixel Studios has revealed a new vision for Hytale, distinguishing it from Minecraft. Game Director Simon Collins-Laflamme noted a conversation with Minecraft's Chief Creative Officer, Jens 'Jeb' Bergensten, who expressed a desire for Hytale to develop its own identity. Bergensten acknowledged Hytale's polish but preferred playing Minecraft, prompting Collins-Laflamme to emphasize the importance of Hytale's unique features, which were not yet present in the game. The recent Chapter 1 preview showcases significant differences, including handcrafted dungeons with multi-phase boss fights, enhanced combat abilities, runeforging for customization, immersive world events, and companions in the crafting loop. Collins-Laflamme aims for Hytale to evolve into a deeper RPG experience, stating it is only at the beginning of its journey. The differentiation benefits both Hytale and Minecraft, allowing them to thrive in their respective niches. Other voxel-based games, like Everwind and Vintage Story, further demonstrate the variety of gameplay experiences possible within the voxel style.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Raids just landed in solo ‘simulated MMO’ Erenshor

Erenshor is a solo MMO that features computer-controlled NPCs called "simplayers" and has recently introduced guilds and party formations. The Planar March patch, released last Monday, added raids to the game, which the developer Brian described as a significant update. The game has a "very positive" rating on Steam, with 94% of user reviews recommending it. Erenshor allows players to engage in gameplay without the need to coordinate schedules for traditional raids, offering a blend of grinding and strategic encounters reminiscent of classic MMOs.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

For years, survival games have convinced us that chopping down 400 trees is somehow part of the fantasy—Palworld proves them wrong

Survival games often involve repetitive tasks like gathering resources and building bases. Palworld, released on Steam's early access, differentiates itself by allowing players to capture "Pals" that perform laborious tasks, reducing the grind typical of the genre. Players initially engage in standard survival activities but can later assign Pals to chop wood, water crops, gather resources, and manage planting and harvesting. This transforms the player's base into a self-sustaining entity, enabling them to explore without the anxiety of leaving their base unattended. The game encourages players to consider the utility of Pals in addition to their combat abilities, allowing for a more dynamic gameplay experience. Palworld retains core survival mechanics while minimizing repetitive tasks, focusing on adventure and exploration.

AppWizard

July 17, 2026

Loot, Battle, Repeat: Minecraft Dungeons II Launches Soon

Minecraft Dungeons II is set to be released on September 29, 2026, by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven. The game will expand gameplay across two unique realms, introducing new biomes and aggressive mob variants. It retains the fast-paced, isometric, top-down action of the original while enhancing RPG mechanics and exploration opportunities. The game will feature full cross-platform support for online multiplayer and local couch co-op play.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Another Spiderweb RPG that looks like it was made in 1993 drops on Kickstarter and immediately crushes its goal

Spiderweb Software is remaking the 2005 classic Geneforge 3, now titled Geneforge 3: Detonation. The Kickstarter campaign for the remake exceeded its funding goal within 24 hours, indicating strong support from the fanbase. The Geneforge series consists of five games that explore a world ruled by wizards called "Shapers," who can create life and maintain strict control over their creations. The narrative delves into themes of autonomy and rebellion as some creations exhibit intelligence. Jeff Vogel, co-founder of Spiderweb Software, noted that the original concept of the series was groundbreaking in 1994, attracting long-term fans. The new remake aims to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Epic Games drops new free PC line-up with RPG and horror that’ll save you $55

A selection of complimentary games is available at the Epic Games Store for PC users until July 23 at 4 PM BST. The first game, Luto, is a psychological horror title developed by Broken Bird Games, typically priced at .99, with a gameplay duration of three to five hours. It has a Metacritic score of 79 and 85% of Steam reviews categorized as very positive. The second game, Echo Generation: Midnight Edition, is a turn-based RPG developed by Cococucumber, usually priced at .99, with a gameplay duration of approximately 10 to 12 hours. It has a Metacritic score of 75 and a Steam rating of 92%.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

The Last of Us and Valheim collide in surprise free PC game, days left to claim

KeepUp Survival is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store until 5 PM BST on July 19. The game, developed by Witte Studio, features a narrative that begins with a global pandemic and involves players as the sole survivor of a crash on a remote island. Players engage in resource gathering, crafting, and base building in an open-world environment with no strict objectives. The game includes voice recordings from a character named Jill, hinting at sinister occurrences related to a research facility. A free beta for a zombie expansion is available on Steam. KeepUp Survival is typically priced at .99 / £12.79. Players can tame dogs, manage hunger, thirst, and exhaustion, and explore using various vehicles, with a dynamic day and night cycle enhancing the experience.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

The most deranged videogame challenge run I’ve seen: A no-hit playthrough of the ‘Unfair’ difficulty in a 100-hour RPG

Davey Gunface, a YouTuber, achieved a no-hit playthrough on the Unfair difficulty setting of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. This game is known for its challenging nature, requiring skill and an understanding of build optimization. Gunface used a specific character build: Human Witch of the Veil 10 / Loremaster 9 / Rowdy Rogue 1, and employed strategies like sacrificing starter companions' builds to survive early levels. His journey includes notable characters like the Rowdy Rogue and Sabertooth Tiger pets. Gunface's full video documenting this achievement is three hours long and available on YouTube.