companionship Archives

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 28, 2025

A game about giant, helpless teddy bears fleeing a dying world may be a bit on the nose right now, but it’s also my favorite game of 2025

Herdling, developed by Okomotive, is a light puzzle adventure game that focuses on nurturing rather than violence. Players guide a calicorn, a majestic creature, through a world affected by neglect, emphasizing themes of life, hope, and companionship. The gameplay involves herding the calicorns through various landscapes while facing challenges that require strategic thinking. The bond between the player and the calicorns creates a sense of responsibility, and players must navigate obstacles while maintaining the creatures' trust and safety. The game features simple mechanics, artistic design, and atmospheric soundscapes, fostering emotional engagement and empathy.

AppWizard

December 6, 2025

PC gaming’s best inventory system is hidden in this obscure post-apocalyptic roguelike from the dawn of the survival craze

Neo Scavenger is a roguelike survival game released in 2014, set in a post-apocalyptic Michigan. Players awaken in an abandoned research facility and must navigate a hex-based landscape while uncovering their character's identity. The game features a unique grid-based inventory system that reflects real-world physics, starting players with no inventory and emphasizing the urgency of scavenging. Items like clothing and plastic bags provide storage and enhance realism, allowing for creative uses of everyday objects. Players can encounter larger inventory solutions and utilize a crafting system for tools and shelters. The game presents challenges such as hunger, thirst, and hostile factions, requiring players to make critical decisions for survival. The narrative explores moral ambiguity as players may pursue other survivors for resources.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

Stardew Valley’s medieval fantasy cousin now lets you collect adorable pets and kill off NPCs

Mirthwood's latest update, the Foundations update, introduces new features such as seasonal festivals, pets, and random world events. Three recurring festivals have been added: All Hallows Eve, the Festival of Blossoms, and the Summer Solstice, each featuring special vendors with 35 exclusive items. Players can now have pets, including cats and dogs, which help with farm tasks and alert to intruders. The update also includes 35 new random events, like Bandit Raids and Vermin Plagues. A significant new feature is the mortality of NPCs, where players can lose characters due to neglect or failure to complete quests, with a tombstone system to memorialize them. The Foundations update is currently available, with a 30% discount on Steam until December 2, and a free demo is offered.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Forget Half-Life 3, the talking rat in Fatekeeper’s latest trailer is the best thing you’ll see this week

Fatekeeper is a grimdark first-person slasher game developed by Paraglacial using Unreal Engine 5, inspired primarily by Hexen rather than Dark Messiah. The game features a talking rat companion that offers cryptic advice and has gained popularity among players. It emphasizes character progression, tactical choices, and exploration, allowing players to evolve their characters into various archetypes. The combat is designed to be challenging yet not overly punishing, with hints of a Soulslike experience. Fatekeeper is set to be released as an early access title in 2026.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Livly Island – Adopt Cute Pets For Android

Livly Island is a mobile game developed by cocone ONE corporation where users can adopt and nurture creatures called Livlies. There are over 70 species of Livlies, which can change color based on their diet and produce jewels for in-game purchases. Players can customize their avatars and decorate their islands. The game includes features like nurturing magical trees to transform Livlies using a potion called Neobelmin. Additionally, players can work part-time at the Livly Reboot Laboratory to earn rewards.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Top 10 AI Chatbot Apps for Android in 2025 – Try Free

In 2025, AI chatbots have become essential daily companions for millions of Android users, assisting with various tasks such as content brainstorming, travel planning, language learning, and engaging conversations. The Google Play Store features numerous innovative AI companions that integrate well with mobile devices, most offering free or freemium access. Key trends include optimization for mobile use, support for multiple AI models, and affordable access to generative AI. The top AI chatbot apps for Android in 2025 include: 1. ChatGPT by OpenAI: Best overall experience with fast responses and a memory feature. 2. Google Gemini: Deep integration with Google services, ideal for productivity. 3. Claude AI by Anthropic: Best for writing and reasoning, with a focus on long-form content. 4. DeepSeek AI: Lightweight and completely free, popular in emerging markets. 5. Nova AI Chatbot: Allows switching between multiple AI models in one app. 6. Meta AI Assistant: Integrated within social media platforms for casual use. 7. Chatbot AI: User-friendly with multi-model support, ideal for beginners. 8. Replika AI: Focuses on emotional support and companionship. 9. Brave Leo AI: Privacy-first chatbot that does not collect personal data. 10. Chatbox AI: Feature-rich with support for various interactions across multiple models. The selection criteria for evaluating these apps include performance, user interface, model variety, free access, privacy and security, and Android optimization. Future developments in AI chatbots may include on-device processing, contextual memory, distinct voice personas, and enhanced tool integration.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

After 14-and-a-half years and over $500k raised for charity, Minecraft YouTuber KurtJMac finally reaches the Far Lands

YouTuber KurtJMac reached the Far Lands in Minecraft after nearly 15 years of exploration, starting his journey in March 2011 with a project called "Far Lands or Bust." He adhered to a no-mods policy and traveled in a straight line to uncover this glitched area. He achieved this milestone during Day 69 of a 2025 sub-a-thon, revealing the floating land masses at 3:43:30 into the stream. The Far Lands are a glitch from earlier Minecraft versions, resulting in surreal landscapes, and while they have been patched in later updates, they remain a significant part of Minecraft lore. Kurt's journey was marked by challenges, including vast expanses of instability, and he was accompanied by his dog, Wolfie. A former co-creator of Path of Exile commented that Minecraft is a hardcore action RPG in disguise, claiming it to be more challenging than Path of Exile.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

Spindle Confirms Mid-October Release For PC & Switch

Indie game developer Wobble Ghost, in collaboration with publisher Deck13, announced that their game Spindle will be released on October 13, 2025, for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch. The game features a protagonist, the Grim Reaper, who navigates a chaotic world alongside a pig companion to uncover the source of death's cessation. Spindle offers an immersive experience in a pixel art universe, with shadowy dungeons, intricate puzzles, and formidable foes, while allowing players to utilize Death's unique abilities. The game aims to evoke nostalgia with its design and narrative, inviting players to explore and solve secrets within its environments.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

5 Features Minecraft Still Needs to Add After 15 Years (Including a Big Villagers Upgrade)

Minecraft has been a popular game for over 15 years and continues to evolve with updates. Players hope for the following features in the next update: 1. More End structures with improved loot to enhance the End dimension. 2. Expanded roles for existing mobs to provide more versatility and utility. 3. New crops, such as tomatoes and beans, to diversify farming options. 4. More villager jobs, including new professions like Netherologist and Engineer, to enrich gameplay. 5. An expanded selection of tameable pets, including hamsters and lizards, to enhance companionship in the game.