companionship Archives

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 30, 2026

I’m unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill

Vivix, a new studio formed by former developers of Dead Space, Control, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, has announced their game titled Artificial Detective during the Xbox Partner Preview. The game is set in a futuristic city where humanity has disappeared, and players will assume the role of a robotic detective. The gameplay involves exploring the city using a "flying streetcar" across ten districts, with opportunities for combat, stealth, and environmental interaction. Players will be accompanied by a small child and a robotic dog. The game is expected to blend action and exploration, with a release planned for next year.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

I’m unsure how much of a detective game Artificial Detective will be, but I enjoyed the bit in the trailer when your character attacks a robot with a massive drill

Vivix, a new studio formed by former developers from titles like Dead Space and Control, has announced a game called Artificial Detective during the Xbox Partner Preview. The game is set in a dystopian future where humanity has vanished, and players take on the role of a robotic detective in a city dominated by machines and afflicted animals. It features nonlinear gameplay with sandbox-style encounters, including the ability to ride a flying streetcar across ten districts. Players will be accompanied by a small child and a robotic dog. The game is expected to blend action and investigation, with a release planned for next year.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

With 100,000 Steam wishlists after 3 days, Cat Parents devs “never imagined” this response, and I’m surprised they’re surprised: it’s a game where you “save cats, give them love, care, and a place to call home”

Gaze in Games' new game, Cat Parents, has reached 100,000 wishlists on Steam within three days of its announcement. The game allows players to rescue and care for stray cats, either solo or with a friend. CEO Solvita Zacha expressed gratitude for the game's rapid success and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with high player expectations. Cat Parents is marked as "coming soon" on Steam.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Oragnized Inside is the perfect follow-up to Unpacking and A Little to the Left, as you trail a stray cat around town and tidy up as you go

Organized Inside is a new game in the cosy gaming genre where players follow a little black cat to tidy up various locations, including a pet store, dorm room, and kitchen. One task involves preparing a stranger's train compartment. The game features engaging mechanics and soothing aesthetics, making it appealing for players seeking comfort in their gaming experiences. A free demo of the game lasts 20 minutes and suggests it is worthy of inclusion in a Steam library.

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.