consoles Archives

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

Gaming on Linux is better than ever — but it’s still bad

Linux has evolved significantly in the gaming sector, becoming a credible alternative to Microsoft for PC gaming, aided by tools like Proton and a dedicated community. However, challenges remain, such as compatibility issues and a lack of native Linux game versions. The introduction of DirectX by Microsoft solidified Windows as the primary gaming platform, creating a focus on Windows that disadvantages Linux. Proton allows many Windows games to run on Linux but does not create native versions, and essential software for graphics cards is often missing. Currently, Windows holds over a 95% share in the Steam hardware survey, while Linux accounts for only 2.69%. Despite progress, Linux still faces a long journey to become a mainstream gaming platform.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

4 classic PC games that prove just how well pixel art can age

Pixel graphics emerged as a limitation of hardware capabilities but have been embraced as an artistic choice, especially in indie games. A criterion of at least ten years since release is used to define "retro" games. Papers, Please: Players act as a border checkpoint officer in a totalitarian state, balancing duty and family needs. The game utilizes pixel art for its static user interface and characters, maintaining its unique visual identity over a decade later. Platform: Steam. RollerCoaster Tycoon: Known for its iconic pixel art, the game features vibrant landscapes that complement its amusement park theme. Its late-90s aesthetic remains impressive even two decades after release. Shovel Knight: Launched over a decade ago, it pays homage to retro 2D platformers with an 8-bit-inspired aesthetic. The game blends nostalgia with originality, featuring backgrounds that enhance gameplay. Backyard Baseball: A late '90s arcade-style baseball simulation known for its distinctive art style and memorable characters. The pixelated character models are well-defined, showcasing impressive pixel artistry. Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch. PC games may not always match the pixel artistry of console games from the 80s and 90s, but there are many iconic pixel art games from that era and the early 2010s.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Despite limping on Steam charts with a 24-hour peak of less than 200, FBC: Firebreak hits 1 million players milestone—and, let’s face it, it’s probably Game Pass

FBC: Firebreak, Remedy's multiplayer shooter, has a peak player count of 169 on Steam and a 'mixed' rating with a score of 60%. However, over one million players have engaged with the game, indicating a broader interest. The game is available on Game Pass, which may contribute to its player base. Criticism has been directed at its progression system, which is seen as stingy and requiring repetitive gameplay to unlock content. Despite some enjoyment, many players express a desire for a different game. The future success of FBC: Firebreak may depend on converting its player interest into sales.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

PlayStation PC Games Are Now On Xbox, Sort Of

Microsoft has introduced a feature in its Xbox PC app that allows users to access a gaming library from various PC storefronts, including Epic and Steam, enabling players to view popular PlayStation games available on PC, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales. While these games can be viewed in the Xbox app, they will not include Xbox achievements or enhanced functionalities. Microsoft is pursuing a strategy to transform Xbox into a platform similar to Steam, focusing on collaboration rather than direct competition. Xbox president Sarah Bond has indicated a vision for a more interconnected gaming ecosystem with the next generation of Xbox consoles. Microsoft has canceled plans for a dedicated Xbox handheld device and is instead supporting third-party devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and collaborating with Meta on the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

The First Berserker: Khazan New Update Introduces AMD FSR 3 and 4 Support on PC, Balance and System Changes and More

A new update for The First Berserker: Khazan has been released on PC and consoles, featuring support for AMD FSR 3 and FSR 4 on AMD Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs, provided users have the Adrenalin driver version 25.6.1 or later. The update includes free downloadable content such as new armor sets, hairstyles for character customization, balance adjustments, changes to difficulty settings, gear tweaks, and user interface improvements. Comprehensive update notes are available on Steam. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Will College Football 26 be on PC? What about PS4 and Xbox One? Here’s why it won’t

EA Sports has announced that Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State and Ryan Williams from Alabama will be on the cover of College Football '26. The game is set to release on July 7 for pre-orders of the Deluxe Edition and on July 10 for general release. College Football '26 will not be available for PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One. The game will be released exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the Standard Edition priced at .99, the Deluxe Edition at .99, and the MVP Bundle at .99.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Gloomy Eyes, a Tim Burton-esque Cozy Horror Adventure Game, Announced for PC and Consoles

Gloomy Eyes is a cozy horror game developed by Fishing Cactus, featuring two main characters: Gloomy, a gentle zombie boy, and Nena, a playful human girl. The game is set in a dark world where the living and undead are in conflict, and the characters embark on a quest to restore daylight. Players alternate between controlling Gloomy and Nena, solving puzzles that test creativity and problem-solving skills. The game features intricately designed diorama levels and a unique soundtrack. Gloomy Eyes will be released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch later this year, and is available for wishlisting on Steam.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Will Death Stranding 2 release on PC and Xbox?

Death Stranding 2 is a PlayStation exclusive with no current plans for a release on PC or Xbox. It is designed to utilize the advanced capabilities of the PS5 and PS5 Pro, making it incompatible with the PS4. Sony is the exclusive publisher for this title. There have been no official announcements regarding a PC release. Hideo Kojima's studio is also working on another project titled OD (Overdose) in collaboration with Xbox Games Studios, but it is still in early development.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

It’s been so long since I played a 30 fps console game, it took me a week to realize Death Stranding 2 was literally giving me headaches

The author experienced persistent headaches after playing Death Stranding 2, initially attributing them to various factors like dehydration and hunger. The headaches intensified after playing the game at its default 30 frames per second setting, which contrasted with the author's usual gaming experience on PC at 60 fps. After discovering the performance mode that locks the framerate at 60 fps, the author switched to it and noticed an immediate improvement in gameplay responsiveness and a reduction in headaches. The author reflects on how accustomed they have become to higher frame rates, noting that the camera movement at 30 fps contributed to feelings of queasiness. After adjusting to the performance mode, the author was headache-free after over 20 hours of gameplay. The author appreciates that Death Stranding 2 offers a performance mode and anticipates that the eventual PC port will provide an even better experience.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Isometric narrative mystery adventure game Pera Coda announced for consoles, PC

Turkish game developer Elyzio and its subsidiary Falan have announced Pera Coda, an isometric narrative mystery adventure set in a surreal reimagining of Istanbul. The game features a protagonist named Deniz, an attorney navigating a subconscious limbo between life and death, focusing on themes of guilt, regret, and the search for peace. Players will engage in impactful dialogue choices and solve layered environmental puzzles, exploring Deniz’s traumatic memories. The game draws inspiration from titles like Disco Elysium and Outer Wilds, and emphasizes a rich psychological narrative with branching dialogue and puzzle integration. Pera Coda utilizes an accessible point-and-click mechanic and is designed with visually striking environments that reflect the emotional depth of the story. Specific console and PC platforms have not yet been disclosed, nor has a release date been confirmed.