crafting systems Archives

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Chaotic new sandbox game MineMogul casts the automation of Satisfactory across vast, Minecraft-style tunnel networks

MineMogul is a game that combines industrial tunneling with automation and chaos, appealing to fans of engineering and automation. Players explore cave networks and transform abandoned tunnels into active hubs by using gathered resources to acquire new tools. The game features physics-based systems where resources are delivered in weighty lumps, requiring careful planning to manage overflow. A handheld magnet allows players to collect loose debris, but they must find a suitable location to deposit it. Developer Noodleforge has plans for future updates, including new quests, a contracts system, and enhancements to the physics engine. MineMogul is currently in early access on Steam, priced at .74 / £10.87 until December 14, after which the price will increase to .99 / £12.79. A free demo is available, though it lacks some features of the full version.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Minecraft x adidas “Three Stripes City” collab returns with fresh content and real-life merch

Mojang has collaborated with adidas to launch a new collection of apparel inspired by Minecraft, featuring items such as T-shirts, jackets, hoodies, pants, and a lunchbox. The collection is available across the Originals, Sportswear, and Terrex lines for kids and juniors, with drops scheduled throughout November and December. Players can also explore Three Stripes City, a new free world in the Minecraft Marketplace, which includes over 30 new biomes, 40 animal species, 45 food varieties, 350 new blocks, custom visual effects, an extensive armor overhaul, and more than 25 unique structures. Three Stripes City allows players to engage in athletic trials and collect resources to craft armor inspired by the adidas x Minecraft collection. The dynamic world concept offers customizable environments while maintaining the infinite nature of traditional Minecraft worlds. Additionally, players can team up with friends or use the adidas Adventurers add-on, featuring characters like Coach, Teammate, or Mascot, each providing unique perks. Both Three Stripes City and the adidas Adventurers add-on are available for free download at the Minecraft Marketplace.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

Keeper review

Keeper is an adventure game developed by Double Fine and published by Xbox Game Studios, set to release on October 17, 2025, for a price of .99. The game features a sentient lighthouse and a bird navigating a vibrant, post-apocalyptic world, with gameplay lasting approximately six hours. It avoids common gaming trends such as crafting systems and battle passes, focusing instead on a narrative that unfolds in a visually stunning environment. The gameplay includes manipulating time through the lighthouse's searchlight to solve puzzles and interact with hybrid creatures. The game transitions from serene exploration to exhilarating sequences, maintaining a captivating experience throughout.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

The MMOs we grew up with are gone, and it’s all our fault because we loved them to death

Players in modern MMOs experience a shift from organic interactions and quirky characters to a focus on efficiency and optimization, leading to a sense of loss for the past. The rise of streaming platforms and online guides has democratized knowledge, changing the relationship between players and hardcore raiders, who were once seen as enigmatic figures. The thrill of discovery has diminished, replaced by a culture of pre-written builds and optimal strategies. Communication has shifted from in-game chats to platforms like Discord, reducing the communal aspect of discovery. While there is nostalgia for earlier MMOs, the current landscape prioritizes convenience and accessibility, reflecting the diverse needs of players. The evolution of MMOs continues, adapting to new challenges and opportunities while maintaining a spirit of exploration and community.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

These 5 free add-ons make Minecraft Bedrock Edition feel brand new

Minecraft Bedrock Edition offers various free add-ons that enhance gameplay. These add-ons are compatible with platforms like Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 or 11. To install Bedrock add-ons, players can access the Marketplace, search for the add-on, and download it. After downloading, players must activate the add-ons in the world settings under Resource Packs. 1. Gravestone Add-On: Stores player items in a gravestone upon death, preventing loss from environmental hazards. 2. Uncrafting Items Add-On: Allows players to break down crafted items into base materials using an Uncrafting Table, though not for a full refund. 3. Echo Crystal Add-On: Introduces Echo Crystals that enable players to phase through blocks above them for exploration. 4. More TNT! Add-On: Adds various types of TNT with unique effects, including "Disco TNT" and "Colossal TNT." 5. Tinkers’ Construct Lite Add-On: Enhances tool crafting and customization, allowing players to build tools from different parts and materials, introducing new tools and a smelting system.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

They can’t keep getting away with this: Star Citizen has now raised over $800 million after 13 years, and it’s still in alpha

Chris Roberts, CEO of Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), expressed optimism about the release of Star Citizen, stating the company is closer than ever to achieving version 1.0 of the game, though no timeline was provided. Since its crowdfunding campaign began in 2012, CIG has raised over million, with the game generating over 0 million annually since 2022. Version 4.0 of the alpha was released in December 2024, introducing a server meshing feature. Despite advancements, the alpha version remains incomplete, with promised features still in development. Roberts indicated that overcoming server meshing was the last major technological barrier, and he assured fans that the envisioned gameplay would not take decades to materialize. However, as of now, Star Citizen remains in its alpha phase.

AppWizard

March 15, 2025

I was already sold on Atelier Yumia as an RPG, but I wasn’t expecting it to have my favorite crafting system in all of gaming

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories and the Envisioned Land features a crafting system that is integral to the narrative and gameplay, allowing players to create various items that enhance the game world. The crafting mechanics encourage exploration and experimentation rather than feeling tedious. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with a release date of March 21, 2025. The review was conducted on PC with an Nvidia RTX GeForce 3060 Ti graphics card, an AOC Gaming 24G2SP monitor, and a Razer Wolverine V3 Pro controller.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Our favourite demos from Steam Next Fest Winter 2025

The latest Steam Next Fest showcased a variety of indie games, encouraging players to explore unique demos. - DoubleWe: A first-person roguelite game where players navigate a world filled with tension, facing their murderous clone among twitching NPCs. - 1950s Delivery Game: A top-down delivery game set in the 1950s, featuring chaotic streets and absurd jobs for an underachieving courier, with destructible environments. - Wanderstop: A game centered on a grouchy protagonist, Alta, where players help him unwind and enjoy mundane tasks. - The Horror At Highrook: A cosmic horror board game that invites players to explore haunted environments and uncover hidden malevolence through card-crafting systems. - Hotline Miami-inspired Game: A game that allows players to switch perspectives and link environmental elements for strategic gameplay and destruction.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Stalker 2’s survival systems haven’t changed since the last game 15 years ago, and I’m not sure if I’m happy or disappointed

In 2007, Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl introduced a survival game experience that emphasized vulnerability and realism, contrasting with the power fantasies of its time. Players faced dangers like bleeding, radiation, and hunger, with no fast travel, requiring careful planning for resource management. Stalker 2, set for release in 2024, appears to maintain a simpler approach to survival mechanics, offering familiar gameplay elements such as a straightforward food system and easy weapon maintenance through NPCs. While this simplicity is comforting for many players, some survival enthusiasts express a desire for more depth, such as crafting systems and enhanced resource management, which could enrich the gameplay experience.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

Solo dev says he’s bucking against the survival ‘formula’ that makes them stale, and if you want to actually make an axe from scratch does he have the game for you

The author expresses a newfound appreciation for survival games despite initial hesitance due to their formulaic nature. Sergei Bezborodko, the developer of The Last Plague: Blight, aims to innovate within the genre by avoiding common tropes such as simplistic crafting systems and the presence of zombies. Instead, he incorporates a detailed crafting process that reflects real-life labor. The game draws inspiration from non-survival games, particularly in its mechanics. A demo of The Last Plague is available on Steam for players to experience.