curiosity

AppWizard
July 29, 2025
Edens Zero is a video game developed and published by Konami, set to be released on July 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at .99. Players assume the role of Shiki, a boy living on the robot-run planet Granbell, who embarks on an adventure with Rebecca, a B-Cuber, after robots turn against humanity. The game features two modes: Story Mode, where players follow Shiki's journey and uncover his father's mysteries, and Exploration Mode, where players complete quests from the Adventurer’s Guild in Blue Garden. The game includes an innovative equipment system that allows for character appearance customization. Performance issues were noted on the Steam Deck, while a high-end PC setup provided a smoother experience. The art direction and character designs are praised, and the combat blends action RPG elements with beat 'em up styles. The game has both pros, such as engaging combat and extensive customization, and cons, including performance inconsistencies and repetitive quest design.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
Ubisoft announced a summer roadmap for Assassin's Creed Shadows, featuring a New Game Plus update launching on July 29. Key updates include a level cap increase from 60 to 80, new upgrades for hideout buildings, and the ability to change the time of day. Upcoming September updates will include region maps that unfog upon completing all viewpoints and uncapped cutscene framerates. The first expansion, Claws of Awaji, is scheduled for September 16, available for free to pre-orders and requiring completion of the main storyline. It will introduce new characters, gear, and a fresh narrative.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Mojang and Microsoft are collaborating with The Smurfs for a crossover in Minecraft, teased through a social media post featuring a pixelated Smurf and a mushroom emoji. The announcement is linked to the upcoming Smurfs film set for release in 2025. Expected additions to Minecraft include skins and costumes based on Smurfs characters, new mobs or NPCs like Papa Smurf and Smurfette, a themed world or map featuring a Smurf village, and size-shifting mechanics for gameplay. Players hope the update will be available on both Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions and accessible on the Minecraft Marketplace. Previous collaborations with films have included themed content, suggesting a similar approach for this crossover. The Minecraft content is anticipated to release shortly after the Smurfs movie in mid-July 2025.
AppWizard
July 18, 2025
In Pillars of Eternity's expansion, The White March: Part One, players encounter a character named Zahua, a martial artist hiding in a barrel of fish as part of his quest for self-debasement. Upon meeting the player, Zahua asks, "Are you real?" This interaction offers various dialogue choices, including responses like "Yes," "[Lie] Yes," and "There is no way to be certain." The character's introduction was designed by Eric Fenstermaker to convey Zahua's detachment from reality and to allow players to explore their interpretations of reality. Fenstermaker emphasizes the importance of player agency in RPGs, suggesting that if an NPC can reject reality, so can the player. He also reflects on the need for dialogue to facilitate self-expression and discovery for players, recognizing the diverse motivations they bring to the genre.
AppWizard
July 18, 2025
Nintendo has announced the return of the Nintendo Switch Online: Playtest Program, which is linked to a service previously explored in October 2024. The initial playtest saw players leaking information and streaming the software, despite non-disclosure agreements. A patent released in March indicated the involvement of directors Yusuke Amano and Tsubasa Sakaguchi, known for their work on the Splatoon series.
AppWizard
July 16, 2025
Google has introduced minimalistic app listings for certain system services in the Play Store, focusing on essential details and removing reviews and ratings to reduce user frustration and prevent review-bombing. This new format is being rolled out and is noticeable when users explore their installed apps, although it may not appear in standard searches.
AppWizard
July 11, 2025
Megan Ellis reflects on her educational journey, transitioning from a childhood interest in encyclopedias to using modern learning apps. She navigates various platforms to learn in bite-sized lessons due to time constraints. In a poll, 75% of respondents use only one learning app at a time, with none using multiple simultaneously, and 25% do not use any learning apps. 1. Mimo is a coding app that offers concise lessons tailored to individual learning paths. Ellis is taking an introductory Python course to enhance her coding skills. 2. Drops is a vocabulary app for language learning that allows users to select specific topics. It has a daily time limit unless users subscribe to a premium version. Ellis uses it to supplement her Mandarin vocabulary. 3. The Vocabulary app helps users expand their English vocabulary by allowing them to choose types of words to learn, including slang. It sends daily notifications and has a home screen widget for reminders. 4. Primer requires a subscription or scholarship for access. Ellis received a scholarship and explores short lessons in computer science and other topics of interest. 5. Reddit provides value through its communities, where Ellis joins subreddits related to her professional interests and other topics like zoology and history. 6. The Facts app offers daily trivia tailored to user interests, with customizable topics and a widget for easy access. Some content is subscription-based, but it aligns with her desire for quick learning experiences.
AppWizard
July 10, 2025
Game-based learning through Minecraft Education effectively engages students across various subjects, promoting critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity while equipping them with essential digital skills. The platform offers ready-to-use, standards-aligned resources in subjects like coding, AI, science, history, and math, transforming education into an enjoyable experience. Minecraft Education prepares students for a digital world by providing hands-on experiences that enhance digital citizenship, responsible AI usage, and coding fluency. Specific programs include "CyberSafe AI," which focuses on digital citizenship and AI literacy; "Hour of Code," which involves solving coding puzzles in a theater setting; and "GameCode," where students create their own mini-games. The platform also addresses core subjects and STEM education through immersive experiences like "Ocean Heroes," which teaches marine conservation; "Data Explorers," which emphasizes data collection and analysis; "Ratio Riddles," which engages students with foundational math concepts; "Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage," which explores architectural history; and the "James Webb Space Telescope Challenge," which invites students to explore the universe. Minecraft Education fosters creative classroom environments through activities like "Wheel of Steve," which enhances collaboration and critical thinking, and "Renewtopia," which teaches about renewable energy sources. The platform supports educators with resources and a community to integrate game-based learning effectively.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Borderlands 4 is set to release with a promise of improved storytelling, moving away from the "toilet humor" and meme culture of previous titles. Episode two of Beyond the Borderlands has generated optimism about the game's narrative potential, suggesting a more refined approach to storytelling. While the series has faced criticism for execution, it has maintained engaging gameplay. If Borderlands 4 successfully integrates a compelling story, it could enhance the overall experience for both new and returning players.
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