depth Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

You can just bypass Fable’s ‘complex, nuanced’ reputation system with enough gold

The reboot of Fable features a 30-minute gameplay demonstration showcasing an innovative reputation system that influences player interactions with over a thousand NPCs. Players earn reputational adjectives based on their actions, affecting how NPCs perceive them. Choices such as sparing a life can earn titles like "merciful," while reckless actions may lead to a "reckless" reputation. Players can alter their reputation by paying a fee to a town crier, raising questions about the balance between gameplay challenge and convenience. The developers note that negative reputations, like "killer" or "criminal," will persist unless players invest time to amend them or pay for intervention. This duality reflects trends in RPG design, where the complexity of choices can conflict with the desire for a smooth gameplay experience. The mechanics of the reputation system promise nuanced interactions and varied outcomes based on player decisions.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

“It is intentional” Microsoft says Windows 11’s broken folder icons are by design. Here’s what’s going on.

In the June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 and Windows 10, Microsoft implemented a change that prevents custom folder icons and localized folder names from appearing if derived from an untrusted "desktop.ini" file. Users may initially perceive this as a bug, as folders may revert to default settings without user intervention. To maintain customizations, organizations should add trusted sources to the "Trusted Sites" list via Control Panel. Businesses can enable the "Allow the use of remote paths in file shortcut icons" policy through the Group Policy Editor, although this may reduce security. Users can also remove the Mark-of-the-Web tag from trusted "desktop.ini" files using PowerShell commands. This update reflects a broader trend of prioritizing security over customization in the operating system.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II Blows the Doors of the ARPG Wide Open

Minecraft Dungeons II features a new narrative and an expansive Overworld map, adding new gear slots and various gameplay enhancements. It is designed for co-op play, appealing to both casual gamers and ARPG enthusiasts. The game will launch on September 29 and be available on multiple platforms, including XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, cloud services, Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with no additional cost for Game Pass subscribers. The sequel offers a contiguous, interconnected world with dungeons and includes a jumping mechanic for enhanced exploration.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

18 embargoes from Summer Game Fest just lifted, so let’s rank everything I saw in LA

Morgan Park attended a recent gaming showcase featuring various titles with mixed reactions from attendees. Grave Seasons had a demo focused on introducing townsfolk and watering seeds, with a plot twist involving a murderer left unexplored. Resident Evil: Veronica was presented in a Capcom theater segment that included a Q&A with producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, but offered little new information. Join Us combined management sim and third-person shooter mechanics, allowing players to expand a cult's influence while fending off a gang. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 aimed for a Left 4 Dead-style co-op experience, but early impressions noted a lack of excitement in shooting mechanics. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game impressed with its faithful recreation of the Nickelodeon show's aesthetic and attention to detail in character movesets. Gears of War: E-Day showcased visual engagement but revealed little about gameplay evolution, confirming a shift to 4v4 PvP modes. Bad Magpie featured whimsical chaos-driven gameplay, allowing players to disrupt a soccer match among mice. The Wolf Among Us 2 demonstrated smoother animations and an immersive experience through Unreal 5 and motion capture. Spyro: A Realm Beyond hinted at new gameplay mechanics, including an innovative flight system. Blood Message offered a grounded action gameplay experience set in the late Tang dynasty, blending stealth and combat. Stupid Never Dies featured a zombie protagonist who absorbs enemy powers in a roguelite format. Fable highlighted an intricate social sandbox system with various activities, though some interactions felt mechanical. Onimusha: Way of the Sword showcased exceptional combat mechanics, while N+ Infinity Times Two provided an exciting multiplayer platforming experience, particularly in its Tag mode.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II wants to grow up, just like its players

Minecraft Dungeons II features key enhancements in gameplay, including gear customization that allows players to equip multiple armor pieces with distinct stats and perks, improved exploration with the ability to jump and a more interconnected world design, and increased difficulty tailored for a more experienced audience. Combat has been made more robust, with greater challenges presented by enemies, and inventory management has been improved with color-coded loot for better organization in multiplayer settings. The game is set to launch on September 29 across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2: Expanding Exploration and Co-op Action

Minecraft Dungeons 2 was showcased at a private Xbox event in Los Angeles. The game features an interconnected world for exploration, allowing players to pursue objectives in larger environments. It introduces verticality, enabling players to jump and execute jump attacks. The art style has been refined, with concept art used during loading screens. Multiplayer gameplay supports solo play or teaming up with up to three others, both online and locally. The combat system retains exhilarating action while introducing new items and effects, with no distinct character classes. Players can equip four armor slots and utilize new equipment types like artifacts and talismans. A mini-inventory system has been implemented for quick equipment management. The demo took place in the Deep Dark biome, featuring familiar and new mobs, and included a challenging boss fight that emphasized teamwork. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to launch on September 29 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

After 3,000 hours spent in Total War: Warhammer, 40k’s gameplay reveal has me convinced this one might genuinely end me

The author recalls their first encounter with Morrowind and Rome: Total War, which sparked a love for RPGs and strategy games, respectively. They have spent over 6,000 hours in Rome: Total War, which has maintained consistency over 25 years. The gaming community is looking forward to Total War: Warhammer 40k, with recent gameplay footage and a closed beta announcement. The game will focus on Armageddon, featuring iconic characters and diverse campaigns for different factions. Tactical dynamics will involve the Astra Militarum, Orks, Space Marines, and Eldar, with an emphasis on strategic use of cover and new units. Impressive bombardment mechanics have also been revealed. The author initially expected a release in 2028, but now anticipates a launch next year.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition

The Coalition has introduced the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition, which includes the Xbox Series X Premium Edition of the game and various collectible items. Pre-orders are open, with the Collector’s Edition launching on October 1, 2026, and the global release of Gears of War: E-Day on October 6, 2026. Key features of the Collector’s Edition include a 15-inch collectible statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, a SteelBook with artwork by Luke Preece, replica COG tags, a photograph of the characters, a premium art print of the Feral Wretch, and a thank-you note from the development team. The package also offers early access to the game, a weapon pack, customization packs, and in-game currency. The Collector’s Edition will be available for Xbox Series X and Steam, with limited quantities for pre-order.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

CD Projekt Red’s mysterious Project Hadar will be an ’emotional, open-world experience’ similar to The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk

CD Projekt Red is developing several projects, including The Witcher 4, Cyberpunk 2, and a new intellectual property called Project Hadar. As of March 2026, the foundation for Project Hadar has been established, focusing on creating an emotional, open-world experience with a narrative-driven approach. Job listings indicate that the game will include quests and non-playable characters (NPCs) and may feature melee combat. Additionally, a third expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, titled Songs of the Past, is being developed by Fool's Theory and is expected to be substantial in scope, similar to the Blood & Wine expansion.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Mina the Hollower has the best sidequests of any game in 2026

Mina the Hollower has captivated players with its nostalgic charm, reminiscent of Shovel Knight, and has garnered positive feedback from its Kickstarter supporters. The game is described as "pure joy," with a design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and a modest install size. Its level design features intricate, labyrinthine landscapes comparable to those created by FromSoftware. After three days of release, the game achieved sales of 300,000 copies. Engaging side quests, such as escorting a bioluminescent moth that transforms into a challenging boss, add depth to the gameplay. The game encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, similar to the storytelling found in The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.