design Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Soulslike Game The Relic: First Guardian Sets July 31 PC and PS5 Launch, with Xbox and Switch 2 to Follow

Publisher Perp Games and developer Project Cloud Games announced that The Relic: First Guardian will be released on July 31 for PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5, moving up from its initial 2025 release date. Ports for Xbox Series S and X, as well as Nintendo Switch 2, are expected later in the summer. An exclusive retail version for PlayStation 5 will be available on September 4. The game is set in the world of Arsiltus, where players act as a First Guardian to combat a blight. It features over 70 boss encounters, five weapon types, and twelve skill trees, allowing for personalized builds. The stamina system is designed for dodging and blocking only, freeing players to attack without resource constraints. Progression is based on collectible items called Relics, which offer over 70 passive effects that enhance combat dynamics. PC system requirements have not yet been disclosed.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Both Final Fantasy 7 remakes are dirt cheap right now in a franchise sale—but I think you should play FF12 and enjoy the series’ best combat system at a discount, too

The first installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake is priced around £12, and its sequel, Rebirth, is approximately £16 during a sale on Steam. Final Fantasy 12 is available for £11 and features a unique combat system known as the Gambit system, which allows players to set conditional commands for party members. The Zodiac Age version includes enhancements such as accelerated gameplay. FF12 is characterized by its grand adventure, political intrigue, and the partnership between characters Balthier and Fran.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

This week in PC games: a trio of surreal shooters, a big Stellaris expansion, and a new RPG from Octopath Traveller devs

This week features the Steam Next Fest, showcasing numerous game demos and playtests. Notable new game releases include: - Stellaris: Nomads: Introduces migrant civilizations with planet-scale spaceships in a 4X strategy game. - Day Trade Coach: A stock market trading simulator with a live news feed and professional trading terminal interface. - Mole: Players pilot a drill guided by whispers from the deceased in a whimsical setting. - Alaric: A "boomer shooter" with metroidvania design elements. - Copa City: A football management game set in 2026, focusing on the chaos of fan influx. - GoblinAmerica: An early access FPS where players embody US presidents to restore order and rewrite history. - The Last Salvage Squad: Features anime robots battling UFOs. - A four-dimensional chess game concept. Additional noteworthy titles include: - R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos: A remastered collection of turn-based PSP R-Type games. - The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales: An action-RPG with "2D-HD" graphics by veterans of Octopath Traveller. - Mech Spa: A nurturing game focused on mechs. - Mythic Love: Iberian Legends: An otome visual novel exploring Iberian folklore. - The Quiet Things: An autobiographical narrative addressing childhood trauma. - Moon River: A short RPG where players navigate a river revealed by moonlight, marking its full release. The Treehouse team is engaged in various activities, including urban adventures, exploring fungal brains, and artistic projects.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

PC Free Game Giveaway Includes 2025 Hit And Saves You $30, But Time Is Limited

A new selection of free games is available on the Epic Games Store until 4 PM BST on Thursday, June 18. Players can claim these games for free, and once acquired, they are theirs to keep indefinitely, playable on PC or compatible devices. The featured game, Warhammer 40K Speed Freeks, is a combat racing game that typically retails for .99 and has an 85% player score on Steam. It allows customization of vehicles and supports cross-play with PlayStation and Xbox users. Another game, The Ouroboros King, a roguelike for chess fans, offers a saving of .99 and has an 81% rating on Steam. It combines chess strategy with roguelike elements. A new selection of free games will be released on June 18, including Citizen Sleeper and ROBOBEAT.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Claude Fable 5 built Minecraft clone in 20 minutes, X user claims | ‘Generating games is just gonna be the way’

An X user created a Minecraft clone in 20 minutes using Anthropic's AI model, Claude Fable 5. The game features multiple biomes, day-night cycles, a variety of ores, and intricate caves.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

What’s New With Windows 11 in 2026

Windows 11, introduced by Microsoft in 2021, has evolved into a simpler and more attractive platform while retaining familiarity. As of 2026, it continues to enhance features and address customer feedback. Microsoft now releases a new version of Windows 11 annually, with each version supported for two years for Home and Pro editions. Currently, versions 24H2 and 25H2 are supported and functionally identical, while the new 26H1 version is for laptops with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. The hardware requirements have become more lenient, and Microsoft has introduced a Copilot+ PC brand for high-end machines with advanced microprocessors. Updates have been revamped for a more predictable experience, and users can manage updates through new options. The user interface has been refined with a modern aesthetic, including Light and Dark modes, centered Taskbar icons, and an evolved Start menu. Windows 11 supports multitasking with familiar tools like Alt + Tab and enhanced Snap features. File Explorer has been updated with a modern interface and integration with OneDrive. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a broader selection of apps, and Microsoft Edge is bundled with Windows 11, although it has faced criticism for overriding user preferences. Windows 11 includes preloaded apps leveraging AI, such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with updated core applications. It supports gaming with a dedicated Xbox app and Game Pass subscriptions, and simplifies user account management with robust security features like Windows Hello. For power users, it offers a modern Terminal app and advanced configuration options in the Settings app.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper

On October 22, 2009, Japan launched Windows 7, accompanied by a unique promotional item: a roll of toilet paper featuring Windows 7 branding and details about its enhancements. This marketing strategy was similar to the previous promotion for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. The toilet paper included messages about Windows 7's speed, security, and compatibility improvements, with sections detailing faster startup times, enhanced memory management, a streamlined user interface, and security features like the Action Center and BitLocker To Go. Networking capabilities were improved with HomeGroup, and Windows Media Center expanded its functionality. The design of the promotional toilet paper allowed users to revisit key points easily, and some versions mimicked Windows software boxes. This initiative was driven by local retailers, reflecting Japan's trend of quirky promotions in the electronics retail sector.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Spore devs say the evolution game’s previews were more ambitious than what they were actually making, and they ‘built a fantasy in people’s minds that was unachievable’

Spore was initially envisioned as an expansive simulation game that allowed players to evolve from a unicellular organism to a spacefaring alien, but the final product turned out to be a collection of sci-fi minigames with a cartoonish character creation engine. The game's creator, Will Wright, introduced concepts like "procedural verbs" for evolving societies, but many of these ideas were not fully realized in the final version. Features such as an aquatic stage were cut from the game, which has led to ongoing interest and documentation by fans. Despite mixed reviews, Spore has influenced contemporary games, including the roguelike Everything Is Crab.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

‘I try to play as a completionist and leave no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled’: Returnal director Harry Krueger talks Deus Ex, Resident Evil, and the arcade classic that inspired Housemarque’s best games

Harry Krueger began his journey in PC gaming with Quake 3: Arena and later became a programmer at Housemarque, working on games like Outland and Resogun. He served as Game Director for Nex Machina in 2017 and Returnal in 2021, which won four BAFTAs in 2022, including Best Game. He has logged over 200 hours in Tetris Effect, which he appreciates for its simplicity and finesse. Ikaruga is a game he holds dear, describing it as influential and comforting. Krueger uses PureRef, an image collection tool, for organizing his creative process. His desktop is relatively tidy, with project-related files organized, though he admits to having some clutter.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

You can download Planescape: Torment’s unofficial DLC mod right now

Blizzard in Baator is a fan-driven project aimed at expanding the CRPG Planescape: Torment, featuring new narratives, cinematics, music, characters, and locations like the Frozen Wastes of Cania. The first act has launched, and the project is described as significantly larger than Siege of Dragonspear, with plans for multiple parts. Players are advised to download the mod from Github and can engage with new quests tailored for a Nameless One character around level 16. The expansion offers a less combat-focused gameplay experience and allows players to replay the game to reach the appropriate level before accessing new content.