designs Archives

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Deadlock’s City Never Sleeps update makes Valve’s MOBA my favorite videogame setting in years

Deadlock is a game currently accessible through beta invites distributed by Valve. The recent update, City Never Sleeps, features a transformed map with new neutral monsters and a redesign that enhances its landscapes. The update introduces new characters, including Deadman Danny, Nurse Harrow, Rat King, Solomon, and Baba, each with unique designs and voice lines. The update also expands the existing cast with new conversations and lore, contributing to the game's depth. The author has invested over 350 hours into Deadlock and recommends it for its captivating atmosphere, despite it being in the MOBA genre.

AppWizard

October 9, 2026

Don’t worry, Valve: I’ve got your next Deadlock character concepts sorted

Deadlock features a range of character concepts that could enhance its gameplay and narrative. Notable ideas include: - The Summer Mummy, characterized by floral board shorts and sunglasses, representing summer fun. - A professional baseball-playing Minotaur with a Scottish accent and a backstory involving the Bermuda Triangle. - Three gnomes disguised in a trench coat, part of a whimsical mafia called the Cosa Gnomestra. - A haunted suit of armor that acts as a boxer, engaging in combat while wearing boxing shorts and gloves. - A large, charismatic spider capable of traversing walls and wielding eight weapons. - A reimagined Humpty Dumpty as a tragic antihero who rolls into battle. - The remaining part of the monkey from the tale of the monkey's paw, potentially a sorcerer with magical abilities. - A North Pole elf advocating for labor rights, creating a narrative around social issues. - A deer transformed into a sapient being by a cursed amulet, navigating urban life with humor and relatability.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft entertains resurrecting 3D Pinball for Windows 11

Microsoft has acknowledged the demand for the return of the 3D Pinball game to contemporary Windows systems, with Pavan Davuluri, executive vice president of Windows and devices, stating that the team would consider it in their future planning. The game was originally part of the Microsoft Plus! 95 expansion and was removed with the launch of Windows Vista due to the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit operating systems. Reintroducing 3D Pinball may face challenges, as the Space Cadet table was licensed from Full Tilt! Pinball and the complete game was published by Maxis, now part of Electronic Arts.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

PC-98 cult classic horror game Dead of the Brain is coming to Steam on October 30, with English support for the first time

Fakku has launched the Steam page for Dead of the Brain, following their acquisition of the publishing rights to FairyTale's catalog. The game originally debuted on NEC’s PC-98 platform and marks FairyTale’s first foray into the horror genre after a shift from adult-only erotic games. Dead of the Brain features character designs by Ryuichi Makino and pays homage to 1980s American splatter films. The narrative follows Cole, who witnesses a serum experiment gone wrong, leading to a zombie apocalypse. Gameplay includes visual novel-style dialogue and interactive segments with quick time events. The game will maintain its original pixel art aesthetic, with enhancements for HD displays and some quality-of-life improvements. Dead of the Brain is set to launch on PC via Steam on October 30, with plans for future English releases, including a sequel.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

I ditched Google’s bloated launcher for Monet, and my old Android TV box feels brand new

The Chromecast with Google TV has limitations due to the demands of Google's launcher, prompting users to seek upgrades. Monet Launcher has emerged as a lightweight and fast alternative that enhances performance by eliminating advertisements and distractions. It offers a streamlined interface, customizable wallpapers, and the ability to remap remote buttons for improved usability. While a free version provides significant features, a premium version offers additional customization options. Monet Launcher revitalizes the Chromecast experience, making it feel upgraded.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

2026 is a low-key revolutionary year for player movement in games

Several iconic titles from over a decade ago, such as Mirror's Edge, Titanfall 2, Dishonored 2, Doom Eternal, and ARMA 3, have set high standards for in-game mobility, each offering distinct approaches to player movement. At GDC 2026, designer Gabe Cuzillo discussed his game Baby Steps, which draws inspiration from the challenging mod Stratocubulus for Mirror's Edge, encouraging players to rethink movement and level design. This year's standout titles, including Cairn, Control Resonant, Vholume, Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and Cicadamata, continue to innovate in movement mechanics. Big Walk focuses on traversing a vast map with friends, emphasizing nuanced movement mechanics. The evolution of movement in gaming has shifted from complex actions to simplified controls, as seen in Grand Theft Auto 3, influencing games like Assassin's Creed and Uncharted. However, new titles like Cairn, Baby Steps, and Big Walk challenge this trend by inviting deeper engagement with movement mechanics. The future of movement in gaming suggests potential for more granular explorations of human movement, offering immersive experiences.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

I had 3 hours with Arc Raiders Frozen Trails update and spent most of it playing with the new grapple hook

Morgan Park discusses the recent gaming session of Arc Raiders, highlighting the introduction of a grapple hook that operates with a simulated rope, allowing players to climb, swing, and descend with versatility. The grapple hook can adhere to various surfaces and be redeployed midair without cooldown, enhancing movement options significantly. The Frozen Trail update also includes a launcher that tethers objects and a grenade for pulling down Arc bots, though testing of these features is limited. The skill tree has been reworked, allowing players to invest XP points in abilities, but the changes provide only incremental boosts rather than transformative gameplay alterations. The focus remains on loot and crafting rather than combat enhancements. Pendola Pass is visually appealing but feels familiar compared to other maps like Marathon, lacking unique gameplay elements. The snowy landscape introduces some challenges, such as flash freezes and a new enemy, the Bully Arc, but overall, the gameplay revisits familiar territory. The Emperor is mentioned as a significant draw for players, though it was not explored during the preview.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Warhammer Survivors is more than just a Vampire Survivors spin-off

Warhammer Survivors is developed by Auroch Digital and is seen as a worthy sequel to Vampire Survivors. It features detailed hero designs, expansive maps, and grotesque creatures. The game introduces fresh elements like followers and enhanced boss encounters. Familiar mechanics from Vampire Survivors are present, such as weapon evolutions and challenging bosses, with unique adaptations like experience skulls and Extremis bosses. Nuln oil is used as a weapon in the game, damaging and slowing enemies. Each map has a distinct theme, with one set in a WH40k battlefield and another in Age of Sigmar. Players can rescue unlockable characters to aid them in battles, adding a strategic element. The game presents a tougher challenge compared to its predecessor, with enemy factions exhibiting unique traits. Players must choose between WH40k and AoS universes, which have tailored characters and upgrades. Warhammer Survivors runs well on Steam Deck and is set to launch on November 10.

AppWizard

October 6, 2026

Arc Raiders is looking for ‘more ways to integrate real human performances’ starting with Celeste’s visual overhaul for Frozen Trail

Embark is overhauling Arc Raiders in preparation for the update titled Frozen Trail, which includes revamping anti-cheat measures, introducing a potential PvE test, and adjusting loot hotspots. A significant change involves reworking the character Celeste, voiced by Diana Gardner, to better reflect her performance and enhance the game's narrative. Chief creative officer Stefan Strandberg noted that Celeste's previous design limited expressive capabilities, hindering storytelling. The team aims to integrate more authentic human performances to create a more immersive experience for players.

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Android Auto 17.7 Is Here: Here’s What the Update Really Brings

Google has released an update to Android Auto, version 17.7, which refines the autoplay feature, allowing users to disable it entirely and preventing rarely used apps from launching automatically. Media controls are now accessible directly from the dashboard for browser streams and YouTube background audio. The waveform media player, introduced in version 16.0, has received enhancements for better navigation and album cover adaptability. Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, continues to have issues with incomplete responses despite recognizing commands. Upcoming features include 3D navigation, a weather widget, and video streaming capabilities, expected by the end of the year. The update also includes a new green app icon, with many changes being server-side updates.