emotional storytelling

AppWizard
December 26, 2025
The RPS 100: Readers Edition allows readers to vote on the best PC games of all time, consolidating entries from the same series for broader representation. - X4: Foundations: Praised for its unconventional gameplay and immersive economic simulation. - Hardspace: Shipbreaker: Noted for its zen-like gameplay and masterful design that intertwines narrative and mechanics. - Horizon Zero Dawn: Appreciated for its beautiful world, intriguing storyline, and emotional depth. - Oxygen Not Included: Recognized for fostering resilience and problem-solving skills, with engaging gameplay. - What Remains of Edith Finch: Described as a perfect game blending sadness with exuberance. - Alan Wake 2: Lauded for intricate lore, masterful storytelling, and stunning visuals. - Planescape: Torment Enhanced Edition: Reflects philosophical depth and memorable experiences despite challenging gameplay. - Terraria: Celebrated as a quintessential indie game with endless possibilities. - Overwatch 2: Reminisced for its balance of accessibility and depth, fostering a positive community. - Baba Is You: Considered one of the best puzzle games with delightful mechanics. - Heaven's Vault: Described as a profound exploration of history and memory with rich storytelling. - Jagged Alliance 2 Rally Point: Highlights memorable mercenaries and strategic challenges. - Star Control 2: Remembered as an ideal space adventure with brilliant dialogue. - The Long Dark: Known for providing countless emergent experiences as a survival simulator. - The Stanley Parable: Described as silly and mind-bending with a unique player engagement approach. - Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth: Celebrated for emotional storytelling and engaging gameplay. - Football Manager: Shares nostalgic stories that create personal connections. - Call of Duty: Reminisced for its cinematic experience and revolutionary impact on online multiplayer.
AppWizard
December 13, 2025
2025 has seen a diverse range of high-quality gaming titles across multiple platforms, including Xbox, Windows PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Notable releases include: - Silent Hill F: A return of the franchise set in 1960s Japan, featuring intense combat and an immersive atmosphere. - Elden Ring: Nightreign: Introduces a co-op roguelike format with fast-paced gameplay and randomized upgrades. - Hollow Knight: Silksong: A highly acclaimed metroidvania known for its difficulty, visuals, and tight combat mechanics. - Arc Raiders: Emphasizes player choice and community-driven gameplay, reminiscent of early multiplayer games. - Battlefield 6: A grounded approach to warfare, positively received after previous setbacks in the franchise. - Ball x Pit: Blends classic gameplay with modern auto-battler mechanics, becoming a standout title. - Hades 2: A sequel that expands on the original's success with stunning artwork and engaging gameplay. - Blue Prince: Features intricate puzzles and co-op gameplay that encourages collaboration. - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: An open-world RPG praised for its dynamic systems and immersive storytelling. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Combines homage to classic JRPGs with modern storytelling in a unique French setting. Honorable mentions include Atomfall, Dying Light: The Beast, DUSK, The Alters, Keeper, Silent Hill 2 (remake), Dispatch, Cronos: The New Dawn, WH40K: Rogue Trader — Lex Imperialis DLC, and remastered versions of Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2.
AppWizard
October 31, 2025
Gamers with Game Pass on Xbox or PC can access a selection of horror games for Halloween, including: - Aliens: Fireteam Elite (Co-op sci-fi shooter) - Good for those wanting to battle Xenomorphs; not ideal for players who dislike loadouts or glitches. - A Plague Tale: Requiem (Cinematic stealth adventure) - Great for fans of intricate narratives; not suitable for those who prefer direct confrontations. - CARRION (2D pixel art adventure) - Appeals to Metroidvania enthusiasts; not for players who dislike backtracking. - Costume Quest (Turn-based comedy RPG) - Nostalgic for trick-or-treating; not for those seeking complex mechanics. - Dead By Daylight (Online survival horror co-op) - Perfect for horror movie scenario fans; not for those who dislike being hunted. - Diablo IV (Loot-based action-RPG) - Great for demon-slaying fans; not for players who disengage during button-mashing. - Doom 2016 (First-person shooter) - Ideal for chaos lovers; not for cautious players. - Inscryption (Deck-building horror adventure) - Appeals to strategy and chance lovers; not for those averse to plot twists. - Inside (Cinematic platforming adventure) - Great for emotional storytelling fans; not for those who prefer dialogue-heavy narratives. - Little Nightmares II (Dark fantasy puzzle adventure) - Perfect for atmosphere lovers; not for players frustrated by intricate controls. - Pacific Drive (Haunted car sim) - Good for scavengers; not for those who prefer smooth rides. - Redfall (Co-op demon hunter) - Appeals to vampire hunting fans; not for those seeking loot shooters. - Resident Evil 2 (Survival horror shooter) - Great for survival fantasy enthusiasts; not for those afraid of monsters. - State of Decay 2 (Open-world base-building zombie survival) - Ideal for resource gatherers; not for those who find repetition daunting. - Still Wakes the Deep (Lovecraftian walking sim) - Appeals to fans of eerie atmospheres; not for those lacking patience. - The Evil Within (Psychological survival horror) - Great for boundary-pushing horror fans; not for those struggling with jarring mechanics. - The Walking Dead (Point-and-click zombie adventure) - Ideal for fans of the comic or show; not for those easily moved to tears.
AppWizard
October 13, 2025
Warner Bros. announced a sequel to A Minecraft Movie, set to release in IMAX theaters on July 23, 2027, with director Jared Hess returning. Elton John is reissuing his album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy on October 24, in LP, CD, and digital formats, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The film "Dear Luke, Love, Me," directed by Guillermo Díaz, will premiere on Apple TV+ on October 10, exploring themes of queer-platonic love, asexuality, and identity.
AppWizard
September 12, 2025
Destiny 2: The Final Shape is an expansion that concludes a decade-long narrative in the Destiny franchise, featuring emotional storytelling and solid gameplay. It introduces the Prismatic class and a new destination called The Pale Heart, while also bringing back the character Cayde-6. The expansion is priced at .79 / £8.99 on Fanatical and has received a 10/10 review from Cheri Faulkner, praising Bungie's narrative and gameplay. Players can optimize their gaming setup for a better experience and engage with the community through Discord. An upcoming Star Wars-inspired expansion is also anticipated.
AppWizard
September 5, 2025
The metroidvania genre has seen a resurgence, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers. Notable titles on PC include: - Hollow Knight: Celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, gameplay, and soundtrack, it has set a new benchmark in the genre. - Dead Cells: Combines metroidvania mechanics with roguelike elements, offering randomized experiences and high replayability. - Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Known for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and fluid gameplay, it balances beauty with challenge. - Blasphemous 2: Features a darker aesthetic and punishing combat, refining mechanics from its predecessor while inviting exploration. - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: A classic that has significantly influenced modern metroidvanias, known for its intricate map design and iconic gameplay.
AppWizard
April 22, 2025
The Last of Us and its sequel, The Last of Us Part 2, have significantly impacted video gaming through their storytelling and post-apocalyptic narratives. They feature deep character interactions, stealth gameplay, and horror elements, leading to a successful HBO adaptation. The gaming landscape includes many titles that echo the themes and mechanics of The Last of Us, focusing on deep storytelling, intense gameplay, and horror experiences. A curated list of 16 games and franchises captures various aspects of these experiences, contributing uniquely to gaming narratives.
AppWizard
April 6, 2025
The recently released A Minecraft Movie is directed by Jared Hess and features a whimsical and campy aesthetic. The plot follows a quirky group of characters, including an eccentric video game store owner, two grieving siblings, and an aspiring petting zoo entrepreneur, as they embark on a classic fantasy quest in the Overworld. Jack Black voices the iconic avatar Steve, while Jason Momoa plays Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a comedic lead. The film effectively translates the game's blocky aesthetic into a vibrant cinematic experience, with detailed environments and action sequences that reference in-game mechanics. However, it faces pacing issues, particularly in the middle act, and sometimes struggles to balance humor with emotional storytelling. The movie appeals primarily to fans of Minecraft but remains accessible to newcomers, incorporating Easter eggs without overwhelming them.
Search