empire Archives

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Gallipoli (PC) Review

BlackMill Games' World War I series has surpassed a decade of gameplay, with the latest installment, Gallipoli, focusing on the Gallipoli Campaign. This campaign aimed to capture the Dardanelles Strait and Constantinople but ended in a disastrous retreat for the Allies. Gallipoli features improved visuals, refined gunplay, and balanced mechanics, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game introduces new mechanics such as increased team sizes, a ticket system with unpredictability, realistic ballistics, a refined stamina system, and a suppression system that affects soldiers' performance. However, concerns exist regarding the limited rewards in the progression system, which may impact player engagement over time.

BetaBeacon

August 20, 2026

Gameloft and Tencent’s Mobile GTA Online Equivalent Released on iOS and Android

Publisher Level Infinite and Gameloft have launched Gangstar Mirage City, an open-world crime action game where players start as small-time criminals and work their way up to building their criminal empire. The game features player interaction, including teaming up for missions and engaging in PvP shootouts. Gangstar Mirage City was initially known as Codename Crime: Vice Open World and was rebranded after closed testing to become part of Gameloft's Gangstar series.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

This week in PC games: survival horror in a waterlogged city, kaiju chaos in a destructible city, and old school GTA vibes in an isometric insurgency simulator

This week features a variety of notable game releases, including: - Feed It: A horror game where players must evade a ravenous monster while sustaining themselves. - Tukoni: Forest Keepers: A puzzle game with artistic styles reminiscent of Amanita Design and Might & Delight. - ARCWATT: Power Empire: A city builder simulating power grid management. - Mothership Down: A nostalgic puzzle game involving lunar landers and jump pads. Multiplayer and unique experiences include: - Beastlink: A multiplayer shooter where players control kaiju in a destructible city. - Tiny Tape Store: A desktop companion game managing a video rental shop. - Stars Reach: An MMORPG combining elements of Minecraft and No Man's Sky. - Entropy: A turn-based RPG set in a world abandoned by deities. - The Sinking City 2: A sequel in survival horror with a Cthulhu narrative. - Starsand Island: An anime life simulation game blending elements of Stardew Valley and skateboarding. Innovative concepts include: - Blood in the Panopticon: A game featuring a killer android in an ASCII world. - STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT: A remastered visual novel with enhanced artwork and an additional storyline. - SFTP - Super Football Tactics Pro: A turn-based game with a fantastical twist on football. Challenges are arising as Gamescom approaches, with logistical issues related to train services and the team managing review codes while one member is on holiday.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

The Best Napoleonic Video Games On PC In 2026

Napoleon Bonaparte was a Corsican general who became the ruler of France, known for his military strategies and ambition. His campaigns in Europe have influenced historical fiction, art, and video games, particularly in the genre of Napoleonic wargames. These games have evolved to include advanced AI, historical accuracy, and immersive gameplay. Total War: Napoleon is a notable entry in this genre, combining tactical battles with strategic campaigns, allowing players to command armies and manage empires. It was the first in the series to use buildings as tactical assets and is praised for its visual appeal and historical representation. Empire: Total War expands the timeline from 1700 to 1815, incorporating naval battles alongside land combat, enhancing the strategic experience with a diverse range of nations and historical events. Imperial Glory, released in 2003, focuses on turn-based grand strategy and diplomacy within the Napoleonic era. It features a robust diplomacy system and unique regional maps, making it a classic choice for retro gaming enthusiasts despite its age.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

I played the economic simulator that could ‘make a convert out of Karl Marx himself’ to see if it could convert me

An entrepreneur attempted to build a business empire starting with a department store in Jakarta that sold only laundry detergent, which led to financial losses due to a misalignment with market demand. Despite diversifying the product range to include cookies and leather shoes, losses continued. A later venture in Bombay, selling CPUs, silica, and raw tobacco, yielded a profit, albeit still negative. The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons about market demands and strategies, leading to a successful department store in Guangzhou that focused on shampoo and air conditioners, resulting in substantial profits. The game "Capitalism," which the entrepreneur engaged with, reflects the post-Cold War era and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in business.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Star Wars Battlefront 2 Secret Easter Egg Found After 20 Years

In 2005, Pandemic Studios and EA released Battlefront 2, a third-person shooter set in the Star Wars universe. On August 9, 2023, modder Iamashaymin revealed an undocumented easter egg in the game: players can create a profile named “Wampa” to unlock a new playable unit on the Imperial side in the “Hunt” mode on the Endor map. This allows players to embody the Wampa, a creature from The Empire Strikes Back. The secret was initially discovered by modder S1thK3nny during code exploration. The Wampa feature is exclusive to the PC version of Battlefront 2, cannot be activated in online play, but can be used in split-screen mode, especially in the Classic Collection version set for release in 2024.

BetaBeacon

August 4, 2026

Suikoden Star Leap Game Reveals August 7 Release Date in Japan

Konami announced the release of Suikoden: Star Leap for iOS and Android in Japan on August 7.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

Corsair Cove Sets Sail On PC And Game Pass – Time To Build The Ultimate Pirate Haven

Corsair Cove is a new city-building strategy game developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Hooded Horse, available exclusively on PC through the Xbox Store, Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. The game is priced at £34.99. Players start with a shipwreck and survivors, expanding their pirate settlement by constructing various buildings while managing resources and production chains. The game features vertical construction, tactical combat against enemy fleets, and exploration of neighboring islands for resources and treasures.

AppWizard

July 31, 2026

I’ve played over 50 hours of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator this month, and it’s cured my gaming burnout

Alex Cope shared how a surprise game reignited his passion for gaming amidst the industry's burdensome state, characterized by fatigue from live service models and monetization strategies. He found enjoyment in American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, appreciating their vast open worlds that allow for solo exploration and community engagement. The driving experience is central to his enjoyment, with no rigid campaign structure and the freedom to traverse any map from the start. The journey itself is meditative, with leveling up providing longer, rewarding drives rather than just monetary gains. The games feature a modding community that offers extensive customization options, and the multiplayer aspect allows players to join convoys and engage with others. Both games are compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck, which he prefers for gaming, and they continue to receive updates. While there are some performance limitations, the overall experience remains impressive, providing a soothing escape from daily gaming. The base versions of the games are affordably priced, with ample opportunities for exploration in the core maps.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones

Microsoft is reintroducing first-generation Xbox titles to PC through its Backwards Compatibility initiative, allowing access via Game Pass. The initial lineup includes four titles: Fuzion Frenzy, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live & Reloaded. The selection has received mixed reactions, with concerns about the lack of appeal and the absence of achievements at launch. Players have suggested that other titles, such as Genma Onimusha, The Simpsons: Hit and Run, Unreal Championship, OutRun 2, Jade Empire, and the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series, could have been more attractive options. Additionally, the upcoming release of Halo: Campaign Evolved could have benefited from the simultaneous launch of Halo: Combat Evolved to boost subscriptions.