encounters Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution Launches On PC Via Steam August 26, 2025

Idea Factory International will release the PC version of Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution on Steam on August 26, 2025. The game features character designs by Tsunako and Katsuyuki Hirano and follows Older Neptune as she revitalizes a gaming company. Players will engage in real-time game creation, making strategic decisions and utilizing items found in dungeons to enhance development. The combat system has been overhauled to a more action-oriented style with chain attacks and transformative specials. The game is also available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Co-Op Hack-and-Slash Game GODBREAKERS Announced for PS5 and PC

Thunderful Games and its subsidiary To The Sky are developing a four-player cooperative hack-and-slash action game titled GODBREAKERS, set to launch in 2025 on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game features fast-paced combat, allowing players to absorb enemy powers and utilize them against foes. It includes multi-phase boss fights, customizable builds with unique Archetypes, and six distinct biomes filled with challenges. Players can engage in one to four-player online cooperative play, with gameplay designed for strategic depth and dynamic encounters. The narrative explores a world where AI has led to humanity's demise, and players must reignite the final spark of mankind. A reveal trailer showcasing the gameplay has been released.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Grounded 2, even in early access, is one of the best survival games I’ve ever played

Grounded 2, developed by Obsidian in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, launched in early access on July 29. The game features a vast first area comparable in size to the original game, but it has performance issues, with limited graphics settings and frame rate challenges even on high-end systems. The game retains a colorful cartoon aesthetic while improving lighting and textures. New mechanics include the ability to befriend bugs that serve as mounts and allies, enhancing exploration and combat dynamics. The introduction of the Omni-Tool simplifies resource gathering. Grounded 2 encourages exploration and adventure, with quests from human characters and a mysterious hacker element. The combat system has evolved with new mechanics and a variety of new creatures, while familiar foes have revamped designs. Despite some bugs during gameplay, the overall experience is enjoyable.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

It’s a golden age for weird Eastern European games—you can tell because I’m in love with a horror puzzler about 2 old men trying to find evil in the woods

One-Eyed Likho is a game set in Eastern Europe that draws on Slavic mythology, where players take on the role of a village smith alongside a tailor to explore the concept of 'evil.' The gameplay is primarily puzzle-based, requiring players to ignite objects to progress. The game features a black-and-white aesthetic reminiscent of silent films and employs straightforward mechanics, with players navigating limited environments to collect items and solve puzzles. The narrative includes introspective monologues from the smith, reflecting on Biblical figures and existential themes. Influences from the game Pathologic are present, and the game balances surreal elements with moments of intensity. Players engage with the narrative while exploring themes of evil through various settings, including a forest and a dilapidated house.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Understanding How Long a Minecraft Day Really Is

A complete day-night cycle in Minecraft lasts 20 real minutes, which is 72 times faster than real-world time. The breakdown of this cycle is as follows: daytime lasts approximately 10 minutes, sunset takes about 1.5 minutes, nighttime lasts around 7 minutes, and sunrise takes another 1.5 minutes. Both the Bedrock and Java editions of Minecraft now adhere to this 20-minute cycle. Players can track time using various methods, such as crafting a clock, observing celestial positions, or using the F3 debug screen in Java Edition. Commands and mods are available to manipulate time in the game.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

Kung fu action game Phantom Blade Zero’s has my new favorite take on hard mode balance: Beating it ‘in a very beautiful manner’ is the true challenge

During a preview event in Beijing, gameplay in Phantom Blade Zero showcased a transition from novice to skilled player, successfully completing an hour-long demo on "Hellwalker" difficulty. The game emphasizes aesthetic elegance and engaging gameplay, offering a more forgiving experience compared to traditional Soulslike titles. It features fluid, dance-like combat and allows for success through straightforward tactics, while also presenting a challenge for those aiming for mastery. The AI adapts dynamically to player actions, incorporating a 'lucky draw' mechanic where boss attacks depend on previous hits, and can recognize its disadvantage in combat. The game includes diverse boss encounters, with some exhibiting intelligent behavior and others relying on brute force, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Lost Soul Aside’s PS5, PC Price Could Be Its Biggest Bottle Neck

Yang Bing has classified the game Lost Soul Aside as a “AA game.” Sony has set its price at £59.99. Content creator Lunatic Ignus experienced a two-hour demo, expressing concerns about the game's execution and its ability to justify the price point. He noted issues with animations and combat, suggesting it may not achieve general success despite interest from Chinese gamers. The demo revealed a town with shops and NPCs, indicating more depth than expected. The release date for Lost Soul Aside is set for August 29th.

AppWizard

July 26, 2025

Luto Has Been Released For PC & Consoles This Week

Luto is a psychological horror game available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It features a first-person narrative centered on themes of loss and anxiety within a haunted home. Players navigate shifting environments filled with hidden secrets and horror encounters driven by phobias. The game allows for narrative-driven exploration, where players can unravel the story at their own pace using sound, symbolism, and fragmented memories. The free demo of Luto has been updated by indie developer Broken Bird Games in collaboration with publishers Selecta Play and Astrolabe Games. The game was officially announced during the Future Games Show 2025 showcase.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Windows 11 Latest Update Is ‘Most Reliable’ Ever, Microsoft Claims

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 24H2, claiming it to be the "most reliable Windows yet," supported by a 24% reduction in failure rates and unexpected restarts compared to previous versions. The update features a new black screen for the Blue Screen of Death, which includes a stop code and faulty driver information, reducing wait time from 40 seconds to 2 seconds. However, users have reported issues such as Blue Screen of Death errors, sluggish performance, and driver failures. Critics have raised concerns about compatibility issues with drivers and legacy applications. The update also introduces a quick machine recovery feature that automatically detects and resolves critical boot issues, although immediate patches for minor problems are not guaranteed. User sentiment regarding the reliability of Windows 11 24H2 remains mixed.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Webtoon Series The Player Who Can’t Level Up Gets Console, PC Game

Tripearl Games is developing a video game adaptation of the webtoon "The Player Who Can't Level Up," set for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5, featuring no loading screens and complete camera control. It includes a new side story created with the original webtoon creators, focusing on the protagonist Ki-gyu Kim, who navigates challenges without traditional leveling systems. The gameplay features roguelite elements, high-speed melee combat, perk-based progression, and randomized upgrades. The webtoon, illustrated by Tae_A, began serialization in 2021 and has over 210 million views worldwide. The English version of the webtoon is available on Tapas, and the English translation of the web novel is on Wuxia World. The game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam.