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You know the drill: Avowed's default waypoint and UI settings are way too handholdy, so you should change them ASAP
AppWizard
February 19, 2025

You know the drill: Avowed’s default waypoint and UI settings are way too handholdy, so you should change them ASAP

Avowed allows players to customize their gameplay experience through an extensive settings and accessibility menu. Key modifications made include switching the quest tracker mode to "Show on Update," turning off objective markers, and disabling interaction icons. These changes enhanced immersion by reducing intrusive prompts and allowing for more organic exploration. The game includes a compass for active quest objectives, which can also be disabled for a more challenging experience. The UI and navigation options in Avowed blend old-school challenge with modern convenience, catering to different player preferences.
15 best free Android games with no in app purchases
BetaBeacon
February 19, 2025

15 best free Android games with no in app purchases

- AI Factory Limited offers a variety of simple free Android games with no in-app purchases - Alto's Odyssey and Alto's Adventure are free mobile games with in-app purchases that are purely cosmetic - Antiyoy is a turn-based strategy game with simple graphics and rules, featuring multiplayer and no ads or in-app purchases - Crossy Road is a popular free game with in-app purchases that are purely cosmetic - Papers, Please is a simulation game with no in-app purchases available for .99 - Doom and Destiny Advanced is a free JRPG with ads and some limitations, but contains the entire base game - OpenTTD is an open-source version of Transport Tycoon with no in-app purchases - Pathos is a retro roguelike adventure game with no in-app purchases - Pocket City is a city-building simulation game available for .99 with a premium version - Resonance of the Ocean is a short game with no complexity and no in-app purchases - Stardew Valley is a must-play RPG available for .99 without ads or microtransactions - The Spike is a volleyball game sim with optional in-app purchases - Vampire Survivors is a survival RPG with minimal gameplay and optional in-app purchases - Into the Breach is a challenging puzzle/roguelike game available on Netflix Games with no ads or in-app purchases - Vodobanka is a puzzle game where you command a SWAT team with no microtransactions, but a purchase is required after the demo version
Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog captures the spirit, as well as the sprites, of the past
AppWizard
February 18, 2025

Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog captures the spirit, as well as the sprites, of the past

Gun-Dog is a sci-fi adventure game inspired by the PC-98 era, featuring pixel art and nostalgic design elements such as chunky save points and CRT-style monitors. The gameplay includes basic verb commands and a limited inventory, reminiscent of classic gaming experiences. The narrative follows a rookie security officer on a chaotic mission aboard a ship with diverse characters, where player choices influence the story. The game combines retro aesthetics with modern gameplay, offering an engaging experience that honors the depth and quality of past adventures while remaining accessible to new players.
Minecraft creator Notch and his next move
AppWizard
February 14, 2025

Minecraft creator Notch and his next move

Markus "Notch" Persson, the creator of Minecraft and founder of Mojang Studios, has been largely absent from game development since selling Mojang to Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014. Recently, he launched a social media poll to gauge interest in his next project, considering either a new game or a sequel to Minecraft. He expressed interest in developing a roguelike game but acknowledged the legal challenges of creating a Minecraft sequel without Microsoft's approval. Following the poll, he decided to develop a roguelike dungeon crawler titled "Levers and Chests," despite some fans' disappointment over the lack of a Minecraft sequel. Microsoft has distanced itself from Persson since the acquisition, removing references to him from Minecraft and excluding him from the game's tenth-anniversary celebration. Persson's new project will retain a voxel/pixelated art style reminiscent of Minecraft, and he aims to create a game that honors Minecraft's legacy while respecting Mojang's intellectual property.
Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for
Winsage
February 14, 2025

Microsoft makes another tweak to Windows 11’s taskbar – but it’s probably not the change you were hoping for

Microsoft has introduced a new icon on the Windows 11 taskbar that provides access to AI-driven Windows Studio Effects, which enhance video call quality with features like background blurring, simulated direct eye contact, improved lighting, and user centering. The icon appears when compatible applications are using the webcam, allowing users to see which application is accessing it, thus enhancing privacy. However, the feature is limited to devices with specific hardware requirements, including 16GB of RAM and a CPU with a neural processing unit (NPU), potentially restricting access for many users. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to promote AI features, but user feedback has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of traditional taskbar functionalities and questioning the necessity of these enhancements for professional use.
Avowed fooled us all into thinking you have to commit to playing in first or third person, but you can actually swap on the fly like in Fallout or The Elder Scrolls
AppWizard
February 14, 2025

Avowed fooled us all into thinking you have to commit to playing in first or third person, but you can actually swap on the fly like in Fallout or The Elder Scrolls

Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, allows players to toggle between first-person and third-person camera perspectives. The camera toggle is accessible through the menu and is mapped to the "U" key by default, though players can reassign it for convenience. The third-person view has been described as floaty and disconnected, reminiscent of earlier RPGs, while the first-person mode offers a more immersive experience. The option to switch perspectives is appreciated, especially for players who enjoy exploring the game world and showcasing their character customization.
15 indie PC games that will make you forget about AAA titles
AppWizard
February 11, 2025

15 indie PC games that will make you forget about AAA titles

- Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games that combines action and storytelling. - Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game featuring pixel art and a soothing soundtrack, allowing players to manage a farm and build relationships. - Neon White is a fast-paced game that mixes first-person shooting and platforming, utilizing cards for moves and featuring vibrant art. - The Long Dark is a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic wilderness, focusing on resource management and strategic decision-making. - Sifu is a martial arts game with an aging mechanic that adds strategy to skill development and combat. - Slay the Spire combines deck-building with roguelike elements, offering easy-to-learn mechanics and challenging gameplay. - Undertale is an RPG known for its unique storytelling and player interaction, featuring quirky characters and memorable dialogue. - Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania game with hand-drawn art, intricate world design, and challenging gameplay that rewards exploration. - Celeste is a platformer that addresses mental health themes while providing challenging gameplay and beautiful pixel art. - Tunic is an adventure game inspired by classic titles, encouraging exploration in a mysterious world filled with secrets. - 1000xResist features a thought-provoking narrative, though its gameplay may not be as polished as others. - Balatro is a humor-infused strategy game developed by a solo creator, known for its addictive gameplay. - Pacific Drive is a driving adventure game set in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, combining exploration with survival elements. - Cocoon is a puzzle game with innovative design and intuitive gameplay, set in beautifully crafted worlds. - Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a horror game that emphasizes atmosphere and psychological tension, redefining the genre.
Touhou Spell Carnival Game Gets PC Version in 2025
AppWizard
February 11, 2025

Touhou Spell Carnival Game Gets PC Version in 2025

Idea Factory International announced that Touhou Spell Carnival will be released for PC via Steam in 2025. The game launched in North America on November 19 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4, with a digital release in Europe on the same day and a physical edition available on December 3. The game offers a Digital Deluxe edition and a Limited Edition with various collectibles. The storyline is set in Gensokyo, where Reimu Hakurei investigates mysterious pillars and the Spell Carnival orchestrated by Yukari Yakumo. The game features Japanese audio and text options in English, French, and Spanish. It was initially launched in Japan on June 6, after a delay from April 18.
A Game About Digging A Hole
AppWizard
February 10, 2025

A Game About Digging A Hole

A Game About Digging A Hole is developed by Cyberwave and centers on players digging in a garden of a newly purchased house rumored to contain buried treasure. The game features a shovel that can be upgraded, with essential upgrades including a battery pack. Players can discover ores to sell for funding upgrades, and they can also acquire dynamite and lights for their digging efforts. The graphics are simplistic and cheerful, while the audio consists of basic sound effects. The game has a completion time of just over two hours, after which players unlock Achievement mode for replayability. A code was received to write the review.
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