engaging experiences Archives

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

New release roundup: Timelie, Minecraft Blast, Temple Run 3, and more

Mojang Studios and King are releasing Minecraft Blast, a mobile puzzle game set in the Minecraft universe featuring iconic creatures and customizable worlds. Urnique Studio has developed Timelie, a stealth puzzle game that allows players to manipulate time while controlling a girl or a cat with unique abilities. Kemco's Hero Seekers is a pixel-art adventure where players summon legendary warriors for turn-based battles. Imangi Studios has soft-launched Temple Run 3 in regions like Indonesia and the Philippines, maintaining the classic endless running gameplay. Wemade's Legend of Ymir combines Norse mythology with blockchain mechanics, allowing players to engage in auto battles and real-time combat. The Nintendo Store app offers features for tracking and reviewing playtime for games on the Switch and Switch 2.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Om Nom Expands into Minecraft Marketplace with Cut the Rope Add-On

ZeptoLab's character Om Nom from the Cut the Rope franchise will debut in Minecraft through the Cut the Rope Add-On, available on the Minecraft Marketplace starting December 2. The add-on, developed by Mush Co under license from ZeptoLab, includes a Collect-a-thon, a Quality of Life update, and an AI Pet companion for Minecraft Survival mode. Players can engage in puzzle-like mini-games, form a friendship with Om Nom, and explore over 50 customizations. This release marks the 15th anniversary of the Cut the Rope franchise.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

Game Review: Slots and Daggers (PC)

Slots and Daggers is a PC/Steam game developed by Friedemann and published by Future Friends Games, set to release on October 24, 2025, priced at .99. The game combines roguelite RPG mechanics with slot machine elements, focusing on in-game currency for character enhancement rather than monetary gain. Players navigate through ten dungeons, facing various enemies and earning coins to upgrade their characters. The game features a progression system that allows players to unlock permanent upgrades and experiment with different builds. After completing the dungeons, players can access Arena Mode for additional challenges. The visuals are retro-inspired with modern touches, and the game includes a catchy soundtrack. It is noted for its simple gameplay, addictive nature, and replayability, although it may be considered short in length.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

T-Minus Zero acquired from NetEase

T-Minus Zero Entertainment has transitioned from ownership under NetEase to becoming an independent entity. Earlier this year, the studio faced the possibility of closure due to NetEase Games restructuring. The team reflected on their achievements during their time with NetEase, highlighting their world-class team, a bold new IP, and a fully playable prototype. The studio has received positive feedback from players, partners, and industry peers, reinforcing their belief in the market potential of their creations. A small group of veteran directors and founders has acquired the studio to preserve its spirit while pursuing independence. T-Minus Zero plans to adopt a refined development model inspired by the independent film industry, focusing on distinct projects and partnership-friendly funding.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

The tech industry came for Steam and whiffed so hard that it’s had to admit that it didn’t even really like making games in the first place

Amazon's gaming strategy has shifted, leading to the decision to discontinue updates for the MMO New World, which will eventually be retired. New World achieved a peak of 913,634 concurrent players shortly after its launch in 2021, but player numbers declined by early 2022. The game secured an expansion in 2023 and is set to launch on consoles in 2024. Other tech companies have faced challenges in gaming, with Google retreating from its ambitions and Microsoft continuing to invest in its Game Pass service and releasing games on Steam. The gaming landscape has changed, with a focus on creating engaging experiences rather than solely pursuing profit. Concerns about studio closures and layoffs persist, highlighting the tension between creativity and financial expectations in the industry.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

This addictive new roguelike is the D&D and Balatro crossover I’ve always dreamed of, and you can play it now

Slots and Daggers is a game that combines elements of slot machines and roguelike card games, set in a fantasy-themed environment. Players start with three basic actions: Coin, Shield, and Sword, which are activated by stopping a spinning slot machine, introducing an element of chance. Players can enhance their actions with earned coins, unlock new abilities, and acquire additional slots. The game features pixel art monsters and a fantasy-themed slot machine, with immersive sound design. It has an estimated runtime of eight to ten hours and is available on Steam for .99 / £4.68.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Dead Cells dev’s new roguelike was “too punishing,” but it doesn’t regret its “extreme” approach

Motion Twin, the developer of Dead Cells, has released a new project called Windblown, which is currently in early access. The game has received positive feedback, but the initial launch faced criticism for its revenge system in co-op mode, which was deemed too punishing. In response to player feedback, the developers prioritized the Revenge Update to address community concerns. They also added an Endless Mode based on player requests, which was incorporated into the game in March 2025. Windblown continues to evolve with significant input from its player community.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

The videogame that started it all gets a roguelike reimagining 53 years after launch, and it’s free to try

Devolver Digital and Kenny Sun have released Ball x Pit, a roguelike game that reimagines the classic Pong. Kenny Sun is known for his minimalist design but has opted for a maximalist style in this game, featuring vibrant chaos and frenetic gameplay. Players must redirect streams of ammunition, reminiscent of Pong, while incorporating roguelike mechanics such as optimizing builds and engaging in multiple rounds. Ball x Pit is available on Steam for .99 / £11.69, with a demo offered for players to try before purchasing.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Elder Scrolls Online has “never done anything this massive before” as new event pits whole servers against each other

The Elder Scrolls Online has launched the Writhing Wall event, which locks an entire update behind a live, competitive event involving all servers. This three-phase event aims to foster camaraderie and competition among players as they complete daily quests to construct the Meridian Lens, a weapon intended to break down the Writhing Wall that blocks access to Update 48. Once a server completes the final phase, the Writhing Fortress dungeon and Update 48 will be unlocked for that server. The event ties into a decade-long narrative involving the antagonist Molag Bal and will feature familiar characters from the game's history. Zenimax has set tailored progress targets for each server to accommodate different player populations, and visual indicators will show server progress. The Writhing Wall event is currently live, with Phase 1 accessible to all players.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

This 2025 shooter made in a decades-old Doom engine is gorgeous, fun, and tough as nails

Mala Petaka is a modern game developed using the GZDoom engine, inspired by classic Doom and featuring vibrant colors and chiptunes. The game presents a challenging experience where the protagonist, Petaka, faces relentless waves of enemies. It includes modern gameplay mechanics such as a pseudo-glory-kill system, status effects that freeze enemies, movement technology for long jumps, and power-ups that activate god mode. These elements create a dynamic gameplay experience appealing to fans of the boomer-shooter genre.