environmental design Archives

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ VFX Team Talk Characters, Comedy, And Much More

Director Jared Hess' "A Minecraft Movie" is being produced with significant contributions from Wētā FX, which is responsible for creating the film's vibrant world and characters. The movie has a global box office nearing [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Last weekend, I provided an exclusive glimpse into the creative process behind director Jared Hess’ A Minecraft Movie, featuring insights from VFX Supervisor Sheldon Stopsack and Animation Supervisor Kevin Estey. This weekend, we delve even deeper into the collaboration with Wētā FX, the studio responsible for bringing the vibrant world and characters of Minecraft to life on the big screen. Minecraft By The Numbers In my previous article, I explored Wētā FX’s pivotal role in crafting the unique universe of Minecraft, where the game’s iconic blocky aesthetics seamlessly merged with live-action elements. With a staggering global box office nearing 0 million, A Minecraft Movie is poised to become one of the year’s most significant blockbusters, potentially surpassing summer heavyweights like Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman as it approaches the 0 million mark. VFX character designs for "A Minecraft Movie."Source: Wētā FX Minecraft And Making Monsters The intricate world-building by Wētā FX was essential to the film's success. Stopsack elaborated, “People often ask how our environments influenced the characters. Interestingly, it was the characters that shaped the environments. For instance, Malgosha and Dennis needed to forge emotional connections with the audience, which dictated how realistic or abstract we could render their appearances and performances. This understanding guided our environmental design, ensuring that the digital characters felt integrated into the world.” The result was the creation of the expansive Overworld, which seamlessly combines 64 diverse terrains into a cohesive environment for both day and night scenes. This vast digital landscape was shared with Digital Domain for the film’s climactic battle. Stopsack noted the scale of their work, stating, “To illustrate the enormity of our task, we placed over 2 billion clumps of grass patches in the Overworld, each made up of individual grass blades.” VFX character designs for "A Minecraft Movie."Source: Wētā FX When discussing the challenges and joys of animating the film's diverse characters, Estey shared, “Every character and creature we designed has its own story and challenges, as no two are alike. We ended up with 26 unique characters, each requiring distinct personalities, behaviors, and motion styles.” VFX work for Malgosha in "A Minecraft Movie."Source: Wētā FX Focusing on Malgosha, Estey remarked on the unique challenge of introducing a character not found in the game but crucial to the film's narrative. “We had to strike a balance between creating a new character that would resonate with the gaming community while ensuring she fit seamlessly into the Minecraft universe. Jared wanted all characters in The Nether to appear realistic yet retain the iconic blocky aesthetic.” To achieve this, Malgosha was designed with a fleshy, detailed look, complete with jiggly jowls and a flowing cloak, while still embracing the distinctive Minecraft style. Estey also highlighted the comedic elements that made the animation process enjoyable. “One of the standout scenes for us was the showdown between Steve and Malgosha, particularly the triple-knife gag. The absurdity of Malgosha repeatedly attempting to stab Steve with knives she claims she doesn’t possess was both hilarious and engaging.” VFX character designs for "A Minecraft Movie."Source: Wētā FX The creation of Malgosha involved significant collaboration, with motion-capture performer Allan Henry lending his physicality and vocal inspiration to the character. His comedic chemistry with Jack Black, who voiced Steve, greatly influenced Malgosha's animation. “I’ve known Allan for almost 15 years,” Estey shared. “He’s an incredible stunt performer and actor, and his humor is unmatched. Working with him and Jack Black, both of whom I admire greatly, was an unforgettable experience.” Estey continued, “Their improvisation during the triple-knife scene added layers of humor that we had to translate into Malgosha’s digital performance. When Rachel House provided her vocal performance, we integrated it with Allan’s physicality and Jack’s comedic timing, ensuring that the humor resonated through Malgosha’s animation.” “Seeing the final scene come together and hearing audiences laugh during screenings was immensely rewarding,” Estey concluded. “That kind of connection with the audience is what makes this work so gratifying.” A Minecraft Movie is filled with a plethora of characters and creatures, from Dennis to the Piglins and Bee. I look forward to continuing my discussions with Wētā FX as I prepare to review the home entertainment release of A Minecraft Movie. Stay tuned for more insights soon!" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million and is expected to be a major blockbuster, potentially surpassing other films like "Fantastic Four: First Steps" and "Superman." Wētā FX's character designs and environmental work are crucial to the film's success, with over 2 billion clumps of grass patches created in the expansive Overworld. The film features 26 unique characters, including a new character named Malgosha, designed to resonate with the gaming community while fitting into the Minecraft universe. Malgosha's design incorporates a fleshy look while maintaining the game's blocky aesthetic, and her animation was influenced by motion-capture performer Allan Henry and voice actor Jack Black. The film includes comedic elements, particularly in a scene featuring a gag between Steve and Malgosha.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Best Single-Player PC Games to Play in 2025

Single-player PC games are thriving in 2025, featuring captivating narratives, intricate gameplay, and stunning visuals. Notable titles include: 1. Blue Prince - An indie roguelike puzzle game with a Metacritic score of 93, set in a shifting manor where players solve interconnected puzzles. 2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Set in feudal Japan, this game features two protagonists with distinct playstyles and has been praised for its narrative pacing and environmental design. 3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A cinematic first-person adventure focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, released on PC in late 2024. 4. South of Midnight - A magical adventure following a girl with weaving abilities, notable for its claymation art style and emotional depth. 5. Avowed - A first-person fantasy RPG with choice-driven storytelling, set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Upcoming games include: - Blades of Fire (May 22, 2025) - A Soulslike combat game with a focus on cinematic storytelling. - Cairn (TBA 2025) - A survival climbing simulator emphasizing precision control mechanics. - Hell Is Us (September 4, 2025) - A narrative-driven action game that eschews traditional open-world design. - Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (Late 2025) - A stealth-adventure game featuring orphans uncovering a conspiracy. The PC platform remains the best for single-player games due to mod support, performance flexibility, a vast library, and indie innovation. The evolution of gaming technology has led to cutting-edge graphics, immersive storytelling, and innovative exploration mechanics, enhancing player engagement.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Coming to PC On April 3, 2025

“The Last of Us Part II Remastered” will be released on PC on April 3, 2025, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. This marks the first time Windows users can access the game, which previously received over 300 Game of the Year awards on PlayStation. The remastered edition includes enhancements such as improved graphics, performance, and new content, including a roguelike mode called “No Return.” Pre-orders are currently available. The PC version will support customizable graphics settings, ultrawide monitor support, and full DualSense controller features. New playable characters Bill and Marlene will be introduced in the “No Return” mode, alongside a Guitar Free Play mode and restored cut content. The game will require a minimum of an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x processor and 16GB RAM.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

Blades of Fire just showed off its first five minutes of gameplay, and I think it might be channelling God of War too heavily

MercurySteam announced its new action RPG, Blades of Fire, which is a spiritual successor to Severance: Blade of Darkness. The game features protagonist Aran de Lira, who navigates a woodland landscape and engages in combat with goblin-like creatures and undead foes. The gameplay showcase highlighted similarities to God of War in combat mechanics, aesthetic choices, and environmental design, raising concerns about the game's originality compared to its predecessor. The original Severance was known for its darker tone, while the new footage lacks this ambiance. MercurySteam's creative direction may aim to attract a broader audience familiar with modern titles. Blades of Fire is set to release on May 22.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Best PC Games Graphics of 2024

- Empire of the Ants, developed by Tower Five using Unreal Engine 5, showcases innovative technology like Lumen and Nanite, delivering a visually stunning experience without stutters. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a unique art style and striking visuals powered by the Frostbite Engine, despite not meeting long-time fans' expectations. - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, despite its troubled development and some graphical glitches, is visually captivating, especially with HDR, and modding communities have helped enhance its environments. - Horizon: Forbidden West translates beautifully to PC, offering impressive visuals without ray tracing effects, and is considered superior to titles like God of War: Ragnarok. - Final Fantasy 16 shines on PC with gorgeous environments and character designs, and the absence of major pop-ins enhances the immersive experience. - Tekken 8 is noted as the most visually impressive 3D fighting game, with meticulously crafted character models and stage designs that run smoothly on various PC configurations. - Black Myth: Wukong utilizes path tracing technology for a visually rich experience, though it has some limitations in environmental design. - The Silent Hill 2 Remake features expansive environments and exceptional use of Lumen and Nanite, showcasing impressive 3D models and an elevated horror art style. - Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, utilizing Unreal Engine 5, presents some of the most realistic 3D characters and environments, with high-quality textures and particle effects. - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is recognized as the best-looking PC title of 2024, featuring path tracing effects that enhance lighting and detail, despite minor texture issues.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Can’t wait for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2? Sink your teeth into the prequel mod instead

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has faced numerous delays and resets, raising concerns about its potential launch state. The original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines remains popular due to unofficial patches from modder Wesp5. The modding community is actively involved in projects like VTMB Prelude, which explores events leading to the original game. In Prelude II, players take on the role of a human vampire hunter from the Society of Leopold. The first episode featured new levels, dialogue, and boss fights, while the trailer for Prelude II highlights impressive environmental design using Valve's Source Engine. Prelude is developed by modders EntenSchreck, Hareishan, and Wesp5, who contributed to the Unofficial Patch. Prelude II is in Early Access and aims for refinement before the final episode, while anticipation for Bloodlines 2 remains high.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Steam’s Autumn Sale Starts Today, But This Black Friday Sale Has Better Deals On Metaphor, Silent Hill 2, and More

The Steam Autumn Sale runs until December 4th, while Fanatical is offering a Black Friday sale with lower prices on Steam keys. Notable deals include: - Metaphor: ReFantazio for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: For avid PC gamers, the excitement of the Steam Autumn Sale is palpable, running until December 4th. However, an intriguing twist has emerged this season: Fanatical is currently offering a Black Friday sale that features the same Steam keys at even lower prices. This unexpected competition presents a golden opportunity for gamers looking to expand their libraries without breaking the bank. Below is a curated selection of standout deals available on digital PC game codes. Metaphor: ReFantazio for .49 Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC) This captivating RPG from Atlus has captured the hearts of many, including myself. Priced at .49 on Fanatical compared to .49 on Steam, it’s a steal. Nominated for Game Of The Year at The Game Awards, our review highlights its refined gameplay and immersive storytelling, stating, “Metaphor: ReFantazio effortlessly ushers you through its brutal, and sometimes beautiful, new fantasy world.” The game’s unique Archetype system enhances turn-based battles, while its social elements deepen the narrative experience. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for .19 ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree (PC) This expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring is available for .19 on Fanatical, a notable discount from its .99 price on Steam. Also nominated for Game Of The Year, our review praises it as “an incredibly tight package” filled with secrets and challenging encounters. The expansion retains the original’s essence while introducing fresh lore and gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Helldivers 2 for .99 HELLDIVERS 2 (PC) This multiplayer gem is currently priced at .99 on Fanatical, a bargain compared to .99 on Steam. Our review describes Helldivers 2 as a modern multiplayer game that excels in providing freedom and a smart progression system. While there are minor matchmaking issues, the game shines when played with a solid squad, making it one of the most enjoyable multiplayer shooters in recent years. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for .59 Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (PC) Available for .59 on Fanatical, this nostalgic arena fighter is a return to form for the franchise, while it retails for .99 on Steam. Our review reflects on the game’s ability to evoke memories of simpler times, despite some outdated mechanics. The opportunity to relive iconic stories with a fresh twist makes it a compelling choice for fans of the series. Silent Hill 2 Remake for .99 Silent Hill 2 Remake (PC) This beloved remake is available for .99 on Fanatical, a significant discount from its .99 price on Steam. Nominated for multiple awards, including Best Narrative, our review notes its successful modernization of a survival horror classic, enhancing both combat and environmental design while maintaining the original’s haunting atmosphere. God of War for .99 God of War (PC) This critically acclaimed RPG can be purchased for .99 on Fanatical, compared to .99 on Steam. Our review highlights its masterful storytelling and character development, transforming Kratos into a multifaceted protagonist. The game’s intricate world and engaging gameplay create a memorable experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut for .99 Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut (PC) Currently available for .99 on Fanatical, this version includes additional content that enriches Jin Sakai's journey. Our review praises its breathtaking visuals and engaging combat, noting that while some elements lack polish, the overall experience is an extraordinary samurai adventure. Persona 5 Royal for .99 Persona 5 Royal This title, pivotal in elevating the Persona franchise, is priced at .99 on Fanatical, versus .99 on Steam. Our review emphasizes its refined gameplay and rich storytelling, making it a strong contender for the best JRPG ever made. The addition of new characters and surprises enhances the already beloved experience. More From Fanatical: Build your own Platinum bundle for .99: Game options include Definitely Not Fried Chicken, Nocturnal, FixFox, and more. 3 games for .99. Build your own Platinum Collection Craft your own bundle of super Steam games with the latest edition of the best-selling Platinum Collection. From Humble: Humble offers over 6,000 games on sale right now, with bundles available through their 'Pay What You Want' model. For instance, the Sci-Fi Shooter bundle allows you to pay a minimum of for 8 items valued at 9, including significant discounts on popular titles. Humble Bundle Sci-Fi Shooters Bundle This bundle supports One Tree Planted and Cool Effect, featuring award-winning sci-fi shooters that transport players to galaxies far away. More Black Friday Deals A variety of daily game deals are available, alongside other gaming lists to monitor throughout the week. Beyond video games, shoppers can explore discounts on LEGO, collectibles, tech gadgets, and more, making this an opportune time for early holiday shopping." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].49 (Fanatical) vs. [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: For avid PC gamers, the excitement of the Steam Autumn Sale is palpable, running until December 4th. However, an intriguing twist has emerged this season: Fanatical is currently offering a Black Friday sale that features the same Steam keys at even lower prices. This unexpected competition presents a golden opportunity for gamers looking to expand their libraries without breaking the bank. Below is a curated selection of standout deals available on digital PC game codes. Metaphor: ReFantazio for .49 Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC) This captivating RPG from Atlus has captured the hearts of many, including myself. Priced at .49 on Fanatical compared to .49 on Steam, it’s a steal. Nominated for Game Of The Year at The Game Awards, our review highlights its refined gameplay and immersive storytelling, stating, “Metaphor: ReFantazio effortlessly ushers you through its brutal, and sometimes beautiful, new fantasy world.” The game’s unique Archetype system enhances turn-based battles, while its social elements deepen the narrative experience. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for .19 ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree (PC) This expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring is available for .19 on Fanatical, a notable discount from its .99 price on Steam. Also nominated for Game Of The Year, our review praises it as “an incredibly tight package” filled with secrets and challenging encounters. The expansion retains the original’s essence while introducing fresh lore and gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Helldivers 2 for .99 HELLDIVERS 2 (PC) This multiplayer gem is currently priced at .99 on Fanatical, a bargain compared to .99 on Steam. Our review describes Helldivers 2 as a modern multiplayer game that excels in providing freedom and a smart progression system. While there are minor matchmaking issues, the game shines when played with a solid squad, making it one of the most enjoyable multiplayer shooters in recent years. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for .59 Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (PC) Available for .59 on Fanatical, this nostalgic arena fighter is a return to form for the franchise, while it retails for .99 on Steam. Our review reflects on the game’s ability to evoke memories of simpler times, despite some outdated mechanics. The opportunity to relive iconic stories with a fresh twist makes it a compelling choice for fans of the series. Silent Hill 2 Remake for .99 Silent Hill 2 Remake (PC) This beloved remake is available for .99 on Fanatical, a significant discount from its .99 price on Steam. Nominated for multiple awards, including Best Narrative, our review notes its successful modernization of a survival horror classic, enhancing both combat and environmental design while maintaining the original’s haunting atmosphere. God of War for .99 God of War (PC) This critically acclaimed RPG can be purchased for .99 on Fanatical, compared to .99 on Steam. Our review highlights its masterful storytelling and character development, transforming Kratos into a multifaceted protagonist. The game’s intricate world and engaging gameplay create a memorable experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut for .99 Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut (PC) Currently available for .99 on Fanatical, this version includes additional content that enriches Jin Sakai's journey. Our review praises its breathtaking visuals and engaging combat, noting that while some elements lack polish, the overall experience is an extraordinary samurai adventure. Persona 5 Royal for .99 Persona 5 Royal This title, pivotal in elevating the Persona franchise, is priced at .99 on Fanatical, versus .99 on Steam. Our review emphasizes its refined gameplay and rich storytelling, making it a strong contender for the best JRPG ever made. The addition of new characters and surprises enhances the already beloved experience. More From Fanatical: Build your own Platinum bundle for .99: Game options include Definitely Not Fried Chicken, Nocturnal, FixFox, and more. 3 games for .99. Build your own Platinum Collection Craft your own bundle of super Steam games with the latest edition of the best-selling Platinum Collection. From Humble: Humble offers over 6,000 games on sale right now, with bundles available through their 'Pay What You Want' model. For instance, the Sci-Fi Shooter bundle allows you to pay a minimum of for 8 items valued at 9, including significant discounts on popular titles. Humble Bundle Sci-Fi Shooters Bundle This bundle supports One Tree Planted and Cool Effect, featuring award-winning sci-fi shooters that transport players to galaxies far away. More Black Friday Deals A variety of daily game deals are available, alongside other gaming lists to monitor throughout the week. Beyond video games, shoppers can explore discounts on LEGO, collectibles, tech gadgets, and more, making this an opportune time for early holiday shopping." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].49 (Steam) - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for .99 (Fanatical) vs. .99 (Steam) - Helldivers 2 for .99 (Fanatical) vs. .99 (Steam) - Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: For avid PC gamers, the excitement of the Steam Autumn Sale is palpable, running until December 4th. However, an intriguing twist has emerged this season: Fanatical is currently offering a Black Friday sale that features the same Steam keys at even lower prices. This unexpected competition presents a golden opportunity for gamers looking to expand their libraries without breaking the bank. Below is a curated selection of standout deals available on digital PC game codes. Metaphor: ReFantazio for .49 Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC) This captivating RPG from Atlus has captured the hearts of many, including myself. Priced at .49 on Fanatical compared to .49 on Steam, it’s a steal. Nominated for Game Of The Year at The Game Awards, our review highlights its refined gameplay and immersive storytelling, stating, “Metaphor: ReFantazio effortlessly ushers you through its brutal, and sometimes beautiful, new fantasy world.” The game’s unique Archetype system enhances turn-based battles, while its social elements deepen the narrative experience. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for .19 ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree (PC) This expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring is available for .19 on Fanatical, a notable discount from its .99 price on Steam. Also nominated for Game Of The Year, our review praises it as “an incredibly tight package” filled with secrets and challenging encounters. The expansion retains the original’s essence while introducing fresh lore and gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Helldivers 2 for .99 HELLDIVERS 2 (PC) This multiplayer gem is currently priced at .99 on Fanatical, a bargain compared to .99 on Steam. Our review describes Helldivers 2 as a modern multiplayer game that excels in providing freedom and a smart progression system. While there are minor matchmaking issues, the game shines when played with a solid squad, making it one of the most enjoyable multiplayer shooters in recent years. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for .59 Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (PC) Available for .59 on Fanatical, this nostalgic arena fighter is a return to form for the franchise, while it retails for .99 on Steam. Our review reflects on the game’s ability to evoke memories of simpler times, despite some outdated mechanics. The opportunity to relive iconic stories with a fresh twist makes it a compelling choice for fans of the series. Silent Hill 2 Remake for .99 Silent Hill 2 Remake (PC) This beloved remake is available for .99 on Fanatical, a significant discount from its .99 price on Steam. Nominated for multiple awards, including Best Narrative, our review notes its successful modernization of a survival horror classic, enhancing both combat and environmental design while maintaining the original’s haunting atmosphere. God of War for .99 God of War (PC) This critically acclaimed RPG can be purchased for .99 on Fanatical, compared to .99 on Steam. Our review highlights its masterful storytelling and character development, transforming Kratos into a multifaceted protagonist. The game’s intricate world and engaging gameplay create a memorable experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut for .99 Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut (PC) Currently available for .99 on Fanatical, this version includes additional content that enriches Jin Sakai's journey. Our review praises its breathtaking visuals and engaging combat, noting that while some elements lack polish, the overall experience is an extraordinary samurai adventure. Persona 5 Royal for .99 Persona 5 Royal This title, pivotal in elevating the Persona franchise, is priced at .99 on Fanatical, versus .99 on Steam. Our review emphasizes its refined gameplay and rich storytelling, making it a strong contender for the best JRPG ever made. The addition of new characters and surprises enhances the already beloved experience. More From Fanatical: Build your own Platinum bundle for .99: Game options include Definitely Not Fried Chicken, Nocturnal, FixFox, and more. 3 games for .99. Build your own Platinum Collection Craft your own bundle of super Steam games with the latest edition of the best-selling Platinum Collection. From Humble: Humble offers over 6,000 games on sale right now, with bundles available through their 'Pay What You Want' model. For instance, the Sci-Fi Shooter bundle allows you to pay a minimum of for 8 items valued at 9, including significant discounts on popular titles. Humble Bundle Sci-Fi Shooters Bundle This bundle supports One Tree Planted and Cool Effect, featuring award-winning sci-fi shooters that transport players to galaxies far away. More Black Friday Deals A variety of daily game deals are available, alongside other gaming lists to monitor throughout the week. Beyond video games, shoppers can explore discounts on LEGO, collectibles, tech gadgets, and more, making this an opportune time for early holiday shopping." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].59 (Fanatical) vs. [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: For avid PC gamers, the excitement of the Steam Autumn Sale is palpable, running until December 4th. However, an intriguing twist has emerged this season: Fanatical is currently offering a Black Friday sale that features the same Steam keys at even lower prices. This unexpected competition presents a golden opportunity for gamers looking to expand their libraries without breaking the bank. Below is a curated selection of standout deals available on digital PC game codes. Metaphor: ReFantazio for .49 Metaphor: ReFantazio (PC) This captivating RPG from Atlus has captured the hearts of many, including myself. Priced at .49 on Fanatical compared to .49 on Steam, it’s a steal. Nominated for Game Of The Year at The Game Awards, our review highlights its refined gameplay and immersive storytelling, stating, “Metaphor: ReFantazio effortlessly ushers you through its brutal, and sometimes beautiful, new fantasy world.” The game’s unique Archetype system enhances turn-based battles, while its social elements deepen the narrative experience. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for .19 ELDEN RING: Shadow of the Erdtree (PC) This expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring is available for .19 on Fanatical, a notable discount from its .99 price on Steam. Also nominated for Game Of The Year, our review praises it as “an incredibly tight package” filled with secrets and challenging encounters. The expansion retains the original’s essence while introducing fresh lore and gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Helldivers 2 for .99 HELLDIVERS 2 (PC) This multiplayer gem is currently priced at .99 on Fanatical, a bargain compared to .99 on Steam. Our review describes Helldivers 2 as a modern multiplayer game that excels in providing freedom and a smart progression system. While there are minor matchmaking issues, the game shines when played with a solid squad, making it one of the most enjoyable multiplayer shooters in recent years. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero for .59 Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (PC) Available for .59 on Fanatical, this nostalgic arena fighter is a return to form for the franchise, while it retails for .99 on Steam. Our review reflects on the game’s ability to evoke memories of simpler times, despite some outdated mechanics. The opportunity to relive iconic stories with a fresh twist makes it a compelling choice for fans of the series. Silent Hill 2 Remake for .99 Silent Hill 2 Remake (PC) This beloved remake is available for .99 on Fanatical, a significant discount from its .99 price on Steam. Nominated for multiple awards, including Best Narrative, our review notes its successful modernization of a survival horror classic, enhancing both combat and environmental design while maintaining the original’s haunting atmosphere. God of War for .99 God of War (PC) This critically acclaimed RPG can be purchased for .99 on Fanatical, compared to .99 on Steam. Our review highlights its masterful storytelling and character development, transforming Kratos into a multifaceted protagonist. The game’s intricate world and engaging gameplay create a memorable experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut for .99 Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut (PC) Currently available for .99 on Fanatical, this version includes additional content that enriches Jin Sakai's journey. Our review praises its breathtaking visuals and engaging combat, noting that while some elements lack polish, the overall experience is an extraordinary samurai adventure. Persona 5 Royal for .99 Persona 5 Royal This title, pivotal in elevating the Persona franchise, is priced at .99 on Fanatical, versus .99 on Steam. Our review emphasizes its refined gameplay and rich storytelling, making it a strong contender for the best JRPG ever made. The addition of new characters and surprises enhances the already beloved experience. More From Fanatical: Build your own Platinum bundle for .99: Game options include Definitely Not Fried Chicken, Nocturnal, FixFox, and more. 3 games for .99. Build your own Platinum Collection Craft your own bundle of super Steam games with the latest edition of the best-selling Platinum Collection. From Humble: Humble offers over 6,000 games on sale right now, with bundles available through their 'Pay What You Want' model. For instance, the Sci-Fi Shooter bundle allows you to pay a minimum of for 8 items valued at 9, including significant discounts on popular titles. Humble Bundle Sci-Fi Shooters Bundle This bundle supports One Tree Planted and Cool Effect, featuring award-winning sci-fi shooters that transport players to galaxies far away. More Black Friday Deals A variety of daily game deals are available, alongside other gaming lists to monitor throughout the week. Beyond video games, shoppers can explore discounts on LEGO, collectibles, tech gadgets, and more, making this an opportune time for early holiday shopping." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 (Steam) - Silent Hill 2 Remake for .99 (Fanatical) vs. .99 (Steam) - God of War for .99 (Fanatical) vs. .99 (Steam) - Ghost of Tsushima - Director's Cut for .99 (Fanatical) vs. .99 (Steam) - Persona 5 Royal for .99 (Fanatical) vs. .99 (Steam) Additionally, Fanatical offers a Build Your Own Platinum bundle for .99 and Humble Bundle features over 6,000 games on sale, including a Sci-Fi Shooter bundle.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

How Valve made Half-Life 2 and set a new standard for future games

Half-Life 2 is notable for its innovative use of physics mechanics, particularly the gravity gun, which allowed players to manipulate objects and influenced future player interaction in games. In 2023, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom introduced the Ultrahand ability, enabling players to combine objects into contraptions, building on the mechanics established by Half-Life 2. The game is also recognized for its masterful environmental design, using subtle visual cues to guide players, a technique that has influenced many titles but has shifted towards more explicit cues in recent AAA games. Half-Life 2's world-building and atmospheric design have left a significant legacy, impacting games like BioShock, Dishonored, and Cyberpunk 2077. While it may not have introduced entirely new gameplay concepts, its execution, quality, and cultural significance have made a lasting impression on the gaming industry.