exhibit Archives

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

After all these years, Heretic plays better than it ever has—and thanks to Nightdive, even Hexen sucks far less

Last week, remastered versions of Heretic and Hexen were released, developed by Raven Software. Heretic, released in 1994, featured unique weaponry like the ethereal crossbow and allowed for strategic item use, but its gameplay was similar to Doom and its aesthetic less appealing than Hexen's darker tones. Hexen, released in 1995, attempted to blend RPG elements into the first-person shooter genre but often frustrated players with its complexity and hub-based level structure. Nightdive Studios made gameplay adjustments in both remasters, including tweaks to level design and weapon mechanics, such as reducing the ethereal crossbow's ammo capacity. Players can toggle these changes on or off. Heretic's level design has been appreciated for its sophistication, surpassing Doom 2, while Hexen's remaster includes a more user-friendly map and the ability to change character classes mid-game, enhancing accessibility.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Tourism New Zealand Launches AI Trip Planner with Minecraft Integration to Inspire Global Travellers

Travellers can use an AI trip planner powered by GuideGeek technology on newzealand.com, which provides real-time answers to travel inquiries and connects to a fully playable Minecraft destination created by Tourism New Zealand. The AI offers personalized travel tips based on individual interests and integrates data from over 1,000 travel information sources. The Minecraft collaboration features digital recreations of New Zealand locations, enhancing engagement and curiosity about actual sites. Since its launch in late 2024, the AI has attracted around 200,000 unique users, who engage 600% more than average visitors. The initiative promotes New Zealand's cultural heritage through collaboration with Māori groups and local businesses, supporting both popular and lesser-known destinations. Future enhancements for the AI tool may include voice assistance and itinerary sharing.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Gain new insight into Minecraft’s wolves with a new video from Minecraft

Wolves in Minecraft are loyal companions that can be tamed with bones. They exhibit behaviors such as chasing skeletons due to hunting instincts and avoiding llamas due to perceived threats. Players can assess a wolf's health by observing its behavior, such as whining when hungry or limping when injured. Establishing a bond with a wolf requires feeding it bones, which strengthens their loyalty.

AppWizard

July 30, 2025

Google Urges Android Users to Quickly Delete These Apps from Their Phones!

A recent alert has been issued for Android smartphone users about malicious applications found on the Google Play Store that pose significant risks to user security and personal data. Cybersecurity firm Cyble has identified over twenty deceptive apps, many mimicking well-known wallet and cryptocurrency applications, which redirect users to phishing sites that collect sensitive information, including banking and cryptocurrency credentials. Users are advised to uninstall specific harmful apps such as Pancake Swap, Suiet Wallet, Hyperliquid, Raydium, BullX Crypto, OpenOcean Exchange, Meteora Exchange, SushiSwap, and Harvest Finance Blog. Google recommends using the “Play Protect” feature to scan downloaded apps for safety.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Edens Zero Review (PC) – I Can’t Stop Playing This Game

Edens Zero is a video game developed and published by Konami, set to be released on July 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at .99. Players assume the role of Shiki, a boy living on the robot-run planet Granbell, who embarks on an adventure with Rebecca, a B-Cuber, after robots turn against humanity. The game features two modes: Story Mode, where players follow Shiki's journey and uncover his father's mysteries, and Exploration Mode, where players complete quests from the Adventurer’s Guild in Blue Garden. The game includes an innovative equipment system that allows for character appearance customization. Performance issues were noted on the Steam Deck, while a high-end PC setup provided a smoother experience. The art direction and character designs are praised, and the combat blends action RPG elements with beat 'em up styles. The game has both pros, such as engaging combat and extensive customization, and cons, including performance inconsistencies and repetitive quest design.

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

First Version of BioShock RTX Remix Path Tracing Mod Released

A demo for the RTX Remix Mod for the original BioShock game has been released by modders ‘skurtyyskirts’ and ‘watbulb’. This mod introduces real-time Path Tracing to enhance the game's graphics, utilizing improved materials through physically-based rendering (PBR) assets. The mod includes a custom compatibility wrapper to facilitate communication between BioShock, which operates on Unreal Engine 2.5, and RTX Remix. The demo features hundreds of newly crafted textures and assets, with updated lighting effects. The demo is available for download, but users may encounter visual inconsistencies and bugs. Additionally, various RTX Remix Mods for other games are in development, including titles like Tomb Raider 2, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Demos for Path Tracing Mods have also been released for games such as Deus Ex and Call of Duty 4.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Konfety Android Malware Exploits ZIP Tricks to Masquerade as Legit Apps on Google Play

Security researchers from zLabs have identified a new version of the Konfety Android malware that uses advanced ZIP-level modifications to avoid detection and mimic legitimate apps on the Google Play Store. The malware employs an "evil-twin" strategy, distributing malicious versions with the same package names as harmless apps. It manipulates the APK's ZIP structure to disrupt reverse engineering tools, allowing it to evade analysis. The installation process on Android can handle these malformed packages without raising alarms. Konfety features a dynamic code loading mechanism, hiding a secondary Dalvik Executable (DEX) file that is decrypted at runtime, which contains malicious components. It integrates with the CaramelAds SDK for ad fraud, while disguising its activities through geofencing and icon concealment. The malware has been linked to previous campaigns and uses decoy applications on the Play Store for camouflage. Upon execution, it redirects users to fraudulent websites, leading to unwanted app installations and compromising user privacy. The threat actors behind Konfety continuously update their tactics to evade detection, highlighting the growing sophistication of Android malware. Users are advised to scrutinize app sources and monitor network activity to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Ghost Town Is Out Soon For PC VR – Quest 3 Graphics Comparison

Ghost Town, developed by Fireproof Games, is set to launch for PC VR and Quest 3. Players take on the role of Edith Penrose, investigating her brother's disappearance in a ghost-hunting detective agency in London. The game features intricate environmental and mechanical puzzles, and has received positive reviews on Quest. The graphics are detailed on both platforms, with the Quest 3 version having slightly less polished lighting and environmental effects compared to the PC version. Textures are high quality on both systems, but the PC version has enhanced sharpness and more objects rendered in scenes. Performance on Quest 3 is generally outstanding with minimal lag, and the game provides an immersive experience on both platforms. The upcoming Steam release will enhance fidelity for PC VR players.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Microsoft’s extra year of free Windows 10 security updates feels like a last-minute snooze button — while groups like “The Restart Project” still want to help users

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are expressing dissatisfaction with Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements and design flaws. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has launched a petition against Microsoft's decision, warning it could lead to significant electronic waste and contradicts Microsoft's sustainability goals. Microsoft plans to extend security updates for Windows 10, but users must sync their settings with a Microsoft Account to receive them. Approximately 400 million Windows 10 PCs may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project highlights that nearly half of all Windows computers still run on Windows 10 and is advocating for repair and the use of free and open-source operating systems. They have developed an 'End of Windows 10' toolkit for community repair groups. The Restart Project has called for stronger durability and repairability rules, economic changes to discourage disposable products, and increased efforts for reuse and repair of electronic waste. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with reports indicating 50.88% for Windows 11 compared to 46.2% for Windows 10. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 PCs are significantly faster than Windows 10 PCs, although this has been met with skepticism.