Exo Archives

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

Narrative puzzle game Causal Loop announced for PC

Publisher Headup and developer Mirebound Interactive have announced the narrative puzzle game Causal Loop, which features a science-fiction storyline focused on time, consequence, and survival. The game will be available on PC platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, but a release date has not been provided. Causal Loop includes a unique "echo" mechanic that allows players to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of their past selves. The narrative follows exo-archaeologist Bale and exo-linguist Jen as they explore the remnants of the lost Tor civilization on the planet Tor Ulsat. Bale activates the Chronolith, an ancient alien device, causing Jen to disappear and trapping him in a reality where time loops and echoes converge. Key features of the game include: - Mind-bending puzzles utilizing the ‘Echo Branching’ mechanic. - A mysterious alien world with fifteen chapters filled with secrets. - An emotional narrative that complements the gameplay. - Fully-voiced characters with a talented cast. - Accessibility options for inclusivity, including features for motion sickness prevention and color blindness mode.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Narrative puzzle game Casual Loop announced for PC

Publisher Headup and developer Mirebound Interactive are set to release Casual Loop, a narrative puzzle game featuring a science-fiction storyline focused on time, consequence, and survival. The game will be available on PC platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, with a release date yet to be announced. Casual Loop includes a unique “echo” mechanic that allows players to record, replay, and interact with up to three versions of their past selves. The story follows exo-archaeologist Bale and exo-linguist Jen as they explore the ruins of the lost Tor civilization on the planet Tor Ulsat. Bale accidentally activates the Chronolith, causing Jen to disappear and trapping him in a fragmented reality filled with time loops and echoes. Key features of the game include mind-bending puzzles, a mysterious alien world with fifteen chapters, an emotional narrative, fully-voiced characters, and strong accessibility options.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

The Best PC Games to Play Right Now (Spring 2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features advanced GPUs enabling ray tracing and AI-enhanced upscaling, with tools like Unreal Engine 5 facilitating diverse game development. Platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store host tens of thousands of titles, with over 13,000 new games launched on Steam in 2024. Notable games include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, Cyberpunk 2077, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Warframe, and Apex Legends. Key trends include cross-platform compatibility, free-to-play models, and game subscription services. Optimal gaming setups typically require a mid-range processor, a GTX 1070 or better graphics card, and at least 16GB of RAM. Popular multiplayer games include Valorant and Apex Legends, while highly rated titles include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Disco Elysium. Classics worth playing today include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Portal 2.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 98 can run Meta’s Llama AI model on just 128MB of RAM: “We could have been talking to our computers for 30 years now.”

Generative AI is being integrated into modern technology, with Microsoft incorporating its Copilot AI into Windows 11. Marc Andreessen revealed that a small Llama AI model from Meta operated on a Windows 98 PC with 128MB of RAM. Although the specific Meta AI model was not disclosed, it suggests older technology could have supported generative AI capabilities. Andreessen noted that running Llama AI on a 26-year-old Dell PC could have enabled human-like interactions with computers decades ago. An experiment by Exo Labs successfully ran a modified version of Meta's Llama 2 on a Pentium II-based Windows 98 PC, overcoming challenges related to sourcing compatible peripherals and transferring files. The team used Borland C++ 5.02 for compiling modern code but eventually switched to an older version of the C programming language due to compatibility issues. The project required developing a streamlined version of the AI model to function within the hardware limitations of the legacy PC. This illustrates that even older PCs had the potential to support generative AI.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

Ten PC games I could have played, in full, during the time I spent failing to connect to Elden Ring: Nightreign on PS5

On Valentine’s Day, an attempt to engage with the network test for Elden Ring: Nightreign resulted in a three-hour experience with server issues on PS5. The test may have provided data for FromSoftware ahead of the game's May release. Alternative games suggested for exploration during the wait include: - Jazzpunk: A comedic game resembling a 60s spy thriller. - Mouthwashing: A compact horror game set in a stranded spaceship. - Thirty Flights of Loving: A brief narrative about a heist gone wrong. - Bernband: A low-resolution walking simulator in an alien city. - The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe: A follow-up mini-adventure with witty commentary. - Exo One: A visually stunning game focused on momentum-based traversal. - Stray: A feline-themed game with fluid platforming and intricate design. - Scanner Sombre: A techno-horror experience using a LiDAR scanner in darkness. - Minit: An adventure game where players solve puzzles within a minute-long lifespan. - Portal: An iconic puzzle-platformer known for its innovative mechanics.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

Tron: Catalyst Announced For PC & Consoles in 2025

Big Fan Games has announced the development of Tron: Catalyst, set to launch in 2025 for PC and consoles. The game is developed by Bithell Games and takes place in the Arq Grid, featuring a protagonist named Exo, who possesses the Glitch power. Players will engage in melee and ranged combat, using techniques like parrying and Disc kicks while riding Light Cycles. Progression involves collecting Data Shards to unlock new abilities. The storyline follows Exo, a courier whose life changes after a mysterious package detonates, granting him powers and putting him in conflict with a program named Conn. The game emphasizes exploration and combat within a richly imagined narrative. A trailer showcasing the game's action and visuals is available.