experience Archives

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Remastered Lighting Drops On PC This Week, as Modder Transforms Game To Another Level

Modder David Matos has developed a custom Shader Injector mod for the PC version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, addressing the game's flat open-world lighting. The upcoming version 2.0 of the mod will eliminate manual shader setup, introduce new game shaders for improved tonemapping, experimental screen-space global illumination, and automatic exposure. Users will have customization options to disable certain features and adjust settings like contact shadowing and ambient occlusion. Matos has shared that version 2.0 is expected to release within a week and will include a complete overhaul of screen-space reflections to fix light-leak issues. The mod's release coincides with renewed interest in the Final Fantasy VII trilogy following the Summer Game Fest reveal of Final Fantasy VII Revelation. While the enhancements may affect PC performance, Matos believes the visual improvements are worthwhile.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Display Assistant app on Galaxy devices gets ready for One UI 9

Samsung is preparing for the launch of One UI 9.0, updating its applications and modules for a smooth transition. The Display Assistant module has been updated to version 9.0.08, enhancing compatibility with One UI 9.0 (Android 17) but not adding new features or fixes. Compatibility updates have been rolled out for several Good Lock modules, with more updates planned. One UI 9.0 will debut with the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, announced on July 22, 2026, and available from August 5, 2026. The stable One UI 9.0 update will also be rolled out for existing flagship models, including the Galaxy S26 series.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

What is Paralives? The creative life simulator game that could rival The Sims

Paralives, created by indie designer Alex Massé, launched on Steam in May 2026 as an early access title and sold 250,000 copies within eight hours, achieving a peak concurrent player count of 78,603. The game allows players to create and customize characters called Parafolk, featuring extensive representation and body inclusivity. It offers user-friendly building and decorating tools, enabling flexible item placement and personalization. The art style is a comic-book aesthetic reminiscent of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." Paralives was developed independently with community feedback, contrasting with EA's acquisition of The Sims, which raised concerns among players regarding corporate influence and representation. The game is priced at £33.50, with plans for free downloadable content updates.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Most of the top 10 Steam Deck games are discounted in this year’s Steam Summer Sale, with up to 90% off

Steam's annual Summer Sale has started, offering discounts of up to 90% on a wide range of games. Many titles compatible with the Steam Deck are available for under , with some even priced below . Eight out of the ten most-played games on the Steam Deck are included in the sale. The only two games not featured are Slay the Spire 2 and Forza Horizon 6. All listed games are Steam Deck Verified. Additionally, Fanatical's Triple Pack bundle includes 14 Steam Deck-friendly games, potentially offering greater savings than the Summer Sale.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Steam Users Hooked On New Free Slice Of 9/10 Titanfall-Inspired Shooter

Titanfall 3 is not currently in production, but a new game called Code RAPID, developed by HitBreak, has released a free demo on Steam that has received positive feedback. Set in a post-apocalyptic world called Ondarea, players control customizable mechs in dynamic combat that emphasizes agility and strategy. The demo allows players to experience the first three missions, showcasing mech customization and core gameplay mechanics. The full version is expected to launch in 2026, and the game currently holds a 90% rating on Steam. Early players have expressed excitement and satisfaction with the demo's controls and gameplay.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Who Needs a Steam Machine? I Converted My PC for Free and It Was Simple

The Steam Machine offers PC gamers a console-like experience with access to the Steam library and various PC games. The starting price is ,049 due to RAMageddon, prompting some users to consider building their own Steam Machine. Valve provides a guide for installing SteamOS, which requires compatible hardware, including a 12th-gen Intel Core processor and an NVMe solid-state drive. An 8GB or larger USB drive is needed to create installation media. Users should disconnect other drives to avoid data loss during installation. The installation process involves selecting "Wipe Device & Install SteamOS," which erases the system. After installation, users must configure settings like language, time zone, and audio output. SteamOS operates in a Big Picture Mode, allowing easy navigation with a controller. Benefits of SteamOS include avoiding Windows-related frustrations and potential performance improvements in some games, although results may vary.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Another self-own for Sony: Marvel Tōkon’s PC version is unavailable in over 100 countries thanks to our old friend PSN again

Sony's upcoming release of Marvel Tōkon has been region-restricted on Steam in 132 countries, including Pakistan, the Dominican Republic, Morocco, Egypt, Fiji, Jamaica, Monaco, and Vatican City. This follows previous actions by Sony, such as the PSN account requirement for Helldivers 2, which affected playability in regions without PSN access. An open beta for Marvel Tōkon is scheduled from July 24 to July 26 on PC and PS5, featuring characters like Blade, Ghost Rider, Loki, and Deadpool.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft finally fixes bug that broke all major Windows 11 core UI components on some PCs

Microsoft introduced an update to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, identified as KB5095189, targeting versions 25H2 and 24H2. This update includes enhancements and fixes, coinciding with additional updates KB5102558 and KB5095615 from the June C-release preview update (KB5095093). A major fix addresses a storage issue caused by the Capability Access Manager process, which was consuming significant disk space. Another fix resolves a malfunction affecting Shell components, impacting the Start menu, Search bar, Settings, Taskbar, and File Explorer, primarily on provisioned PCs due to compatibility issues with XAML. This bug had been present since July 2025 and is being resolved with updates released starting June 23, 2026 (KB5095093), with full deployment expected in the following month. Users are advised to use previous workarounds until the fix is fully available. Further details can be found in support article KB5072911 on Microsoft's website.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

New Meta Quest, SteamVR and PC VR games launching in July 2026

In July 2026, several virtual reality titles are set to release across various platforms: - Enigmo: Launching on July 7 for PC VR, it is a physics puzzle game where players redirect liquid droplets, plasma particles, and lasers. - Geronimo: An Early Access tactical shooter releasing on July 10 for PC VR, focusing on cooperative gameplay and team-based movement. - One More Delve 1.0: Celebrating its full release on July 13 for PC VR and Quest 3, this cooperative dungeon crawler features physics-based combat and loot collection. - Fixer Undercover: Arriving on July 16 for PC VR, it is a spy-themed escape room game where players solve challenges while disguised as a maintenance worker. - Roboquest VR: Launching on July 23 for Quest 3, this game includes a co-op update for enhanced multiplayer experience. - Puzzles of the World: Transitioning from Early Access to a full release on July 23 for Quest 3 and Quest 3S, it offers a miniature-building experience. - Cybercore Protocol: Releasing on July 26 for Quest, it turns players' surroundings into a mixed reality battlefield. - Hyperstacks: Scheduled for July 30 on SteamVR, it combines parkour, combat, and puzzle-solving with user-generated content. - Streets of Miami VR: Initially set for July 30, it has been postponed to August 28 on SteamVR, featuring a semi-open world in 1980s Miami.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Brigador devs think it’s crucial that their abrasive, hardcore mech sims aren’t for everyone: ‘I think we make boy slop, but that’s okay’

Jack Monahan and Hugh Monahan, from Stellar Jockeys, discussed game design balance in their upcoming title, Brigador Killers. They emphasized the importance of approachability and depth, reflecting on their previous game, Brigador, which initially struggled in sales but gained a cult following. Jack mentioned the need for complexity while maintaining mainstream appeal for financial viability. He expressed concerns about creative compromises and the importance of authenticity in game design. Hugh highlighted the significance of challenge and complexity in creating memorable gaming experiences and communities, referencing the success of Dark Souls. Brigador is currently available for .50 during the Steam Summer sale, while Brigador Killers is in development with no set release date, but players can wishlist it and explore its demo on Steam. Brigador Killers will feature a mechanic allowing players to exit their vehicles, enhancing gameplay depth.