features

AppWizard
May 26, 2026
Derelict Star is an indie action-platformer released in early April, where players control an unnamed astronaut scavenging for power cells from a derelict freighter across approximately 500 screens. The game features pixel art reminiscent of the Pico-8 console, blending aesthetics from the Atari 2600 and 8-bit eras. It emphasizes meticulous movement mechanics, relying on players' mastery of speed and momentum, with a jetpack that becomes more effective after sprinting. The gameplay includes a P-Meter mechanic similar to that in Super Mario Bros. 3, which tracks speed and serves as a core puzzle element. Developer John Williams cites influences from classic platformers and emphasizes the importance of momentum, addressing criticisms from Jonathan Blow by clarifying that the game focuses on movement rather than layered puzzles.
AppWizard
May 26, 2026
A new tool called VOXIFY Geometry Nodes modifier for Blender has been developed by 3D Generalist Masoud Rezaei to enhance voxel-based art. It allows users to voxelize meshes while preserving details like colors and texture maps. VOXIFY can be applied to any mesh in a non-destructive manner, making it versatile for various projects, including voxel art, LEGO-style creations, game environments, and motion graphics. It includes features for generating static meshes, creating assembly animations, and adjusting voxel positions and rotations for rigged and animated objects. VOXIFY is a free tool designed for both seasoned artists and beginners in voxel art.
AppWizard
May 26, 2026
The music of Stardew Valley was composed by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone and features 100 tracks that capture various moments and locations, making it a gold standard for comfort in gaming. Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a soundtrack that combines lo-fi melodies with electronic guitar riffs, adapting to the time of day and weather, enhancing the gameplay experience. Spiritfarer explores themes of death and nostalgia through its soundtrack, which evolves into a narrative element of the game. Minecraft features an ambient soundtrack by Daniel "C418" Rosenfield that has influenced lo-fi and vaporwave music trends, characterized by gentle piano melodies and tranquil synths. The soundtrack of Monument Valley aligns with the game's aesthetic and player actions, enhancing immersion. Journey has a Grammy-nominated score by Austin Wintory that complements its visuals and storytelling, providing essential clues through its instrumentation. Alto's Adventure features stirring melodies that capture the exhilaration of gameplay, inviting players to immerse themselves in the experience.
AppWizard
May 25, 2026
Phonopolis, developed by Amanita Design, was released last week and has received positive early impressions. The game features straightforward puzzles that resemble interactive toys, with a notable sequence involving evasion during a parade. It is inspired by the works of Karel Čapek and George Orwell, showcasing themes of class division, surveillance, and punishment. The soundtrack by Tomáš Dvořák contrasts the game's harsh environment with a gentle, dreamy lullaby. The game is described as having overt thematic elements, making it feel heavier and less joyful than previous titles like Machinarium and Botanicula. Phonopolis is available for purchase on Steam, Epic, and GOG for .49/£18/€19.79, with a collector's edition and a demo also offered on Steam.
Winsage
May 25, 2026
Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8497, introducing new accessibility features including a Screen Tint option, Voice Isolation in Voice Access, and upgrades to Magnifier and Narrator. The Screen Tint setting allows users to apply a color overlay to reduce screen brightness, beneficial for those with eye strain. It can be accessed in the Settings menu under Accessibility and operates independently of the Night Light feature. The update also enhances Narrator by adding support for plug-and-play braille displays that comply with the HID standard, allowing immediate connection via USB without additional drivers. Compatible braille models include Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40. The build addresses several bugs, including a crash in explorer.exe, duplicate Energy Saver quick settings, and issues with audio muting on certain devices. Build 26300.8497 is being rolled out to the Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel, with no announcement yet on availability for the broader user base.
AppWizard
May 25, 2026
Concerns about the Russian messaging application Max have grown due to vulnerabilities and surveillance features identified by IT specialists. An analysis revealed that Max can disable encryption on conversations with a single command and includes a forced-update feature that restricts user communication until the app is updated. Max collects extensive user data, including a list of installed applications and checks for VPNs, and has the ability to disable TLS session validation. Additionally, a version of Max included a neural network for speech recognition, although these features were later removed. Despite these concerns, VK, the parent company of Max, reported rapid user growth, surpassing 120 million users as of early May, with a daily reach of 68 million users. Many users are switching from Telegram to Max due to accessibility issues with Telegram and pressure from authorities. Major mobile carriers in Russia have collaborated with VK to send authentication messages through Max, further embedding the app in users' daily lives. However, Max has faced challenges in becoming a primary source for news and entertainment, hosting around 300,000 public channels compared to Telegram's 1.6 million, which has hindered advertising growth and led to an increase in scams.
AppWizard
May 25, 2026
Paralives has launched into early access, entering the life simulation genre alongside The Sims 4. The game is currently in a rough state with bugs such as menu glitches and unresponsive buttons, but overall performance on desktop PCs is satisfactory despite lengthy load times. It offers a unique take on life simulation, reminiscent of earlier games in the genre, and has a promising roadmap for updates over the next two years, including features like seasons, weather, pets, and improved building tools. Dedicated life sim enthusiasts may find it worthwhile to engage now, while casual gamers might prefer to wait due to its buggy state and steep price. Live Mode players will find intriguing elements but may desire more gameplay variety.
AppWizard
May 25, 2026
Paralives has entered early access and offers several innovative features that distinguish it from The Sims 4. Key features include: - The ability to resize objects, allowing for customization in design. - A snap-free decorating system that enables free placement of items. - A color wheel for customizing clothing, hair, and furniture colors, with the option to save swatches. - Height sliders for creating characters of varying heights, enhancing realism and diversity. - A vegetarian toggle that does not consume a trait slot, simplifying character traits. - A needs-dependent skill progression system that requires characters' needs to be met for leveling up. - Special mood meters that provide unique emotional states based on characters' actions. - Townie requests inspired by farming simulators, offering daily tasks for rewards. - A museum feature for donating found items, encouraging exploration and collection.
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