Fire Archives

AppWizard

April 6, 2025

Pentagon inspector general investigating Hegseth’s use of Signal messaging app

DoD's acting Inspector General, Steven Stebbins, is reviewing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app for operational airstrike discussions in Yemen to evaluate compliance with policies on commercial messaging for official communications and classification mandates. Concurrently, House Oversight Committee Democrats are investigating the Department of Government Efficiency's data usage, while OPM is directing agencies to revise performance review processes to prioritize adherence to presidential policies. The Defense Department has mandated public reporting of canceled contracts linked to Trump's efficiency initiatives. The SSA is tightening identity-proofing requirements for benefit applications, discontinuing phone verification options. During a nomination hearing, Trump’s nominees for OPM and OMB faced questions regarding federal workforce reductions. The Army has abandoned plans for a billion-dollar software development contract after feedback on draft RFPs. Employees at the IMLS have been placed on administrative leave amid concerns over the agency's future and grant disbursement obligations following Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating smaller entities.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Psycho Patrol R, the FPS-Mech sim from the creator of Cruelty Squad, is one of the most challenging, complicated games I’ve ever played⁠—and worth every second it took to figure out its deal

Psycho Patrol R is an early access game that combines immersive simulation, mech combat, and open-ended role-playing. Players assume the role of a bureaucrat-officer in the European Federal Police in an alternate-history 2000, tasked with investigating thought crimes. The game features a hardcore design, requiring patient exploration and experimentation. Players can pilot a mech called the "V-Stalker," which operates on a milsim framework. Weapons are acquired from defeated enemies, and players can customize their character and mech at EFP HQ. The game has a unique saving system involving a holographic globe, and players drop currency upon death, which can be lost permanently if not retrieved. Money serves as both currency and experience points, and players can earn it through missions and eliminating wealthy NPCs. Character stats influence gameplay, and a fatigue meter affects player performance. The Detective class is recommended for its hacking tool and high perception stat. The hacking minigame requires players to input passwords and manipulate characters into recognizable words. Advanced tips include targeting specific NPCs for cash and exploring thoroughly for loot. An eight-minute video guide offers strategies for newcomers.

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

March 26, 2025

‘Ok, so dragon builds are a thing now’: galaxy-brained Helldivers 2 player incinerates a bile titan with a hover pack and a flamethrower

The Lift-860 hover pack is a new enhancement in Helldivers 2, introduced through the Borderline Justice warbond, allowing players to hover in mid-air. A viral Reddit video showcased a player, cur1y_n3ctar, using the hover pack to evade a bile titan and attack it with a flamethrower, leading to the strategy being dubbed the "dragon build" by the community. Some players also refer to it as the "firefly build." This strategy has gained popularity just before the first anniversary of Malevelon Creek, where speculation suggests the game's automaton faction may launch an assault using specialized flame units known as the incineration corps.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro now $10 with Stack Social deal

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its original price of 9. A coupon code, WINDOWS, can further reduce the price to .97. Key features include an intuitive interface, enhanced voice typing, advanced security, and gaming capabilities with DirectX 12 Ultimate. The package includes Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touchscreen support, and purchasing it grants a lifetime license. Users should ensure their PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Additionally, Walmart is offering Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) for 9.99, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for .99.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Atomfall Review

Players in Atomfall awaken with amnesia in a post-apocalyptic landscape five years after the Windscale Fire, which has turned Cumberland into a quarantine zone controlled by the British government. The game features distinctive gameplay mechanics that emphasize survival action, where enemies do not have levels or health bars, and a well-placed headshot results in an instant kill. Players engage with a unique investigation system through an Investigation Journal that fills with 'Leads' as they explore, converse, and read documents. Interactions with NPCs allow for various resolutions without a morality system. Visually, the game presents mixed quality, with beautiful environments but rudimentary character models. Atomfall is optimized for smooth performance across platforms, maintaining a consistent 60fps on consoles.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

How to delete apps from your Android device

To delete apps on an Android device, follow these steps: 1. From Settings: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select See all apps. - Choose the app to remove and tap Uninstall. - Confirm by selecting OK. 2. From Google Play Store: - Open the Google Play Store app. - Tap your account profile image. - Select Manage apps & device. - Navigate to the Manage tab. - Check the box next to the app to uninstall. - Tap the trash can icon and select Uninstall. 3. From Home Screen or App Drawer: - Tap and hold the app, drag it to the Uninstall section, and tap OK. - Alternatively, tap and hold the app, select App info, then choose Uninstall and hit OK. 4. On Amazon Fire Devices: - Navigate to the Home tab. - Tap and hold the app to uninstall. - Select Uninstall App and confirm with OK. 5. For Pre-installed Applications: - System apps cannot be easily uninstalled without rooting the device. To disable them: - Open Settings. - Tap on Apps. - Select the app and tap Disable, then confirm. 6. Regarding Purchased Apps: - Deleting purchased apps does not require repurchase. They can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store at no additional cost. 7. Reinstalling Apps: - Apps can be reinstalled from the Google Play Store, and some data may remain on the device for easier setup. 8. Checking Disabled Apps: - Go to Settings > Apps > Show all apps, and select Disabled apps to view them. 9. Caution with Important Apps: - Avoid deleting or disabling apps whose functions are not fully understood, as they may be crucial for device operations.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Rebellion’s Kingsley: “We’re just very professional with controlling scope and costs”

Jason Kingsley OBE, CEO of UK developer Rebellion, stated that the company's success in avoiding layoffs is due to meticulous cost management practices. Rebellion focuses on keeping project scopes manageable and prefers developing smaller, high-quality games rather than large, unfocused ones. Approximately two-thirds of their games are sequels or established brands, while one-third consists of experimental projects, ensuring a reliable revenue stream and fostering innovation. Kingsley emphasized the importance of job security and the company's commitment to maintaining stability and responsible growth without frequent hiring and firing.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

‘I think only the shotguns are the same,’ says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed

Hugo Martin, the game director of Doom: The Dark Ages, and producer Marty Stratton revealed that most weapons in the game are new creations, with only shotguns remaining from previous titles. The game features a diverse lineup of weapons, including a familiar shotgun, a super shotgun with a new shield charge, a close-range weapon called the Skullcrusher, a Railspike that pins enemies to walls, a rocket launcher similar to its predecessor, and a new plasma-based SMG called the Accelerator. The game will also introduce new gameplay dynamics with a shield, three melee weapons, and vehicles, including a flying dragon for aerial combat and a mech named "the Atlan." Martin emphasized the importance of providing players with a new toolkit for a balanced experience, moving away from familiar weapons like Doom Eternal's Heavy Cannon. The release date is set for March 15.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

‘I think only the shotguns are the same,’ says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed

In "Doom: The Dark Ages," the weaponry has undergone significant changes, with only the shotguns remaining the same. The game features a new arsenal including: - Shotgun: Similar to Doom Eternal's design. - Super Shotgun: Unchanged, but replaces the "meat hook" with a shield charge. - Skullcrusher: A close-range weapon resembling a chaingun. - Railspike: A weapon that pins enemies to walls, reminiscent of a crossbow. - Rocket Launcher: Similar in appearance to Doom Eternal's, with undisclosed functionality. - Accelerator: A new SMG plasma rifle for short-range combat. The game will also introduce vehicles, including a flying dragon for aerial combat and a mech called "the Atlan." The Heavy Cannon from Doom Eternal will not be included to avoid making the game feel like a DLC. The new toolkit aims to provide a balanced experience for players. The game is set to release on March 15.