gacha Archives

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

One of 2024’s worst gacha games relaunches without microtransactions, and it’s already looking so much better

Gacha mechanics in gaming can evoke mixed emotions, with titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai Star Rail featuring impressive graphics but facing criticism for their microtransactions. Solo Leveling: Arise was anticipated by fans but was quickly dismissed due to its aggressive monetization strategy, which included frequent flash sales and multiple subscription models. A review described the game as "too grindy, frustrating, and repetitive," with poor drop rates. A new version, Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive, has been released on PC, removing gacha mechanics and allowing players to recruit Hunters and craft weapons without randomness. This iteration aims to reward effort and strategy, with players able to earn all Hunters through gameplay. The game currently holds a 75% rating on Steam, with some concerns about always-online requirements and anti-cheat issues. Netmarble is reportedly working on a solution for offline play. Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive is priced at .99 / £34.99 on Steam, with a free demo available. Over 10,000 players have already engaged with the game.

BetaBeacon

November 25, 2025

Bleach drops Soul Resonance mobile game on iOS and Android, heres what you need to know

- Bleach: Soul Resonance is a new 3D action RPG mobile game based on the legendary manga series. - The game features intense 3D combat with real-time character switching and seventeen playable characters at launch. - Players can expect regular updates, additional story chapters, character releases, and limited-time events. - The game is free to play with optional in-app purchases available. - The launch roster includes seventeen characters from early Bleach story arcs, with more to come in future updates.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

A huge anime action game is stripping out its gacha loot boxes to be reborn as a full-fledged MMORPG, and I can’t wait

Tower of Fantasy, a free-to-play shared-world anime game, is set to undergo a significant rework with the release of version 5.5 on November 25. This update aims to align the game more closely with its original MMORPG vision, moving away from traditional gacha mechanics. Key features include a 'Crew Base' for player interaction, 'GvE Crew events', team-triggered Combo Attack animations, and six new life classes. The gacha system will be removed, allowing players to obtain and upgrade weapons and characters through regular gameplay. Additionally, stat rolls on gear have been refined, and stamina requirements have been lifted to enhance character progression and encourage teamwork.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

It’s a shame HoYoverse’s new game is sporting offensively cheap-looking character models because everything else has me sold on its paranormal cop mystery

HoYoverse has announced a new game titled Varsapura, which follows their previous projects, Petite Planet and Nexus Anima. The game features a narrative centered around a paranormal government agency dealing with a harmful black substance. Character designs have received criticism for their plasticky look, contrasting with the game's realistic aesthetic inspired by Singapore. Varsapura includes engaging gameplay mechanics, such as a combat system similar to Zenless Zone Zero, allowing character swaps and dynamic attacks. The protagonist uses a whimsical umbrella as a weapon, while a secondary character, Sayuki, wields paperwork. The gameplay incorporates stealth elements and features a small police vehicle for transportation. Despite some concerns about character models, Varsapura offers a mix of creativity, light horror elements, and a richly designed world.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

The Witcher 4 might be miles away, but Geralt and Ciri are honing their blades for some turn-based tactics this month

Sword of Convallaria will feature a crossover event with characters from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, starting on November 28. The event will introduce at least four iconic characters, including Geralt, Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri, with Ciri expected to be available for free. The game is a grid-based strategy title reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics, and players can access it without upfront costs. Each character has unique abilities, and the crossover does not have a predetermined end date. The game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its gameplay and narrative, while others criticize its gacha mechanics.

BetaBeacon

November 13, 2025

18 Games Like Genshin Impact To Lose Yourself In For 2025

Games like Genshin Impact are popular among players who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds and RPGs. Genshin Impact, known for its colorful characters and vibrant art style, has influenced other games with its open-world design and gacha elements. Players can explore similar games that adapt Genshin Impact's mechanics or evoke a similar feeling. Additionally, there are older titles worth checking out for those interested in this genre.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Promising Genshin Impact rival makes huge changes for new beta, but the photo mode excites me more than its extra region

Arknights Endfield will adopt a more dynamic action-oriented gameplay style, inspired by games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. A second beta phase, called Best Test 2, will feature a reworked storyline, new cutscenes, and a new region named Wuling. The beta will introduce nine new characters, including three six-star characters: Ardelia, Late Rite, and Pogranichnik. The game will support cross-platform play and include a Photo Mode. The beta starts on November 28, and there will be a server wipe, meaning no progress will carry over to the final release. Players can participate by completing a survey to demonstrate their interest. An updated voice cast list and in-game bonus codes will also be available.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Combining train sims and strategic card battlers, this free anime game sounds like a dream, but it hasn’t landed how I hoped

Resonance Solstice, released at the end of October, is a real-time card-battling game combined with train simulation, set in a fractured continent where players rebuild connections. The game features complex mechanics, including various types of in-game currency, economic strategies, and interactions with anime characters. Initial user reviews on Steam are mixed, citing a lengthy tutorial, stamina limitations, and narrative issues, while some players appreciate the train mechanics and economic management. The game's social media engagement has been low, and it has struggled to generate buzz compared to competing gacha titles. Despite the challenges, the development team has received praise for their previous title and the introduction of a free battle pass may enhance player engagement.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Five New Android Apps You Should Try This November

The Caffeine Clock app helps users manage their caffeine consumption by assessing sensitivity and logging intake from various sources. It visualizes caffeine's half-life decay curve, typically around five hours, to assist users in determining optimal consumption timing for better sleep. The app aligns with FDA guidelines suggesting a daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine for healthy adults and encourages strategies like midday cutoffs or decaf options. Hitman Absolution has been released as a mobile port for Android, requiring about 12 GB of free space and an Android 13 device. It retains core gameplay elements and supports keyboard-and-mouse functionality, catering to the growing demand for high-quality mobile games. The Senior Launcher is designed for older adults, featuring large icons and a minimalist layout, enhancing usability without ads or account requirements. It addresses the needs of the over 60% of adults aged 65 and older who own smartphones, simplifying access to essential functions. Picto AR Platformer allows users to turn real-world environments into interactive gaming stages using augmented reality. The app enhances replayability but requires good lighting and surface recognition for optimal gameplay, with higher battery consumption compared to traditional games. SwatchIt is an app for crafters to track swatches and project details, addressing the organizational needs of knitters and crocheters in the U.S. It allows users to maintain a digital journal and create a reference gallery for their projects.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Taking the good bits of Warframe and ditching the bad bits of Genshin Impact, this new gacha game is going to save me a fortune

Pan Studio's Duet Night Abyss is a fantasy anime game that avoids the traditional gacha model by allowing players to acquire characters through in-game farming and collecting Character Shards, rather than through monetary transactions. The game eliminates time-gated energy systems, enabling players to engage with content at their own pace. Revenue is generated through cosmetic gacha mechanics, which do not affect gameplay. The game draws inspiration from titles like Warframe and aims to blend respectful monetization with engaging gameplay elements.