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Quarantine Zone: The Last Check review
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Quarantine Zone: The Last Check review

Players assume the role of a zombie plague "doctor" in the first-person simulation game Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, set to release on January 12, 2026, for £17. Developed by Brigada Games and published by Devolver Digital, the game allows players to screen survivors at a military outpost during a zombie apocalypse, ensuring they are free from the zombie virus and other ailments while also checking for hidden explosives. Players examine survivors for signs of infection, using various tools to inspect their bodies, but the repetitive nature of tasks may lead to monotony. Additionally, players manage supplies and upgrade tools, although these tasks lack depth. Occasional minigames provide brief diversions, but the core gameplay focuses on conducting medical exams. The game will be available on platforms like the Steam Deck.
Disney Pulls 14 Classic Games From PC Storefronts With No Explanation
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Disney Pulls 14 Classic Games From PC Storefronts With No Explanation

Disney has removed 14 licensed games from the Steam platform, making them unavailable for new purchases. The games, primarily from the 1990s and early 2000s, include titles like Disney's Hercules Action Game and Finding Nemo. The most recent removal is Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure from 2014, while the oldest is Stunt Island from 1992. Some of these games were also available on GOG, and their removal from both platforms means they are now entirely inaccessible on PC for those without physical copies. The complete list of removed games includes: - Afterlife - Armed and Dangerous - Disney's Chicken Little: Ace in Action - Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure - Disney's Hercules Action Game - Disney Planes - Disney The Princess and the Frog - Disney Winnie the Pooh - Disney•Pixar Cars: Radiator Springs Adventures - Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo - Disney•Pixar Toy Story Mania! - Lucidity - Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions - Stunt Island The reason for the removals is unclear, and Disney has not provided any official comment. This action reflects Disney's fluctuating commitment to its gaming business, which has seen a decline since the 2010s, despite a recent tentative return with new titles.
There's a fantasy swordsmithing sim launching on Steam next week, which is a sentence I've been waiting to hear since browsing my dad's replica sword catalogs in 4th grade
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

There’s a fantasy swordsmithing sim launching on Steam next week, which is a sentence I’ve been waiting to hear since browsing my dad’s replica sword catalogs in 4th grade

The author grew up in an environment focused on historical reenactment and fantasy lore, influenced by a father who collected period costumes and bladed weaponry. They eagerly anticipate the early access launch of "Bladesong," a fantasy swordsmithing simulator set to debut on Steam on January 22. The game allows players to craft swords with various features, including length, width, thickness, and cross-section, and includes a story mode set in a medieval post-apocalyptic world. The early access version will offer additional engraving options, materials, and blade shaping techniques.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

New GOG owner reckons it doesn’t have to beat Steam outright, just do a few things better: “If there’s a version of the game that’s clearly better on GOG, and it has the promise that it will run forever… people will come”

Michał Kiciński, co-founder of CD Projekt and owner of GOG, is adopting a nuanced strategy for digital game distribution, avoiding direct competition with Steam. GOG's managing director, Maciej Gołębiewski, emphasizes leveraging their strengths, while Kiciński believes in the quality of GOG's offerings and user loyalty. He envisions that as gamers recognize GOG's curated selection, they will naturally choose the platform. Additionally, recent reports indicate that games using generative AI, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellaris, have generated significant revenue. Kiciński focuses on building a community around quality content and user experience for GOG's future.
Hytale controller support explained
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Hytale controller support explained

Hytale currently does not support controllers in its existing build, as confirmed by Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hypixel Studios. Controller support is a priority on their roadmap, aimed at enhancing accessibility for gameplay on devices like the Steam Deck. Kevin 'Slikey' Carstens, the technical director, advised players to wait for official controller support before making a purchase. The current version of Hytale is based on an older build, with future updates promising cross-platform play and controller support. Players can use a controller by following a setup process through Steam, which involves adding the Hytale Launcher as a non-Steam game and adjusting controller settings, although navigating menus and crafting may be challenging without a mouse.
Heartopia (PC) Review
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.
It's my duty as a child of the early 2000s to let you know a Beyblade-inspired roguelike was released on Steam last month
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

It’s my duty as a child of the early 2000s to let you know a Beyblade-inspired roguelike was released on Steam last month

From the Top is a top-battling roguelike game that was released on Steam last month. Players select battle tops and navigate a path similar to Slay the Spire, engaging in battles against enemy tops. Each top consists of three components that affect movement, collision force, and spin stamina, and features an active ability for dynamic combat. Players can discover unique combinations, such as a top that generates clones or one that can become intangible. The game includes various enemy types and challenging bosses with unique abilities. It is priced modestly and aims to evoke nostalgia for the Beyblade craze of the early 2000s, offering a safe alternative to physical Beyblade battles.
Amazon is shutting down New World next year
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Amazon is shutting down New World next year

Amazon will cease operations of its multiplayer online game, New World, on January 31, 2027. The game has been removed from all platforms, but current owners can still access it until the shutdown date. Purchases made with in-game currency will not be refunded. Amazon plans to release New World: Aeternum for Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as PlayStation 5, in October 2024.
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