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2D exploration horror adventure game remake Midnight Train: New Moon announced for PC
AppWizard
May 10, 2026

2D exploration horror adventure game remake Midnight Train: New Moon announced for PC

Publisher PLAYISM and developer LydiaBluebell are releasing a remake of the 2D exploration horror adventure game, Midnight Train: New Moon, set to launch for PC via Steam in 2027. The game will be available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Midnight Train: New Moon is a reimagining of the free RPG Maker title Midnight Train from 2020, originating from Spain and inspired by Japanese horror RPG traditions. The remake will feature a narrative-driven experience with revamped graphics, enhanced visual effects, and improved game balance. The story follows Luna Wyndell, who, during her train journey, discovers that all other passengers have vanished, leaving her and aspiring detective Neil Lawton stranded. They find a cryptic pocket watch with a note warning them to find the next train within three hours or risk being trapped forever. Key features include a narrative across four chapters, an engaging game system for clue gathering, multiple endings based on player choices, diverse maps and characters, an original soundtrack, dynamic sprite animations, and partial voice acting. Enhancements for the remake include completely overhauled graphics, redesigned puzzles, new events and visual effects, and quality-of-life improvements. Character profiles include Luna Wyndell, who communicates through a notebook due to her inability to speak, and Neil Lawton, a kind-hearted but sometimes timid aspiring detective with strong observational skills.
Moving Valheim away from being an MMO was "the best decision" the team made
AppWizard
April 25, 2026

Moving Valheim away from being an MMO was “the best decision” the team made

Valheim is a Norse-inspired survival game developed by Iron Gate Studio, which allows players to build homes and fight monsters. It is set to release its 1.0 version five years after its initial launch. The game has been compared to titles like Rust but maintains a unique charm. The development team decided against an MMO format, which they consider "the best design decision." Valheim began as a test project for networking solutions, evolving into a game focused on single-player and small group experiences. The Nordic theme was chosen for its compatibility with the gameplay, despite the CEO Richard Svensson not being a fan of Viking lore. The game's art style was developed out of necessity, allowing for easier solo production. Each biome in the game is created separately, with influences from games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, while loosely incorporating Norse mythology. Valheim has achieved financial success and critical acclaim during its early access phase, enabling Iron Gate Studio to focus on its development. The game is currently available on Steam at a 50% discount. Indie Game Works, featuring a chapter on Valheim, is available in limited and general editions.
How a former NASA employee became the world's foremost author of videogame cookbooks: 'It can't look like you're eating a Pokémon'
AppWizard
November 9, 2025

How a former NASA employee became the world’s foremost author of videogame cookbooks: ‘It can’t look like you’re eating a Pokémon’

Victoria Rosenthal is a culinary author known for her video game-themed cookbooks, starting with her blog, Pixelated Provisions. Her notable work includes the 2018 release of "Fallout: The Vault Dweller's Official Cookbook," which established her reputation in the niche market. She creatively collaborates with lore authors to align recipes with game narratives, as seen in "God of War: The Official Cookbook of the Nine Realms" and "Halo: The Official Cookbook." Her project "My Pokémon Cookbook" focused on vegetarian dishes due to a restriction against resembling Pokémon. Since becoming a full-time cookbook writer in 2021, she has two new titles planned for 2025: "Guild Wars 2: Feasts of Tyria" and a second volume of "Final Fantasy 14" recipes. Rosenthal is interested in future projects involving franchises like "Yakuza: Like a Dragon" and "Baldur's Gate." She aims to inspire readers to embrace cooking, emphasizing that cooking can be made less intimidating, similar to leveling up skills in video games.
Gustave's voice actor, Charlie Cox, admits he needs to 'play the game' after asking if Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's goofball sidekick is the 'big baddie at the end'
AppWizard
July 22, 2025

Gustave’s voice actor, Charlie Cox, admits he needs to ‘play the game’ after asking if Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s goofball sidekick is the ‘big baddie at the end’

Charlie Cox participated in a Q&A session at GalaxyCon where he discussed his role in the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. He admitted to being unfamiliar with the game and did not know who the character Esquie was when asked by a fan. Cox expressed surprise at the game's success and reminisced about his time in the studio, noting the impressive visuals compared to older games. He humorously described himself as out of touch with gaming culture and acknowledged the need to engage more with the medium by playing the game. Despite his lack of familiarity, he expressed enthusiasm for the development team at Sandfall and Kepler, stating that he was happy for their success and mentioned that the game was a frontrunner for Game of the Year.
Minecraft soundtrack to enter US National Recording Registry
AppWizard
April 10, 2025

Minecraft soundtrack to enter US National Recording Registry

The Minecraft soundtrack, composed by Daniel Rosenfeld, has been inducted into the US National Recording Registry, recognizing its artistic contribution and cultural significance. It is the second video game score to be included, following the Super Mario Bros. theme. The Library of Congress aims to preserve diverse audio treasures, reflecting American history and culture. Additionally, Minecraft was included in Sweden's Game Culture Canon, acknowledging video games as an important part of contemporary culture. The recent Minecraft movie adaptation grossed 7 billion during its opening weekend, surpassing initial earnings projections.
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