gameplay design Archives

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

Crash Bandicoot’s original lead programmer reckons the overhauled N. Sane Trilogy ‘got almost everything right’ except for one tiny detail: ‘they completely botched how jumping works’

The N. Sane Trilogy, released in 2017, received positive feedback but raised concerns about the jumping mechanics compared to the original PlayStation games. Players noted that Crash's jumping abilities seemed more challenging, leading to theories about changes in hitbox and the "hold X to jump higher" mechanic. Gavin highlighted that Naughty Dog had previously used a system that measured button press duration to create nuanced jumps, which Vicarious Visions may have disregarded. This oversight resulted in a binary jumping system where all jumps were set to maximum height, making them feel exaggerated and floaty. Despite the remake's advanced hardware, it failed to replicate the original's gameplay mechanics. Toys for Bob later refined platforming mechanics in 2020's Crash Bandicoot 4, suggesting potential evolution in the franchise's gameplay design.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Now Has Overwhelmingly Negative Reviews on Steam – How One of 2025’s Best Games Is Crashing on PC

Monster Hunter Wilds has received an "Overwhelmingly Negative" rating on Steam, despite being Capcom's fastest-selling title earlier this year. Players have expressed dissatisfaction primarily due to performance issues with the PC version, including frequent crashes, sluggish server response times, and high system requirements for smooth gameplay. Many negative reviews come from players with significant hours logged in the game, indicating that the discontent is not impulsive. While some players appreciate the gameplay, others criticize the narrative-driven approach and simplified mechanics, which have disappointed long-time fans.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages feels like a console game first and PC game second

The latest installment of the Doom franchise, Doom: The Dark Ages, introduces a new combat loop centered around the Shield Saw, allowing players to block damage with a right-click. This change alters the frenetic pace of earlier games, shifting towards a more methodical approach tailored for console players. The game features expansive, flat arenas lacking the verticality of previous titles, resulting in a gameplay experience reminiscent of traditional shooters like Call of Duty. There is a reduction in airborne threats and static enemy placements, leading to a slower combat experience with less emphasis on quick reflexes. Gun mechanics have been simplified, favoring passive upgrades over the intricate hot-swapping of mods, which may leave PC players feeling shortchanged. Exploration is more forgiving, with fewer hazards and a safety net that teleports players back without penalty. Overall, The Dark Ages emphasizes accessibility and streamlined gameplay, potentially diluting the challenge expected by long-time fans of the franchise.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Best Single-Player PC Games to Play in 2025

Single-player PC games are thriving in 2025, featuring captivating narratives, intricate gameplay, and stunning visuals. Notable titles include: 1. Blue Prince - An indie roguelike puzzle game with a Metacritic score of 93, set in a shifting manor where players solve interconnected puzzles. 2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Set in feudal Japan, this game features two protagonists with distinct playstyles and has been praised for its narrative pacing and environmental design. 3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A cinematic first-person adventure focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, released on PC in late 2024. 4. South of Midnight - A magical adventure following a girl with weaving abilities, notable for its claymation art style and emotional depth. 5. Avowed - A first-person fantasy RPG with choice-driven storytelling, set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Upcoming games include: - Blades of Fire (May 22, 2025) - A Soulslike combat game with a focus on cinematic storytelling. - Cairn (TBA 2025) - A survival climbing simulator emphasizing precision control mechanics. - Hell Is Us (September 4, 2025) - A narrative-driven action game that eschews traditional open-world design. - Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (Late 2025) - A stealth-adventure game featuring orphans uncovering a conspiracy. The PC platform remains the best for single-player games due to mod support, performance flexibility, a vast library, and indie innovation. The evolution of gaming technology has led to cutting-edge graphics, immersive storytelling, and innovative exploration mechanics, enhancing player engagement.

AppWizard

July 25, 2024

Stormgate developers say they want to lower the RTS skill floor, not the skill ceiling: ‘It’s okay to be a high-skill game’

- Stormgate is a new real-time strategy game developed by former Blizzard developers. - The game features factions that blend traditional RTS elements with original gameplay design. - The Celestials faction in Stormgate starts matches with a mobile HQ structure that can deploy structures from the armada above. - The game challenges players to think outside the typical build order, promoting dynamic gameplay and adaptability. - Stormgate is set to release in early access on July 30, 2024.