gameplay experience Archives

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

4 classic PC games that prove just how well pixel art can age

Pixel graphics emerged as a limitation of hardware capabilities but have been embraced as an artistic choice, especially in indie games. A criterion of at least ten years since release is used to define "retro" games. Papers, Please: Players act as a border checkpoint officer in a totalitarian state, balancing duty and family needs. The game utilizes pixel art for its static user interface and characters, maintaining its unique visual identity over a decade later. Platform: Steam. RollerCoaster Tycoon: Known for its iconic pixel art, the game features vibrant landscapes that complement its amusement park theme. Its late-90s aesthetic remains impressive even two decades after release. Shovel Knight: Launched over a decade ago, it pays homage to retro 2D platformers with an 8-bit-inspired aesthetic. The game blends nostalgia with originality, featuring backgrounds that enhance gameplay. Backyard Baseball: A late '90s arcade-style baseball simulation known for its distinctive art style and memorable characters. The pixelated character models are well-defined, showcasing impressive pixel artistry. Platforms: Steam, Nintendo Switch. PC games may not always match the pixel artistry of console games from the 80s and 90s, but there are many iconic pixel art games from that era and the early 2010s.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Check Out Reign of Nether, Mod That Turns Minecraft into RTS

The mod for Minecraft, titled Reign of Nether, was developed by solegendary and incorporates real-time strategy (RTS) elements into the game. It allows players to engage in base building, resource management, and army training, reminiscent of games like Warcraft, Starcraft, and Age of Empires. A trailer showcasing the mod's features is available for viewing.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege X director says free currency gain has been ‘buffed’ after complaints: ‘The goal wasn’t to make it a harder grind for players’

Ubisoft is responding to player feedback about changes in Renown currency in Rainbow Six Siege X, which has seen diminished payouts, particularly after match losses. This change coincided with the game's transition to a free-to-play model. The introduction of a new cosmetic bundle available only with premium R6 Credits has raised concerns about increased monetization. Ubisoft is also aware that XP boosters have become less effective under the new progression system and is evaluating player feedback on this issue. Siege X is an evolution of the existing game, featuring a new 6v6 mode called Dual Front that allows for respawns and includes both attackers and defenders on the same team.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Steam Summer Sale 2025: 5 unmissable games with big discounts; from Borderlands 3 to Battlefield 1

The Steam Summer Sale 2025 runs from June 26 to July 10. Notable discounted titles include Battlefield 1 for .99 (95% off), DOOM for .99, Borderlands 3 for .99, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy for .99, and Death Stranding Director’s Cut for .99. Death Stranding 2 is currently available on PlayStation 5, with a PC version expected later.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remastered Review

The 25th Anniversary Remaster of System Shock 2, released by Nightdive Studios, features enhanced visuals with a new Dark engine upgrade, improved textures, and refined audio. The remaster includes a polished version of the original game, retains the classic PC gaming experience, and introduces a four-player co-op mode. Players navigate as a UNN space soldier aboard the Von Braun spaceship, encountering alien threats and exploring immersive environments. The remaster also includes extras like concept art and old trailers, and it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck at 60fps. Nightdive plans to support gameplay and balance mods from launch, enhancing the game's longevity.

BetaBeacon

June 26, 2025

Persona 5: The Phantom X is Now Available for Steam, Android, and iOS –

Persona 5: The Phantom X is now available for Steam, Android, and iOS.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Stalker 2’s 1.5 mega-patch just dropped and GSC says A-Life is back, baby

GSC Game World has released a substantial update for Stalker 2, called the "Guns and Looting update" (version 1.5). This update revives the A-Life system, allowing NPCs to lead their own lives, pursue individual goals, and engage in conflicts. NPCs will no longer respawn directly in front of players, enhancing realism. The update also introduces new features, including a new rifle and pistol, a "Water electric tornado" anomaly, and the ability to loot parts from mutants.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

I turn my back for one second and now Assassin’s Creed Shadows has Critical Role in it

Assassin's Creed Shadows has released patch 1.0.6, which addresses player concerns by fixing a bug with the Onryo Mask visibility, resolving issues with missing Mastery Points, and correcting the "Temple Stories" quest progress display. The patch introduces a new Nightmare difficulty level that requires perfect parries to avoid damage, and includes a sponsored one-shot quest that allows players to unlock a new ally, as well as themed weapons and a Critical Role banner for hideouts. The patch goes live today at 2 pm UTC / 10 am EDT / 7 am PT.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Gloomy Eyes, a Tim Burton-esque Cozy Horror Adventure Game, Announced for PC and Consoles

Gloomy Eyes is a cozy horror game developed by Fishing Cactus, featuring two main characters: Gloomy, a gentle zombie boy, and Nena, a playful human girl. The game is set in a dark world where the living and undead are in conflict, and the characters embark on a quest to restore daylight. Players alternate between controlling Gloomy and Nena, solving puzzles that test creativity and problem-solving skills. The game features intricately designed diorama levels and a unique soundtrack. Gloomy Eyes will be released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch later this year, and is available for wishlisting on Steam.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Rematch review

A new 5v5 football game developed by Sloclap is available for £21, playable on Windows 11 and compatible with the Steam Deck. It performs well on systems with a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, Intel Core i7 12700F, and 16 GB of RAM. The game lacks an instant rematch feature, which can disrupt player camaraderie, and has experienced technical issues, including bugs affecting gameplay. Despite these challenges, the game's visual presentation is impressive, featuring dynamic environments and rewarding notifications that enhance the experience. It emphasizes strategic gameplay over current rosters, making it accessible to a wide audience, including those unfamiliar with football.