gameplay experience Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Age of Wonders 4’s next expansion introduces nomadic, post-apocalyptic bunnies

The upcoming expansion for the Age of Wonders series, titled Rise from Ruin, introduces a new species called harefolk, characterized by speed and endurance. Players can customize these characters with previously unlocked traits. The expansion also features a new map type, the Astral Barrens, which presents challenges such as drained mana and unstable spells. Three new magical tomes will be available: the Tome of the Warband, the Tome of the Sandwalkers, and the Tome of the Warlord. Additionally, the expansion will include two new mounts, five realm traits, new music, and narrative content. A free update named Scorpion will be released alongside it, providing quality of life improvements, bug fixes, a combat balance overhaul, and new customization options. The expansion is set to launch on March 9.

BetaBeacon

February 1, 2026

This Meta Quest game channels the best of R.E.P.O and Lethal Company with a clever twist

- Deadly Delivery is a co-op VR game where players take on the role of goblin delivery persons delivering packages to dangerous locations. - Players must navigate through levels, avoiding traps and monsters while collecting delivery fees. - The game has unique mechanics such as storing items on your body and using special items like carts. - Players have to meet monetary goals within a three-day work week structure to continue their service. - Failure to meet goals results in being removed from service, but players can start anew with unlocked skills and cosmetics. - Deadly Delivery offers a mix of fun, challenge, physics-based gameplay, and a touch of horror. - The game's art style and gameplay mechanics make it a standout in the co-op VR genre, providing entertainment for players of all ages.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

One of BioShock Infinite’s best narrative devices is its music

BioShock Infinite's soundtrack has had a lasting impact since its launch thirteen years ago, particularly through its innovative use of music that blends different time periods. A significant moment features the Bee Sharps, a barbershop quartet performing the Bee Gees' "God Only Knows," juxtaposing a 1912 setting with a song from over fifty years later. Another poignant scene includes Booker and Elizabeth discovering an acoustic guitar, where Elizabeth sings lines from the hymn "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." The music enhances the game's emotional depth and storytelling, making it a crucial part of its legacy and gameplay experience.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Skyrim’s design lead says if you play Morrowind today, you will ‘cringe’: ‘The reality of playing Morrowind would not stand the test of time’

The 2002 review of Morrowind by PC Gamer awarded the game a score of 83, the lowest for a mainline Elder Scrolls title by the UK publication. Bruce Nesmith, the design lead for Skyrim, suggested that calls for a Morrowind remake are driven by nostalgia rather than gameplay quality, stating that revisiting the game may lead to discomfort due to its outdated design. He expressed a preference for remaking titles like Battlespire or Redguard, which he believes never reached their full potential, rather than Morrowind. Nesmith indicated that Morrowind is the furthest back the franchise could realistically go for a remake, reflecting the balance between honoring past games and embracing modern design advancements.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Old-school MMO Project: Gorgon launches into 1.0 with an update that adds ‘by far the largest and most complex map we’ve ever made’

Project: Gorgon has emerged from Steam early access, featuring straightforward 3D graphics and a minimally guided leveling experience that encourages exploration. The recent 1.0 update introduced the capital city of Statehelm, which is the largest map created by the developers and includes 200 new quests and character progression up to level 100. The update also brought new character models, revisions to combat wisdom mechanics, crafting epiphanies for master craftsmen, and refinements to player-run vendor stalls. A notable change in the game is that "skeletons are no longer contortionists." A demo is available for players to experience the game up to level 15, and a 25% launch discount is offered until February 4, reducing the price to £15.74.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

The best Elder Scrolls game that isn’t an Elder Scrolls game is getting a big patch in February and free DLC in March

Questline, the developer of Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, achieved significant financial success in 2025, selling over one million copies of the game. The release coincided with a fifteen-year gap since the last major Elder Scrolls RPG, creating strong demand for expansive, open-world experiences. Throughout 2025, Questline provided regular patches to enhance the game and announced plans for a significant update in February and a free DLC in March. The latest patch, version 1.16, improved framerate performance, added new alchemy recipes, and fixed various bugs. Critics have praised the game, noting that its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Minecraft Snapshot 26.1 Introduces Golden Dandelion and Baby Mobs

Mojang Studios has released the fifth snapshot of Minecraft version 26.1, featuring refined baby aquatic mobs with redesigned shapes and adjusted bounding boxes for improved interaction. Players can now craft the Golden Dandelion by combining a standard dandelion with eight gold nuggets, which prevents certain baby mobs from maturing, though it cannot be used on hostile baby mobs or villagers. Baby chickens have received new sound effects, enhancing the immersive experience. The snapshot is experimental and encourages player feedback for future updates.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Atom Zombie Smasher, a 15-year-old game, just got updated out of the blue on Steam

Atom Zombie Smasher has received a recent patch to celebrate its 15th anniversary, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game is currently available on Steam with a 50% discount. Blendo Games, the developer, has also created other acclaimed titles such as Gravity Bone, Thirty Flights of Loving, and Skin Deep, which won the Best Immersive Sim award in 2025.

BetaBeacon

January 30, 2026

10 Games To Play On Your Phone Instead Of Doomscrolling

- Slay the Spire is a popular roguelite deckbuilder game that was released on PC and console in 2019 and later brought to iOS and Android. - The game offers quick plays on mobile devices and allows players to pick up where they left off. - It is considered one of the best games ever made and offers infinite play time. - The mobile version of Slay the Spire is properly priced. - The game Balatro, a poker-ish game, became popular on PC and console before being released on iOS and Android in 2024. - Like Slay the Spire, Balatro is worth the price and offers a unique experience with each run. - Polimines Deluxe is a puzzle game that combines elements of Picross, Hexcells, and Minesweeper. - The mobile version includes both Polimines 1 and 2, offering a challenging and clever gameplay experience. - The game makes players feel like geniuses when solving puzzles and is reasonably priced.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Nioh 3’s demo just hit Steam, and it’s achieving higher peak player counts than some full games

Game demos are becoming popular again, particularly during events like Steam Next Fests. A demo for Nioh 3, set to release on February 6th, is available for download on Steam and has reached a peak of 19,590 concurrent players, indicating its success in generating interest. The demo's player count has surpassed that of many full-sized games over their entire lifespan, showcasing its effectiveness as a marketing tool. Nioh 3 offers challenging gameplay with faster combat mechanics and a Diablo-inspired loot system. Feedback has been positive, with some suggesting it could rival games from FromSoftware. Players can add Nioh 3 to their Steam wishlist to receive notifications upon its release.