gameplay mechanics Archives

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

3D platformer action adventure game Big Hops announced for PC

Big Hops is a 3D platformer where players control Hop, a young frog kidnapped by a spirit named Diss. The objective is to reunite with Hop's family by gathering Airship Parts while navigating challenges such as infiltrating the Gulley Gang’s Hideout, rescuing workers from DrillCO, and sneaking past cultists. The game features self-contained narratives in each world, with dynamic gameplay mechanics centered on movement and frog-tongue interactions. Players can use various Veggies for creative problem-solving, and collectibles enhance gameplay and customization options. The game includes four main worlds—Forest, Desert, Ocean, and Mountain—offering diverse environments and challenges. Chris Wade, the creator, aimed to modernize the 3D platformer genre, drawing inspiration from various games and shows.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Getting so badly stuck on an adventure game puzzle I called the developer for a hint

PC gaming has evolved significantly over the years, with earlier eras characterized by limitations such as poor graphics, clunky gameplay mechanics, and limited online multiplayer access. In contrast, today's gaming environment features stunning graphics, immersive storytelling, and expansive online communities, highlighting the advancements made in the industry.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Super Mario 64 Mod Brings Minecraft To The Mushroom Kingdom

A new mod for Super Mario 64, created by modder Arthurtilly, combines gameplay elements from Minecraft, allowing Mario to create and destroy bricks. The mod is compatible with the original Nintendo 64 console and features dynamic musical transitions as Mario moves through different areas. Currently, it only includes Mario, but future updates are planned to introduce more features. The modding community has seen recent creativity, including running Super Mario 64 on a Game Boy Advance and enhancing the game's visuals to match its original advertisements.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is remastered for Xbox and PC, and it’s coming day one to Game Pass

Games Workshop announced a remastered version of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, titled Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Master Crafted Edition, set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. The remaster will feature improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. The event also provided updates on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, which will include new co-op missions and potential campaign DLC. Additionally, development of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is in the early stages.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

This ‘stealthvania’ is like if Prince of Persia never gave up on 2D and narrated your every move

The gaming landscape shows a lack of sequels for retro side scrollers and stealth games, with titles like Mark of the Ninja 2 and a reimagined Splinter Cell missing. The Assassin's Creed series, influenced by Prince of Persia, combines stealth and platforming. The recent release of The Siege and the Sandfox on Steam has received "Mostly Positive" reviews, blending stealth and platforming in intricately designed levels, appealing to both stealth and platforming fans.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Games Inbox: Would you buy a PlayStation that was a PC?

The next-generation Xbox may resemble a standard PC, leading to speculation that Sony's PlayStation 6 or 7 could also adopt a 'PC in a box' design due to rising hardware development costs. This shift towards a PC-like architecture could allow Sony to focus more on game development rather than hardware. Players have expressed mixed feelings about recent titles, with some prioritizing gameplay over storytelling. The launch of the Sea Of Stars DLC has been positively received for its free availability, and there is interest in purchasing Hogwarts Legacy on the Switch 2 at a discount for existing owners. Anticipation is building for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, with fans hoping for new cities to explore. The pre-order situation for the Switch 2 appears more favorable compared to previous console launches, indicating better management of supply and demand by Nintendo.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

‘I’m a PC gamer and there are 10 video games I’ve been hooked on since 2020’

Video games have over three billion players globally and are evolving into a dominant force in the entertainment industry. The following ten standout games were released for PC since 2020: 1. Elden Ring (2022) - An action RPG known for its stunning visuals and intricate storytelling, requiring over 70 hours to complete. 2. Split Fiction (2025) - A cooperative narrative game where players battle against a machine stealing creativity, released in March 2025. 3. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2021) - A remake of the 1997 classic, featuring updated combat mechanics and breathtaking graphics. 4. Valorant (2020) - A tactical hero shooter with a vibrant eSports scene, released in early 2021, with over 1,000 hours logged by the player. 5. Fields of Mistria (2024) - An early access farm life simulation game that allows players to cultivate crops, raise animals, and explore mystical mines. 6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025) - A turn-based RPG with a blend of traditional and real-time combat mechanics, released last month. 7. Hades (2020) - A roguelike game with fast-paced combat and Greek mythology-inspired artwork, released in 2020. 8. Overwatch 2 (2023) - The sequel to Overwatch, introducing new heroes and a 5v5 format, released in 2023. 9. Visions of Mana (2024) - The fifth main installment in the Mana series, featuring familiar gameplay mechanics. 10. Marvel Rivals (2024) - A game featuring 38 Marvel characters, allowing casual play with friends, released in 2024.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Blades of Fire review

Blades of Fire is an action game featuring a hero named Aran, who possesses godlike powers and a tragic backstory. The game emphasizes exploration over combat and is set to be released on May 22, 2025. It is developed by MercurySteam and published by 505 Games, with a price point of £50. The game was reviewed on a system with an Intel i9-13900HX, RTX 4090, and 32GB RAM.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

The 14 most underappreciated games of the last year that you shouldn’t have ignored

Skin Deep: Released on December 5th, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (771); Peak player count: 953. Loco Motive: Released on November 21st, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (659); Peak player count: 336. Straftat: Released on October 24th, 2024; Steam reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (7523); Peak player count: 960; Price: Free on Steam. Penny’s Big Breakaway: Released on February 21st, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (800); Peak player count: 228. Solium Infernum: Released on February 22, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (1,362); Peak player count: 1,108. MechWarrior 5: Clans: Released on October 17th, 2024; Steam reviews: Mostly Positive (4303); Peak player count: 5,548. Xenotilt: Released on November 12th, 2024; Steam reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (594); Peak player count: 81. Anton Blast: Released on December 3rd, 2024; Steam reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (2919); Peak player count: 1,104. The Thaumaturge: Released on March 4th, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (2866); Peak player count: 2,733. Still Wakes the Deep: Released on June 18th, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (5639); Peak player count: 729. Dungeons of Hinterberg: Released on July 18th, 2024; Steam reviews: Very Positive (1597); Peak player count: 486. Drova: Forsaken Kin: Released on October 15th, 2024; Steam reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (6618); Peak player count: 2,717. 1000xRESIST: Released on May 9th, 2024; Steam reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (3471); Peak player count: 278.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

This week in PC games: Deliver At All Costs, Onimusha 2 reborn, more Monster Train and a touch of cat racing

New PC game releases this week include: - Champions Tactics Reforged: A turn-based PvP battler with nostalgic tabletop figurines. - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Enhanced Editions: Enhanced versions of the beloved series, including Shadow Of Chornobyl, Clear Sky, and Call Of Prypiat. - The Siege and the Sandfox: A sidescrolling stealth metroidvania with enchanting pixel art visuals. - Jumping Jazz Cats: A whimsical racing game featuring feline competitors. - Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer: A point-and-click adventure involving a serial killer and a biker detective. - Monster Train 2: A sequel combining tower defense and roguelite deck-building. - FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time: An RPG focused on life simulation and restoring a neglected island. - City Tales - Medieval Era: An early access title encouraging creative construction. - Deliver At All Costs: A 1950s toy-town game offering a GTA-style experience. - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Tactics RPG: A tactical gameplay title in the beloved franchise. - Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny: A remastered version with updated controls and HD visuals. - 9 Kings: A strategic card game for building kingdoms and engaging in combat. - Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping: A detective game with a quirky narrative. Additionally, the Treehouse team is preparing for Computex 2025 and the Summer Games Fest, while managing various review commitments and projects.