gameplay mechanics Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

I’ve always wanted to fire the infinite cannons of a giant anime battleship, and this solo dev’s giving me a chance on Steam later this year

Dreadnought Tartarus is a semi-automated strategic simulation game developed by a solo developer, Benkimchi, allowing players to command a massive battleship. It features gameplay options such as manual weapon control, automatic attack modes, and Focus Fire Mode. Players can gather intelligence from defeated foes to upgrade their ship and customize loadouts. The game also allows players to launch and pilot a combat mech from the battleship. Dreadnought Tartarus is set for release in Q3 2026 on Steam, and players can wishlist it and follow development updates on X.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Pragmata review – nostalgic aesthetics, S-tier combat

Pragmata is a linear third-person shooter that offers approximately 12 hours of gameplay focused on action rather than storytelling. The protagonist, Hugh, and his android companion, Diana, navigate challenges on the moon, utilizing Diana's hacking abilities to exploit enemy vulnerabilities. The game features a dual-control system that balances shooting and hacking, with players solving real-time puzzles while engaging in combat. Hugh's arsenal evolves from a basic pistol to more powerful weapons, and combat encounters reward players with upgrade materials for enhancing their abilities. Boss battles present unique tactical challenges. However, the narrative struggles with character development and emotional depth, resulting in a less impactful story. Despite these shortcomings, the innovative gameplay mechanics and nostalgic elements make Pragmata an engaging experience.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Torchlight Infinite’s new season is the high-speed ARPG’s most popular yet

A new season of Torchlight Infinite, titled 'Lunaria,' has launched, achieving its most successful debut on Steam with a peak of 26,618 players. The update introduces new features such as an endgame farming system, a character focused on potion mechanics, and temporary alliances with bosses. Key gameplay mechanics include awakening statues in the Netherrealm to spawn monsters and collect rewards, alongside random events that enhance loot opportunities. The update also adds Rhapsodies for variability in farming, a Creation Engine for converting Creation Crystals into loot, and a new character, the Scent Weaver Sage, who uses elixirs in combat. Quality-of-life improvements include visual upgrades for characters and monsters, enhanced user interface, and a re-arranged main theme for the game's third anniversary. The 'Lunaria' season is available for free on Steam, along with a 'Midas Touch' event for additional rewards.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Death By Scrolling Out Now on Consoles and PC

April 16, 2026 marks the launch of Death By Scrolling, an action roguelite game set in Purgatory™, available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The release includes a significant update featuring a new playable character, a new biome, and various gameplay improvements. Players navigate a vertically scrolling world filled with monsters and hazards, avoiding the Reaper while collecting gold and unlocking upgrades. Key features include a varied cast of characters, relentless pursuit by the Reaper, loot and progression mechanics, optional challenges, diverse monsters, quirky lore, and leaderboards for competition.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

My full guide to Pragmata after spending 18 hours shepherding my space daughter

Pragmata features a blend of nostalgia and innovation in gaming, with early levels that have a linear design and complex currencies. A notable gameplay mechanic is hacking, which increases damage to enemies and turns them into 'OPEN' targets, especially useful against bosses. The weapon system allows players to equip four types of firearms, with some functioning as consumables. Healing is managed through limited Repair Canisters, which can be replenished at the Cradle hub area. The Shelter serves as a central hub for upgrades and interactions, with players able to enhance it and unlock new facilities. Various activities and collectibles are available, including challenge arenas and hidden items. A New Game+ mode becomes available after completing the main storyline, allowing players to restart with all gear and upgrades, alongside a more challenging difficulty setting. The game has an approximate playtime of ten hours for the main story and up to 20 hours for full completion.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Moves of the Diamond Hand will be one of 2027’s best RPGs, and it just launched in early access

Moves of the Diamond Hand entered early access on April 13. It is set in Off-Peak City, a noir-inspired metropolis with blue-skinned DJs, cloned jazz musicians, and animal-human hybrids. The game features a narrative that combines personal quests with societal issues, including a mayoral race. Players can engage in whimsical scenarios and utilize various non-combat skills. The gameplay is based on dice rolls and freeform mechanics, allowing exploration and interaction with characters. Players can level up skills and acquire augment dice that influence their rolls. The early access model provides feedback and funding but may be challenging for players seeking polished gameplay. The game is available on Steam, with a full release expected in spring of next year.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Silent Hill f’s director ‘didn’t have a good night’s sleep’ the whole way through the game’s production

Long-time fans of the Silent Hill franchise have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of Silent Hill f after over a decade of silence, but there are concerns about its setting in Shōwa-period Japan and its ability to capture the essence of the classic games. Al Yang, the game director at NeoBards Entertainment, expressed the pressure he felt throughout the development process, stating that he struggled to sleep from the project's inception to the reviews. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the series' signature atmosphere, which he deemed non-negotiable, while also introducing new gameplay mechanics like the absence of firearms and the inclusion of action elements. The successful development of Silent Hill f is attributed to open dialogue between the developer and publisher, focusing on what aspects of the game are negotiable and non-negotiable.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

New Fortnite updates turns the game into Singstar and introduces Showdown Act 2

Fortnite has removed its Ballistic mode and introduced a new update featuring Laufey in the Icon series, allowing players to engage in a musical experience. Starting April 16, players can use the Mic Vocals feature to sing along in real time with a compatible microphone on PC and Console. The update also includes Pro Drums, enabling the use of a Rock Band 4 drum kit, while vocalists can move freely within the Jam Ring. Additionally, Act 2 of the Showdown event has begun, focusing on a challenge between characters Jules and Dasha. Furthermore, the Save The World mode is now free-to-play for all players.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

While I go stir crazy waiting for another FromSoft game, I’m counting on these 4 indie Armored Core-likes to satisfy my mecha cravings when they hit Steam

2023 has seen a resurgence in mecha games, particularly with the release of Armored Core 6, leading fans to look for new titles from indie developers. Notable upcoming projects include: - Ironwing Valiant: Record of Astera by Tiger Team, featuring vibrant landscapes and party customization, with no announced release date but available for wishlisting on Steam. - Code Rapid by Hitbreak Games, showcasing dynamic combat inspired by PlatinumGames, with a demo expected in the coming months and no specific release date yet. - Rig Riot, which blends Armored Core aesthetics with a roguelike format, currently has a demo available on Steam. - Omega Phenex Commenced Project Six by Surumemanzyu, aiming for high-speed mecha combat, set for release in 2027, with players able to wishlist it on Steam.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

New Marathon update takes a leaf out of Arc Raiders’ book and encourages you to play nice

A recent update to Marathon has introduced the 'CARRI' system, which stands for the "CyberAcme Runner Reinforcement Initiative," encouraging cooperative gameplay among players. This system rewards both solo players and teams for completing contract objectives and successfully exfiltrating together. Players can earn CyberAcme Commendations, which can be spent in the CARRI Armory for various rewards, including weapons and salvage crates. Solo players can earn commendations by completing individual objectives and can receive extra commendations when extracting with others. A new 'toggle to open' setting for proximity chat and an end-of-run feature called 'Stay Together' promote friendly interactions. The update also includes a 'Mercy Kit' for reviving downed players from other teams and introduces eleven new Deluxe Unique weapons, balance changes, and adjustments to gameplay mechanics, such as railgun charging and extraction timers. The update is now live.