gameplay mechanics Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

‘A new version of Amnesia: The Dark Descent’ may be coming later this year

Frictional Games is reportedly planning to release a new version of Amnesia: The Dark Descent in late 2026, as hinted in their recent annual report. The details of the update remain unclear, with speculation about it potentially being a port for the upcoming Switch 2 or a Roblox edition. The studio's approach to horror has evolved since the original release, and they are also in pre-production for their next major game.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

RTS games aren’t dead yet – but nothing hits quite like Starcraft 2

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has seen a resurgence, with Starcraft 2 celebrating its 16th anniversary next week. The game features a rich campaign and has received updates to its multiplayer mode, reigniting interest among players. The mission design in Starcraft 2 is praised for advancing the narrative while introducing new units and mechanics organically. One notable mission, 'Outbreak,' involves strategic gameplay using a day/night cycle and the introduction of the Hellion unit. The game includes hidden tutorials and optional objectives, allowing for tailored experiences and non-linear progression. Despite its age, Starcraft 2 maintains a polished interface and fluid gameplay. It is now accessible as a free-to-play title, allowing players to enjoy the entirety of Wings of Liberty and several co-op characters. The RTS genre faces challenges in attracting new audiences, but Starcraft 2 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a strategic experience.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

The latest ugly-cool immersive sim is scratching my itch for new Deus Ex

Parkside: Decayed Soul Manipulation, developed by Banana Hardsoft, is set to launch on July 31, with a demo currently available. The game features a raw visual style reminiscent of the PlayStation 1 era and emphasizes gameplay mechanics over graphics. Players assume the role of Alexander, a hacker in a dystopian setting, who becomes entangled with a gang resembling a modern-day Illuminati. The narrative involves eliminating a target as part of a larger scheme, conveyed through symbols and cryptic messages. Players can customize their combat body with various augmentations and earn experience points through exploration and objectives. The game lacks traditional save points, offering Divine Elixirs as one-time-use checkpoints instead. Players can navigate maps with multiple pathways, encouraging exploration. An unexpected encounter with a fallen soldier simplifies a mission, leading to an exhilarating escape in a car.

AppWizard

July 29, 2026

Corsair Cove review

Corsair Cove, a pirate-themed city builder, will be released on July 31, 2026. It is published by Hooded Horse and developed by Limbic Entertainment. The game features a setting where pirates escape from a prison ship to build a colony on a deserted island with a skull-shaped mountain. It offers a lighthearted atmosphere with activities like drinking rum and dancing with pigs. Corsair Cove is distinct from Tropico 2: Pirate Cove and incorporates elements reminiscent of Fabledom and logistics puzzles similar to Whiskerwood or Factorio. The game is reviewed on high-end hardware, including the RTX 4090 and Intel i9-13900k, and is also confirmed to be playable on the Steam Deck.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

25-Year-Old Game Is Currently the #1 Best-Selling Game on Steam

Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, has been released in early access on the Steam marketplace by Xbox and Halo Studios. It has quickly become a top seller on Steam, currently priced competitively. The game has received a “Mostly Positive” rating from users, with around 70% of reviews being positive. Players have praised its gameplay mechanics and visuals, but there are concerns about bugs, performance issues, and the quality of cutscenes. The game has been verified for compatibility with the Steam Deck. Its position as a top seller may be challenged by other games like Palworld as the gaming community explores new releases.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

A new expansion and the ability to be a crow wizard has me enjoying a 10-year-old action RPG for the first time

Grim Dawn is a polished action RPG developed by Crate Entertainment, celebrating its ten-year milestone. The recent expansion, Fangs of Asterkarn, introduces quality-of-life improvements, including full WASD movement support. The expansion also adds a new class, the berserker, which features a skill tree node for transformation into a werewolf. Grim Dawn offers a more relaxed gameplay experience compared to titles like Diablo 4. The game's ongoing development includes plans for Grim Dawn 2, as stated by founder Arthur Bruno. Fangs of Asterkarn is available on Steam.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Modern Warfare 4’s Kill Block lets you use a Desert Eagle sniper rifle, but it’s still Call of Duty at heart

The Fanatics Fest convention at the Javitz Center in Manhattan featured the public debut of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. A new map called Kill Block was introduced, which consists of three modules that rotate every two rounds in Gunfight mode, creating an evolving gameplay experience. The game includes a new ballistics model that enhances realism but does not drastically change gameplay mechanics. The Gunny system simplifies weapon customization by automatically assembling guns based on available attachments. Modern Warfare 4 retains core elements familiar to the series while emphasizing grounded combat, allowing players to maintain aim down sights while mantling. Overall, the game aims to reaffirm Infinity Ward's status in the Call of Duty franchise.

BetaBeacon

July 21, 2026

DCKO is a New Fighting Game Coming to Android and iOS in 2027

Developer Drop Fake has announced their latest project, DCKO, a free fighting game featuring characters from the DC universe. The game will launch on Android and iOS platforms in 2027 and will include beloved characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. DCKO will offer both PvE missions and real-time PvP matches, as well as online gameplay with leaderboards and ranked ladders. The game aims to provide an accessible experience for all players, with the option to call in a second character for assist moves.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

No exclusive games for Steam Machine: “How is this even a question?”

Valve is set to unveil a new feature aimed at enhancing user engagement and interaction across its platforms. Key aspects of this feature include enhanced user interaction for players, innovative gameplay mechanics that may challenge traditional norms, and cross-platform compatibility to allow seamless engagement across different devices.

BetaBeacon

July 21, 2026

DCKO Free-to-Play DC Fighting Game Launches for iOS and Android in 2027

DCKO is a free-to-play mobile fighting game featuring DC Comics characters, set to launch in 2027 on iOS and Android platforms. The game focuses on real-time player-versus-player combat, with popular characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Harley Quinn. New characters are added monthly to keep gameplay fresh, and players can customize their fighters with various Super Moves and upgrades. In addition to PvP modes, the game offers player-versus-environment challenges, emphasizing fluid combos, epic super attacks, and tactical features like throws and tag-team combos. Regular updates will introduce new content to provide a constantly evolving experience for DC fans and fighting game enthusiasts.