gaming history 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 26, 2025

This month 25 years ago in PC gaming, our biggest concerns were pro gaming, moral panics about violent games… and we still thought Halo was a PC exclusive

In June 2000, PC Gamer UK highlighted the emerging world of esports, featuring professional gamers Amir Haleem and Sujoy Roy, who had earned significant prize money and were considering transitioning to full-time gaming careers. The magazine suggested that gaming could become a viable profession, drawing parallels to sports figures like David Beckham. By 2025, Haleem became CEO of a blockchain company, while Roy led partnerships at OG esports, reflecting the evolution of professional gaming careers amid ongoing concerns about sustainability and burnout. The 2000 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary 'Video Nasties' sparked debates about violent video games, claiming they could influence players' perceptions of real-world situations. Anticipation for Team Fortress 2 was high, with promises of innovative gameplay elements, while Bungie's Halo was initially expected as a PC-exclusive but was designed for console controls. The summer of 2000 saw few notable game releases, with The Longest Journey receiving modest reviews. Additionally, Bluetooth technology was beginning to gain traction in the market, although its use in competitive gaming was met with skepticism.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

We’ve outgrown the need for BioShock, but you can get the whole trilogy plus Mafia 1, 2, and 3 for a mere $18 right now

Nightdive is set to release a remaster of System Shock 2, enhancing the original game that contributed to the immersive sim genre. Humble Bundle is offering the 2K Classic Trilogies bundle for £13.44, which includes the BioShock series and the Mafia trilogy. The bundle features Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia 2: Definitive Edition, Mafia 3: Definitive Edition, BioShock Remastered, BioShock 2 Remastered, and BioShock Infinite. Additionally, Mafia: The Old Country is scheduled to launch on August 8.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

It’s been so long since I played a 30 fps console game, it took me a week to realize Death Stranding 2 was literally giving me headaches

The author experienced persistent headaches after playing Death Stranding 2, initially attributing them to various factors like dehydration and hunger. The headaches intensified after playing the game at its default 30 frames per second setting, which contrasted with the author's usual gaming experience on PC at 60 fps. After discovering the performance mode that locks the framerate at 60 fps, the author switched to it and noticed an immediate improvement in gameplay responsiveness and a reduction in headaches. The author reflects on how accustomed they have become to higher frame rates, noting that the camera movement at 30 fps contributed to feelings of queasiness. After adjusting to the performance mode, the author was headache-free after over 20 hours of gameplay. The author appreciates that Death Stranding 2 offers a performance mode and anticipates that the eventual PC port will provide an even better experience.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: Painkiller

PC Gamer has provided an exclusive look at Anshar Studios' reimagining of the FPS game Painkiller, featuring insights from creative director Damian Wyspiański. The game is set in Katowice, Poland, and boasts a weapon arsenal that aims to attract both new and veteran players. Painkiller is noted for its significant impact on the Polish gaming landscape, comparable to The Witcher. Additionally, the magazine discusses the role of choice in Cyberpunk 2077, consulting various developers and academics on its importance in RPGs. The issue includes previews of upcoming titles like Anno 117: Pax Romana, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream, and others, along with features such as a group test of CPU air coolers, a revisit to Redneck Rampage, and a deep dive into a mod for Streets of Rage. The issue is available in print and digital formats, with subscription options offering exclusive covers.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

Summer Game Fest no-shows: 9 big games that were absent from 2025’s showcases

Fable was absent from the Summer Game Fest, leaving fans concerned about its progress. Everwild, announced in 2019, remains mysterious with rumors of a complete overhaul. Details about Blade are scarce, raising questions about its future. Kingdom Hearts 4 has been quiet since its announcement, with only scattered screenshots available. Marathon's absence from the showcase raises concerns about its development and market readiness. The Splinter Cell Remake has shifted focus to a TV adaptation, with development setbacks causing frustration among fans. Beyond Good & Evil 2 has the longest development time in gaming history, with ongoing uncertainty about its release. Hollow Knight: Silksong has experienced delays, with fans awaiting more substantial updates despite a brief gameplay glimpse.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

A long-lost Duke Nukem prototype resurfaces after 24 years

The Duke Nukem franchise has seen a resurgence with the release of a prototype for the unreleased PlayStation 2 game, Duke Nukem: D-Day, developed by n-Space. This prototype, dating back to 2001, features twelve playable levels and has been made available on the Internet Archive. The game is described as "90% complete," though it lacks cutscenes and voicework. Players start in a strip club and engage in a time-traveling mission against the Third Reich and aliens. The controls are reminiscent of older gaming systems, and while the game framework is present, it lacks polish. To play the prototype, users need a PlayStation 2 with third-party software or an emulator like PCSX2. The game was in development until 2003, indicating that a more refined version may still exist.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

The secret stand-out of Sony’s State of Play was the bizarre resurrection of Deus Ex’s PS2 version

Deus Ex, originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2002, is being re-released for the PlayStation 5 in 2025 through Sony's PS+ service. The updated version features a reimagined orchestral soundtrack, enhanced character models, and transformed cutscenes into full CGI sequences. The protagonist JC Denton has a more human-like neck, and characters can now express emotions like smiling. The revival aims to preserve gaming history and narrative-driven gameplay. There is potential for the Embracer Group to explore its library of intellectual properties, possibly reviving other lesser-known titles for modern platforms.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Summer Game Fest 2025 preview: The big games and developers to expect at Friday’s livestream

E3 has transitioned into the Summer Game Fest, led by Geoff Keighley, featuring a livestream on June 6 at 2 pm Pacific on YouTube. New developers include Raw Power Games, working on a medieval sandbox game, and Soft Rains, developing a sci-fi action game. Big studios like 505 Games, 2K Games, Bandai Namco, Capcom, CD Projekt, Embark, IO Interactive, Square Enix, Techland, Xbox, PlayStation, Epic Games, Pearl Abyss, and Sega are expected to showcase new titles or updates. Additional partners include 1047 Games, Amazon Games, Annapurna Interactive, Atari, Bellring Games, Blumhouse Games, Coffee Stain, Devolver Digital, Dotemu, Dreamhaven, Enhance, Focus Entertainment, Frontier, Funcom, iam8bit Presents, Kakao Games, Kinetic Games, Kuro Games, Level Infinite, Magic the Gathering, Megabit, Meta Quest, Mundfish, NCSoft, Nekki, Neowiz, Netmarble, Niantic, Nintendo Switch 2, Nuverse, Playstack, PlaySide, PM Studios, Razer, Supermassive Games, Xsolla, and Yacht Club Games. An "intense body horror" game titled ILL and beta access to Soulframe will also be featured, with Hideo Kojima confirmed to attend.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

The greatest DOS games that defined the golden generation of DOS gaming

Before the rise of platforms like Steam, MS-DOS served as a foundation for many influential games that shaped the gaming landscape. - Dangerous Dave (1988): A slow-paced platformer known for its vibrant colors and imaginative enemies, though it was not widely successful. - Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994): A game that provided a nostalgic experience of piloting spacecraft in a 3D environment, marking a formative moment in gaming. - Wolfenstein 3D (1992): An innovative title that showcased the potential of PC gaming and paved the way for future titles. - Sid Meier’s Civilization (1991): A highly influential game in the turn-based strategy genre, allowing players to build empires through strategy and diplomacy. - Prince of Persia (1989): Notable for its smooth animations and challenging gameplay, it laid the groundwork for future platformers. - SimCity 2000 (1993): A significant title in the city-building genre, allowing players to manage urban planning and budgets, influencing modern city simulation games. - DOOM (1993): A revolutionary first-person shooter that introduced fast-paced action and multiplayer gaming, establishing itself as a cornerstone of gaming history. MS-DOS gaming represents the starting point for many gamers, contributing to the evolution of gaming.