Ghibli Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

What’s the plan with Halo, Xbox?

This year's Xbox Showcase featured several highlights, including Marcus in casual attire, a preview of the new Gears of War installment titled E-Day, and the introduction of Clockwork Revolution, a steampunk RPG. Vivarium, a life simulation game with Ghibli-like aesthetics, also garnered attention. However, there was disappointment regarding the Halo franchise, particularly with the new Campaign Evolved, which includes Operation Meteorite—three missions set before the main story. While gameplay remains enjoyable, concerns about innovation within the Halo series were noted amidst the showcase's overall excitement and advancements in gaming.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Studio Ghibli-inspired cozy adventure game Into the Wind announced for PC

Publisher Three Friends, in collaboration with developer Bloom & Gloom, has announced the cozy adventure game "Into the Wind," inspired by Studio Ghibli, set to launch in Early Access for PC on Steam. Players will assume the role of a delivery driver with a sentient motorcycle-plane named Ermes, exploring the Adriatic islands of Santa Rosa while completing deliveries, upgrading their bike, and uncovering a mystery related to the disappearance of their uncle. The game emphasizes driving and flying mechanics, resource management, character customization, and building relationships with the inhabitants of Santa Rosa.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Into the Wind is a gorgeous, Ghibli-esque adventure about taking over your missing uncle’s delivery service, but with more dogfighting in your aeroplane bike

Into the Wind is an action-adventure and delivery simulation game developed by Bloom & Bloom Games, which debuted at the PC Gaming Show. It features an open-world environment filled with exploration and delivery opportunities, inspired by the artistry of Studio Ghibli films. The game is published by Three Friends, a new publisher with a team that includes talent from games like Minecraft, Deep Rock Galactic, and Valheim. Players can wishlist Into the Wind on Steam in anticipation of its upcoming release.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

There’s an extreme lack of good quality, easy-to-find video game figures, and after seeing people make their own I’m tempted to try it myself

The author is new to figure collecting and enjoys searching for figures, particularly Hatsune Miku, at shops like Surugaya and Book Off. They highlight the creativity in customizing figures, mentioning a transformation of a Mizuhara Chizuru figure into Mari from Omori by yumenikkis, which involved detailed alterations. Another creator, Fallen Petal Studios, makes clay figures from scratch, including characters from various video games and shows, showcasing intricate details and craftsmanship. The author considers the possibility of customizing some of their own figures, particularly those that are less visible in their collection.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Free PC Game Offering Is a Cozy Animal Crossing Competitor

The ongoing Steam Next Fest runs until 2 March and features a variety of game demos. One highlighted game is Collector’s Cove, a free demo developed by VoodooDuck, where players manage a floating farm aboard a ship, exploring islands and gathering crops and fish. The demo allows players to grow crops, fish, craft items, and personalize their ship, with the goal of becoming a Named-Collector. Progress made in the demo will carry over to the full game, which includes access to the first seven in-game days. Collector’s Cove is compatible with the Steam Deck. Other demos featured in the event include Romestead, The Witch’s Bakery, and Witchspire.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Witchspire is the League of Legends Star Guardian survival game of my dreams, even if it needs a little more polish

Witchspire is a survival game developed by Envar Studio, known for its League of Legends splash arts. It features a Sailor Moon-inspired anime trailer and Ghibli-esque visuals. The game includes a captivating narrative voiced by actors like Victoria Atkin and Matthew Mercer. Players assume the role of a witch in a mysterious realm, combating corruption while utilizing familiar survival mechanics such as crafting and upgrading weapons. Unique to Witchspire are the Familiars, companion creatures that assist players in combat. The game allows players to gather resources easily and features a magical sickle for cutting down trees. The combat mechanics have some flaws, particularly with AI behavior during encounters. Witchspire's gameplay is accessible, lacking hunger and stamina meters, and includes an Astral Projection system for strategic advantages. The game offers lore drops and voice lines that enhance storytelling. The demo is available on Steam, featuring the first island, Vyr's Landing, and supports multiplayer for up to four players.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Designing a more magical survival game: a first look at Witchspire

Witchspire is a co-op open-world survival game developed by the Swedish team Envar, targeting Early Access in 2026. Players assume the roles of witches or wizards who reactivate an ancient monument, the Witchspire, and embark on a quest to return home. The game features an expansive environment with floating islands and diverse biomes, utilizing witchcraft as a gameplay mechanic. Players can build structures through astral projection, gather resources with magical tools, and use collectible familiars for combat and crafting. The game emphasizes a non-punitive progression system, allowing players to explore various biomes and engage in combat with spells and upgradeable gear. The world includes "corruption events" with darker elements, and the narrative unfolds through exploration of ruins and dungeons. Witchspire marks Envar's shift from outsourcing to developing original IPs, with plans to self-publish the game.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Move over, Ghibli trend: Google’s new feature turns photos into cartoons

Google has announced a new Remix feature for the Photos app that allows users to creatively reimagine their photos in various artistic styles, such as Anime or Comic Book. Users can access this feature in the "Create New" section and have the option to regenerate outcomes if they are not satisfied. The introduction of Remix is accompanied by improvements to the app's photo-to-video generation capabilities, enabling users to animate their photos with actions like throwing confetti. The rollout of the Remix feature is expected to happen soon.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

DVD/Blu-Ray Guide July 2025: “A Minecraft Movie,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “The Legend of Ochi,” More | DVD/Blu-Ray

Netflix has added a selection of films to its library, including classics like “Anchorman,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” and “Donnie Darko,” as well as crowd-pleasers such as “Happy Gilmore” and thrillers like “Jaws.” Action films include “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Mission: Impossible,” while romantic dramas feature “A Star is Born” and “V For Vendetta.” The film “Wanted” is also included. New Blu-ray and VOD releases include “All We Imagine as Light,” directed by Payal Kapadia, which features an interview with the director. Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon” has received a 4K restoration for its 50th anniversary, along with special features. Fritz Lang’s “The Big Heat” has been restored in 4K, featuring new audio commentary and a video essay. Mike Nichols’ “Carnal Knowledge” makes its Criterion debut in 4K with new commentary and discussions on Nichols’ impact. “Death of a Unicorn,” starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, has been released on Blu-ray with commentary and deleted scenes. “Eephus,” a film about baseball, includes multiple audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes content in its Blu-ray release. The horror film “Final Destination Bloodlines” features insightful commentaries and behind-the-scenes features on Blu-ray. Studio Ghibli's “Grave of the Fireflies” has a special edition with interviews and storyboards. “The Legend of Ochi” stands out for its craftsmanship, with filmmaker commentary included in its Blu-ray release. “A Minecraft Movie” has been successful at the box office, and its Blu-ray release hints at future editions. Marvel's “Thunderbolts” and Alex Garland’s “Warfare” are also available on Blu-ray with special features.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign artist wanted part of the game to feel ‘more cozy, more welcoming, more at home,’ so naturally she drew on Dark Souls for inspiration

Saori Mizuno, an Environmental Artist at FromSoftware, discussed the world design of Elden Ring Nightreign, highlighting the intention to create an environment that starts off familiar but gradually shifts into the unknown. The design team focused on themes of light and dark to enhance the atmosphere, with Limveld initially appearing beautiful but revealing a haunting quality. Mizuno drew inspiration from the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away to evoke a sense of longing for home. The Round Table Hold is designed as a cozy and welcoming hub, reminiscent of the Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls. Despite the game's challenges, Mizuno's design encourages players to explore the beauty of Limveld.