graphics Archives

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

‘We probably sold millions of boards because of that game, and it was magnificent’: 3dfx cofounder gives Quake a ‘great deal of credit for our overall success’

3dfx was a significant player in retro PC gaming hardware, known for the Voodoo graphics card, which transformed the gaming landscape and advanced graphics technology. Ross Smith, a founder of 3dfx, noted the card's success was largely due to the 'Quake effect,' as the game demonstrated the Voodoo card's 3D acceleration capabilities. The Voodoo functioned as a co-processor alongside a 2D card, allowing the CPU to handle other tasks. 3dfx faced legal challenges with Nvidia over patent infringements in the late '90s and early 2000s, and after its bankruptcy, Nvidia acquired many of its assets, contributing to Nvidia's future successes. The Voodoo cards did not include a VGA output, a decision influenced by limited design experience and a focus on profitability and compatibility with a smaller number of games.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Pixel Golf, Lantern Mail, Through the Darkest of Times, more

Google Play currently features notable app deals, including: - Pixel Golf - Lantern Mail - Through the Darkest of Times - Ryan World – Challenge - WindWings: Galaxy Attack - 1942 Pacific Front Premium - Save the Puppies Premium Additionally, Google is offering the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at a discount of up to , and the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a price reduction of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile applications, today's offerings on Google Play present an enticing array of deals for users. Among the standout titles are Pixel Golf, Lantern Mail, Through the Darkest of Times, Ryan World – Challenge, WindWings: Galaxy Attack, 1942 Pacific Front Premium, and Save the Puppies Premium. Each of these games promises to deliver engaging experiences, catering to a variety of interests and preferences. In addition to these app deals, consumers can take advantage of significant savings on hardware. Google is currently offering the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at a remarkable discount of up to 9 off. Furthermore, the latest Galaxy S26 Ultra model is available with a price reduction of 0. For those interested in tablets, there are ongoing promotions that include FREE gift cards with the purchase of the new Galaxy Tab S12. Today’s highlight Google Play deals: Pixel Golf - A fun and engaging golf simulation experience. Lantern Mail - A unique messaging app that combines creativity with functionality. Through the Darkest of Times - A thought-provoking strategy game set in a challenging historical context. Ryan World – Challenge - An adventure game that promises excitement and fun. WindWings: Galaxy Attack - A thrilling space shooter that captivates with its graphics and gameplay. 1942 Pacific Front Premium - A classic strategy game that takes players back to pivotal moments in history. Save the Puppies Premium - A heartwarming game aimed at rescuing adorable puppies. More Google Play deals still live: Explore additional titles and discounts on various apps and games. Check for limited-time offers that may include exclusive in-app purchases or bonus content. Stay updated on new releases that may join the ranks of popular games and applications. As the digital marketplace continues to expand, these deals reflect a commitment to providing users with both entertainment and value. With a blend of innovative applications and attractive hardware discounts, the current offerings on Google Play are certainly worth exploring." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"]. Promotions for tablets include free gift cards with the purchase of the Galaxy Tab S12.

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival review

A new single-player action horror game inspired by Clive Barker's Hellraiser is set to launch on October 8, 2026, developed and published by Saber Interactive, priced at approximately £35. The game does not feature multiplayer options but is playable on the Steam Deck. Players battle zombies in a cabin, experiencing a frustrating cycle of resource depletion and predictable enemy behavior. Combat mechanics are unsatisfying, with lackluster dismemberment and tedious encounters. The game includes a genesis configuration box for limited telekinetic abilities, but traditional firearms dominate gameplay. The horror elements fail to deliver genuine scares, and the presence of the cenobite Chatterer does not create urgency. The visual design is impressive, but the overall experience lacks innovation and engaging gameplay. Puzzles provide some satisfaction, but the game struggles to compete with other titles in the action horror genre.

BetaBeacon

October 21, 2026

Need for Speed Carbon Reaches Android

An unofficial mobile adaptation of Need for Speed Carbon has been released for Android, based on a re-compilation of the Xbox 360 version of the game. The game runs at approximately 60 FPS at 1080p resolution on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with some brief stutters during races that need to be addressed. Touch controls with customizable layouts and support for Bluetooth gamepads are included, along with the ability to adjust resolution and frame rate limits in the settings. Users will need a device running Android 8.0 or newer, a 64-bit processor, and a copy of the European version of Need for Speed Carbon for Xbox 360 to play.

BetaBeacon

October 21, 2026

Hades II ported to Android – fan port released based on macOS version

- Enthusiasts in the gaming community have released an unofficial Android port of Hades II based on the macOS version. - The Android port supports touch controls and external gamepads, showing decent performance even on less powerful devices. - Users have reported positive feedback on performance, with some achieving 30-50 frames per second on budget devices. - Some players have encountered issues such as black screens and control problems, but developers are actively working to address these. - The latest update, version 1.1-beta, has resolved some issues and optimized the game for a variety of hardware configurations. - Players need to have their own files from the macOS version of the game to play the Android port.

BetaBeacon

October 20, 2026

Cult Vacui Is Out Now on iOS and Android, Bringing Its Race-Against-the-Clock Horror to Mobile

- The game "Trailer" is a race against the clock with multiple endings based on player choices - It features logical but challenging puzzles and a creepy horror atmosphere without jump scares - The game has handcrafted pixel art graphics and an original soundtrack - It offers around 2 hours of playtime and is available on various platforms including the App Store, Google Play, Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store.

Winsage

October 19, 2026

Why Windows 11 still won’t let you name a file CON, and Microsoft’s explanation goes back to MS-DOS

In Windows 11, certain names such as CON, PRN, AUX, and NUL are reserved as they correspond to specific devices, preventing users from naming folders with these terms. These reserved names date back to DOS 1.0, where folders did not exist. The names have specific functions: CON refers to the console, PRN to the printer, AUX to an auxiliary device, and NUL to a null device that discards output. Attempts to rename a folder to any of these names result in an error message indicating the device name is invalid. Adding extensions to these names does not bypass the restriction, as names like NUL.txt are still treated as equivalent to NUL. Despite some changes in Windows 11, the prohibition against using these reserved names for files or folders remains in place due to legacy compatibility concerns.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Doom

"Doom," released in 1993 by id Software, is a groundbreaking first-person shooter that influenced the gaming industry and inspired many games in the '90s. Its sequel followed a year later, along with various ports and spin-offs. "Wolfenstein 3D," released in 1992, was id Software's earlier success that laid the groundwork for first-person shooters with its maze-like level designs and fast-paced action. "Heretic," created in 1994 by John Romero and Raven Software, introduced a medieval dark fantasy theme and a more complex inventory system, expanding the boundaries of first-person shooters. "Duke Nukem 3D," released in 1996, transformed the titular character into a first-person shooter icon, known for its crude humor and explosive gameplay. "Quake," launched by id Software in 1996, emphasized multiplayer gameplay and introduced true 3D graphics, redefining the possibilities for 3D shooters. "Serious Sam: The First Encounter," released just before "Halo: Combat Evolved," features protagonist Sam Stone battling extraterrestrial foes with a focus on over-the-top action and competitive multiplayer modes.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Review

Minecraft Dungeons II is a sequel that builds on the original's accessible loot-driven action role-playing game (ARPG) formula, appealing to both younger players and families. The narrative involves mysterious rifts in the Overworld and the Supreme Evoker seeking to conquer it. The game features an interconnected open world with side quests, but the story lacks emotional depth. Gameplay enhancements include new mechanics like jumping, an expanded equipment system, and the introduction of Talisman slots, though it has limitations such as only three Artifact slots. Arrow regeneration improves gameplay flow, while the world design fosters a cohesive experience. Visually, it retains the voxel style with vibrant colors, but the sound design lacks a memorable soundtrack. The game is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Should you limit your FPS in games? Here’s when it makes sense

Capping in-game frame rates (fps) can enhance GPU performance, reduce screen tearing, and lower GPU load, leading to quieter fan operation and decreased power consumption. It is generally advisable to cap frame rates to maintain stable performance and minimize screen tearing, especially when using a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) monitor. Setting a frame rate cap prevents in-game action from exceeding the monitor's refresh rate, which can reduce latency. Screen tearing occurs when a new frame is sent to the monitor before the previous one is fully displayed, causing visual disruptions. To cap frame rates, users can utilize built-in fps limiters in games, NVIDIA Control Panel for NVIDIA users, AMD Adrenalin for AMD users, or third-party software like Guru3D RTSS RivaTuner. The recommended cap is typically three or four frames below the display's maximum refresh rate. V-Sync synchronizes the game's frame rate with the monitor's refresh rate to eliminate screen tearing but introduces input lag, which varies by refresh rate. Fast V-Sync is an alternative that reduces lag while maintaining a tear-free experience, though it may not be compatible with all games.