gunplay Archives

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

The Marathon server slam consumed my weekend: 21 hours later, I’ve gone from ‘meh’ to believer

Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

My love for Arc Raiders is starting to wane, and that plays right into Marathon’s hands

Arc Raiders has been a dominant presence in the author's gaming time since its launch at the end of October, even with new seasons for other games like Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6. The author has experienced some fatigue with Arc Raiders recently, despite previously believing it would succeed. Key features of Arc Raiders include emergent gameplay, flexible engagement options, and a free loadout system. However, the author notes a lack of new content, such as weapons, maps, and enemy types, since the launch of Stella Montis, leading to diminished interest. Upcoming updates, including the Shrouded Sky update, promise new content, but the author expresses concern that if this update does not reignite excitement, they may shift their focus to Marathon, which offers polished gameplay and customization options that Arc Raiders currently lacks.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

High on Life 2 is absolutely hilarious gaming with some awkward mic drops — and it’s on Xbox Game Pass, too

Squanch Games has released High on Life 2, a sequel to its successful 2022 game. The narrative follows the Bounty Hunter facing a cosmic crisis. The sequel features refined humor, attributed to the absence of former voice actor Justin Roiland, and includes a mix of chaotic gunplay and fluid combat. Players will encounter returning weapons and new tools, along with quirky environments that enhance the comedic experience. The game prioritizes accessibility and fun over complexity, allowing players to enjoy the gameplay without tedious tasks. However, performance issues have been noted, particularly for PC players with lower-end hardware, leading to stuttering and frame drops. Console versions generally maintain a steady frame rate, but optimization is needed for the PC version. Despite these challenges, the game delivers humor and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

High on Life 2 review – skateboard-powered sequel is much easier to like than its painful predecessor

High on Life 2, the sequel to Squanch Games' first-person shooter, features advancements despite ongoing technical issues. Players return as an intergalactic bounty hunter following the defeat of the G3 cartel, now tasked with dismantling Rhea Pharmaceutical. The game introduces a variety of missions involving eccentric billionaires and mad scientists, with a notable mission set on a convention planet. The gameplay includes skateboarding, enhancing movement and combat. The sequel's tone is improved, with better character development and less abrasive humor, although the shooting mechanics remain lacking. Technical challenges persist, including significant bugs, but accessibility options have been added to enhance inclusivity.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Marathon is enjoying some unexpected Ws, with pre-orders flying on Steam and a cast that exposes Arc Raiders’ big weakness

Enthusiasm for Marathon has increased, positioning it as one of the most anticipated games of the year. Following the announcement of its release date and pre-orders, Marathon has become one of the top five best-selling games on Steam. The game is expected to benefit from competition in the extraction shooter genre, with its unique features like first-person gunplay and player-versus-player interactions. Recent gameplay footage has improved perceptions of the game, and it will be priced at .99 / £34.99. The voice cast includes notable actors such as Ben Starr, Jennifer English, Neil Newbon, and Roger Clark, indicating Bungie's commitment to quality. Currently, Marathon ranks as the fifth best-selling game on Steam, with only Arc Raiders and Fallout 76 surpassing it among paid titles. The game is set to release on March 5.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As Anthem breathes its last, I still find myself mourning just how close it came to being the BioWare game of my dreams

The BioWare Anthem servers will shut down on January 12. Anthem was launched nearly seven years ago but never fully realized its potential. Despite initial excitement and captivating gameplay mechanics, the game suffered from a lack of mission variety, limited equipment options, and slow narrative pacing. BioWare announced in February 2020 that it would halt seasonal updates to focus on a "substantial reinvention," but a year later confirmed that Anthem was effectively dead. The game is remembered for its promise and the nostalgic experiences it offered to players.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has finally delivered the RPG that Fallout New Vegas fans have craved for 16 years

The Outer Worlds 2 is a sequel that builds on its predecessor's foundations, featuring impactful decision-making and refined gameplay. Set in a different galaxy, players take on the role of an agent of the Earth Directorate, tasked with investigating catastrophic rifts threatening the galaxy, particularly the Arcadia colony. The game critiques hyper-capitalism while being developed under Microsoft, incorporating satirical elements. Players' choices significantly influence gameplay, with character builds affecting the narrative and challenges faced. The revamped flaws system introduces both positive and negative effects based on player actions, encouraging exploration. The game features expertly crafted quests that intertwine with the main storyline, leading to unique outcomes. Companions add emotional depth to the experience, each with distinct personalities. While initial planets showcase engaging quests, later areas feel less vibrant, and combat lacks depth, often becoming repetitive. The crafting system allows for customization but may not be fully utilized due to the game's ease. Performance is strong, running smoothly on high-end hardware. Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes meaningful player choices but reveals a need for improved combat mechanics.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

“Steam charts don’t measure fun,” says Splitgate dev as relaunched FPS debuts with a 90% lower peak

Splitgate 2, the sequel to a competitive first-person shooter, peaked at approximately 25,000 players on Steam upon its initial release but saw a rapid decline in interest, leading 1047 Games to revert it to a beta state and relaunch it as Splitgate Arena Reloaded. On launch day, the revamped game peaked at only 2,297 players, a 90% drop from its predecessor, and currently has daily concurrent player counts between 900 and 1,000. 1047 Games stated, "Steam charts don't measure fun," emphasizing that player statistics do not fully capture the gaming experience. Despite the low player count, the studio remains committed to the game and its community, encouraging players to try the free-to-play version, which features engaging gameplay elements like impressive maps and portal mechanics.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

James’ most anticipated PC games for 2026

Control Resonant is a sequel where players control Dylan Faden in The Oldest House and New York City, featuring melee-focused combat and psychic abilities. Denshattack is an arcade-style train driving game with fast-paced action and whimsical scenarios. Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core introduces new dwarf classes and roguelike elements in a cooperative gameplay setting. Planet of Lana II expands on its predecessor with intricate puzzles and collaboration with an alien companion. Good Boy is a "Petroidvania" game where players control a wheeled robot exploring a planet, capturing insects to unlock areas. Highguard is a competitive FPS with a free-to-play model, focusing on engaging gameplay mechanics.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

“Triple-A is in crisis” and games “don’t have staying power because they’re bad,” says ex Gears of War director and Painkiller creator

Adrian Chmielarz, founder of Astronauts and People Can Fly, discusses the current state of the gaming industry, noting that 2025 is expected to be significant as indie and double-A games gain prominence. This year's Game of the Year nominations highlighted a balance between indie titles and high-budget games, with Metacritic's top-rated games including Hades 2, Expedition 33, and Blue Prince. Chmielarz emphasizes the rise of double-A games, attributing it to changes in the industry that allow developers to bypass traditional publishers due to platforms like Steam. He points out challenges for new releases in maintaining visibility, citing Theorycraft Games’ Supervive as an example of a quality game that struggled to stand out. Chmielarz also notes a lack of immersive single-player shooters in the market and criticizes the focus on gunplay over atmosphere in many indie games. He expresses enthusiasm for Witchfire's dark fantasy aesthetic and its emphasis on fun gameplay.