NewApp Digest
search bot

Heroes

New dark fantasy tactical RPG Prelude Dark Pain is scratching my Mewgenics itch in all the right ways
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

New dark fantasy tactical RPG Prelude Dark Pain is scratching my Mewgenics itch in all the right ways

A father sends his daughter into an escape tunnel for safety as enemy forces approach, while he prepares to confront a commander. In the game "Prelude: Dark Pain," players engage in tactical turn-based RPG combat, controlling Soren, a blacksmith whose wife has been abducted. Players traverse an overworld map, engaging in grid-based battles with a squad of four characters, each with unique abilities. The game features various mechanics, including character-specific skills and strategic positioning for enhanced damage. It is set to launch on Steam Early Access in the third quarter of 2026, offering approximately 15 hours of gameplay and introducing nine heroes with 63 skills. The final version will include all acts of the story, over 20 heroes, 20 factions, 70 enemy types, and a crafting system.
Xbox Game Pass Adds 5 Day-One Games
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Adds 5 Day-One Games

Microsoft's subscription service has introduced five new day-one titles for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The titles are: 1. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - Developed by Unfrozen, Hooded Horse, and Ubisoft, this is the eighth installment in the series, currently in early access on PC Game Pass, with a 90% approval rating on Steam. 2. Aphelion - A sci-fi action-adventure game from Don’t Nod, with mixed reviews and a Metacritic score range of 63 to 72, available on both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. 3. Inkonbini: One Stores. Many Stories - A narrative-driven simulation game developed by Nagai Industries, it has an 85 Metacritic score and is available on both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. 4. TerraTech Legion - A roguelite action game and the third entry in the TerraTech series, currently in early access with an 89% approval rating on Steam, available on both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. 5. Sledding Game - An early access title with a 97% approval rating on Steam, developed by The Sledding Corporation, available on both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Subscribers can access a 20% discount on these games while they are available, although the duration of their availability is not specified.
Loving MMOs in 2026 is an exercise in frustration, grief, and moving on
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Loving MMOs in 2026 is an exercise in frustration, grief, and moving on

This week’s edition of Terminally Online reflects on the current state of Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs), highlighting a mix of nostalgia and concern. The genre includes popular titles like The Elder Scrolls Online, Final Fantasy 14, and Guild Wars 2, but recent cancellations of new MMOs have caused unease among players, with 2025 referred to as an “MMO massacre.” Projects such as New World and Project Blackbird have been canceled, emphasizing the fragility of the genre. Players often find themselves relying on established games as excitement for new releases wanes. Investing time in MMOs can yield rewards but also leads to frustration due to the evolving nature of these games, which can dishearten long-time players. World of Warcraft exemplifies this with its fluctuating quality and controversial expansions. Titles like Final Fantasy 14 have been praised for their narratives but criticized for gameplay stagnation. The history of MMOs shows that even successful games like City of Heroes and Star Wars: Galaxies eventually fade, leaving communities in a state of uncertainty. Factors contributing to this stagnation include shareholder pressure for consistent growth, which can hinder creativity and lead to a focus on short-term profits. Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future of MMOs, as the industry is cyclical. Upcoming projects, such as Riot’s new MMO, may inspire renewed interest and community engagement. The desire for a vibrant MMO landscape and the friendships formed within these games remain strong among players.
A decade on, classic strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic returns triumphant, earning its budget back in just one day
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

A decade on, classic strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic returns triumphant, earning its budget back in just one day

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has been launched after a decade-long hiatus, developed by Unfrozen and published by Hooded Horse. The game is a prequel featuring six factions, including Temple knights and Necromancers, and offers three modes: a story-driven campaign, custom map creation, and self-contained scenarios. It quickly became a top seller on Steam, achieving 250,000 sales within 16 hours and recouping development costs in 24 hours. A launch sale is available, offering a 25% discount until May 14. Unfrozen is actively seeking player feedback to improve the game.
Total War: Warhammer 40k's map reveals fill me with faith that Creative Assembly can handle the setting's absurd scale
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Total War: Warhammer 40k’s map reveals fill me with faith that Creative Assembly can handle the setting’s absurd scale

Creative Assembly is developing Total War: Warhammer 40k, leveraging its experience from Total War: Warhammer. The game will feature destructible elements like buildings and forests, altering battle dynamics. Maps will reflect different planetary biomes and allow for various deployment options, enhancing tactical depth. Players can navigate maps in multiple orientations and engage in both assault and defense scenarios. The studio aims to make the gameplay engaging and replayable, with more information expected in June.
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sold 250,000 copies and 'broke even on development costs' in 1 day
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sold 250,000 copies and ‘broke even on development costs’ in 1 day

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era sold over 250,000 copies within its first day of early access. It received 91% positive reviews from more than 3,500 user reviews on Steam, achieving a "very positive" overall rating. The game reached a peak concurrent player count of nearly 52,000 on Steam and is currently among the top-selling games on the platform. The first patch for the game has been released, which includes bug fixes, network enhancements, balance adjustments, and localization fixes.
PC Users Can Claim 2 Free Games This Week, Save Over $100
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

PC Users Can Claim 2 Free Games This Week, Save Over $100

The Epic Games Store offers free games weekly, with two titles available this week: Odsparks: An Automation Adventure and Firestone. Odsparks, developed by Massive Miniteam and published by HandyGames, is a cosy automation game released a year ago, typically priced at .99. It invites players to create automation workshops in a whimsical world. Firestone, a free-to-play idle clicker RPG from Holyday Studios launched in 2024, allows players to engage in battles and offers infinite progression offline. Claiming Firestone from the Epic Games Store this week provides worth of in-game bonuses, including various chests and resources. Both games are free until May 7 at 4 PM BST / 8 AM PT. Additionally, Hogwarts Legacy is available for free until May 3.
Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 30/04/2026
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 30/04/2026

The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles from April 23, 2026, at 4 PM BST until April 30, 2026: Firestone - Idle Clicker Online RPG and Odsparks: An Automation Adventure. Firestone – Idle Clicker Online RPG is developed by Holyday Studios and allows players to collect heroes, enhance their gear and skills, engage in AFK battles, and participate in PVP encounters. Odsparks: An Automation Adventure, published by HandyGames and developed by Massive Miniteam, combines Automation with Real-Time Strategy, appealing to both experienced players and newcomers.
Fortnite's new partnered Star Wars games are a bad look for both Fortnite and Star Wars
AppWizard
April 30, 2026

Fortnite’s new partnered Star Wars games are a bad look for both Fortnite and Star Wars

Pandemic Studios' influence is evident in a new game that features a pre-game lobby for customizing lightsabers and selecting Jedi heroes, alongside a persistent progression system. However, concerns exist about the upgrade system for force users, which may compromise competitive integrity by providing significant advantages to players who grind for upgrades. The game also bears a resemblance to Fortnite, with unsatisfactory gunplay and a battlefield cluttered with unintelligent bots, leading to distractions from the Star Wars universe. Additionally, the game "Droid Tycoon" offers a familiar tycoon experience set in a Star Wars-themed droid factory, though it may feel simplistic to some players. These games are scheduled to launch on May 1.
Search