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5 Best Video Games Like Half-Life
AppWizard
May 4, 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Half-Life

The absence of "Half-Life 3" is felt by fans of first-person sci-fi gaming, but there are alternative titles that capture similar gameplay experiences. "System Shock 2," released in 1999, is set aboard a starship in the 22nd century where players awaken from cryogenic sleep to find the crew transformed by alien parasites, featuring a partnership with the AI SHODAN. A remaster was released in 2025. "Deus Ex," launched in 2000, places players in a dystopian future as JC Denton, a cybernetically enhanced agent navigating conspiracies and making choices that affect humanity's future. "Quake 4," released in 2005, is a sequel to "Quake II," where players control Matthew Kane during an invasion of the Strogg home planet, focusing on single-player storytelling and refined gameplay. "Crysis," released in 2007, is set in 2020, where a Delta Force unit investigates an archaeological discovery and faces aliens and North Korean forces, emphasizing action and an engaging storyline. A remaster was released in 2020. "Metro 2033," based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel, immerses players in post-apocalyptic Moscow, where survivors live in the subway system and face hostile factions and mutated creatures, presenting a survival horror experience.
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.
The new 'Xbox mode' for Windows 11 has arrived, but don't get your hopes up for performance improvements: it's just a new UI
Winsage
May 1, 2026

The new ‘Xbox mode’ for Windows 11 has arrived, but don’t get your hopes up for performance improvements: it’s just a new UI

Microsoft has begun rolling out its Xbox mode for Windows 11, which aims to provide a full-screen, dedicated gaming experience similar to console functionality. This feature, announced in March, is now available in select markets as of April 30. Xbox mode is designed to create a cohesive Xbox experience across various devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets, and caters to gamers who prefer using a controller. The launch is part of Microsoft's strategy to enhance the integration of Xbox with Windows, although some users still find the Xbox experience on PC lacking compared to competitors like Steam.
Starbreeze hasn't declared Payday 3 dead yet, but it's launching yet another spin-off this year—this time on Roblox
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Starbreeze hasn’t declared Payday 3 dead yet, but it’s launching yet another spin-off this year—this time on Roblox

Starbreeze has partnered with Gamefam to create a new game set in the Payday universe on Roblox, expected to launch later this year. This will be the second Payday-themed game on Roblox, following Notoriety: A Payday Experience, which was released in 2024. Starbreeze aims to expand the Payday brand through selective licensing and innovative formats, despite facing challenges with Payday 3, which has struggled to attract players. The new projects allow Starbreeze to maintain oversight while external studios handle development. Gamefam has experience in partnerships with major game publishers and brands.
ANBERNIC shows off RG Rotate emulating your favorite games from childhood
BetaBeacon
April 27, 2026

ANBERNIC shows off RG Rotate emulating your favorite games from childhood

ANBERNIC unveiled the Android-powered RG Rotate handheld in a demo video, showcasing its ability to emulate games from various consoles. The device offers a nostalgic gaming experience for classic 2D games but lacks joysticks for newer titles. The RG Rotate also supports wireless streaming to a TV, gameplay streaming from a PC, and Bluetooth controller connectivity. Release date and pricing details are still unknown.
Fallout co-creator says non-linear design is all about never assuming how players will act, illustrates his point by fantasising about an NPC guard he seems to really hate
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Fallout co-creator says non-linear design is all about never assuming how players will act, illustrates his point by fantasising about an NPC guard he seems to really hate

Tim Cain, co-creator of the Fallout series, shared insights on game design in a YouTube video titled Eight Level Design Guidelines, emphasizing the importance of understanding player behavior and intentions. He advocates for non-linear gameplay, warning against making assumptions about player choices and criticizing design documents that enforce linearity. Cain believes that understanding the purpose of game elements is crucial for designers. He also credits his experiences with Dungeons & Dragons, which began in 1979, as a significant influence on his design principles, particularly in storytelling and mechanics.
Death Stranding 2 is the first Decima game with Ray Tracing on PC
AppWizard
March 18, 2026

Death Stranding 2 is the first Decima game with Ray Tracing on PC

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will feature Ray Tracing effects on PC, making it the first title using the Decima engine to support this technology. The integration of Ray Tracing by Nixxes will enhance visual fidelity through improved reflections and ambient occlusion. These features were not included in the initial PC specifications, indicating increased CPU and GPU demands. The game will feature returning characters Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, and Troy Baker, as well as new additions Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, and director George Miller. It will offer features such as uncapped framerates, ultrawide monitor support, DualSense controller compatibility, and various PC upscalers. The release date is set for March 19th, with pre-orders available but no review codes yet provided.
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