innovative gameplay Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

RTS games aren’t dead yet – but nothing hits quite like Starcraft 2

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has seen a resurgence, with Starcraft 2 celebrating its 16th anniversary next week. The game features a rich campaign and has received updates to its multiplayer mode, reigniting interest among players. The mission design in Starcraft 2 is praised for advancing the narrative while introducing new units and mechanics organically. One notable mission, 'Outbreak,' involves strategic gameplay using a day/night cycle and the introduction of the Hellion unit. The game includes hidden tutorials and optional objectives, allowing for tailored experiences and non-linear progression. Despite its age, Starcraft 2 maintains a polished interface and fluid gameplay. It is now accessible as a free-to-play title, allowing players to enjoy the entirety of Wings of Liberty and several co-op characters. The RTS genre faces challenges in attracting new audiences, but Starcraft 2 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a strategic experience.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

The latest ugly-cool immersive sim is scratching my itch for new Deus Ex

Parkside: Decayed Soul Manipulation, developed by Banana Hardsoft, is set to launch on July 31, with a demo currently available. The game features a raw visual style reminiscent of the PlayStation 1 era and emphasizes gameplay mechanics over graphics. Players assume the role of Alexander, a hacker in a dystopian setting, who becomes entangled with a gang resembling a modern-day Illuminati. The narrative involves eliminating a target as part of a larger scheme, conveyed through symbols and cryptic messages. Players can customize their combat body with various augmentations and earn experience points through exploration and objectives. The game lacks traditional save points, offering Divine Elixirs as one-time-use checkpoints instead. Players can navigate maps with multiple pathways, encouraging exploration. An unexpected encounter with a fallen soldier simplifies a mission, leading to an exhilarating escape in a car.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

No exclusive games for Steam Machine: “How is this even a question?”

Valve is set to unveil a new feature aimed at enhancing user engagement and interaction across its platforms. Key aspects of this feature include enhanced user interaction for players, innovative gameplay mechanics that may challenge traditional norms, and cross-platform compatibility to allow seamless engagement across different devices.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Rehaunted, a First-Person Psychological Horror Detective Game, Announced for PC

Rehaunted is a first-person detective game where players assume the role of Connor Raines, investigating a mysterious house filled with misleading clues. Players will use tools like UV lights, cameras, and a magnifying glass to uncover evidence such as blood traces and hidden recordings. The game features real-time communication with another detective via radio and includes an evidence board for organizing clues. Rehaunted is currently in development for PC, and its first trailer has been released, generating interest in its psychological narrative and gameplay. Players can add it to their wishlist on Steam for updates.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

Raids just landed in solo ‘simulated MMO’ Erenshor

Erenshor is a solo MMO that features computer-controlled NPCs called "simplayers" and has recently introduced guilds and party formations. The Planar March patch, released last Monday, added raids to the game, which the developer Brian described as a significant update. The game has a "very positive" rating on Steam, with 94% of user reviews recommending it. Erenshor allows players to engage in gameplay without the need to coordinate schedules for traditional raids, offering a blend of grinding and strategic encounters reminiscent of classic MMOs.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

A Silent Hill fan is making a PC port of Silent Hill: Downpour that restores a cut boss battle and plenty more

Silent Hill: Downpour is a semi-open world installment of the Silent Hill franchise, focusing on a prison escapee and featuring engaging side quests that explore the town's ghostly lore. One notable quest involves following color-coded ribbons to find a missing girl. The game has been compared to Silent Hill 2, though some consider it derivative. Anticipation is building for Silent Hill: Townfall, a new project from Screen Burn Interactive, which aims to bring a fresh Scottish perspective to the series, following mixed reactions to Silent Hill F's arena battles.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Darktide’s new Skitarii class is its most unique yet, but it also advances our understanding of Warhammer 40k lore

Warhammer 40k features the Skitarii class, which is characterized as cyborg warriors devoted to a cult and communicates in binharic cant. They possess abilities such as delivering electric shocks, using a retractable claw arm for close combat, reviving allies, solving puzzles, and providing fire support through Servo-Skull minions. The Skitarii class emphasizes support and teamwork over individual prowess, offering a diverse skill tree and customization options that enhance the gameplay experience. Fatshark's introduction of this class in Darktide reflects a shift towards strategic collaboration rather than traditional aggressive playstyles.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

The best PC games of 2026 (that don’t need a graphics card)

Mina the Hollower is an indie game from the studio behind Shovel Knight, inspired by classic top-down Zelda adventures, featuring a mouse hero and RPG-like customization. Mewgenics, developed by Edmund McMillen, involves breeding cats and genetic manipulation in a tactical turn-based format. Typing Break combines typing skills with gameplay reminiscent of Space Invaders and Breakout. Dosa Divas features two sisters using a mech food truck to combat the fast-food industry, blending RPG mechanics with culinary creativity. Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator offers a satirical take on trading mechanics from the perspective of an alien day trader. Cardburners is a fast-paced card game with multiple modes for solo or online multiplayer. Cassette Boy features puzzle mechanics with an environment that players can rotate. Beatdown City Survivors combines bullet heaven elements with direct combat mechanics. Forbidden Solitaire adds horror elements to the classic card game format with roguelike mechanics. Replaced features a noir-inspired cyberpunk narrative with 3D environments and pixel art. You Have Billions Invested in Generative AI is a free-to-play indie game that satirizes technology investment.

AppWizard

July 3, 2026

The new Company of Heroes is a wave-based defense game that throws prospective generals straight into the action

Relic Entertainment has announced Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand, which introduces a "wave defense" gameplay style and features formidable bosses and dynamic battlefield events. The game incorporates a roguelite progression system, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies. This installment celebrates the franchise's 20th anniversary while evolving the Company of Heroes experience.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

Nightdive says compatibility with fan missions was a big priority for Thief Remastered, and there’s one massive mod in particular it knew it had to get working

Thief: The Dark Project has a vibrant mapping community known for its creativity and ambition, producing content that often surpasses the original game. Nightdive Studios is remastering the game and emphasizes the importance of fan-created content in this process. A highly anticipated addition is The Black Parade, a fan-made campaign featuring ten missions designed by Romain Barrilliot, which won ModDB's number one mod of the year in 2023. The community is excited about its integration into the remaster, and Nightdive is committed to making fan-favorite missions accessible. Additionally, Eidos Montreal is developing a graphic novel set between the first two games and releasing related merchandise, including a new soundtrack.