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This indie action RPG looks like Minecraft but plays like Dark Messiah, letting you boot enemies off ledges and body slam them into walls of spikes
AppWizard
May 18, 2026

This indie action RPG looks like Minecraft but plays like Dark Messiah, letting you boot enemies off ledges and body slam them into walls of spikes

A wave of new fantasy gaming titles inspired by Dark Messiah of Might and Magic is emerging, with three notable projects: Alkahest, Fatekeeper, and The Adventures of Sir Kicksalot. Alkahest features visually striking trailers, while Fatekeeper offers a grounded experience influenced by Arkane Studios. The Adventures of Sir Kicksalot has a blocky aesthetic reminiscent of Minecraft and allows players to engage in playful combat, such as kicking foes into spike walls. The gameplay is described as gratifying, with a satisfying sense of impact, despite lacking the intricate physicality of Dark Messiah. The game is priced at £8.50 and includes humorous elements and dark comedy, earning it the unofficial Rick Lane sicko award for its quirky antics.
Minecraft Updates Used to Feel Magical, Now They Don't Hit Like They Used To
AppWizard
May 18, 2026

Minecraft Updates Used to Feel Magical, Now They Don’t Hit Like They Used To

In the early days of Minecraft, major updates significantly transformed gameplay, introducing new dimensions and mechanics, with players eagerly anticipating these annual changes. Iconic updates included Redstone mechanics, the Nether overhaul, and the Ender Dragon boss. Recently, Mojang shifted to smaller, more frequent updates, which introduced new mobs and blocks but felt less impactful, leaving players wanting more substantial changes. The transition began with the Garden Awakens update, which set a precedent for subsequent updates that lacked transformative qualities. For example, the Minecraft 1.21 Tricky Trials update introduced new challenges and a mob but did not alter core gameplay significantly. Recent updates have focused more on building enhancements rather than survival challenges, with examples like the Chaos Cubed and Tiny Takeover updates prioritizing cosmetic changes over meaningful survival features. The frequency of updates has diluted their impact, making players feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Many recent updates exist independently without building on previous content, leading to missed opportunities for integration and deeper gameplay experiences. The community desires updates that enhance the survival experience and create memorable moments.
As Terraria turns 15, Re-Logic confirms crossplay is "soon" and that "updates will continue beyond 1.4.6"
AppWizard
May 18, 2026

As Terraria turns 15, Re-Logic confirms crossplay is “soon” and that “updates will continue beyond 1.4.6”

Terraria celebrates its 15th anniversary since its initial release. The game has achieved total sales of 70 million, making it the eighth best-selling game of all time, with 39.6 million copies sold on PC. The modding platform tModLoader has 12.3 million downloads on Steam. Over the past year, the game averaged 461,000 daily players, with a peak of 1.4 million during the 'Bigger and Boulder' update. The average playtime for the base game is 101 hours and 18 minutes, while tModLoader users average 89 hours and 52 minutes. Re-Logic is working on crossplay functionality and future updates beyond version 1.4.6. A special collector's edition box set will be available for preorder in early June.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's director weighs in on the real-time versus turn-based debate, saying that younger players 'increasingly favour more real-time experiences in games'
AppWizard
May 18, 2026

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s director weighs in on the real-time versus turn-based debate, saying that younger players ‘increasingly favour more real-time experiences in games’

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, noted a trend towards real-time mechanics in RPGs, suggesting that action-oriented games are gaining popularity while turn-based strategies are seen as "legacy genres." He appreciates games that allow for strategic deliberation but acknowledges the growing player desire for a blend of turn-based tactics and real-time decision-making, as seen in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Despite the shift towards real-time mechanics in newer Final Fantasy titles, there has been a resurgence of turn-based gameplay, evidenced by the success of games like Persona and the Yakuza series' transition to turn-based combat. The preference for gameplay styles may depend more on player expectations than demographic trends, with modern titles often featuring high production values aligned with real-time action, while isometric or top-down RPGs typically favor turn-based mechanics.
Capcom Games Sell More on PC Than on Consoles, and Almost All Sales Are Digital
AppWizard
May 17, 2026

Capcom Games Sell More on PC Than on Consoles, and Almost All Sales Are Digital

Capcom's PC sales surpassed console sales for the third consecutive year, with 32.17 million copies sold on PC compared to 22.76 million on consoles during the 2025 fiscal year, which ended on March 31. The company sold nearly 60 million games, exceeding expectations by five million copies. In 2022, PC sales accounted for 52% of Capcom's total game sales. Capcom's success is attributed to strategic pricing, including discounts and promotions for PC gamers. The company also incorporates generative AI for tasks like error checking and data analysis in game development.
Avast Antivirus free download and security basics
Tech Optimizer
May 17, 2026

Avast Antivirus free download and security basics

Avast Antivirus is a consumer-focused security application designed to detect and block malware, unsafe downloads, and dubious websites on personal computers. It employs local scanning and cloud-assisted analysis to assess files and URLs for known or suspicious patterns. The software operates background services that continuously monitor files and web traffic for harmful content on both Windows and Mac systems. Avast offers a free version for personal use, with optional paid upgrades, and provides English-language downloads and support specifically for US users. It is developed by Avast, part of Gen Digital, which is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker GEN. Independent testing organizations like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives evaluate Avast Antivirus, positioning it among mainstream antivirus solutions.
What would be your go-to gaming soundtrack to recommend to a non-gamer?
AppWizard
May 17, 2026

What would be your go-to gaming soundtrack to recommend to a non-gamer?

Videogame music plays a significant role in many people's lives, often unnoticed by non-gamers. Critical Hit is a platform that explores and celebrates videogame music and audio design. A recent discussion on Reddit's r/gamemusic focused on recommending original soundtracks (OSTs) to entice non-gamers. Personal experiences shared include introducing captivating videogame tracks to friends and family, such as vocal tracks from Persona 4 and calming music from Final Fantasy 10. The discussion also highlights the use of relaxing background music as an introduction to gaming music. Examples of tracks mentioned include "Kitsch" from Tekken 5 and the main theme from L.A. Noire.
Terraria devs reveal the game's average playtime on PC is over 100 hours as it passes 70 million copies sold
AppWizard
May 17, 2026

Terraria devs reveal the game’s average playtime on PC is over 100 hours as it passes 70 million copies sold

The average PC player has logged 101 hours and 18 minutes in Terraria, according to a blog post by developer Re-Logic. The game has been captivating audiences for 15 years and has received praise from critics, including an 83% rating from Luke Winkie in 2018. Terraria currently has over 35,000 concurrent players, as reported by SteamDB. Its success is attributed to engaging gameplay, regular updates, and a dedicated player base, allowing it to remain relevant in a competitive market.
Microsoft is rebuilding XBOX and Windows 11 while Surface collects dust
Winsage
May 17, 2026

Microsoft is rebuilding XBOX and Windows 11 while Surface collects dust

Microsoft is making significant updates to Windows 11, including enhancements to the WinUI framework for improved user experience and a new rollback feature for drivers to prevent system crashes. The Xbox brand is rebranding with an all-caps style, reducing Game Pass prices, and discontinuing the "This is an Xbox" campaign while focusing on Project Helix. Windows 11 is also set to introduce a Low Latency Profile feature for better performance, particularly for gamers. Logitech's MX Master 4 mouse now supports native Windows 11 haptic effects. However, the Surface line remains stagnant, with outdated products compared to competitors like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, which offers better value and performance. The size of Windows 11 updates has increased, with some reaching up to 5GB, attributed to various factors including artificial intelligence.
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