letters Archives

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

The most honest survival game I’ve ever played is this unemployment simulator

Unemployment Simulator 2018 is a survival game that focuses on the challenges of modern life, set in a modest apartment rather than a wilderness. Players collect empty beer cans and craft application letters, reflecting the realities of job hunting. The game features various minigames that highlight struggles in the job market, infused with dark humor. It includes elements of psychological depth, such as pressing a key to cry and experiencing lucid dreams. The developer, Samuel Lehikoinen, claims the game is based on real events, capturing the essence of contemporary struggles with a mix of silliness and sincerity. A free demo is available for players interested in this unique gaming experience.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Why Windows switched seasons for letters and numbers

Microsoft has shifted from whimsical naming conventions for Windows 10 releases, such as "Spring" and "Fall," to more straightforward designations like H1 and H2 due to global applicability concerns. This change was influenced by feedback highlighting Northern Hemisphere bias in naming. The new alphanumeric system aims for clearer communication, although it may not appeal as much to marketing. Additionally, Microsoft announced a change in its update strategy in February 2021, moving from two major feature updates per year to one update in the latter half of the year. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 is expected to be released in September or October.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Zelda Inspired Game Free on Steam for This Week Only

Ampersat, a 2022 RPG developed by Gaterooze, Ink, and GrabTheGames, is available for free on Steam until July 6. The game, which typically has a price, has received positive feedback with 81% favorable user reviews. It is inspired by classic games like The Legend of Zelda and Smash TV and primarily falls within the roguelite category, featuring twin-stick combat mechanics. The gameplay experience lasts a few hours, and while it is accessible to all Steam users, compatibility on the Steam Deck is currently marked as "Unknown."

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

This new ‘roguelike deckbuilding typing game’ is like Mavis Beacon Teaches Balatro, and I’m here for it

TypInc is a roguelike deckbuilding typing game where players type passages on screen to survive for 30 days. Each day presents different passages, including excerpts from public domain literature like 1984 and The Yellow Wallpaper. Players earn in-game currency for survival, which can be spent on perks that enhance typing performance. The game features sound effects for bonuses and live feedback on typing accuracy and speed. TypInc is set to launch on June 30, with a demo currently available on Steam. It may face challenges on platforms like the Steam Deck due to the small screen affecting typing speeds.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages helms a week of GTA-style cop games, sweaty animal spas and feudal strategy

- Chambers is a new Weird West shooter from the creators of Golden Light. - Labyrinth Of The Demon King is a first-person dungeon-crawler set in feudal Japan. - The Precinct is a top-down 1980s urban sandbox game where players are policemen battling gangs. - Animal Spa is a resort for chibi creatures that allows players to enjoy their bathing rituals while managing tasks. - Doom: The Dark Ages features "gratifying and chunky violence" but has been criticized for restrictive combat and tedious exploration. - Into The Restless Ruins allows players to build dungeons as they explore them. - House Of Legacy is an isometric strategy management game inspired by imperial China. - Kulebra And The Souls Of Limbo is a whimsical adventure game based on Latin American myths, focusing on helping shades find closure. - The editorial team is working on longer-form pieces about survival games and nihilism, with Nic and James collaborating on a review of Doom: The Dark Ages. - Brendy missed the morning meeting but provided information about Take Two Interactive's financials, which may relate to the anticipated delay of GTA 6.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

How to Easily Uninstall McAfee Antivirus Completely

McAfee can appear on computers without user consent, often pre-installed on new laptops or bundled with other software. To uninstall McAfee on Windows 10 or 11, users can access the Settings app or Control Panel to remove it. For Mac users, the McAfee Total Protection Uninstaller can be used, but some residual files may need to be deleted manually. If standard uninstallation methods fail, the MCPR removal tool can be used to thoroughly clean up remnants of the software. Uninstalling McAfee is generally not detrimental, as many users prefer alternative antivirus solutions or rely on built-in protections provided by their operating systems.

BetaBeacon

May 5, 2025

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – May 2025 round-up

- Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE is a game included with Apple Arcade subscription where players roll katamari to make them bigger in a mock livestream format. - The gameplay of Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE remains similar to its original version from 2004, with some minor changes in controls and influencer window dressing.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

6 first world Windows 11 problems I desperately want Microsoft to fix

Windows 11 creates local user directories using the first five letters of a user's email address instead of their actual name, which can be frustrating for users. The Taskbar thumbnail preview animations are lacking fluidity compared to previous Windows versions. Dark mode is inconsistent, with light mode interfaces appearing in various parts of the OS. Task View and Virtual Desktops animations can be choppy on systems without dedicated graphics cards. The transition between the Start menu and the Search pane feels abrupt and unrefined. Additionally, ads within Windows 11 lack personalization, leading to frustration for users who already subscribe to Microsoft services.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I turned my Windows PC into an EdgeBook — Microsoft’s web apps were the most glaring issue

Microsoft Edge was used as the sole application for two weeks to explore its capabilities as a potential alternative to ChromeOS for Windows 10 users. The experiment revealed that while Edge has useful features like the Sidebar and Edge Drop, the web versions of Microsoft Office were inadequate for daily tasks, often performing poorly and lacking functionality compared to desktop versions. Essential applications identified during the experiment included Snipping Tool, PowerToys, Microsoft Office apps, and a dedicated photo editor. The experiment also highlighted the possibility of uninstalling many applications from Windows 11, emphasizing the benefits of a clean install. Additionally, the potential of Windows 10X as a competitor to ChromeOS was noted, though it remains unrealized.