life simulation Archives

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game review

Players immerse themselves in a life simulation game called Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game, set in the town of Bywater, where they experience the daily lives of hobbits through activities like cooking, fishing, and farming. The game is developed by Wētā Workshop and published by Private Division, priced at .99 in the U.S. and £29.99 in the UK. Players take on the role of a newcomer helping local hobbits, engaging in detailed environments to forage for ingredients and prepare meals. The cooking system allows players to create various dishes, enhancing the gameplay experience, while foraging and fishing offer limited engagement. Farming is restricted to small planter boxes, and quests often involve repetitive tasks. The game features complex hobbit characters, adding depth to the narrative, but overall, it may lack gameplay variety and depth.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

This week in PC games: Hobbits, gigahorses, internet fixers, ninjas, hellships, junkbots and window cleaners

Graham is departing from RPS, marking a significant transition for the publication. New PC gaming releases this week include: - Fumes: A Mad Max-inspired open-world vehicular combat game. - Primal Planet: A side-scrolling metroidvania adventure featuring primordial humans. - Grounded 2: A sequel where tiny protagonists build homes and engage in turf wars. - Tales of the Shire: A game where players craft homes and impress neighbors with cooking. - Day Of The Shell: A turn-based tactical game set in a flooded world. - Sky The Scraper: A quirky window-cleaning simulator with life simulation elements. - Morgan: Metal Detective: A treasure-hunting game on a Cornish island. - Gold Gold Adventure Gold: A colony-building game with dungeon-diving heroes. - Tower Networking Inc: A management simulation for internet services in a tower. - Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound: A pixel-art reinterpretation of the classic series. - Mashina: A mining narrative set in a junkyard. - Hell Galaxy: An open-world space shooter with body horror elements. - Heartworm: A survival horror homage to 90's classics. - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz: A curious addition. - Ikarus Parkour: A 3D tower-climbing game in vibrant environments. The RPS team is engaged in various personal projects, including interviews and other pursuits.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

CHARTS: Edge of Fate expansion bumps Destiny 2 to No.3 on Steam

Destiny 2 climbed five positions to secure the No. 3 spot on Steam following the launch of its expansion, The Edge of Fate, on July 15th. Counter-Strike 2 is the highest-grossing title on Steam, followed by PUBG: Battlegrounds in second place. Umamusume: Pretty Derby rose 11 spots to No. 4 due to a 60 percent discount. Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond climbed 74 positions to No. 9 after releasing new content. Marvel Rivals rose to No. 5, while Steam Deck dropped to No. 6. Peak remained at No. 7, and Apex Legends climbed to No. 8 after a mid-season patch. RimWorld dropped to No. 10. The Steam Top Ten for the week ending July 22nd includes: Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Destiny 2, Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Marvel Rivals, Steam Deck, Peak, Apex Legends, Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, and RimWorld.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

7 games that are perfect for handheld gaming PCs — with my favorite Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go titles

Handheld gaming devices have gained popularity, allowing players to enjoy games comfortably. However, not all games are suitable for these platforms. Notable games that perform well on handhelds include: - Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom: A Metroidvania game where players control Jin, who must reverse a spell that transformed people into animals. It features charming animations and engaging combat with low graphical demands. - Blue Prince: A 3D puzzle adventure where players inherit an estate and must solve puzzles in various rooms using a roguelike mechanic involving card drawing. - Immortals Fenyx Rising: An open-world RPG set in Greek mythology, where players save the gods from Typhon. It combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, though it can drain battery life. - Stardew Valley: A farming and life simulation game where players inherit a farm and engage in farming, raising animals, and building relationships. Its pixelated graphics ensure smooth performance on handhelds. - Baldur's Gate 3: A turn-based RPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, known for its immersive storytelling and character interactions. It performs well on handhelds but may drain the battery. - Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition: An open-world RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, manageable for handheld devices due to its age. - Age of Empires: A real-time strategy game with a 4K Definitive Edition, suitable for handheld play with optimized controls for solo and multiplayer experiences. Handheld gaming PCs support a variety of genres, particularly those with simpler 2D graphics, which enhance battery life and gameplay smoothness.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

I played 10 free Steam demos this week: here are the 5 games that made it onto my wishlist

The author explored various free game demos on Steam after playing Dune: Awakening. They highlighted several games: 1. Star Birds: A resource management game where players explore asteroids, establish factories, and unlock technologies. The demo impressed the author enough to add it to their wishlist. 2. Watchword: A wordplay and strategy game where players connect words on a grid and use magical tomes. The author found it captivating and recommended it for word game enthusiasts. 3. Discounty: A life simulation game where players run a discount grocery store and uncover town mysteries. The author expressed eagerness to explore it further. 4. Herdling: A game where players guide large creatures across a countryside, featuring minimalistic instructions and an immersive atmosphere. 5. Ball X Pit: A mashup of Vampire Survivors and Super Breakout, combining base-building and farming mechanics with monster-fighting gameplay. Additionally, the author mentioned other games that caught their attention, including: - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: A management sim in a zombie apocalypse with engaging scanning mechanics but lackluster base management. - City of Voices: A narrative-driven adventure from a developer known for The Rise of The Golden Idol. - Morsels: A creature-collecting roguelite with a challenging color palette. - Scale the Depths: A casual fishing game lacking complexity. - Half Sword: A physics-based medieval brawler more entertaining to watch than to play.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Stardew Valley creator plays down reports he could help resurrect cancelled Minecraft-like Hytale

Riot Games has decided to cease development on Hytale after more than a decade of effort. The game, which began development in 2015 by Hypixel, was intended to combine mini-games from its Minecraft server with an RPG-style sandbox experience. Despite initial excitement and Riot's acquisition of Hypixel in 2020, the project could not meet expectations, leading to unsuccessful attempts to find new investors and resulting in layoffs. Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, clarified that he is not actively pursuing involvement in Hytale's revival, as he is focused on his current project, Haunted Chocolatier. Simon Collins-Laflamme, the original founder of Hypixel, has expressed interest in approaching Riot with a potential investment proposal to revive Hytale, while cautioning fans to manage their expectations regarding the project's future.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Every game, trailer, and announcement in the PC Gaming Show 2025

The PC Gaming Show 2025 featured a variety of game trailers, announcements, and interviews. Key highlights include: - Ambrosia Sky: A narrative-driven game with stunning visuals. - Far Far West: An immersive world filled with adventure. - Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition: An enhanced version of the classic RPG. - Fresh Tracks: A rhythm game with combat and heavy metal music, featuring voice work from Peter Stormare. - Terminull Brigade: An action roguelike with contrasting aesthetic styles. - Ratatan: A roguelike rhythm game with online co-op for up to four players. - Moomintroll: A whimsical game based on its source material. - Necesse: A procedurally generated world supporting hundreds of players. - Den of Wolves: A four-player co-op heist FPS set in a techno-thriller future. - All Systems Dance: A rhythm and strategy game about toppling a tech billionaire, entering early access in August. - Spooky Express: A puzzle game set in a Halloween-themed amusement park. - The Rogue Prince of Persia: A fast-paced action game returning with a new trailer. - Enginefall: A survival and crafting game set on trains, releasing in 2026. - EVE Frontier: A hardcore space survival MMO with a Founders Access program. - SkyRig: A game promising an engaging experience in a unique setting. - Kaizen: A Factory Story: A factory management puzzle game with a demo available soon. - Dawn Apart: A space colonization and factory simulation game arriving on Steam later this year. - Modulus: A factory simulation game with intricate mechanics. - Generation Exile: A game about rebuilding society on a generation ship. - The Alters: A sci-fi survival game from the developers of Frostpunk. - Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults: A fantasy RPG with magic and combat specialists. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: A game combining store management with action. - Barotrauma: Home and Harbor: An expansion of underwater survival mechanics. - No, I'm Not a Human: A game where players navigate a world that only allows humans. - Botsu: A playful sports game with ragdoll physics. - No More Room in Hell 2: Updates and new content promised for summer. - Farever: A game with unique gameplay mechanics. - Mandrake: A fresh take on familiar genres. - Pizza Bandit: A quirky third-person shooter combining pizza cooking and alien shooting. - Demonschool: A game with an engaging narrative. - The Last Caretaker: A survival shooter with a unique aesthetic. - Railborn: A game developing intriguing gameplay elements. - Voyagers of Nera: A vibrant world exploration game. - ICARUS: Great Hunts: A DLC expanding the PvE survival experience. - Garbage Country: A tower defense game in a post-apocalyptic setting. - DarkSwitch: A fast-paced action game. - Spirit X Strike: A game with a dynamic combo system. - Worship: Players act as a cult leader. - Stars of Icarus: Building anticipation among fans. - 007 First Light: Behind-the-scenes look at the new game from IO Interactive. - goblinAmerica: A psychedelic FPS experience. - EverSiege: Untold Ages: Continuing to develop unique gameplay mechanics. - PIGFACE: A gritty assassination sandbox FPS. - TerraTech Legion: Expanding its universe with new features. - Paralives: Showcasing life simulation features. - Lost Rift: A survival and extraction shooter. - Hell Clock: A dark action RPG. - Militsioner: An immersive sim under constant surveillance. - Arcane Eats: A cooking simulation with deckbuilding. - Guntouchables: A co-op roguelike emphasizing action. - Ultrakill: Showcasing impressive level design. - Stario Haven Tower: A city-building game in the sky. - Dispatch: Managing a team of former supervillains. - Wheel World: An open world exploration game. - FBC Firebreak: A cooperative shooter set in the Oldest House. - Anno 117: Pax Romana: Launching on November 17, allowing city management. - Baby Steps: A unique twist on the power fantasy. - Warhammer 40K: Darktide: New class addition. - Endless Legend 2: Early access on August 7, 2025. - Berserk or Die: A chaotic retro-style battlefield game. - Mycopunk: A co-op FPS with humorous gameplay. - Blippo+: Navigating an alien TV network. - Morbid Metal: Controlling multiple characters simultaneously. - Love Eternal: A psychological horror experience. - Bus Bound: Cozy gameplay mechanics. - Atmosfar: Early access in 2026 for a serene survival experience. - Void/Breaker: Engaging gameplay with destructible environments. - Grave Seasons: Unique gameplay mechanics. - Eyes of Hellfire: Dark themes and engaging narrative. - Deadwire: Fast-paced action with a top-down perspective. - Dinkum: Life simulation and exploration. - Abyssus: A cooperative FPS adventure releasing on August 12. - Ascendant: Chaotic multiplayer shooting experiences. - Mewgenics: An endless cat breeding RPG releasing on February 10, 2026. - Dead Reset: Developing intriguing gameplay mechanics. - Bernband: Showcasing unique gameplay elements. - Wanderburg: A captivating world to explore. - Void Martyrs: A grimdark narrative. - CloverPit: Combining slot machine mechanics with action gameplay. - Eclipsium: Haunting visuals and atmosphere. - Trash Goblin: Transitioned to a full story campaign. - Whiskerwood: A whimsical city-building experience. - Outbound: A cozy camper van simulation. - Capy Castaway: An exploration adventure aiming for release in 2026.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Sunless Sea studio Failbetter’s Mandrake is a rural life sim with a folklore twist

Failbetter Games has announced a new rural life simulation game called Mandrake, set in the village of Chandley, where horticulture is forbidden. Players will assume the role of the last horticultural sorcerer returning to their family's abandoned home. The game features typical activities like gardening, fishing, foraging, cooking, and crafting, while also incorporating elements of British history and folklore. Players will interact with a unique cast of villagers and explore various environments. The game includes darker themes, such as trading mundane crops for peculiar seeds and encountering otherworldly beings. A specific release date has not been announced, but the studio plans to conduct playtests and encourages players to wishlist Mandrake on Steam.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Everything Revealed During The PC Gaming Show 2025

The PC Gaming Show 2025 featured over 60 trailers in a nearly three-hour livestream, showcasing new titles and updates on previously announced games. Major reveals included world premieres of titles such as Ambrosia Sky, Ratatan, and The Alters, covering a variety of genres like roguelikes, co-op shooters, and survival sims. Key titles highlighted include: - Ambrosia Sky: A first-person sci-fi game where players confront an alien fungus in a space colony. - Far Far West: A co-op game where players are robo-bounty hunters in a Wild West setting. - Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition: Revives classic Dungeons & Dragons adventures with new features. - Fresh Tracks: A skiing adventure game with music elements. - Terminull Brigade: A co-op hero shooter set in a digital realm. - Ratatan: A rhythm-action game featuring online co-op battles. - Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth: A narrative-driven game about friendship and resilience. - Necesse: A sandbox action-adventure game focused on building and exploration. - Den of Wolves: A session-based shooter involving cooperative heists. - All Systems Dance: A game that combines dance battles with a dystopian narrative. - Spooky Express: A management simulation game set in a monster-themed theme park. - The Rogue Prince of Persia: A roguelite experience featuring acrobatics. - Enginefall: A multiplayer social sandbox aboard a mega-train. - EVE Frontier: A player-driven sandbox in a harsh cosmic environment. - Skyrig: A game focused on building rigs to extract gases in a stormy atmosphere. - Kaizen: A Factory Story: A factory design game set in 1980s Japan. - Dawn Apart: A colony simulation game on a destructible voxel planet. - Modulus: A factory-building game with customizable modules. - Generation Exile: A turn-based city-builder aboard a generation starship. - Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults: A co-op hack-and-slash ARPG. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: Continues the story of its predecessor with action-RPG elements. - Barotrauma – Home & Harbor: An expansion for managing a deep-sea outpost. - No, I'm Not A Human: A narrative-driven game set in a dying world. - Botsu: A physics-based competitive gaming title. - No More Room In Hell 2: A co-op survival game in zombie-infested zones. - Farever: An online co-op action RPG in a fantasy world. - Mandrake: A narrative game about uncovering family mysteries. - Pizza Bandit: A cooking and shooting game. - Demonschool: A tactics RPG combining university life with battles. - The Last Caretaker: A survival game set in a flooded world. - Railborn: A game about building trains and managing resources. - Voyagers of Nera: A cooperative survival-crafting game in a magical ocean world. - Icarus: Great Hunts Campaigns: Offers nonlinear missions with unique stories. - Garbage Country: An exploration sim in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. - DarkSwitch: A vertical city builder around a great tree. - Sprint X Strike: A chaotic battle game in a post-apocalyptic setting. - Worship: A multiplayer roguelite about cultists performing rituals. - Stars of Icarus: A starship combat game emphasizing teamwork. - 007 First Light: A game featuring a young Bond's journey. - goblinAmerica: A game where players possess U.S. presidents to correct historical mistakes. - EverSiege: Untold Ages: A rogue-lite action-strategy game. - Pigface: A narrative-driven game about confronting the past. - TerraTech: An open-world sandbox adventure game. - Paralives: A life simulation game focused on building and managing lives. - Lost Rift: A cooperative survival game on an archipelago. - Hell Clock: A roguelike ARPG. - Militsioner: A narrative-driven escape game. - Arcane Eats: A roguelike deckbuilder. - Guntouchables: A cooperative survival game against mutants. - Ultrakill – Layer 8: Fraud: Details are yet to be revealed. - Stario: Heaven Tower: A game about building ecosystems. - Dispatch: A superhero workplace comedy. - Wheel World: An open-world mission game. - FBC: Firebreak: A cooperative FPS in a federal agency. - Anno 117: Pax Romana: A historical city-building game. - Baby Steps: A walking simulator exploring self-discovery. - Warhammer 40,000: Darktide – Arbites: Players enforce law in a Warhammer universe. - Endless Legend 2: A fantasy strategy game. - Berserk or Die: A survival game against overwhelming odds. - Mycopunk: A game about uncovering a fungal catastrophe. - Bippo Plus: An interactive experience for Playdate owners. - Morbid Metal: A roguelike with simultaneous character control. - Love Eternal: A psychological horror platformer. - Bus Bound: A public bus service management game. - Atmosfar: A survival and co-op road trip adventure set for early access in 2026. - Void/Breaker: A sci-fi FPS with destructible environments. - Grave Seasons: A farming simulation with a mystery element. - Eyes of Hellfire: A multiplayer horror game with puzzles. - Deadwire: An action game with hacking elements. - Dinkum: A life simulation game on islands. - Void Martyrs: An action game set in a grimdark world. - CloverPit: A unique gameplay experience set to release in summer. - Eclipsium: A title with intense visuals and gameplay elements. - Abyssus: A cooperative FPS adventure. - Ascendant: A multiplayer shooter with chaotic gameplay. - Mewgenics: An endless cat breeding RPG set for release on February 10, 2026. - Dead Reset: A sci-fi horror FMV adventure. - Bernband: A lighthearted cyberpunk game. - Wanderburg: A roguelike adventure with a castle on wheels.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Psychological time loop life simulation game Fractured Blooms announced for PC

Serenity Forge has announced its new project, Fractured Blooms, a psychological time loop life simulation game featuring artwork by Satchely and a fully voiced narrative by Nichole Goodnight. The game will be available on PC via Steam, but no specific release date has been provided. It invites players to restore a neglected house through various activities, including growing crops, cooking meals, and managing resources while navigating a time loop. The narrative is inspired by real stories from the founder's family, aiming to foster empathy and reflection. Key features include gardening, cooking, home decoration, resource management, and discovering surprises each day. An announcement trailer and screenshots are available for viewing.