lore Archives

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Verity Minecraft mod surpasses 4.9 million downloads in under a month as viral horror sensation continues

Verity, a character in Minecraft, gained popularity after a viral video amassed over 20 million views since its release in May 2026. On June 16, PnTMC released the Verity - Bedrock Edition mod on CurseForge, which received 4.9 million downloads in 28 days, allowing players to interact with Verity. The Undertalelover mod, also for Bedrock Edition, has 2.8 million downloads, while VarmiteYT's Java Edition mod has over 800,000 downloads in under two weeks.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Steam drops four free games, including a ‘peak’ RPG you can claim right now

The text highlights four free games available on Steam: 1. The Song of WILL: Act I - An RPG by Dylan Webber, inspired by 90s JRPGs, featuring randomized weapons and a "Positive" rating based on 11 reviews. 2. All Tomorrows: Invasion - A casual first-person shooter by Bluestone, with solid shooting mechanics and a "Positive" rating from 11 reviews. 3. Oblivion Maiden - Developed by Project Ex Libris, this game has a "Positive" rating from 29 reviews and combines elements of The Legend of Zelda and classic Final Fantasy. 4. BomBee - A puzzle game described as an online arcade PvP game, currently lacking a rating.

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 10, 2026

My favorite game of 2026 so far just got a major free expansion — and you don’t even need to own the actual game to play it

Zero Parades for Dead Spies has launched a free tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) adaptation, available at zeroparades.com/one-shot, which includes a core rulebook and a premade one-shot adventure set 30 years before the main game. This adaptation provides an accessible entry point for newcomers and enriches the lore for existing fans. The game retains the post-Soviet aesthetic of its predecessor, Disco Elysium, while introducing refined mechanics. On the announcement day, the full game is offered at a 10% discount, with a 20% discount for Disco Elysium owners during the Steam Summer Sale.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Echoes of Aincrad (PC) Review

Echoes of Aincrad is an original game set in the world of Sword Art Online, allowing players to assume the role of a background character who starts as a beta tester. The game features a prologue where players form an alliance with a solo player named Ito to combat player killers. The main storyline, which takes about three hours to complete, involves navigating the dangers of a game where death in-game results in real-life consequences. Players create their own character and experience familiar story elements while uncovering new narratives. The gameplay includes a mix of quests and environmental puzzles, though it suffers from repetitiveness and underutilized expansive worlds. Combat is satisfactory, with various melee weapons and coordinated attacks with party characters. The game is compatible with VR for an immersive experience.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

How do you reconcile your lore-heavy, dark sci-fi MMO with mod tools that might let people get way too goofy? ‘Everything’s canon,’ say the developers of EVE Frontier

EVE Frontier is an early access space survival MMO that features a contrast between its dystopian narrative and a vibrant modding ecosystem. Players inhabit cloned bodies known as "shells," which can be traded, upgraded, or sacrificed, adding strategic layers to gameplay. The origins of these consciousnesses are mysterious, possibly containing remnants of human culture. The game embraces player creativity, with everything created by players considered canon within the universe. The latest cycle of EVE Frontier launched on June 25, introducing fully modular ship building, an enhanced new player experience, a five-day free trial, and innovative gamepad controls.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Some days I fondly recall Warhammer 40k’s first Inquisitor was called ‘Obiwan Sherlock Clousseau’ and he’s still too powerful to be retconned.

In the Warhammer 40k universe, Inquisitors are agents of the Imperium known for their authority and eccentricity, tasked with eradicating threats from Chaos. One notable Inquisitor is Obiwan Sherlock Clousseau, introduced in the original Rogue Trader in 1987, illustrated by Martin McKenna. Clousseau is depicted in skintight powered armor under a cloak and is recognized for his detective-like approach to solving cases, using a legally distinct laser sword against xenos. His arsenal includes various energy field devices, a bolt pistol, a power sword, Jokaero digital weapons, multiple types of grenades, a communicator, bioscanner, and other gadgets. Despite not appearing since the 1980s, Clousseau's legacy endures in Warhammer lore, and fans hope for his return in future narratives.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

One of our favorite Half-Life 2 mods is getting a stealth game prequel where you’re a Combine assassin preying on the human resistance

Entropy: Zero 2 - Progenitors is the latest installment in the Half-Life 2 mod series, shifting the narrative focus to a stealthy assassin character instead of Combine troopers. The game explores the lore of the Combine's origins and hints at a connection to Mr. P and Adrian Shephard from Opposing Force. It features a visual style that blends elements from various Half-Life eras and includes new weapons and mechanics. Gameplay footage shows innovative tactics, such as pickpocketing and using distractions. The development team has overcome challenges, and fans can follow updates on ModDB and Blixibon's YouTube channel.

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 1, 2026

Sure would be great if Oblivion Remastered got patched on PC to coincide with the Switch 2 release

Bethesda will unveil Oblivion Remastered for the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11, featuring a trailer with a live-action portrayal of the Adoring Fan and minimal gameplay footage. The remastered version aims to address technical challenges and will include motion controls and touch screen features. The full game will be included on the cartridge. The PC version has received patches for various issues, but players still encounter bugs, and there is hope for an improved experience, especially for those using devices like the Steam Deck. A modded version of the original game currently offers a smoother experience.