lore Archives

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

The first ever third-party game to come to Steam probably doesn’t get the respect it deserves—mostly because no one remembers it

Steam's automated monthly top-seller list has highlighted Rag Doll Kung Fu, the first third-party title on the Steam platform, which debuted in 2005. Developed by Mark Healey, the game is available on Steam for one dollar and has a Mostly Positive rating of 73% based on 68 reviews. It remains accessible two decades later, although it is labeled "Unsupported" on Steam Deck. The game launched eight years before the introduction of Steam reviews, which may explain its limited feedback.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Oblivion Remastered has reminded me how lucky we are to have an independent Elder Scrolls wiki in the hallowed UESP

In Oblivion Remastered, the main quest is part of a larger narrative, and after achieving various accolades, the player discovers additional dialogue introduced in the Deluxe Edition's quests. The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) provides extensive information about NPCs, including their schedules and unique characteristics. For example, Alval Uvani travels between Leyawiin, Bravil, Skingrad, and Bruma, while Yngvar Doom-Sayer roams the Shivering Isles. Kiara at the Brina Cross Inn is noted for overseeing ham cooking. The UESP also lists all 16 rat subtypes in Oblivion, including a peaceful rat in the Imperial Prison Sewer, and features running gags like M'aiq the Liar, who offers meta-commentary throughout the game.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

All 3 original Stalker games get ‘fully remastered and optimized’ versions next week, and I can’t wait to get shredded by an anomaly from the comfort of my sofa

GSC Game World announced plans to release "next-gen patches" for the original Stalker trilogy titles: Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat, on PC. Potential enhancements may include higher-resolution cutscenes, improved visuals and performance, controller support, and Steam achievements. The studio is also continuing to develop Stalker 2.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

‘Too many games let their players succeed’ says developer of notoriously tough survival RPG Kenshi, and ‘that’s mind-numbingly boring to me’

Kenshi is an open world survival RPG known for its challenging gameplay, particularly in the early stages. Players navigate a brutal world as ordinary individuals rather than legendary heroes. The game's creator, Natalie Hunt, dislikes the "chosen one" archetype and prefers stories about regular people. Kenshi 2 will be set 1,000 years before the first game, feature a map 50% larger than the original's 870 square kilometers, and introduce many new factions unique to the Kenshi universe. There is no release date for the sequel, but the original game is currently available at a 70% discount on Steam.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

The Real Reason The Ender Dragon Wasn’t In The Minecraft Movie

"A Minecraft Movie" features piglins and a new character, Malgosha, as the primary antagonists instead of the expected Ender Dragon. Director Jared Hess expressed his preference for the piglins, citing their interesting traits and the appeal of their environment in the Nether. He also voices General Chungus, one of Malgosha's henchmen. The film includes a post-credits scene with Alex, a character from the Minecraft universe, suggesting potential for a sequel where the Ender Dragon may appear. The film has been successful at the box office.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

If you ever thought Vampire Survivors was missing gore, lore, and buckwild nudity, then do I have a game for you

The genre known as 'Vampire Survivors-likes' is returning to its roots, inspired by the Diablo series. It started with Vampire Survivors, which combined chance and strategy in its gameplay, followed by Halls of Torment, which introduced loot-driven meta-progression. The latest title, Conquest Dark, retains core mechanics like class selection and automatic attacks while adding activatable powers, a clearable world map, engaging lore, and optional nudity. Players can choose their class, engage in combat, and accumulate experience points to unlock new powers and enhance character stats. Conquest Dark is now available in early access on Steam.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Top Explosive Upcoming PC Games You Can’t Miss in 2025

- Game of Thrones: Kingsroad (TBA) will blend strategic gameplay with narrative depth in the lore of Westeros. - The Last Voyage is set to launch in Q4 2023, featuring a mysterious journey across uncharted waters. - Echoes of the Past is scheduled for early 2024 and will include a gripping narrative with intricate puzzles. - Cybernetic Dawn (TBA) offers a mix of action and strategy in a technology-dominated future. - Whispering Shadows is set for mid-2024 and is a horror adventure with atmospheric graphics. - Legends of the Forgotten Realm (TBA) is a fantasy RPG featuring vast landscapes and mythical creatures. - Galactic Conquest will launch in late 2023, focusing on empire-building and diplomacy in an interstellar setting. - The Enigma Files is set for release in Q1 2024, where players will act as detectives unraveling mysteries. - Realm of Shadows (TBA) features a dark fantasy setting with unique art style and engaging combat mechanics. - Timekeeper’s Legacy is set to debut in late 2023, combining time manipulation with puzzle-solving.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign: Can Your PC Run the Gothic Multiplayer Action?

Elden Ring Nightreign is set to launch on May 30, 2025, for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, with a base price of .99 and a deluxe edition priced at .99. The game will introduce co-op multiplayer elements and emphasize multiplayer combat, where teams must defeat a boss within a limited timeframe. The minimum system requirements include Windows 10 (64-bit), AMD Ryzen 5 5500 or Intel Core i5-10600 CPU, 12GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 580 (4GB) or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB) GPU, and 30GB of available storage. The recommended specs are Windows 11 (64-bit), AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel Core i5-11500 CPU, 16GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8GB) or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) GPU, and 30GB of available storage. The game will support various controllers and is expected to use third-party DRM through GuardIT, though Steam Deck compatibility is yet to be confirmed.

AppWizard

April 26, 2025

REVIEW: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ calls for a first watch, but not much more

The film "A Minecraft Movie" follows siblings Henry and Natalie as they navigate their mother's loss and relocate to the fictional town of Chuglass, Idaho. They embark on an adventure with Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison and realtor Dawn, leading them to the Overworld. The plot is coherent, with whimsical moments, but struggles to incorporate nostalgic elements due to its runtime of one hour and 40 minutes. Creative liberties, such as Henry's "tot launcher," may alienate some fans. The film balances humor and deeper character development, though juvenile humor often overshadows serious themes. Jack Black's performance is noted for its commitment but can be exaggerated. The visual design opts for a realistic style, which contrasts with the game's blocky aesthetic. Overall, the film celebrates creativity and offers an enjoyable experience for both fans and newcomers.