Mass Effect Archives

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be “100% human made”

Owlcat has admitted to using generative AI in the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, specifically for prototyping and placeholders, which will be replaced before final assets are created. PR manager Katharina Popp clarified that this approach is intended to streamline development, allowing for rapid iteration. However, this decision has sparked debate among fans, many of whom prefer human creativity over AI-generated content. Owlcat previously stated that generative AI was not used in their other titles, raising questions about their commitment to originality. The community has expressed resistance to the technology, with some players stating they do not want to play games that incorporate generative AI.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Everything you need to know about Star Wars Zero Company

Bit Reactor's tactical game, Star Wars Zero Company, is set in the Clone Wars era and is projected to launch in 2026, though a specific release date has not been disclosed. The game features tactical combat mechanics similar to XCOM and allows players to command a mercenary group made up of former operatives from the Separatist and Republic factions. Players control a custom protagonist named Hawks, accompanied by a clone buddy named Trick, and can choose from a diverse cast of squadmates, each with unique abilities. Character customization is extensive, allowing players to select from various classes and alien species for their mercenaries. Combat involves controlling a squad of four characters with three action points per turn, and players can engage in tactical missions and non-combat operations that affect squad morale and narrative outcomes. The home base, called the Den, serves as a hub for research, gear upgrades, and mission selections. The game will not include player-centric romance subplots. Developed by Bit Reactor and published by Respawn under EA, the narrative direction is led by Aaron Contreras.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

The companions in Owlcat’s new Mass Effect-inspired RPG stand ready to have heart-to-heart chats, drag you into their sidequests, and blow a lot of stuff up

Owlcat Games has gained recognition in modern isometric RPGs with titles like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The studio is now developing a third-person shooter RPG titled The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, marking a shift from its traditional isometric games. This new project aims to blend cinematic sci-fi adventure elements with RPG storytelling, challenging the studio to maintain narrative depth while adopting a more dynamic gameplay style.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

The great RPG debate: Defined playable characters or blank slates?

In role-playing games (RPGs), there is a debate between using pre-defined characters with backstories versus creating unique characters. Many players appreciate the freedom of crafting their own characters, as seen in games like Baldur's Gate and Skyrim, which offer extensive customization and replayability. Conversely, games like Mass Effect and The Witcher, featuring defined protagonists, provide memorable experiences through strong narratives and emotional depth, despite offering less character customization. Players face significant choices that shape their journeys, even with established characters. The release of Baldur's Gate 3 blends both approaches, allowing for rich character development while starting from a blank slate. This ongoing discussion encourages players to reflect on their preferences in character creation versus narrative depth.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

These are my 20 RPG freak pick must-plays for $10 or less in the Steam Spring Sale

- Fallout: New Vegas is priced at 99 cents. - Disco Elysium is available for an undisclosed price. - Deus Ex: Invisible War is priced at £1.49. - Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is priced at £3.89. - Pillars of Eternity is available for 99 cents. - Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is priced at 99 cents. - Alpha Protocol is available for 99 cents. - Bloodlines 2 is priced at 99 cents.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Is Marathon’s time-to-kill too fast, or am I too Arc Raiders-pilled?

The author completed the original Mass Effect and shifted focus to extraction shooters, particularly Marathon, influenced by experiences in Arc Raiders. During the first 24 hours with Marathon, the author compared it to Arc Raiders, noting the challenging gameplay dynamics, including a fast time-to-kill (TTK) and the importance of teamwork. Initial frustrations with Marathon's pace shifted to appreciation as the author adapted strategies with friends. The game emphasizes sound and teamwork, with a TTK that feels punishing but manageable with squad support. The author reflected on the need for better resource management, expressing concerns about inventory issues and the early loss of loadouts. They suggested that Bungie should streamline gameplay to enhance the PvP experience.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Avowed was always great, but now that it costs what it should have at launch and nobody’s being weird about it online, it’s kinda perfect

The gaming community's perception of Avowed has improved significantly one year after its release, with players now recognizing its merits more favorably. The game received a collection of minor enhancements in its recent anniversary update, similar to improvements seen in Cyberpunk 2077. Initial reactions were mixed, with some players struggling with mechanics and expectations, but criticisms have lessened over time. Bloomberg's early interview indicated that Avowed was meeting sales targets, though recent reports suggested it was slightly underperforming. The game received respectable reviews, with a rating of 82% from PCG Australia and an 80% score on Metacritic. The narrative around Avowed has evolved, with some players expressing acceptance after initially disliking the game. Its price has been reduced, making it more appealing for new players.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

Which PC gaming icon is your soulmate this Valentine’s Day?

PC Gamer offers a variety of quizzes for gamers, including one that helps players discover their ideal video game companion by answering eight questions. The quizzes cover topics such as gaming knowledge, video game romance, and character interactions in various games like Mass Effect, Stardew Valley, and Saints Row 4. As Valentine's Day approaches, the quizzes encourage players to reflect on their affection for video game characters. Users are invited to share their quiz results and discuss their matches.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

This week in PC games: Hytale, Quarantine Zone, a weird Batman sim, and a fresh batch of RPGs and shooters

The Maw can manifest in various forms, including a blinking cursor or unreturned messages. New PC game releases include: - Big Hops: A 3D platformer featuring a frog with jumping and tongue skills. - Confidential Killings: A detective game that could use a more imaginative name. - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: Players act as a border guard during a zombie apocalypse, exploring moral dilemmas. - Hytale: A sandbox building RPG now in early access, developed by Hypixel Studios. - Hank: Drowning on Dry Land: A whimsical narrative game featuring a drunken, time-traveling character. - Cassette Boy: An action RPG puzzler with retro visuals and themes of object permanence. - Streetdog BMX: A game with children performing stunts on bicycles across colorful maps. - The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon: The thirteenth installment in an RPG series. - Tabulo: A roguelite chess game. - Craftlings: A blend of Lemmings and colony-building elements. - The Fortress: A first-person turn-based dungeon-crawling RPG. - NEUROXUS: A fast-paced mech shooter with a neon aesthetic. - Moving Simulator: A game reflecting the moving experience. - Lunar Ascendant: Players become the first mayor of the Moon, navigating social media and factions. James and Julian will attend preview events, while Mark and Ollie are excited about Hytale's launch. A review for Pathologic 3 is being crafted.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As Anthem breathes its last, I still find myself mourning just how close it came to being the BioWare game of my dreams

The BioWare Anthem servers will shut down on January 12. Anthem was launched nearly seven years ago but never fully realized its potential. Despite initial excitement and captivating gameplay mechanics, the game suffered from a lack of mission variety, limited equipment options, and slow narrative pacing. BioWare announced in February 2020 that it would halt seasonal updates to focus on a "substantial reinvention," but a year later confirmed that Anthem was effectively dead. The game is remembered for its promise and the nostalgic experiences it offered to players.