mechanic Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Nintendo got a Bloodborne spiritual sequel before PC even got the first game

FromSoftware is developing a new game titled The Duskbloods, set for release in 2026, which is a spiritual successor to Bloodborne. The game features gothic architecture, beast transformation mechanics, and characters that can morph into monstrous forms, including a miniature T-Rex. It incorporates vampiric themes where vampires can siphon power from defeated foes. The gameplay will include elements like runes, firearms, and a focus on steampunk technology, with characters using jetpacks and a functioning train. The game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Arc System Works rhythm puzzle game Magical Beat now available for PC

Arc System Works and APLUS Games have released the PC version of the rhythm puzzle game Magical Beat on Steam, priced at .99 or 990 yen. The game originally launched in Japanese arcades on May 31, 2012, and was later released on PS Vita on December 12, 2023, and PlayStation 3 on August 5, 2014, with the PS Vita version reaching Western audiences on June 17, 2014. Magical Beat combines match-3 gameplay with rhythm elements, where players drop colored blocks called beatons in sync with the music. The game features an original Vocaloid soundtrack by Kikuo and includes tracks from various Arc System Works titles, such as Guilty Gear and BlazBlue. Players can eliminate beatons by connecting three or more of the same color, and the game includes over 100 soundtracks from different series.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Psycho Patrol R, the FPS-Mech sim from the creator of Cruelty Squad, is one of the most challenging, complicated games I’ve ever played⁠—and worth every second it took to figure out its deal

Psycho Patrol R is an early access game that combines immersive simulation, mech combat, and open-ended role-playing. Players assume the role of a bureaucrat-officer in the European Federal Police in an alternate-history 2000, tasked with investigating thought crimes. The game features a hardcore design, requiring patient exploration and experimentation. Players can pilot a mech called the "V-Stalker," which operates on a milsim framework. Weapons are acquired from defeated enemies, and players can customize their character and mech at EFP HQ. The game has a unique saving system involving a holographic globe, and players drop currency upon death, which can be lost permanently if not retrieved. Money serves as both currency and experience points, and players can earn it through missions and eliminating wealthy NPCs. Character stats influence gameplay, and a fatigue meter affects player performance. The Detective class is recommended for its hacking tool and high perception stat. The hacking minigame requires players to input passwords and manipulate characters into recognizable words. Advanced tips include targeting specific NPCs for cash and exploring thoroughly for loot. An eight-minute video guide offers strategies for newcomers.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

Obsidian snuck goodies and secrets around every corner to make exploring Avowed feel worthwhile: ‘If you have a lot of dead ends that lead nowhere, you learn the lesson as a player: This game doesn’t have much to offer me’

The game Avowed rewards players for exploration by embedding hidden treasures throughout its environments, including vendor items and upgrade materials. It features a parkour system that encourages players to explore vertically-oriented levels without restrictions, leading to unexpected discoveries. Notable secrets include a concealed sewer beneath the starting docks with challenging enemies and a unique item, as well as a chest in Shatterscarp that has a creative loot interaction. The game is designed to ensure that exploration leads to meaningful discoveries, countering the negative impact of dead ends. The team aims to provide worthwhile rewards for side paths and explorations, fostering curiosity among players. Avowed is considered a strong contender for game of the year, and there are hints of potential DLC and a future release of The Outer Worlds 2 in 2025.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

I’ve only played Atomfall for a few hours, but I think I’m going straight to hell

Atomfall is an open-world disaster adventure game developed by Rebellion, available on Xbox Game Pass. The game features a setting in Wyndham Village where players face moral dilemmas, such as deciding whether to eliminate characters like a Vicar and a bakery owner to achieve their goals. The gameplay emphasizes non-linear choices, allowing players to explore different strategies and navigate a spectrum of morality. Atomfall is available on Xbox, PC, PS5, and Xbox Game Pass.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Assassin’s Creed Shadows review

Assassin's Creed Shadows is a stealth-action adventure set in feudal Japan, developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft, with a release date of March 20, 2025, priced at £60. The game features the historical Black samurai Yasuke as its protagonist, sparking discussions on cultural representation. Shadows includes a unique loot mechanic with a flexible engraving system for gear customization. The game presents a visually striking rendition of 16th-century Japan, although interactivity within the environment is limited. Players navigate using vague clues rather than straightforward markers, encouraging exploration. Shadows includes over 30 castles to conquer and is designed for extended play, inviting players to revisit the game for a relaxed exploration experience.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC is a bug-filled web of disappointment

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, released by Insomniac Games, features new elements like additional collectibles, skill trees, and two playable Spider-Men, but does not significantly innovate beyond its predecessor. The game has been criticized for its lifeless open world, repetitive side activities, and a dual protagonist mechanic that feels superficial. The PC version suffers from frequent crashes and performance issues, occurring approximately every 25 minutes, which detracts from the gaming experience. Despite its impressive visuals and refined core mechanics, the game is seen as lacking in narrative depth and engaging world design. It is available on Windows PC and PlayStation 5.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

I played the notoriously ratings-board-ravaged Manhunt 2 and was quite glad for the censorship actually

Rockstar Games was highly productive in the past, releasing over two titles each year, including notable games like Manhunt 2, Vice City Stories, Bully, GTA 4, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Over eight years, they produced four interpretations of Los Angeles, including GTA 5, San Andreas, and LA Noire. Manhunt 2 became a cultural artifact, generating controversy that influenced its marketing and public perception, particularly after being linked to a teenage murder incident. This led to significant censorship of the game before its release, resulting in a less graphic version. The PC version remains the only platform with the original takedown animations, while the PSP version offers a more sanitized experience. The audio elements of the game contribute significantly to its horror experience. The absence of a scoring system in Manhunt 2, which was present in the original, diminished player engagement. The game's narrative was perceived as predictable, and the character Danny Lamb appeared passive. Manhunt 2 is noted as one of the last pure stealth experiences from a major studio, marking a shift in the genre towards action hybrids.

AppWizard

March 15, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: Retro-inspired bundle, action freebie, and a big spring sale

The Humble Store has launched the Fulqrum Publishing Bundle, featuring seven games across three tiers. The first tier includes "Through the Woods" and "Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones." The second tier adds "Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark," "Dread Templar," and "WRATH: Aeon of Ruin." The third tier includes "Forgive Me Father" and "Viscerafest." This bundle will be available for three weeks. Additionally, the Epic Games Store is offering a free copy of "Mortal Shell" until March 20, coinciding with the launch of free copies of "Jurassic World Evolution 2." Valve is also running a store-wide promotion on Steam for spring sales. The GOG store is having regular sales with various discounts. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege is getting its first permanent mode in 10 years, and it throws every Siege rule out the window

Dual Front is a new permanent 6v6 mode in Rainbow Six Siege, developed as part of Siege X for the game's 10th anniversary. It redefines the Bomb format by expanding lobby size, allowing respawns, and enabling attackers and defenders to collaborate on the same team. New mechanics include the "destabilization" of zones that remain uncaptured, which accelerates the capture process once fully destabilized. A secondary objective in the neutral zone requires teams to escort a hostage, enhancing collaboration. The mode will debut in Year 10 Season 2, while the classic 5v5 Bomb format will remain a key focus for Ubisoft.