mechanics Archives

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

‘A new version of Amnesia: The Dark Descent’ may be coming later this year

Frictional Games is reportedly planning to release a new version of Amnesia: The Dark Descent in late 2026, as hinted in their recent annual report. The details of the update remain unclear, with speculation about it potentially being a port for the upcoming Switch 2 or a Roblox edition. The studio's approach to horror has evolved since the original release, and they are also in pre-production for their next major game.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

OneBlock Online

OneBlock is a Minecraft game mode where players start with a single block that evolves through 29 phases, offering valuable loot. It includes multiplayer features, daily and weekly quests for XP, and the ability to own multiple islands. Players can engage in monster islands for rare drops, unlock custom enchantments, and utilize worker minions for automation. The game also offers extensive customization options for islands and characters, a player-driven economy, a leaderboard system, and server-wide events. Future updates are expected to introduce more phases, blocks, and items.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 30/07/2026

From 4 PM BST on July 30, 2026, until 4 PM BST on August 6, 2026, players can download the games OTXO and Sol Cesto for free from the Epic Games Store. OTXO is a fast-paced roguelite developed by Lateralis Heavy Industries, where players navigate an abstract mansion to rescue a loved one, featuring precise gunplay and slow-motion mechanics. Sol Cesto, developed by Tambouille, Géraud Zucchini, and Chariospirale, is a tactical roguelite that emphasizes luck, where players choose heroes, upgrade them, and explore a labyrinthine dungeon that changes with each playthrough.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Old School RuneScape players are getting their boats stuck Suez Canal-style thanks to a narrow river in its new island: ‘Helmp mee’

Old School RuneScape has introduced Wyrmscraig, a player-designed island featuring a new quest, a repeatable boss, and a new sword. The Wyrmscraig Cavern, accessed via the sailing skill, has a narrow river entrance that can lead players to get stuck between rocky shores. This issue has prompted discussions on the game's subreddit, with players sharing their experiences. An NPC named Cormac warns players about the navigation challenges, advising them to use smaller boats to avoid getting stuck. The addition of the sailing skill has enhanced gameplay and fostered humorous interactions within the community.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Mistfall Hunter Arrives On Game Pass, Xbox, PC, PS5 – Enter The Gyldenmist At Your Own Risk

Mistfall Hunter has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and is available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Developed by Bellring Games and published by Skystone Games, the game is priced at £22.49 for the Standard Edition and £35.75 for the Deluxe Edition. It combines extraction gameplay with dark fantasy action RPG mechanics, set in a world called Gyldenmist, where players recover Gyldenblood with the help of a character named Dew. The game features third-person combat, six distinct classes, and a free-aim system. Players can embark on solo hunts or form squads of up to three hunters. Future updates will introduce new content, and the game will not include paid stat boosts or pay-to-win mechanics. The Deluxe Edition offers exclusive content, including outfits, backgrounds, earrings, poses, emotes, an avatar, an avatar frame, and Fate Coins.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

RTS games aren’t dead yet – but nothing hits quite like Starcraft 2

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has seen a resurgence, with Starcraft 2 celebrating its 16th anniversary next week. The game features a rich campaign and has received updates to its multiplayer mode, reigniting interest among players. The mission design in Starcraft 2 is praised for advancing the narrative while introducing new units and mechanics organically. One notable mission, 'Outbreak,' involves strategic gameplay using a day/night cycle and the introduction of the Hellion unit. The game includes hidden tutorials and optional objectives, allowing for tailored experiences and non-linear progression. Despite its age, Starcraft 2 maintains a polished interface and fluid gameplay. It is now accessible as a free-to-play title, allowing players to enjoy the entirety of Wings of Liberty and several co-op characters. The RTS genre faces challenges in attracting new audiences, but Starcraft 2 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a strategic experience.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Half-Life: Alyx gets ‘No VR’ mode, perfect for those without an expensive headset

Half-Life: Alyx has introduced a 'No VR' mode that allows players without virtual reality headsets to play the entire campaign on a flatscreen. Originally launched in 2019 as a VR-exclusive title, it faced criticism for being inaccessible to many fans of the series. The new mod enhances gameplay with interaction mechanics similar to those in games like SOMA or Amnesia, allowing players to engage with objects by aiming and holding down a button. Currently in testing, the mod covers only the first chapter of the game, with a public release expected soon. While the game is designed for VR, the mod offers an opportunity for those unable to use a headset to experience the narrative and gameplay interactively.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand review

Paul's expertise includes videogames, Star Trek, and flannel shirts. He is involved in the gaming world with the expansion "Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand," which focuses on wave defense mechanics and roguelike elements within a World War II setting. The expansion allows players to select factions and face waves of enemies on a compact map, starting with limited units and making strategic decisions after each wave. Players can enhance their capabilities with various abilities, and the gameplay emphasizes survival, adaptation, and strategy. Matches can be completed in around 40 minutes, and the expansion is accessible for both veterans and newcomers. It operates independently from the main game and is budget-friendly, making it a recommended choice for players.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

The latest ugly-cool immersive sim is scratching my itch for new Deus Ex

Parkside: Decayed Soul Manipulation, developed by Banana Hardsoft, is set to launch on July 31, with a demo currently available. The game features a raw visual style reminiscent of the PlayStation 1 era and emphasizes gameplay mechanics over graphics. Players assume the role of Alexander, a hacker in a dystopian setting, who becomes entangled with a gang resembling a modern-day Illuminati. The narrative involves eliminating a target as part of a larger scheme, conveyed through symbols and cryptic messages. Players can customize their combat body with various augmentations and earn experience points through exploration and objectives. The game lacks traditional save points, offering Divine Elixirs as one-time-use checkpoints instead. Players can navigate maps with multiple pathways, encouraging exploration. An unexpected encounter with a fallen soldier simplifies a mission, leading to an exhilarating escape in a car.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Microsoft reportedly using TPM chips to weed out Windows piracy

Microsoft's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 has been integral to Windows 11's security since its launch in 2021. TPM is now standard in most CPUs, allowing Microsoft to enhance device activation security. The current Key Management Service (KMS) model has vulnerabilities that hackers exploit, prompting the need for stronger device identity and activation integrity assurances. TPM provides a hardware-level security mechanism for the activation process, where KMS hosts must present TPM credentials to validate their hardware identity and confirm they are uncompromised. Starting with upcoming Windows Server releases, KMS hosts will be required to prove they run on verified hardware before activating clients. By August 2026, Windows Server 2025 will help administrators prepare for these changes.