memories Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

It’s my duty as a child of the early 2000s to let you know a Beyblade-inspired roguelike was released on Steam last month

From the Top is a top-battling roguelike game that was released on Steam last month. Players select battle tops and navigate a path similar to Slay the Spire, engaging in battles against enemy tops. Each top consists of three components that affect movement, collision force, and spin stamina, and features an active ability for dynamic combat. Players can discover unique combinations, such as a top that generates clones or one that can become intangible. The game includes various enemy types and challenging bosses with unique abilities. It is priced modestly and aims to evoke nostalgia for the Beyblade craze of the early 2000s, offering a safe alternative to physical Beyblade battles.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Long-Awaited Minecraft-Like MMO Hytale Launches in Early Access and Seemingly Registers Big Player Numbers Right Away

Hytale is now available in early access after its creator reacquired the rights from Riot Games. Players can purchase the game from the official website with three options: Standard (), Supporter (), and Cursebreaker (9). The game has reportedly seen a high rate of new players, although initial claims of 2.8 million users were debunked due to server issues. The development team revitalized a dormant build in eight weeks, addressing core systems and bugs. Exploration Mode features an infinite, procedurally generated world with biomes, structures, and creatures, allowing players to explore, craft, and engage in multiplayer experiences. Creative Mode offers building tools and specialized entity tools. Modding support is available from day one, with partnerships for robust content creation. Hytale supports multiplayer across all modes and plans to introduce Adventure Mode, official Minigames, and social features. There are future plans for console launches and consideration of a mobile version.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 2000 still earning its keep running a rail ticket machine in Portugal

A ticket machine in Portugal is still running on Windows 2000 Professional, an operating system retired by Microsoft in 2010. The kiosk shows signs of wear but continues to function, highlighting the operating system's durability and reliability. Windows 2000 was originally launched as a successor to Windows NT 4.0 and was praised for its performance on modest hardware. Despite the lack of mainstream support for over two decades, it remains operational in various devices worldwide. The presence of a keyboard in the kiosk evokes nostalgia for earlier technology, and the simplicity of navigating Windows 2000 is manageable for experienced users.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Five new Steam games you probably missed (January 12, 2026)

Steam releases approximately a dozen new games daily, creating a challenging environment for gamers to find hidden gems. - Oddcore - Release: January 7 - Developer: Oddcorp - Features: A wave-based sci-fi shoot 'em up with customizable mechs and a nostalgic '90s aesthetic. - Dungeon Antiqua 2 - Release: January 8 - Developers: Shiromofu Factory - Features: A sequel to an 8-bit JRPG dungeon crawler with top-down exploration and turn-based combat. - Dreadmyst - Release: January 10 - Developer: dreadmyst.com - Features: A free fantasy MMO with no monetization, offering isometric gameplay and four character classes. - Blood Money: Lethal Eden - Release: January 10 - Developer: Jade Flame - Features: An FMV thriller about a catfishing scheme, receiving positive early reviews.

Winsage

January 9, 2026

Someone recreated the Windows 8 Start menu in Linux for some reason

A developer has recreated the Windows 8.1 tiled Start menu for Linux, which is a Python-based application that supports flatpaks, Steam, and native apps. The tiles are movable and customizable in color. The project requires PyQt6 6.10.1 and pynput 1.8.1 to run and has been shared on Pastebin. It aims to replicate about 80% of the original Windows 8 Start menu's functionality, excluding search mode and larger tiles. The menu can be activated with the "super+p" command and remains in the system tray until then. The project has received significant interest, amassing 627 upvotes on a subreddit post.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Game Pass Adds All These Games In January 2026

This month, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to new games including Brews & Bastards, Mio: Memories in Orbit, and a My Little Pony game. Players can also revisit Resident Evil Village in anticipation of Resident Evil Requiem's release next month, and enjoy Star Wars Outlaws. However, titles such as Neon White, Road 96, and The Ascent will be removed from the Game Pass library on January 15.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Just when you think there’s no room for shooters to innovate, here’s one where your health is literally your framerate

FPS Quest links player health to framerate, causing framerate drops as the character takes damage. Players can upgrade weapons and manipulate the game environment to boost framerate and health, such as replacing a 3D gun with a 2D sprite or altering level geometry. One upgrade can increase framerate by 10 fps at the cost of removing structural columns, which eliminates cover. This mechanic encourages a balance between alterations and game stability.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Star Wars Outlaws, Resident Evil Village, and More

Brews & Bastards is available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition can be played on Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, also available with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Atomfall will be available on January 7 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC with Game Pass Premium. Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Rematch, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition will also be available on January 7 with Game Pass Premium. Final Fantasy will be available on January 8 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Star Wars Outlaws will be released on January 13 for Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery will be available on January 15 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Resident Evil Village will be available on January 20 for Cloud, Console, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. MIO: Memories in Orbit will also be available on January 20 for Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on day one with Game Pass. Titles leaving the Game Pass library on January 15 include Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, Neon White, Road 96, The Ascent, and The Grinch Christmas Adventures.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

2025 PC Game Now 100% Free on Steam for Limited Time

Billie’s Wheelie, a PC game inspired by the Sega series Super Monkey Ball, was released on October 24, 2025, and is available for free on Steam until January 10. The game features co-op and PvP modes, allowing up to eight players to race as hamsters in balls while collecting cheese pieces. It has received a perfect approval rating from users, who praise its engaging gameplay and smooth movement. Although Steam Deck compatibility is unverified, it offers a budget-friendly alternative for fans of the genre, as classic Super Monkey Ball titles are not available on Steam.