Metroidvania Archives

BetaBeacon

March 30, 2025

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Coming to Mobile Devices on April 14

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is set to debut on Android and iOS devices on April 14. Players take on the role of Sargon, a warrior on a mission to rescue Prince Ghassan. The game features fast-paced combat, parkour moves, and puzzles, with time-manipulating abilities. Developed by Ubisoft Da Nang, the game runs at 60 frames per second and offers touch screen or external controller options. The mobile version includes features like auto-potion, auto-parry, and slow time options, as well as accessibility features that won an award. Pre-registration is now open on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Moon Studios is now “fully independent”

Developer Moon Studios has reclaimed its independence and acquired the publishing rights for their upcoming action RPG, No Rest For the Wicked, from Private Division. The studio has also welcomed former staff from Annapurna Interactive to enhance its operations. Additionally, the Ori series has achieved combined sales of over 15 million copies.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

I’m not sure what’s weirder: that someone made a sequel to a completely forgettable 37-year-old game I played as a kid, or that it was actually worth the wait

Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is a sequel to the original game, Beyond the Ice Palace, which was released decades ago and received mediocre reviews. The original featured a nameless hero in a non-ice world with a simplistic ending. The sequel improves upon the original by offering a more engaging experience with hidden treasures, revisitable areas, and skill-based platforming. Combat is enhanced with versatile weapons, and the game balances nostalgia with modern gameplay principles, making it a worthy investment in the gaming landscape.

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

Rusty Rabbit turns Yakuza’s Kazuma Kiryu into a fluffy bunny

Nitro Plus is developing a new title called Rusty Rabbit, which combines storytelling with a 2D mascot platformer format. The game features a middle-aged rabbit named Rusty, who enjoys carrot cigars and is voiced by the actor known for Yakuza's Kazuma Kiryu. Players explore a vibrant world filled with remnants of a human civilization, engaging in gameplay that mixes elements of Steamworld Dig and metroidvania. A demo is available on Steam, allowing players to pilot a power suit through challenges while experiencing Rusty's relatable personality. The game aims to attract both genre fans and newcomers.

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

This week’s hot PC gaming Steam deals Feb.23-Mar.1

The Steam Next Fest is currently ongoing, offering significant sales and free game demos. Ubisoft is holding a Big Publisher Sale with discounts on various titles, including: - Star Wars: Outlaws - 50% off - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - 50% off - Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - 70% off - The Rogue Prince of Persia - 25% off - Riders Republic - 80% off - Anno 1800 - 90% off - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege - 80% off - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - 67% off - Rayman Legends - 80% off Sales from indie publishers Annapurna Interactive and New Blood Interactive include: - Neon White - 50% off - Ultrakill - 33% off - What Remains of Edith Finch - 75% off - Blood West - 55% off - Flock - 20% off Notable cultural games on sale are: - Lies of P - 40% off - Cocoon - 40% off - Black Mesa - 75% off - Dredge - 50% off - Unpacking - 50% off Ubisoft's sale ends on March 13, while the indie sales conclude on March 3, 2025.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

The best Metroidvanias games on PC

The Metroidvania genre in PC gaming is inspired by the Metroid series and contemporary Castlevania titles, featuring expansive, interconnected maps that players unlock through exploration and acquiring new items and abilities. Metroidvania games are characterized by diverse artistic styles, combat mechanics, perspectives, and gameplay dynamics. A well-designed Metroidvania can rank among the best PC games, while others may not meet expectations. Recommendations for the best Metroidvania games are available for PC, as well as for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

10 biggest console-exclusive games that make me wish I wasn’t a PC gamer

PC gaming has a vast library, but exclusivity still attracts gamers. Several acclaimed games remain unavailable on PC due to various reasons. 1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night - High odds of being released; originally a PlayStation title, known for its exploration and iconic protagonist. 2. God Hand - Practically none; a 2006 PlayStation 2 exclusive with a unique combat system. 3. Mega Man Legends & Legends 2 - Basically zero; dormant series with a passionate fanbase but poor sales. 4. Silent Hill - Possible, but unlikely; a hallmark of survival horror with no modern platform release yet. 5. Pokémon Conquest - Absolutely not; a Nintendo DS exclusive with ties to Nobunaga's Ambition. 6. The Last Guardian - Not likely, but a chance exists; known for its emotional narrative and visuals. 7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo doesn’t have to; successful on the Switch, likely to remain exclusive. 8. Super Mario Party Jamboree - Less than zero; relies on motion controls, making a PC adaptation unlikely. 9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Higher than you might think, but not great; technical challenges hinder potential releases. 10. Bloodborne - Definitely coming soon (maybe, probably not though); ongoing rumors about a potential PC release.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

15 indie PC games that will make you forget about AAA titles

- Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games that combines action and storytelling. - Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game featuring pixel art and a soothing soundtrack, allowing players to manage a farm and build relationships. - Neon White is a fast-paced game that mixes first-person shooting and platforming, utilizing cards for moves and featuring vibrant art. - The Long Dark is a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic wilderness, focusing on resource management and strategic decision-making. - Sifu is a martial arts game with an aging mechanic that adds strategy to skill development and combat. - Slay the Spire combines deck-building with roguelike elements, offering easy-to-learn mechanics and challenging gameplay. - Undertale is an RPG known for its unique storytelling and player interaction, featuring quirky characters and memorable dialogue. - Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania game with hand-drawn art, intricate world design, and challenging gameplay that rewards exploration. - Celeste is a platformer that addresses mental health themes while providing challenging gameplay and beautiful pixel art. - Tunic is an adventure game inspired by classic titles, encouraging exploration in a mysterious world filled with secrets. - 1000xResist features a thought-provoking narrative, though its gameplay may not be as polished as others. - Balatro is a humor-infused strategy game developed by a solo creator, known for its addictive gameplay. - Pacific Drive is a driving adventure game set in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, combining exploration with survival elements. - Cocoon is a puzzle game with innovative design and intuitive gameplay, set in beautifully crafted worlds. - Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a horror game that emphasizes atmosphere and psychological tension, redefining the genre.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Best PC Game of 2024 — Best New PC Games This Year

PC gaming in 2024 featured a variety of innovative titles, with Hades 2 winning the Best PC Game of 2024. Hades 2, which entered early access in May, follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, as she attempts to thwart Chronos, the Titan of Time. The game introduces new mechanics, including a Magick Bar and a sprint ability, and offers multiple exploration paths. It can be completed in under 20 hours, but completionists may invest nearly 60 hours. Other notable nominations for Best PC Games of 2024 include: - I Am Your Beast: Released in September, this fast-paced action game features 25 levels designed for quick play sessions, appealing to speedrunners. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 distinct games that pays homage to retro console games, showcasing a variety of genres. - Frostpunk 2: A city-builder set three decades after the original, allowing players to manage complex societal issues and construct larger cities. It won the Best Gameplay award at the Gamescom Awards 2024.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Use your Christmas money to buy these games in the Steam Winter Sale

The Steam Winter Sale is running until January 2, 2025, offering substantial discounts on popular games. Notable titles on sale include: - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: A 2D action game from Ubisoft, recognized for its innovation in accessibility. - Helldivers 2: A cooperative shooter featuring humorous gameplay against alien foes, with a recent content update. - Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: An RPG sequel to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, offering over 100 hours of gameplay. - Tekken 8: A fighting game available at a 50% discount, featuring a cinematic story campaign. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard: A narrative-driven RPG from Bioware, offering a deep storytelling experience. - Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess: An innovative tower defense game from Capcom, with a bundle option including Okami. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 original 8-bit games, appealing to retro gaming fans. - Lorelei and the Laser Eyes: A puzzle game known for its intricate design and engaging gameplay.