monster designs Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

This game about being trapped on a spaceship overgrown with a jungle that wants to eat you is basically Project Zomboid in space, and it looks absolutely terrifying

Dandelion Void is a video game set aboard a derelict generation ship that has become overgrown with alien flora and fauna since its departure from Earth in the late 20th century. The ship's ecosystem is hostile, with life forms attacking creatures with fewer than seven legs. The game, developed by Manzanita Interactive, features survival elements such as repairing spacesuits and navigating radiation-filled corridors. The creature designs are influenced by the remains of the ship's deceased crew. The game has been in development for a couple of years, but no release date has been announced. Additional information is available on its Steam page.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

While this paleontologist doesn’t find Elden Ring’s monster designs all that realistic, he was impressed by FromSoft’s subtle storytelling and commitment to ‘speculative biology’

Paleontologist Dr. Darren Naish analyzed the monster designs in the game Elden Ring, praising the developers at FromSoftware for their attention to detail. He specifically highlighted the Land Octopus, noting its design reflects thoughtful environmental storytelling and mimics the behavior of real-life intertidal octopuses. Naish observed that the creature's movements are adapted to a hybrid environment, demonstrating a blend of creativity and biological plausibility. The video series Reality Check features insights from various experts, including parkour athletes and psychologists, to explore the relationship between game design and real-world principles.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

One of my favorite indie RPGs is getting a follow-up made with FromSoftware’s 25-year-old Super Mario Maker for first person dungeon crawlers

Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, a spinoff of the first-person RPG Lunacid, will be released on April 12. It is developed using the Sword of Moonlight toolkit by FromSoftware, which has a cult following. The game draws inspiration from classic dungeon crawlers like King's Field and Shadow Tower and features a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of early PlayStation graphics. Players will navigate a mysterious underground world and manipulate their environment using unique mechanics, such as stacking coffins. The narrative takes place thousands of years before Lunacid, focusing on the character Calamis Cerulean and themes of preservation. The game will include a PDF manual styled like a vintage release and is expected to be priced competitively, likely under the price of Lunacid. Players can wishlist the game on Steam.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds has received a range of reviews, with PCGamesN and GamesRadar+ both rating it 90, praising its gameplay accessibility and combat mechanics. HardcoreGamer rated it 70, citing design choices and pacing issues that detract from the experience. GameSpot gave it an 80, noting performance issues and a weak narrative but highlighting intense monster encounters. EuroGamer also rated it 80, recognizing the game's polished mechanics and evolution over the series' history.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Monster Hunter Wilds is running better in recent console previews, and the game director says the PC version will see ‘the same level of framerate improvement’

The recent open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds revealed excitement and challenges for players, with significant performance issues on PC and console platforms. An exclusive preview event at Capcom's Osaka headquarters showcased a refined build of the game on PS5, demonstrating improved performance compared to the beta. Attendees noted a smoother gameplay experience without major hangs or framerate dips. The beta's low-poly origami monsters gained popularity within the community, and the game's directors expressed amusement at the fanart while encouraging players to adhere to recommended specifications for the best experience. The official launch of Monster Hunter Wilds is set for February 28, 2025, with expectations for performance enhancements.