narrative Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Amid a tidal wave of new games in 2024, these 10 must-play deep cuts are cheap and will run on almost anything

Many gamers are facing a growing backlog of titles as they enter the new year. Instead of returning to popular games like The Witcher 3 or Persona 5, players are encouraged to explore quirky indie games that offer depth and creativity, are budget-friendly, and suitable for short gaming sessions. Eight standout indie games from the past year and two late entries from 2023 include: 1. Felvidek: Set in the Slovak highlands, featuring a disgraced protagonist investigating supernatural occurrences with a priest, utilizing sepia-toned visuals and retro turn-based combat. 2. Skald: Against the Black Priory: A DOS RPG-inspired game with pixel art and a rich soundtrack, offering modern hardcore CRPG mechanics. 3. Dread Delusion: A low-fi RPG with immersive world-building and exploration, captivating players since early access. 4. Anger Foot: An arcade FPS priced at , combining fast-paced action and humor, reminiscent of "Hotline Miami." 5. Judero: An action-adventure game with a druid protagonist in a whimsical claymation world, featuring surreal dialogues. 6. Mouthwashing: A claustrophobic narrative set on a marooned spaceship, known for its nonlinear storytelling and haunting atmosphere. 7. Straftat: A 1v1 FPS that combines classic map design with humor, serving as a contrast to live service games. 8. The Black Parade: An unofficial expansion for Thief Gold, featuring ten expansive missions that highlight immersive sim design. These indie titles offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream gaming, allowing players to enjoy unique narratives and innovative gameplay.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Here are DSOGaming’s Games of the Year 2024

The gaming community is anticipating the Game of the Year (GOTY) list as 2024 approaches. Contributors from DSOGaming have shared their top picks: - pirovashMX chose Penny’s Big Breakaway, a platformer inspired by Sega’s 90s classics, featuring fluid movement and a new whip mechanic. - Spencer selected Virtua Fighter 5 REVO, an Open Beta version of a classic fighting game from 2006, praised for its combat mechanics and graphics, with an official release scheduled for January. - Nick McCaskey highlighted Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, a JRPG that encouraged multiple playthroughs, alongside a mention of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. - John Papadopoulos picked Silent Hill 2 Remake, commending its atmosphere, narrative, visuals, and satisfying conclusion, despite minor traversal issues.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC

Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows users about the installation process for Windows 11 24H2, indicating that a mistake during installation could prevent devices from receiving future Windows security updates. Users installing Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates via USB or external drives may disrupt Windows Update functionality, as the version is shipped without these specific patches. The issue occurs only when installation media includes these updates; devices receiving updates through the standard Windows Update process are not affected. Microsoft suggests using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media if users encounter issues with cumulative updates after installing Windows 11 24H2. The company acknowledges that the situation affects only a small number of PCs, though the number of affected users may be higher than initially thought. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and advises users to use the December 2024 security update to avoid complications with media-based installations.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is so authentically Indiana Jones it should probably be called Henry Jones Jr. and the Great Circle

The PC Gamer team highlighted "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" as a standout game in their 2024 Game of the Year Awards. Voice actor Troy Baker portrays Indiana Jones, initially raising skepticism due to his previous iconic roles. Early trailers presented the game as simplistic, but players found a rich exploration experience, featuring locations like The Vatican and authentic character interactions. A notable scene involves a humorous confrontation with antagonist Emmerich Voss. The game employs first-person gameplay for immersion, allowing tactile engagement with the environment. Its slower pacing fosters a deeper connection to the world and characters, reminiscent of classic RPGs. MachineGames successfully captures the essence of Indiana Jones, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience. There is anticipation for future adventures in the series, emphasizing storytelling and character development over mere spectacle.

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 27, 2024

Siliconera’s PC Game of the Year 2024

The PC has become a supportive environment for indie games, as seen in the finalists for this year’s PC Game of the Year. The game 1000xResist is noted for its compelling storytelling. Crow Country, created by SFB Games, is a tribute to PS1 survival horror games while offering a unique narrative. The winner of the 2024 Siliconera PC Game of the Year is Balatro, which has gained recognition and is compared to timeless classics like Tetris.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Is Coming To PC On January 30th – Latest Updates

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was released on PlayStation 5 on October 20, 2023. It is set to launch on PC platforms on January 30, 2025, available through Steam and the Epic Games Store. The PC version will be developed by Nixxes Software and will include all updates and enhancements from the PS5 edition, such as new suits, a New Game+ mode, increased difficulty levels, new styles for the Symbiote suit, options to modify the time of day, and additional post-story challenges. The game was part of Sony's strategy to bring more PlayStation exclusives to PC. Pre-order bonuses included early access to specific suits and gadgets, and various editions were available at launch, including a Standard Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, and Collector’s Edition.

TrendTechie

December 27, 2024

Аниме по «Властелину колец» появилось на торрентах

Warner Bros. has transitioned "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" into the digital realm after a two-week theatrical run, making it available on torrent sites. The film is set 183 years before the Fellowship of the Ring, focusing on the daughter of King Helm Hammerhand and the threat from the Dunlendings. It has a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes and explores themes of bravery and familial duty. The film has received a mixed reception, with an IMDb score of 6.6 and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 46%.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

30 Amazing PC Games of All Time

PC gaming has evolved significantly, with advancements in hardware leading to cinematic visuals and a broader understanding of gaming. Certain genres, like computer role-playing games and strategy titles, continue to thrive. "Sons of the Forest" is highlighted as a notable title, encouraging players to experience the original game to appreciate its sequel. The game features innovative tools, such as solar-powered golf karts and hang-gliders, a variety of firearms and melee weapons, AI helpers, and a revamped building system. While the narrative isn't the main focus, the game offers a wide range of engaging activities, showcasing the exploration, survival, and creativity that define PC gaming.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

How Minecraft can benefit from endermen variants

The End dimension in Minecraft has remained largely unchanged and barren compared to the Overworld and the Nether, leading players to seek revitalization. Introducing new enderman variants, inspired by enderlings from Minecraft Dungeons, could enhance gameplay. These variants include the blastling, snareling, watchling, and endersent, each with unique abilities. The watchling could act as a powerful enemy, and the endersent could serve as a pseudo-boss, culminating in a battle against the Heart of Ender after defeating the Ender Dragon. Additionally, there is potential for new enderman variants across all dimensions, which could lead to new items and gameplay mechanics, such as infinite teleportation with a health cost. The community desires an update to the End dimension to create a more balanced experience across all realms.