narrative-driven Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Minecraft Movie Streaming Soon on Max With Sources Pointing To June Date

The Minecraft Movie is set to stream on Max, with a potential release date of June 20, 2025, although this has not been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring Jason Momoa, premiered in theaters on May 30, 2025. It will be available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Physical editions (4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD) are scheduled for release on June 24, 2025. In 2025, Minecraft modpacks are evolving, with a focus on technical modpacks and new gameplay experiences. Notable modpacks include "Biohazard: Project Genesis" and "Multiversal Archeology," which emphasize automation and resource gathering. Popular modpacks are introducing intricate quest systems, performance optimizations, and visual enhancements, including high-definition textures and dynamic lighting. Tools like CurseForge and packwiz are streamlining modpack creation and sharing. The Bedrock Edition has seen new modpacks like "Elemental Horizons" and "Survival Evolution." "Technological Frontiers 4" is currently the top-rated modpack on CurseForge. The 1.21 update has influenced modpack developments, leading to new dungeon exploration themes.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

Painkiller RTX is a path-traced upgrade to a classic but almost forgotten shooter

Nvidia's RTX Remix is a tool that allows game modders to enhance classic PC games with path-traced visuals. One notable project is the transformation of the 2004 game Painkiller into Painkiller RTX, currently at version 0.1.6. This project utilizes a custom rendering technology called PainEngine, replacing the original Direct X 8.1 rendering with a path tracer, resulting in improved visuals such as real-time shadows and moving lights. The gameplay retains its fast-paced action focus, with enhanced mechanics through Havok physics, allowing for dynamic interactions with the environment. Painkiller RTX features significant upgrades in lighting, including dynamic lighting that interacts with moving objects and improved texture quality using Quixel megascan assets. However, the path-tracing technology requires robust hardware for optimal performance, and even mid-range GPUs like the RTX 4060 may struggle with frame rates during intense gameplay.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Two Great Games That Couldn’t Be More Different Are Free Right Now

The Epic Game Store is offering two free PC titles: Limbo and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, available until June 5. Limbo, released in 2010, is a black-and-white 2D platformer known for its eerie atmosphere. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, launched in 2022, is a fantasy-themed spin-off from the Borderlands series, featuring melee combat and exploration. The ongoing Mega Sale includes significant discounts on various titles and will continue until June 12, with more free games expected in the coming weeks.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Honoring its Pride Month tradition, Tell Me Why is free to keep until the end of June for the fifth year in a row

Tell Me Why, an adventure game developed by Dontnod, is currently available for free on Steam until July 1. This initiative coincides with Pride Month, a trend that has occurred for the past five years. The game focuses on narrative choices rather than complex puzzles, and players are encouraged to consider donating to trans-inclusive charities. All three episodes of the game can be added to players' libraries at no cost.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

This underwater city builder had me more emotionally invested in my corals than SimCity does in my human citizens, and you can try it at the next Steam Next Fest

Life Below is a city-building game available on Steam that focuses on underwater ecosystems and highlights the fragility of marine life. Players manage resources such as fish, algae, anemones, and corals, while dealing with challenges like lionfish infestations that threaten local wildlife and coral structures. The game offers a narrative-driven experience and features a relaxed gameplay pace with a pause button for strategic planning. A demo of the game will be available during the Steam Next Fest from June 9 to 16.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Pick up the Left 4 Dead games for cheaper than a pack of gum in the new Steam sale that’s all about zombies, and also vampires

The Zombies vs. Vampires Fest on Steam is currently running through June 2 and features a variety of games centered around zombies and vampires. Notable titles include The Last of Us, Dying Light 2, Telltale's The Walking Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, Killing Floor 2, V Rising, Evil West, and Vampire Survivors. Left 4 Dead is available for one dollar. The sale ends on June 2 at 10 am PT.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Skul Hero Slayer, Children of Morta, Dead Cells, more

Mid-week Android game and app deals are available, featuring discounts on devices and apps. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is reduced by up to 0, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has discounts of up to 0. Select Odyssey gaming monitors are part of a Buy One Get One FREE promotion. Notable app titles on sale include "Skul: The Hero Slayer," "Children of Morta," and "Dead Cells."

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Steam Users Can Get 3 Games for Free for a Limited Time

Three Steam titles are being offered for free for a limited time. 1. Asterix & Obelix XXL: Romastered - A remastered action-adventure game from 2003, typically priced at .99, is available for free through Fanatical with a newsletter subscription until May 15 or while supplies last. It has a 78% approval rating from 581 user reviews. 2. Furi Demake – The Chain - This game has been free since November 30, 2023, but will require a purchase starting June 23, with pricing yet to be determined. It has a 92% approval rating from 331 user reviews. 3. The Flayed Man - This narrative-driven horror game has been free since its release on April 17, but will change to a paid model on May 17, with future pricing uncertain. It holds a 90% approval rating from 128 user reviews. Furi Demake – The Chain is verified for play on Steam Deck, while Asterix & Obelix XXL: Romastered is marked as playable. The status of The Flayed Man on the Steam Deck is uncertain.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Zugalu Entertainment acquires Crimson Herring Studios

Zugalu Entertainment has acquired Edmonton-based studio Crimson Herring, with the financial details undisclosed. The acquisition is described as a strategic move to enhance Zugalu's narrative-driven game development. Isaac Otway, CEO of Crimson Herring, will become Chief Operating Officer at Zugalu. Branden Sloane, founder and CEO of Zugalu, expressed excitement about the merger, highlighting the alignment of expertise in crafting narrative-driven games. Crimson Herring recently launched its first title, Sovereign Syndicate.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

I pride myself on keeping up with Steam’s under-the-radar gems, but April was packed with enough new games to keep me busy for the rest of 2025

In April 2025, over 100 games launched, with notable titles including Blue Prince and Clair Obscur, the latter receiving significant attention. Clair Obscur was released on April 22nd and has a 94% rating from 39 reviews. Maliki: Poison Of The Past, inspired by a French comic, was released on April 20th. Mythical Concept Starnaut, a narrative-driven game, was released on April 28th with a 97% rating from 45 reviews. Bionic Bay, a stylish platformer, was released on April 17th and has a 90% rating from 264 reviews. Asura The Striker, released on April 23rd, has a 93% rating from 49 reviews. Traveler's Refrain, an action RPG, was released on April 11th with a 92% rating from 26 reviews. Voidborn, a low-fi shooter, was released on April 7th with a 90% rating from 262 reviews. I, Robot, a reimagining of an arcade classic, was released on April 17th and has a 95% rating from 20 reviews. Lab Rat, a dystopian comedy, was released on April 15th with a 97% rating from 188 reviews. Peppered: An Existential Platformer, released on April 7th, has a 95% rating from 266 reviews. Repose, a workplace horror game, was released on April 14th and has a 90% rating from 74 reviews.