narrative-driven games

AppWizard
June 1, 2025
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
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 8, 2025
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
February 11, 2025
- 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
November 13, 2024
Neowiz has entered a multi-million dollar publishing agreement with Polish developer Zakazane, acquiring global publishing rights for Zakazane's first project, an Old West RPG. Zakazane was founded in 2022 by veterans from CD Projekt Red and 11Bit Studios. Neowiz co-CEO Seung-Cheol Kim emphasized the company's commitment to narrative-driven games and the synergy with Zakazane. Zakazane's CEO, Jan Bartkowicz, noted a mutual understanding of vision between the two companies.
AppWizard
October 18, 2024
Star Wars Battlefront II can run on a GTX 1060 3GB. DOOM Eternal requires a GTX 1050 Ti. Batman: Arkham Knight can be played with a GTX 760. Alien: Isolation runs on a GTX 660. NieR: Automata needs a GTX 980 or better. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt requires a GTX 770. Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition can be played with a GTX 1060 6GB. Far Cry 3 requires a GTX 600-series GPU. Life is Strange Remastered runs on a GTX 1060. Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut is compatible with basic GPUs.
AppWizard
October 12, 2024
Dark Math Games, a new studio founded by former ZA/UM developers, is creating a role-playing game titled XXX Nightshift, which resembles Disco Elysium. Heiti Kender is the current director, while Kaur Kender has resigned. The studio aims to innovate traditional RPG mechanics, promising a gameplay style with "a few less words and a few more bullets." The game features a dialogue presentation similar to Disco Elysium and is set in a narrative involving a "Patrol Operative" at a luxurious Antarctic ski resort.
AppWizard
September 19, 2024
The PC port of God of War: Ragnarok has been released nearly two years after its launch on PS4 and PS5. A notable feature in the PC version is the option to mute Kratos' son, Atreus, which was not available in the original console versions. The PC port also includes audio descriptions for cinematic sequences, streaming gifs for platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and compatibility with NVIDIA and AMD’s upscaling technologies for ultrawide monitors with a 32:9 aspect ratio. The game requires between 175GB to 190GB of hard drive space and is available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The recommended PC specifications are demanding, and users have reported that performance on the Steam Deck is limited to 30FPS on the lowest settings.
AppWizard
August 17, 2024
Revolution Software announced that the remake of Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged will launch on PC on September 19th. A new trailer showcasing the game's visuals and gameplay has been released. The remake features reimagined backgrounds and reanimated character sprites, along with upgraded audio. It introduces a new 'story mode' that balances narrative and gameplay progression. Charles Cecil, CEO of Revolution Software, noted the evolution of user experience since the original game's release in the '90s, aiming to appeal to a new generation of gamers while retaining the passion of its long-time fan base.
AppWizard
August 14, 2024
Owlcat Games is transitioning into publishing to support indie studios focused on role-playing games and narrative-driven titles. The company will offer financial backing and guidance to developers, having already signed two projects: Rue Valley from Serbia's Emotion Spark Studio and Another Angle Games from Poland. Additionally, Owlcat has acquired control of Meta Publishing, the firm behind Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. The head of publishing, Andrey Tsvetkov, emphasized the company's desire to collaborate with teams passionate about storytelling, even if their games are not strictly RPGs.
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