narrative elements Archives

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

You’ve never heard of it, but a Russian studio made a fantasy take on original Fallout way back in 2001, and it honestly kind of rules

GoldenLand is a PC game set in a fantasy world inspired by Russian folklore, featuring characters like Belobog and Drah-Shu, and a protagonist named Gromoboy, a bogatyr from Russian legend. The game draws inspiration from classics such as Baldur's Gate and Fallout, allowing character creation with familiar classes and a strategic combat system based on action points. Players experience a leveling system with perks, though the game has some rough mechanics and animations. Despite budget limitations, the developers infused the game with passion and authenticity, highlighting the potential for more culturally diverse CRPGs in the gaming landscape.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Terraria

"Terraria" fans have several similar gaming options. 1. Minecraft: Launched in 2011, it features procedurally generated worlds made of cubes, allowing players to gather resources, craft items, and engage in both cooperative and competitive play. It is the best-selling video game in history. 2. Starbound: Released in 2016, this sci-fi game allows players to explore various planets, terraform environments, and craft items while establishing settlements. It features procedurally generated worlds and character customization. 3. Forager: Released in 2019, this game emphasizes crafting over combat in a top-down perspective, allowing players to mine, farm, fish, and cook while exploring and developing their base. 4. Valheim: A fantasy survival game that gained popularity in 2021, where players act as fallen Viking warriors in an afterlife, combining survival elements with home maintenance and featuring a dynamic day-night cycle. 5. Core Keeper: An early access fantasy sandbox game where players explore a procedurally generated underground world, dig tunnels, and craft gear. It supports solo or cooperative play with up to seven friends.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Pirates VR: Jolly Roger Graphics Comparison – PC VR vs Quest

Pirates VR has been released on standalone VR platforms a year after its initial PC VR launch. The game has received significant updates since its original review in 2025, including improvements to combat mechanics, motion controls for swimming, and enhanced enemy AI. Players can now toggle dialogue from a parrot companion, and new narrative elements have been added. The Quest version uses optimization techniques like Application Spacewarp and fixed foveated rendering, which affect performance and visual quality. The introductory scene showcases advancements in graphics, with dynamic lighting and improved environmental details. While some graphical quality has been reduced, the overall experience remains immersive, with better water rendering compared to other Quest titles. The game is priced at .99 on Steam and PlayStation VR2, and .99 on Meta Quest 3/3S.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem is this week’s headline PC game but don’t forget the Witchers, pirates and pinballs

Steam Next Fest is currently taking place, showcasing a variety of game demos. This year, the focus is on highlighting exciting demos rather than creating a wishlist. Some notable games featured include: - A game inspired by hiding spiders under cups at holiday parties, which includes power-up cards that are not microtransactions. - Rise Of Piracy, an early access RTS by MicroProse, where players command a fleet of corsairs and can engage in diplomacy and trading. - Emberbane, a 2D metroidvania with elemental martial arts elements. - Reigns: The Witcher, a deck-building narrative game set in the Witcher universe, where players control Dandelion. - Utawarerumono: ZAN 2, an anime-style hack-and-slash game with base management and humorous elements. - Spellcasters Chronicles, a 3v3 wizard MOBA from Quantic Dream. - Tales of Berseria Remastered, a revamped action-RPG from Bamco. - Snägäri Pinball, a pinball game themed around Finland’s late-night snack kiosks. - Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom's latest horror installment featuring both third-person and first-person gameplay. - Arrow World, a sokoban-style game with conveyor belt mechanics. The RPS team is actively playing Resident Evil Requiem and sharing their experiences.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Long-Awaited Minecraft-Like MMO Hytale Launches in Early Access and Seemingly Registers Big Player Numbers Right Away

Hytale is now available in early access after its creator reacquired the rights from Riot Games. Players can purchase the game from the official website with three options: Standard (), Supporter (), and Cursebreaker (9). The game has reportedly seen a high rate of new players, although initial claims of 2.8 million users were debunked due to server issues. The development team revitalized a dormant build in eight weeks, addressing core systems and bugs. Exploration Mode features an infinite, procedurally generated world with biomes, structures, and creatures, allowing players to explore, craft, and engage in multiplayer experiences. Creative Mode offers building tools and specialized entity tools. Modding support is available from day one, with partnerships for robust content creation. Hytale supports multiplayer across all modes and plans to introduce Adventure Mode, official Minigames, and social features. There are future plans for console launches and consideration of a mobile version.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Everyone’s arguing about whether Divinity will be turn-based or an ARPG, and I’m not sure why because the answer seems obvious

Larian Studios has confirmed that their next project will be a new entry in the Divinity series, titled Divinity. The gaming community is divided over whether this installment will adopt a turn-based format, like its predecessors, or revert to real-time mechanics from earlier titles. The Divinity: Original Sin subreddit is actively discussing these contrasting opinions, with some fans advocating for developer freedom in gameplay choices. Historically, the Divinity series has included both real-time and turn-based gameplay, with the Original Sin games establishing a turn-based style. Larian's announcement references Original Sin 1 and 2, suggesting a continuation of this gameplay style. The studio's successful transition of the Baldur's Gate series to turn-based gameplay further supports the likelihood of a similar approach for Divinity. However, there is potential for unexpected creative directions under the leadership of Swen Vincke.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Ten years in the making, Jonathan Blow’s new game breaks all the rules of gaming’s greatest puzzle

Jonathan Blow is developing a new game titled Order of the Sinking Star, which has evolved from a modest engine test for his programming language, Jai, into a full-fledged Sokoban-style puzzle game. The game combines elements from four lesser-known freeware puzzle games and features multiple worlds, each with distinct realms and mechanics. Players will navigate challenges involving various characters, each with unique abilities that enhance gameplay. The narrative follows a deposed queen in a fantastical setting, with gameplay focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. Blow's design philosophy emphasizes the interaction of game mechanics and player agency, diverging from traditional storytelling methods. He is collaborating with a publisher for the first time to address the challenges of a saturated market.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

This Half-Life mod reimagines the game as a boomer shooter—yes, even boomier than the original

Half-Life: Element 64 is a new mod that launched its demo on Steam, focusing on fast-paced gameplay similar to earlier classics like Quake. The mod features new levels and music while retaining some elements from the original game. Players can engage in combat against head crabs and vortigaunts in a level-select hub. The developer, Dark Vector, is working on hotfixes for the demo and has plans to unveil Half-Life Arena in two weeks, which is a deathmatch overhaul inspired by the PS2 version of Half-Life. A release date for the complete mod is not yet announced.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Here’s how Old School Runescape’s Sailing skill came to be, as Jagex’s 18-year odyssey finally arrives in port

Old School Runescape has fully illuminated its world map, marking the end of an era with the introduction of the Sailing skill set to launch on November 19, 2023. This skill allows players to navigate uncharted waters and commandeer their own vessels, a concept that has been discussed in the community since 2007. The game has expanded its landmass over the years, notably with the continent of Zeah in 2016, and the Sailing update will introduce diverse biomes and activities at sea. The new mechanics will allow for faster movement across the ocean, fundamentally altering gameplay. Sailing will integrate with over ten other skills, ensuring continuity within the game while maintaining balance so it does not overshadow existing skills. The narrative integration has been facilitated by prior groundwork, allowing for a smooth transition into the new content. Community feedback has been positive, with growing excitement for the upcoming update.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Buckle Up, Xbox – Pacific Drive Launches Today with Game Pass

Pacific Drive is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass from day one. The Whispers in the Woods expansion also launches today, adding new narrative elements, Anomalies, artifacts, and a new explorable forest map. The game features a first-person driving survival adventure where players must keep their vehicle operational while navigating the dangers of the Olympic Exclusion Zone.