narrative elements Archives

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.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

Telltale-esque superhero management sim Dispatch was originally going to be a live-action TV show before it became a videogame, but then ‘a thing called Covid hit’

Dispatch is an upcoming game from AdHoc Studios featuring a washed-up superhero managing a telephone dispatch service for reformed crooks. It combines narrative depth with management simulation, offering a twist on traditional gameplay. Initially conceived as a live-action series filmed on Zoom with Cate Blanchett, the project evolved into a video game while retaining influences from high-quality television shows like Barry and The Bear. Dispatch is set to launch on October 22, with a preview in PC Gamer issue 415 on October 9.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Over a decade on, the fantasy 4X rival that pulled me away from Civ 5 is back, and I’m already hungry for more

Civilization 7 features bold changes to the series, while Endless Legend 2, developed by Amplitude Studios, offers a return to classic 4X gameplay with five distinct factions at launch. Each faction has unique mechanics, although the total number of factions may lead to repetitive gameplay. The game introduces a map-altering feature called Tidefall, which changes water levels and reveals new paths over time. Hero characters can grow and participate in narrative elements, and the game is visually appealing with a clean menu design. Endless Legend 2 is currently in early access on Steam, priced at .99 / £44.99, and available on PC Game Pass. Future updates are planned, including online multiplayer and additional factions.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

The Most Relentless First-Person Action Game Is Free This Week On PC

Ghostrunner 2 is a fast-paced action game released in 2023, available for free on the Epic Games Store from September 11 until September 18. It features intense gameplay that demands players' full attention, with a focus on parkour and swordplay in a neon-lit urban environment filled with traps and adversaries. Players must master acrobatics and aggressive tactics, utilizing a grappling hook to navigate obstacles. The game emphasizes precision, as nearly every encounter results in a one-hit knockout. While it includes narrative elements that can interrupt gameplay, it remains an exhilarating title available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

After a messy legal battle, these devs are back with a brutal roguelike I’m so glad survived

Immortal: And the Death that Follows is the first release from the independent studio Mishura Games, formed by former employees of Limestone Games. The developers left due to allegations of unfulfilled financial promises and intellectual property disputes. The game is described as a "Kung-Fu Noir prison escape" inspired by Buddhist mythology, featuring high-octane combat, dating sim mechanics, and platforming elements. Players will face 16 mob bosses and make choices that affect relationships. The game is set to launch on Kickstarter with a free demo on September 16, and a full release is anticipated in 2027.