narrative Archives

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Android Google Assistant Switch Setting Removed

The Android "Google" app was updated to version 17.62.9 in late September 2026, consolidating the functionality of "Google Assistant" into the enhanced "Gemini" app. The option to toggle between "Gemini" and "Google Assistant" has been removed, streamlining the user experience under the singular "Gemini" platform. Users can still access "Google Assistant" settings, allowing for some familiar functionalities to remain intact.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 Review (PS5) – A Stripped Back Dungeon Crawler Which Earns It Keep With New And…

The author has never played Minecraft and has mixed feelings about dungeon crawlers, finding titles like Diablo IV overly complex. They discovered Minecraft Dungeons 2, which offers a simpler dungeon-crawling experience without the usual complexities of the genre. The game's narrative involves the Illagers opening a portal to a realm called the Sift, where players must reclaim the Overworld. Minecraft Dungeons 2 lacks traditional class systems and deep character customization, instead allowing players to create characters from presets and use a straightforward equipment system. The game features fast travel, clear objectives, and a polished visual style, with responsive combat and a variety of weapons and armor. While it may feel shallow to some veteran players, it is designed for cooperative play and prioritizes accessibility. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release for PS5 on September 29, 2026.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Would You Trust an AI Designed to Love You Unconditionally? ‘Limerence’ Launches October 29 for PC

Salix Games will release Limerence, a narrative experience co-developed with Gameinaframe, for PC on October 29, 2026. Players will assume the role of Claire, who, after experiencing personal loss, engages with an AI relationship app called LiAIson to create a partner named Kai. The game explores themes of human connection versus AI companionship, focusing on the implications of a relationship based on emotional needs rather than genuine human interaction. Key features include a simulated smartphone interface, relationship-building with the AI companion, decision-making that affects Claire's emotional journey, and the exploration of digital life and its truths.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Lords of the End Times’ greatest fantasy is letting us rewrite the most hated lore in Warhammer’s history

Creative Assembly has released the Immortal Empires campaign for Total War: Warhammer, allowing players to purchase characters from the Lords of the End Times expansion for £7.49 without needing to own all three games. The campaign features over 110 legendary lords and factions, enabling players to rewrite the Warhammer world’s narrative. It introduces endgame scenarios, including a Chaos invasion led by Archaon, and allows players to activate multiple apocalyptic events. Creative Assembly plans to continue refining the campaign and promises new characters, units, and ongoing support.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Shadow the Hedgehog is supposed to be dead

Shadow the Hedgehog was introduced in Sonic Adventure 2 and was initially not intended to remain in the series. His popularity surprised the Sonic Team, as noted by Takashi Iizuka. Despite dying at the end of Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow's character continued to engage fans and led to collaborations, including a voice role by Keanu Reeves. Sonic Team has allowed fan creations, which raises questions about the franchise's trajectory had Shadow not survived. His continued presence has resulted in various crossovers, including competing in Olympic-level sports against characters like Bowser.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Pearl Abyss announced on the 28th that its open world action adventure game Crimson Desert Enhanced ..

Pearl Abyss announced that its game, Crimson Desert Enhanced, has been nominated for PC Game of the Year and Best Soundtrack at the Golden Joystick Awards 2026, taking place in London on November 11. Voting is open until October 23. The game is a significant update to the original Red Desert, enhancing its narrative and broadening language support. It ranks second in cumulative sales of U.S. video games for 2026 and first in Steam sales among new intellectual properties. The first downloadable content for Red Desert Enhanced is set to release on October 16, with pre-orders already available.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

After Warcraft 3’s first new campaign in 23 years, let’s normalize releasing new DLC for ancient RTS games

The gaming landscape is experiencing renewed interest in older titles, as seen with expansions for classics like Songs of the Past for The Witcher 3. Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 are expected to remain relevant for years, making them candidates for future downloadable content. Quake has added a new episode, and Nightdive is remastering Thief. At BlizzCon 2026, the Warcraft 3 Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom expansion was announced, highlighting nostalgia for RTS games. Microsoft has revitalized the Age of Empires series with updates, while newer titles like Age of Empires 4 have struggled. Relic's Dawn of War: Definitive Edition has sold 750,000 copies, indicating demand for remastered RTS games. The remaster of Command & Conquer and Red Alert in 2020 shows the potential for nostalgia-driven content. Expanding existing titles like Rise of Nations and Supreme Commander could be beneficial, and while reactions to new content may be mixed, the concept has promise. The RTS genre has an opportunity to leverage its history while innovating for the future.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

It took CD Projekt two years to design Phantom Liberty’s Chimera Tank boss fight: ‘We were iterating over and over’

The Chimera Tank boss fight in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty features protagonist V and President Myers against a spider-tank inspired by Ghost in the Shell, set in a Barghest facility. Game director Gabe Amatangelo and creative director Igor Sarzyński discussed the challenges of its production on CD Projekt's AnsweRED podcast, highlighting it as an example of collaboration across gameplay, narrative, art, and worldbuilding. Art director Paweł Mielniczuk noted that it took two years to develop the boss fight, which went through four iterations. Sarzyński described the Chimera as one of the most expensive art assets ever created. Some players felt the fight could have been better balanced, comparing its difficulty to a battle in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Dad Says His 9-Year-Old Put Him $118K in Debt Playing Minecraft & Now People Are Calling Out the Story

A young gamer known as Mighty Mike Plays has claimed to have accumulated over ,000 in credit card debt on his father's company card due to expenditures related to promoting his Minecraft gaming account. His father, Dave, has stated that he was unaware of these charges and that the family is facing financial repercussions, including Dave's reported job termination. They have since launched a merchandise store to help recover the losses. However, skepticism regarding the authenticity of their claims has emerged, with critics suggesting inconsistencies in their narrative. Additionally, Dave has threatened legal action against those questioning their story.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Drop everything and grab the popcorn: Majuular’s 4.5-hour documentary on Ultima Online is here to devour your weekend

YouTube essayist Majuular has released a new video focused on Ultima Online, part of a series that took six months to produce. The video explores the game's origins under Richard Garriott and Starr Long, its development by Raph Koster and his team, and its impact on the gaming landscape. Ultima Online has adapted to competition and remains accessible through official and fan-operated servers, including the In Mani Ylem server. Majuular's efforts to document the making of Richard Garriott's series have gained him over 200,000 followers on YouTube. His retrospective highlights Ultima's influence on role-playing games and includes personal stories and historical context.