NieR: Automata Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

“Why I Deleted My Steam Account After 20 Years”: Modder who spent “over a decade” fixing broken games with the “Swiss Army Knife of PC gaming” drops Valve, saying it has “fragmented PC gaming irreparably”

Kaldaien, known for his Special K utility mod, recently posted on GitHub about his decision to delete his Steam account after 20 years, criticizing Valve's Steam platform. He has spent over a decade improving PC game ports and argues that alternative platforms like the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store offer better value without unnecessary features. He also praises GOG for promoting user control and version preservation, while acknowledging the challenges faced by all gaming platforms, including Steam. An expert noted that Valve has effectively managed issues that other services struggle with, comparing their approach to Netflix's user engagement strategies.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Modder behind the ‘Swiss army knife of PC gaming’ deletes their 20 year-old Steam account with anti-Valve manifesto: ‘By the end of my bitter dealings with Valve… there was zero hope’

Kaldaien, the creator of the graphics and performance enhancement tool Special K, has deleted their Steam account after two decades, citing frustrations with Steam's update policies and the platform's evolution since 2002. They criticized Steam for becoming bloated and complicating software compatibility, making older games unplayable due to updated requirements. Kaldaien expressed concerns about the diminishing freedom for gamers to purchase from various sources and criticized the Steam Input API for obstructing access to alternative input options. Despite being a Steamworks partner, they felt unresponsive to Valve and noted that some issues stem from developers' choices rather than Steam itself. Kaldaien's experiences highlight the concentration of power in Valve's hands and raise questions about the long-term implications for gamers reliant on a single platform.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Stellar Blade PC Preorders Are Discounted At Fanatical

The PC version of Stellar Blade, a highly anticipated title from the PS5 lineup of 2024, will be released on June 12. Preorders are available at a 10% discount on Fanatical, with the standard edition and Complete Edition priced lower than their regular prices. Preordering the standard edition grants exclusive in-game bonuses, while the Complete Edition includes additional content such as unique suits and in-game currency. The game is set in a future where humanity has retreated to the stars, and players control Eve, the sole survivor of an android expedition. It features a unique combat system and a flexible difficulty option. A sequel is already in development.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

The PC Version Of Stellar Blade Has A Steam Demo

Stellar Blade, previously a PS5 exclusive, will launch on PC on June 11, with a demo available on Steam since May 30. Players can transfer save data from the demo to the full game. Early reviews of the demo are positive, praising its optimization and features like NVIDIA DLSS 4 and ultrawide monitor support. The PC release coincides with the Nikke DLC for PS5, which will also be available in the Stellar Blade Complete Edition, including content from Nier: Automata. Shift Up has hinted at a sequel to Stellar Blade with a tentative release before 2027 and announced another project, codenamed Project Witches.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Stellar Blade Devs Address PC Release Controversies

Stellar Blade has become highly popular on the PlayStation 5, topping the PlayStation Store charts and selling out merchandise. The game is set to release on PC on June 11th, following its transition from a former exclusive. The developer, Shift Up, has addressed community concerns regarding region locks, content parity between PC and PlayStation versions, and the necessity of a PlayStation Network account for the PC version. All content, including the Nier: Automata crossover, will be available on PC. The introduction of Denuvo DRM has sparked debate due to potential impacts on frame rates and offline playability, but the development team claims it is optimized to maintain performance. Stellar Blade is available for pre-order on Steam, with the base version priced at .99 and a Complete Edition at .99, which includes additional content.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Stellar Blade comes to PC next month with new armor to cover up Eve’s woefully exposed ears

Stellar Blade is set to release on PC on June 11. The PC version will be a complete edition that includes all content previously available to PlayStation 5 players, including the Nikke DLC and unique outfits for the main character, Eve, such as 2B's attire. The Steam page has been updated in preparation for the launch.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Stellar Blade gets PC release date thanks to leaked PlayStation trailer

Korean developer Shift Up has confirmed the release date of their action game, Stellar Blade, for Windows PC on June 11, 2025. The PC version will feature enhancements such as ultrawide monitor support, advanced graphics technologies including DLSS 4 and FSR 3, and higher-resolution textures. Preorders are expected but not yet available. Stellar Blade was originally released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in April 2024, selling over a million copies and featuring crossover DLC with NieR: Automata. The PC version will also be published by PlayStation.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

The Best PC Game of 2024

The PC gaming landscape is thriving, offering a wide range of gaming experiences beyond traditional consoles. It serves as a versatile platform for multiplatform titles, first-party exclusives, and indie games, enhanced by mouse-and-keyboard controls. Portable devices like the Steam Deck have increased flexibility for gamers. The best PC games of 2024 include notable titles such as: - Honorable Mentions: - 1000xResist: A narrative-driven game exploring surreal concepts and emotional depth, reminiscent of Nier: Automata. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A sequel to a detective game set in the 1970s, focusing on solving intricate crimes through observation and deduction. - Runner-Ups: - Animal Well: A 2D pixel art platformer that emphasizes creative problem-solving over violence, featuring whimsical tools for exploration. - Satisfactory: An automation game where players build factories and assembly lines in a vibrant open world, encouraging experimentation and collaboration. - UFO 50: A collection of 50 retro-inspired games that blend nostalgia with modern design, offering unique gameplay experiences. - Winner: - Balatro: The best PC game of 2024, combining roguelite deckbuilding and digital poker, known for its addictive gameplay and strategic depth.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Gacha games are bigger than ever before—here are the best you can play right now

Gacha games have transitioned from mobile platforms to PC, enhancing gameplay complexity. Genshin Impact, released in 2020 by Hoyoverse, features an expansive open world and unique character combat systems, with the latest update introducing the Natlan region. Wuthering Waves, set to release in 2024 by Kuro Games, captures Genshin Impact's essence with engaging combat and parkour mechanics, though its narrative may be convoluted. Honkai: Star Rail, released in 2023 by Hoyoverse, offers turn-based combat and an auto-battle option, appealing to players seeking a lighter experience compared to Genshin. Reverse: 1999, released in 2023 by Bluepoch Games, features a painterly art style and time travel mechanics, allowing players to pull for a dog named Pickles. Nikke: Goddess of Victory, released in 2023 by Shift Up, is a rail shooter with a strong narrative and generous player rewards, though it includes fanservice elements. Honkai Impact 3rd, released in 2019 by Hoyoverse, offers hack-and-slash gameplay and received a significant expansion in 2024. Upcoming gacha games include Infinity Nikki, set for release on December 5, 2024, which will feature open-world exploration and outfit customization, and Arknights: Endfield, scheduled for mid-2025, which will introduce an open-world RPG format with base-building elements.

AppWizard

November 13, 2024

Shift Up Said It Considers Releasing Stellar Blade for PC in 2025

Shift Up is considering a PC release of Stellar Blade in 2025, citing the growing importance of the PC gaming market. They noted that recent trends indicate that PC performance may surpass that of consoles. Stellar Blade, initially a PS5 exclusive launched in April, has maintained stable sales, supported by regular updates. The developer plans to introduce DLC inspired by Nier: Automata and implement marketing initiatives to sustain interest until the potential PC launch.