nostalgia Archives

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Minecraft’s VR support is now gone

Mojang has discontinued support for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices in the Bedrock Edition 1.21.80 Update, following a previous announcement that support would cease after March 2025. The company cites limitations in maintaining support for these platforms. Players will continue to receive updates on PCs and retain access to previously purchased Marketplace content and world-building capabilities. Alternatives for VR experiences include mods like Vivecraft for the Java version on PC and QuestCraft for Meta Quest headsets.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

A personal goodbye to Skype; the app that connected worlds

Skype has officially ceased to exist as of today. It was introduced in 2011-2012 as a more robust alternative to MSN Messenger, allowing for group calls and video interactions. Skype served as a platform for social interactions, job interviews, and long-distance communication. Over time, users shifted to alternatives like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Zoom, especially during the pandemic, leading Microsoft to integrate Skype's features into its Teams platform. Despite its decline, Skype remains a symbol of a bygone era, representing significant moments and connections in users' lives.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Here’s what’s happening in PC games this week

- Drop Duchy: A game merging Tetris mechanics with kingdom management. - Best Served Cold: A murder mystery visual novel set in a speakeasy in an alternate history European city. - Among Us 3D: A game focused on betrayal among friends. - Deck Of Haunts: A deckbuilding game set in a maniacal mansion. - Paradox Interactive is hinting at a new title, codenamed "Project Caesar," possibly a new installment in the Europa Universalis series. - The Midnight Walk: A first-person horror game featuring unsettling doll heads. - Revenge Of The Savage Planet: A sequel to a sci-fi action-adventure game with cooperative gameplay. - Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall: A kingdom management game inspired by Slavic folklore. - Sonic Rumble: An entry in the Sonic franchise with mixed reception. - Anoxia Station: A strategy game with a petrochemical horror theme, inspired by Frostpunk.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Oblivion Remastered is already the third-best-selling game of 2025 in the US, industry analyst says

Oblivion Remastered has become the third-best-selling game of 2025 in the United States. It was the best-selling game of the week and topped the charts on Steam for total weekly active users during the week ending April 26. The game secured fourth place on Xbox consoles and fifteenth on PlayStation. It had over 87,000 concurrent players logged in at 3 PM ET on a Monday.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

May the 4th brings free and discounted Star Wars games from Prime Gaming, Steam, GOG, and more

On May 4th, Amazon Prime members can access classic Star Wars games for free, including Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds Saga, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Pinball, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Star Wars Outlaws is available at a reduced price, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has an 80% discount. Several Star Wars titles are priced under , including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Battlefront II, Star Wars Squadrons, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Star Wars Republic Commando, and Knights of the Old Republic. The Epic Games Store offers discounts on Star Wars Outlaws, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Deluxe Edition. GOG's sale includes classic games like Knights of the Old Republic, Dark Forces, and X-Wing vs TIE Fighter for a few dollars each. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is recommended for newcomers, and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga provides a fun experience.

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

Minecraft has not gotten worse, you were happier

Minecraft is a sandbox game that has evolved significantly since its initial release over fourteen years ago, receiving regular updates that introduce new blocks, mobs, and mechanics. While some players prefer the simplicity of earlier versions, others appreciate the innovations and complexities of newer updates. Critics argue that recent iterations have diminished the game's quality, but this perspective overlooks the fact that the newer versions are simply different, not inferior. The game encourages creativity and allows players to engage with any version they prefer, fostering a diverse community. Significant changes, such as the revamping of the Nether and the expansion of caves, have added new layers of difficulty. The fondness for earlier versions is often rooted in nostalgia rather than a decline in quality, and Minecraft's ongoing evolution is essential to its longevity and appeal.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

This ‘narrative simulator’ about a delivery driver in deeply rural Russia is giving me serious Mudrunner meets Disco Elysium vibes

The upcoming game Zarya is a narrative simulator set in a rural post-Soviet backdrop, where players control Vasily, who navigates life while helping friends. Although available on Steam for over a year, it gained attention with a new gameplay trailer. Players will drive Soviet-era vehicles and engage in activities like grilling, fishing, and shopping. The game emphasizes storytelling, allowing players to assist villagers, transport harvests, and experience authentic post-Soviet life. Interested players can sign up for a playtest on Steam, but as of September 2024, no invites have been sent out yet.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ breaks box office records despite controversy

Fans of Minecraft attended the release of "A Minecraft Movie" on April 4, featuring the character Steve, voiced by Jack Black. The film's production began in 2014 but faced delays, resuming in 2022 under director Jared Hess. The trailer released in September 2024 received criticism for its animation style and use of live-action actors. Despite this, the film has grossed 3 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film of the year and setting a record for game-to-film adaptations. Audience reactions varied, with some, like FSU junior Grace Martin, changing their initial negative views after watching the film. Siblings Jacqueline and Savanna Paré found it nostalgic, connecting it to their childhood experiences with the game. The film also included references to popular Minecraft YouTubers, enhancing its cultural impact.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Oblivion is a lot better now that I can read

The author recently played Oblivion Remastered and engaged in a side quest involving a character named Glarthir, which felt new and captivating. They reminisced about their first experience with the game in 2006 at the age of nine, when they received The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Collector's Edition, which included two discs, an art book, a map, and a metal coin. The author’s father bought the game without prior knowledge of the franchise and never progressed beyond the sewers. The author struggled with character creation and navigation, recalling a chaotic encounter in Weynon Priory that led to a panicked escape. They revisited the game on PS3 but rushed through the main quest without engaging with the story. Upon returning to Oblivion Remastered, the author recognized the game's depth and the wealth of side quests they had previously overlooked.

BetaBeacon

May 1, 2025

Why does retro gaming and emulation matter so much?

The author's family primarily played Nintendo and Microsoft games, with limited exposure to Sony consoles. They missed out on playing some Nintendo consoles and games, but now they can easily access a variety of games on their phone. The author has recently become a father and their child is not interested in gaming controllers, only in how they feel or make noise.