nostalgia Archives

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Scary experiment shows an infamous Windows XP build sending an old PC into chaos

Windows XP is no longer officially available for modern machines, but tech enthusiasts continue to explore its interface, particularly through virtual machines. The MetraByte YouTube channel recently showcased an experiment with "Windows XP Horror Edition," a version designed to disrupt and destabilize systems. This version can corrupt files and disable essential features, creating unsettling visuals and a chaotic user experience. The creator installed it on an isolated machine to avoid damaging their primary computer, emphasizing the importance of caution. A "Peaceful version" of the OS, which maintains the horror aesthetic without destructive elements, is also available on archive.org, but neither version should be installed on a primary PC.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Timesplitters Rewind Is Available For Download In Early Access

Cinder Interactive has released the Early Access version of TimeSplitters Rewind, which is an anthology of the original TimeSplitters trilogy. The game features 28 maps, 50 arcade leagues, 32 challenges, 91 characters, 41 weapons, and 20 arcade game modes. It supports up to ten players in online matches and includes both online and offline story modes, with a new Team Elimination mode. Development took over a decade. The minimum system requirements are an Intel Atom C2750, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Chilling in my Zen Garden in Plants Vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies is a PC game created by PopCap, first released in 2009. Players control plants that defend against zombies, showcasing a mix of humor and violence. The game features various plant types, including the melon-pult, which can decapitate zombies. Players can also access a Zen Garden, where they nurture plants in a peaceful setting, performing tasks like watering and applying bug spray. Caring for plants rewards players with coins, which can be used for items. The game has evolved with the release of Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, maintaining its core mechanics and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

This absurdly stylish side scroller feels like playing two different genres of retro shooter at the same time, and I love it

Neon Inferno is a run-and-gun side-scroller set in a cyberpunk city, featuring corrupt law enforcement and Yakuza enemies. It combines run-and-gun action with gallery shooting mechanics, allowing players to aim between the background and foreground. The game includes a forgiving difficulty system, allowing players to absorb hits and deflect projectiles, and features bullet time for counterattacks. It offers various difficulty settings and local co-op play. A 10-minute demo is available on Steam, showcasing its gameplay dynamics.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

6 classic Windows XP apps I miss

Windows XP was a pivotal moment in personal computing, characterized by a unique charm and user-friendly built-in tools. Six notable applications from this era include: - Windows Movie Maker: A user-friendly video editing tool with drag-and-drop functionality that introduced many to video editing. - Windows Media Player: Known for its clean interface and swift performance, it featured iconic visualizations and a library view that many modern media applications struggle to replicate. - MSN Messenger: A popular messaging tool that allowed for self-expression through custom emoticons and personalized screen names, influencing modern messaging platforms. - Space Cadet Pinball: A built-in game that became a cultural touchstone for Windows XP users, evoking fond memories associated with the operating system. - Winamp: A lightweight music playback application known for its customizable interface and robust performance, creating a personal experience for users. - Microsoft Plus!: A premium customization pack that offered wallpapers, themes, and updates for core applications, adding charm to the operating system. These applications marked a groundbreaking moment in software development, shaping user interactions with technology.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

GTA 5’s character-swapping system was a stroke of genius that was supposed to feature in San Andreas 9 years earlier—this masterclass mod makes that dream a reality

Marvel's Spider-Man 2, released on PS5 in late 2023 and set to launch on Steam in early 2024, features a character-swapping mechanic similar to that of Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V). The character-switching mechanic in GTA V was first discovered by a user named Silent on GTA Forums in 2012 and allows players to switch between three protagonists: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. A modder named Kaizo has developed a project called Real Multiple Protagonists, which utilizes Rockstar's original source code to enhance this mechanic. Kaizo explains that while GTA: San Andreas had a two-player mode that allowed character switching, it required extensive coding to unlock its full potential. His mod draws inspiration from GTA V's aerial transition and aims to replicate it, although it is limited to free roam mode without mission code. Kaizo faced technical challenges, particularly with camera transitions and UI development, but found the process rewarding. His work has revived interest in San Andreas' two-player mode, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the game and the impact of modding.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

25 great Steam games you probably missed in 2025⁠—from freebies to $40

2025 has seen a variety of standout gaming titles, prompting PC Gamer to compile a list for Game of the Year discussions. Individual preferences among team members varied widely, leading to a focus on lesser-known games with modest Steam reviews. A selection of 25 exceptional games was curated, arranged from the most affordable to the pricier offerings. Notable free titles include "The Children of Clay," a chilling point-and-click adventure, and "funky one," a prequel to "Lunacid." An expansion for "Echo Point Nova" has doubled its content and enhanced gameplay. In the budget range, "Cultic" offers a 10-hour shooter campaign, while "Neverwinter Nights" has been revitalized by modder Luke "Alazander" Scull. "Bloodthief" provides a unique horror experience as players take on the role of a tabloid journalist. In the mid-range, "Keep Driving" is a turn-based road trip RPG, and "Labyrinth of the Demon King" blends horror with history. "Mohrta" combines classic action elements with modern twists. In the higher price range, "PPR" is an immersive RPG featuring mech combat, and "Sword of the Sea" offers a visually stunning experience with hoverboarding mechanics.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game (PC) Review

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, developed by Relevo, is a tribute to the smash-em-up genre of the 1980s and 1990s, featuring a variety of game modes including classic arcade, story mode, versus, and boss rush. Players can choose from four characters: Art the Clown, the Little Pale Girl, Victoria Heyes, and Burke the orderly, each with unique abilities. The gameplay includes side-scrolling action, power-ups, and environmental interactions, with a structure of enemy tiers leading to challenging bosses. The soundtrack is created by Cody Carpenter, and the game includes visual effects reminiscent of retro gaming. It is available on Steam, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with a standard edition priced at .99 and a limited edition at .99, which includes additional items.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

I switched to zero sugar energy drinks in 2025 and now tracking down Call of Duty double XP is more annoying and less tasty

The author has decided to forgo participating in Call of Duty's double XP events as part of a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. They reflect on their nostalgia for the game and mention a trend in the gaming community involving a "white Monster girl," who created armor and a sword from flattened white Monster cans. The author acknowledges the bittersweet nature of their decision but feels at peace with it as they prioritize their health.

BetaBeacon

November 20, 2025

15 free Android games to play on your phone or tablet | – The Times of India

- Free Fire MAX is a battle royale game with enhanced graphics and multiplayer mode. - Ludo King is a modern version of the classic board game Ludo, with simple controls and vibrant graphics. - Pizza Ready! is a casual simulation game where players manage a pizza restaurant. - Hunter Assassin is a stealth-based action game that requires strategic thinking and quick reflexes. - FPS Strike Ops: Modern Arena is a first-person shooter with tactical missions and realistic maps. - Among Us is a social deduction game where players work together to identify impostors. - Moba Legends: 5v5! is a mobile MOBA game with team battles and unique heroes. - Indian Bikes Driving 3D is a motorcycle simulation game with challenging routes and missions. - Subway Princess Runner is an endless runner game with colorful graphics and fast-paced gameplay. - Six Clash Cricket offers a casual cricket experience with simple controls. - Real Driving: Vehicle and Park is a driving simulator focusing on precision and control. - Carrom Pool: Disc Game brings the classic carrom board game to mobile devices with multiplayer options. - Temple Run 2 is an endless runner game with fast-paced gameplay and engaging graphics. - Truck Games - Driving School lets players operate various trucks in realistic simulation environments. - Extreme Car Driving Simulator provides an open-world experience for driving enthusiasts.