nostalgic memories Archives

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

February is surprisingly light on cozy game launches but we’re looking forward to these chill picks you shouldn’t miss

Cozy gaming is gaining popularity within the PC gaming community, characterized by charming aesthetics and relaxing gameplay. A special section is dedicated to cozy games, highlighting smaller titles. The Steam Next Fest on February 23 will feature many cozy game demos. Notable cozy game picks for February include: - Reigns: The Witcher: A game that parodies Tinder's swiping mechanics with moral dilemmas faced by Geralt. - Creature Kitchen: A puzzle game where players cater to whimsical characters through cooking and problem-solving. - Bento Blocks: A puzzle game focused on slicing and arranging sushi ingredients into lunchboxes, evoking nostalgia. - Reanimal: A game with horror elements that offers a captivating experience, diverging from typical cozy aesthetics.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Hytale comes full circle as modder transforms it back into Minecraft, right down to The End

Dedicated fans of Minecraft are integrating elements from the game into Hytale, which has been anticipated for seven years. French YouTuber 'LAirHisson' announced the creation of "the end in Hytale," incorporating Minecraft's final boss area, The End, into Hytale. His video features a character resembling Minecraft's Steve using a modded Eye of Ender, leading to a challenge biome similar to Minecraft's Ender Dragon domain. LAirHisson engages in combat with Endermen and attempts to fight the Ender Dragon, showcasing Hytale's modding capabilities. Simon Collins-Laflamme from the Hytale community praised LAirHisson's work. Hytale has released its first significant content update, adding dinosaurs and improved melee combat. The game is available for .99, with premium tiers offering exclusive in-game accessories.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit (PC) Review

James Rolfe, known for his series The Angry Video Game Nerd, has significantly influenced the Let’s Play and video review genres on YouTube. The latest installment, Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit, features a storyline where The Nerd battles a mechanical antagonist, Super Mecha Death Christ 2000 B.C. Version 4.0 Beta, who disrupts his gaming experience. Players help The Nerd defeat various bosses using a cartridge that channels the essence of bad games. The game includes Full Motion Video cutscenes, reminiscent of classic Sega CD games, and maintains the character's humor. Gameplay draws inspiration from Mega Man 2, with levels themed around notorious games like Pepsiman and Castlevania. Power-ups enhance The Nerd's NES Zapper, introducing strategic gameplay elements. Unlike previous titles, this installment offers a more balanced challenge, including a feature that assists players after multiple deaths. The game visually captures the NES aesthetic and features a nostalgic soundtrack. Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is released as an actual NES cartridge, celebrating retro gaming.

AppWizard

September 28, 2025

Doomspire combines lots of my favorite things: deck builders, roguelikes, and fantasy, and it’s out now

Doomspire is a new deck-building game that combines strategy and fantasy elements, allowing players to explore ancient ruins and battle bosses while collecting loot and cards. Its gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of popular games like Hearthstone and Magic: The Gathering Arena, featuring a vibrant digital card game interface. A unique aspect of Doomspire is that cards dynamically jab forward to attack, reminiscent of Yu-Gi-Oh! card gameplay. The game promises an engaging blend of strategy and action, with a visually appealing design. The PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct provides updates on Doomspire and other games.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

The MMOs we grew up with are gone, and it’s all our fault because we loved them to death

Players in modern MMOs experience a shift from organic interactions and quirky characters to a focus on efficiency and optimization, leading to a sense of loss for the past. The rise of streaming platforms and online guides has democratized knowledge, changing the relationship between players and hardcore raiders, who were once seen as enigmatic figures. The thrill of discovery has diminished, replaced by a culture of pre-written builds and optimal strategies. Communication has shifted from in-game chats to platforms like Discord, reducing the communal aspect of discovery. While there is nostalgia for earlier MMOs, the current landscape prioritizes convenience and accessibility, reflecting the diverse needs of players. The evolution of MMOs continues, adapting to new challenges and opportunities while maintaining a spirit of exploration and community.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Despite the $50 price tag, Oblivion Remastered shoots straight to the top of Steam’s best sellers

Bethesda has unveiled the remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, which was shadow-dropped and is priced at an undisclosed amount, also available on Game Pass. The remaster has quickly become a best-seller on Steam. It is developed in collaboration with Virtuos and offers a standard and deluxe edition, the latter including an artbook, soundtrack, and various cosmetics. The file size of the remaster is 125 GB. Initial impressions suggest it resembles a remake, and fans are curious if it will retain the charm of the original game.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

5 nostalgic Windows 11 themes anyone can install

Installing a nostalgic Windows theme can evoke memories of simpler times through retro designs. Notable themes for Windows 11 include: 1. Windows XP Final Edition: Offers a near-authentic representation of Windows XP, requiring tools like Theme Patcher and SecureUXTheme ThemeTool for installation. 2. SynthWave 84: Features vibrant ‘80s disco-inspired designs with two color schemes and a collection of wallpapers and icons. 3. Retro Theme: Captures the ‘70s aesthetic with altered menu bar colors and 15 HD images reflecting the era's cultural references. 4. Vintage Theme: Evokes pre-digital nostalgia with 17 images representing vintage life, easily installed through the Settings menu. 5. Autumn Colors: Showcases 17 HD images of fall's color palette, highlighting nature's beauty without altering cursors or sounds.