NPCs

AppWizard
July 1, 2026
Bethesda will unveil Oblivion Remastered for the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11, featuring a trailer with a live-action portrayal of the Adoring Fan and minimal gameplay footage. The remastered version aims to address technical challenges and will include motion controls and touch screen features. The full game will be included on the cartridge. The PC version has received patches for various issues, but players still encounter bugs, and there is hope for an improved experience, especially for those using devices like the Steam Deck. A modded version of the original game currently offers a smoother experience.
AppWizard
June 23, 2026
Skillwood is a newly released free game on Steam, described as a "relaxing woodcutter simulator" with straightforward mechanics that have earned it a 100% rating from players. Developed by sshulin, the game involves chopping wood, mining stone, and trading with NPCs while managing stamina, which can be replenished by upgrading the campfire or foraging for berries. Players can explore and construct bridges and ladders to access new areas, enhancing resource-gathering. The game is designed for casual play and offers a mental escape, with players able to complete all objectives in approximately 40 minutes. Skillwood is free-to-play, as the developer chose not to implement a pay-to-play model or cosmetic DLC.
AppWizard
June 23, 2026
Sand: Raiders of Sophie has entered early access. It is a first-person base-building extraction shooter set in outer space, featuring customizable walking bases called tramplers. Players can construct their own tramplers or use pre-existing models, equipping them with various weapons and ammunition. The game includes both player-versus-player and PvE elements, with NPCs guarding lootable locations. Players can join solos-only servers for a more strategic experience. After gathering loot, players must transport their trampler to an extraction point, which involves climbing a tower to initiate the extraction process. Initial experiences have included server issues and challenges during gameplay.
AppWizard
June 20, 2026
Halfbrick Studios is developing a dungeon crawler game called Guncrypt, which features a unique weapon system with three guns, over 60 bullet types, and 80 relic types. Players can customize their gameplay by strategically loading bullets and fusing them for new effects. The game includes tarot cards for passive bonuses and a Curse Level that introduces escalating challenges across five tiers. It consists of four procedurally generated floors with various enemies and a boss at the end. The demo version runs smoothly on Linux using Steam Play with Proton, and the gameplay involves innovative movement mechanics and combat strategies. The game currently has no confirmed release date or pricing, but a demo is available, and a native Linux build is in development.
AppWizard
June 13, 2026
Revisiting Final Fantasy 11 after nearly two decades evokes nostalgia but highlights a diminished community. The game approaches its 20th anniversary, and while familiar landscapes remain, the sense of belonging has faded. The introduction of NPC party members allows solo players to progress more quickly, altering the gameplay that once emphasized teamwork. This change raises concerns about the value of achievements earned without shared experiences, as the vibrant social dynamics have been replaced by messages from players selling items. The author grapples with the desire to reach max level while questioning the worth of solitary accomplishments.
AppWizard
June 12, 2026
Saleblazers is a multiplayer open-world game where players can choose from three distinct classes and interact with dynamic, voiced NPCs while customizing their storefronts. The game recently launched the Immersive Update, which enhances NPC behaviors, introduces a random daily event system, and improves visuals and audio. The update includes vigilant border police in Kazai Village, revamped combat mechanics, and a character development system that allows players to invest in stats and craft items. The game blends elements of survival, simulation, and adventure, offering a rich experience for exploration and interaction.
AppWizard
June 11, 2026
The reboot of Fable features a 30-minute gameplay demonstration showcasing an innovative reputation system that influences player interactions with over a thousand NPCs. Players earn reputational adjectives based on their actions, affecting how NPCs perceive them. Choices such as sparing a life can earn titles like "merciful," while reckless actions may lead to a "reckless" reputation. Players can alter their reputation by paying a fee to a town crier, raising questions about the balance between gameplay challenge and convenience. The developers note that negative reputations, like "killer" or "criminal," will persist unless players invest time to amend them or pay for intervention. This duality reflects trends in RPG design, where the complexity of choices can conflict with the desire for a smooth gameplay experience. The mechanics of the reputation system promise nuanced interactions and varied outcomes based on player decisions.
AppWizard
June 10, 2026
The upcoming reboot of Fable by Playground Games will feature a nuanced and complex approach to morality, moving away from the traditional binary of good and evil. Characters in the game will have their own unique moral frameworks, leading to diverse interpretations of player actions. The game will not have a single visual representation of morality, allowing players to craft their hero's identity anew with each settlement visited. This design philosophy emphasizes the fluidity of identity and personal exploration, rather than a fixed reputation system.
AppWizard
June 7, 2026
CD Projekt Red is developing several projects, including The Witcher 4, Cyberpunk 2, and a new intellectual property called Project Hadar. As of March 2026, the foundation for Project Hadar has been established, focusing on creating an emotional, open-world experience with a narrative-driven approach. Job listings indicate that the game will include quests and non-playable characters (NPCs) and may feature melee combat. Additionally, a third expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, titled Songs of the Past, is being developed by Fool's Theory and is expected to be substantial in scope, similar to the Blood & Wine expansion.
Search