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Fallout: New Vegas dev says it could've been set in New Orleans because 'the vibe was so cool, the flavor was cool, [it would've been] so sweet'
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Fallout: New Vegas dev says it could’ve been set in New Orleans because ‘the vibe was so cool, the flavor was cool, [it would’ve been] so sweet’

Chris Avellone stated that Bethesda does not possess the source code for Fallout: New Vegas. He discussed an unfulfilled concept for a New Orleans setting in the game, featuring a plot with a private investigator and four Grendels, each with distinct characteristics. Avellone expressed interest in exploring a Fallout New Orleans. He mentioned the Fallout TV series and its potential to influence Fallout 5, confirming Bethesda's reluctance to explore San Francisco in earlier pitches. Avellone left Obsidian in 2015 due to disputes but has worked on other RPGs since then and is currently collaborating with Red Info on a new project. There are ongoing rumors about a potential remaster of New Vegas.
Minecraft Experience opens at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, step into a real-life Overworld adventure
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Minecraft Experience opens at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, step into a real-life Overworld adventure

The Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue will take place at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore from April 24 to September 13, 2026. Visitors will engage in an immersive adventure across eight themed rooms inspired by Minecraft biomes, where they will gather resources, face challenges, and work together to rescue villagers. Each participant will use a handheld device called the Orb of Interaction to interact with the environment. Ticket prices vary, starting at S for adults and S for children on weekdays, with slight increases on weekends and holidays. A weekday bundle is available until May 28, combining the Minecraft experience with Mandai’s Exploria. Guests will receive a commemorative cape and can purchase an optional Obsidian Kit Collector’s Bundle for S.90. The attraction is designed for all skill levels, requiring no prior Minecraft experience. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, with specific opening hours and admission organized by timeslots.
Fallout: New Vegas dev says don't expect a remaster, argues Bethesda doesn't have the source code or 'the engineering knowhow'
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Fallout: New Vegas dev says don’t expect a remaster, argues Bethesda doesn’t have the source code or ‘the engineering knowhow’

Chris Avellone expressed skepticism about the possibility of a remaster for Fallout: New Vegas, stating that he doubts Bethesda has the engineering capability to undertake such a project. He noted that the last directive from Bethesda to Obsidian involved delivering source code for a fee, indicating complications in the remastering process. Avellone suggested that a remaster would require a similar financial and logistical approach, and mentioned that a potential Fallout 3 remake could help identify challenges for a New Vegas remaster. He also highlighted that despite Bethesda and Obsidian being under Microsoft, past internal disagreements could affect collaboration. Avellone has continued to work in the gaming industry since leaving Obsidian, contributing to other RPGs and collaborating on an unannounced project. Speculation about a Fallout 3 remaster has been ongoing, but Avellone's comments underscore the complexities of remastering classic titles.
Anno 117's first DLC will let you disregard history by building your Roman city next to a massive volcano
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

Anno 117’s first DLC will let you disregard history by building your Roman city next to a massive volcano

Ubisoft is set to release a DLC for Anno 117 titled Prophecies of Ash on April 23. This expansion introduces Cinis, the largest island in the series, featuring a volcano that adds risk and strategy to city-building. Cinis extends the Latium province and offers various resources, including a new resource called Obsidian for crafting unique items. The DLC will include volcanic mechanics such as eruptions and a bloom phase that affect agricultural productivity. Players can also build a temple dedicated to Vulcan, enhancing mining productivity and fire safety. Anno 117 has received a 'Mixed' rating on Steam due to issues like the use of AI art and perceived incompleteness at launch, but it has achieved the highest launch in the series' history.
11 years after launch, Pillars of Eternity's new turn-based mode feels like the way it's meant to be played
AppWizard
April 7, 2026

11 years after launch, Pillars of Eternity’s new turn-based mode feels like the way it’s meant to be played

Pillars of Eternity celebrated its 11th anniversary with a significant update from Obsidian Entertainment, introducing a full turn-based mode alongside the original real-time with pause (RTWP) mechanics. The turn-based option had been in beta on Steam since November before its official release. The update includes extensive patch notes, and players have reported enjoying the new gameplay style, with some preferring it for future playthroughs. Discussions among industry professionals at last year's Game Developers Conference highlighted the evolving nature of combat systems, with optimism for the future of RTWP despite the rising popularity of turn-based mechanics.
In 2007, two game music GOATs collaborated on the criminally underrated soundtrack to a similarly underrated D&D RPG
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

In 2007, two game music GOATs collaborated on the criminally underrated soundtrack to a similarly underrated D&D RPG

Critical Hit, formerly Soundtrack Sunday, explores video game music and audio design, highlighting titles like Neverwinter Nights, which has a dedicated fanbase. The first expansion of Neverwinter Nights 2, Mask of the Betrayer, is noted for its mature narrative and impactful music, which plays a significant role in the game's atmosphere. Brandon, the audio director at Obsidian during the late 2000s, discussed the development of Mask of the Betrayer and its soundtrack, which he collaborated on with Womb Music's Rik Schaffer and Margaret Tang. The main theme of Mask of the Betrayer is described as mysterious and epic, with a darker reinterpretation for the DLC. The theme for Mulsantir captures the city's duality, blending inviting and sinister elements. Brandon aimed to encapsulate the medieval sound of Dungeons & Dragons, resulting in a soundtrack that enhances gameplay and leaves a lasting impression on players.
Avowed was always great, but now that it costs what it should have at launch and nobody's being weird about it online, it's kinda perfect
AppWizard
February 21, 2026

Avowed was always great, but now that it costs what it should have at launch and nobody’s being weird about it online, it’s kinda perfect

The gaming community's perception of Avowed has improved significantly one year after its release, with players now recognizing its merits more favorably. The game received a collection of minor enhancements in its recent anniversary update, similar to improvements seen in Cyberpunk 2077. Initial reactions were mixed, with some players struggling with mechanics and expectations, but criticisms have lessened over time. Bloomberg's early interview indicated that Avowed was meeting sales targets, though recent reports suggested it was slightly underperforming. The game received respectable reviews, with a rating of 82% from PCG Australia and an 80% score on Metacritic. The narrative around Avowed has evolved, with some players expressing acceptance after initially disliking the game. Its price has been reduced, making it more appealing for new players.
Avowed's massive anniversary update adds new playable races, but they don't get any unique dialogue because there were 'no dedicated narrative people available'
AppWizard
February 21, 2026

Avowed’s massive anniversary update adds new playable races, but they don’t get any unique dialogue because there were ‘no dedicated narrative people available’

Avowed's anniversary update introduces new features including stat bonuses, customizable difficulty modifiers, a New Game Plus mode, and a new staff weapon type. It adds three new playable races, expanding options beyond the previous choices of humans and elves. The update faced challenges in ensuring character customization worked seamlessly across the new races, but lacks unique dialogue choices for each race due to the writing team's focus on other aspects. Each new race provides different gameplay attribute bonuses, enhancing the gameplay experience. The update is available at no additional cost.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
February 20, 2026

Obsidian was ‘surprised’ that Avowed players bounced off one of the RPG’s most important systems: ‘That frustration came through loud and clear’

Avowed's crafting system initially faced criticism for making upgrades mandatory, requiring players to gather materials for weapons and armor, which hindered exploration. In response to player feedback, Obsidian Entertainment implemented changes in an anniversary update, refining the progression system to allow for a more gradual experience. Custom difficulty modifiers were introduced, enabling players to adjust game elements like merchant prices and upgrade material costs. Additionally, workbenches were added throughout the game world, allowing players to enhance equipment without returning to camp, making gear acquisition and upgrades more accessible.
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