original game Archives

BetaBeacon

August 10, 2025

8 forgotten Android classics I still play today

Dead Trigger is a single-player, story-driven first-person zombie shooter game that offers a fairly pure experience without pushing micro-transactions for upgrades. The game was optimized for Tegra chipsets and had stunning graphics for its time. It remains playable despite looking a bit dated and offers bite-sized missions for players.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

Mafia: The Old Country PC Specs Won’t Make You Want To Sleep With The Fishes

Mafia: The Old Country is set to launch on August 8. The minimum PC requirements include an AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core I7-9700K CPU, 16GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU, 8GB video memory, HD resolution at 1920x1080, and 55GB SSD storage. Recommended requirements are an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core I7-12700K CPU, 32GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT or Nvidia RTX 3070 TI GPU, 12GB video memory, 2K resolution at 2560x1440, and 55GB SSD storage. Epic preset requirements include an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X or Intel Core I7-14700K CPU, 32GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT or Nvidia RTX 4070 TI GPU, 12GB video memory, 4K resolution at 2880x1620, and 55GB SSD storage. Features for the PC version include uncapped gameplay frame rate, anti-aliasing, remappable keyboard inputs, frame generation, HDR support, accessibility options, ultrawide monitor support, and V-sync. The game is a prequel to the original Mafia and will not feature an open world, with a price point lower than current trends for new titles.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

When the quality-of-life update fixes something that annoyed me, after I stop playing the dang game

Players in Pacific Drive develop a bond with their vehicles, akin to tumultuous relationships, as they repair and enhance their cars during journeys in the Zone. The game has introduced a more user-friendly save system, but some players feel it's too late for them. The System Shock remake initially lacked a waypoint system, which was later added in an update, but came too late for some players. Blue Prince has made quality-of-life updates, such as allowing doors and safes to remain open after puzzles are solved. Games like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Disco Elysium have received significant updates post-launch, but the timing of these enhancements often coincides with players moving on from the games.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

System Shock 2’s alien ‘sphincter doors’ were made with photos from a dev’s colonoscopy

Nate Wells, an artist known for his work on System Shock 2, discussed the artistic choices that contributed to the game's unsettling atmosphere, particularly the design of the alien entity The Many. The Many is characterized by a grotesque, biological aesthetic, contrasting with the sterile corridors of the game. An unexpected source of inspiration for the textures of The Many came from colonoscopy imagery, which influenced the design of the sphincter doors. Wells noted the glistening, veiny appearance of these elements and acknowledged the remastered version's distinct puckered quality. His creative process aimed to balance fear with a sense of playfulness, contributing to the game's lasting appeal.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Reveals Visual, Cast for New Smartphone, PC Game

TOHO Games has announced a new mobile and PC game titled Tensui no Sakuna Hime: Hinuka Junreitan, which combines rice cultivation simulation with exploration and battle RPG elements. The game will be released as a free-to-play title with optional in-game purchases and features characters Sakuna and Hinuka, voiced by Naomi Ōzora and Machico, respectively. It is developed by Edelweiss and TOHO Games, with G2 Studios leading the development and Ryōta Murayama overseeing character design. The Sakuna franchise is expanding with an anime adaptation that premiered in July 2024 and a sequel in production. The original game was released in November 2020. Additionally, a spinoff game titled Sakuna Chronicles: Kokorowa and the Gears of Creation will be published in the West by XSEED and Marvelous Europe, and a manga adaptation ran from November 2021 to November 2022.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Grounded 2 is off to a flying start on PC on Steam alone — already surpassing the first game’s peak stats after just a few days

Grounded 2 launched into early access on July 29 and has quickly surpassed its predecessor in player engagement on Steam, achieving a peak of 49,836 concurrent players compared to the original's 32,012. Xbox's VP of Game Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, noted that the game topped the Steam charts just three days post-launch. Early feedback has been positive, and developers at Obsidian are planning future updates that will include new weapons, armor, bosses, equipment, and enhanced gameplay mechanics. One goal is to achieve Steam Deck verification in the upcoming Winter Update. Grounded 2 is also available on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, though specific player numbers for these platforms are not disclosed.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Zombies are on the lawn again: Plants vs. Zombies is coming back with a ‘Replanted’ remaster featuring the original campaign plus new game modes, co-op and PvP support, and more

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a remaster of the original Plants vs. Zombies game, announced during a Nintendo Direct showcase after a 16-year hiatus. It will be available for PC and Nintendo platforms, featuring new levels, enhanced HD graphics, and various new modes, including local co-op play, PvP battles, a permadeath mode called "Rest in Peace," a "Cloudy Day" mode, and updated mini-games. The game is set to launch on October 23 and is currently accessible on platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, where the original game has over 130,000 user reviews with an "overwhelmingly positive" rating.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Castlemania II is a Castlevania-themed Super Mario game that you can play on PC

A new romhack titled Castlemania II has been created by modder xMANGRAVYx, combining elements from Super Mario Bros. and Castlevania for PC play. Players need a SNES emulator and the original Super Mario World ROM to play. The game features unique power-ups, engaging cutscenes, and custom bosses, with a higher difficulty level than traditional Super Mario titles. Players can download Castlemania II and apply the romhack using tools like Flips or Beat. Other notable romhacks mentioned include Super Mario Bros. CD and the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Remastered, set to release on September 13th.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Grounded 2, even in early access, is one of the best survival games I’ve ever played

Grounded 2, developed by Obsidian in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, launched in early access on July 29. The game features a vast first area comparable in size to the original game, but it has performance issues, with limited graphics settings and frame rate challenges even on high-end systems. The game retains a colorful cartoon aesthetic while improving lighting and textures. New mechanics include the ability to befriend bugs that serve as mounts and allies, enhancing exploration and combat dynamics. The introduction of the Omni-Tool simplifies resource gathering. Grounded 2 encourages exploration and adventure, with quests from human characters and a mysterious hacker element. The combat system has evolved with new mechanics and a variety of new creatures, while familiar foes have revamped designs. Despite some bugs during gameplay, the overall experience is enjoyable.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Grounded 2 PC system requirements show the Xbox Game Pass title is 5 times bigger than the original — but you can run it on decade-old specs

Microsoft's gaming division, Xbox, is set to release Grounded 2, a sequel developed by Obsidian Entertainment, following the success of the original game launched in 2020. Grounded 2 was unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase in June and features gameplay where players navigate a park environment after being shrunk to the size of an ant. The game has minimum and recommended PC system requirements: Minimum Requirements: - OS: Windows 10/11 with updates - Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 / Intel i5-8400 - Memory: 16 GB RAM - Graphics: AMD RX 5700 / Nvidia GTX 1070 / Intel Arc A580 - DirectX: Version 12 - Storage: 40 GB available space Recommended Requirements: - OS: Windows 10/11 with updates - Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X / Intel i7-10700K - Memory: 16 GB RAM - Graphics: AMD RX 6800 XT / Nvidia RTX 3080 - DirectX: Version 12 - Storage: 40 GB available space Grounded 2's storage requirement is 40 GB, an increase from the original game's 8 GB, reflecting expanded content. The game will be available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, or for purchase at .99, with a Founder's Edition priced at .99 and a Founder's Pack upgrade available for .99.