pacing Archives

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Help! The Millennium Bug made all the robots in my mansion go berserk, and only Homer Simpson can save the day

Y2K: The Game is a PC game that pays homage to the Millennium Bug, reflecting the concerns of the late 1990s regarding technology. The game features a character named Buster, whose slow pacing has drawn criticism. Its soundtrack includes eclectic melodies, adding to its quirky charm. Despite not fully realizing its premise, the game is considered an intriguing relic of its time.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Pragmata review – nostalgic aesthetics, S-tier combat

Pragmata is a linear third-person shooter that offers approximately 12 hours of gameplay focused on action rather than storytelling. The protagonist, Hugh, and his android companion, Diana, navigate challenges on the moon, utilizing Diana's hacking abilities to exploit enemy vulnerabilities. The game features a dual-control system that balances shooting and hacking, with players solving real-time puzzles while engaging in combat. Hugh's arsenal evolves from a basic pistol to more powerful weapons, and combat encounters reward players with upgrade materials for enhancing their abilities. Boss battles present unique tactical challenges. However, the narrative struggles with character development and emotional depth, resulting in a less impactful story. Despite these shortcomings, the innovative gameplay mechanics and nostalgic elements make Pragmata an engaging experience.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War review

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War is a licensed first-person shooter developed by Auroch Digital and published by Dotemu and Game Source Entertainment, priced at £15. The game lacks multiplayer functionality and performs suboptimally on the Steam Deck. Combat mechanics involve players using powerful spray-and-pray weapons with limited ammunition against sparse enemy encounters, failing to create a sense of urgency. Airstrikes are included but often feel unnecessary due to insufficient enemy presence. The Klendathu Drop mission stands out for its chaotic gameplay, contrasting with the otherwise empty maps. The game attempts to replicate the film's aesthetic but often misses the mark, with repetitive outposts and an uninspired soundtrack. Players can assume the role of an "Assassin Bug," but this mode lacks depth and engaging objectives. The game features characters voiced by the original actors, but the delivery is stilted and the satire feels dated. Overall, Ultimate Bug War struggles to capture the essence of the original film and novel, with pacing and level design that leave much to be desired.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

This Nightdive-remastered 3DO shooter shows why it took Halo to break PC gaming’s FPS hegemony

In 1993, the 3DO Company released Escape from Monster Manor, a horror-themed FPS inspired by Wolfenstein 3D, which was overshadowed by the popularity of Doom. The 3DO Company later discovered a title in development called PO'ed. Nightdive Studios recently remastered PO'ed, making it available for PC gamers. The game features a chef protagonist on a spacecraft overrun by aliens, with a quirky arsenal including a frying pan and flamethrower. However, it suffers from uninspired environments, lack of in-game music, confusing level design, and imprecise controls. Despite its flaws, PO'ed is considered a notable artifact of early FPS gaming history.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC) Review – Kojima’s Masterpiece Gets a Stellar Port

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a sequel that takes place approximately 11 months after the first game, featuring Sam Porter Bridges on a mission to connect the Chiral Network in Mexico and Australia. The game includes familiar characters and has improved traversal mechanics, with a quicker story pace and more low-level enemies. Nixxes has adapted the game for PC, introducing a new hardcore difficulty setting called “Into the Wilder,” and ensuring it runs well across various hardware configurations. The game offers extensive customization options for graphics and controls, performing well on devices like the Steam Deck and ROG handheld. It has received acclaim for its visuals and gameplay, although some players find the plot and pacing inconsistent.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

The Medium is just $3 in this new Humble Bundle, so don’t miss your chance to grab this bargain

A new gaming bundle called the Heroines Bundle has been released by Humble Bundle in celebration of International Women's Day, featuring six games led by female characters, including the standout title The Medium. The Medium is a psychological horror game that focuses on atmosphere, narrative depth, and a dual-reality mechanic, allowing players to navigate both physical and spiritual realms. The game follows Marianne, a medium dealing with trauma and identity in an abandoned resort. The bundle is priced at approximately £16.18, or £2.70 per game, and will be available until April 8. A portion of the proceeds supports the Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund. Other games in the bundle include Sorry We're Closed, Eastward, ANNO: Mutationem, Cabernet, and Ereban: Shadow Legacy.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview, named "Second Clutch," which includes initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware. This update features over 80 lines of changes, including a new graphics driver, enhanced VRR frame pacing, fixes for session crashes in certain games, improved USB racing wheel compatibility, and reinstated Bluetooth Wake functionality for the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to launch in 2026, with a likely release in the Fall/Winter season. Pricing details for the Steam Machine remain unspecified. The update is available for users in the Steam Deck Preview channel.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Steam Machine hardware support appears in latest SteamOS build, along with loads of Steam deck tweaks

Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.0 Preview, designed for Steam Decks and the upcoming Steam Machine. This update introduces new features and bug fixes, marking the start of support for Steam Machine hardware. The update includes over 80 lines of changes, with a focus on initial support for the Steam Machine, though details on this support remain unclear. Valve aims to launch the Steam Machine in 2026, likely in the Fall/Winter season, but pricing details are not confirmed. Notable enhancements in SteamOS 3.8.0 include a new graphics driver, improved VRR frame pacing, resolution of session crash issues for specific games, enhanced USB racing wheel support, and re-enabled Bluetooth Wake for Steam Deck LCD. The update is available for users in the Steam Deck Preview channel.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

After accidentally clobbering my friends in grimdark action-RPG No Rest for the Wicked, now I can do it on purpose

No Rest for the Wicked Together has received a significant update from Moon Studios, introducing new features based on community feedback. The update includes PvP duels, text chat, callouts, a Realm Diary, and a comfort system for home-building. The player duel feature allows structured competition among friends, restoring health and gear durability after matches. The Realm Diary chronicles significant events in multiplayer, enhancing communication with quick callouts and a full text chat system. The comfort system improves home aesthetics and provides stat bonuses based on comfort ratings. Gameplay adjustments include a rework of bows for strategic combat, enchantment balance changes, and increased enemy health for endgame progression. Additional updates feature a rearranged crafting menu, a redesigned gesture wheel, new aspect ratio settings, and various bug fixes. The game is currently available at a 30% discount on Steam until March 26, priced at .49 / £24.49.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Crimson Desert review

Crimson Desert is an epic fantasy action RPG developed and published by Pearl Abyss, set to be released on March 19, 2026, with a price of £55. The game features a complex web of systems and diverse build options, catering to players who enjoy depth and complexity. The narrative centers around Kliff, a Scottish character voiced by Alec Newman, who embarks on a journey after being ambushed by the Black Bears. While the main storyline lacks depth and coherence, side quests offer engaging character interactions. The game includes a variety of gameplay systems such as stock investments, black market dealings, resource gathering, and combat mechanics. Combat is fluid and allows for various tactical choices, although some aspects may frustrate players. The game runs smoothly on mid-range PCs and features a beautifully rendered world.