Parallels Archives

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Bungie share top feedback from Marathon’s playtest, including PC performance, UI issues and ammo shortages

Bungie conducted a "server slam" for the reboot of Marathon to stress-test its online capabilities ahead of the release on March 5th. Players provided feedback on various aspects, including: - UI Feedback: Bungie is collecting user input on the user interface and plans to iterate post-launch. - PC Performance: Issues reported include high CPU usage, low GPU utilization, FPS ceilings around 80-100, and stuttering. - PvP Frequency: Bungie is investigating player density on maps and welcomes feedback on gameplay experiences. - Movement and Heat Generation: Discussions about heat generation and momentum are ongoing, with players encouraged to share thoughts on movement mechanics. - Med and Ammo Economy: Feedback on the economy of medical supplies and ammunition, particularly regarding stack sizes and item effectiveness, is being collected. - Weasel Error Codes: Players have encountered Weasel error codes related to network disruptions, and Bungie is investigating these issues. The author expressed mixed feelings about the gameplay experience, noting issues with extraction-shooting mechanics and ammunition shortages, while appreciating the art direction.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Ambitious developer showcases slick triple-level Quake-like game stored in tiny 64KB executable — every game asset tucked inside what could be a ‘rounding error’ in modern app payload terms

Developer Daivuk has released QUOD, a 64KB 'boomer shooter' similar to Quake, featuring 3 levels, 1 boss fight, 4 unique enemies, 4 weapons, and power-ups. The entire game, including textures, sounds, music, and animations, is compressed into the 64KB file. Daivuk demonstrates the game's development in a video, discussing optimizations that reduced the file size by an additional 2KB. The game requires modern hardware, with minimum specs of an Intel i5 or equivalent, GTX 770 or equivalent, and 8GB RAM. QUOD can be downloaded and launched quickly. Today marks the 30th anniversary of id Software's Qtest demo of Quake, which was released on June 22, 1996.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

You Can Now Install—and Update—Microsoft Store Apps Using the Command Line

Microsoft has introduced a new command line interface for the Microsoft Store, accessible through PowerShell by typing "store." Users must have all current Windows 11 updates installed for functionality. The interface features ASCII art and a list of sub-commands, allowing users to search, install, and update software with minimal keystrokes. Users can install applications without needing to remember exact names, and commands like "store install firefox" yield accurate results. Limitations include the inability to install applications not available in the Microsoft Store. Users can also search for apps, gain insights into specific applications, and browse categories. The command "store updates" allows users to manage application updates efficiently.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

The new game from Disco Elysium’s studio feels like the first Christmas after your parents’ divorce

Commodity fetishism refers to the transformation of human relationships into transactions between commodities, obscuring the labor behind everyday products. In the context of the game "Zero Parades," players control Hershel Wilks, a spy for the communist "Superbloc," who has a troubled past involving the loss of her team. The game features a skill and check system similar to "Disco Elysium," with three ability pools and a unique narrative style. The dialogue includes memorable characters and sharp writing, but the game often feels like an imitation of its predecessor, lacking originality and innovation.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Moscow moves to throttle Telegram as Kremlin pushes its own messaging app

Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has throttled Telegram's service, affecting nearly 90 million local users, due to the platform's non-compliance with Russian law. A Moscow court has initiated seven legal cases against Telegram in 2026 for not removing content related to "extremist" activities and pornography, potentially resulting in fines exceeding ,000. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that restrictions will continue as long as Telegram violates regulations. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, criticized the actions as authoritarian and compared them to Iran's previous ban on the platform. Telegram previously faced a ban in 2018 for refusing to provide encryption keys to the FSB, but the ban was lifted in 2020. Russian officials are promoting a national messaging service called Max, developed by the creator of VKontakte. The restrictions have drawn criticism from state officials and military personnel, particularly in conflict-prone regions, where Telegram is essential for timely news and emergency updates. Pro-war military bloggers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the restrictions, noting Telegram's role in military logistics and communications. The Telegram restrictions are part of a broader trend of internet disruptions in Russia, including mobile internet access cuts and the inaccessibility of major Western platforms without VPNs.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Surveillance tool or accessible messenger? All we know about MAX, Russia’s alternative after WhatsApp fully blocked

The Russian government has fully blocked Meta's WhatsApp due to its non-compliance with local laws. In response, the Kremlin has promoted MAX, a state-backed messaging application introduced in 2025. MAX aims to serve as a universal mobile application, consolidating various digital services and was pre-installed on smartphones sold in Russia from September 2025. The Kremlin claims MAX is an accessible alternative for users, but critics view it as a potential surveillance tool due to its design that collects extensive user data and lacks end-to-end encryption.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

I played the new demo for the upcoming Starship Troopers boomer shooter and accidentally wiped out 6 of my own guys when I bounced a grenade off someone’s head

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War is developed by Auroch Digital, known for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. A free demo is available on Steam. The game features a blocky boomer shooter visual style and includes cooperative gameplay elements similar to Helldivers, such as supply drops and demolishing bug nests. It primarily offers a single-player experience but incorporates chaotic moments reminiscent of Helldivers 2. The official release date is March 16.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

The old Little Nightmares team is back with Reanimal, but it isn’t the game I wanted

Reanimal is a visually stunning game with a two-player co-op experience that feels cumbersome and punishing. The game features vibrant aesthetics and intriguing boss designs but suffers from narrative confusion. Players embark on a journey to rescue a sibling from an island, navigating through various chapters that include sewers, a train graveyard, a surreal forest, and a city. The game’s tone is bleak, often evoking sorrow rather than fear, and the gameplay includes straightforward puzzles and inconsistent mechanics. While it attempts to create a sense of scale, the abundance of weapons diminishes the sense of danger. Despite its artistic qualities, Reanimal struggles with narrative clarity compared to Tarsier's previous title, Little Nightmares.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Kremlin regrets Telegram restrictions but some say messenger’s fate is sealed in Russia

The Kremlin expressed regret over recent restrictions imposed on Telegram, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the limitations are due to the company's non-compliance with Russian laws. Peskov indicated that it is unfortunate Telegram is not adhering to these regulations. Reports emerged that Russian users experienced disruptions in Telegram services, with over 11,000 complaints logged in a 24-hour period, leading to Roskomnadzor initiating restrictions. The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications confirmed it would impose consistent restrictions on Telegram until it complies with Russian legislation. Telegram may face fines totaling 64 million rubles due to alleged failures to remove illegal content. Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the government's actions, suggesting they aim to push users towards a state-controlled app. Analysts noted that Durov's stance could hinder potential cooperation with Russian authorities and that a complete ban on Telegram might occur by mid-March unless a resolution is reached. Durov, who has lived outside Russia for over a decade, indicated that Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

4 Free Android Launchers That Users Swear By

Square Home offers grid-based menus for mobile customization, allowing users to organize essential apps and widgets conveniently. It enables quick transitions between apps like WhatsApp and social networks without scrolling through screens. Total Launcher provides extensive customization options, allowing users to reposition icons and widgets, modify fonts, and create unique interfaces, though it has a steeper learning curve. It includes a backup tool for saving and sharing custom setups. Kvaesitso focuses on search functionality, enabling users to access apps via a global search feature, streamlining interactions, and is available as an open-source project on GitHub. Niagara Launcher features a minimalist interface designed for one-handed operation, with an alphabetical scroll bar for easy app access and organization.