Persona Archives

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

This Steam hack has saved me a ton of money on PC games

Steam bundles allow gamers to purchase multiple games at a discounted rate, adjusting prices based on titles already owned. For example, the Castlevania Dominus Collection was initially priced at a higher amount but was acquired for a lower price due to existing ownership of included games like Dead Cells and its DLC. Some games, like Selaco, appear in multiple bundles, enabling further discounts. Discounts apply to games in a player's library, even when purchased through third-party sellers. Steam bundles help users discover new games, such as Echo Point Nova through the Selaco bundle. Notable bundles also include larger titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal. However, finding bundles can be challenging due to inconsistent listings on Steam. Gamers can use the wishlist feature to track prices and discover discounts, as demonstrated with the Castlevania Dominus Collection. Recent high-quality bundles from publishers have significantly enhanced the gaming library for players.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4870 (KB5050087) has been released to the Beta Channel, available only to users who have not transitioned to updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2. New features include the rollout of lock screen widgets for Insiders in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing customization of widgets like Weather, Watchlist, Sports, and Traffic. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also introduced for IT administrators in the EEA. Changes and improvements include the addition of people icons in File Explorer for users signed in with a work or school account, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, and issues with File Explorer rendering and reliability. Known issues involve slow closing of File Explorer and crashes on the Settings Home page. Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2, with features rolled out gradually. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback, and localization will occur over time.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Windows 11 KB5050087 beta improves Lock Screen widgets, File Explorer, fixes USB issues

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Beta build 22635.4870 (KB5050087), enhancing the Lock screen widget experience, refining File Explorer, and addressing USB-related issues. This build is part of the 23H2 version, following build 26120.3073 (KB5050090) from version 24H2. The update introduces customizable lock screen widgets for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing personalization of widgets like Weather and Sports. A new group policy, "Disable Widgets On Lock Screen," is also available for IT administrators in EEA regions. File Explorer enhancements include displaying people icons in the "Activity" column for users with work or school accounts, showing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365. Fixes include resolving Start menu crashes, color discrepancies in the account manager flyout, rendering issues in File Explorer, and USB device recognition problems. Known issues involve slow closing times for File Explorer, potential crashes in the Settings Home page, and enterprise-specific information appearing on non-managed PCs.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Amid a tidal wave of new games in 2024, these 10 must-play deep cuts are cheap and will run on almost anything

Many gamers are facing a growing backlog of titles as they enter the new year. Instead of returning to popular games like The Witcher 3 or Persona 5, players are encouraged to explore quirky indie games that offer depth and creativity, are budget-friendly, and suitable for short gaming sessions. Eight standout indie games from the past year and two late entries from 2023 include: 1. Felvidek: Set in the Slovak highlands, featuring a disgraced protagonist investigating supernatural occurrences with a priest, utilizing sepia-toned visuals and retro turn-based combat. 2. Skald: Against the Black Priory: A DOS RPG-inspired game with pixel art and a rich soundtrack, offering modern hardcore CRPG mechanics. 3. Dread Delusion: A low-fi RPG with immersive world-building and exploration, captivating players since early access. 4. Anger Foot: An arcade FPS priced at , combining fast-paced action and humor, reminiscent of "Hotline Miami." 5. Judero: An action-adventure game with a druid protagonist in a whimsical claymation world, featuring surreal dialogues. 6. Mouthwashing: A claustrophobic narrative set on a marooned spaceship, known for its nonlinear storytelling and haunting atmosphere. 7. Straftat: A 1v1 FPS that combines classic map design with humor, serving as a contrast to live service games. 8. The Black Parade: An unofficial expansion for Thief Gold, featuring ten expansive missions that highlight immersive sim design. These indie titles offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream gaming, allowing players to enjoy unique narratives and innovative gameplay.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

The director of one of this year’s best Xbox and PC games shares thoughts on a possible sequel

On December 25, 2024, Katsura Hashino, the creator of Metaphor: ReFantazio, stated in an interview that there are currently no plans for a sequel, but he is hopeful for the franchise's future. He hinted at the possibility of a sequel set during Japan's Sengoku period. Metaphor: ReFantazio has been well-received, recognized for its combat, exploration, character design, and narrative, winning "Best Story Direction" at the Windows Central Game Awards 2024. The game sold over one million copies within 24 hours of its release on October 11, 2024, making it Atlus' fastest-selling title, surpassing Persona 3: Reload.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

PC Gamer’s highest review scores of 2024

Concerns about "score inflation" in gaming reviews have been raised, with a score of 90% expected to represent an exceptional game. PC Gamer has not awarded a score higher than 98%, with Baldur's Gate 3 receiving the highest score of 97% in its UK edition. The 2024 Game of the Year Award winners are not included, but the year featured quality titles. Scores and their corresponding games include: - 89%: - Persona 3 Reload - Tekken 8 - Dragon's Dogma 2 - V Rising - Little Kitty, Big City - Lorelai and the Laser Eyes - 90%: - Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - Shogun Showdown - Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred - Satisfactory - Riven - Animal Well - Granblue Fantasy: Relink - 91%: - Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake - Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance - Wild Bastards - Balatro - 92%: - Destiny 2: The Final Shape - Factorio: Space Age - 94%: - Caves of Qud - 95%: - Not specified in the provided text.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Bushiroad Games and Frontwing announce visual novel Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka for PC

Bushiroad Games, in collaboration with Frontwing, will release the visual novel "Perennial Dusk: Kinsenka" for PC in 2025, supporting English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. The narrative, crafted by Yukito Urushibara and illustrated by Saine, follows young characters in a world of perpetual twilight as they face trauma and cruelty. The protagonist, Tachibana Sai, cannot feel emotional pain and seeks to protect his sister while becoming involved with Benio Matsuri, a girl from a family of Maledict Exorcists. The story unfolds in an apartment building called Maison sans Nom, featuring various characters, including Kanbara Tatsuki, Tsukahara Ao, Ando Meme, Kirishima Tsuyu, Kandori Yozora, and others, each with their own struggles. The main staff includes Yukito Urushibara for planning and story, Saine for character design and art, and Fuminori Matsumoto and Hitoshi Fujima for background music. The theme song is titled “Anata no Kioku no Naka de” (“In Your Memories”), performed by Mao Uesugi.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Destructoid’s award for Best PC game of 2024 goes to…

In 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio was named the best PC game of the year by Destructoid. The game is inspired by ATLUS' Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series but features a unique medieval setting where players rescue a prince and face various challenges. It incorporates familiar combat mechanics and introduces Archetypes for enhanced customization. The narrative addresses social and political issues, diverging from typical post-apocalyptic themes, while also including lighter moments for balance. The game appeals to both veteran fans and newcomers, showcasing a fresh soundtrack, distinctive art style, and innovative story progression. Future expansions may be possible, but are not guaranteed. Other nominees for Best PC Game of 2024 included Dragon’s Dogma 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Metal Slug Tactics, Satisfactory, Tiny Glade, and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

8 great games for your Steam Deck

The Steam Deck remains a popular portable gaming device in 2024, enhanced by Valve's software updates. Notable games include: - Balatro: A card-based roguelike where players create poker hands to earn chips and shop for new cards. - Dragon Age: The Veilguard: A fantasy RPG with dialogue trees and character-building options, requiring some graphics adjustments for optimal performance. - Hades II: An early access action roguelike that expands on its predecessor with new weapons and characters. - Metaphor: ReFantazio: A turn-based game from Atlus with a quick battle system, suitable for short sessions. - Neva: A visually stunning game focused on platforming puzzles and storytelling, enhanced on the Steam Deck OLED. - The Rise of the Golden Idol: A mystery game with 20 point-and-click puzzles involving investigation and clue-solving. - Stardew Valley’s 1.6 Update: Introduces new festivals, a new farm type, and additional content to the beloved farming simulation. - Thank Goodness You’re Here!: A whimsical game set in an English village, featuring humorous interactions and a short completion time.

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

Nominees for Destructoid’s Best PC Game of 2024

The text discusses notable video games released between December 2023 and early December 2024, highlighting several titles that are strong contenders for recognition. 1. Dragon’s Dogma 2: An open-world RPG sequel featuring the Pawn system for companion customization. 2. Dragon Age: The Veilguard: The fourth installment in the Dragon Age franchise, praised for gameplay despite some narrative issues. 3. Metal Slug Tactics: A turn-based strategy game that retains the essence of the Metal Slug franchise while introducing new mechanics. 4. Satisfactory: A factory-building game that has launched its full version after years in early access, known for its complex systems and creative potential. 5. Tiny Glade: A calming building game that allows players to create structures without complicated storylines. 6. Metaphor: ReFantazio: A title inspired by Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, noted for its unique art style and narrative. 7. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree: A challenging DLC for Elden Ring, recognized for its depth and complexity in gameplay.